"Ha ha ha—"
However, Inspector Wang seemed to have anticipated Inspector Cao's reaction and barbed remarks. Not only was he not annoyed, he burst into delighted laughter. He even pointed at the dossier again and said calmly:
"Brother Cao's concerns are entirely valid. Under normal circumstances, that would indeed be the case."
"It's just that..."
"The situation this time is quite unusual."
"After all, you've been away from the capital for several months, and among this year's candidates, there may be a hidden gem you haven't noticed... Why not look over this examination dossier first, and then we can discuss it?"
"The crucial details will be clear at a glance."
Having said that, he neither put on airs nor offered an explanation. He spoke mildly, yet with the boastful air of someone leading the other man toward a "pleasant surprise."
"Is that so?"
Inspector Cao was puzzled, but seeing how firmly the other man insisted, he couldn't help growing curious.
"Very well!"
"Let's have a look!"
He said no more, took the dossier, opened it, and began reviewing the strictly confidential documents and related examination records.
"Hmm?"
The first thing to catch his eye was a candidate's basic information.
He glanced over it and quietly read aloud:
"Lin Daiyu..."
"Native of Suzhou. Father, Lin Ruhai, an Imperial Salt Inspector for the Two Huai Circuits under the Heavenly Court, and third-place winner in the previous examination..."
"Hmm..."
He gave a slight nod. Clearly, he knew who Lin Ruhai was.
"She's Inspector Lin's daughter?"
"Lin Daiyu?"
"I've heard of her... I heard her mother died young, and she was frail and often ill. She even attracted the attention of physicians from the Heavenly Court's Immortal Medical Bureau. I never expected her to come to the Divine Capital for the Immortal Selection!"
Clearly,