Upon hearing Cifera's conditions, Lei Gang narrowed his eyes, weighing his options.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he couldn't completely disregard Liu Ruyan's reputation. Moreover, Cifera's promise to reveal technical details was undeniably tempting.
However, agreeing so quickly would make him lose face—what was the point of his earlier outburst of anger?
Thinking this, Lei Gang feigned barely suppressed fury, pacing back and forth before finally growling reluctantly:
"Miss Cifera, do you realize that the security system of the Starry Headquarters Building is the culmination of my life's work?
"Forget about a mere reality show contestant—even the world's top thieves couldn't steal a speck of dust under our noses!
"I admit, you temporarily breached our system using some unknown method, but that doesn't mean we can't uncover the cause.
"However, since you've done Chairman Liu a favor, we can't make things too difficult for you.
"We'll proceed as you suggest, but let me make this clear: don't try any tricks! If I detect any suspicious behavior, I'll personally capture you and hand you over to the Pursuit Team!"
"Fine, fine, fine! I'll do whatever you say, Big Pecs!"
Big... Big Pecs? ? ?
Lei Gang couldn't help but glance down at his chest. His pectoral muscles were indeed quite large, but certainly not as massive as yours!
He was convinced Cifera was deliberately teasing him, and the evidence was irrefutable!
But for the sake of the security system's vulnerability information, he had to endure it.
"Hmph! Enough chatter! Hurry up! I'm only giving you a few minutes!"
"You got it~!"
Meanwhile, viewers in the live stream, watching Cifera run circles around Lei Gang, flooded the chat with comments:
[I have a feeling Big Pecs is being played. How could Cifera just spill her secrets so easily?]
["Feeling"? It's 100% a scam! Cifera can lie as easily as breathing!]
[Haha, I just realized Big Pecs' acting is hilariously bad! He's clearly desperate to agree, but he's pretending to be reluctant.]
[Maybe it's because we're comparing him to Cifera, the Oscar-level Deceiver, but everyone else's acting looks so stiff in comparison.]
[Wait, why is everyone so casually calling Minister Lei "Big Pecs"? Hahaha! I'm dying of laughter!]
[I think Cifera's nickname for him is perfect. Just look at the size of Minister Lei's... pecs!]
[Laughing so hard I'm making goose noises! Big Chest Cifera calling Minister Lei "Big Pecs" is too funny!]
Back in the studio, Nie Junfeng finally resumed his commentary, this time putting on a facade:
"Heh, Contestant Cifera's true intentions lie elsewhere~!"
Hearing Nie Junfeng's cryptic remark, the live stream audience and Host Qiu Qiu were left scratching their heads.
[What's going on? Is he ditching the Poison Milk routine and trying to be mysterious like Cifera now?]
"Inspector Nie, what exactly do you mean by that?" Host Qiu Qiu couldn't help but ask.
As a die-hard Cat Fan, she, like other fans, was on edge.
She worried not only that Cifera would do something foolish and ruin her reputation, but also that she'd be caught by the Pursuit Team.
Having a bird's-eye view, Host Qiu Qiu knew that Nie Bing and the others were already nearing Starry Headquarters.
[If Cifera doesn't leave now, she'll be trapped on the top floor when the Pursuit Team arrives. Escape will become nearly impossible!]
[Forget Liu Ruyan and Lei Gang! Just turn off the lights and slip away in the chaos!]
This was the unspoken sentiment of Host Qiu Qiu and countless Cat Fans at that moment.
Yet at that moment, Nie Junfeng suddenly uttered such a cryptic remark, making it impossible to ignore!
"Heh, just keep watching and you'll understand. Let's just say Contestant Cifera is staying true to her signature style."
"..."
Damn it!
Inspector Nie seems to have evolved too!
Now, he terrifies us not only with his words but also with his silence!
Host Qiu Qiu internally unleashed a torrent of frantic ranting.
The live stream viewers shared her sentiment:
[Save me! Has the Nie Family Patriarch ditched Poison Milk for Zen riddles now???]
[Sister Qiu Qiu's expression perfectly captures my own: Just speak plainly! (slams down microphone)]
["Poison Milk Grandmaster" evolves into "Riddle Grandmaster" — On the Self-Cultivation of NPCs]
[Latest research: Nie Family riddles may alleviate low blood pressure.]
[Attention everyone! The Patriarch has entered "quantum commentary" mode—never reveal your strategy and always win big!]
[Got it! The Patriarch has unlocked his second form!]
On the screen:
Although Liu Ruyan resented Lei Gang's attempt to steal the show, she had no choice but to remain silent, her face stiff, since Cifera had already handled the situation herself.
Cifera turned to Liu Ruyan, her smile instantly becoming genuine, warm, and even carrying a hint of reverence.
She bowed slightly and said with a gentle smile:
"Sister Liu, I heard your earlier speech. Naming the Children's Relief Fund after me... I'm truly grateful. It's an immense honor and a weighty responsibility."
Looking into Cifera's sincere eyes, Liu Ruyan's anger dissipated considerably. She returned a gentle smile:
"You deserve it, little Cifera."
"No, I only did what I should have done. It was Sister Liu who made this decision!"
At this, Cifera bowed deeply to Liu Ruyan with genuine sincerity:
"Thank you for establishing this fund for all the children in need. I thank you on their behalf."
Cifera's words were not an act; they stemmed from genuine emotion.
Whether in her previous life or in the original body of this life, Cifera had grown up in orphanages from a young age.
She deeply understood the immense impact such a tangible relief fund could have on the children's lives.
"Uh... there's no need for that. I'm just..."
Liu Ruyan didn't finish her sentence before Cifera lifted her head and cut her off.
"Alright, that's the first item on my agenda completed. Now for the second!"
Cifera winked playfully and grinned.
"Since this fund is named the 'Cifera Child Rescue Foundation,' shouldn't its 'Namer' and 'Image Ambassador'—me—take a commemorative photo with you, the 'Founder'?
"We might even use it for future promotional materials!"
The suggestion was both reasonable and tinged with Cifera's characteristic mischievousness. Liu Ruyan naturally couldn't refuse; in fact, she sensed Cifera was trying to ease the tense atmosphere.
Liu Ruyan nodded, smoothed her attire, and took a step closer to Cifera.
The reporters below the stage needed no prompting. Another news bombshell had just dropped, and they were eager to seize the moment.
Flashes erupted once more, capturing the dramatic scene:
The Phantom Thief, who had just issued a theft notice, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Jewelry Queen she was about to "visit," both smiling brightly under the spotlight.
On stage, at Cifera's request, Liu Ruyan struck pose after pose with her for photos, while Lei Gang checked his watch impatiently from below.
Just as Lei Gang was considering interrupting them, a security guard approached and whispered something in his ear.
As Lei Gang listened, his brow furrowed sharply.
After a moment of rapid calculation, he told the security guard:
"No one is allowed on stage without my express permission!"
After the security guard left to relay the order, Lei Gang turned his gaze toward Cifera, who was having a blast on stage. He thought grimly:
Hmph! Until I get the answers I need from this girl, no one—and I mean no one—will disturb me!