After returning to the Eerie Investigation Bureau, Ning Xu first went to the restroom, took off her gray coat and black jeans, and changed back into the investigators' all-black uniform.
She entered the "Archive Room," sat down at her own workstation, and added the name "Qi Si" to a list labeled "relatively dangerous, but may be considered for recruitment."
She spent some more time looking over the newly added database entries before turning and heading out toward the offices.
As soon as she turned the corner, she heard a hubbub coming from the direction of the main entrance, even from far away.
Interested, Ning Xu changed course and headed toward the commotion.
More than a dozen investigators had gathered in a circle there. Most were watching the spectacle, while two were holding up a banner, preparing to hang it from the ceiling.
Ning Xu stepped closer and saw the words on the banner: "Welcome Headquarters' Fu Jue for His Guidance." She could not help but smile.
As the chief player of the Eerie Game and captain of the action team at the Eerie Investigation Bureau headquarters, Fu Jue traveled throughout the various district branches year-round, either handling eerie incidents or inspecting their work. It was nothing unusual.
Ordinarily, his inspection of the Jiang City branch should have taken place in June, but for some reason, it had been moved up by two months this year.
The banner was finally hung crookedly from the ceiling, its dangling edge swaying faintly.
Several investigators began whispering among themselves.
"Of all times, he had to come now. He's probably seen that we wiped out Sariel's forces and achieved something, so he's here to take the credit."
"Fu Jue always wears that selfless look, acting like everything he does is for the benefit of all