Chapter 9: Who Is the Joker?

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At the Yanhuang National Security Bureau, Yang Zhengyi inquired, “Have we determined the iron ore reserves discovered in the United States yet?”

“We have. To show off, they even released specific figures—the iron ore reserves amount to about one million tons.”

Xu Xiao from the bureau opened his computer and showed the data to Yang Zhengyi.

“This reserve isn’t very large, but it’s enough to roughly calculate the reward for a one-star iron ore deposit,” Yang nodded.

“Although it’s only a million tons, it’s still the first resource discovery. Look at how proud they are,” Xu Xiao said with some displeasure.

Yang Zhengyi took it in stride. “I’m not worried about that kid Qin Chuan anymore. He always manages to surprise people. Let him enjoy playing in the forbidden zone.”

Then, their attention turned to Shangguan Ruoyun, who bore the heavy responsibilities of Yanhuang.

Shangguan Ruoyun was a young woman, meticulous and cautious, with ample survival experience in the wild. She had evaded danger many times and was currently methodically searching for resources on behalf of the nation.

This kind of work required patience; everyone was waiting calmly.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Shadow Leopard had brought Qin Chuan to the foot of a cave mountain, where there was a cavern entrance.

“Big Cat, don’t tell me this is the place you mentioned.” Qin Chuan jumped off the ground, looking ahead. Beyond a pile of rubble, there was nothing else. Clenching his fists, he approached Shadow Leopard, clearly upset.

Shadow Leopard instantly looked uneasy, whining softly and repeatedly pointing its head forward.

Netizens were baffled by Shadow Leopard’s behavior.

This wasn’t a generation gap; it was a racial difference.

“What is it saying?”

“Maybe it’s warning there’s something ahead.”

“I suspect that’s its den.”

“Could it be telling Qin Chuan to give up and go to sleep?”

“This might be a feng shui treasure spot.”

Curious, Qin Chuan followed the direction Shadow Leopard indicated, then said, “What could be here besides these broken stones?”

Raising his brows in displeasure, he seemed ready to challenge the leopard.

Shadow Leopard immediately nodded toward the stones beneath Qin Chuan’s feet.

Qin Chuan picked up a stone casually and said angrily, “If you want me to hit you with this rock, then I’ll become—”

[You have discovered a two-star copper resource.]

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“Eh... this thing is actually copper ore?” Qin Chuan stared at the piece of rock in disbelief.

[Forbidden Zone Announcement: Lucky person of Yanhuang, Qin Chuan, has discovered a two-star copper resource. This resource will be rewarded with twenty times the usual bonus in the Yanhuang region.]

[The Forbidden Zone will grant Qin Chuan a two-star level lottery draw. This reward is confidential to outsiders.]

The entire world fell silent once again.

Those who had been arguing noisily in John Jieli’s livestream room suddenly went mute; the chat stream vanished mysteriously.

Then, the cheers of Yanhuang erupted explosively, echoing throughout the nation.

“Did you hear that? A two-star copper resource, found by our prodigy kid!”

“No, it’s not just our prodigy—this should be credited to that Shadow Leopard.”

“You’re wrong. The Shadow Leopard is already our prodigy’s mount, so it’s still our prodigy who found it.”

“Well said! I’m speechless to argue against that.”

“At this moment, I just want to say—awesome, Grass!”

“Others are struggling hard to find resources, but our prodigy just casually defeated a monster, and that monster gifted him a two-star resource.”

“Compared to the soldiers of the United States, our prodigy is way more relaxed. He got a mine for free without even trying.”

“Ha ha ha!”

“So happy!”

“Same here.”

“Let’s celebrate together.”

...

At the White House press conference in the United States, President Baideng was boasting loudly about his nation’s lucky soldier, John Jieli, recounting his legendary life and claiming that America’s dominance over Yanhuang was imminent. He mocked Yanhuang’s two lucky individuals as a joke, stating they would never receive any resource rewards.

Behind Baideng, on the White House wall, a huge screen displayed the pride of America—John Jieli’s livestream. However, there were no chat messages.

While Baideng droned on about the future plans of America, a Forbidden Zone announcement appeared on the large screen behind him. Since this was a press conference, the screen had no sound.

Baideng faced away from the screen and didn’t notice.

However, seeing everyone’s eyes fixed on the screen, he smiled and said, “Judging by your expressions, you must be seeing something good.”

“Let me guess first.”

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With a gleeful smile, Baideng struck a pose and said, “I’ve got it! Our Jieli must have created another miracle in human history and received a resource reward once again.”

“Don’t say a word, just let me guess what kind of resource it is.”

When a reporter started to speak, Baideng immediately stopped them and continued to play the clown on stage, “I think it must be water resources?”

Seeing the expressions below didn’t change, he guessed again, “If not, then maybe it's metal resources?”

Still no reaction. Baideng was puzzled but still indulged himself, “Could it be that Jieli discovered oil this time?”

The reporters were stunned! They thought their president had gone mad over money.

Seeing their changed expressions, Baideng realized he had guessed correctly and laughed heartily, “Wonderful! Jieli, you are truly the savior of our great America. When you return, I will bestow upon you the highest national honor.”

“I believe that with Jieli’s efforts, the Eastern Lion will be defeated by us once more. Wait for it—our great America is about to rise!”

“Yeah!”

Baideng raised his fist and cheered into the camera.

Finally, a reporter couldn’t hold back and said, “Mr. President, I think you should take a look at the screen behind you first.”

They were truly baffled by their president’s antics—this was utterly embarrassing.

“Ha ha, I would have seen it anyway. Let’s witness this historic moment!”

Baideng turned around with his happiest smile to look at the screen.

Instantly, his smile froze.

Squinting, he confirmed what he saw was true.

He looked back at the reporters, who only gave him pitiful looks.

He had been exposed; they had been mocking him all along.

Baideng felt utterly awkward.

He was the real clown.

He immediately wiped off his smile and, with a look of utter despair, left the stage without looking back.