Special Forces Medic-Chapter 677 - 640: This Is Blackmail

The streets of the North District were already packed at the first glimmer of dawn; people hurried to the city center or other districts during the weekdays. Due to cheap housing prices and low rental costs, this place is the best choice for many migrants from the north. Compared to living in a basement with little sunlight for the same price in the city, some people still opt for the farther, cheaper, and better-lit rooms, hence why the North District's synonym for slum is just 'cheap'.

The area accessible by car is small. Of course, just because the North District is called a slum doesn't mean it's truly poor; what can be seen is one side, while on the other end, there exist areas that don't fit this label. Walking into a building that looks ordinary on the outside, one might find the inside exceptionally luxurious. People always believe what they see on the outside and overlook the intrinsic value inside.

In the quiet coffee shop, the first customer arrived early in the morning. A cup of black coffee and a sandwich; such a combination is rarely ordered or consumed in the North District because it's considered uneconomical. Even wealthy people or civil servants would opt for milk with bread instead for health reasons, so when this customer requested such a breakfast, the person behind the counter glanced at him several times.

It's easy to spot someone not from the North District. Whether in dress or speech, they lack a certain sharp sensitivity, perhaps a result of environmental influences. Now, the poised demeanor of the man paying drew a few more glances from the girl, and her tone softened considerably.

Girls in the North District share a common hope—to meet a quality man who can take them away from this place, which can't be called good, but is certainly bad. Relying on their own ability to leave might take many years. Prices are soaring while income remains stagnant, and in today's relationship-driven world, how many really rise through merit?

The man felt the obvious gaze, and while the expression was blatant, it amused him. He still smiled gentlemanly. "Thank you!" He found a random table and sat down. It was eight in the morning, still half an hour before work. People were entering the building one after another. Compared to the bustling scene of the City Committee Building, this place was truly Heaven.

Everyone walked slowly and leisurely. With a full half-hour, this leisurely attitude was beyond reproach. He stirred a spoonful of sugar and half a cup of milk into the black coffee until it was fully mixed, then took a sip. It tasted much better than expected, with a slightly acidic taste that was still within his acceptable range.

"What time does work start here?" the man asked as the girl handed him a napkin.

"Are you here to meet someone?" Getting a chance to talk, the girl naturally wasn't willing to give it up easily. She smiled, her round eyes sparkling slightly.

"Yes, sort of."

"Normal working hours start at eight-thirty. Since many guests come here to order, we also handle deliveries. But this takes about fifteen minutes, so the real start is around nine. If you're waiting for someone, you need to wait until at least ten for someone to receive you." The girl chattered away, sitting down across from the man.

"Your boss must be very capable. How can a private business owner set up shop in a government building?" The sandwich was a bit overwhelming, though the sauce was decent.

"Haha, you really know how to joke." The girl covered her mouth and giggled. "Private business owner? Even ordinary canteens find it hard to get in. Have you ever seen a coffee shop in a City Committee Building?"

The man couldn't quite understand the girl's words, as if they were off the mark, but he didn't mind. He just shook his head. "I've never seen it. Such a secure place wouldn't normally have outsiders involved; it's a bit against the rules."

"What do you do? The way you talk sounds like someone from the Disciplinary Committee." The girl lowered her voice mysteriously. "Did I guess right?"

The man laughed heartily. "You're overthinking it. I'm just here to look for someone."

"Oh, alright then," the girl shrugged, a bit disappointed. "But you did get one thing right. Our boss is indeed powerful. His dad is the head of the North District, the top leader of this building. So what's strange about opening a coffee shop here? Even the internal canteen belongs to our boss."

"Oh? That's impressive!"

"Tsk!" The girl showed an expression of disdain. "This is called extortion, not impressive!"

"Young lady, that's not a word to use carelessly!" The man reminded the girl. You have to be careful even with sensitive words outside, let alone in this government building.

"I'm only saying this because you're not from here. Normally, I'm as silent as gold."

"Is that so? So how is it extortion? What could a coffee shop and a canteen possibly do?" The man feigned ignorance, staring at the girl.

"Anyone needing to host a meal goes to the canteen. Employee lunches and dinners are also there and can't be taken outside."

"There's such a rigid rule?" Employee canteens are established for convenience—two meat options and one vegetable as a minimum standard. Cheap and good-quality meals are a benefit for employees, but not mandatory. It's voluntary, selected using a card that can accumulate amounts. How did the girl's words change that meaning?

"Yes, everyone must eat in the canteen. Anything unused within the month is cleared the next month, and any excess money belongs to the canteen. But generally, purchases have to be made again to have enough. Everything inside is pricey and awful; you can barely see the meat." The girl was indignant. "Also, anyone hosting guests has to come to this store. The reasoning is to keep profits in-house. Don't you think our boss is making a fortune?"

The man nodded knowingly, realizing there was indeed such a matter. He curled his lips.

"Customers have arrived, so I'm heading back to work." The girl pulled her apron, calling out welcome as she ran to the counter.

At ten o'clock, after spending almost two hours in the coffee shop, the man was certain the girl's words were true. During that time, he saw several tables of guests having meetings here, and the outdoor tables filled and emptied one after another, turning desolate around ten. The man packed up, said goodbye to the girl, and hurriedly took the elevator.

The observation elevator ascended, overlooking the building's entirety. It wasn't hard to notice the dragon-shaped line shooting from the bottom to the top, piercing the clouds, vividly lifelike. The man smirked coldly as he exited the elevator. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)