The Yinhai Observation Bureau was located in a prime area of Yinhai City. As they drove along the wide road, they soon spotted ancient architectural eaves peeking through the bustling cityscape.
The combination of weathered historic towers and modern office buildings gave the Yinhai Bureau a unique charm. Especially at dusk, amidst the city's bright lights and revelry, the serene ancient architecture exuded a timeless tranquility.
During her college years, Chu Zhishui often passed by this place on the bus. She and her classmates had wanted to explore around the ancient tower, but were disappointed to learn it was a protected historical site that was never open to the public, currently belonging to the Yinhai Observation Bureau.
An imposing iron gate blocked their path. Back then, they would peek through the railings - the front office building was where people came to conduct business, while the tall ancient tower with its gray eaves and white walls stood far behind, surrounded by other buildings like stars around the moon.
A local classmate explained that she had never been able to get close to the ancient tower since childhood. Rumor had it that it was connected to Yinhai City's feng shui, and that dignitaries would visit on special occasions. Every city had its strange tales, but they all just laughed it off at the time, not taking it seriously.
Now, Chu Zhishui was revisiting this place. As she rode through the iron gates and truly stood at the foot of the ancient tower, she finally understood her classmate's words.
The tower had nothing to do with feng shui - it was clearly a workplace where supernatural beings had passed civil service exams to become officials. The visits by dignitaries on special occasions were probably just leadership inspections, following the same routines as human institutions.
The ancient tower had a pointed top, upturned gray eaves, and solemn white walls, brightly lit in the night like a lighthouse guiding ships through surging waters. While it seemed out of place in the hedonistic Yinhai City on its own, it somehow harmoniously blended into the urban landscape.
Du Zigui parked the car and helped with the luggage. Turning around, he noticed Chu Zhishui's gaze fixed on the ancient tower and explained with a smile, "That's where the Observation Department works."
"The Observation Department's workplace?" Chu Zhishui was startled, "The entire building?"
Du Zigui, having never worked elsewhere, asked curiously, "Yes, the Observation Department is separate from other departments. Isn't it the same at the Huaijiang Bureau?"
"...Ours is underground."
"That must be impressive too!"
Chu Zhishui recalled their creaky wooden stairs - she hadn't found anything impressive about it. She couldn't help glancing back at the ancient tower again. Other bureaus' "cat houses" were certainly grand, fearless of being scratched or damaged, and they even used historical architecture.
Though smaller than the Huaijiang Bureau, every inch of the Yinhai Bureau was well-developed. The staff cafeteria not only offered abundant buffet meals but also included an internet café and gym, and even talent apartments for employees to live in.
After touring around, Chu Zhishui realized how incredibly wealthy they were. No wonder Director Hu had a "milk the rich" attitude - these conditions were better than many major human companies.
Why were they so rich?
This was truly supernatural inequality!
Thinking of Jin Yu's pitiful salary, Chu Zhishui couldn't understand why the gap between supernatural beings could be so vast.
Du Zigui led Chu Zhishui to the guest house and helpfully assisted with check-in. Though "guest house" sounded modest, the environment was actually quite nice, equivalent to a human hotel. The receptionist smiled warmly and kindly explained how to use the room service.
Chu Zhishui took her room key and waited for the elevator in the hallway, hesitantly asking, "Is she also..."
"No, no, no, they're all ordinary humans who just work here, completely unaware of our situation," Du Zigui explained. "This guest house is divided into two parts - the inner section receives Bureau guests, while the outer section serves human customers, which is one of the Bureau's revenue streams."
"I see." Chu Zhishui nodded in understanding.
Yinhai's property prices were ten times those of Huaijiang, with similarly high rents that made many fresh graduates struggle. While the Huaijiang Bureau's vast undeveloped land went unused, the Yinhai Bureau's property had high investment returns, generating significant income with minimal management.
"Our Bureau has many similar establishments, and service staff are mostly outsourced, generally not Bureau employees," Du Zigui smiled. "Come to think of it, you're the first human with Bureau tenure I've ever met!"
"Thank you, I'm honored."
As long as he didn't compliment her for being like a supernatural being.
After checking in, Chu Zhishui bid farewell to Du Zigui, agreeing to meet at the Bureau tomorrow, then closed the door and began unpacking. The room had excellent soundproofing, a warm yellow reading light by the bed, and even electronically controlled blackout curtains.
After settling in, she called Jin Yu to ask about their day.
"Did you stay at Brother Niu's place today?"
"No, I just stayed at our office."
"Huh?" Chu Zhishui asked puzzled, "Weren't you scared?"
"He didn't show up today, I was alone in the office," Jin Yu answered honestly. "Though I didn't have much to do, all the reports were finished."
It was indeed a slow period for the Economic Development Department, otherwise Chu Zhishui wouldn't have come to Yinhai City on business. But she hadn't expected Xin Yunmao to skip work, though thinking about it, he only appeared during regular office hours, and only when she was in the office too.
Chu Zhishui said magnanimously, "It's fine, if there's nothing to do, just take it easy."
Jin Yu: "?"
Since there was no work, they could all relax and let the two supernatural beings be themselves.
They were only paid so little, without buffet meals or a gym, let alone comfortable supernatural talent apartments - they were already going above and beyond with their work.
The next day, after waking up, Chu Zhishui reported to the Yinhai Bureau and finally met the renowned Director Ye Huayu, immediately startled by his flamboyant appearance.
Ye Huayu had a sturdy build but a small head and thin neck. He was dressed head to toe in designer suits, with a gleaming silver belt and dazzling watch - the very picture of a nouveau riche, even down to his garishly colored suit.
Ye Huayu wasn't standoffish at all and didn't mind that Chu Zhishui had come instead of Director Hu. He declared loudly, "Little Du, show her around these couple of days, take her to all the sights in Yinhai. It's quite different from Huaijiang here, lots more fun things to do!"
Du Zigui immediately nodded behind him, "Yes, yes, Director Ye, I've already arranged everything."
"Good, make sure to be a proper host!" Ye Huayu enthused. "Our Bureau isn't short on money, Little Chu, feel free to enjoy yourself!"
Chu Zhishui replied politely, "It's fine, Director Ye, no need to be so courteous. I actually went to university here, so there's not much I want to see. This trip is mainly for work, and to pass on Director Hu's regards to you."
"Oh, you've been to Yinhai City before," Ye Huayu said surprised. "Old Hu is too polite, what regards? With our annual business funding relationship, we don't need such formalities."
Ye Huayu pulled up his sleeve to check the time, revealing his blindingly expensive watch, and said, "Shall we tour the Bureau?"
Chu Zhishui quickly agreed, "Sure, I'll learn from you."
Truthfully, Chu Zhishui didn't enjoy touring around with leaders. With Hu Chenrui, they would just discuss business when needed and return to their own offices otherwise, but she couldn't act that way with other directors.
In the Yinhai Bureau, Ye Huayu not only boasted extensively along the way but also kept ordering Du Zigui around. His mouth never stopped moving, displaying both his leadership authority and a nouveau riche's showing off of wealth, nearly giving Chu Zhishui calluses in her ears.
Now she understood Hu Chenrui's words about enduring what you can endure. What kind of bird was Director Ye, and how had his head not been smashed by Director Hu's fox claws?
A moment later, Ye Huayu pulled up his sleeve for the umpteenth time to check his watch and suggested, "It's almost mealtime. Little Chu, have you been to our cafeteria? We have all sorts of delicacies, quite different from the Huaijiang Bureau!"
"I went last night," Chu Zhishui noticed his persistent time-checking. Though internally numb, she maintained her composure and feigned curiosity, "Director Ye, your watch looks extraordinary, it must be very expensive."
She wasn't slow-witted and immediately saw through his frequent time-checking - he clearly wanted someone to bring it up.
To spend so much money on such a tacky watch style - his taste was truly extraordinary indeed.
Ye Huayu finally got to the topic he wanted to hear about, and his face instantly lit up with joy as he rambled on: "Actually, it's not that expensive, looks pretty good, right? Let me tell you, there's a lot to learn about watches. When I was buying it, they explained to me how the watch you wear reflects your status and shows your characteristics..."
Chu Zhishui thought silently: "Yes, this watch certainly shows your poor taste in aesthetics."
Ye Huayu casually tried to put others down: "Poor people play with cars, rich people play with watches. By the way, has Old Hu bought any watches? I've never seen him wear one."
"I don't know much about watches, so I don't really pay attention to these things," Chu Zhishui naturally changed the subject. She took out a white paper bag from her pocket and said gently, "Please wait a moment, Director Hu asked me to bring something."
She thought about how Director Hu must have endured so much frustration when requesting more business funds in the past, and it brought tears to her eyes just thinking about it. Not wanting to continue the boring conversation about luxury goods, she decided to open the paper bag from Director Hu to see what clever trick it contained that could make the chatty Director Ye finally shut up.
Surely there wouldn't be a gun in the paper bag? Shooting birds within the city limits might be illegal.
Next year, she would raise the tea prices and sell it to the Yinhai Bureau at double the price, as compensation for her current mental suffering.
As various ideas flashed through Chu Zhishui's mind, she opened the white paper bag and was stunned – it contained bright yellow salted egg yolk corn kernels, which released a savory aroma when opened, along with disposable gloves. The corn kernels were crispy and delicious, each coated with salted egg yolk, no wonder they made rustling sounds in the paper bag.
Help, why is it food?
What does this mean?
With her mind blank, Chu Zhishui simply extended her hand and stiffly said, "Director Ye, would you like some?"
Her tone sounded just like offering cigarettes, except she was offering corn kernels.
Ye Huayu peered into the bag, his eyes immediately brightening as he happily put on the gloves: "Ah, Old Hu still remembers that I like these!"
Ye Huayu began crunching away, seeming to have some difficulty eating them, which left him unable to continue his boasting or give orders to Du Zigui.
The world returned to peace, truly a moment of tranquil beauty.
Chu Zhishui let out a long sigh of relief, realizing that a fox truly deserved its reputation – achieving victory without shedding blood!
After finishing the corn kernels, Ye Huayu savored the taste and continued: "These are good, but Old Hu hasn't tried the better ones. Back when we were at the five-star hotel..."
Chu Zhishui, wearing disposable gloves, firmly took out another handful and placed them in Ye Huayu's palm, saying solemnly: "Director Ye, please have some more."
"Oh? Well, alright then."
Director Ye continued crunching away, and the world fell silent once again.
Chu Zhishui managed to make it through until lunch with just that bag of corn kernels, avoiding any further torment from Director Ye and securing some hard-won peace and quiet.
In the cafeteria, Chu Zhishui took advantage of getting food to distance herself from Director Ye, afraid of having to listen to him brag about the food. She quietly walked up to Du Zigui and casually asked, "Is Director Ye a peacock?"
Du Zigui: "Ah, you're amazing, you could tell?"
"Yes, it's quite obvious."
No wonder he's showing off his feathers here, making such annoying noises that give her a headache.
After lunch, the busy Director Ye finally had to attend to official business and arranged for Du Zigui to handle Chu Zhishui's subsequent activities.
Chu Zhishui relaxed and mustered what little energy she had left, pretending to politely see Ye Huayu off, accompanying him to the office building area.
Ye Huayu fell back into his old habits, starting to show off the office building, saying that the Huaijiang Bureau having only one building was too quiet and that he should suggest Hu Chenrui spend money to build more.
Chu Zhishui helplessly replied: "The bureau's funds are quite tight."
"How can funds be tight?" Ye Huayu exclaimed, "I've always been curious why other bureaus can't make money? It's so easy for us to earn money."
"..."
Of course you have advantages being in the most economically developed city!
In your situation, couldn't you make money just by building and renting out properties on bureau land? Anyone with a normal brain could figure out how to manage that!
Chu Zhishui thought Director Hu shouldn't have put corn kernels in the paper bag; he should have put a gun in there instead, to blow this peacock's head off. She decided to sell tea at triple the price next year. She had been young and naive before, not listening to Director Hu's advice as an experienced supernatural being. There should have been no thought of brotherhood between bureaus – Director Ye deserved to be overcharged.
Just then, there was suddenly a commotion in front of the office building. A well-dressed man was crying and kowtowing at the entrance, screaming something incomprehensible before being quickly removed by the bureau's security guards.
A faint cry could be heard: "I have money! I'll pay whatever amount you want!"
Chu Zhishui was startled: "What's going on?"
"Ah, don't mind that, probably someone trying to cut in line," Ye Huayu said with disdain. "The bureau gets people like this every day, thinking the whole world should revolve around them, making a scene when we don't immediately handle their affairs."
"Did he encounter evil spirits?" Chu Zhishui asked, "Or does he have a dispute with supernatural beings?"
"There are many people who encounter evil spirits, and many who have disputes with supernatural beings. We handle cases according to priority, but there are always some people who want to use money to get preferential treatment," Ye Huayu said. "Don't sympathize with such people. They may cry miserably here, but once they leave, they're incredibly arrogant. They're shrewd calculators and never hesitate to harm their own kind!"
Yinhai City's overall economy was developed, naturally attracting celebrities and wealthy merchants. Many rich people's success stories weren't clean; they would make agreements with supernatural beings, but once they became truly wealthy, they would turn against them, ultimately causing chaos and requiring the Observation Bureau's intervention.
Apart from those born with the ability to see supernatural beings, few ordinary people had connections with them. Normal people lived honest lives – who would want to rely on crooked methods to get rich or harm others?
Ye Huayu's eyes narrowed as he said with a light smile: "As a human, you should understand better – the higher the position people hold, the more skilled they are at oppressing others, isn't that right?"
"Everyone is equal above me, but there's a strict hierarchy below me – that's just how it works."
Chu Zhishui remained silent.
She wanted to say no, that humans had both good and bad among them, just like supernatural beings.
But she felt it was meaningless to say this now. In Director Ye's eyes, she was also human, and it would sound like a weak defense of humanity.
They weren't familiar with each other, and it was still work hours – this kind of debate unrelated to business didn't need to happen.
Chu Zhishui gave a slight laugh: "You were right earlier, the Yinhai Bureau is indeed different from the Huaijiang Bureau."
The supernatural beings at the Huaijiang Bureau would never say such things to her directly. They were all foolish beings who said foolish things every day, yet everything they said was more pleasant to hear than Director Ye's words.
Hearing her change the subject, Ye Huayu followed along excitedly: "Our bureau has better conditions, right? Quick, tell Old Hu to transfer you here!"
"Thank you, but I'm from Huaijiang, and I'm more suited to that place."
She would never accept working at the Yinhai Bureau, because she had experienced Director Ye's deep-seated contempt for humans. Even when they showed concern and praised her, they were really just saying "you're really like a supernatural being," but if humans were looked down upon in their eyes, such a comment was a great insult to her.
In that case, she'd rather not be like a supernatural being, but more like a human.
After finishing work at the Yinhai Bureau, Chu Zhishui politely declined Du Zigui's offer to drive her and took a taxi to meet with Qi Chang at another location.
She came to Yinhai City firstly for Observation Bureau matters, and secondly because she had received an invitation from New Perspective Video's CEO Qi Chang, considering how to recommend the job opportunity to Wang Yiwen.
In the coffee shop, the early-thirties Qi Chang had delicate features, was cultured and refined, and spoke in an orderly manner – truly a talent worthy of being chosen by the Green Profit Group.
"Actually, when Green Profit invested in Dragon Knowledge Video, we had high hopes, but unfortunately, Director Li's performance was average, with no obvious changes, which is why we considered having me create New Perspective Video," Qi Chang said. "Despite burning through money quickly, the recent data has actually declined, which is quite puzzling to us."
Chu Zhishui calmly replied: "Dragon Knowledge initially relied on its distinctive user ecosystem, but its actual technical level was far behind other companies. After Director Li completed Series A financing, he mainly focused on expanding the technical layer and began to extensively introduce and imitate other companies' operating models, which actually diluted its original characteristics. It's normal for growth to decline."
This small, struggling company managed to succeed in its startup phase because it stood out in the market with few competitors. Otherwise, how could it have been discovered by sheer luck? But Li Longke insisted on rapid expansion, emulating other companies, which inevitably led to its downfall. This was just the beginning of its decline.
She had predicted this day when she left the company, but good advice is wasted on those who are determined to fail.
However, she knew what Li Longke was thinking. He never intended to run the company properly. He hired frantically and expanded rapidly, all to continue seeking more financing. As long as the numbers on the reports looked good, there would always be investors who could be fooled. Then, he would use the investors' money to pay himself a high salary and flaunt luxury cars around the company, living a life of extravagance.
If his scheme went smoothly, Dragon Knowledge Video might even go public, allowing him to cash out his shares in one go. After going public, Dragon Knowledge Video would likely drop below its issue price, and the company, which had expanded rapidly, would quickly lay off employees, eventually becoming a stagnant pool.
But by then, the major shareholders would have achieved financial freedom, and who would bother to clean up the mess?
Only ordinary employees and shareholders would suffer.
These well-dressed speculators all made money this way, which was no secret in the financial investment industry.
She could have done it but didn't want to, so she chose to leave.
Qi Chang showed admiration: "What you said matches our internal analysis. That's why we hope New Perspective Video can establish itself in the market for the long term and become a truly unique brand in terms of content!"
"...I see."
Chu Zhishui didn't have the heart to tell him she had heard this before. Li Longke had also said similar things back then, only to retract them after securing financing.
Fortunately, she didn't have to spend time verifying whether Qi Chang would become the next Li Longke. She was just helping Wang Yiwen find a new platform, allowing her friend to make a big leap in her career.
The exchange went smoothly. After chatting enough, Chu Zhishui expressed her regret at already having joined another company and then introduced Wang Yiwen, emphasizing that she had a real position at Dragon Knowledge Video and was more knowledgeable than Chu herself. Wang Yiwen was also not bound by a non-compete agreement, making her the perfect candidate to be poached.
Qi Chang was initially surprised that Chu Zhishui wasn't joining, but he quickly accepted her recommendation and agreed to meet with Wang Yiwen.
As the sky darkened and neon lights flickered, Yinhai City at night resembled an endless city, completely surrounded by a galaxy of lights.
When Chu Zhishui and Qi Chang left the café, they happened to catch the most beautiful night view of the city.
"But it's a pity you can't join us. We can still keep in touch, though," Qi Chang said, glancing at his watch. "There's a famous Japanese restaurant nearby called Bamboo. I managed to get a reservation there. How about we have dinner there tonight?"
Chu Zhishui, hearing the familiar name, looked at Qi Chang in surprise and blurted out, "Ah?"
"Is something wrong? Don't you like Japanese food?" Qi Chang's voice softened. "But their ingredients are quite good. It might change your impression."
She knew the ingredients were good; after all, she used to frequent Bamboo. This Japanese restaurant was the best place for insiders to discuss business or flirt, known for its exorbitant prices and extremely high-end environment. Even the waiters wore custom-made suits and had a very stylish demeanor.
What she couldn't understand was why they were going to Bamboo after everything had been discussed.
Chu Zhishui regained her composure and reminded him, "Bamboo is quite expensive."
"It's worth spending money to dine with a beautiful lady," Qi Chang said with a smile. "Would you honor me with your presence?"
"..."
Chu Zhishui looked at Qi Chang's handsome face and sighed inwardly. He was indeed a man of high emotional intelligence. He hadn't revealed any hint of romance during their business talk but now effortlessly switched to a gentlemanly demeanor. It was hard to believe he hadn't charmed at least a dozen women.
The subtle probing between mature men and women was full of tension, but Chu Zhishui never felt a crush. She had been single by choice and had a natural calm mindset that automatically analyzed situations, preventing her from immediately relaxing.
Qi Chang was very smart. If Chu Zhishui had chosen to join the company, he would never have crossed the line. Workplace romances were high-risk, and he wouldn't do anything so reckless.
But since Chu Zhishui hadn't chosen to join, she was automatically placed in a different category, so his attitude changed after leaving the café.
It was realistic and rational, in line with most people's thinking.
Chu Zhishui smiled and politely declined, "I'm sorry, but I usually don't eat dinner. I'm not very hungry right now."
"Not even a little?" Qi Chang looked surprised. "Their desserts are quite good."
"I'm sorry, but I really don't eat dinner."
Qi Chang looked disappointed but didn't press further. "Then maybe we can have lunch together next time."
Chu Zhishui politely agreed but knew there wouldn't be a next time.
They were both people who could chat if they got along and part ways if they didn't. Expensive meals, designer bags, and luxury hotel trips were common and old-fashioned ways for wealthy men to woo women, but in human society, they might be considered romantic gestures. The remaining men were often more stingy and worse.
But she might really be a country bumpkin who couldn't appreciate fine things. Even after years of pretending to be a city girl in Yinhai City, she still couldn't accept this process. She always felt tired when dining with these men, having to perform at her best at all times. They were fake, and she had to be fake too.
Because she worked in a highly profitable industry, she had seen too much and always carried a sense of caution.
Highly educated and wealthy elites didn't necessarily have good character. They could be morally reprehensible, justified by the fact that society inherently admires the strong. After making money through investments, they might indulge in affairs with female university students or maintain a double life. These were the lowest levels of moral decline, as wealth and status could completely transform a person.
Chu Zhishui thought about this and suddenly smiled self-deprecatingly. She had disagreed with Director Ye during the day, but her subconscious had already revealed something, otherwise, she wouldn't have felt stepped on.
She knew Li Longke's scheme to make a quick profit was harmful to his peers, and she knew the messy relationships in the industry, which made her wary of Qi Chang.
As a human, she understood better because she had seen these situations. She was annoyed by Director Ye's words and felt a mix of sorrow and anger, dissatisfied that the reputation of all humans was tarnished by a few bad apples, even to the point of being lectured by Yinhai Observation Bureau's monsters.
She might really be a country bumpkin from a small city who couldn't fit in with the stylish people of the big city, nor with the stylish monsters of the big city.
Country bumpkins should play with country monsters; different circles shouldn't force themselves to blend in.
A cool breeze brushed her face, and Chu Zhishui snapped back to reality. She suddenly remembered something and opened her wallet to check, finding Bamboo's membership card. She had long forgotten about this Japanese restaurant, but Qi Chang's reminder made her recall her previous deposits there.
Because she often discussed work at Bamboo, she had made a high-value deposit, which was naturally reimbursed by Dragon Knowledge Video. But there seemed to be some left, enough for one more meal?
She also owed a certain monster a meal, to repay him for coming to her rescue that night when Old Bai appeared.
"Xin Yunmao."
Chu Zhishui didn't expect much, trying her luck in a corner, but was genuinely surprised when she saw the familiar black crack.
From the crack, Xin Yunmao emerged, dressed in simple white, the night's dim light softening his stern features, and the neon lights making his dark eyes sparkle. He stepped out casually, one hand in his pocket, and seeing her surprise, raised an eyebrow. "Why this expression? Didn't you call for me?"
"No, I was just trying it out, and you actually came," Chu Zhishui said, wide-eyed. "I'm in Yinhai now. How could you come from Huaijiang?"
This skill could save a lot on travel expenses, no wonder he was so indifferent about her business trips.
"You are my only believer. No matter where you go, I can find you," Xin Yunmao said, pausing for a moment. His dark lashes lowered as his voice, light as the night breeze, added, "Just call my name, just when you want to see me."
She was his only believer, so of course, he would answer her call.
