Dancing Through the Snow

Li Banfeng boarded the special train the next day and arrived at the Dark Star Bureau on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year.

Entering his office, Li Banfeng called Director Shen. "Little Shen, come to my office." Shen Jingye had no complaints this time, because Li Banfeng's rank had changed, putting him a full grade above him.

Shen Jingye thanked him as soon as they met. "Director Li, I don't know how to repay the debt of saving my life. If there's ever anything you need me for, just say the word."

The life-saving favor he spoke of referred to Li Qi's arrangements after he had left Gourd Village. That series of arrangements had left him with a reasonable explanation, allowing him to keep his position without being subjected to excessive investigation.

Li Banfeng smiled. "Who saved you? It was Director Shen who fought bravely and escaped the Dark Dimension Space on his own." Shen Jingye sighed. "That story has been smoothed over, and I'm fine now, but the Dark Star Bureau is about to be finished."

"What happened to the Dark Star Bureau?" The bureau had recently handled cases very efficiently and had even received commendations some time ago. Shen Jingye explained, "The higher-ups have established the Outer Bright Bureau, which will soon take over all of the Dark Star Bureau's work."

"What kind of background does the Outer Bright Bureau have?"

Shen Jingye gave its full name. "The External Civilization Investigation and Research Bureau."

The moment he heard that name, Li Banfeng found it familiar. "How is that any different from the Dark Matter Research Lab and the Dark Star Special Operations Team? Isn't this just pointless tossing around?" Shen Jingye let out a long sigh. "There's no essential difference. It represents the higher-ups' determination to