Strengthening Astra Yao's security was imperative, but how to strengthen it was a problem neither too big nor too small.
Yunkui Summit had many disciples, but the ordinary ones weren't skilled enough, and the core disciples all had their own responsibilities to attend to—it was impossible for any of them to act as Astra Yao's bodyguard twenty-four hours a day.
As for hiring a security company, Arden didn't trust them at all!
After giving it some thought, and discussing it with Ju Fufu, Sweety, and Yiji, Arden decided to first put together a temporary plan: have several senior brothers and sisters take turns protecting Astra Yao, while also recruiting a professional bodyguard.
...
Sweety was in charge of posting the recruitment listings, Ju Fufu handled maintaining order, Arden and Astra Yao served as interviewers, and finally, Yiji was responsible for background checks—to ensure that the hired bodyguard would diligently protect Astra Yao's safety without causing her any trouble.
Several days later, at the bodyguard recruitment venue.
"This one won't do."
Looking at the bald, middle-aged man applying for the position, Astra Yao leaned toward Arden and whispered her opinion.
"Mm."
Arden nodded, then said to the bald applicant, "We've already reviewed your situation. Please go back and wait for further notice… next applicant."
Astra Yao's appeal was extremely strong, and with the generous salary and benefits, applicants poured in nonstop after the recruitment notice went public.
However, the background checks revealed that while there were many applicants, they came from all walks of life—professional security guards, fans just there for fun, people with ulterior motives, and even spies… yet not a single one satisfied both Arden and Astra Yao.
Screech—!
After the bald man, a female applicant pushed open the door and walked in.
Leather jacket and pants, long golden hair tied up behind her head—this was a female bodyguard who gave off an exceptionally capable and sharp impression.
Evelyn… she's finally here.
Seeing the applicant, Arden quietly let out a breath of relief.
As a Zenless Zone Zero player, when Arden decided to recruit a bodyguard for Astra Yao, he had already set his sights on a specific candidate.
An Astra Yao without Evelyn was an incomplete superstar. As the person in charge, Arden naturally had to give Astra Yao a complete life. Yes—absolutely not because he was coveting the bodyguard's looks or a certain kind of excitement.
That said, Arden also had to admit that Evelyn's temperament was outstanding, and her figure was top-tier.
"Evelyn Chevalier… formerly a producer at 'Eridu's Lucky Star,' later served as head of security at Pyra Factory Pictures, and also assisted directors and managers with various tasks…"
Arden slowly read through the résumé Evelyn had provided, then asked like a typical interviewer, "Miss Evelyn, why did you leave your previous job to apply as Miss Astra Yao's bodyguard?"
"I grew tired of my previous work… was moved by Miss Astra Yao's singing… and the compensation is also quite good…"
Evelyn's answer was proper and conventional, without the slightest flaw.
"As for professional capability…"
Since she was applying as a bodyguard, she naturally had to demonstrate her skills.
Arden called Ju Fufu over and had her act as a deranged stalker to test Evelyn's response.
"Very good—extremely good!"
The result left Arden highly satisfied.
This Evelyn is practically born to be Astra Yao's bodyguard!
"Well?"
Arden nudged Astra Yao with his elbow, seeking the opinion of the main client herself.
"I think… this one works!"
There was inertia in how the world developed. Arden didn't know how Evelyn became Astra Yao's bodyguard in the world where he didn't exist, but in this world, Astra Yao took a liking to her at first glance.
"Miss Evelyn, we've already reviewed your situation. Please go back and wait for further notice… next applicant!"
Arden still said the same words.
Even though a decision had already been made, the interviews had to continue. They couldn't just leave the others waiting for nothing—at least they had to keep up appearances, even if the final outcome wouldn't change.
...
After the recruitment event ended, Arden and Astra Yao had both made their decision, but Yiji, who was responsible for background checks, raised an objection.
"Master, Evelyn's capabilities are indeed excellent, but there seem to be some issues with her identity and background… I recommend conducting a deeper investigation." Only after Astra Yao left did Yiji report this to Arden.
Some matters behind the scenes were things a front-facing star didn't need to know. Astra Yao only needed to enjoy the fans' passion, their cheers, and the affection of the people of New Eridu.
"Mm… no need!"
Arden understood Evelyn's background better than anyone. And more importantly, he knew she would never do anything harmful to Astra Yao.
"But—"
Sensing that something was off, Yiji tried to persuade him further.
Arden gently patted Yiji's head, interrupting her. "Don't worry. Evelyn won't do anything to Astra Yao. That, I can guarantee."
"Alright."
...
And just like that, the pairing of superstar Astra Yao and her bodyguard Evelyn was officially formed.
Moreover, Evelyn's arrival produced immediate results.
Bang~ bang bang!
The doors of the Waifei Peninsula Public Security Station were pushed open, followed by several heavy thuds hitting the floor.
"Heh heh heh… hm?"
The on-duty officer, who had been listening to Astra Yao's new album and humming along, raised his head at the noise—only to see a stern-faced female bodyguard walking over.
"Miss Evelyn, you're here again!"
As he spoke, the officer leaned halfway over the duty desk and looked at the several people lying on the ground below. "Quite a number this time."
Ever since taking on the role of Astra Yao's bodyguard, Evelyn had become a regular at the Waifei Peninsula Public Security Station. Every few days, she would bring in a handful of deranged stalkers, paparazzi, overzealous fans, or people harboring ill intent toward Astra Yao to 'turn themselves in.'
"I've already recorded their statements!"
As she spoke, Evelyn tossed a storage device onto the duty desk. "The rest is up to the officers."
With that, Evelyn turned to leave.
A bodyguard couldn't leave a superstar unattended. Although Arden was filling in and Astra Yao wasn't in any danger, for some reason, Evelyn just couldn't feel at ease.
"Wait!"
The officer called out to her.
"Is there something else?"
Evelyn stopped and asked with some confusion.
"Uh… I have a gift here. I'd like to give it to Miss Evelyn."
"A gift? For me?"
Hearing this, Evelyn pointed at herself, utterly baffled. "Not for me to pass on to Astra Yao?"
"Heh, you misunderstand."
The officer explained, "You've been protecting Jiayin very well. The fans are extremely grateful, so they prepared some small gifts and asked me to pass them to you as thanks."
"Oh… is that so."
Upon hearing that the fans were thanking her for protecting Astra Yao, a blissful smile appeared on Evelyn's face.
"Then… I won't refuse."
Having to inspect gifts sent to Astra Yao every day, Evelyn never imagined she'd receive gifts herself. She felt that becoming Astra Yao's bodyguard was truly wonderful!
It's just that… one day, sooner or later…
Yet when it came to the future, Evelyn seemed to harbor a trace of worry and confusion.
===BREAK===
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