Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!

Chapter 75: Something is Off with This Satisfaction Rate

Of course, Qiu Tu knew exactly what he was requesting.

The items like the [Mist Index Book], [Intangible Aberration Detector], [Void Dimension Mapping Device], and [Retrospective Locator] might sound grandiose, but they were, in fact, common disaster artifacts from the shelter. Their primary function was to investigate traces of supernatural events or powers.

For example, the [Mist Index Book] generated an unusual mist within a certain area, revealing all residual traces of cataclysm powers. The [Intangible Aberration Detector] sensed distortions at the intersection of the Boundless Mind Sea and the real world, typically caused by disaster abilities, allowing it to analyze the power's level and type. The other two artifacts had similar functions, differing only in materials and specific capabilities.

Qiu Tu knew about these artifacts because Qin Shuman had explained them to him the previous night. According to her, these four types were the standard tools used by the shelter's security for investigating supernatural cases. The Security Division had brought two sets when they came down from the shelter, but she wasn’t sure how many the Political Division had. Her guess was that they had some but not a full set.

Thus, when Qiu Tu applied for these resources, he listed all the artifacts to gauge the Political Division's inventory.

With these thoughts, Qiu Tu looked at Jia Shu and replied, "Sir, I understand. These are tools for investigating traces of cataclysm powers."

Jia Shu put down his pen, clasped his hands under his chin, and gave Qiu Tu a probing look. His eyes, narrow and deep behind his glasses, seemed to pierce through Qiu Tu’s soul.

After a full two seconds, a faint smile appeared on Jia Shu's face, and he said, "I remember telling you that as long as this case is closed smoothly, that's enough."

Qiu Tu, prepared for this, answered seriously, "Sir, we must do a thorough job. If this were an ordinary murder case, we could easily pin it on someone and fabricate evidence. But this is a high-profile case, with many important eyes watching."

"I know about cataclysm powers and artifacts. Surely, those prominent figures are also aware of them?"

"If I only conduct a superficial investigation and conclude it as a regular murder without using tools to check for traces of cataclysm powers, do you think they'll believe it?"

"Wouldn’t that be too crude?"

Seeing Jia Shu deep in thought, Qiu Tu continued, "It doesn’t matter to me. I’m just a small figure."

"But I worry that if this case is handled too sloppily and the Municipal Council or the military catch wind of it, it might cause trouble for you and the Director."

By the end, Qiu Tu's voice had softened to a near whisper.

The office fell silent.

Jia Shu pondered quietly.

After a moment, a faint smile appeared on his face. He picked up his pen, made some modifications to the document, and said, "You make a good point. Let’s do it your way."

He handed the revised and signed document to Qiu Tu.

Qiu Tu quickly took the document, his eyes discreetly scanning it: of the four disaster artifacts, only the [Mist Index Book] remained approved, with a one-week usage period.

"By the way, Qiu Tu, where did you learn about these disaster artifacts?"

Jia Shu suddenly asked as Qiu Tu was about to leave, catching him off guard.

Qiu Tu quickly refocused, smiling, and replied, "From the Security Division. Last night, after meeting with them, I learned about these artifacts."

He smoothly lied, "Following your instructions, I reported the strange abilities and erratic behavior of you and the Director. They were very interested."

"During our conversation, they explained a bit about cataclysm powers and artifacts—similar to what you provided me in the materials. Being a curious agent, I asked how these supernatural powers would be investigated if used for murder."

"They introduced me to these commonly used investigation artifacts."

"While forming the investigation team today, I remembered these tools and the possibility of murder by cataclysm powers, so I submitted the application."

Qiu Tu's explanation was flawless, and Jia Shu nodded with his characteristic fake smile, "Understood."

He said, "Now, take this application to the Equipment Section for filing. They will unseal the disaster artifact for you."

"These artifacts are quite dangerous and can’t be easily released, so I will personally collect them tonight."

"I’ll bring it to you afterwards."

Hearing this, Qiu Tu quickly said, "No need, sir. Just call me, and I’ll come to get it."

Jia Shu gave Qiu Tu a faint smile, "Chief Qiu, you certainly know how to behave."

Then he encouraged, "Handle the case well. Don't disappoint me."

Qiu Tu quickly saluted, "Yes, sir!"

Seeing Jia Shu return to his documents, Qiu Tu turned to leave. But at the office door, he paused and turned back to ask, "Sir, you mentioned that the outcome of this case needs to satisfy both the political and business sectors of New Realm City. What if some are satisfied while others are not? Whose satisfaction should I prioritize?"

Jia Shu raised his head slowly, giving Qiu Tu a deep look before calmly saying, "Deputy Chairman Tian."

Understanding the directive, Qiu Tu nodded, "Got it, sir."

With that, he left the office.

After Qiu Tu left, Jia Shu sat quietly for a long time, not returning to his documents. Staring at the spot where Qiu Tu had stood, his face slowly twisted into a maniacal smile, and his eyes turned red with an uncontrollable desire. For a moment, the space seemed to tremble as if something terrible was about to happen.

Realizing his loss of control, Jia Shu took several deep breaths to calm himself. His tongue suddenly extended unnaturally long, licking his lips as he muttered, "Interesting... very interesting."

"But no rush, no rush. Such an intriguing prey must be cultivated well and consumed when fully ripe."

[Jia Shu: Suspicion -0, Satisfaction +5]

Leaving Jia Shu’s office, Qiu Tu noticed the sudden increase in satisfaction. He was puzzled. He replayed his actions in the office and couldn’t pinpoint what he did particularly well to warrant such a rise in satisfaction. It didn’t add up; if he had performed that well, suspicion should have decreased too.

Unable to understand it fully, Qiu Tu decided to keep it in the back of his mind. High satisfaction was generally good, even if he didn’t fully grasp why.

Shrugging it off, Qiu Tu followed Jia Shu's instructions and submitted the revised application to the Equipment Section. With Jia Shu's signature and notes, Chief Huang accepted the form, looking at Qiu Tu even more kindly. It was clear he was starting to see Qiu Tu as one of his own.

Qiu Tu suspected that knowledge of cataclysm powers was a hidden threshold. Being privy to this information signified a level of trust from the higher-ups, making him an insider in the eyes of these middle managers.

With this in mind, Qiu Tu confirmed the weekend meeting with Chief Huang and chatted a bit before leaving the Equipment Section.

After having lunch on the 9th-floor garden terrace, Qiu Tu spent the afternoon finalizing the setup of the investigation team. Given the stir he had caused in the Investigation Department that day, the team was highly motivated.

Qiu Tu didn't waste time, immediately assigning tasks. He looked at the twenty-plus team members and began, "Liu Fuping, Song Qing."

"Here!" The two women stepped forward.

"Go to the Investigation Section and retrieve the case files for this incident."

"Yes!" The two agents saluted and left.

Next, Qiu Tu turned to Chen Feng, "Chen Feng, Zhu Huoyan."

The two men stepped forward, "Here!"

"Go to the morgue, request the autopsy report, and arrange for a private viewing of the body. I might need to examine the corpse myself between this afternoon and tomorrow night."

"Yes!" They saluted and left.

Then Qiu Tu addressed Wang Xi, "Wang Xi, Ding Xiaoliu."

"Here!"

"Go to the Information Surveillance Section and request all surveillance footage related to the deceased from the past two days."

"Yes!"

Qiu Tu continued assigning tasks until only a few agents, including Cao Dabiao, were left in the meeting room. Anxious to contribute, Cao Dabiao quickly approached Qiu Tu, "Sir, what about me?"

Seeing his eagerness, Qiu Tu smiled, "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten you."

He pulled Cao Dabiao aside and spoke softly, "Dabiao, I trust you the most, so I have an important task for you."

Hearing this, Cao Dabiao perked up.

Qiu Tu leaned in and whispered, "I need you to investigate the whereabouts of Deputy Chairman Tian and several transport merchants over the past three days. Find out where they went, who they met, and when they left."

"If possible, also check the movements of their close associates."

Cao Dabiao was initially stunned, then pointed at his chubby face in disbelief, "Me? Investigate Deputy Chairman Tian and those big merchants?"

Qiu Tu "tsk-ed," "Not just you."

Author's Note