“The second matter is also quite important. The Funeral Attendant sent a collaboration invitation regarding the recent frequent cases of internal organ harvesters. They are having a hard time,” Christie said. “If we can contribute to this case, the reporting rights for the Bird Report might be resolved.”

The difference between the Night Patrol and the Funeral Attendant is that the Funeral Attendant is entirely under the Earth Mother Goddess Court, whereas the Night Patrol was established and cultivated by Governor Luthor himself, and is quite skilled in gathering intelligence and handling cases. After arriving in Hedan, they’ve been low-key but are still doing their work.

“There have been quite a lot recently. I feel the murderer is either out of their mind or someone is taking advantage of the chaos.”

“I’m afraid there is more than one group taking advantage of the chaos. This case has been going on for some time, and the Funeral Attendant wants a complete resolution which I fear is very difficult.”

“The method is very skillful, with a profound understanding of the human body, likely related to the medical profession, and doctors with this level of skill are not many. A targeted investigation is one direction.”

“The Funeral Attendant thought of this too. They’ve investigated dozens of targets and apprehended several, but ended up uncovering unrelated cases,” Christie said.

To survive in Hedan, they must maintain a good relationship with the Funeral Attendant. After all, the existence of the Bird Report is also a political legacy from Governor Luthor’s era.

This is a significant deal. Governor Luthor allowed the Earth Mother Goddess to preach in Lulong, with churches permitted in some areas and even small Canon Law Schools established, gaining Hex Bird Report’s promotion in Moncalleta, especially in Hedan. Both sides took what they needed, so after Luthor’s passing, they remained peaceful. Of course, Ma Zhe’s skill in handling matters played an important role.

“First, we need to understand their motives. What do these people want by harvesting hearts and livers? It’s surely not just for a meal?”

“The Cult does enjoy this. Organ harvesting intensifies believers’ fear, and fear breeds obedience and downfall.”

For a moment, everyone in the meeting room expressed their thoughts. They were all ideas, and Li Xin had seen related reports. Once reported, the issue stirred quite a reaction, forcing Dragon Mother to be cautious lately, as many missing people were pretty young girls.

The reports on the organ harvesters became a key segment of Hedan Daily, exploding in sales, while Hex Bird Report was left struggling. There were overlapping areas, and the Bird Report was barred from reporting in sensitive regions, which was detrimental.

The Night Patrol must achieve something to use as bargaining chips, as Li Xin’s novel wasn’t taken seriously by anyone.

Meetings are tedious, and nothing useful seemed to be discussed. The morning passed, yet Ma Zhe wasn’t satisfied with the plans presented, so the meeting continued. Lunch was delivered, and the room was filled with smoke. Hedan’s tobacco is one of the Dao Yuan Continent’s finest, premium cigars with an aroma that lit up Li Xin. He couldn’t help but ask for one.

Suddenly the meeting didn’t seem as unbearable, with smoke around, Li Xin’s mind drifted, he began pondering the subsequent plot. Given a typewriter, he might even write a chapter or two.

“Li Xin, Li Xin!” Ma Zhe called, his voice growing louder.

“Li Xin, did you observe anything or encounter anything impressive at Saint Grace Canon Law School?” Christie’s voice sounded.

Li Xin snapped back to reality; his thoughts had just advanced to the thrilling part where the protagonist would escape.

“I just arrived at Saint Grace Canon Law School, currently still collecting information, oh, had an interesting meal yesterday,” Li Xin said.

The meeting room burst into laughter, as all present were veteran Night Patrol members, slightly different from Lulong’s Night Patrol. They wondered what this lad meant by having a meal.

Christie didn’t mock him, “What did you eat that’s so memorable?”

“Lanuo Ivory Bay Restaurant,” Li Xin said, genuinely feeling it was delicious, ranking as his most memorable experience at Saint Grace Canon Law School.

The meeting room suddenly went silent, then burst into laughter, even Ma Zhe and Christie laughed. Lanuo Ivory Bay Restaurant was currently the hottest place in Hedan, with its mysterious chef, and anyone queueing could boast about it everywhere. The newspaper wanted detailed coverage, but the restaurant ignored them, not needing it, so popular it reached that level, the common people didn’t necessarily need to know.

“Li, boast with some credibility. The Lanuo you mentioned isn’t the Lanuo everyone’s referring to. Reservations there take half a year and not everyone qualifies.”

“I heard there are indeed counterfeited ones, Lan Nao, Lan Brain restaurants popping up.”

Li Xin shrugged helplessly, “It’s the one at No. 1 Bay Street, reserved by Simmons George, and I went along.”

The meeting room instantly quieted, followed by the sound of gulping. The restaurant’s delicacy had been elevated to such a level where enjoying it seemed almost euphoric. Food was one of Hedan’s major pleasures, and everyone loved good food.

“Did you really eat there? Was it good?” Ma Zhe blurted out.

Everyone looked at Li Xin, who thought for a moment, “It’s a miracle. Ingredients are top-notch, creativity top-notch, environment top-notch, cooking top-notch, and it’s spiritual ability-related gourmet. Bocuse, the chef, is said to be an elder in the Gourmet Association.”

Once Li Xin said this, everyone’s eyes widened. It was confirmed he didn’t just eat there but enjoyed it immensely. Plus, the Gourmet Association, as an ancient Secret Organization, wasn’t known to everyone.

“You’re truly lucky, an elder of the Gourmet Association.” Christie was quite moved, as a mature woman couldn’t resist a man or gourmet. “The Gourmet Association is an ancient organization in Dao Yuan, with members capable of making spiritual ability food. The admittance standards are extremely stringent, even a member is rare, and this Mister Bocuse is one of the five elders, traversing far on the gourmet’s path. For any Awakened, savoring his food is a blessing.”

After Christie’s words, everyone became even more envious. This guy had great luck, “How did Simmons reserve it? His father’s status might work.”

“It wasn’t him who reserved it, but Prince Achilles,” Li Xin said, and everyone immediately understood.

“You wouldn’t be telling us you dined with the Prince, would you? Haha, haha.”

“The people His Highness invited are Captain Simmons, Captain Aubent from the Knight Academy of Honor and then Captain Zheng Shengxun from the Eternal Knight Academy,” Li Xin said.

Ma Zhe nodded in satisfaction, “Not bad, kid, you’ve already grasped the essence of the news. Reports involving the Prince need to be handled carefully, but writing a food report is fine. Think it over carefully, and if there’s anything you don’t understand, you can ask the editors. Write a food report on Lanuo.”

Although Lanuo’s cuisine doesn’t have much impact on the general public, it’s very appealing to the aristocratic circles. It can also elevate the prestige of the Bird Report, which is important. It also gives him more to chat about, subtly hinting at the power of the Bird Report—after all, its people could dine with the Prince in Lanuo. Wouldn’t people start considering the issue of authority?

Thinking about this, Ma Zhe’s lips curled up unknowingly. Such relationship dynamics are a blend of illusion and reality, half-truths mixed with lies, all depending on the imagination of the other side.

Ma Zhe started to feel better without realizing it, “Li Xin, hold on tight to Simmons. He’ll be of great use in the future!”

“Alright, boss, I’ll definitely accomplish the task seriously!” Li Xin always had an attitude towards his boss.

“Go back and submit a plan for these two matters. Meeting adjourned.”

Ma Zhe still had social events to attend in the evening. Solving the authority issue isn’t an overnight task; it requires continued public relations efforts. However, tonight he had more topics to discuss, which could serve as a breakthrough point.

After everyone left, Christie took Li Xin to the office, made him a cup of tea, and when handing it over, her fingers deliberately brushed against his.

“Not bad, little brother, seems you’re getting used to life in Hedan quite well. You’ve easily integrated with Simmons and the others.” Christie smiled; not just anyone is invited to such occasions, indicating Simmons genuinely appreciates Li Xin.

“You can call me little brother or big brother, just don’t quantify it, okay?” Li Xin smiled wryly.

Christie’s laughter became even more vibrant, as if her recent worries had eased a bit, “Your novel has been reviewed. The editors find it quite interesting, but the final effect still depends on market reactions. If it does well, it will continue to serialize, if not, there’s nothing more I can do to help.”

“Getting a chance to be published is an honor in itself. Speaking of the food report, how should I write it?” Li Xin asked.

“Just write about the food, don’t mention anyone else. How’s the relationship between Simmons and Zheng Shengxun?” Christie inquired.

“They spar verbally all the time, never really sparing each other. Simmons is quite reserved, but Celestia is very aggressive,” Li Xin replied.

Christie nodded, “The waters run deep with these two families and their connections are far-reaching. Remember, don’t get involved, once entangled, no one can save you.”

“I’m just there for a free meal,” Li Xin chuckled, sensing Christie’s concern.

“What do you think about the organ harvester? I heard from Celestial Capital that you’re pretty skilled in solving cases?”

“I’m more of a lucky chance player. I picked up some information just now, but the timeline is a bit off, would be best to look at the case files first.” Li Xin said.

Christie’s eyes lit up, “Just for that, you’re already better than those sitting around. I’ll have someone get the case files for you. First, get the food report ready, along with the follow-up pieces. If they turn out well, don’t drop the ball on me.”

“Don’t worry, Li Xin’s work always puts honesty first!”

After finishing the tea, Li Xin put the cup aside and got up, just as Christie did, “Wait, come with me, let’s take a photo or two as evidence. You never know when it might come in handy.”

They both arrived at the door at the same time. Instinctively, Li Xin let Christie go first, and as he turned, his arm brushed against her chest—a soft and springy sensation that lingered in his mind.

Both maintained a straight face as if nothing happened, heading to the photo studio together. Bird Report’s photography was professional, and the photographer was extra courteous upon seeing Christie.

“Let’s start with a test shot, smile please.”

Looking at the disheveled Li Xin, Christie couldn’t help but step in to give his clothes a bit of a tidy, turning back just in time, “Old Zhang, do take it seriously.”

“Don’t worry, Miss Christie, my skills are the best here when it comes to portrait photography.”

After Li Xin’s photo was taken, Christie returned to the secretarial office, her work was plentiful.

Li Xin had already left Bird Report, looking up at the sun, he felt a lingering sensation. Damn, where’s my self-control when I need it? Even after crossing realms, still chasing after women!

… being pursued doesn’t count… so soft, springy, fragrant… Li Xin was actually thinking about food.

Back in the office, Christie was reviewing Li Xin’s case files, seemed like the information given by Night Patrol was incomplete.

Who exactly was Simmons? An heir carefully groomed by the George Family, known as the Eagle of Moncalleta because of their intelligence capabilities and secretive prowess. Although currently suppressed by the Zheng Family, their foundation remained strong. Simmons dared to gamble with the Canon Law School, indicating he wasn’t just anyone. Even taking Li Xin to the meal with the Prince seemed out of place.

From Li Xin’s words and demeanor, Christie could confirm that Li Xin not only went for the meal but actually dined with them. Being at the table versus tagging along were two different matters, showing that Simmons had considerable trust in him, even wanting to bind him closer.

Turns out this kid isn’t as honest as he seems, even daring to freeload on me… this requires some deep investigation…

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep