Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!

Chapter 25: 108 Ways to Enhance Relationships - Number 37

Chapter 25: 108 Ways to Enhance Relationships - Number 37

A Fu knew that Qin Heng was unwell and couldn’t stay outside for long, so he quickly stepped forward and whispered, "Master, three hours ago, the guards reported that Agent Qiu summoned two people here."

"Half an hour later, those two left carrying a sack."

"An hour ago, a servant reported that Miss Qin's personal maid, Cuilan, had gone missing."

"She said she was going out for a walk around 9 PM tonight, but she hasn’t returned yet. I've arranged for people to search everywhere, but there's no sign of her. We’ve checked all the ponds and wells, but she’s nowhere to be found."

"But a servant recalled seeing her going to the guards’ quarters three hours ago."

A Fu didn’t need to say more; the implication was clear enough.

Qin Heng, expressionless, softly muttered, "Cuilan?"

"Isn't she the maid serving Miss Qin from our Qin family?"

A Fu quietly reminded him, "Master, have you forgotten? The maid sent to serve Miss Qin was returned the same day she was sent to Director Yan's villa."

"So, Cuilan is Director Yan's personal maid."

Qin Heng's face darkened immediately. "Did he bring her from the shelter?"

This time A Fu was clearly taken aback, hesitated for a second, and then, recalling Cuilan's dark and plump appearance, shook his head. "Probably not."

Qin Heng's expression eased slightly. He pondered for a moment, then said, "Inform my second brother. It’s an internal matter of the Investigation Department; let them handle it themselves."

A Fu nodded, "Yes, sir."

Qin Heng coughed twice more before turning back to his room.

Moments later, a woman's concerned voice sounded from within, "What's the matter?"

Qin Heng replied softly, "Nothing, just a minor issue."

The woman responded with an "Mm."

The room gradually quieted, and the blue moonlight, like water, filled the entire Qin family courtyard.

[30 Days]

[64:25:01]

The night passed without further incident.

The next morning, Qiu Tu got up and habitually glanced at the two hourglasses in the upper left corner.

The first countdown was for the time Yan Chen had given him to investigate the Qin family’s crimes. There were 29 days left.

The second was for the Cataclysm Potion's completion time. About 57 hours remained.

‘By now, the Qin family should have reported Cuilan’s death to Yan Chen, right?’

‘We should see Yan Chen’s reaction soon.’

‘Then I’ll know if my guess was correct.’

With these thoughts, Qiu Tu got up, washed, and went out for breakfast.

To accommodate the guards, the Qin family had set up a small kitchen in the courtyard. Every morning, the small kitchen prepared meals for the guards.

During breakfast, Qiu Tu and Fang Ming sat together.

As he ate, Fang Ming said quietly, "Qiu Tu, to be honest, I admire you."

"When I first met you, you were just an ordinary agent, and it seemed like you had provoked the director’s woman and were despised by him."

"But that same night, you turned things around. Not only were you transferred to the Political Division, but you were also promoted."

"I was surprised and curious."

"And then, in just one day, the situation flipped again. You were appointed as the captain of the guards to escort Qin Shuman back to the Qin family."

"Although I don’t understand what you’re planning, it’s clear this is a trap banquet."

"A high-level agent from the Political Division leading the team, it’s almost like pulling out an investigation order directly."

"Anyone who can survive in the officialdom is no fool. Everyone can see this is a political statement."

"So, countless eyes in New Realm City are watching the Qin family, the director, and you."

Fang Ming paused before continuing, "Last night, you first met with Fourth Master Qin and then killed Yan Chen’s personal maid, Cuilan."

"I really don’t understand which side you’re on or what game you’re playing."

"My father said that when you meet someone you can’t understand but find trustworthy, the best approach is to be honest with them."

"Otherwise, they’ll outsmart you and make you count the money for them."

"So, I want to be honest with you. I was dragged into this unintentionally, and I hope you won’t involve me in your schemes."

"If you leave me out of it, I’ll owe you a favor."

"As for your men, I really think highly of A Tai. This morning, I’ve already arranged for him to join the Special Operations Division selection. He should do fine."

"If you get through this, he’ll return to you, and that will be my repayment."

"If you get into trouble, I’ll treat him as my own brother and train him well. With him around, your men won’t completely lose support without you."

"But try not to involve him in your plans anymore. I won’t be able to protect him otherwise."

Fang Ming continued eating, waiting for Qiu Tu's response.

Qiu Tu looked at Fang Ming for a while. Then, he smiled and extended his hand, "Deal."

Fang Ming breathed a sigh of relief and shook his hand.

As they released their hands, Fang Ming quietly added, "Be careful, the Qin family’s affairs aren’t that simple. It might involve higher-level conflicts."

Qiu Tu's heart stirred at this, recalling the Crisis Sense's constant warnings about Yan Chen being caught in a vortex. He nodded and sincerely said, "Thank you."

After breakfast, as the captain of the guards, Qiu Tu naturally had to report to Qin Shuman.

But before he could move, Qin Shuman came rushing over, lifting her skirt as she hurried.

Seeing Qiu Tu, she visibly relaxed.

She quickly stepped forward, bent down, and whispered, "Qiu Tu, something’s happened."

Smelling the cherry blossom scent and looking at the surging white waves in front of him, Qiu Tu continued eating calmly and asked, "What happened?"

Qin Shuman glanced around. There were still a few agents eating, but she couldn’t care less. She sat beside Qiu Tu and whispered, "Cuilan is missing. I suspect someone did something to her."

"Last night, after I returned to my room, she asked for leave, saying she wanted to—"

Before she could finish, Qiu Tu interrupted, "I know."

"You know?" Qin Shuman’s eyes widened in surprise.

Qiu Tu nodded while continuing to eat and said casually, "I killed her."

Qin Shuman: !!?

Qin Shuman's eyes widened further, staring at Qiu Tu in shock.

Fortunately, she still had her wits about her. She quickly regained her composure, swallowed, and asked softly, "Why?"

Qiu Tu glanced at her, then without hesitation, employed the 37th way to enhance a relationship: For you.

"Of course, it was for you."

"For me?" Qin Shuman blinked, revealing a bit of innocence and naivety.

Author's Note