261: Eupen's visit

“This time, I indeed have a matter of utmost importance…”

Ou Ben's expression was exceptionally serious, his deep gaze fixed on An Cheng, as if the weight of the matter was enough to crush any lighthearted atmosphere.

Seeing Ou Ben's solemn demeanor, the smile on An Cheng's face instantly receded, replaced by a grave expression.

He subconsciously leaned forward slightly and asked urgently.

“What? Has something major happened in This Galaxy Cluster?”

“It's not a general issue with the Galaxy Cluster; someone has been transferred from above.”

Ou Ben spoke slowly, his tone still heavy.

“Someone transferred? So what if someone is transferred, what's there to be so surprised about? Could it be some important figure who directly replaced your position, or even my position?”

Hearing that it was just a transfer of one person, An Cheng's tense nerves instantly relaxed, and a hint of nonchalance reappeared on his face.

He leisurely walked over to the sofa, sat down languidly, and looked at Ou Ben, silently pondering.

This Ou Ben is really making a mountain out of a molehill. Transferring someone over is just someone with connections, coming here to gain experience or transition. What could be so nerve-wracking about that?

“They didn't replace our positions; it's just a D6-level official.”

Ou Ben's voice was low and steady.

Upon hearing this, a hint of disdain welled up in An Cheng's heart.

He casually picked up the exquisite teacup on the table, took a small sip, his posture relaxed.

A mere D6-level official was truly nothing in his eyes.

After all, he himself was a high-ranking C9-level official, and Ou Ben was also a C8-level official. In the entire This Galaxy Cluster, they were figures at the top of the power pyramid.

“But he is an Inspector…”

Ou Ben's tone paused slightly, emphasizing the words “Inspector.”

“Pfft!”

An Cheng seemed to have heard something incredible, and the water he had just held in his mouth instantly spurted out.

He widened his eyes, his face full of disbelief, as if Ou Ben in front of him had become a stranger.

He stared intently at Ou Ben and asked loudly.

“Say that again! What exactly do you mean?”

“You heard right, the higher-ups have assigned an Inspector to our This Galaxy Cluster.”

Ou Ben confirmed again, his expression serious.

“That's strange!”

The shock on An Cheng's face had not yet faded, and a few more doubts were added.

He frowned and muttered to himself.

“Our subordinate Milky Way Galaxy already has an Inspector, so why is an Inspector suddenly parachuting into This Galaxy Cluster now? Although our This Galaxy Cluster is considered important, it's not important enough to become a Galaxy of focus for the Empire, is it? What exactly is the reason behind this?”

As he spoke, he fell into deep thought, trying to sort out a clue from the complex power relations and Galaxy affairs.

An Cheng was full of doubts, racking his brain but still unable to understand the intention of the Empire's high-level officials in making such an arrangement.

This series of changes was too sudden, completely disrupting his understanding of the power structure and administrative layout of This Galaxy Cluster.

“No, the situation is not as you think; the Inspector position in the Milky Way Galaxy has been canceled…”

Ou Ben's voice broke the brief silence, like a heavy hammer, once again striking An Cheng's nerves.

“What? Canceled? You mean Comrade Li Yang's Inspector position has been canceled?!”

An Cheng's eyes widened like brass bells, his expression instantly frozen. The level of surprise at this moment far exceeded when he had just heard that a new Inspector was being sent to This Galaxy Cluster.

Comrade Li Yang's performance as an Inspector in the Milky Way Galaxy was commendable, and he also had considerable influence within the Galaxy. This news was truly beyond his expectation.

“It's not that Comrade Li Yang's Inspector position was canceled, but rather that Comrade Li Yang was directly promoted from Inspector of the Milky Way Galaxy to Inspector of This Galaxy Cluster.”

Ou Ben quickly explained, knowing the impact of this news. He watched An Cheng, awaiting his reaction.

“Comrade Li Yang promoted to Inspector of This Galaxy Cluster…”

When An Cheng heard this news, he felt as if his brain had been suddenly struck by a heavy blow, instantly going blank.

He sat there dumbfounded, his eyes empty, as if time itself had stopped at that moment.

This news was too shocking, making him unable to accept it for a while, and he didn't know how to react. He could only remain immersed in this sudden astonishment for a long time, unable to recover.

“That's why I rushed to find you. After all, in the entire This Galaxy Cluster, I heard that you and Comrade Li Yang have a very good relationship.”

Ou Ben leaned forward slightly, his face full of anticipation, his gaze fixed on An Cheng.

“My relationship with Comrade Li Yang is indeed quite good…”

An Cheng responded subconsciously, but as soon as the words left his mouth, he seemed to suddenly realize something, his expression abruptly changed, and he stared at Ou Ben with a serious face, questioning him.

“Wait, you're so anxious to ask me about Comrade Li Yang, could it be that you've done something illegal or against regulations?”

As the chief justice of the Imperial Court of This Galaxy Cluster, An Cheng had always upheld justice and dignity, with zero tolerance for any illegal or irregular behavior.

At this moment, his eyes were sharp, looking at Ou Ben as if he were scrutinizing a criminal, absolutely not allowing even the Speaker of This Galaxy Cluster to have any improper conduct under his nose.

“How could that be! Please don't misunderstand!”

Ou Ben was startled by An Cheng's question and quickly shook his head vigorously, waving his hands in the air continuously, explaining eagerly.

“You're thinking too much. I really haven't done anything illegal. I'm just a little worried, you know, because new officials always make a big splash when they take office, and who knows if the first fire will burn me. And I don't know Comrade Li Yang very well. After thinking it over, I could only come to you, hoping you could tell me about his character and style of doing things, so I can have a better idea.”

Ou Ben finished in one breath, a slight sweat beading on his forehead, fearing that An Cheng would continue to misunderstand him.

Seeing this, An Cheng's tense nerves slowly relaxed.

After all, having worked with Ou Ben for so long, through their extended time together and understanding, he also knew that Ou Ben was not the kind of official who would do anything illegal or against regulations.

“Comrade Li Yang's personality, well…”

An Cheng narrowed his eyes slightly, falling into thought, carefully searching his mind for every little detail about Comrade Li Yang.

After a moment, he slowly spoke.

“How should I put it? He is a very upright person, holding firm to his principles and bottom line. So, as long as you haven't done anything illegal or against regulations, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Given his character, you two should actually get along very well. He won't target anyone without reason. As long as you act honorably and conduct yourself properly, I believe you will become very good partners in your future work.”