"You can't know about the target mission without accepting a mission first. Is that something that can be done casually?"
"Exactly. And if you haven't accepted the mission, even if you capture someone, the bounty doesn't belong to you."
Their words weren't intentionally low, and Li Chonglou quickly understood why he was attracting so much attention. It turned out that no one had turned in a mission before him.
"If this were an online game, I'd probably have several firsts right now."
Li Chonglou smiled. He had registered for this freelance system before it was officially opened to the public. If this were a story about an online game, he would undoubtedly be one of those beta testers with an unfair advantage.
However, when things happened in reality, it felt a bit like being a guinea pig.
Many of those watching him were also waiting to see if the bounties were real. After all, most people here were previously freelancers or from third-party forces.
They still harbored a natural caution towards the General Bureau.
If, for instance, the General Bureau were to suddenly appear and capture them all today, it would be considered a historic achievement.
However, there was strength in numbers, and they were confident that even if the General Bureau wanted to make a move, it wouldn't be easy with so many experts present, otherwise, they would have already scattered.
The entire hall was actually divided into two parts. On the left, there was a window specifically for accepting missions, with several long queues already formed. On the right, there was the window for turning in missions.
That side was completely empty, except for an old man sleeping inside.
Most people in the hall were now focused on Li Chonglou, as he was the only one walking towards the right side.
If he could have known this situation beforehand, Li Chonglou would have preferred to turn in his mission later. But walking away now would seem too obvious.
Li Chonglou could only brace himself and carry the black tiger to the mission turn-in area.
"Excuse me, wake up."
The old man inside was sleeping soundly. After being nudged several times, he slowly lifted his head, and a waft of alcohol accompanied his movement.
Li Chonglou frowned slightly. It was his first time seeing such a casual receptionist. However, he didn't think much of it and directly placed the black tiger on the counter.
The old man clearly froze for a few seconds before reacting.
"Finished the mission so quickly?"
After muttering to himself, the old man motioned for Li Chonglou to put the person down, then went to a side door and opened it.
"From now on, just call out when you're turning in a mission. Also, remember to wear a hood."
This announcement was heard clearly by everyone in the hall, and Li Chonglou felt a bit speechless. He was definitely a guinea pig this time.
But as long as he wasn't embarrassed, the embarrassment would fall on others. Li Chonglou calmly carried the black tiger inside.
As the side door closed heavily, all attention turned to this area.
Five minutes past midnight, a voice suddenly echoed from above everyone's heads.
"Congratulations to Freelancer Number One for completing the first mission. An extra double bounty will be awarded."
As this announcement sounded, the people in the hall exploded.
"Damn, isn't this a bit too obvious?"
"This is clearly a plant, right?"
"I don't think the esteemed General Bureau would resort to such petty tricks."
The first reaction of the crowd was disbelief, as it seemed too deliberate.
However, Li Chonglou walked out from inside without paying attention to their reactions and quickly headed towards the mission receiving window.
Someone saw him approaching and quickly asked, "Brother, where are you from? Are you really a plant?"
Li Chonglou ignored him and squeezed towards the inside. The crowd was also curious about his reaction, and for a moment, the people in front parted to make way.
Thus, Li Chonglou reached the counter. The people behind him, not having reached their turn yet, naturally had no other emotions. But those in front, who were about to receive their missions, were naturally unhappy when someone cut in.
"Hey, kid, do you understand queuing? Do I need to teach you as a grown man!"
Li Chonglou still ignored him and went directly to the front of the counter, handing over his token.
The staff member simply leaned over and explained to the man who had just spoken, "I'm sorry, but the more missions someone completes, the earlier they can accept them."
The people near the counter were instantly stunned.
Then, to Li Chonglou's surprise, the staff member revealed another secret.
"Also, for the first mission, fifth mission, tenth mission, and so on, you can receive double bounties. These are also our benefits."
The people in the hall finally understood why Li Chonglou was in such a hurry. It turned out there were extra benefits!
"Can't you wait until I leave before saying that?"
Li Chonglou rolled his eyes and quickly stated a mission he had seen upon entering.
The staff member quickly helped him with the procedures. After Li Chonglou took his token, he quickly left the hall.
However, based on his reaction, the crowd realized he didn't seem like a plant, and their enthusiasm was immediately ignited.
"Damn, I didn't expect the General Bureau to be serious this time!"
"Could it still be a plant?"
"Who would be so obvious about being a plant? Do you think everyone is as brainless as you?"
A burly man glanced at the thin man beside him with a look of contempt.
However, this gaze enraged the thin man.
"Do you want to die?"
Suddenly, a terrifying aura erupted, its intensity rivaling that of top experts!
No one had expected such immense power to be contained within such a small frame. The burly man's face instantly broke out in a sweat, and he retreated several steps.
"Big, big brother, I'm sorry, I..."
Before the burly man could finish speaking, a lazy voice suddenly sounded from the other side of the hall.
"Hey, kid, retract that aura of yours. Fighting is not allowed here."
Whether intentionally or out of anger, the thin man completely disregarded the fact that this was the General Bureau's territory. Not only did he not retract his aura, but he increased it even further.
"So you allow trash to provoke me here?"
Everyone followed his gaze and realized that the speaker was the old man from earlier.
For a moment, everyone's interest was piqued.
This was the General Bureau's territory, and gathering people from all walks of life here was something that was bound to happen sooner or later. They were witnessing the General Bureau's attitude.
And their methods.
If this matter were not resolved effectively today, whether they would choose to be freelancers here would be something they would have to reconsider.
After all, no one wanted to be threatened by others after coming here!