Just as Zhu Yuan, Qingyi, and Sam Li were engrossed in conversation about the Old Capital Metro Hollow...
Suddenly, Nicole, Anby, Billy, Nekomata, and the others came rushing out of the Public Security Bureau.
The moment they saw Sam Li, they grabbed him to leave with them.
Zhu Yuan asked, "Nicole, Anby, you finished the interview already?"
Nicole gave a sheepish smile. "Ahem, yes, the reporters were super efficient this time, so things wrapped up quickly. We've already finished the interview and picked up our reward, so we won't bother you any longer… Sam, something's come up back at the agency, we'd better head out."
Billy chimed in, "That's right, Sam, let's move—"
Anby added, "Nicole's worried if we stay too long, the Public Security Bureau might revoke the commendation…"
Before she could finish, Nicole quickly covered her mouth.
She forced a laugh. "Don't mind her! We're just in a rush because the Vision Company case goes to court tomorrow. We need to head back and prepare more materials…"
Zhu Yuan frowned slightly. "...???"
Qingyi gave a light smile. "Well, if you're busy, best be on your way. Any slower, someone might come chasing after you."
Hearing that, Nicole glanced behind her. No one was following—yet.
She immediately pulled Sam Li out of the Janus Branch courtyard, flagged down a cab, and they sped off back to Hare's House.
...
Moments after they left, a police officer came running out.
"Captain Zhu Yuan! Senior Qingyi! Did you see a few suspects run out just now?"
Zhu Yuan blinked. "Suspects?"
The officer quickly explained, "Those people from Hare's House. They actually promoted Hare's House Universal Services during the Public Security Bureau's live press conference and used their commendation as a marketing gimmick. The backlash is bad—Chief Bringer is furious and wants to revoke their reward."
Zhu Yuan was speechless.
No wonder Nicole and Billy had looked so panicked. Even Anby had blurted out Nicole's fear about the Bureau taking the commendation back. She thought it was just a joke—but it really happened.
Promoting a gray-area business like Hare's House using the Public Security Bureau's platform was basically a public slap in the face.
No wonder Chief Bringer was fuming.
Honestly, only Nicole could pull something like this off.
Zhu Yuan turned to Qingyi. "Senior, what do we do?"
Qingyi sighed. "They've already run. What can we do? We're not about to raid Hare's House and snatch the medal back. That would only spark more bad press for the Bureau. Let it go…"
She stared off in the direction Nicole and the others had vanished.
Even Qingyi had to admit—it was impressive. Hare's House really did have a sixth sense for danger.
If they'd waited even a moment longer, the commendation might've really been revoked.
Just as Qingyi sighed and started pouring tea from her set...
Suddenly, Zhu Yuan's phone rang.
She picked up immediately. "Yes. Understood. I'll take care of it right away."
Qingyi shook her head and sighed. "I just took my first sip, and we've already got a case. How cruel... guess I'll pack the tea away."
Zhu Yuan explained, "Senior, there's been a theft at the W-Engine Research Institute. Important materials are missing. Chief Bringer wants us on the case right now."
Qingyi began packing up her tea set. "Time to put down the teacup and ease Zhu Yuan's worries."
Zhu Yuan: "..."
...
At the same time, just outside Hare's House...
Nicole, Sam Li, Anby, Billy, and Nekomata had just gotten out of the cab.
Nicole handed the driver 2,000 Dennies. "Exactly two thousand. No need for change."
The driver shouted, "Two thousand? That's not enough! It should be at least three—"
Nicole refused flatly. "We agreed on two. Now you're raising the price? Go check the Inter-Knot Forum and see who Hare's House is. We just came from the Public Security Bureau. Want the truth? They're our backers. Don't believe me? Turn on the news."
The driver hesitated, clearly nervous. "There were five of you! I risked overloading the car to bring you back…"
Nicole waved him off. "We agreed on two thousand. And no one cares about overloading—just now, the Bureau's patrol car had seven people in it. No one batted an eye."
The driver froze. "…"
Outmatched, intimidated by Hare's House's reputation, and unwilling to argue anymore, he left with the 2,000 Dennies.
Once the cab was gone, Nicole opened the door and strode straight to the TV. She grabbed the remote, turned on the New Eridu Public Security Channel, and plopped onto the sofa.
What played on-screen was the press conference replay from earlier.
They even showed Chief Bringer, face dark with anger.
Nicole grinned. "Good thing we ran when we did. One second later and that medal would've been gone. That was close."
Billy burst out laughing. "As soon as we pulled away, I saw a cop chasing after us in the rearview mirror. He was definitely coming for us—just missed us by a hair, hahaha!"
Anby added calmly, "Thanks to Billy's warning, Nicole's leadership, and Sam Li's contribution, Hare's House secured another glorious victory. This one shall be known as the Public Security Triumph."
Everyone's mood was light, and Nekomata couldn't help but smile too.
Still, she spoke up cautiously. "Nicole… what if someone from the Bureau comes here?"
Nicole was completely confident. "Relax. The Bureau isn't that dumb."
If they hadn't left, the Bureau could've made up an excuse and taken the medal back.
But now? The commendation had already been awarded. They'd walked out of the Bureau. If the Bureau showed up at Hare's House now and forcibly took it back—it would only make them look bad.
After relaxing on the sofa for a while, Nicole stood up and walked to the wall.
She proudly hung the Public Security Bureau's medal in the most prominent spot, right where any guest would see the Bureau's logo the moment they walked in.
Next to it, she placed a group photo of Hare's House, along with one from the dinner party with Phaethon.
They actually looked pretty good together.
Just as she finished, something clicked in her mind. She quickly put down what she was holding.
"The Vision Company trial starts tomorrow. We need to prepare. Anby, Billy, Nekomata, Sam—you guys help out too… huh? Where's Sam?"
Anby replied, "He went out to walk the bird while you were watching the news."