Bang!

As the light exploded, Cicada Dust jumped onto the bookshelf and crouched, glancing at the short dagger blade in his hand with a rather unhappy expression: "No blood."

"Inspector Cicada, you're swindling money from us, and now you're attacking an old man like me at fifty-eight, is this good? Not very good, is it?"

The Grand Steward tore open his half-separated sleeve, revealing a strong arm with a fresh cut from Cicada Dust's knife. Strangely, no blood seeped out, as if it were merely a piece of wood.

Le Yin shook his head and sighed: "Raccoon Slave darling, you even failed at a sneak attack. Seems I've been spoiling you too much; as punishment, no candy for you today."

"Why shouldn't I have... fine, you love candy so much, someday, I'll choke you to death with it."

"Then you better remember, I like the honey melon flavor that Witch Love Guild recently launched."

Le Yin stood up and looked at the silent, corpse-like Number Two Masked Man.

"You guys have such a good relationship, you're already discussing what gifts to bring to the grave," the Grand Steward waved his hand and laughed, "However, considering how long I've chatted with you, can you tell me how you sincerely cooperate?"

"Our National Relief Association closely understands every partner. Although the Qin Family's Steam Guild collaborates with Flame Unity, as far as I know, your cooperative project 'Unrivaled List' doesn't have much technical content; or rather, all technical work is handled by Flame Unity, who could easily kick out Steam Guild and work alone."

"And Qin Le Yin, you seem to have a deep grudge against Cicada Dust, as Cicada Dust practically wants to make trouble for your brother every day, which is evident. Hence, we specifically befriended Inspector Cicada, trying to get him to take charge of the Platinum Tower's defense—who would've thought Inspector Cicada, instead of hitting you when you're down, wants to help you in your crisis?"

Raccoon Slave took out a small bottle from his pocket and applied it to the short dagger, saying: "Is there a mole in Flame Unity?"

"The term 'mole' is too harsh; we just have some friends within Flame Unity," the Grand Steward smiled, "Nobody can refuse to befriend those cute little round golden ones, and Inspector Cicada, you applied poison… this terrible smell, is it Skyrim's Galinga?"

"Indeed, you are knowledgeable; it is the essential juice of Galinga that seals the throat upon contact," Cicada Dust sneered, "Even a martial pillar would be affected without self-healing through inner imagery."

"Oh, no, I just happened to play with Galinga during my childhood, got used to this smell, I remember once I smelled them too long, got numb from poisoning, almost died by the roadside…" the Grand Steward laughed, "Inspector Cicada, being so fond of the specialty of my hometown, it's truly an honor."

"However, it seems you have no plans to clear my doubts, I can only deduce myself," the Grand Steward put his hands behind his back, leisurely walking to the masked man's side and said, "In life, all actions boil down to three reasons."

"First, emotion." He looked at Le Yin, suddenly recalling something, "Speaking of which, the report on Qin Le Yin indeed contains rumors of you being indifferent to women; as a vigorous youth with my youthful beauty, you are quite unusual!"

"However, considering you two haven't known each other long and your interaction mode, I don't immediately assume you're those lovers in a love-hate relationship…"

"Seems like you've read quite a few romance novels," Le Yin chuckled.

"People, even old, still yearn for sweet romance," the Grand Steward patted the masked man, sighed, "Staying with these cold colleagues every day, if I don't read romance novels to replenish warmth, I'd transform from a chatterbox scarred ugly old man to a cold scarred ugly old man…"

While the Grand Steward spoke, Cicada Dust quietly moved his steps on the bookshelf, outside the Grand Steward's line of sight. The Grand Steward appeared oblivious, continuing:

"Second, benefit. But as I've just said, once Flame Unity kicks Qin Family out, it gains more, and Qin Family joined Yanjing merely months ago; I can't perceive what benefits you offer that could sway Inspector Cicada…"

"Actually, I found a Spirit Pill in Scandinavia that makes one grow quickly," Le Yin suddenly said, "Even a child consuming it could reach seven feet tall within a year."

The Grand Steward was taken aback: "Really?"

Le Yin: "Truly, but even if I have it, I won't give it to Cicada Kitty; I love the way he only reaches my knee when he jumps now."

Cicada Dust suddenly wondered if he had defected too early, might it have been better to launch the attack after Qin Le Yin was gone?

The Grand Steward chuckled, "So, you haven't offered anything enticing enough to make Inspector Cicada serve you, neither emotion nor benefit, yet despite the animosity, you two can genuinely cooperate…"

"Genuinely cooperate? Where does that show?" Le Yin shrugged.

"From the fact that you dared come with us to the seventh floor, it shows, from the fact that you dared to expose your identity voluntarily, it shows," the Grand Steward said flatly, "Inspector Cicada has dared to act solo with us because we wouldn't dare kill him; he's a confidant of Director Xie from Flame Unity. Moreover, he isn't tonight's target, relatively safe."

"But you, Qin Le Yin, are different; you're our target. Maybe tonight might become your death anniversary. What certainty do you possess to believe Inspector Cicada won't betray, even cooperate willingly? According to Cicada Dust's past actions, he doesn't boast a trustworthy reputation; rather, he's famous for double-dealing, opportunistic betrayals, and greed. Why trust him?"

Le Yin speculated: "Could be because I'm his biological father? Alas, blame my youthful folly for that stormy night ten years ago…"

"Not emotion, not benefit…"

The Grand Steward gently revealed the answer: "It's rules."

"No wonder the Qin Family collaborates with Flame Unity, no wonder Inspector Cicada counters us… so, Yanjing's Statistical Department is under the Brilliant Four Guard's command?"

Bang!

Le Yin slapped the table, leaping from his chair, with his right hand bringing forth a fiery burst of dense light, fiercely striking the Masked Man!

While Le Yin drew attention, Cicada Dust quietly and swiftly approached the Grand Steward from behind, pointing the short dagger at his joints from all angles!

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