"What is that! So scary!"

The woman shrank in terror into Qin Ling’s body, trembling nonstop, radiating sheer fear.

Above her, Qin Ling rolled his eyes and pursed his lips at the shadow on the wall.

Just an unranked evil ghost.

So petty.

"Alright, alright. With me here, those nasty things can’t harm you."

"Sniff… big brother, you must protect me. I’m terrified of these," the woman said, still shaking. But in her eyes, nestled against Qin Ling, a flicker of malice flashed.

"Okay, okay. Let go first, and we’ll talk," Qin Ling pushed her gently, but she wouldn’t budge.

She sobbed, shaking her head. "No! What if more monsters lurk here? I need to hold you, big brother, just in case!"

"None left. Relax," Qin Ling said, lips pursed.

She still shook her head. "I don’t believe it! Unless… unless you come to my bedroom. Only there do I feel safe."

"Bedroom?" Qin Ling’s eyes lit up. He nodded.

"Fine. Let’s go."

"Mhm." She nodded, pulling him toward the bedroom, glancing back fearfully at the living room wall.

"Big brother… truly no more of those things here?"

"Mhm. None."

She seemed to sigh in relief. "Then… us?"

"Mhm. Sure." Qin Ling nodded without hesitation.

She gave a seductive smile, licked her lips at the handsome man above her, and they entered the bedroom together.

...

Meanwhile, at the YuYu Express Shop in west Jianghai City.

Boss Pang Cheng addressed a girl with a single ponytail before him.

"Second Lieutenant Song Xiaoxi, due to staff shortages, I transferred you from the military as emergency backup. No objections, right?"

Pang Cheng was a middle-aged man with a big belly, an oily face, and a half-step level bald spot. Without his words, he’d seem just a greasy, middle-aged pervert.

No one would guess this shop owner connected to Jianghai’s military.

"No objection, sir!"

Song Xiaoxi wore neat clothes, her hair in a tidy ponytail. She saluted Pang Cheng sharply.

Unthinkable—Pang Cheng’s rank surpassed hers!

"Good."

Pang Cheng patted his beer belly. He scanned the courtyard, checking the side door. Seeing no one, he continued.

"Recent intel: the Jianghai City missing persons case has a lead. It’s in Huagui A District, nearby."

"I sent someone first. But he’s only Half Step Yellow Rank—a sergeant. I’m uneasy. I need you there too."

"Yes, sir!" Song Xiaoxi stomped her foot with a bang, saluting again.

Pang Cheng waved a hand. "Enough. I run a business here. Customers seeing this? Hard to explain."

"Drop that military routine!"

"Yes, sir!" Another crisp salute.

"... " Pang Cheng sighed but pressed on. "Stop saluting. Listen. This case is big—higher-ups noticed. They tasked our Jianghai Shadow Group. Coordinate with Dragon Squad or military if needed."

"You know, since the Dragon Squad leader vanished, foreign factions stir again. Who knows their plans?"

"Orders are clear: root out Jianghai’s cancerous evils. Cleanse them. Sync with nationwide sweeps for a full purge!"

"So, Second Lieutenant, your mission with that kid is vital. No carelessness. Cooperate when it counts. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" Salute.

"Ugh, I said drop the routine." Pang Cheng rubbed his forehead. "By the way, the kid I sent to Huagui A District is Qin Ling. He’s your junior."

"I had him monitor quietly. Get the situation, then send him back. At Half Step Yellow Rank, he’s not even cannon fodder here. Don’t let him die for nothing."

"Yes, sir!" Another perfect salute. Pang Cheng groaned.

"I told you to—"

"What… are you doing?" A sweet voice cut in from the side.

Pang Cheng and Song Xiaoxi turned to the courtyard entrance. A stunning girl stared at them, astonished.

"The boss likes me calling him ‘sir’ as a game!" Song Xiaoxi chirped to the approaching Liu Xiyun.

Liu Xiyun fixed her gaze on Pang Cheng.

"Is that so?"

"..." Pang Cheng shot a glare at Song Xiaoxi—still rigidly at attention, obviously lying. He forced a smile. "I guess?"

"Oh." Liu Xiyun didn’t press. She turned to Pang Cheng. "You run YuYu Express?"

"Mhm. Yes. What can I do for you, miss?"

"Is Qin Ling your employee?"

"Huh? Mhm. Looking for him?"

"Mhm. I’m his girlfriend. Need to find him."

"Huh?"

"Mhm!?"