Nie Bing's statement, every word and sentence meticulously adhering to duty, rules, and the overarching goals of charity, was logically airtight and morally upright. It perfectly aligned with her established persona as a cold-faced, elite criminal investigator.
Yet, a subtle unease hung in the air on the second floor. Even Zhang Hong sensed something amiss—Nie Bing seemed to be trying a bit too hard.
Zhang Hong blinked, glancing at Nie Bing's "strictly business" demeanor, then at the "Cifera Children's Relief Fund" displayed on the screen. He couldn't quite put his finger on what felt wrong, but he scratched his head and chimed in:
"Yeah! Nie Bing's right! We can't let the auction turn into a mess!"
At the corner of Feng Chiyu's mouth, a nearly imperceptible smirk twitched. He stole a fleeting glance at Nie Bing's taut profile before quickly lowering his head, masking the knowing glint and hint of amusement in his eyes.
Clearing his throat, he said with grave sincerity, "Nie Bing's analysis is spot-on! Cifera... ahem, Contestant Cifera does indeed have the motive and ability to ensure the auction goes off without a hitch. Ensuring its absolute security is our top priority!"
He emphasized the phrase "foolproof."
Lin Zhiyuan instinctively pushed up his glasses again. His gaze lingered briefly on Nie Bing's solemn face before turning to Liu Shanhe, adding calmly:
"Police Officer Nie Bing's analysis of potential risks is remarkably comprehensive. Based on probability and impact assessments, prioritizing the 'smooth execution of the auction' remains the optimal strategy at present.
"This approach also minimizes the uncontrollable negative chain reactions that Cifera's actions might trigger."
His phrasing was precise, but the term "uncontrollable negative chain reactions" seemed loaded with unspoken implications.
After Wang Lei and the other two young members had shared their opinions, Wang Lei simply chuckled, "I have no objections. I'll go along with whatever the group decides."
Liu Shanhe observed each member's reactions intently.
His penetrating gaze lingered on Nie Bing's face, which strained to maintain its icy composure but appeared somewhat rigid due to her overemphasis on "duty."
The other members had noticed it too. As a microexpression expert who had observed countless individuals, how could Liu Shanhe fail to see the anxiety and worry Nie Bing desperately concealed beneath her icy exterior?
That almost obsessive emphasis on "order" wasn't so much about enforcing rules as it was about fearing that the lawless "cat" might actually go too far and ruin the reputation she had worked so hard to build.
The internet can elevate someone with ease, but it can also destroy them just as easily, amplifying even the smallest flaws.
If Cifera herself were to sabotage the "Cifera Children's Relief Fund"—even by a slight misstep—it would become an indelible stain on her image...
Little Bingbing, you just want to prevent that from happening, don't you?
So, Little Bingbing has finally found a true friend who truly understands her!
After a moment of reflection, Liu Shanhe's gaze sharpened.
Tap!
His palm gently struck the table, the sound steady yet instantly drawing everyone's attention.
"Police Officer Nie Bing!"
By addressing her as "Police Officer Nie Bing" instead of "Little Bingbing," Liu Shanhe signaled that his upcoming words would be highly formal and serious.
"Your assessment is remarkably accurate! You've hit the core of the issue!"
He didn't expose that Nie Bing's concern stemmed from her friendship with Cifera, instead smoothly continuing to build upon her "duty-based framework" with unwavering solemnity:
"Your analysis of the importance of tonight's charity auction and the potential risks it faces—particularly the chaos that Contestant Cifera's actions as a 'most wanted' fugitive might provoke—is remarkably thorough!
"This fully demonstrates your professional expertise and unwavering sense of responsibility as an expert in the Pursuit Team!"
Liu Shanhe's emphatic endorsement allowed Nie Bing's taut nerves to relax slightly, but her sharp gaze remained locked on him, awaiting the crucial next part of his statement.
Liu Shanhe shifted his tone, his voice deepening:
"Police Officer Nie Bing's emphasis on 'duty prevails, regardless of program participation' perfectly encapsulates the fundamental purpose of the Pursuit Team!
"We're not merely enforcing the rules of a variety show; we're upholding an order, safeguarding the spirit of contracts and public order!"
He paused briefly, his gaze burning into the live broadcast of the press conference on the screen:
"Tonight's auction carries extraordinary significance!
"It embodies Liu Ruyan's hope for rebirth from the ashes, and it represents the dawn of hope for countless children trapped in hardship!"
"Its success is a victory for kindness, a continuation of hope!
"Therefore!" Liu Shanhe's voice suddenly rose sharply.
"Ensuring the safe, smooth, and successful execution of the charity auction is our paramount and overriding priority!
"This is the solemn pledge of our Pursuit Team—to Ms. Liu Ruyan, to the countless children awaiting assistance, and to the very conscience of our society!
"The clues left by Contestant Cifera are her 'declaration of war.' She may see tonight's auction as a stage to showcase her abilities, but we must make it clear to her—"
Liu Shanhe's voice boomed with extraordinary vigor, belying his sixty-plus years:
"This stage is meant to transmit the light of hope, not to sow chaos!
"We will uphold the rules of this stage! Her spotlight will only illuminate the moment of her capture!
"Attention, everyone!
"Target: Starry's Jewelry Charity Auction! Primary objective: maintain order and ensure the auction proceeds flawlessly!
"Within these parameters, locate and neutralize Contestant Cifera, preventing any actions that could disrupt the auction or breach security!"
"Action!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
The unified, powerful response echoed through the room.
Nie Bing's voice remained cool, but the tension that had stiffened her demeanor finally eased.
She strode briskly toward the Technical Booth, calling out, "Feng Chiyu, Zhang Hong, Lin Zhiyuan, you three help me pack up—I'm moving the entire booth to Starry Headquarters!"
Despite being on a mission, Nie Bing clearly couldn't bear to part with her Technical Booth.
"Yes, ma'am!" Feng Chiyu, Zhang Hong, and Lin Zhiyuan replied loudly in unison.
But the moment Nie Bing was out of earshot, Feng Chiyu leaned over to Zhang Hong and whispered with a grin, "After all, it's the machine her bestie personally tuned for her. Little Bingbing really can't bear to leave it behind, can she~"
"What does sentimentality have to do with it? A machine that's more familiar will naturally boost work efficiency! What's there to discuss?" Zhang Hong retorted.
Hearing Zhang Hong's response, Feng Chiyu rolled his eyes.
Of course, he thought. Brother Zhang will never truly grasp the delicate complexities of female friendships!