Upon hearing this, Su Qingzhi couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"I didn't blame you, why are you so nervous? You're explaining so earnestly."
"I was just thinking, she was only seven or eight years old back then, and now a full thirteen years have passed. With so many years gone by, who can guarantee that the little girl who was covered in mud and running wild back then won't grow into someone who knows how to pretend and act pretentiously?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Zhiyu was taken aback, his eyes flashing slightly.
"A pretentious person? You even gave her a nickname?"
Su Qingzhi smiled, pursing her lips.
"Of course I do. I call her 'green tea' in private."
"She's the kind of person who seems innocent and harmless on the surface, speaks softly, and seems like everyone should feel sorry for her, but in reality, she's very cunning. Whether facing men or women, she can put on a pitiful, innocent, and helpless look, making people want to protect her."
Shen Zhiyu listened, then frowned and thought about it carefully.
The more he thought about it, the more accurate it seemed, and he nodded involuntarily.
"Tsk, you know what... now that you mention it, it's actually quite accurate. She really is quite 'pretentious'."
Not long after, the car came to a smooth stop in front of the Special Affairs Office building.
Shen Zhiyu was the first to open the car door.
The guard at the door spotted him immediately, even though he recognized him as an insider.
But when he noticed a girl without identification and of unknown identity following behind Shen Zhiyu, he immediately became more vigilant.
"Sorry, visitors need to register. Please show your identification."
Upon seeing this, Su Qingzhi immediately understood the situation.
She didn't argue, but gave Shen Zhiyu a very sensible smile.
"Go ahead and take care of your business. I'll wait for you here. It's alright."
Shen Zhiyu glanced at her, nodded, and then quickly walked into the building.
Just a few minutes later, Director Zhong, whom I had met before, came out of the building himself.
"Xiao Su, I really didn't expect we'd meet again so soon."
As soon as Director Zhong saw Su Qingzhi, a warm smile immediately appeared on his face.
Su Qingzhi passed the security check smoothly and followed the two into the compound.
The three walked side by side into Director Zhong's office.
Director Zhong closed the door and got straight to the point.
Did Xiao Shen mention to you beforehand what happened in Yunnan Province?
“I told him. He already told me.”
Director Zhong poured her a glass of water.
"So what are your plans? This is a big deal for you, and I'd like to hear your true thoughts."
After speaking, he tilted his head slightly and turned to Shen Zhiyu.
"Xiao Shen, why don't you go outside and wait a bit? Xiao Su and I need to talk alone for a bit. It's great that you young people have a good relationship, but there are some things you have to say behind your back."
Shen Zhiyu's gaze shifted slightly as he looked up at Su Qingzhi, his eyes filled with concern and inquiry.
Seeing her nod slightly, he said nothing more and walked out.
Director Zhong smiled.
"Hey, Shen Zhiyu, who's always been the most composed person in our department, never panicking or flustered in the face of danger, is actually afraid of his wife now? The look in his eyes just now, was he afraid I'd say something too harsh?"
Su Qingzhi wasn't annoyed at all; a slight smile appeared on her lips.
“Good Chinese men listen to the country when it comes to foreign affairs, and listen to their wives when it comes to domestic affairs. Isn’t that normal? Besides, when husband and wife understand each other, what is there to be afraid of?”
“Well said! Every word hits home. It seems there’s no problem with Xiao Shen; his attitude is very firm. It all depends on what you, Xiao Su, think. This can’t be forced; it has to be your own willingness.”
Su Qingzhi did not answer immediately.
Instead, he reached for the cup in front of him, took a sip of warm water, and then slowly put the cup back on the table.
“Actually, I also want to do my part and do something for the country. This isn’t just talk; I genuinely mean it. But as you know, your line of work is fraught with danger, and you could encounter peril at any moment. As for me, I haven’t had much education, haven’t received formal training, and don’t know how to fight. To be honest, I’m a little apprehensive.”
She said this with her head down, her eyes fixed on the table.
Director Zhong's eyelids twitched.
He's a veteran criminal investigator; reading people and situations has become second nature to him.
He couldn't detect any real fear on Su Qingzhi's face.
Instead, we saw a sharp edge hidden behind humility.
“Last time you were at the dock warehouse, you took on four strong men all by yourself, I saw it with my own eyes. Anyone else would have been scared out of their wits in that situation, but you took them down in no time. Don’t pretend to be a coward here, you can’t fool my eyes.”
"Where are the four? Only two of them could actually fight. One was wielding a knife, and the other lunged at me to grab me. The other two women were just standing by shouting 'Stop fighting!' They didn't even dare to get close. They were useless, just there to make up the numbers."
Director Zhong shook his head and chuckled.
"Even so, it's still remarkable. Just that calmness and judgment alone surpass most people. At most, he's only slightly inferior to Shen Zhiyu. Am I being honest enough?"
Su Qingzhi smiled but didn't reply.
Director Zhong saw this and felt even more confident.
"You're Xiao Shen's girlfriend, so you're practically one of us. I won't beat around the bush. To be honest, the organization has an important mission that requires special personnel, and we think you're a perfect fit. So, if you have any conditions, just let us know. As long as they're reasonable, we'll do everything we can to help you."
Upon hearing this, Su Qingzhi finally got to the point.
"I want a formal identity so I can carry out missions with Shen Zhiyu. Not just a nominal position, not just logistics, but someone who can participate and cooperate in operations, and be able to step in when it matters most."
"You want to join the Special Affairs Division?"
Director Zhong frowned, his tone slightly surprised.
“I’m not a formally employed staff member. I don’t want to be promoted or get better treatment; I just want a title. For example, a title like Special Operations Team Member would be fine. I only work under Shen Zhiyu and only follow his orders. I don’t go on every mission, but I can step in immediately if needed.”
She didn't want to be bound by rules and regulations, nor did she want to be stopped at crucial moments because of her ambiguous identity.
What she wants is a position of recognition.
Director Zhong did not respond immediately.
After a long while, Director Zhong finally spoke slowly.
"You make it sound so simple. Why should I agree to this special arrangement? Our Special Affairs Department's rules are not to be taken lightly. Everyone who comes in has to go through layers of screening. Why should you be an exception?"
Su Qingzhi could hear the seriousness in his words and understood that he was genuinely asking this question.
What is it about her that makes the Special Affairs Department make an exception for her?
Su Qingzhi did not rush to answer.
She sat quietly in the chair, her gaze steadily fixed on the table.
Suddenly, he raised his right hand and gently grabbed at the air.
When she opened her palm again, a small black mosquito was firmly alighting on it.
Then, without making a sound, she picked up the old enamel mug from the table.
A gentle pinch with the fingertips.
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