Teacher Song procured a box of chilled fruits, placing it near the table. Li Banfeng offered his profuse thanks and promptly consumed two pieces.
Truthfully, he wasn't particularly sensitive to the heat. Puluo State lacked air conditioning, and Li Banfeng had long since grown accustomed to the climate.
His perspiration stemmed primarily from the demanding nature of the exercises.
Having eaten only two portions of fruit, he resumed his intense focus on conquering the problems. Observing this, Teacher Song gently offered a strawberry to Li Banfeng's lips.
Li Banfeng parted his mouth and accepted the bite.
The projector diligently captured the moment before silently retreating into the backpack.
"Heh heh heh~" A low chuckle emanated from the projector.
Clock Pendulum, bewildered, inquired, "What’s amusing you?"
The projector's screen flickered with an inner light as it responded, "It's nothing. I merely believe the Seventh Guide will no longer overlook me on the battlefield."
"Why do you say that?"
The projector offered no further explanation.
The footage it had just recorded was exceptionally valuable. There were certain events the Seventh Guide would absolutely prefer left unseen by the Lady.
"Indeed, the Missus must not witness this," Gloves declared, procuring the film. "Ah Ji, I knew you were up to your old tricks with the boss!"
"I wasn't! Give me back the film!" The projector attempted to reclaim the recording.
Gloves, naturally, denied him the opportunity. "You still dare to try and snatch it from me? How naive. I shall present it to the boss presently and see how he decides to discipline you!"
A commotion ensued within the backpack. While imperceptible to outsiders, Li Banfeng could clearly discern the argument and couldn't help but furrow his brow slightly.
Teacher Song, biting her lip and with a subtle tremor in her nose, suppressed her amusement for a considerable duration before finally erupting into laughter.
Li Banfeng cast a glance towards Teacher Song.
It was evident she could comprehend the discussion among the magical artifacts.
Some matters were already understood implicitly; the only question was whether one chose to reveal them.
Considering the captivating charm of her dimples, it seemed best not to expose anything for the time being.
Li Banfeng resolutely refocused on his exercises, while Teacher Song continued her gentle ministrations of fruit.
Precisely at five o'clock in the afternoon, both Teacher Song's and Li Banfeng's phones chimed simultaneously.
An identical message appeared on each device: "Recently, individuals impersonating beggars have been identified within our city, perpetrating acts of robbery, theft, and fraud. We urge you to maintain distance from beggars of unknown disposition."
Teacher Song found the message somewhat peculiar. After assisting Li Banfeng with two additional problems, she informed him, "I must return to prepare for the evening session. You should get some more rest."
Noticing Teacher Song's hurried demeanor, Li Banfeng inquired, "Are you experiencing an episode?"
Teacher Song firmly shook her head. "No, I haven't had an episode in quite some time."
Li Banfeng refrained from further questioning, consumed two more pieces of fruit, and returned his attention to the exercises.
Teacher Song made her way back to the teachers' dormitory and initiated a phone call. "Dad, what's transpired?"
An aged voice responded from the other end, "I am currently in a meeting. We shall speak later."
...
Within the director's office, Director Du awaited a crucial call.
Arrangements had already been made, and a negotiation had taken place with Greenwater Beggar.
Greenwater Beggar had agreed to return to Puluo State, contingent upon the fulfillment of specific conditions.
The ultimate decision rested upon the outcome of an ongoing conference.
At twenty minutes past eleven at night, the meeting reached its conclusion.
"Young Du, following deliberation, it has been resolved to accede to Greenwater Beggar's demands. You are tasked with arranging the subsequent proceedings."
Director Du expressed considerable surprise. "Teacher, following the recent incident at the Soda Kiln, we require a Balancer to mediate relations between the factions. If we were to dispatch Li Qi at this juncture..."
"Young Du, prioritize tasks appropriately. The Soda Kiln matter is, in the final analysis, intrinsically linked to Puluo State. However, Greenwater Beggar is presently situated in Yuezhou, and this presents the more immediate concern."
"Teacher, I believe we should not capitulate to Greenwater Beggar. We possess sufficient capability to implement more stringent measures against him!"
"That course of action carries excessive risk. Your comprehension of Puluo State's current dynamics appears lacking. Greenwater Beggar is an exceedingly perilous individual. Any action taken against him necessitates the utmost caution, as a single misstep could yield irreversible consequences. Li Qi's designated function as a Balancer is to harmonize interests. Greenwater Beggar represents a significant power bloc within Puluo State, and his explicit articulation of demands positions him as a figure to whom the responsibility of mediation aligns perfectly with our initial strategic intent for establishing a Balancer."
Director Du's brow furrowed deeply.
His interpretation was that entrusting Li Qi with this particular matter was tantamount to dispatching him to his demise.
Furthermore, the assertion that he lacked familiarity with Puluo State's affairs struck a nerve.
Having dedicated his career to Puluo State, by what right did this individual question his expertise?
Director Du harbored a desire to voice further objections, but the voice on the other end interjected sternly: "Young Du, the decision has been finalized and will not be subject to revision."
Given the situation, Director Du posed a final query: "Since Li Qi is tasked with this affair, shouldn't the specifics be discussed with him?"
The aged voice on the line hesitated briefly before replying: "An expedited document will be transmitted to you shortly. You are to adhere strictly to its stipulations. This matter carries immense consequence, and we wish to prevent Li Qi's personal feelings or opinions from negatively impacting the grand design."
Following the call's conclusion, Director Du promptly received the transmitted document.
After meticulously reviewing its contents, Director Du initiated a call to Shen Jingye.
...
The moment Li Banfeng departed the campus grounds, he casually ambled around its perimeter, his backpack slung over his shoulder. The locale indeed evoked a profound sense of nostalgia.
Gloves chimed in, reminding him: "It seems there are numerous valuable items scattered about this area."
Li Banfeng's memory was suddenly jogged: "What sort of valuable items did you manage to acquire from the projector earlier?"
Gloves chuckled, responding: "A reel of film, personally captured by the projector itself. It's not something that can be shown to the Mistress, however."
The projector, exhibiting considerable anxiety and seeking to divert the conversation, coincidentally received a phone call. Swiftly, it informed Li Banfeng: "Seventh Guide, the Dark Star Bureau is attempting to reach you."
The communication devices, including the satellite phone, provided by the Dark Star Bureau are typically in the projector's possession, thereby effectively circumventing any potential tracking.