Director Chen waved his hand, and just like that, what was nearly two million in compensation became two thousand.

This money, of course, Li Qing couldn’t really expect Director Chen to front for him.

He immediately took out his wallet, counted two thousand, and handed it over to Old Wang, the middle-aged policeman.

"Xiao Li, actually, even two thousand is too much," said Director Chen gravely, "But that young man has a bit of a reputation in our area, and if this gets out to the media or something, it really could get troublesome, since you hit him first."

"I understand, I certainly can’t cause you any trouble, Director Chen," Li Qing nodded as he spoke.

Director Chen laughed heartily, "That’s good, that’s very good."

"Speaking of which, your visit to Zhu Ya Island this time wouldn’t happen to be about a case, would it?"

"I’m just here to travel, to clear my mind. Besides, cases on Zhu Ya Island, I probably couldn’t get involved if I wanted to," Li Qing said with a smile.

The Ninth Bureau must also have staff arranged on Zhu Ya Island.

Even if there was a major case that required the borrowing of manpower, they certainly wouldn’t call him over from such a distance.

Director Chen obviously exhaled a sigh of relief and laughed, "No major case is good. Seeing you guys sometimes really makes my scalp tingle."

Li Qing gave a wry smile.

Are you actually complimenting me or insulting me, sir?

After a brief chat in the office with Director Chen, Li Qing saw there seemed to be nothing else concerning him and then took his leave.

The small conflict with Huang Xiaotian, he didn’t personally step in any further, and it was most likely resolved just like that with two thousand yuan.

After Li Qing left, Old Wang, with hands in pockets, walked over to Director Chen and asked, puzzled, "Old Chen, is there really a Ninth Bureau?"

"Do I look like I was putting on an act with that kid?" Director Chen looked up and retorted.

"How come I’ve never heard of it before?" Old Wang asked, still confused.

Director Chen smirked cunningly, slapped Old Wang on the shoulder, and said, "You’ll know when you sit in my position, but I’m afraid there’s not much hope for you in this lifetime. Better focus on training your son."

Old Wang glared fiercely, "You can’t sleep well without mocking me, can you? What does the Ninth Bureau do?"

"That’s classified!" laughed Director Chen, "But if your son could get into the Ninth Bureau, it would be better than filling my position."

"The people in there are all capable. Have you seen those online conversations about the human lightning rods in the air and the strange flying objects? Some stuff, you know, the real and fake mixed, might actually be real. You’ll have to figure it out for yourself."

Old Wang’s expression changed slightly.

Director Chen’s words were tantamount to an indirect admission of something. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

All those things online that people relentlessly claim to be fake, might actually be real.

Old Wang’s worldview shattered into a thousand pieces on the spot.

"Those things actually exist, and there’s a Ninth Bureau... my God, what kind of world have I been living in for the last fifty years?"

Old Wang was truly questioning his life at this moment.

When Li Qing left Old Wang’s office, he didn’t see Huang Xiaotian and the others.

Only Sister Hu and Lu Furong were sitting anxiously on a bench on the first floor, waiting.

"Qingzi, what happened? They’re not going to detain you, are they?"

Seeing Li Qing come out, Sister Hu rushed over and asked anxiously.

Li Qing shook his head and soothed with a smile, "It’s okay now, has Huang Xiaotian and his group already left?"

"They have left. A police officer came out earlier, gave them some money, and even lectured them," Sister Hu said. "Then, those people just skulked away. That guy called Brother Tian even protested a few times, but the police officer shut him down with a few words."

"I vaguely heard that police officer seem to scold them about trying to extort money at the police station or something."

Li Qing snorted disdainfully and said, "That kid really is crazy for money; asking for six hundred thousand for a bunch of hair, and what’s with the ’face-wearing fee’ or whatever, demanding one million two hundred thousand? I might believe it if those famous celebrities say a face is worth that much, but he’s not even close to being a star and still has the gall to make such a demand."

"His face is worth one million two hundred thousand?!" Lu Furong’s jaw almost dropped in shock. "How can he have the shame to ask for that?"

"If his raggedy face can be valued at one million two hundred thousand, then my face could probably go for several times that amount, right?"

Li Qing joked with a laugh, "Your face, indeed, could be worth several sets of one million two hundred thousand!"

"Pay up!" Lu Furong suddenly extended her right hand towards Li Qing.

"A face worth several sets of one million two hundred thousand, and you’re both licking and nibbling at it. I want a face-wearing fee too!"

Neither the speaker nor the listener thought much of it, but it made Sister Hu, who was beside them, blush from ear to ear.

"Furong, what are you saying? This is a police station."

"Cousin, what did I say? I’m just asserting my rights," Lu Furong said, tilting her head.

Li Qing said, somewhat between laughter and tears, "Let’s head back first."

"I’ve heard some stuff also has very good beauty effects, I’ll put a little on your face to fix the wear and tear!"

Lu Furong almost instantly understood; she wrinkled her nose and lightly punched Li Qing’s shoulder. "What are you thinking about? If you dare put that on my face, I’ll seriously fight you."

"I’ve heard it’s quite beautifying," Li Qing laughed.

"Beautifying my ass, that’s just some nonsense you smelly men came up with, just to satisfy your own wicked tastes," Lu Furong spoke as she glanced around. Suddenly, she whispered in Li Qing’s ear, "However, if you give me two more Immortality Elixirs, perhaps I could indulge your weird fetish and let you apply it to my face."

"No need for such messy conditions. When the Immortality Elixir is out next month, I’ll definitely give you some," Li Qing said.

Lu Furong always used this as a bargaining chip, which made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

On a second thought, Li Qing whispered into Lu Furong’s ear, "If you can swallow it, I’ll give you more."

"It’s not interesting to apply it on the face; it would be more comfortable inside."

"Ew, that’s so disgusting," Lu Furong said as her face turned red and she frowned in disgust.

"Anyway, you just said that there will be some for me next month, so why should I make these sacrifices for nothing?"

"If you don’t do it, perhaps you won’t get any," Li Qing said with a mischievous smile.

Lu Furong’s intense longing for the Immortality Elixir made him suddenly realize that he seemed to be the one holding the reins of power.

With all that said...

How could he not exploit to the fullest every leverage he had?

"You’re such a bad person!" Lu Furong glared and punched Li Qing on the shoulder again.

"If you don’t give it, I won’t let you put it inside, no, you’ll even have to wear a ’little umbrella.’"

Li Qing immediately admitted defeat.

Although he had the upper hand, it turned out Lu Furong had a say in the matter too!

With her legs crossed, it seemed he could only stare in frustration.