Then Don't Blame Me

"Oh, right, we were just talking about your sister…"

As Le Yu put on his clothes, preparing to leave, Yin Yinyin suddenly called out to him.

For some reason, Le Yu felt like this conversation was eerily familiar.

"Did you listen carefully to Dong Heng and Kui Zhao's conversation?"

"Not really. All my attention was focused on locking onto that lamppost," Le Yu shook his head. Qian Yuliu himself wasn't particularly skilled at being an ADC—whether it was throwing or shooting. The reason Le Yu could hit the lamppost with a single stone was entirely due to him spending over ten seconds of Mental Power to lock on.

This was a shallow application of Mental Power, essentially Le Yu simulating his throwing trajectory, slowly finding the precise force and angle that would guarantee a 100% hit.

It was only because Le Yu was a close-quarters combatant that he needed such a long lock-on time. For practitioners of Flying Flower Combat Arts, instantly locking onto a stationary target was almost instinctual. Even achieving 100% accuracy on a moving target took less than three seconds of lock-on. It was said that casually throwing chopsticks to pin mosquitoes was one of the traditional pastimes for army snipers.

Aside from the mental effort required to lock onto a target, Le Yu had another unspoken reason—tonight was his first time proactively attacking, and he felt a certain degree of nervousness.

In previous battles, whether they were Statistics Department missions or chance encounters, Le Yu had always been in a "can't not fight" state, so there was nothing to say; he just charged in. But this time, Le Yu was ambushing others, and the danger level was quite high. It felt like the thrill of "after a thousand days of guarding against thieves, it's finally my turn to be the thief," which naturally made him a little excited and nervous.

"According to Dong Heng, there will likely only be a few train departures from Star Engraving Prefecture to Yan Capital in the near future—perhaps even just one," Yin Yinyin said. "In fact, in recent months, train services between Morning Wind District and Yan Capital have gradually decreased, sometimes only two or three trips a month. This is probably a consensus between Ding Yi and Lu Zhong: to sever the connection between Morning Wind District and the Yan Capital center."

Le Yu was shocked. "They haven't rebelled yet, have they? Can they just cut off transportation if they want to?"

Yin Yinyin replied, "There are too many reasons. Anti-Light Rebels, Sea Barbarian harassment, or finding that the tracks are old and in disrepair—the imperial throne in Yan Capital is undecided, and until they introduce a new emperor, until the rebellion in the sky calms down, the small actions in Morning Wind District won't attract attention."

"But for Lu Zhong and Ding Yi, preventing local magnates from fleeing to Yan Capital and binding them to their cause is an extremely profitable choice. Controlling the right to migrate is equivalent to controlling their lifelines. They see it very clearly: once they determine the victor in this struggle and control the entire Morning Wind District, they will inevitably have a major reshuffle of the area. At that time, they will need not only financial resources but also talent. And these magnates, whether voluntarily or forced to participate in this struggle, will be the future foundation of Morning Wind District."

"This train, I'm afraid, is an unspoken agreement between Lu Zhong and Ding Yi. They are allowing some of the magnates' children to leave Morning Wind District as a fallback, so that those who remain will wholeheartedly follow them."

"So, if you want your sister to leave Star Engraving Prefecture to study in Yan Capital, that train a few days from now is probably your only chance."

Le Yu asked weakly, "Can I buy a ticket normally…?"

"Of course not, you'll need connections," Yin Yinyin said. "But that's not an issue. I can help you find the connections to get one. The next time I look for you, I'll give you the ticket. All you need to do is make sure your sister gets on the train on time."

"Hmm…" Le Yu sighed. "About that, I have a bit of a problem."

"What kind of problem?"

Le Yu briefly explained Qian Yuya's 'special feelings' for him, which even made the usually expressionless Yin Yinyin show a surprised look.

"I can't help you with that. You'll have to figure it out yourself."

He paused, then added, "Truly, birds of a feather flock together."

The next day, Le Yu went to work and found that there were no towering waves as he had imagined; instead, everything was calm.

Someone casually mentioned, "I heard Dong Heng died," but no one pressed further. After all, murder cases had nothing to do with the Statistics Department, and Dong Heng's presence wasn't particularly strong. For example, Chen Fu foolishly asked, "Who's Dong Heng? Does it have anything to do with me?"—It was clear that Chen Fu was quite a qualified Statistics Department agent; his first reaction when he heard someone died was, "It wasn't me who killed them, was it?"

Of course, that was just barely passing.

An excellent Statistics Department agent's first reaction upon hearing someone died should be, "Can I use this as an opportunity?"

Le Yu sat by the window in his second-floor office at the Statistics Department, watching an armed pickup truck pull into the courtyard. The agents escorted the prisoners out of the vehicle and into Building Two of the Statistics Department—also known as the "Bottomless Pit," because it was the Statistics Department's detention center.

Neither Le Yu nor Qian Yuliu had ever been inside Building Two. The soundproofing and sanitation in Building Two were quite good; there were no outward signs of anything amiss. In fact, the Statistics Department didn't have the right to detain prisoners long-term; they could only hold them for 72 hours, after which they were either released or sent to the Judicial Department for formal legal proceedings.

But few people left the Statistics Department's detention center 'normally.' Don't misunderstand, the Statistics Department was a law-abiding agency and wouldn't use private torture on suspects. At least, those who emerged from Building Two were physically normal.

However… don't forget, the medical officers in this world could bring the Living Dead back to life and reattach severed limbs. Moreover, even without harming the body, there were many ways to play. For example, Le Yu discovered he could control light to 'permeate' his fingernails, and with only a slight exertion of force, his fingernails would slowly be pried up.

Just thinking about it made him wince.

Despite this, Le Yu didn't feel any sympathy for the people about to be sent into the 'Bottomless Pit' below. He asked, "If I'm not mistaken, these people seem to be…"

"The masterminds behind the White Wave Gang, the Yuan Family," Chen Fu beside him explained. "The dockworkers at Sea Pearl Port all have to pay protection money to the White Wave Gang. They claim half the port belongs to them. The gang has many misdeeds; murder and arson are commonplace. I heard there was even a major case where they coveted ship cargo and directly slaughtered the crew… The Judicial Department has had many clashes with the White Wave Gang, and Dong Heng was also at odds with the Yuan Family."

After his previous blunder, Chen Fu had also looked into the Judicial Department's affairs and analyzed, "Perhaps Deputy Director Kui thinks the White Wave Gang hired someone to kill? But shouldn't this case be handled by the Judicial Department themselves? Why did it end up with the Statistics Department again… Luckily, it's not our responsibility."

Le Yu looked at the long-braided Kui Zhao below, wondering if Kui Zhao had really been fooled by Yin Yinyin's words? Did he believe Yin Yinyin was just a killer who took money to solve problems for others?

Would he then assume that the two assassins from last night had already left Star Engraving Prefecture through special channels overnight to avoid his pursuit? Would he give up the investigation because of this?

Just then, Kui Zhao suddenly turned his head and glanced at the Statistics Department building, his gaze meeting Le Yu's.

Kui Zhao's expression remained as gloomy as ever, as if the whole world owed him a wife. Le Yu's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't dare turn away immediately, as that would seem too guilty. So, he turned to Chen Fu and asked, "Hey, look at Deputy Director Kui's braid, doesn't it look like a dog's tail?"

Chen Fu stared blankly at Le Yu. "Brother Qian, didn't you get that backward… No, even if it were reversed… At this distance, Deputy Director Kui might be able to hear us."

"What's there to be afraid of? I'm a Coastal Lieutenant in the Coastal Army now, Director Lan's capable subordinate. Can Deputy Director Kui instantly kill me? Can he really instantly kill me?" Le Yu's confidence grew as he spoke.

That's right, although Kui Zhao is a Deputy Director, I'm at least a captain, and I have Lan Yan backing me! Not to mention Kui Zhao probably doesn't recognize me. Even if he does, as long as he can't find concrete evidence, what can he do to me?

Ding-a-ling-ling—The internal phone rang. Ai Lili answered it, a surprised smile spreading across her face. She called out, "Captain, the Director wants you in his office!"

See? Le Yu shot Chen Fu a smug look, then strutted confidently to the Director's office on the third floor.

Pushing the door open, Lan Yan, who was handling official documents, immediately stopped his work, pushed up his glasses, and smiled. "Captain Qian, good afternoon."

"Director, is there something you need me to do?" Le Yu asked.

"Sit down first, no rush." Lan Yan gestured for Le Yu to sit opposite him, then lowered his head to look at the messy documents on his desk and sighed helplessly. "Honestly, there's too much I want to ask of you. As you know, the situation in Star Engraving Prefecture has been very tense lately. It's a tangled mess: the Anti-Light Rebels, the local magnate families, and the series of reactions caused by the lockdown… I wish I could split myself into ten to deal with all these things."

"The more capable, the more responsibility," Le Yu shamelessly flattered him.

"Let's not get into that right now." Lan Yan spun his pen, then suddenly asked, "Yuliu, I heard you have a younger sister? Is she about to graduate from high school?"

The way you ask that makes me a little scared… Le Yu nodded.

Lan Yan continued, "How are her grades? Which department does she want to apply to?"

"Quite good, getting into Cultural Academy won't be a problem. She hopes to study in the Medical Officer Department."

"Our Star Engraving Prefecture's Cultural Academy is decent, but for the Medical Officer Department, Royal Academy is still the most advanced and cutting-edge."

Le Yu chuckled, "Which department at Royal Academy isn't the most advanced and cutting-edge?"

Lan Yan nodded, smiling, "You're right... So, does your sister plan to go to Yan Capital to apply for Royal Academy? The Royal Academy entrance exam seems to be in just over ten days."

Le Yu suddenly felt a bad premonition, forcing a smile, "It's not that she doesn't... but isn't Star Engraving Prefecture under lockdown right now?"

"The lockdown won't last too long, but even if the state of readiness is lifted, there won't be many train services from Star Engraving Prefecture to Yan Capital. In the near future, there's only one, departing in eight days, which would just make it for the Royal Academy entrance exam." Lan Yan said seriously, "If you want your sister to take the Royal Academy entrance exam and strive for a future, I can get you a ticket."

Though Lan Yan's attitude was as refreshing as a spring breeze, Le Yu only felt a chill down his spine, like a death row inmate eating their last McDonald's family meal, feeling only profound dread. Yet, he couldn't possibly refuse Lan Yan's kindness, or rather, refusing would be useless. He could only bite the bullet and nod, "Thank you for your consideration, Director."

"It's no trouble at all. You're my capable assistant, so naturally, I'll look out for you." Lan Yan said gently, "Now that personal matters are discussed, it's time to talk about official business."

"Please, go ahead."

"The lockdown will end soon, but afterward, Star Engraving Prefecture won't open all six gates. Only the 'Twilight Gate' passage in the northwest will be open. Originally, the Judicial Department was responsible for gate access, but Director Dong died yesterday, so the Prefect handed the inspection task to me, and I believe you, Yuliu, are the best candidate."

Lan Yan tapped the table with his finger. "If Lu Zhong wants to dismantle Star Engraving Prefecture from within, the only opportunity he can seize is this period after the lockdown ends. I need you to thoroughly inspect all incoming and outgoing personnel, and all incoming and outgoing goods. No dangerous individuals or prohibited items can enter Star Engraving Prefecture."

"No matter whose order it is, it's useless, even if it's Prefect Ding's personal decree! You must clearly verify all incoming personnel, open all incoming goods, and have all officers thoroughly inspect them! Do you understand?"

"Understood."

Lan Yan pushed up his glasses. "I trust you won't disappoint me."

When Le Yu emerged from the Director's office, he happened to run into Kui Zhao passing by.

The two made eye contact, and Kui Zhao stopped, suddenly asking, "I heard you have a younger sister?"

This is the third time I've heard this conversation today... Le Yu nodded speechlessly.

"Once the lockdown ends, send her away as soon as possible," Kui Zhao strode past, leaving behind a strange remark, "Don't leave yourself too many weaknesses."

Le Yu looked at Kui Zhao's retreating back, somewhat bewildered, wondering if that sentence was a threat or advice.

And Lan Yan actually gave me the gate inspection task, with such strict requirements. This is going to be a huge hassle...

He returned to the Team One office, preoccupied. Chen Fu came over and said, "It's almost quitting time. We haven't had dinner together in a while. I'll treat tonight. Let's go to Sister Xu's Tavern for a good meal."

"No, I need to go home and eat with my sister."

"Oh, right, you have a sister... Ah!"

Chen Fu took a step back, rubbing his head, which had just been smacked. He asked, feeling both wronged and confused, "Why did you hit me?"

"I can't beat those three, but can't I beat you?" Le Yu mumbled softly, packing his things. "Anyway, I'm eating with my sister. If you want to treat me to a meal, make it lunch."

Chen Fu thought for a moment and said, "Then how about I just come over to your place for dinner tonight?"

"No..." Le Yu subconsciously wanted to refuse, but then a brilliant idea suddenly struck him. He immediately changed his tune: "That's so like you! Come on, let's go!"

Leaving the Statistics Department after work, Le Yu cautioned Chen Fu on the way, "Chen Fu, your way with words is quite good. You must have talked bad about people quite a bit, haven't you?"

"Of course... not! How could I possibly talk bad about people?" Chen Fu shook his head vigorously.

Heh, so the gossip I heard was the result of your righteous investigation, then?

Le Yu continued, "In short, when we eat later, with a proud tone, exaggerated voice, and profound yet simple recitation technique, you'll recount all the bad things we've done, describe how evil we are, and how miserable our victims were. Got it?"

"Why?" Chen Fu looked bewildered. "Isn't your sister there? That would be so embarrassing."

It's precisely because she's there that I'm telling you to say it!

Le Yu's idea was quite simple: Right now, Qian Yuya thinks her brother is a 'bad guy who, though bad, still has flashes of humanity,' doesn't she? Then let Chen Fu shatter her foolish illusions and make her deeply realize that her brother is a complete scoundrel who brings ruin upon his family!

Then, if I say a few more inhumane things, Qian Yuya should completely give up on her brother, leave this sorrowful place obediently, and begin her legendary life in Yan Capital!

"Just say it when I tell you to, stop wasting words." Le Yu gave Chen Fu a direct whack. "Do more, ask less. Do you think I'd trick you?"

The two arrived at the Qian Family home. As Le Yu pulled open the horizontal bar, Qian Yuya, wearing an apron, emerged from the backyard. "You're back?"

She saw a stranger, wiped her hands on her apron, and asked doubtfully, "He is..."

"My capable assistant at the Statistics Department, Chen Fu! All my achievements today are thanks to Brother Chen Fu's help!" Le Yu praised Chen Fu effusively. Chen Fu, flattered, humbly shook his head, feeling that the spot on his head that had just been smacked didn't hurt much anymore.

However, Qian Yuya's expression turned cold. "Oh, a shameless scoundrel who sells his life to the Statistics Department."

Before Chen Fu could speak, Le Yu jumped in, "Qian Yuya, I've tolerated you for a long time! You can scold me, fine! But if you scold my brother—"

"Then don't scold me."

Chen Fu, who was about to advise Le Yu not to get angry: "?"

PS: 4000-character big chapter!

It's Sunday today, please allow me to slack off a bit.