Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!

Chapter 23: Midnight Secret Meeting

Chapter 23 Midnight Secret Meeting

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Fourth Master Qin's chubby face displayed a sincere smile. As he guided Qiu Tu to sit down, he said, "There isn't much else. I just felt a connection with Agent Qiu at the banquet and wanted to get to know you better in private."

He then cautiously asked, "It's still early. Would you be interested in going out for a walk with me?"

Qiu Tu, seeing Fourth Master Qin's expression and considering his identity, could easily guess where he intended to take him.

However, given his official duties, he smiled and politely declined, "Thank you for the offer, Fourth Master Qin, but I'm feeling a bit unwell tonight. Perhaps another time."

Fourth Master Qin's smile did not waver. "I understand, I understand."

He then gestured to the girl beside him, "Xiao Ying, why are you still standing? Go make tea for Agent Qiu."

The girl immediately lowered her head and obeyed. In a moment, a cup of fragrant tea was placed before Qiu Tu.

Qiu Tu nodded in thanks and sipped the tea while recalling the Qin family's situation. The Qin family had five branches. Apart from the fifth son, who was born to a concubine, the other four were full siblings.

Qin Heng, the eldest, was the current head of the Qin family and held the official position of Director of Civil Affairs Bureau at New Realm City's Municipal Council. He was a prominent figure in the city, second only to the three giants like Yan Chen.

Qin Zhengguang, the second son, was the second most important figure in the Qin family. He served as Deputy Director of the New Realm City Investigation Department's Public Security Division, overseeing citywide security and wielding significant power within the department.

Qin Shu, the third son, did not follow his brothers into politics but chose to enter business, handling the family's legitimate enterprises such as clothing, jewelry, and general merchandise.

These three brothers, along with Qin Youde, the fourth son who managed the family's grey industries, formed the powerful Qin family that spanned both legitimate and illegitimate spheres in New Realm City.

As for the fifth son, spoiled by his stepmother and indulged by his father, he had become a well-known playboy in New Realm City and was excluded from the family's core power.

Even before entering the Qin family, Qiu Tu had identified two potential breakthrough points for his mission. One was Fourth Master Qin. However, he had not expected Fourth Master Qin to seek him out first and then fall silent after a few casual remarks.

What was Fourth Master Qin planning?

Qiu Tu calmly sipped his tea, waiting for Fourth Master Qin to speak. If Fourth Master Qin wasn't in a hurry, neither was he.

Perhaps not expecting Qiu Tu to be so patient, Fourth Master Qin drank three cups of tea and remained silent for about ten minutes before finally speaking.

He smiled and asked, "Agent Qiu, do you have any tasks this time?"

Qiu Tu, who had been counting tea leaves in his cup, slowly came to his senses and smiled, "What tasks could I have? My job is to ensure Miss Qin's safety."

Fourth Master Qin shook his head dismissively, raising an eyebrow, "But that's not what I heard."

Qiu Tu's interest piqued, and he asked curiously, "Oh? What did you hear, Fourth Master Qin?"

Fourth Master Qin glanced around to ensure no one was eavesdropping before lowering his voice, "I heard you have a grudge against the Qin family and came here to investigate us."

Qiu Tu quickly dismissed this, "Fourth Master, what a joke."

"How could I investigate the Qin family? Director Qin Heng's position in New Realm City, Deputy Director Qin Zhengguang's power, and even your influence—I'm not a match for any of you."

"If I offend you, wouldn't I end up at the bottom of a pond someday? Haha."

Hearing Qiu Tu’s words, Fourth Master Qin laughed along, then suddenly changed his tone, "So, that’s why you moved into the Qin family."

For a moment, Qiu Tu's expression froze, and he almost lost his composure. This man was incredibly blunt, directly threatening a public official.

But then Qiu Tu realized his own thoughts were misplaced. If Fourth Master Qin truly intended harm, his Crisis Sense should have triggered a warning.

Thinking this, Qiu Tu had a sudden insight and confronted Fourth Master Qin, "Fourth Master, are you threatening me?"

"Am I safe within the Qin family, but doomed if I leave? Are you provoking the entire New Realm City Investigation Department by threatening an agent?"

Fourth Master Qin, perhaps not expecting Qiu Tu to be so bold, was momentarily stunned. He quickly recovered his friendly demeanor, "You misunderstand, Agent Qiu. I’m just chatting casually. How could you escalate it to such a serious level?"

"I’m not threatening you, nor am I challenging the Investigation Department."

"But life is unpredictable. Who knows what tomorrow might bring?"

He patted Qiu Tu's shoulder, "So, take good care of yourself. Don’t fall ill or have an accident."

Laughing, Fourth Master Qin stood up and left the room. As he did, he accidentally dropped a small white booklet.

Qiu Tu watched him leave, then slowly picked up the booklet.

Opening it, he found records of illegal activities committed by Qin Zhengguang, the second son, during his tenure as Deputy Director of Public Security Division. These included accepting bribes from gang members, enabling their crimes, releasing anti-government fighters, and adjusting patrol routes to facilitate their operations.

After reading, Qiu Tu chuckled. He realized Fourth Master Qin was both warning and testing him, signaling that the Qin family knew his true purpose and advising caution.

The booklet was also a test, gauging Qiu Tu's courage and intentions regarding investigating the Qin family.

Fourth Master Qin, however, underestimated Qiu Tu’s resolve.

Author's Note