The weather is getting cooler and the king is broken.
After washing up, Qu Shiyao nestled comfortably in bed, picked up her tablet, and leisurely browsed the latest popular dramas.
"Alright, all the bystanders have left. You came all this way, there must be some progress over there, right?" she asked, swiping the screen.
Mentioning this, the system immediately perked up: [Hehe, host, I talked to quite a few colleagues this time, and it turns out that quite a few systems have already vaguely sensed this problem!]
As soon as I proposed your inference, everyone retrieved their task data from recent years for cross-referencing and analysis, and ultimately unanimously confirmed that this pattern is highly likely to exist!
"Then we joined forces and formally submitted a report and inquiry to the main system." The system's tone carried a hint of pride.
[Guess what? The main system admitted it! Many things turned out pretty much as you predicted...]
It paused, then said regretfully, "However, the main system has decided that this news must remain confidential to most mission participants and the system for now, temporarily locked within the scope of higher-ups."
The main reason is that the 'abnormal factor' hasn't been completely eliminated. If it were made public now, there's a concern that it might cause widespread panic, or even be exploited by that thing, leading to more uncontrollable chaos.
Qu Shiyao's finger paused slightly as she swiped the screen, and she frowned as she asked:
"Has the main system provided a specific timeline for the solution? Without a clear deadline, this 'uncertainty' itself will cause many problems."
"You can rest assured about this host!" the system immediately assured, patting its chest.
We raised the same question at the time! The main system replied that they had successfully located the coordinates of the core world where the special spirit was hiding!
Currently, a group of highly ranked, experienced mission specialists have infiltrated that main world to conduct surveillance and investigation.
Furthermore, the higher-ups have already made contact with the world consciousness of that world, and the two sides have joined forces to implement the highest level of blockade on that world! To ensure that thing cannot escape!
Hearing that the preparations had been completed to this extent, Qu Shiyao said no more.
However, a doubt still crossed her mind: why hadn't she been discovered after hiding for so long before, but this time she was located so quickly? This efficiency was a bit abnormal.
But she kept this question to herself and didn't voice it.
When it comes to this level of struggle, who knows if there are deeper plans behind it?
If she accidentally lets something slip and the system records it in the log, it might alert the enemy and disrupt some people's plans.
[Huh? Host, Su Wanwan has posted a new commission on our platform again!] The system noticed the activity in the background and reported to Qu Shiyao.
[This time, the request is for an investigation into the detailed cause of her mother's death and related medical records.]
Qu Shiyao was not surprised by this, or rather, she had long anticipated this step.
"Well, then, Lord Tongzi, can you find detailed data and records of these old stories?" She asked casually, her eyes fixed on the TV series playing on her tablet.
"Of course!" The system instantly sprang to attention, its entire size expanding.
This system's ability to search and mine data is top-notch! If I say it's second best, no one dares to claim to be first!
"Oh? That's amazing?" Qu Shiyao didn't even take her eyes off the tablet, casually posing a question that had been lingering in the past:
"What's the CEO's personal bank card password?"
System: [...] The entire system froze.
Why is the host still thinking about this?! It's been so long!
[Ahem! Um... Host, we need to have principles! We can't always think about getting something for nothing—] The system attempted to reiterate its code of conduct.
"Oh~ I understand! I understand! You don't need to explain!" Qu Shiyao didn't give it a chance to finish speaking and interrupted it directly, her tone full of mockery.
Although Qu Shiyao's face didn't turn towards it at all, the system clearly felt an invisible mockery and ridicule enveloping it, which made its core temperature soar instantly, and the entire system turned red!
【Hmph! Anyway... that's just how it is!】The system huffed angrily.
[So, I'll accept Su Wanwan's new commission? And the price will be the standard?]
"Wait!" Qu Shiyao suddenly looked up.
[What's wrong?] The system was secretly pleased, thinking that its host had changed his mind and was going to praise it, and tried its best to maintain its aloofness.
Let me tell you, I'm a system with bottom lines and principles, even if you...
“What I mean is,” Qu Shiyao once again ruthlessly interrupted its reverie, slowly instructing:
"Considering she's the eldest daughter of the Su family, the price for this new case will be doubled. After all, investigating old medical records, especially those that might have been deliberately concealed, is much more difficult, isn't it?"
After saying that, she calmly plugged in her earphones and continued watching the show.
System: [...] In the end, it was a mistake!
Despite the complaints, the system still obediently followed Qu Shiyao's instructions.
Having followed its host for so long, it now deeply understands the importance of money.
At the very least, it could be filled with a huge bag of gold and used to crush a tycoon to death? It's much more visually appealing than those urea bags or bricks!
The system cannot immediately release the investigation results regarding Su Wanwan's mother's condition.
It was planned to be delivered no earlier than the next morning, otherwise, given Su Wanwan's suspicious nature, she might doubt the authenticity of this information.
-----------------
The next morning, Qu Shiyao hitched a ride with Su Wanwan to the company.
She strolled leisurely to her workstation, and as soon as she sat down and took out the still-steaming xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Jin Yuxi rushed over like a cat smelling fish.
"Confess and you'll be treated leniently; resist and you'll be punished severely! Tell me! What did you do yesterday after taking the day off? You didn't even take me with you!"
Jin Yuxi put her hands on her hips and turned her head away as if she were angry, but one hand secretly reached for the steamed buns on the table.
"Smack!"
Qu Shiyao reacted quickly, using the clean tips of her chopsticks to precisely tap the claw.
Jin Yuxi winced in pain, reluctantly withdrew her hand, and plopped down on the chair next to Qu Shiyao, putting on a pained expression.
"Shiyao! You've changed! Yesterday, I was worried that you were depressed and alone, and I even thought about going to comfort you after get off work! But today, you're so cold and heartless! My heart aches so much!"
Qu Shiyao wasn't buying it at all, and retorted unyieldingly, "Don't you see now? I'm alive and kicking, perfectly fine. Alright, that's the end of the visit, you can leave now."
Jin Yuxi was momentarily speechless, then, in a dramatic display, she pulled out a tissue, pretended to wipe away non-existent tears, and said in a tearful voice:
"Shiyao! Have you forgotten our friendship? You used to be so kind, so lovely, so willing to share..."
"Yes, I think so too." Qu Shiyao nodded seriously, took a bite of the juicy xiaolongbao, and then replied with perfect naturalness.
"And I still retain these wonderful qualities and am in my prime."
"Pfft!" Lin Weiwei, sitting in front, couldn't help but turn around and let out a merciless laugh at Jin Yuxi.
"Wake up, Jin Yuxi! When has Qu Shiyao ever offered to share food? If she ever offered to share with me!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Qu Shiyao immediately picked up a small steamed bun with her chopsticks and placed it steadily into Jin Yuxi's hand, which she hadn't had time to retract.
Then, Qu Shiyao said nothing, but simply raised her eyes and looked intently at Lin Weiwei with a smile of anticipation.
Jin Yuxi stared at the plump, fragrant steamed bun in her hand for a second, then stuffed it into her mouth without hesitation, before looking intently at Lin Weiwei.
Zhang Li, who was originally tidying up her things, guessed that Qu Shiyao, who loved to watch the drama unfold, would definitely do something like this when she heard Lin Weiwei's words about setting a goal.
At that moment, she also silently turned her head, exerting pressure with her eyes.
Wang Qian glanced up at Lin Weiwei, who had instantly become the center of attention, then quickly lowered her head, pretending to continue with her own business, silently lighting a candle for her in her heart.
Even Su Wanwan, who was focused on reviewing the encrypted investigation data she had just received that morning, was drawn to the commotion.
She put down her tablet, gracefully rested her chin on her hand, and stared straight at Lin Weiwei.
Lin Weiwei instantly felt immense pressure and was extremely uncomfortable.
Her mind raced faster than ever before, and in a flash of inspiration, she instinctively picked up the sandwich breakfast she had brought and said:
"Why are you all looking at me? I was just saying that we should concentrate on eating breakfast and not talk."
After saying that, she immediately lowered her head and focused on eating her sandwich.
"Sigh~" Seeing this, Qu Shiyao shook her head and let out a long sigh, her tone full of regret.
"Senior Lin, this is no fun at all! You can't afford to play this game! Someone like you will suffer a lot in society in the future."
"That's right!" Jin Yuxi immediately chimed in, adding fuel to the fire.
"A real woman should dare to speak her mind and take responsibility!"
Although Zhang Li didn't speak, her slightly raised eyebrows and eyes clearly showed her agreement with Qu Shiyao and Jin Yuxi's statements.
However, Lin Weiwei had already maxed out her feigned death skills. No matter what they said, she didn't even raise her head and focused on eating the sandwich in her hand.
Seeing this, Qu Shiyao and the others knew that they couldn't watch the play, and could only sigh in unison.
-----------------
After arriving at work in the afternoon, Qu Shiyao noticed that Su Wanwan's workstation remained empty, and she hadn't returned.
[Host, the young lady has begun her operation!] The system noticed Qu Shiyao's gaze and proactively reported:
Based on the clues and investigative direction I provided, she is secretly collecting and organizing substantial evidence.
"Can't what you provided to her be used directly as evidence?" Qu Shiyao looked up and asked with some doubt.
"Of course not!" the system explained.
The results I provided were mostly deduced from analysis of deep cyberspace, fragments of encrypted communications, or unusual financial transactions. They lacked legitimate sources and evidentiary chains that could be accepted by the court.
[But don't worry, host, I've already explained to her in detail the specific methods for obtaining this evidence!]
Qu Shiyao thought about it for a moment, understood the key point, and stopped asking questions.
Just then, her phone vibrated slightly.
I picked it up and saw it was a message from Yi Yu.
[Fish Falling into the Sea: Sister Shiyao! Just a reminder, school starts the day after tomorrow! (Happy spinning around.jpg)]
Qu Shiyao raised an eyebrow. Her first reaction was not the start of school itself, but rather why Yi Yu would have time to send her a message at this time.
According to his usual part-time work schedule, he should be busy at the supermarket checkout counter at this time.
[Sister Qu: Don't I have to go to my part-time job at the supermarket today? (Cat peeking out in confusion.jpg)]
On the other side, Yi Yu was sitting on a park bench not far from her home. When she saw Qu Shiyao's reply, she couldn't help but feel a little helpless and amused by Shiyao's keen insight.
[Fish Falling into the Sea: Because school is about to start, I wanted to adjust my mindset, so I quit all my part-time jobs! (My goal is the stars and the sea!.jpg)]
Qu Shiyao is not so easily fooled.
She knew Yi Yu too well. This guy was hardworking and independent. Even during his university years, he would usually keep one or two relatively stable part-time jobs to supplement his living expenses and save money.
It is very unusual for someone to quit all their part-time jobs before the start of the school year.
Considering Si Cheng's recent actions, she immediately had a guess.
[Sister Qu: Confess honestly, is someone pulling strings behind your back to prevent you from getting your part-time job?]
At the same time, she immediately asked the system in her mind: "System, check if Si Cheng has recently made any moves on Yi Yu's part-time job?"
The system had been monitoring the conversation and immediately understood the host's meaning.
It quickly accesses the data network to retrieve recent business activities and fund flows in Sicheng.
A few seconds later, it exclaimed in alarm: [Host! That CEO is really ruthless! He's really targeting all of Yi Yu's part-time jobs! Either they'll be acquired by companies under his name or affiliated enterprises, and then he'll find an excuse to fire Yi Yu.]
[They'll either crack down on those small shops, forcing them to stop hiring Yi Yu! It's practically ruthless!]
Qu Shiyao lowered her head, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
At this moment, Yi Yu replied to the message.
[Fish Falling into the Sea: It's no big deal. School starts in a few days anyway. No matter what he does, it won't affect my schooling. (Completely indifferent.jpg)]
Seeing Yi Yu's feignedly relaxed tone, Qu Shiyao felt even more uncomfortable.
She replied quickly:
[Sister Qu: It's okay! Evil people will get their comeuppance! This kind of person will go bankrupt sooner or later! (Hugs, my baby.jpg)]
The system looked at the message sent by the host and inexplicably felt that the host's domineering tone was somewhat like the domineering CEO declarations in novels that always say "When the weather gets cold, the king is doomed".
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