Chapter 54 The Prophesy Proved True Indeed

Once the computer finished booting up, Chen Tong pointed at the icons on the screen and said, "These little patterns are different programs. For making citizen cards, we will primarily use this word processing program and the image editing software."

As he spoke, Chen Tong opened the corresponding programs to show the three of them. Then, holding the mouse, he demonstrated how to click, drag, and input text using the keyboard.

"Scholar Zhao, give it a try. Type your name into this document."

Scholar Zhao stepped forward nervously. With slightly trembling hands, he took the mouse and keyboard. Under Chen Tong's guidance, he finally managed to type his name into the document. He let out a long sigh of relief, a hint of a sense of achievement showing on his face.

"Chieftain Chen, while this thing looks complicated, it's actually not that hard to pick up."

Chen Tong smiled. "This is just the most basic operation to let you get familiar with it."

"As for this image editing software, we need to import the photos taken by the camera, crop and adjust them, and then place them into the citizen card template."

He then explained in detail the steps for importing photos and performing simple image processing.

Miss Sun asked curiously, "Chieftain Chen, does this computer have other uses?"

Chen Tong paused and said earnestly, "A computer has many functions, but for making citizen cards right now, mastering these basic operations is enough."

"Explaining some of the other functions to you now would be useless and only cause confusion."

Chen Tong knew very well that if everyone learned about functions like watching videos and playing games, it would undoubtedly arouse intense curiosity, distract everyone's attention from making citizen cards, and might even trigger unnecessary chaos.

After finishing the explanation of computer operations, Chen Tong's expression turned serious. Looking into the eyes of the three, he said word by word, "I must emphasize that these things require absolute confidentiality."

"If we were to tell everyone about these magical devices and their functions, it would surely cause massive panic."

"Just think about it: the ordinary folk don't understand the principles behind these things at all. If they suddenly saw such unimaginable contraptions, they would certainly think it was the work of evil spirits. By then, the entire Black Wind City would plunge into chaos, and it might even lead to a catastrophic disaster."

"Therefore, the matter of us making citizen cards and the existence of these devices must never be disclosed to anyone, understand?"

Xie Qingshuang was the first to nod, saying firmly, "Brother Chen, rest assured, my lips are sealed."

Scholar Zhao and Miss Sun also hurriedly expressed their stance. "Chieftain Chen, we will definitely not speak of this."

Chen Tong nodded in satisfaction.

***

"Alright, let's continue. Next, I will explain the specific method for using the printer..."

Following Chen Tong's explanation, the atmosphere in the room focused once again on learning how to make citizen cards.

Far away in Qingping County, Liu Er, who ran a grocery store, suddenly encountered a calamity.

On this day, Liu Er was organizing goods in his shop as usual when a group of government officials suddenly burst in and arrested him without a word.

Liu Er struggled in terror, shouting loudly, "On what grounds are you arresting me? What crime have I committed?"

Yet those bailiffs completely ignored his cries and brutally dragged him away.

Escorted to the county magistrate's grand hall, Liu Er was forced to kneel on the ground. A fierce-looking official sat high above in the hall, gazing at him coldly.

"Liu Er, do you know your crime?" the official shouted sternly.

Though terrified in his heart, Liu Er forced himself to remain calm and said, "My lord, this humble commoner has committed no crime. I beg your lordship to clarify."

The official let out a cold snort. "Hmph! Someone has reported you for tax evasion. Confess the truth immediately!"

Hearing this, Liu Er felt somewhat relieved. He had always conducted his business honestly and had never made any errors regarding taxes.

Therefore, Liu Er spoke with righteous confidence, "My lord, this humble commoner has always been law-abiding and paid taxes on time. There has never been any act of tax evasion. I beg your lordship to investigate thoroughly."

Seeing how resolute Liu Er sounded, the official grew annoyed and flicked his sleeve. "It seems you won't shed tears until you see your coffin!"

With a wave of his hand, several bailiffs stepped forward to subject Liu Er to private torture.

Whips lashed against Liu Er's body, and bloody welts instantly appeared. Liu Er broke out in cold sweat from the excruciating pain, yet he gritted his teeth and refused to yield.

"Speak! Who is the boss behind you?" the official demanded angrily.

With a pale face from the pain, Liu Er stubbornly replied, "My lord, I truly have no idea who you are talking about. I manage my business all by myself; what boss could there be?"

Seeing how tight-lipped Liu Er was, the official grew even more suspicious.

Under the torment of torture, Liu Er gradually understood the reason behind his arrest. Harboring secret resentment in his heart, Liu Er said, "My lord, I know why I was arrested."

"It is merely because I did not send gifts to the powerful and influential figures in the county, nor did I collude with them, thus infringing upon their interests."

"I am doing business honestly; what crime is there in that?"

Hearing this, the official's expression shifted slightly, but he still stubbornly argued, "Cease your nonsense! If you do not confess immediately, do not blame this official for being unpolite!"

Liu Er said no more. In his heart, he resolved that he must never implicate Chen Tong, and no matter what, he would keep his lips sealed.

When word of this incident reached Black Wind City, two or three days had already passed.

Chen Tong was in the midst of instructing everyone on making citizen cards when his expression instantly grew grave upon hearing the news.

The system's prophecy had begun.

The previous system prophecy had only provided a vague warning without stating the specific outcome, which left Chen Tong harboring a lingering sense of unease.

"Chieftain Chen, Liu Er's arrest—could it be related to us?" Seeing Chen Tong's anxiety, Xie Qingshuang could not help asking.

Chen Tong furrowed his brow, pondered for a moment, and said, "Liu Er has always been helping me sell labor-protection clothing, shoes, and similar items; we have business dealings. His arrest might harbor some hidden conspiracy behind the scenes."

Chen Tong immediately instructed his subordinates, "Go, dispatch more people to keep an eye on Liu Er's specific situation. Report back to me the moment there is any news."

After making these arrangements, Chen Tong summoned the key personnel of Black Wind City to discuss countermeasures together.

Soon, Liu Meng, Chen Feng, Zhao Laoqi, Xie Hu, and the others gathered in one hall.

Chen Tong informed everyone in detail about Liu Er's arrest, and upon hearing it, they all wore expressions of surprise and worry.

"Chieftain Chen, why did the government suddenly arrest Liu Er?" Liu Meng asked doubtfully.

Chen Tong said with a solemn expression, "The reason behind this is still unclear, but it is certainly not simple."

"Although Liu Er is merely a business partner to us, his arrest could bring about a series of troubles."

"We must prepare ourselves to handle various situations that may arise."

Chen Feng also nodded in agreement. "Chieftain Chen is right. We cannot sit and wait for our doom. We must think of a way to see if we can rescue Liu Er, while also preventing the government from making any unfavorable moves against our Black Wind City."