Ah-Fu knew that Qin Heng was unwell and couldn't stay outside for long, so he hurriedly came forward and whispered his report, "Master, three hours ago, the guards reported that Agent Qiu had summoned two people over."
"Half an hour later, those two people left carrying a sack."
"An hour ago, the servants reported that Miss Shuman's personal maid Cui Lan has gone missing."
"She said she was going out for a walk around 9 o'clock tonight, but she has not returned. I've arranged for people to search everywhere, but there's no trace of her. All the ponds and wells have been checked as well, with no sign of her."
"But a servant recalled that three hours ago, she was seen heading to the courtyard where the Security Team was staying...."
Ah-Fu didn't finish his sentence, but the implication was clear.
Qin Heng muttered to himself expressionlessly, "Cui Lan...?"
"Isn't she the maid we hired to serve Miss Shuman?"
Ah-Fu reminded him in a low voice, "Master, have you forgotten? The maid sent to serve Miss Shuman was returned the same day after being sent to Director Yan's villa."
"So, Cui Lan is a maid personally used by Director Yan."
Qin Heng's expression darkened instantly, "Did he bring her from the Sanctuary?"
This time, Ah-Fu clearly hesitated for a second, then remembering Cui Lan's plump, dark complexion, he shook his head, "She shouldn't be."
Qin Heng's expression eased slightly, and after pondering for a moment, he said, "Then tell the second brother. Let them deal with the internal affairs of the Investigation Bureau themselves."
Ah-Fu took the order, "Yes."
Qin Heng coughed twice again, then turned around and went back to his room.
After a while, a woman's concerned low voice came from the room, "What's wrong?"
Qin Heng replied softly, "It's nothing, just a minor issue."
The woman responded with a "Hmm".
The room gradually quieted down, and the blue moonlight, like water, spilled over the entire Qin Family Mansion....
A silent night passed.
Early the next morning, Qiu Tu got out of bed and habitually glanced at the two hourglass timers in the upper left corner.
In the timers, the first was for the time Director Yan Chen had given him to investigate the Qin family's crimes. Six days left.
The second was for the Cataclysmic Potion's preparation time, about 57 hours remaining.
'Calculating the time, the Qin family should have reported Cui Lan's death to Yan Chen by now?'
'Then, his reaction should be seen soon....'
'By then, I'll know if I guessed right...'
Thinking this, Qiu Tu got up, freshened up, then went out of his room to have breakfast.
To accommodate the Security Team, the Qin family had set up a small kitchen in the courtyard. Every morning, the small kitchen would be ready with meals for the Security Team to eat.
During breakfast, Qiu Tu and Fang Ming sat at the same table.
While eating with his head down, Fang Ming said in a muted voice, "Qiu Tu, to be honest, I admire you."
"When I first met you, you were just a regular detective, and it seemed like you had offended the Bureau Chief's woman, earning his dislike."
"But that same night, you turned the tables. Not only were you transferred to the Political Department, but you were also promoted."
"At the time, I was surprised and curious."
"But unexpectedly, in just one day the situation turned around again. You were appointed as the Security Team Captain, escorting Qin Shuman back to the Qin family."
"Although I'm not sure what you're peddling in that gourd of yours, any clear-eyed person knows this is a setup for disaster."
"A First Level Detective from the Political Department is leading the team, it's just short of pulling out an investigation warrant right there."
"Which of those who has made it in the officialdom isn't cunning? Who couldn't guess that this is a political statement?"
"So, countless pairs of eyes in Xinjie City are watching the Qin Family, watching the Bureau Chief, watching you."
At this point, he paused, then continued, "As a result, last night you first met with Master Qin Si, then killed Yan Chen's personal maid, Cui Lan..."
"To be honest, I'm a bit confused about whose side you're on and exactly what kind of game you're playing..."
"My dad always said, when you encounter someone you can't figure out but still find somewhat trustworthy, the best method is to be honest with them."
"Otherwise, the other person will calculate against you thoroughly, even making you count the money for them."
"So, I want to be a little honest with you too. I got involved in this matter purely by accident, and I hope you won't drag me into your schemes."
"As long as you don't involve me, I will owe you a favor."
"As for your group of brothers, I really like Ah-Tai, and I've already arranged for him to participate in the Special Service Department's selection this morning, no problem there."
"If you pull through in the end and he continues to follow you, I'll consider that favor repaid."
"If something happens to you, I will treat him like my own brother and train him well. With him there, your brothers won't be completely powerless without your care."
"But you should try your best not to involve him in your next moves. Otherwise, I won't be able to protect him."
After finishing, Fang Ming continued to lower his head to eat, as if waiting for Qiu Tu's decision.
Qiu Tu looked at Fang Ming, just watching. After a moment, a smile bloomed on his face, and he extended his hand, "Deal."
Fang Ming breathed a sigh of relief and extended his hand as well.
The two hands clasped together.
When they let go, Fang Ming added in a whisper, "Be careful, the Qin Family's situation is not that simple, it may involve some higher-level struggles..."
Qiu Tu felt a slight stir in his heart as he was reminded of the Crisis Intuition's constant alerts about Yan Chen being caught in a storm. He nodded and sincerely said, "Thank you."
After finishing the meal, as the captain of the Security Team, Qiu Tu naturally had to report to Qin Shuman.
But before he could move, Qin Shuman came looking for him in a fluster, her skirt in hand.
Upon seeing Qiu Tu, Qin Shuman visibly relaxed.
She hurried over to him, leaned down close and whispered, "Qiu Tu, there's trouble."
Smelling the burst of cherry blossom fragrance and watching the surging white waves before him, Qiu Tu continued to eat calmly while he softly inquired, "What happened?"
Qin Shuman looked around. There were still other detectives eating at several tables, but she couldn't care less at that point, so she sat down next to Qiu Tu and lowered her voice, "Cui Lan has disappeared. I suspect someone has harm her."
"After I returned to my room last night, she asked for leave, saying she wanted to..."
She was cut off before she could finish by Qiu Tu, "I know."
"You know?" Qin Shuman's eyes obviously froze for a moment, making her look much more bewildered.
Qiu Tu hummed a confirmation, continued to eat without looking up, and said casually, "I killed her."
Qin Shuman's eyes widened in shock as she stared at Qiu Tu.
Fortunately, she was still rational, so the next second she regained her composure, swallowed, and asked softly, "Why?"
Qiu Tu looked at her, not hesitating as he began to use one of the "108 Ways to Foster Affection" No. 37: For you.
"It was of course for you."
"For me?" Qin Shuman blinked her eyes, revealing a hint of clarity and silliness....