Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!

Chapter 9: Showtime!

Chapter 9: Showtime!

Chapter 9 Showtime!

Qiu Tu followed Cuilan out of the room, his steps steady and calm. The flickering lights on either side of the corridor cast long shadows, creating a flowing painting-like scene.

Soon, they arrived at the door of an elegantly decorated study.

Waiting there was a middle-aged man with a refined air, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a well-tailored Zhongshan suit. His face held a false smile, resembling a fox.

Qiu Tu recognized him as Jia Shu, the head of the Political Division and Yan Chen’s right-hand man, the chief strategist of the New Realm City Investigation Department. Despite his courteous demeanor, those who truly knew him understood his ruthless and bloody methods. The Political Division's fearsome reputation in New Realm City was largely due to him.

Seeing Jia Shu, Qiu Tu immediately became alert. He stood at attention and saluted, "Sir!"

Jia Shu seemed to be waiting specifically for Qiu Tu. He looked Qiu Tu up and down, then smiled, "Qiu Tu?"

After Qiu Tu nodded, Jia Shu's smile widened, "The Director is waiting for you. Please, come in."

He then opened the door to the study and gestured for Qiu Tu to enter.

The study was dimly lit. Whether it was an illusion or not, Qiu Tu felt the open door resembled the maw of a beast, ready to devour him.

Yet, prepared for a walk into the tiger’s den, Qiu Tu took a deep breath and stepped inside.

Yan Chen’s study was large but dark. Thick curtains blocked out all light, leaving vast shadows. The only light came from a dim desk lamp, illuminating a small area on the large mahogany desk where Yan Chen sat, his silhouette barely visible.

"Good evening, Director!"

Seeing the city's overlord, Qiu Tu stood straight and saluted respectfully.

There was no response.

Maintaining his salute, Qiu Tu tried to gauge Yan Chen's expression but couldn't see anything in the darkness. He only felt Yan Chen's chilling gaze on him, making his scalp tingle.

Fang Ming frowned, confused by Qiu Tu’s intent.

Qiu Tu, ignoring Fang Ming, continued to address Yan Chen, "Director, the Special Operations Division agents are very capable. The RUF avoided their attacks on purpose."

Jia Shu laughed, "Agent Qiu, are you joking? Avoiding enemy attacks is standard in combat. Should we be shot ‘intentionally’?"

Suddenly, Jia Shu seemed to realize something. He narrowed his eyes at Qiu Tu.

Qiu Tu finally smiled, the first since entering the room. "Sir, you're right. They let me hit them on purpose."

Qiu Tu’s words were so outrageous that the study fell silent.

Fang Ming looked at Qiu Tu, bewildered, "Qiu Tu, what are you saying? They let you hit them?"

Before Fang Ming could finish, Yan Chen, who had been silent, spoke, "Fang Ming, leave."

Fang Ming, shocked, looked at Yan Chen, unsure why he was being dismissed. Yan Chen offered no explanation, only staring at him with an intense gaze.

The pressure was palpable, causing Fang Ming to break into a sweat. After a moment, he lowered his head, "Yes, Director."

He saluted and quickly exited the study.

Once the door closed, Yan Chen straightened in his chair, his eyes fixed on Qiu Tu, "Explain."

Qiu Tu nodded and began, "Director, this story starts from when we ended our call."

He recounted, "After we hung up, I told Miss Qin about our conversation. She was frightened and asked how I handled it. I told her I made an excuse to placate you and expressed my admiration for her again."

"She seemed to think I was offering my loyalty and hinted at her unusual background. She promised me wealth and status if I followed her and said she’d give me a gift to prove her power."

Author's Note