The girl was as light as a feather; holding her presented no difficulty for him.
However, he remained unaware that since Mu Yuejuan had fallen, the girl he now embraced had transformed into bamboo.
Mu Yuejuan and Feng Chongli continued their journey. Feng Chongli cast a backward glance towards the bamboo structure and inquired, "How long have you been acquainted with this man?"
Mu Yuejuan pondered for a moment before responding, "Approximately half a year."
Feng Chongli then asked, "Has he consistently slumbered upon this bamboo?"
Mu Yuejuan replied, "That is not precisely the case. This bamboo was conjured by me; within my depiction, there exists no distinction between the bamboo and myself."
They egressed the scroll's confines, arriving within a chamber.
Upon surveying their surroundings, it appeared they were still situated within Greenwater City, likely within an old residence in the South Round Bamboo Square. The dwelling was devoid of furnishings; beside the bed stood a table bearing a dish of preserved vegetables and two moldy steamed buns.
Feng Chongli let out a sigh, "To be so frugal and economical, sparing no expense, purchasing a genuine piece from you, only to hope for a single night of companionship—should he ever discover the truth, this entire transaction would leave him with a profound sense of regret."
"He remains ignorant, thus he shall not regret it. As I stated, within the depiction, the bamboo and I are one," Mu Yuejuan glanced back at Feng Chongli, a sneer gracing her lips, and remarked, "Merchants like yourself will never comprehend the delicate nuances of such profound sentiments."
...
Within the confines of the Dark Star Bureau, Chuuni clutched the dossier box, drew a deep breath, and proceeded towards Director Shen’s office.
Light Bulb seized Chuuni from behind, exclaiming, "Brother, what are you endeavoring to do? Have you lost your senses?"
Chuuni shook his head resolutely, "I am not insane; certain matters necessitate a definitive conclusion!"
Light Bulb countered, "What conclusion could possibly be attained through such impulsive actions at this juncture?"
"Regardless of the outcome, someone must voice these concerns," Chuuni dislodged Light Bulb's grip and knocked upon Director Shen’s door.
"Enter," Shen Jingye looked up at Chuuni with a welcoming smile, "Xiao Qin, are you seeking me out? Please, have a seat."
"Yes, Director Shen, I have come to make inquiries regarding Bureau Chief Li," Chuuni took a seat opposite Shen Jingye.
"What is it you wish to ask?" Director Shen maintained his smile, regarding Chuuni as if he were an innocent child.
Chuuni was quite familiar with such placid expressions, "Director, I merely wish to ascertain Bureau Chief Li’s current circumstances."
"Concerning Bureau Chief Li’s situation, I have reiterated in numerous meetings that we are conducting a thorough investigation, and until we arrive at clear investigative findings..."
"Are we genuinely investigating?" Chuuni placed the dossier box before Shen Jingye, "I have been diligently pursuing leads regarding Bureau Chief Li’s whereabouts in recent times. I have amassed a considerable volume of intelligence pertaining to the Straw Moth Lady, encompassing her combat prowess, preferred living environments, physical characteristics, and daily routines.
I aim to submit these materials to assist in the ongoing investigation, yet no one within the bureau has been willing to accept them. I find it perplexing as to what is truly transpiring; are we, in fact, investigating Bureau Chief Li’s disappearance?"
"I have stated, we are indeed investigating!" Shen Jingye accepted the dossier box, "I recognize and appreciate your valuable contribution to this investigation."
Shen Jingye held a firm conviction that the sincerity he projected would sway this steadfast subordinate; he believed this young man would perceive a glimmer of hope and subsequently return to his post to await further developments.
However, Chuuni's response utterly defied Shen Jingye’s expectations.
"You have accepted the materials, but you have no intention of actually reviewing them, do you?"
"Naturally, I shall review them..." Shen Jingye struggled to maintain his composure, his anger fueled by Chuuni's accurate assessment—he, in truth, had no plans to peruse these documents.
"The anomaly that manifested that particular night was not the Straw Moth Lady, was it?" Chuuni interjected, cutting off Shen Jingye.
"On what grounds do you make such an assertion?" Shen Jingye's anger intensified, further provoked by Chuuni's revelation of a deeper truth.
"Certainly, there are grounds for my assertion," Chuuni gestured towards the dossier box, "according to the relevant documentation from Puluo State, the Straw Moth Lady excels in combat primarily through the expulsion of silk to ensnare her adversaries. I meticulously examined the incident site on multiple occasions and discovered not a single strand of insect silk; this fact is entirely inconsistent with the Straw Moth Lady’s established combat methodologies!
The Straw Moth Lady characteristically ambushes from elevated positions; despite the presence of several unfinished structures in proximity to Sui Chen Road, no indications of a struggle were discovered near these buildings.
Furthermore, the Straw Moth Lady is of considerable size and possesses no inclination for burrowing underground. The terrain surrounding Sui Chen Road is notably open; where could such a colossal entity possibly have concealed itself following the engagement?"
Shen Jingye’s brow furrowed, "Who granted you authorization to undertake investigative actions of this nature? Summon Captain Chen at once!"
Chuuni simply shook his head, "There is no necessity to involve Captain Chen; this is an undertaking of a personal nature, and I shall bear the repercussions individually.
Bureau Chief Li was given an assignment by the bureau, but he vanished while carrying it out, and we haven't even begun a proper search. As someone in the combat division, I ought to at least understand our objective!
"Enough!" Shen Jingye interrupted, unable to tolerate it any longer. "How can you presume we haven't been searching? Certain operations are classified due to their sensitive nature. You're judging our entire effort with such a narrow perspective!"
Shen Jingye found his momentum; from this point forward, he resolved to exert his full effort, concentrate on his arguments, and deny Chuuni any opportunity to interject.
However, just as the conversation was steering back to its intended course, Shen Jingye's phone began to ring.
A glance at the caller ID revealed it was Director Du on the line.
Shen Jingye picked up, speaking into the receiver, "Director Du, our reports still require refinement. Could you grant us additional time..."
After concluding the call, Shen Jingye softened his demeanor and addressed Chuuni, "You see? The higher authorities are deeply concerned for Bureau Chief Li's well-being. We are compiling a special report specifically for this situation."