Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!

Chapter 31: A Drunken Qin Shuman

A moment later, the communication connected.

Qiu Tu wasted no words, simply saying, “Captain Cao, due to unforeseen circumstances, your mission is temporarily canceled. Return to the Qin family estate now; I have new instructions for you.”

He then hung up.

At that moment, just starting to drink and enjoy barbecue with his trusted men, Cao Dabiao stared at the receiver in disbelief. He then angrily threw down his skewer and cursed, “Damn it! That bastard is really pushing it!”

“He’s toying with me!”

But in a disciplined unit, higher ranks always prevail. Despite his intense reluctance, if he wanted to continue working at the Investigation Department, he had to comply.

With a grim face, he paid the bill and hurried back to the estate with his trusted men.

Qiu Tu wasn’t tormenting him for no reason but to ensure security.

Now that the team’s morale was stabilizing, Qiu Tu couldn’t allow any risk. If the team was around him, Cao Dabiao had to be outside; if the team was dispersed on missions, Cao Dabiao had to be close by.

This way, it minimized the risk of Cao Dabiao forming alliances and undermining him.

Having thus navigated Yan Chen’s trap, Qiu Tu stood by the courtyard gate, contemplating his next move.

Though he had crossed this hurdle, another challenge lay ahead: the conspicuous arrival of the Political Division agents at the Qin family estate.

Qiu Tu’s mind raced, formulating a strategy.

After a moment, an idea took shape. While this situation was tricky, perhaps he could turn it to his advantage.

Initially, he had requested reinforcements for a secret investigation of the Qin family. Now, it’s impossible for a secret investigation. But why not use this opportunity to probe?

Perhaps someone would get nervous and reveal a flaw.

Especially the person he was most interested in.

With a plan forming, Qiu Tu left the courtyard.

During the break, some Special Operations Division agents were chatting and exercising in the yard.

Seeing Qiu Tu, they respectfully stood and saluted, “Sir!”

Qiu Tu returned the greetings warmly, engaging in brief conversations.

Their enthusiasm indicated that news of his firm handling of the Political Division team and the silver coins he had distributed had spread.

People naturally gravitate toward those who offer greater benefits.

Qiu Tu was clear about his position. While he was the guard team leader, it was a temporary role. His actual rank was merely a first-level Political Division agent, capable of commanding only a small team.

Once the guard team disbanded, he would lose authority over the Special Operations team.

So, while he provided tangible benefits to the Political Division team, he only sought goodwill and favors from the Special Operations team.

Leaving the residence, Qiu Tu headed to the person he was most interested in—Qin Shuman’s separate courtyard.

Qin Shuman, officially the adopted daughter of the Qin family matriarch and Yan Chen’s mistress, had her own private courtyard in the main Qin family residence.

Her courtyard was small but luxurious, with rooms converted into entertainment spaces like a cinema room, studio, and bar.

Qiu Tu found her in the small bar, drinking alone.

Surprised by his late-night visit, Qin Shuman had made no effort to disguise herself. She lay unceremoniously on the bar, eyes glazed as she swayed a crystal-clear square glass.

Under the colorful lights, her deep red dress looked as vibrant as fire, stark against her pale skin.

It was Qiu Tu’s first time seeing her completely unguarded, and he was momentarily entranced.

But soon, he noticed something off in her seductive yet melancholic gaze.

This woman seemed to have many hidden stories, which didn’t match her identity as a “clone woman.”

‘Looks like tonight will be revealing,’ Qiu Tu thought.

He waved off the maid who was about to greet him and walked over, sitting beside Qin Shuman.

Sensing someone beside her, Qin Shuman’s eyes focused, and she smiled upon seeing Qiu Tu.

“Qiu~ Tu~”

She drawled his name with a hint of flirtation, then wrapped her arm around his neck, drunkenly saying, “What brings you here? Come, have a drink with me!”

She snapped her fingers at the maid, “Get him a ‘One Night Fall.’”

The maid glanced at Qiu Tu, who nodded, and she poured a glass of amber liquid from a high-end bottle for him.

Once the maid had poured the drink, Qiu Tu waved her off, “You may go.”

“Yes, Sir,” she said, bowing slightly before leaving the bar and closing the door behind her.

After taking a sip of the drink, Qiu Tu softly asked, “What’s wrong?”

Qin Shuman’s slender fingers caressed the crystal glass. She downed the amber liquid in one gulp, drunkenly saying, “Nothing, I’m just really happy! So happy!”

She forced a smile, but it was clearly fake.

Qiu Tu watched her silently for a while, then clinked his glass with hers and downed his drink.

He then refilled both their glasses with the exquisite bottle, gesturing for her to drink.

Qin Shuman seemed calmer this time, gently swirling her glass, her eyes distant as she said, “Qiu Tu~ do you think people can suddenly become someone else?”

Her question startled Qiu Tu. He feigned confusion, “I don’t understand. Do you mean...?”

Qin Shuman placed a finger on his lips, her beautiful face close to his, whispering, “For instance... you.”

“Don’t you feel like you’ve become a different person?”

Qiu Tu chuckled, taking a sip of his drink, “People’s personalities can change significantly after major events.”

He then countered, “But Miss Qin, you seem unchanged.”

Pausing, he added with a playful smile, “Except... for tonight.”

Author's Note