Chapter 76.2 – Pinky Promise (2/3)

Translator: Xena

As usual, Qin Zhuo carried his schoolbag for him, so that the pale-faced Jian Xie wouldn’t be crushed by the weight.

The black mist drifted behind Jian Xie, like a huge dark cloud, blocking out all the remaining sunlight of midsummer.

Although It has no physical form, It still exuded a chilling aura which was more effective than any cooling method.

Therefore, he involuntarily shrank back towards It, shutting out the sun and keeping the heat rising from the earth at bay.

Jian Xie took out his phone from his pocket, opened his contacts, and called Dr. Li.

The call connected quickly, as if the person on the other end had been on standby. Their voice was also very hesitant and sounded a little scared. “…What is it? Are you planning to make an appointment this week? 

Jian Xie: “…”

It sounded like he was making a phone call to reserve a table at a restaurant.

“No, I just wanted to let you know that I have something to do this week and won’t be coming.”

Although this Special A-level monster wasn’t actually his real psychologist, the long-term visits had made it a habit for him.

But Dr. Li was cautious, seemingly afraid that there might be a trap. So to deliberately probed his stance, it carefully asked, “Really?” 

“…” Jian Xie, “Really. I just have a request for you.” 

Upon being asked to do something, Dr. Li seemed relieved and became cheerful. “What is it?” 

…This Special A-level little octopus is really strange.

“If I remember correctly, you’ve become a popular relationship influencer now, right?” Jian Xie said, “Many people confide their troubles and pain to you, and that’s how you draw energy from them?”

Dr. Li was taken aback. “You remember what I said.” 

It assumed that Jian Xie hadn’t listened at all, since the other party always had that expressionless face, and more importantly, it was talking to itself at that time.

In its nervousness, it already couldn’t remember what it said.

Jian Xie said, “Answer the question.” 

“Oh, oh.” Dr. Li suddenly came to his senses, and a strange feeling welled up inside him. “That’s right, I can even feel my abilities improving.” 

This explained why those Special A-leve monsters have such high status and position.

Idols and writers were professions that were inherently more receptive to emotions, especially in this age of advanced internet technology.

“Also, I have a Special A-level monster in my house, in a glass bottle on the living room table.” Jian Xie said, “I’m going out for two days this weekend. Could you take care of him for me?” 

Dr. Li, being very perceptive, replied, “…Okay.”

Every Special A-level monster who survived alongside Jian Xie should broaden their professional skills and gradually learn to be all-rounders.

For example, it didn’t need to ask the other party about his current address, nor does it ask why there was a Special A-level monster in his house. Instead, it would put its long-dormant investigative abilities to use.

“See you next week.”

Seeing that it had agreed, Jian Xie hung up the phone decisively.

It realy has that “use and throw away” feel to it.

Jian Xie hadn’t taken more than a few steps when he was suddenly called back.

“Jian Xie”. A voice came from behind him.

”…..”

Jian Xie turned around and found Wen Heshu already standing in front of him.

Unlike their first meeting, he was dressed casually, and the long, black cloth-wrapped object he used to carry on his back was gone, replaced by a guitar bag. He looked like a college student. With his suit off, the investigator looked much younger.

“I’ve come to pick you up.” Wen Heshu nodded to him, “Get in the car.” 

Parked next to him was an unassuming car, looking drab and inconspicuous.

As soon as he got on the car, Wen Heshu took off the guitar case from his back and placed it on his lap.

He unfastened the guitar’s buckle in front of Jian Xie.

“This is my prop, or you could say my weapon.” He frowned and said, “Cheng Li should have told you that his prop is a B-level blood bullet.” 

Jian Xie realized that he and Cheng Li were indeed very familiar with each other.

They had only exchanged a few words, but he hadn’t left his side.

It seems that the identity of “Cheng Li’s recommendee” was more prominent than Jian Xie himself.

Despite his perpetually indifferent expression, this person was actually quite arrogant at heart.

Sure enough, investigators all have some flaws in their personalities, and Jian Xie couldn’t help but wonder what kind of image he had in other people’s eyes.

At least after getting to know him, no one doubted that he was incapable of being an investigator.

It seemed he has his share of annoying traits too.

Wen Heshu said, “Since we’ll be temporary partners, I should at least be honest with you about the weapon’s effects so that we can cooperate more easily.” 

Although the monsters they were about to encounter all have identities within human society, and therefore they were very careful about their reputation and would not dare attack in public, the possibility of them taking action couldn’t be ruled out given the sensitivity of the questions they were about to ask.

With that, Wen Heshu pushed the guitar case open completely, exposing his weapon to view.

It turned out to be a bow and arrow.

“Cheng Li used to be a criminal police officer, so he is a very accurate shot and can quickly get the hang of it without any training.” He said calmly, “I used to participate in some archery competitions. Although I got into some trouble while playing around and stopped participating, now that I’m an investigator, I’m putting my past experience to use.” 

No wonder he concealed his weapon and didn’t easily reveal them.

Jian Xie remembered.

Indeed, “something happened,” the kind that resulted in someone being hospitalized, and the sensational news was published in the newspapers for a long time.

“So Minister Zhang asked me to come with you.” Wen Heshu declined to elaborate, saying, “I can’t appear in front of so many media outlets. This time, I’m your support staff.” 

Jian Xie had no expression. “Mn.” 

Seeing that he did not show any disgust after Wen Heshu revealed his identity, Wen Heshu imperceptibly  breathed a sigh of relief.

“I’ve prepared some weapons for you.” He said, “It’s in the back seat. See if you need anything.” 

Although it was unclear what Jian Xie was using now, since he was able to single-handedly take down all the monsters at the gathering and bring Minister Zhang back unharmed, his weapon must be very powerful. However, as a newcomer, logically speaking, he shouldn’t have a particularly suitable weapon at this time.

Pure and simple suppression based on level…?

This was beyond his imagination.

That said, there were no investigators of this level  preceding Jian Xie, so it was not impossible that everything was being explored for the first time.

However, he always believed in being prepared for any eventuality.

After several days of processing applications by the [Weapons Department], Wen Heshu brought all the  Special A-level weapons he could obtain.

As for S-level… there were no weapons of that rank yet.

Still, it was better than nothing

“……”

Sure enough, Jian Xie turned around and glanced at them, then said, “Thank you, but I probably won’t need it.” 

Wen Heshu paused for a moment. “…So what do you plan to use?”

Jian Xie remained calm and composed. “My level is sufficient.” 

Unlike the other party, if he were to unleash [Hell], it would definitely not be a team effort, so there would be no need for him to be honest.

As soon as he finished speaking, a low chuckle filled the air.

Wen Heshu: “…”

Judging from this statement, Jian Xie did fit the characteristics of an investigator quite well.

Since that was the case, he stopped asking questions and wisely started the car.

However, his brows remained furrowed, as if he were deep in thought.

The two didn’t actually have much in common, so they remained silent the whole way. Fortunately, the atmosphere wasn’t awkward.

The center of the first three districts were in neighboring cities. If one would drive there, they needed to take the highway, which took about four hours.

Jian Xie was catching up on sleep, but halfway through the journey, he opened his eyes and asked, “Does Cheng Li have any missions recently?” 

“……”

Sure enough, he got the answer.

Wen Heshu was paying attention to the road conditions in front of the car. After a pause, he said, “I think so. I saw that he took on the mission of tracking Wu Qinghe.” 

The Bureau still took infiltration very seriously.

Yu Jinghe’s injuries had not fully healed yet, making the mission extremely dangerous. Given that most of the investigators were ideologically dangerous and could be easily turned, the mission fell to Cheng Li.

“He specifically instructed me not to let you know, because the mission level exceeded his investigator authority, and the risk of death was as high as 80%.”

Because the weekend was Jian Xie’s first independent mission, which was also high-risk, he didn’t want to distract the other party even if there was only a slight possibility.

Noticing that Jian Xie was staring at him, Wen Heshu continued, “But I think you should still know about this.” 

Generally speaking, the recommender and the recommendee have a good relationship.

If something happens to Cheng Li, the first person to be notified will be Jian Xie, like he was the substitute family member.

“……”

Upon hearing this, Jian Xie withdrew his gaze.

…Was Cheng Li going to track down Wu Qinghe?

There was no safer mission than this.

Even if Wu Qinghe had a lot of guts, it wouldn’t dare to overstep Jian Xie’s permission and attack the investigators at will.

Since that was settled, Jian Xie didn’t feel like sleeping any longer. Thus, out of the corner of Wen Heshu’s eye, he saw the youth pick up his backpack, unzip it, take out an English vocabulary book, and start reading it right there in the car.

Clearly, he hadn’t forgotten his other identity besides being an investigator.

Despite being instructed to only bring essential items, Jian Xie surprisingly brought an exercise book with him on the mission.

Wen Heshu: “…”

As a student athlete, he was a slacker who had never studied so hard in his life. He quietly turned up the lights in the car a little.