Everyone, still tingling from the electric shock, scrambled frantically to the shore.
Lucian angrily threw the Legendary Fishing Rod onto the ground. "Dammit, why do I keep fishing up people?!"
Abby shook his fur vigorously, splashing water all over Jiao-Jiao, who had miraculously avoided the shock.
Jiao-Jiao: "?"
Abby flew over, picked up the Legendary Fishing Rod, and licked his lips greedily. "In that case, let me taste this magical fishing rod!"
Lucian was baffled. "You're even going after the fishing rod now?"
Yinlin climbed out of the water, smoothing her long red hair as she retracted her strings. "What in the world just happened…?"
Lucian coughed lightly, slightly embarrassed. "Just a little accident. I hope it didn't interfere with your secret mission?"
Yinlin snorted. Though she had already dealt with all the Fractsidus members at that camp, it had been a while since she last saw Lucian.
Remembering how he had helped her during the Séance Society incident and their little encounter in the pavilion afterward, the corner of her lips curled into a mischievous smirk.
"I was in the middle of a critical mission, you know. You definitely interrupted me. So, how are you going to make it up to me?"
[Option 1: A Repeat Performance! Just like last time in the pavilion, lick Yinlin's thigh as an apology. Reward: Paralysis Technique]
[Option 2: Yinlin is an undercover investigator. Meeting like this is fate—host a grand feast to apologize and welcome her. Reward: Bowtie Voice Changer]
[Option 3: Let Yinlin shock you with her strings again as an apology. Reward: 100,000 Shell Credits]
Lucian hesitated for a moment, glancing at Changli and Rover beside him. Suggesting licking Yinlin's thigh right now would be like lighting a firecracker in a gunpowder store—suicidal.
So he cleared his throat. "Friendship is fate, and fate should be cherished. A toast to our bond! How about I treat everyone to a feast in Hongzhen as my apology?"
The moment Abby heard "feast," he couldn't sit still anymore. His eyes gleamed. "Feast! Feast! I'm all for it!"
Rover, however, was not having it. "I don't care what you think—I decide!"
"Lucian, who is this woman?"
From the way Lucian and this red-haired woman were talking, it was obvious they knew each other. That damn Lucian, sneaking around behind her back again!
She pinched his ear sharply. "If you don't explain yourself right now, you're sleeping on the couch tonight!"
Lucian: "?"
Changli chuckled softly. "That striking red hair… I believe I've heard of you."
"You're Yinlin, the undercover investigator from Jinzhou, correct?"
Yinlin glanced at Changli. As Jinzhou's Counselor, Yinlin naturally recognized her, but she was surprised Changli knew her.
After all, Changli held a high-ranking position—it was unlikely she kept track of every single investigator in the city.
"Yes, Counselor Changli… You know me?"
Changli nodded slightly, then looked at Lucian. "Actually, that's thanks to Lucian."
Lucian: "?"
Rover: "?"
Changli explained, "As Magistrate Jinhsi's intelligence officer, Lucian previously reported your actions to her—I happened to be present at the time."
"That day, you two dismantled the Séance Society and thwarted the Fractsidus' scheme, didn't you?"
Yinlin nodded slightly, giving Lucian a faintly grateful look. Though he had revealed her identity, the fact that it was to Magistrate Jinhsi didn't bother her—in fact, she was somewhat pleased.
After all, her records as a Jinzhou investigator had been erased by the Dollmaker. Back then, Lucian might have been the only person in all of Jinzhou who knew her true identity.
While she didn't particularly care about official recognition, having a legitimate status and Jinzhou's backing was far better than working alone.
Changli seemed to read her thoughts. "Don't worry—your identity has been reinstated. From now on, any investigator who checks the records will know who you are. No more being mistaken for a criminal."
Yinlin nodded again. Though her expression remained neutral, she was inwardly relieved. During her time in Jinzhou, she had been questioned by patrol officers more than once—even nearly arrested.
With her status restored, she could avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble.
Rover frowned. "Undercover investigator?"
Lucian whispered a quick explanation of Yinlin's work into her ear.
Rover's expression immediately softened. "Alright, I misunderstood. Miss Yinlin is a good person."
Deep down, Rover respected Yinlin. After all, undercover work was no easy task—constant vigilance, never letting your guard down.
Yinlin fell silent for a moment, wondering if Rover would still think so if she knew what Lucian had done to her…
But she had no intention of bringing it up. Having a friend like Lucian, someone who worked so well with her, was a rare and valuable thing.
If Rover got the wrong idea, their friendship might end right here.
Lucian clapped his hands together. "Great! Since we're all here, why not invite a few more friends?"
Rover nodded. "In that case, I'll call Chixia and Yangyang."
Changli added, "I'll ask Magistrate Jinhsi—she should have time for a meal."
Lucian hesitated. "If Magistrate Jinhsi comes, won't Yangyang and the others feel pressured?"
Changli shook her head. "This is just a gathering among friends. Titles don't matter here."
Jiao-Jiao nodded approvingly. "Well said."
….
At a restaurant in Hongzhen, Lucian reserved a large private room.
After a short wait, Jinhsi arrived with Sanhua, Chixia, and Yangyang in tow.
Introductions were made, and everyone took their seats.
Chixia had originally wanted to sit next to Lucian, but since Rover and Changli had already claimed the spots on either side of him, she had to settle for sitting beside Rover instead.
[Ding! Option 2 completed. Obtained item: Bowtie Voice Changer.]
[Bowtie Voice Changer: Automatically records others' voices, allowing the wearer to mimic them.]
Steaming plates of Mt. Firmament's signature dishes were brought out one after another.
Abby rubbed his paws together, drooling at the feast. "Wow! It's like New Year's already!"
Jinhsi smiled warmly. "A rare gathering like this—it really is a welcome break."
Chixia exclaimed excitedly, "Yangyang and I have never been to Mt. Firmament before! It's so beautiful here—no wonder Lucian didn't want to leave!"
Yangyang nodded in agreement. "Yeah, the scenery here is even more stunning than in the Pioneer Association photographers' pictures. You have to see it in person to truly appreciate it…"