He wasn’t upset about the business deal; he was angry with himself for how he had just acted.
"Old Qi, I really should go to the Outside Provinces and take a look. I’ve realized that once I leave Puluo State, I don’t know a thing.
"Today, Dick Chen talked about data, information, and the internet. I’ve heard of these things, but I’ve never seen them in person.
"I originally planned to study in the Outside Provinces, but my father wouldn’t let me. Later, I heard that men there are only allowed one wife, so I lost interest in going.
"Although Dick Chen speaks harshly, he’s right. I must go out and see for myself. I need to learn some real skills to bring back."
Li Banfeng picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and nodded. "Going to the Outside Provinces to learn some skills is a good idea, but that Dick Chen isn’t from the Outside Provinces; he’s from Puluo State."
Ma Wu was stunned. "What do you mean by that?"
Li Banfeng said, "That starts with you. You’re the Ma Family’s Fifth Young Master, not an ordinary person. He managed to rattle you so badly because he knows the greatest vulnerabilities of the People of Puluo State.
"When I threatened to cut off his hand, he immediately cowered. All his previous arrogance and pride vanished. This is because he’s familiar with how things are done in Puluo State."
Ma Wu was stunned for a long time before asking, "Then what’s his purpose in approaching us? Isn’t it to do business?"
"That’s what we need to investigate," Li Banfeng said, draining his cup. "And we must investigate it thoroughly."
...
In the Defense Agency’s secret chamber, Dick Chen was reviewing Li Qi’s file and said, "Li Qi’s real name is Song Zhuowen. He studied in the Outside Provinces. He does have some understanding of the Outside Provinces, which logically checks out. As for the other information, just let Dumpling investigate."
After speaking, Dick Chen handed the file to Dumpling.
Dumpling, like Light Bulb, was an advanced trainee sent by the Dark Star Bureau. Her main task was to cooperate with Dick Chen’s work.
Earlier at Xiaoyao Lodge, she had disguised herself as Dick Chen’s secretary.
Dumpling was eager to investigate Li Qi. Unlike Light Bulb, she hadn’t come to Puluo State just to coast. She wanted to achieve something significant and genuinely acquire new skills.
But Liao Zihui didn’t intend to give Dumpling this chance. He told Dick Chen, "Young Chen, someone like Li Qi isn’t suitable for You Xuehan to investigate alone."
Dick Chen shook his head and laughed. "In my eyes, Li Qi isn’t much of a character. He isn’t calm in his actions and lacks sufficient cunning and patience.
"At our first meeting, merely because of a verbal conflict, he wanted to chop off my hand. Someone who so easily shows his anger isn’t worth my energy."
Seeing Dick Chen’s disdain for Li Qi, Liao Zihui was somewhat dissatisfied. "You don’t understand him well enough. I hope you’ll spend a bit more time..."
"My time can’t be wasted on such a person," Dick Chen interrupted Liao Zihui. "You’ve worked in Puluo State for so long; you should understand the concept and value of a Balancer.
"As a Balancer, I need to balance various interests. I have many things to do. If I listed them all, the list might be several meters long, but Li Qi isn’t on that list. He doesn’t deserve it."
Liao Zihui said no more and left the secret chamber.
Dick Chen looked at Dumpling. "Miss You, from now on, you won’t need to continue cooperating with my work."
Dumpling was surprised. "This is a task entrusted to me by the Chief Defense Envoy. Until I receive orders from the Chief Envoy, I must..."
"You’ll receive orders from the Chief Envoy, perhaps even today, or by tomorrow morning at the latest. Until then, I’m giving you leave. You can do whatever you wish—go shopping, buy things. Those activities suit you."
Dumpling frowned. "I don’t understand what you mean."
"Am I not being direct enough? What I mean is, you’re not fit for the current task," Dick Chen said. "Your capabilities are clearly insufficient. Today at the dinner table, you displayed nervousness and fear. That could easily put me in a disadvantageous position.
"I don’t understand why the Dark Star Bureau and the Defense Agency sent you here. I’m under no obligation to help improve your abilities, nor do I want to be dragged down by you in my work.
"Miss You, go do what you’re good at. In the Dark Star Bureau, people without abilities often get better positions. I think you’ll be able to find a path that suits you."
Dumpling bit her lip. She was about to leave the secret chamber when Dick Chen picked up a stack of files from the table. "Take all of Li Qi’s things. From now on, this is your job. I don’t want to waste another moment on either you or him."
...
Dumpling stormed back to the office in a rage.
BANG! She slammed the files onto the desk.
Startled, Light Bulb jumped. "What’s eating you? Did you swallow gunpowder or something?"
Dumpling shared an office with Big Head and Light Bulb. Big Head was out on fieldwork, while Light Bulb spent his days idly in the office.
Sitting at her desk, Dumpling propped her head on her hands, not saying a word for a long time.
"So, what’s really wrong?" Light Bulb stepped forward to comfort her.
"Nothing’s wrong." Dumpling sighed and started to sort the files.
Light Bulb sat beside Dumpling, watching her carefully. He saw Li Qi’s dossier and also a proposal—a bidding proposal submitted by Ma Wu.
...
"How did this bidding proposal end up in her hands?" Li Banfeng thought for a moment and said, "Describe Dumpling to me."
"No need to describe; I have her photo." Light Bulb took out a group picture from his wallet. "The one with a round face and glasses, that’s Dumpling."