Xiu Er, Seventh Brother Dotes on You

Li Banfeng and Shen Jingye led the hostages out of the restaurant.

Seeing the respectful looks in the eyes of the Public Security Team, Li Banfeng asked, "Little Shen, how are you feeling?"

With a composed gait and a serene smile, Shen Jingye walked toward the group of Public Security Team.

Although he was extremely anxious, Shen Jingye did not miss the opportunity to perform.

Under the watchful eyes of his team members, Shen Jingye explained the situation inside the restaurant, leaving the rest of the work to Chen Changrui. He told the driver to get the car ready quickly, "Director Li, let's go back to the station first to discuss the report."

"What else is there to discuss?" Li Qi didn't quite understand Shen Jingye's meaning. "I've said everything that needs to be said. You just need to think about how to phrase it. Don't be too tactful. Make sure others can understand it."

Shen Jingye with a bitter expression, "Director Li, we can joke about other things, but those two things we discussed before are not to be taken lightly. You must come back to the station with me, Director Li, Director Li—"

Li Banfeng had already disappeared. Shen Jingye rubbed his forehead, got into the car and went back to the bureau to write a report.

The next morning, Shen Jingye came to Li Qi's office and presented Li Qi with the report he had written overnight.

This was a report written by Shen Jingye himself. He didn't want to submit it to Li Qi for review, but he had no choice. This report was of great importance, and he couldn't bear the responsibility if there were any oversights.

After reading the report, Li Qi shook his head repeatedly. "This won't do."

Shen Jingye was very nervous. "Where did the problem lie?"

Li Qi said seriously, "The problem lies in your attitude."

"What's wrong with my attitude?"

"Let's put everything else aside and start with the font," Li Qi said, pulling out the official document management regulations. "What font are the requirements for the main body of our official documents? What font are you using? Such a serious issue, didn't you notice it before?"

Shen Jingye shook his head repeatedly, saying, "Director Li, let's not talk about the font for now; this report is extremely urgent!"

Li Qi shook his head and said, "Don't rush, let's talk about the line spacing. The line spacing for formal writing is between 28 and 32 pounds. Your page is so dense, there's obviously a problem—"

Shen Jingye was very angry, but he didn't dare to grit his teeth, because Li Qi would see him doing so and would continue to correct his attitude.

After verifying that everything was correct, Shen Jingye personally submitted the report. Du Wenming read the report and was also very nervous, "We cannot accept these conditions. Go and call the Balance Person over. There are some things I need to confirm with him in person."

Shen Jingye quickly called Li Qi: "Director Li, Director Du wants to confirm some things with you in person."

Li Qi agreed, "Okay, have him come to my office."

Click!

Li Qi hung up the phone.

Shen Jingye looked at Du Wenming awkwardly.

Du Wenming frowned and said, "Why are you looking at me like that? Call Li Qi over!"

Shen Jingye paused for a moment and then said, "Li Qi, his situation is somewhat special—"

At 2 p. m., Du Wenming and Shen Jingye arrived at Li Banfeng's office.

Shen Jingye introduced the two men, and Li Qi gestured towards the sofa. "Xiao Du, have a seat. Little Shen,..."

Pour the tea.

Shen Jingye's face turned red with anger, but at this critical juncture, he absolutely could not provoke Li Qi.

Shen Jingye poured the tea, Du Wenming glanced at him. "Director Shen, I have a few words I'd like to say to Director Li privately."

Shen Jingye's face turned even redder.

It's not that Du Wenming looks down on him; given the current situation, Shen Jingye is simply not effective here.

Before Shen Jingye left, Du Wenming emphasized again. "Director Shen, the content of our conversation must be kept highly confidential."

Shen Jingye understood and turned off all the surveillance equipment in Li Qi's office.

Actually, it's okay to keep listening. These devices are friends of the projector; they know what to listen to and what not to listen to.

Only Du Wenming and Li Qi remained in the room. Du Wenming was now going to teach this Pro State man a lesson.

"Xiao Li, would you like to know the history of our research on the states of Inner State and Pro State?"

Li Banfeng nodded, took out paper and pen. He was really interested in this matter, but he couldn't find any relevant information.

Du Wenming began by asking a question, "Do you think we knew about Inner State first, or about Pro State first?"

Li Banfeng said, "Common sense tells us it should be Pro State, since geographically Pro State is closer to Outer State."

Du Wenming shook his head and laughed, "You're wrong. We had contact with Inner State very early on, but our contact with Pro State wasn't that long."

For us, the Inner State represents another civilization that existed in the same era as us, but on a different trajectory.

A highly developed civilization

In the process of interaction and collision between the two civilizations, we discovered that there were still many backward ethnic groups who were enslaved and ruled, Pro State was one of them.

In fact, the concept of Pro State did not originally exist in this world. Under the rule of the Inner State, Pro State was simply a series of clearly defined lands.

The geographically connected Green Water Bay and Medicine King Gully originally had no connection. Only after we opened up the passage between the boundaries did they become connected, and only then did the entire Pro State become connected. Do you understand this principle?

Li Banfeng paused for a moment, then asked, "When did you begin contacting Inner State?"

Du Wenming shook his head and said, "I can't tell you the specific time; it's confidential."

Li Banfeng then asked, "When did you begin contacting Pro State?"

Du Wenming shook his head again. "This is also classified information."

Li Banfeng had originally intended to jot down some useful information, but after hearing Du Wenming's words, he put down his pen. "If you don't want to say anything, why did you come to me in the first place?"

Du Wenming frowned slightly. "I want to tell you that we brought hope to Pro State, and only we can bring new life to Pro State."

You are a smart man; you should understand who your friends are and who your enemies are. Pro State can only escape the enslavement of the Inner State by uniting with the Outer State, yet you haven't even figured out your own position.

Can you understand what I'm about to say?

Du Wenming looked at Li Qi meaningfully.

Li Qi looked back at Du Wenming very seriously.

After staring at each other for a long time, Li Qi asked, "Have you finished speaking?"

Du Wenming was very dissatisfied with Li Qi's attitude. "Actually, I don't need to tell you these things. The so-called conditions for withdrawing from the Guanfang Hall are unrealistic, and we cannot agree to them."

There are also the Three-Headed People imprisoned at Three Heads Junction. I know you once housed a group of Three-Headed People in Seven Autumn City, probably because you were attracted by their formidable fighting power. However, these people pose a serious threat to us, and we cannot hand over such a threat to others.

That's all I can say to you. Do you understand what I mean now?

Du Wenming knew his tone was a bit harsh and that Li Qi might be angered, but he believed it was a necessary warning to make Li Qi face reality.

Li Banfeng was not provoked. His tone was very calm. "You are right. You really don't need to say these things to me. You don't need to say anything to me. It's unnecessary for you to come to see me today."

Du Wenming frowned and said, "I'm telling you all this because I still think there's hope for you!"

Li Qi laughed, "Whether I have hope or not has nothing to do with you. As for how you handle these two matters, that's none of my business either."

If you don't want to withdraw the Guanfang Hall, then you won't withdraw. Whether the Inner State will go to war with you is none of my business.

If you don't want to provide those 5,000 people, then you don't have to. How Green Flower handles this matter is none of my business.

I've done my duty as the Balance Person; the rest is up to you. I've said my piece. You don't seem like a very bright person, but you should understand this simple truth, right?

Du Wenming gripped his teacup tightly and remained silent for nearly a minute.

Li Qi smiled and just kept looking at him. "You're right, none of this concerns you. It's pointless for me to tell you all this," Du Wenming said, looking at Li Qi.

He said slowly, "Your concept of strength is not clear enough. Hopefully, it won't be too late when you truly understand it."

After saying that, Du Wenming got up and left Li Qi's office.

Li Qi took a sip of tea and continued to peruse the Dark Star Bureau's documents.

Shen Jingye was still waiting in the corridor when he saw Du Wenming come out and quickly went to greet him.

"Director Du, how's the communication going on your end?"

Du Wenming looked at Shen Jingye and smiled, "Director Shen, it must have been hard on you."

Shen Jingye still didn't quite understand what he meant by making things difficult for him.

Director Du has left; it seems this communication did not go very smoothly.

But to be honest, Shen Jingye didn't care much about the outcome of the communication.

He has already reported what needed to be reported, and he has already arranged for communication. This matter is no longer his concern.

Shen Jingye hummed a little tune as he returned to his office. Li Qi opened the door, glanced at him, and was somewhat disappointed in him.

Little Shen, you've gotten too cocky. I need to find you something to do.

Tangyuan delivered the meeting notice. There is an important meeting at the Dark Star Bureau next Wednesday, and Director Du will be attending.

Li Qi smiled as he looked at the notice: "Little Shen, you've got something going on."

In the evening, Chuunibyou, Tangyuan, and Light Bulb insisted on treating Li Qi to dinner, Li Qi treated them to hot pot.

Li Banfeng has had a deep fascination with hot pot since he was a child. He imagines a red pot with a little chimney inside, and he believes that the best food in the world must be contained there.

But for Li Banfeng at that time, this delicacy could only exist in his imagination.

During dinner, the three of them asked about what had happened that night.

Li Banfeng hesitated whether or not to tell them.

Given their current strength, knowing too much is really not a good thing for them.

But if they knew nothing, Li Banfeng was very worried about their future situation.

"If you have any missions in the future, be sure to inform me in advance, even if it's a special operation." This is the only advice Li Banfeng can give them at the moment.

But Chuunibyou raised a crucial question, "Director Li, will you stay with the Dark Star Bureau indefinitely?"

This young man always speaks so bluntly and to the point.

Seeing that Li Banfeng remained silent, the Light Bulb quickly changed the subject. "If you ask me, I might as well go to Pro State with Director Li in the future. I really like Pro State."

Tangyuan bit her lip and didn't say anything.

Li Banfeng laughed and said, "You still want to go to Pro State? Haven't you suffered enough yet?"

The Light Bulb chuckled, "With Seventh Master looking after me, how could I possibly suffer?"

Chuunibyou said, "Whether Director Li is willing to help me or not, I have to go to Pro State to see it, otherwise I will regret it for the rest of my life."

Li Banfeng was silent for a moment, then picked up a slotted spoon and scooped a full spoonful of meat for Chuunibyou: "Eat first."

Back at his residence, Li Banfeng went to his bedroom on the second floor and opened a jar.

This jar is specifically used to hold Ghost Servant, and inside the jar is Actor Cultivator.

"Seventh Master, what are your orders?" Actor Cultivator, her head bowed, looking very nervous.

Li Qi asked, "How much of your technique do you have left?"

Actor Cultivator was a ghost, and compared to her life, her skills must have been diminished. In front of Li Qi, Actor Cultivator dared not hide anything and truthfully explained her condition:

"Sir, as for how much technique I have left, I can't say for sure. As for how much skill I have left, that depends on whether I'm impersonating a type of person or just one person."

If I were to disguise myself as a certain type of person—for example, a farmer, a factory worker, a shopkeeper, a street vendor, a robber, a beggar, or a shady character—I definitely wouldn't give myself away.

But if you asked me to impersonate someone, I wouldn't dare boast, but as long as I don't run into anyone I know, I could get about 60-70% convincing.

That's very true; it's much easier to pretend to be a type of person than to pretend to be a person.

Li Banfeng nodded and said, "Then I've come to the right person. I need you to impersonate one type of person first, and then impersonate another person. It's just that the quality of being six or seven parts is a bit lacking. Fortunately, the person I'm having you impersonate doesn't have any acquaintances in Outer State."

The Actor Cultivator asked, "Have I ever seen this person you're talking about?"

Li Banfeng brought over a projector and played a video. "I asked you to impersonate him, is it difficult?"

Actor Cultivator glanced at him and was immediately terrified. "This is— Green Flower? I, I dare not impersonate him!"

"What are you afraid of?"

The Actor Cultivator, trembling, said, "Who is Green Flower? If he finds out, he'll terrify me!"

Li Qi comforted Actor Cultivator, saying, "Don't worry, Green Flower is my friend. I've discussed this with him, and he's agreed."

Even Actor Cultivator, Li Banfeng dared not disobey his nature. He carefully studied several key scenes and used his acting skills to transform himself into the shape of Green Water Bow.

Actually, Green Flower is not difficult to impersonate because his characteristics are very prominent. As long as you grasp his characteristics, you can grasp the key elements of his appearance.

However, his ability to Actor Cultivator is not what it used to be. At first glance, he still looks quite similar, but upon closer inspection, many details are quite different.

Li Banfeng brought over the pendulum-shaped makeup box and began touching up the makeup of the Actor Cultivator, bit by bit.

This task should have been done by the pendulum, but the pendulum is being reforged. Li Banfeng has practiced his painting skills for so long and has mastered many techniques.

Working until late at night, Li Banfeng had the projector do a comparison test.

Regarding the character's appearance, the projector was always picky. After comparing for about ten minutes, the projector said, "If this is a stuntman, I think this person's appearance is not perfect, but it is excellent."

Being excellent is enough; there aren't that many perfect things in the world.

Li Banfeng brought out two grayish-white pills and handed them to Actor Cultivator: "These two pills must be used very carefully. I will arrange a route for you. Starting tomorrow, we will practice repeatedly. We must not make the slightest mistake."

A week has passed, and the higher-ups have neither mentioned the removal of the Guanfang Hall nor the matter of the 5,000 people, clearly intending to stall the matter.

They didn't mention it, and Li Banfeng didn't urge them.

The Dark Star Bureau held a meeting, chaired by Shen Jingye, with Du Wenming also in attendance.

The meeting lasted until 7 p. m., and remarkably, Li Qi did not cause any trouble during the meeting.

Not only did Li Banfeng not cause any trouble, he also helped Shen Jingye put Du Wenming in the car.

After seeing Du Wenming off, Li Qi returned to his office and called Shen Jingye: "Little Shen, I'd like to invite you to dinner tonight. Would you do me the honor?"

Li Qi never forces anyone. If Shen Jingye agrees, the two of them will have a meal together. If he doesn't agree, Li Qi will go to his office, tie him up, and then have a meal together.

Shen Jingye agreed.

It was rare for Li Qi to show goodwill. Although he couldn't be sure if Li Qi had other motives, even if he did, it was just a meal and wouldn't cause any trouble.

The two didn't go far. They went to a nearby restaurant and ate a simple meal. They ordered a private room, a few dishes, and chatted about work while eating.

Shen Jingye's heart was always in suspense whenever he met Li Qi, especially after what happened with Green Flower. After all, he was the one who tricked Li Qi, and he must still have some lingering resentment about it.

But Li Qi didn't bring up this topic during the meal. Instead, he talked about small things at work. Gradually, the two relaxed, and Shen Jingye even talked about some of his experiences in Pro State.

"When I went to Pro State, unlike Tangyuan and the others, we didn't have such good conditions. The Guanfang Hall sent us out to work directly, and they wouldn't let us reveal our identities. As a result, after only two days of work, we offended the Azure Cloud Society."

At that time—

Just as they were getting into the conversation, Shen Jingye's phone rang. It was Du Wenming calling.

Shen Jingye composed himself before answering the phone. "Director Du, you wanted to see me? --- You mean there's a problem on your end?"

"You're looking for Director Li? Director Li is with me, Director Du. Please don't worry, I'll let Director Li take the call!"

Du Wenming is stuck inside the office building.

Not only could he not get out, but everyone in the entire building was trapped.

Du Wenming was on his way back from a meeting at the Dark Star Bureau when a traffic policeman signaled him to pull over.

The driver was very dissatisfied. He had been driving according to the rules and hadn't made any mistakes along the way. What did it mean to ask him to stop now?

Du Wenming also reminded the driver, "Don't be temperamental, cooperate with their work."

The driver pressed the window switch, and the window slowly rolled down. The traffic policeman who had been standing outside the window suddenly changed his appearance.

The uniform was gone, replaced by a tattered set of clothes.

The ticket in his hand disappeared and turned into a bowl.

In the blink of an eye, the person outside the window transformed into a Qi Gong, his face covered in large sores oozing green pus, yet he wore a smile, seemingly begging.

The driver exclaimed in surprise, "Who are you?"

Traffic police officer outside the window. "What do you mean?"

Upon closer inspection, the driver realized that the officers outside were still traffic police, nothing had changed.

Did I see wrong? Or am I seeing things?

The driver was stunned for a moment. The traffic police asked them a few simple questions and then let them go.

Walking on the road, the driver didn't dare to say anything, assuming he had just misread the image.

Du Wenming asked, "That person just now seemed a bit off."

Upon hearing this, the driver quickly said, "He looks like he's suddenly turned into a Qi Gong; his face is covered in pustules!"

Du Wenming was shocked and quickly told the driver to turn around and follow the person from before.

But when they returned to the previous intersection, the person had already disappeared.

Back in the office building, Du Wenming developed a fever, and his subordinates also developed fevers, while the driver even developed a rash.

This is a serious matter, a matter of life and death.

Du Wenming immediately called Kang Zhenchang. After Kang Zhenchang arrived, he made a preliminary diagnosis and ordered Du Wenming to seal off the building immediately. No one was allowed to enter or leave without permission.

"This is a lesion of the Green Water Bow. As for the extent of the lesion, further examination is needed."

"Doctor Kang, please double-check."

Kang Zhenchang said, "The source of the lesions has been confirmed; it is Green Water Bow. I dealt with him in Pro State for a long time, and I am absolutely certain that I can identify his lesions. What you need to do now is rest in bed and immediately report the incident to your superiors and take immediate emergency measures to prevent the pathogen from spreading."

Report?

How should I report this?

There are still too many unclear questions surrounding this whole incident.

Du Wenming immediately called Li Qi, but the call went unanswered.

This matter is definitely related to Li Qi; that kid is hiding now!

He called Shen Jingye again, only to find that Li Qi was having dinner with Shen Jingye.

Upon answering the phone, Li Qi was very polite. "Xiao Du, is there something you need?"

Du Wenming didn't know where to begin. "Director Li, I've run into some issues here, and I hope you can cooperate with our investigation."

Du Wenming recounted the events.

Li Qi smiled and said, "At this critical juncture, why are you still talking to me about cooperation?"

"Xiao Du, I can't help you with this. We've made things very clear before. You two handle this yourselves; it has nothing to do with me."

After saying that, Li Qi handed the phone back to Shen Jingye.

Du Wenming asked on the phone, "Director Shen, when did you and Li Qi go to the restaurant?"

Shen Jingye said, "We came after the meeting, around 7:20. There's nothing else going on, so we just had a simple meal, and we paid for it ourselves."

Du Wenming compared the time points and found that he encountered Green Water Bow at 7:50.

Could this have nothing to do with Li Qi?

Impossible. More or less, it must have something to do with him.

"Director Shen, please calm Li Qi down and try to communicate with him. The Green Water Bow has reappeared in Yuezhou. You must find out the cause and effect of the matter from him."

"Okay." Shen Jingye hung up the phone and remained silent for a moment.

Li Qi asked, "You just said that you offended the Azure Cloud Society back then, but that's not the end of the story yet."

"This matter," Shen Jingye thought for a moment, "Do you know Han Yaomen, the First Boss of the Azure Cloud Society?"

"I know him," Li Qi nodded. "He's a ruthless guy."

"That guy is ruthless!" Shen Jingye agreed. "I really didn't mean to, but Han Yaomen wouldn't let it go and insisted on breaking my arm."

Later, when I had no other choice, I revealed my identity, and the situation calmed down. In the process, I suffered quite a bit!

Li Qi nodded and said, "Han Yaomen is really capable of doing such things. Azure Cloud Society is indeed ruthless!"

Shen Jingye talked about this topic until the end of dinner, and he didn't say anything about the things Du Wenming had told him.

Li Qi had already explained the whole story: the Green Water Bow required 5,000 people, to be delivered within five days.

Five days have passed, the person hasn't been delivered, and something went wrong. What's the point of asking questions now?

Du Wenming can just ask me any question and I can get the answer for you?

Is Li Qi really that easy to talk to?

Shen Jingye understood his position and his responsibilities. After dinner, everyone went home, and he would not take any action until he received clearer instructions.

The next day at noon, Shen Jingye received the document. After reading it, he immediately relayed its contents to Li Qi: "Five thousand men, the higher-ups have agreed. The removal of the Soda Kiln Guanfang Hall has also been agreed upon."

Li Qi: "So quick?"

He was genuinely surprised; he hadn't expected that the Soda Kiln project would be completed all at once.

Shen Jingye said, "The higher-ups want us to contact Green Water Bow as soon as possible, explain the situation, that personnel deployment takes time, and ask him not to take any drastic actions."

I also hope you can go to Three Heads Junction as soon as possible and deliver the personnel to Green Water City. The matter is urgent, and I really need your help."

Li Qi said seriously, "This is an inescapable responsibility for the Balance Person. You should arrange for people to make the necessary preparations."

In the He Family, He Yuxiu was listening to the accountant Sheng Shanzhou report on the accounts.

Mother Liu had prepared the bedding for He Yuxiu. After hearing the accounts, He Yuxiu fell asleep immediately and was sure she wouldn't have insomnia.

After enduring more than half an hour, Sheng Shanzhou finally finished reading. He Yuxiu walked upstairs in a daze. Just as she got into bed, she suddenly heard a sound from the window.

Who is this? Daring to sneak into my house in the middle of the night?

It's that little brat He Jiaqing again?

He Yuxiu grabbed a candlestick from beside the bed and swung it at her. After two exchanges, she missed, but then heard her opponent shout, "How dare you! You even hit me! Have you lost all family discipline?"

"Seventh Brother?" He Yuxiu was very surprised when she heard the voice.

"Call me Seventh Brother when no one's around!" Li Qi lit a match and lit the candle.

Seeing that Li Qi was covered in mud and water, He Yuxiu quickly brought him a towel. "Seventh Brother, hurry up and wipe yourself off. I'll find someone to change your clothes."

"Don't rush to change your clothes. Find someone to get you some food, and don't tell anyone I'm here." Li Banfeng had run all the way from Xindi without even having time to eat.

He Yuxiu asked Mother Liu to prepare a late-night snack, and Mother Liu asked curiously, "Miss, didn't they all go to sleep just now?"

He Yuxiu said impatiently, "Stop asking. I'm hungry. Hurry up and get ready."

Mother Liu prepared a plate of sausages, a plate of roast chicken, a plate of mutton, and a plate of green vegetables, which He Yuxiu carried into the house herself.

While eating, Li Qi asked, "Xiu Er, let me ask you something: what level is your cultivation?"

He Yuxiu smiled sheepishly, "Seventh Brother, as anyone who knows me knows, I am an eighth-level martial arts cultivator."

Li Qi laughed, "A martial artist at the eighth level attacks with such ferocity?"

He Yuxiu was a little embarrassed. "Didn't you startle me just now? I didn't think twice before I attacked. 'Is it really the eighth level?'"

"Would I lie to you?"

"You really aren't lying to me?" Li Qi pulled out the Feather Duster.

He Yuxiu shuddered and waved her hands repeatedly, saying, "No, Seventh Brother, let's talk this over. I haven't neglected my cultivation these past years. If you're talking about the eighth level, it might be more than that."

"You're quite tactful," Li Qi sneered. "It's already Ninth Layer, isn't it?"

He Yuxiu lowered her voice and said, "This matter cannot be known by others. I don't want to be targeted by Inner State."

In Pro State, if a cultivator at the Ninth Layer leaks information, they are easily targeted by the Inner State.

Li Banfeng earnestly advised, "Xiu Er, it's only a matter of time before they target you. Hiding like this isn't a solution."

He Yuxiu's eyes lit up. "You have a good idea?"

Li Banfeng nodded and said, "Xiu Er, do you want to be Local Earth God?"

He Yuxiu pondered for a moment and said, "I can't do it if I have to go to Inner State to be a slave or servant. I'm not cut out for that."

"What if we don't have to go to Inner State?"

He Yuxiu asked with delight, "Is there really such a good thing?"

Li Banfeng laughed, "You really dote on your Seventh Brother, you really did get to experience this good thing."