Chapter 153 : Living Bronze Puppet
Chapter 153: Living Bronze Puppet
The Drunkard Investigator…
In Han Su’s mind, the detestable face he had once encountered at Lilac Courtyard surfaced.
‘You’re getting what you deserve!’
Because he had always distrusted the Disaster Management Bureau itself, he had little motivation to resubmit the report to initiate a case. His focus was more on how to rescue the other children.
However, if resubmitting such a report could cause that despicable Drunkard to fail his promotion, then Han Su’s motivation would be more than enough.
“That person is very capable, and this incident affects him greatly. So no matter what you’re thinking, try to be cautious,”
Secretary Cui Qiao said, “Heh, looking at it now, it's precisely because of this matter that the current situation has become delicate.”
“Actually, from the moment he was transferred down, we were already prepared for this war. It’s just that the time hadn’t come. Not only was Director Zhang unprepared, but the investigators weren’t ready either. Yet the conflict emerged prematurely.”
“Because Director Zhang, investigating the Dead Sea Spear case, detained an entire department. That behavior was essentially a provocation to them. In effect, it was like declaring war early.”
“Let alone the D7 assault incident that just occurred?”
“……”
The moment the topic involved Zhang Chiguo’s current predicament, Han Su couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on.
He pondered briefly and asked in a low voice, “Can Uncle Zhang still hold up against the situation inside the Disaster Management Bureau?”
Han Su wasn’t interested in the internal power struggles of the Bureau, nor did he wish to get involved. But since it was Zhang Chiguo’s matter, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
“Whether he can hold on or not—what can be done?”
Secretary Cui Qiao merely smiled and said, “Since he stepped down, he ought to bear the pressure. The turbulence within the Disaster Management Bureau is just the surface. The real conflict is still ahead!”
“Of course, I’m quite looking forward to them pushing things too far, driving Director Zhang into a corner…”
Han Su was surprised. “Why would you say that?”
Secretary Cui Qiao chuckled softly and said, “Because by then, Director Zhang will no longer try to reason with them…”
“I haven’t seen Director Zhang take action in a very, very long time…”
“……”
‘So that means… Uncle Zhang is actually quite powerful?’
Han Su was surprised—he didn’t recall Zhang Chiguo ever showing any particular skill in mysterious powers.
He even had to call in favors just to get someone else to train him…
Seeing Han Su’s expression, Secretary Cui Qiao chuckled softly and said, “The old man may be getting on in years, but he’s still one of the earliest investigators of the Disaster Management Bureau…”
“Don’t be fooled by the seemingly small age gap. Their generation is hard for ordinary people to comprehend…”
“……”
Han Su let out a deep breath. He was genuinely intrigued now, but seeing Secretary Cui Qiao had already finished her cigarette, he asked directly: “Then, one last question—who was the one who contacted the D7s and planned this attack on me?”
“……”
Secretary Cui Qiao narrowed her eyes slightly and said in a soft voice, “Without concrete evidence, the Disaster Management Bureau won’t easily believe accusations against anyone…”
Han Su nodded and smiled, “I won’t accuse anyone.”
Secretary Cui Qiao glanced at him, flicked the cigarette butt to the ground, stepped on it with her black high heels, then picked it up, wrapped it in tissue, and put it into her pocket. Just as she stood up, she whispered quickly:
“I only know… yesterday, those frightened D7 members kept shouting the word ‘Sparrow.’”
“The assistant beside Red Trench Coat is codenamed ‘Sparrow’!”
“……”
Han Su nodded and said, “Got it.”
Whether it was the Dead Sea Spear back then, or this pressure applied through the hands of D7…
The ones constantly watching him, causing trouble, were these people all along…
He held his phone and scrolled down, soon seeing a small group chat he had with the Doctor, Hei Hu, and Miss Crow.
It had been a long time since anyone chatted there.
Now, he had already created a new work group chat with the Doctor and Hei Hu.
Well then…
……
……
“I didn’t tell him.”
At the same time, as Han Su walked away deep in thought, Secretary Cui Qiao returned to the office and said to Zhang Chiguo: “He didn’t ask much either. It was indeed just some things related to mysterious powers.”
“But what I’m more curious about is—why didn’t you let me tell him?”
Secretary Cui Qiao furrowed her brow, her tone noticeably displeased: “Don’t bring up your old friendship again. That person is basking in luxury, clearly an ally from the start. You, on the other hand, came down here with a clear intent to clean up the Bureau. No one would let their guard down around you.”
“Among ordinary investigators, those four lead the pack. And now, a star rookie, your junior and natural ally, finally shows up—yet you won’t even tell him?”
“……”
“How old is he?”
Zhang Chiguo looked up directly: “Or rather, how many days has he been in the Disaster Management Bureau?”
“You expect a rookie like that to become my soldier and fight those cunning old foxes? That’s just egg smashing against rock.”
“……”
Secretary Cui Qiao met Zhang Chiguo’s gaze. She didn’t refute, only said slowly: “Honestly, you coming down alone to deal with the Bureau’s mess—isn’t that also egg smashing against rock?”
Zhang Chiguo was momentarily speechless.
He only said softly, “Solving the Disaster Management Bureau’s current problem is actually simple.”
“It just takes unlocking one more lock for Miss Ai!”
“Just one more. Once Miss Ai’s abilities level up, she’ll have extra computing power to reinforce the real-world defense line—and the power to intimidate those esoteric factions.”
Secretary Cui Qiao understood the logic, but in the end, she only shook her head: “But the higher-ups won’t agree. They’d rather maintain the status quo.”
Faced with this, Zhang Chiguo remained silent for a while before speaking softly: “I’ll try again.”
……
……
Han Su never sent that message in the end.
He only felt some regret in his heart, thinking: ‘Secretary Cui Qiao actually wants me to help Uncle Zhang, huh?’
‘She just can’t bring herself to say it.’
‘As for Uncle Zhang…’
He hadn’t planned to dwell on it, but couldn’t stop his thoughts.
This internal war in the Disaster Management Bureau had long shown signs. Zhang Chiguo was now clearly isolated.
But… Han Su truly didn’t have much free time.
Just as he was wondering how to approach the subject, someone walked up to him, carrying a silver suitcase, smiling as he extended his hand: “Mr. Butcher?”
Han Su looked up at him: “Do I know you?”
“I’m here on behalf of Mr. Drunkard to deliver an invitation.”
The man looked at the suitcase in his hand—clearly also an investigator—and smiled, “Whenever a new member joins the Qinggang Disaster Management Bureau, there’s always a Lilac Courtyard reception party to welcome them. You’re a rookie and haven’t gone through that part yet.”
“Hopefully, we’ll have a good chat tonight. Next time we meet, we’ll be comrades on the battlefield.”
“……”
“A reception? Lilac Courtyard?”
Han Su was slightly moved. He looked up at the investigator and nodded gently.
This invitation had indeed come at just the right time.
Han Su wasn’t surprised at all—in fact, he felt it came a bit late.
After all, this concerned promotion to Independent Investigator. That guy must have been holding back for quite some time already.
And as Han Su accepted the invitation from the tall, slim investigator, inside the nearby restaurant, two investigators sitting in the corner exchanged a glance and revealed a deep look of envy.
“That’s the new guy?”
“He only just got promoted, and already he’s got their invitation? Tsk, some people really do get it all…”
“Plenty of investigators have worked here for a year or two, barely escaping death time and time again, and still haven’t gotten the chance to enter that circle of the four big shots…”
“……”
“……”
Han Su noticed the envious looks directed at him and chuckled to himself: “So in the Disaster Management Bureau, getting invited by those people is actually something to brag about?”
Lilac Courtyard—he was planning to go there anyway.
That Living Bronze Puppet was still there. He had promised to take it home.
It was just that, last time, his spiritual power wasn’t enough, nor was his vitality sufficient. He couldn’t study it deeply. Now, though…
…still probably not enough.
But last time had proven—so long as he recited that bronze spell, he could briefly activate this Divine Weapon using the Cross-Shaped Bronze Hand. So getting closer to it again, and even considering how to bring it home, was indeed very important.
The only concern was that originally, the Living Bronze Puppet was meant to guard the Mechanical Fragments. But now that those fragments had been stolen, would the people at Lilac Courtyard have moved the Bronze Armor Statue?
Even if only to find a chance to study how to approach the Bronze Armor Statue—it was worth making the trip…
The only other consideration was: the Mechanical Fragments were something he had taken from Lilac Courtyard. And now, he was about to waltz right back in carrying them?
Wasn’t that a bit bold?
After some deliberation, Han Su made a decision without any mental burden. He sent a message to Miss Ai: 【Miss Ai, I’m attending a potentially dangerous banquet tonight!】
In the past, he wouldn’t have messaged her for something like this. But now…
Heh!
Miss Ai’s reply came as expected: 【I’ll always be right by Mr. Butcher’s side!】
Han Su was reassured and immediately hailed a ride.
Unlike before, Lilac Courtyard now had added security and doormen. Though their manners were professionally trained, for some reason, the place felt less mysterious and refined than before.
When Han Su got out of the car, a security guard immediately stepped forward, opened the door, and was about to take the suitcase—until he recognized its design. He immediately withdrew his hand, bowed respectfully, and said:
“Investigator, please.”
“The club is on the third floor. Once you’re inside, take the elevator directly up!”
“……”
Even the attendants could recognize the investigator’s suitcase now—was this place really the club for Qinggang’s investigators?
Led by the doorman, Han Su entered Lilac Courtyard, already calculating how to find a chance to re-enter the secret chamber and see if the Living Bronze Puppet was still there.
And just as he stepped into the main hall, he froze on the spot.
Several new decorations had been added to the hall. One of them was a bronze snake-headed armor, standing quietly in the center of the first floor lobby—with not even a single protective barrier around it.