Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!

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.

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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.

After a few seconds, a deep voice from the shadows said, "At ease."

Qiu Tu exhaled slowly, lowered his hand, and began to observe the study.

Besides Yan Chen and Jia Shu, who now stood beside the director, Fang Ming was also present.

Seeing Fang Ming, Qiu Tu speculated that his earlier arrangements had been effective.

As he thought this, Jia Shu, standing next to Yan Chen, spoke with a faint smile, "I hear Agent Qiu has excellent marksmanship?"

Qiu Tu responded earnestly, "Sir, my shooting skills are mediocre at best."

"Oh? Is that so?" Jia Shu feigned surprise, "But I’ve heard differently."

He glanced at Fang Ming and continued, "Word has spread throughout the Investigation Department that an Administrative Office agent single-handedly repelled the RUF with six shots. Even the Municipal Council staff are talking about it. On my way here, I received at least three messages about you."

Qiu Tu didn't answer directly. He looked at Yan Chen and sincerely said, "Director, you personally selected me for the Investigation Department. You know my abilities well. I'm good at driving and handling tasks, but my marksmanship is lacking."

From the shadows, Yan Chen observed Qiu Tu in silence.

Jia Shu adjusted his glasses and smiled, "Agent Qiu, are you saying this incident didn’t happen?"

Qiu Tu shook his head, "No, it happened. But there’s more to it."

He glanced at Fang Ming and said seriously, "Agent Fang was there. He saw how troublesome the RUF was. The Special Operations Division fired for over a minute without injuring any RUF members."

Hearing this, Fang Ming's face darkened. He nodded reluctantly, "Yes."

He then admitted, "Our training is insufficient, and we panicked without combat experience. But, Director, with more—"

Qiu Tu interrupted, "Agent Fang, don’t underestimate yourself."

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