Forget it.
He would find an open space later to thoroughly test his moves.
Having made up his mind, Ye Huan completely withdrew his hard qigong, letting his tension ease slightly.
Suddenly, a profound exhaustion washed over him.
Although it had only been a simulated environment, his consciousness had genuinely been immersed in it—first undertaking the Identity Achievement challenge, then cultivating the Golden Bell Shield.
—He had gone through so much.
He was truly tired.
Ye Huan took out his phone to check the time; it was already past 12:40 a.m.
Sleepy and hungry.
Exhausted to the limit.
Truthfully, having spent several years in that "mental world" with virtually no rest, the toll on him was immense.
Oh well, if only to celebrate obtaining the Golden Bell Shield—
He headed straight out to the twenty-four-hour convenience store across the street from the Bureau of Investigation, buying instant noodles, soda, grilled sausages, butter bread, mousse cake, chocolate...
Returning to the Mysterious Affairs Section office, Ye Huan shut the door and boiled water for the instant noodles.
Just as the water boiled and he was steeping the noodles, the office door swung open.
Song Fushan walked in.
He stared in surprise at the desk overflowing with snacks.
"Eating so much this late—were you reincarnated from a starving ghost?"
"Evening, Section Chief. Please, help yourself, don't be shy."
"Alright, I'm heading out in a second. Remember to lock up before you sleep."
He swiped a bag of potato chips from the table, shoved it into his pocket, and took out an anti-materiel sniper rifle from a locker to the side.
"Working overtime?" Ye Huan asked.
"Yeah, overtime. But the situation is severe this time—only cadres ranked section chief and above were called in. A lowly clerk like you just needs to enjoy life," Song Fushan said.
"Then I'll just be a clerk forever," Ye Huan said naturally.
Song Fushan paused in his tracks, stayed silent for a second, and said:
"Not bad, Xiao Ye. Actually, people like you are the ones truly cut out for working in the Mysterious Affairs Section."
"Because I'm so dashing and handsome?" Ye Huan asked.
"No. Because you have no ambition."
Song Fushan closed the door and left.
No ambition...
Whatever.
Ye Huan checked the time, peeled back the lid of the noodle bowl, and mixed the noodles with his chopsticks.
So fragrant!
Good food comforted not just the stomach, but also an exhausted spirit.
Ye Huan devoured the midnight snack like a whirlwind. After washing up, he collapsed onto the sofa and fell asleep the moment his head hit the cushions.
The night passed without a word.
Dawn broke.
Ye Huan awoke to the aroma of noodle soup.
Song Fushan sat behind the broad desk with his legs crossed, head bent over a mobile game.
Ye Huan's eyes drifted downward.
There were a few crimson specks of blood on Song Fushan's shoes.
What kind of mission was it last night?
Even though he was playing a game, Ye Huan could somehow sense how thoroughly exhausted he was.
—Last night must have been a fierce battle.
"Awake? I brought you some clay pot congee, vermicelli buns, and pickled vegetables. Eat while it's hot," Song Fushan said without looking up.
"Section Chief, you really are the best leader in the world," Ye Huan said with a yawn.
"In the future, stop pressing palm prints into the wall. Wall putty costs budget money to patch, and our colleagues in the office will come pick a fight," Song Fushan said.
"Yes, Section Chief."
Ye Huan propped himself up on his elbows, climbed off the sofa, and, lured by the fragrance of the congee, slowly shuffled over to take a seat behind his own desk.
"Wow, this congee is delicious."
"These pork and vermicelli buns are stuffed so full—does the shop owner even make a profit?"
"Section Chief, how much was breakfast? I'll transfer it to you."
"No need. It just so happens I have something to tell you," Song Fushan said.
"What is it?" Ye Huan asked as he ate.
"You killed several cultists yesterday. Director Xia from the General Affairs Office suggested giving you administrative leave, and I agreed," Song Fushan said.
"What? We get leave?" Ye Huan said in surprise.
"The organization cares for every member with deep humanity. Especially for investigators fighting on the front lines, there must be ample time and space to adjust their mental and physical states," Song Fushan said solemnly.
"How many days do I get?" Ye Huan asked with keen interest.
"One day."
"Only one day?"
"Cut the chatter. One day is plenty. Are you taking it or not?"
"Of course I am—this won't dock my pay, right?"
"Paid leave. No deductions."
"Then I'll take it today!"
"Fine. Go home once you finish breakfast, and report back tomorrow."
"Yes, sir!"
Song Fushan tapped on his phone a few times.
Ye Huan's phone immediately chimed with an alert.
He opened his phone to look:
*Your administrative leave has been approved. Period: Today, 00:00 to 24:00.*
Not bad at all.
The section chief really was considerate.
A thought struck Ye Huan, and he suddenly spoke up:
"Section Chief, I'd like to infiltrate the Black Tide Cult as an undercover agent to gather some intelligence. What do you think?"
"The Black Tide Cult? Mess around with those cultists however you like; it's no big deal," Song Fushan said nonchalantly.
"Yes, sir!" Ye Huan said.
"One thing, though: don't come out on the losing end, and don't expect the Bureau to chip in funds to get things done."
"Is the Bureau that short on cash?"
"Quite a few colleagues were martyred a while back. The entire budget for this quarter and next has to be poured into that, and we even need to pay out extra to look after their families," Song Fushan said.
"Understood," Ye Huan said.
Song Fushan said nothing more, returning his attention to his game.
After finishing breakfast, Ye Huan said goodbye to Song Fushan and slipped away.
After he left, Xia Li came past the office door holding several folders and knocked before stepping in.
"You gave him the day off?" she asked curiously.
"Yeah," Song Fushan replied, head down as he gamed.
Xia Li remarked, "You gave him leave right when we're so short on hands?"
Still playing and without looking up, Song Fushan said, "The scene outside the city was far too horrific. We finally managed to recruit a newcomer; if he gets scared into a mental breakdown, I'll be back to being a commander with no troops."
"True enough." Xia Li smiled, her expression gradually turning serious. "I passed on a stance method to him."
"Mhm! Wait—what?"
Song Fushan snapped his head up, completely forgetting his game, and stared at her in astonishment.
"Mm-hmm." Xia Li gave him a nod, turned, and walked out.
***
Elsewhere, Ye Huan walked out of the Bureau of Investigation and strolled aimlessly along the street.
A sudden holiday was actually a bit hard to get used to.
—Might as well buy furniture for the two rented apartments.
Once everything was settled, he would bring the couple, Su Haisheng and Zhao Lingyi, over to live.
The city center was definitely safer than the mining district at the edge of the city.
As for work, there were buses, so commuting wouldn't be an issue.
Ye Huan headed to a furniture mall and an appliance store, then went to a supermarket to buy items like four-piece bedding sets.
This kept him busy all morning.
At noon, he found a small restaurant and ordered two dishes to reward his stomach.
Right as he was eating, someone approached.
"Hello. I am from the Du Pont Chamber of Commerce."
A salesman?
"Oh, I don't need anything, thanks," Ye Huan said.
"No, Your Excellency, I have serious business with you."
*Your Excellency.*
What kind of person would address me as "Your Excellency"?
Ye Huan put down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth, only to discover that the restaurant was already closed.
There was no one else in the shop.
Only a burly man.
He sported a thick, full beard and wore a dark red plaid shirt. His hands gripped the brim of his hat in visible unease. Seeing Ye Huan look over, he immediately bowed.
"Greetings."
"And you are?" Ye Huan asked.
A line of text surfaced above the man's head:
*Black Tide Cult Priest.*
Hadn't a truce been called?
Or could it be—
The Great Being's oracle didn't count for anything at all?
Ye Huan's aura unfolded slowly, expanding into a "field" ten meters in diameter.
Within this "field," every subtle movement felt as if it were grafted onto Ye Huan's own body, leaving nothing hidden.
"Your Excellency, I have a matter to report to you," the man said.
"...Speak," Ye Huan said.
The waiter withdrew as well.
The restaurant's doors were closed.
"I am Du Pont of the Du Pont Chamber of Commerce, and I have come specifically to pay my respects to you."
The man bowed again in urgency.
"...I don't believe I know you," Ye Huan said.
This was a public place.
There might be surveillance cameras.
If you dare expose my identity in public, I will never admit to it.
Instead, it's you who will be in trouble.
A glint of murderous intent surfaced in Ye Huan's eyes as he looked up at the man.
Sensing it at once, the man immediately said:
"I am a member of the Black Tide Cult, currently serving as the priest of the West City District, Your Excellency."
"Why are you looking for me? You should know that I'm an investigator; arresting you people is second nature to me," Ye Huan said with a smile.
"As you can see, I possess no martial strength. My position in the cult was acquired purely through donations.
"However, I have run into a bit of trouble and wish to seek your protection," the man said.
Ye Huan smiled and said, "How could I possibly protect you?"
"Your Excellency, you harbored a cult member—this is something everyone in the cult knows. I hope you do not mind me bringing it up," the man added.
Ye Huan let out a laugh and asked, "You're in trouble?"
"The Cardinal is preparing a major operation and wants me to donate all my wealth and assets..." the man said.
"You're unwilling to do even this much for your cult?" Ye Huan asked.
"I am willing! I truly am!" the man blurted out.
"Then isn't that that? What's the point of seeking me out? Do you want to be arrested?" Ye Huan said.
"When I joined the cult, what the Bishop promised me has remained indefinitely delayed.
"I was willing to give up everything in exchange for settling the matter, but there has never been any result."
A look of anguish surfaced on the man's face.
He sat down across from Ye Huan and retrieved a photograph.
In the photo were him, a middle-aged woman, and a young girl.
"My wife and daughter.
"A year ago, they were kidnapped and tortured by an underground gang entrenched in West City, demanding ransom from me.
"I clearly paid the ransom, but after taking the money, they murdered them anyway.
"I want justice."
"Call the police, then," Ye Huan said.
Chapter 48