Chapter 372: Haven't Eaten Today? Let's Play Then

Words : 1076 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

...... Inside the office. Deputy Director Ren of Green Vine 749 Bureau paced back and forth while on the phone. "Old Ji, Old Ji, you've really screwed me over this time!!!" "You borrowed Lu Ding as a special investigator to handle the Most Violent Victory case without even giving me a heads-up!?" "Now look what happened - conflicts arose, everyone's unhappy, and Lu Ding won't even go through our bureau anymore. He's teamed up with the three families of Green Vine, Gao, Qin, and Huo." "Where does that leave Green Vine's reputation? When special investigators come down, they're supposed to work with local departments, not local factions. You're really targeting me this time." Deputy Director Ji's voice came through the phone. "Targeting you? Damn right I'm targeting you! Haven't you targeted me enough?" "Let's be reasonable here. Yes, we at Lingshun mishandled the Most Violent Victory incident, and I've already apologized to you." "But that wasn't the outcome we wanted either. Lingshun is dirt poor with barely any resources, drowning in problems. You promised Green Vine would help handle it." "And what happened? From top to bottom, your people might as well have written their disdain for Lingshun on their foreheads." "If you didn't want to help, you shouldn't have promised. You accepted my plea for assistance only to give me the cold shoulder. What? Is Lingshun some unwanted stepchild that deserves your bullying?" "Even if we are stepchildren, we still have our elder brother Yunhai watching our back." "If you won't help and have issues with me, can't I ask others when you fail?" "Besides, why should I inform you in advance? Special investigators' movements must remain confidential - do I need to remind you of basic protocols?" "The documents were issued. All you needed to know was that a special investigator was coming. Couldn't you just assist regardless of who it was?" "You didn't care, your people didn't cooperate, and now you blame me?! Screw you! You deserve this, damn it! I'm hanging up!" Beep beep beep... The dial tone left Deputy Director Ren of Green Vine momentarily stunned. Anger! How could he not be angry! Being scolded like some worthless brat. But a sigh released some steam. His subordinate Meng Chang asked: "Deputy Director, what should we do now..." Deputy Director Ren glanced at Meng Chang. This young man was excellent in every way - diligent, efficient, and decent. Just lacked political savvy. When Lu Ding addressed deputy directors, he'd use their surname like "Director Chu" or "Director Ji." For the actual director, just "Director." Not really an issue. Never bothered him before. But now, it felt strangely irritating. Comparison really was the thief of joy. Deputy Director Ren rubbed his face: "Why did it have to be Lu Ding? Ah! My poor brain!!!" "Go maintain order, control information leaks, prepare follow-up measures, monitor the situation, ensure civilian safety and property security. Evacuate if needed. Green Vine 749 will compensate for any property damage." "The situation is what it is - can't get worse." Face mattered greatly - all 749 Bureaus across Great Han competed in reputation. But civilian safety and property mattered more than face. Mistakes weren't terrifying - to err is human. What's terrifying was refusing to acknowledge mistakes, stubbornly defending errors, and compounding wrongs when correcting. Clearly, Deputy Director Ren wasn't that kind of man. He recognized mistakes, corrected them immediately, and made amends. Thus, Green Vine 749 mobilized into action. Lu Ding had somehow united the entire bureau despite everything. As night fell, The dazzling neon lights of Green Vine's pedestrian street illuminated the bustling crowds. A purple figure moved gracefully through them with measured, elegant steps. Fu Yun glanced back over her shoulder. A strand of hair fell loose, which she tucked behind her ear with delicate fingers. From earlier until now, She'd detected multiple Qi Refiners' presences. This abrupt change Made her smile knowingly: "Planning something big?" Fu Yun pondered: "Haven't eaten today... Let's play then." Her gaze swept across the crowd, pausing on various Qi Refiners like a chef selecting ingredients. Then fixed On an ordinary-looking teenage girl about a hundred meters away. The look of a predator locking onto prey. Fu Yun approached. The girl stood before a Wangwang Snack Shop, quietly watching parents inside choosing treats for their children. When someone exited, Fu Yun reached the girl's side. Just then, The girl moved, politely asking a mother with her daughter: "Miss, may I ask how much this costs?" She pointed at the large box of Wangwang milk in the woman's hand. The woman answered kindly: "Forty-three yuan." Hearing this, the girl's eyes reddened: "Thank you." Turning to leave, she accidentally bumped into Fu Yun. A sweet yet subtle, comforting fragrance enveloped her. The girl kept apologizing: "Sorry, so sorry." Fu Yun shook her head: "It's fine." Noticing the girl's teary eyes, Fu Yun's brow furrowed slightly. For the perfect dining experience, the ingredient's emotional state mattered. This girl's condition was clearly subpar. Unacceptable. Fu Yun spoke with supremely gentle tones: "Why the tears? Did someone hurt you?" That voice echoed in the girl's mind, unconsciously superimposing onto her vague memories of a mother's face she could no longer clearly recall. Battling tears, her voice quivered: "It's nothing... I..." Noticing her glances at the snack shop, Fu Yun took her hand: "Come." The warmth and softness of that touch momentarily stunned the girl. Dazedly, she let Fu Yun lead her into the shop. Watched as Fu Yun carefully selected snacks, just like that mother choosing for her daughter. Finally paid, Led her to a nearby park bench, opened the milk carton with a straw, and handed it over. Only then Did the girl snap out of her daze. Taking an instinctive sip of the red beverage, tears immediately overflowed. "Sorry miss, how much do I owe you?" Fu Yun gently stroked her hair: "No need. Seeing you reminds me of my younger self. If something's troubling you, you can tell me." Without anyone caring, one could suppress grievances. Because even if expressed, no one would notice. But when someone asks, shows concern, it tears open the darkness. And sorrow comes flooding uncontrollably.

Chapter 372: Haven't Eaten Today? Let's Play Then

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