Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!

Chapter 8: Greed

Chapter 8 Greed

When Qiu Tu approached, Fang Ming had already noticed A Tai. In a world where the average height was between 1.6 and 1.7 meters, A Tai's 1.9 meters made him stand out like a crane among chickens. His broad shoulders and strong build made him impossible to ignore.

Hearing Qiu Tu’s introduction, Fang Ming looked A Tai up and down with interest but didn’t say much. He simply nodded, "Alright. Leave three or four of them to help maintain order."

Qiu Tu thought for a moment and then called out, "A Kun, Monkey, A Shui. You three stay here with A Tai to maintain order. The rest of you, return to the security bureau."

He signaled Eagle, who subtly nodded and led the other temporary agents away.

With A Tai's team in place, Qiu Tu and Fang Ming escorted Qin Shuman back to the city villa while the other Special Operations Division agents stayed behind to maintain the scene and await the arrival of the Political Division.

On the way back, Qin Shuman sat in the back of the old car, Fang Ming in the front passenger seat, and Qiu Tu driving. Qiu Tu's predecessor had earned his position by impressing Yan Chen with his rare driving skills, a talent that modern-day Qiu Tu, having crossed over from a more advanced world, easily surpassed.

Watching Qiu Tu drive steadily, Fang Ming asked curiously, "Agent Qiu, you're quite a driver. Is this a common skill in the Administrative Office?"

Qiu Tu glanced at the rearview mirror and smiled, "The Administrative Office supports various departments, so we need a mix of skills. Unlike you in the Special Operations Division, with good benefits, equipment, and power, who can focus solely on training without other worries."

Fang Ming acknowledged without false modesty, "Hmm." Although Qiu Tu’s words were flattering, they reflected the truth. The Special Operations Division, one of the top divisions in the Investigation Department, was indeed coveted by all agents.

However, its high entry requirements meant that even during its formative stage, it demanded physical fitness far beyond the average person in the post-cataclysm world. Most agents couldn’t meet the standard.

Thinking of this, Fang Ming recalled A Tai’s robust figure, prompting him to ask, "Agent Qiu, about A Tai..."

Seeing Fang Ming take the bait, Qiu Tu smiled inwardly but maintained a composed exterior. He half-truthfully introduced A Tai, "A Tai is my cousin. He's brave and straightforward but a bit dim. When New Realm City was still a disaster zone, he joined a gang and had blood on his hands."

"When the military came to clear out underground forces, his gang was crushed, and he went into hiding. When the city was established, he couldn’t join the agent recruitment due to his record. After I became an agent, he sought me out for help. I couldn’t refuse, so I pulled some strings to clear his record and got him a temporary position in Old Lane Street."

"He’s rough but loyal. He rushed over without hesitation when he heard I was in trouble today."

In a few words, Qiu Tu outlined A Tai's "history" and character, giving Fang Ming a clear impression.

Fang Ming said nothing more, as if he had just asked out of curiosity.

While driving, Qiu Tu glanced at Fang Ming, whose thoughtful expression indicated that the plan was working.

Qiu Tu had introduced A Tai with a purpose, to bait Fang Ming. As a high-level agent in the Special Operations Division, Fang Ming had the power to recommend agents into the division, making them his factions.

During the formative period of the division, leaders like Fang Ming would eagerly recruit capable individuals to strengthen their own factions.

Qiu Tu’s careful maneuver of parading A Tai and steering the conversation towards joining the Special Operations Division was to lure Fang Ming.

If Fang Ming recommended A Tai, Qiu Tu would have a foothold in the most powerful department of the Investigation Department, easing many of his plans.

His past in the scam group taught him that "greed" was humanity's greatest sin. Using "the enemy's greed" was the most powerful weapon in this world.

This approach applied to Fang Ming now and to Yan Chen tonight.

New Realm City had been designated a planning area for only a year, leaving much of the city in disrepair. This, however, didn’t apply to the wealthy districts.

Before the military cleared the underground forces, the future middle and upper management of New Realm City had already sent people to build their residences.

When Qiu Tu drove into Yan Chen’s city villa, he was greeted by a vast garden. The garden was filled with various rare flowers, including mutated spring orchids, mutated rain lilies, and mutated cinerarias, all blooming and fragrant like a vivid oil painting.

Neat shrubs lined the winding paths, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Qiu Tu glanced in the rearview mirror at the dilapidated residential buildings and pothole-ridden streets, feeling like he was looking at two different worlds.

Driving through the garden gates, under the scrutinizing gaze of Security Section agents, Qiu Tu parked the car at the villa entrance.

Fang Ming stepped out first and opened the door for Qin Shuman, who hesitated to leave the car.

After a moment of silence, Qiu Tu gently reassured her, "Miss Qin, don't worry. The Director won’t be angry about you sneaking out. I’ll explain everything tonight."

Qin Shuman looked at him, confused, then seemed to understand and sighed in relief. She got out, holding her skirt.

Qiu Tu watched as Qin Shuman and Fang Ming walked into the dark villa, his gaze deep and unchanging.

He then drove to the backyard, handed the car over to a servant, and entered the villa.

[2:53:51]

Three hours passed quickly.

At 6:15 PM, someone gently knocked on the door of the lounge where Qiu Tu was resting.

Opening the door, Qiu Tu saw a woman in her thirties with a barrel-like waist and dark skin.

Recognizing her as Cuilan, Qin Shuman’s personal maid and the key witness against him, Qiu Tu's eyes flickered.

"Agent Qiu, the Director is calling for you."

Qiu Tu remained calm, glancing at the countdown in the upper left corner of his vision.

[00:18]

This cheat code was indeed precise. When it said five hours, it meant exactly five hours.

Taking a deep breath, he adjusted his uniform collar and softly said, "Thank you."

Cuilan nodded respectfully, but as she turned to lead the way, a smug smile crept across her face.

Qiu Tu noticed the change in her expression but said nothing, his gaze becoming even more profound.

Author's Note