As a descendant of the Lu Family, Lu Shuai inherited part of Luthor’s prestige, which might seem like a joke to the high-level executives, but among the lower masses, people still remember and are grateful for the liberation and freedom the Grand Governor brought, and they recognize and trust Lu Shuai.

This sense of recognition is exactly the kind of achievement Lu Shuai always desired. Of course, he knows that he hasn’t done much, it’s all from the bloodline inheritance. He always wanted to prove himself. It started because of Miss Tang, but now he is genuinely involved, which is also the reason Tang Chendan no longer refuses his participation.

"Sister Meng, I’ve finished work. Could you have Po Luo and everyone else come tomorrow morning? I want to chat with them one by one about their thoughts on the case," said Li Xin. The files were just records; those in charge of the case must have personal experiences and some guesses. He wanted to combine them and then talk to Jiang Wu.

"Everyone?" Meng Po nodded and asked.

"Yes, everyone, one by one."

"No problem, I’ll arrange the schedule. As for Old Tuo, it’s best in the evening. His mind is clearer at night than during the day," Meng Po said.

"Sure, no problem. Old Tuo can be the last one."

"I’ll notify everyone tonight," Meng Po said.

Li Xin nodded and left, finally feeling like a member of the Night Patrol. In the evening, he didn’t call for a carriage but walked back while pondering the case, hoping for some sudden inspiration.

At home, Xueyin had already eaten and gone to do homework, while Lin Fei worked while waiting for Li Xin.

"You’re back, have you eaten? There are leftovers in the pot."

"Not yet, I’m starving," Li Xin said, rubbing his stomach.

Lin Fei smiled slightly, put down what she had been doing, cleared the table, and soon hot dishes were on the table.

"Are there a lot of things for the Night Patrol?" Lin Fei asked.

"It’s okay. I’ve got recognition from colleagues and am officially starting the work. It’ll be more regular later," said Li Xin while eating.

"Work is work, don’t tire yourself too much."

"I’m in good health. How’s the beauty pageant going?"

"It’s in full swing, and has completely taken off. Many noble ladies, except Patir Isaiah, are participating, led by the Canon Law School, making everyone enthusiastic," Lin Fei said. "The society now doesn’t worry about the hype, but it’s too hot to handle."

"Oh, how so?" Li Xin asked while eating, puzzled that it could be too much of a good thing.

"When there’s a beauty pageant column, the sales increase by over ten thousand copies, almost catching up with the Justice Daily. Justice and Bird have been poking at us recently. The point now is how to ensure the top ten’s, especially the champion’s and runner-ups’, authority. Mishandling could lead to criticism," Lin Fei said. "Standards of beauty are different for everyone; it’s hard to please all. Moreover, many have begun contacting the president and editor-in-chief to boost their children’s rankings, some even directly wanting the championship."

"Haha, they initially disdained it, now eager for it," Li Xin laughed. "Can’t they be refused?"

"It’s hard to refuse, but even harder to agree. Once you start, it gets chaotic. The Citizen Daily is just a newspaper; it can influence many," Lin Fei chuckled. "Even the Council can’t achieve fairness."

"It’s simple, just pass the ball," Li Xin said. "It was all for fun initially. When it comes to the final, find some weighty judges to decide; the paper doesn’t intervene. Since it’s too hot, let others take the heat. I suppose many wouldn’t mind the burden."

Li Xin slurped the Perilla seaweed soup; he liked its refreshing taste, rooted in bonito broth, quite relieving. Though it looked simple, Aunt Fei must’ve prepared for a long time.

Lin Fei stared at Li Xin in amazement. The society was jubilantly troubled, having discussed for days and thought of many solutions, all imperfect and breeding issues. Some ideas were similar, but lacked precision, and Li Xin’s words pinpointed the key. The benefits were still the society’s, without bearing any backlash on the pageant outcomes. Meanwhile, those selected as judges would be thankful. Picking more judges would maintain fairness. If anyone could sway all judges, the society couldn’t prevent it anyway.

"When asking for mentoring, invite Mordo and Grandmaster Philson. Mordo might not agree, but Philson likely will. Having Philson sets the tone, just find others of similar level," Li Xin said. "Also, it’s just entertainment, enriching the public life, don’t take it too seriously."

"What else is in that little brain of yours!" Lin Fei sighed in relief. This insight turned a problem into another chance to raise the newspaper’s reputation, benefiting multiple aspects. The president’s delight would be uncontainable. She had some reservations, though: "Wouldn’t this negatively impact Grandmaster Philson?"

"Not at all; let them practice. As a trend-setting school, it shouldn’t remain insular. Scholars of the Celestial Principle School are mostly practical, not just bookworms. Besides, Hedan’s more open and romantic than we are," Li Xin said.

After the meal, Lin Fei happily cleared the table, even humming cheerful tunes she sang to lull Li Xin and Xueyin to sleep in childhood. Now she only sang when particularly happy.

Li Xin smiled back to his room, glanced at the typewriter, organized the draft into Yazama Karashi, and began summarizing case details. There were too many scattered thoughts, but organizing them first and pondering them one by one seemed more efficient.

In the living room, Lin Fei tidied up the kitchen, listening to the occasional typing sounds from the nearby room, smiling knowingly. Who would’ve thought, during their time in the Underground City, they’d one day live under the sun again, much less live with dignity? Xueyin now had a mentor, securing her future—just lacking a new member for the family.

Lin Fei turned off the lights and quietly went upstairs. Indeed, Xueyin was slacking off, though this time Lin Fei didn’t criticize. Her teacher would teach her in the future, as long as Xueyin wasn’t expelled from the sect. Thinking this, Lin Fei’s gaze at Xueyin suddenly sharpened.

Looks like she still needs discipline!

In the distant Netherworld Sea, on Five Claw Island, night falls. Due to the spreading news of the Wish Book, more pirates, navy, and adventurers flock to explore the Netherworld Sea. Such times naturally attract various Secret Organizations. There’s now a new rumor that wishing on the Wish Book could turn you into a god.

The gift from the Supreme Will is too tempting for some powerful Secret Organizations to resist.