FI Ch8: The First Client

The light from the corridor ceiling fell into the entryway from outside the door.  

He Zhenling stood at the doorway with his eyes lowered. Amid the spreading silence, a clear sentence broke through: What am I supposed to have clues about?

After a pause of two seconds, he said indifferently, “I don’t do emotional counseling.”  

With that, he turned to leave.  

Lin Su grabbed him in one swift motion. Through two layers of clothing, the firmness and warmth beneath his palm were evident. Lin Su sighed softly and said helplessly,  

“What are you even thinking?”  

After speaking, he let go and stepped aside. “Come in and let’s talk.”  

He Zhenling gave him a deep look, then turned and followed him inside.  

The door closed.  

Lin Su led him toward the living room. In his mind, he thought, Damn it, and you said he’s serious.

Xue Nima had been silent since the phrase “carving my body” was uttered, but now it couldn’t help but interject:  

【Though I am your spiritual consciousness, I must say, He Zhenling is innocent.】  

Lin Su didn’t argue with it. “You’re truly in the enemy’s camp.”  

Xue Nima let out the sound characteristic of its species.  

In the living room, Lin Su invited He Zhenling to sit.  

On the coffee table was a set of landscape-themed Ding kiln teaware. Lin Su picked up the kettle, his movements graceful and pleasing to the eye.  

“Maofeng tea—do you want the ‘vintage 1982’ or the ‘post-2000’ batch?”  

Before He Zhenling could respond, Lin Su continued, “Let’s go with the 1982. Wouldn’t want you to get regulated.”  

“…”  

He Zhenling looked at him calmly. “Once you’ve seen the ocean, you won’t fear the stream.”  

Lin Su smoothly poured the water. “So it’s my courage that inspires you.”  

That profound gaze fell on him again.  

…  

Soon, the tea smoke curled upward.  

A wisp of fragrance lingered on the pearwood table, its serene aroma calming the mind.  

Lin Su adjusted his garment as he sat down, crossing one leg. His ankle peeked out, swinging slightly. He Zhenling caught the movement in his peripheral vision, discreetly looked away, and fixed his gaze on Lin Su.  

“What do you want to say?”  

“Someone’s been following me. They’re probably after my body. Let me explain in detail.”  

A slight twitch appeared on He Zhenling’s brow.  

But after hearing Lin Su recount the events, he realized it was, indeed, literally about “his body.”  

Lin Su took two gulps of tea. “So about that ‘squatter’—I mean the Qi family one—how’s it going?”  

He Zhenling frowned, exhaled slowly, and replied, “The Qi family took him back.”  

Lin Su raised an eyebrow and looked at him.  

He Zhenling said, “He probably has some special means of contact. If I had to guess, he traded the news of the ‘Qi Family Head’s’ resurrection for their protection to spare his life. The second day after he was captured, the Qi family came for him.”  

Displeasure flashed in Lin Su’s eyes as he muttered, “You let him go back completely unscathed?”  

What’s with you folks at the Survilliance Association! Couldn’t you at least…  

“Crippled.”  

He Zhenling’s expression didn’t change in the slightest. “When the Qi family came, I told them: What a coincidence, we accidentally just crippled him.”  

Lin Su: “…” Perfect.  

He cheerfully said to Xue Nima, “People say serious men are the most handsome, but He Zhenling is different. He’s at his most handsome when he’s seriously bullshitting.”  

Xue Nima insightfully responded:  

【He’s the most handsome when he makes you happy.】  

Suddenly, He Zhenling spoke again. “This matter reflects my poor supervision,” he said. “I’ll clean it up.”  

“Mm-hmm.”  

Lin Su, who would sit if he didn’t have to stand and avoid unnecessary trouble at all costs, leaned back on the sofa. His eyes curved lazily, like an elegant, contented cat.  

“Then I’ll leave it to you, Supervisor He.”  

The title caused a flicker in He Zhenling’s expression.  

He took a proper sip of tea and replied, “You’re welcome. You still have studying to do.”  

Lin Su: “…”  

The tea smoke continued to drift.  

Amid the silence, a sudden sound broke the atmosphere. Clang! Lin Su turned his head and saw a shadow steeped in ghostly energy burst through the window.  

With a soft click, the teacup settled onto the table. He Zhenling raised his sharp gaze and gripped a Tang blade in one swift motion.  

“!” Lin Su hadn’t expected him to react so quickly. Realizing what was happening, he stood up and pressed down on He Zhenling’s hand.  

“…Wait, don’t draw the blade. It’s one of ours!”  

The movement of drawing the blade halted.  

A figure, stuck halfway through the window, slowly slid down.  

Ten seconds later, the three stood facing each other in the living room.  

Hei Wuchang bowed respectfully to He Zhenling. “Supervisor, Lord Fate Immortal.” Then, he winked playfully at Lin Su and clicked his tongue: Ger!

Lin Su: “…” Enough, stop with the tongue-clicking.  

Hei Wuchang glanced around curiously. “What are you two doing together?” Then, he quickly understood. “Oh, I see, you’re here to…”  

Lin Su swiftly kicked him: Shut up.  

Don’t say anything inappropriate in front of the Survelliance Association.  

He Zhenling’s tone was indifferent. “Here to…?”  

Lin Su replied, “He’s saying we’re like the song Guan Guan Cry the Ospreys, on the River Isle.”  

“…”  

“…”  

The living room fell silent for a moment.  

Then He Zhenling said seriously, “There are too many people carving your body. I wouldn’t dare get involved.”  

Lin Su: “…”  

Hei Wuchang turned in shock, his mouth agape, staring at Lin Su.  

He Zhenling wasn’t well-acquainted with Hei Wuchang and had already discussed everything he needed to. Without lingering, he left directly. After he was gone, Hei Wuchang finally relaxed, sprawling onto the sofa.  

“What are you doing here?”  

“It’s A-Qi’s turn on duty. I’m on vacation.”  

Just as he was about to pour himself some tea, Lin Su picked up the teapot. “I’ll brew a fresh pot for you.”  

Hei Wuchang was flattered. “You’re too kind.”  

Lin Su shook his head. “Not at all. You deserve some proper regulation.”  

“?”  

—

By the second week, Lin Su had returned to school.  

—

He hadn’t seen He Zhenling at school this week, nor had he noticed any “tails” following him.

He couldn’t help but sigh, “Truly swift and decisive.”

With no distractions to deal with, he could peacefully visit the Heavenly Master Survelliance Association with Ge Lili this weekend.  

…

The Heavenly Master Survelliance Association had branches across the country, one of which was located in Xun City.

The branch was situated in the eastern part of the city and had been a Taoist temple in its previous life. 

Retaining the original symmetrical layout and progressive central axis structure, modern buildings were added on either side and in the open area outside the main gate to serve as offices.

When Lin Su arrived at the entrance, Ge Lili was already waiting there.

Seeing him approach, the other immediately came forward, his hands faintly clasped in front of his chest as if offering some kind of prayer. “My lord!”

Lin Su tried his best to ignore this behavior. “What’s the plan for today?”

“There’s an entry selection and competition happening today, so most people are gathered at the plaza.”

As Ge Lili spoke, he led Lin Su inside. “I’ve already spoken with the colleagues at the office. You just need to complete the necessary paperwork—there’s no need for any assessment.”

After all, he had already “experienced” it firsthand.

——Besides, did Lord Bai Wuchang send him to bring someone here for an assessment?  

Would they dare to assess a divine emissary?

It was best to handle this quietly to avoid offending the divine emissary.  

…

Lin Su was oblivious to Ge Lili’s vivid inner monologue and nodded casually. “That’s good.”

The simpler, the better—finish up and head back to sleep.

He followed Ge Lili as they passed through the Taoist temple. Sunlight filtered through the lush green canopy, casting shadows on the ground through the pavilions and flying eaves. Lin Su was listening to Ge Lili’s endless chatter when the latter suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

Lin Su looked up to see someone walking toward them.

The man was tall and thin, with sharp features. He glanced at Lin Su, then snorted at Ge Lili.  

“So this is why I couldn’t find Minister Ge—you’ve quietly brought someone in?”

“Oh, look at that… 17 or 18? Is he even of age?”

Ge Lili’s heart sank the moment he bumped into Feng Yin.

The two never got along, and Feng Yin often took the opportunity to cause trouble for him.

Ge Lili straightened his face, stepping subtly in front of Lin Su. “What business is it of yours? Have you finished the task the president assigned to you?”

Feng Yin studied his expression, then glanced toward the path behind them, squinting slightly. Finally, he replied nonchalantly,   “Nope.”

“Then don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong, or the president will…”

“Ha, do you think invoking the president will scare me?”

Lin Su suddenly called out behind him, “President.”

Feng Yin flinched violently and whipped around.

The path behind him was empty. Realizing he’d been tricked, he turned back, glaring at Lin Su. “You…”

Lin Su shrugged. “Oh, my mistake.”

“…”

Feng Yin glared at him fiercely, spat out a “Fine,” and walked past them.

As soon as he left, Ge Lili hastily apologized to Lin Su. “I’ve embarrassed myself in front of you, my lord.”

Lin Su commented, “He does remind me of a bottle of soda.”

Ge Lili blinked. “Huh?”

“Coke.” Lin Su began walking. “Let’s go.”

“…”

—

The office was located outside the Taoist temple.

The newly built office was small but bright, with a spacious desk at the center.

Behind the desk sat a bespectacled young man.

The nameplate on the desk read: Shu Yang.

Seeing them enter, Shu Yang first greeted, “Minister Ge,” before his gaze landed on Lin Su.  

“He’s the one here for registration?”

“Yes, get the paperwork ready.”

Ge Lili turned to Lin Su, starting to speak, “My lo…”  

Noticing Shu Yang’s confused look, he quickly stopped himself and awkwardly rephrased:

“…Feel free to fill it out.”

“…” Lin Su.

Shu Yang immediately looked alarmed. He clutched the documents nervously, his expression doubtful. “Wait, why did you say ‘feel free’? It sounds like something shady is going on… Are you sure everything’s fine?”

Even Xue Nima couldn’t hold back: 【That sounded like: Go ahead, take the leap!】

Lin Su sighed. “Bai Wuchang really found me some unique characters…”

Shu Yang was still panicking. “Minister, Minister, say something!”

“…Everything’s fine, everything’s fine! Don’t ask anymore—this isn’t something you can question.”

With that, Ge Lili handed the paperwork to Lin Su. “Please fill it out.”

“…Alright.”

Lin Su decided not to involve himself in this farce any further.  

Just as he reached for the pen on the desk, a stern and authoritative voice suddenly sounded from the doorway:

“What’s going on here?”

Both Ge Lili and Shu Yang stiffened and straightened up.

“P-P-President!?”

Lin Su turned to see a man in his fifties standing in the doorway with his hands behind his back. His face was serious, and his brow furrowed into a sharp “川” character, giving off an air of great severity.

Lin Su recalled the name he’d heard before: the president, Meng Yuanping.

Ge Lili tensed up. “President, why are you here?”

Meng Yuanping’s gaze swept over the room, briefly landing on Lin Su before returning to Ge Lili. “I heard you brought an outsider to the office. What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I…”

Lin Su’s eyes narrowed slightly, noticing the faint hint of gossip lingering in the air around the president’s entrance. Oh, so it was “heard,” was it…

Meng Yuanping’s tone deepened. “What’s the matter? Can’t explain it?”

Ge Lili hesitated for two seconds, then steeled himself and turned abruptly to Lin Su: …My lord!!

Although Shu Yang was clueless, seeing Minister Ge’s reaction, he also followed suit and turned to Lin Su: …M-my bold one!!

Two pairs of pleading eyes were now fixed on him.

Lin Su, “…”

Meng Yuanping also followed their gazes, looking at Lin Su.  

Even the faint, expectant gaze from outside the door seemed to be waiting for a spectacle.

Xue Nima: 【Do you have a move that doesn’t reveal your divine identity but can instantly stun them?】  

【Quick, show something impressive!】

Lin Su responded indifferently, “Just one move will do.”

【As expected of you!】

Under Xue Nima’s eager gaze, Lin Su slapped He Zhenling’s business card onto the table! He swept his gaze across the room coolly, exuding authority as he said in a composed tone,

“Xiao He said I could come here to have a look. Is there no one to receive me?”

【!!!】