"Brother, you've arrived?"
As Shen Lang marveled at the tea house's opulence and grandeur, Gu Qinghan emerged from within.
Today, Gu Qinghan wore a white dress instead of her uniform. Her long hair was styled into a half-up, half-down bun, loosely tied with a white ribbon. Gone was her sharp, decisive demeanor, replaced by a touch of feminine tenderness.
Gu Qinghan's beauty wasn't as breathtaking as Wang Yuyan's, but her aura far surpassed Wang Yuyan's.
Upon seeing Shen Lang, a gentle smile instantly bloomed on Gu Qinghan's usually icy face.
"Sister, you look very beautiful today."
Shen Lang complimented Gu Qinghan, who was as white as snow.
"Thank you, brother—"
Gu Qinghan's beauty was among the best in the world. Aside from otherworldly beauties like Wang Yuyan, her looks were second to none.
Gu Qinghan had long grown accustomed to compliments.
However, being praised by Shen Lang filled her heart with an indescribable joy.
"Hello, we meet again."
After greeting Shen Lang, Gu Qinghan turned to Wang Yuyan beside him and smiled.
"Hello, Sister Qinghan—"
Hearing Gu Qinghan, Wang Yuyan stepped forward and smiled at her. "Sister is now the number one goddess of Nanling. Men admire you, and women are jealous. I'm very happy to see Sister Qinghan here."
"Ah... Please don't talk about this 'Nanling First Goddess' thing anymore. It gives me a headache."
Gu Qinghan sighed. "I don't know who was so bored to create a Nanling Goddess ranking. I have no idea how I inexplicably got first place, and now everyone knows about it."
"Fame is a double-edged sword. Before, people from all departments of the Martial Guard Bureau avoided me. Now, they're overly enthusiastic when they see me. The propaganda department, in particular, is desperately trying to get me to film public service announcements about crime prevention. It's a real headache."
"I currently have seven or eight promotional videos to film, and three live broadcasts this week. I'm completely overwhelmed."
"Sister, you don't like being famous?"
Shen Lang knew Gu Qinghan had gained fame, but he hadn't expected it to cause her so much distress.
"I like being famous, but not in this way. It makes me feel like some kind of internet celebrity."
Gu Qinghan sighed. "If I became famous for solving major cases and capturing heinous criminals, I would be very happy. But this 'Nanling Goddess' title makes me so uncomfortable."
"Sister, I understand your situation, but I don't think there's anything wrong with it," Shen Lang said with a smile. "The reason you topped the Nanling Goddess list is because you consecutively solved several major cases and apprehended scumbags like Lin Nianfo, Nalan Wushuang, and Tang Zixuan. In that sense, the title 'Nanling Goddess' is also Nanling people's recognition of your work."
"As for the propaganda department wanting you to film promotional videos and do live broadcasts, it's to promote the image of the Martial Guard. If you dislike it, you can just do fewer."
Gu Qinghan smiled upon hearing Shen Lang's words. "Hearing you say it like that, it makes sense. I'll do it, then. If they want to film, they'll film. If they want to broadcast, they'll broadcast. I'll sacrifice for the Martial Guard Bureau."
"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Our guests have been waiting upstairs for a while. Shall we go up?"
Shen Lang and Wang Yuyan followed Gu Qinghan into Wangbei Tea House and then into the elevator. Gu Qinghan directly pressed the button for the eighteenth floor.
Soon, the elevator reached the eighteenth floor, and Shen Lang and Wang Yuyan stepped out with Gu Qinghan.
It was ten in the morning, and many people were enjoying their tea. The dozens of tables on the eighteenth floor were almost all occupied.
It had to be said that the people of Nanling had a true fondness for morning tea.
Gu Qinghan slowly led Shen Lang and Wang Yuyan towards a table by the window. They saw an elderly man, around fifty years old, with a very refined appearance and demeanor, already seated there.
He slowly raised his teacup, blew gently on the steam, and then elegantly took a sip.
In the eyes of the black-clad elder, Shen Lang and Wang Yuyan saw a sense of steadiness, as if even if the whole world descended into chaos, this man would remain unfazed.
As the three approached, Gu Qinghan pointed to the elder and introduced him to Shen Lang. "Brother, this is our director, Song Shadao. He's treating us to morning tea today."
"The Director of the Martial Guard Bureau?"
Upon hearing Wang Yuyan's introduction, both Shen Lang and Wang Yuyan were astonished. They had never expected this refined elder to be the renowned Director of the Martial Guard Bureau.
Legend had it that Song Shadao, the Director of the Martial Guard Bureau, could eat five bowls of rice and three pounds of cooked beef in one meal, and then drink a cup of deer blood afterward. He ate like this for both meals every day, without fail, throughout the year.
The outside world described Song Shadao as a bloodthirsty beast, but Shen Lang never imagined the real person would be such a refined elder.
"Shen Lang, you are very good."
As Shen Lang stood in shock, Song Shadao put down his teacup, slowly stood up, and offered Shen Lang a refined and friendly smile. "I know everything you've done. I never expected you to be as formidable as I was in my youth."
"I am not only arrogant but also condescending. Among my peers, apart from Shen Tianjun, no one commanded my respect. Your generation is quite impressive; at least Qinghan and you have surprised me."
With that, Song Shadao gestured for Shen Lang to sit. "Please sit, don't be reserved."
"Thank you—"
Shen Lang didn't engage in excessive pleasantries, nor did he appear overly reserved or uncomfortable. He smiled and sat down directly.
"Young lady, I recognize you. Several years ago, Wang Yunchuan brought you to a charity gala. You're that girl from the Wang family."
After Shen Lang sat down, Song Shadao's gaze turned to Wang Yuyan, who was still standing.
"Uncle Song is right. I am that girl from the Wang family. My name is Shi Qingxuan, and my maternal grandfather is Wang Yunchuan."
Wang Yuyan was surprised that Song Shadao recognized her. Fearing he might reveal her identity, she quickly replied.
"Hahaha—"
Hearing Wang Yuyan's words, Song Shadao burst into laughter. "Good, you are also very good. Please sit."
Seeing Song Shadao's reaction to Wang Yuyan, Shen Lang was taken aback.
He had a feeling Song Shadao's reaction was a bit strange and planned to ask him about it at an opportune moment.
"Shen Lang, I like to get straight to the point with people I appreciate. I invited you for tea today for two reasons: first, to thank you for your contributions to the Martial Guard Bureau, and second, to invite you to join the Martial Guard Bureau."
After Wang Yuyan sat down, Song Shadao said with a hearty laugh, "As long as you agree, you can become a member of the Martial Guard Bureau tomorrow, and your rank will be the same as Qinghan's."
"What?"
Shen Lang was shocked by Song Shadao's words. The chopsticks he had just picked up clattered to the floor.