"Yes, Chief Bringer!"
Zhu Yuan straightened up and answered crisply, her tone filled with respect.
Only then did Bringer hang up the phone in satisfaction, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at the stack of documents on his desk.
It was a turbulent time—any small mistake could cause major losses to the organization's plans.
So, first things first: get rid of Perlman. One less variable to worry about.
"Zhu Yuan, don't you think Chief Bringer seemed a little… too agitated?"
Qingyi rubbed her chin, feeling something was off.
"Maybe Chief Bringer's just too concerned about the residents of Canvas Street? After all, it's a huge case involving hundreds of lives." Zhu Yuan thought for a moment and guessed, "Or maybe it's because the election's coming up, and he wants to make a stronger impression."
"Maybe."
Qingyi nodded and didn't dwell on it further.
At that same moment, Perlman—who had been lying unconscious in the back seat—blinked, his eyelids fluttering and his body trembling slightly.
He had actually regained consciousness when Lucius was taken out, but he'd kept pretending to be knocked out, hoping these terrifying people would let their guard down so he could find a chance to escape.
He'd heard every single word of Zhu Yuan's phone call with Bringer.
As a master of escape, his sense for danger was razor-sharp, and from that conversation, he could tell something was wrong.
Bringer's tone was too agitated—too desperate.
And Perlman knew Bringer was part of the same organization as Sarah, so unlike Zhu Yuan, he didn't naively believe Bringer's urgency was out of concern for the Canvas Street residents.
At that moment, he smelled death.
Perlman stared at Zhu Yuan, feeling the bumps of the car as it rolled along the road, his heart filled with torment.
It felt like he was on a road to death—every kilometer closer to the city brought him closer to his end.
Should he call out for help from the two officers or the Cunning Hares?
But he was a criminal. There was a good chance they wouldn't believe a word he said.
And even if they did, that didn't mean they'd help him.
"Qingyi, Zhu Yuan, are you planning to hang around Blazewood for a while before heading back to the city?"
Sol adjusted his speed, pulling his motorcycle up alongside their car.
Hearing that from the back seat, Perlman felt a sudden rush of joy.
He didn't care about any party—he just wanted an opportunity to escape. If he could get away, he wouldn't have to worry about Bringer silencing him.
Perlman looked at the two officers in front, desperately wishing they would agree.
Say yes, say yes!
Marry him, marry him, have the wedding night tonight if you can!
He stared so intently that every second of waiting for Zhu Yuan and Qingyi's answer felt like an eternity.
"Sorry, we'll have to head back as soon as possible."
Qingyi sighed helplessly, glancing at Zhu Yuan.
She would've liked to see the young ones have fun, to watch them enjoy their youth—but the situation didn't allow it.
Perlman's heart sank. He silently prayed that the other officer might be less dutiful, wishing Zhu Yuan were the type to love food, drink, and leisure—like the corrupt officers he'd bribed in the past.
"What's wrong?"
Sol looked over at Zhu Yuan and asked.
"Well," Zhu Yuan said, pointing to the backseat at Perlman with a hint of apology, "Chief Bringer asked me and Senior Qingyi to speed up and bring Perlman back as soon as possible."
Perlman panicked. What was wrong with this officer?
A strong, handsome man personally invites you out, and you just turn him down? Treasure this chance, for crying out loud!
Sure, the guy had plenty of lovers—but look at his qualifications!
This officer was too young—she clearly didn't understand the value of finding a good husband!
Seeing that Zhu Yuan was hopeless, Perlman turned his gaze to Sol, hoping he'd show some charm and make Zhu Yuan melt under his denim-clad legs.
However—
Sol only smiled faintly, replying with an easy tone, "Oh, I see. We'll hang out next time then."
After all, everyone was alive and well. There would always be another chance. It wasn't like anyone was going to die before then.
And even if someone did die, he had multiple ways to revive someone in his storage.
He just had to shout: "Revive, my love!"
No matter where they'd died, they'd pop right back up!
"Alright, next time I'll treat everyone to a meal. Sol, help me set it up then."
Zhu Yuan grinned, her voice crisp and confident.
"Make sure it's somewhere that sells burgers, or my friend here won't be happy."
Sol tilted his head back, his cheek brushing against Anby's face.
"I'm not picky," Anby said quickly, tightening her expression to look calm. "But if there are burgers, that'd be perfect."
"I promise!"
Zhu Yuan felt a twinge of discomfort but still answered cheerfully.
They'd met each other's parents just a few days ago…
She pushed the strange feeling aside—career came first.
"Next time, then."
Sol waved casually, ready to drive off with Anby.
But Perlman was panicking now.
Come on, man, do you even know how to flirt? You invite one girl while bringing another? How clueless can you be?
If she says no, you keep trying! Don't you know persistence wins?
You've got so many girlfriends, and you don't even know a single trick to seduce someone?!
He screamed in his heart, itching to personally teach Sol how to court Zhu Yuan.
If Zhu Yuan didn't linger in the Outer Ring longer, how was he supposed to find a chance to escape?
As Sol's motorcycle engine roared, signaling his departure, Perlman couldn't hold back anymore.
He knew those two officers trusted Bringer completely. Even if he exposed him, they might not believe it.
He needed someone outside their circle—someone credible—to make them listen.
"Wait! Sol!" Perlman suddenly sat up, no longer pretending to be unconscious, and shouted with all his strength, "I can't go back to Public Security! There's a traitor inside! He'll kill me to silence me—they're planning something huge!"
He didn't know all the details, only that the organization was massive—powerful enough to push Vision Corporation into the TOPS Alliance, powerful enough that even a deputy chief of a whole district's Public Security was an undercover operative.
His understanding was limited, but he was sure that an organization this vast couldn't be up to anything simple.
"Huh?"
Zhu Yuan and Qingyi turned toward Perlman in shock.
And with that shout, every member of the convoy turned their heads.
Caesar rubbed her temple in confusion and muttered, "Wait… are there people like Lucius inside Public Security too? No way it's that serious, right?"