With Fang Xiu's current abilities, having awakened 5% of his spiritual energy, wielding the scalpel and bronze candlestick—two powerful artifacts—plus his blood-red eyes and ability to inflict pain, ordinary D-rank missions simply couldn't satisfy him.
Additionally, due to his involvement in hiring a hitman, he was now in dire need of money.
The Investigation Bureau's spirit masters receive extra rewards for resolving mysterious incidents.
Resolving a D-rank bizarre incident earns 10 spirit coins.
Resolving a C-rank bizarre incident earns 100 spirit coins.
Resolving a B-rank bizarre incident earns 1,000 spirit coins.
Subsequent ranks follow the same pattern.
However, Fang Xiu's compensation is special because he had previously requested it, and Wang Dehai had agreed, so his rewards are doubled.
In other words, if he resolves this C-level mysterious incident, he will receive 200 spirit coins!
That would be enough to buy another life from the Light Club.
He believes that as long as he keeps earning money, one day he will be able to buy the life of the Light Club's president.
Of course, by the time he has 5,000 spirit coins, his strength may already surpass that of the Light Club's president.
"Before undertaking a mission, the bureau assigns you a partner to assist with minor tasks, much like Li Wenhao, who is Shen Lingxue's partner.
In the Investigation Bureau, every official Spirit Tamer is assigned an ordinary person as a partner," Wang Dehai suddenly said.
A partner?
Fang Xiu did not refuse; having a partner to handle minor tasks would indeed save a lot of trouble.
Seeing that Fang Xiu had no objections, Wang Dehai picked up the desk phone and dialed a number.
"Ke Xin, come to my office."
On the other end of the line, there was the sound of chairs scraping across the floor, as if someone had been sitting down and then suddenly stood up to answer the phone.
"Oh... okay, okay, Director Wang, I'll be right there." A soft, sweet voice rang out, accompanied by a pained cry.
After hanging up, Wang Dehai felt a bit awkward and said, "Ke Xin is a bit clumsy in her daily life, but she's very diligent and responsible at work. She graduated from a top university and performed excellently in the comprehensive assessment at the Investigation Bureau..."
Wang Dehai continued to praise her like a matchmaker, but was interrupted by Fang Xiu.
"As long as she doesn't hold us back, that's enough."
A moment later, Fang Xiu's ears twitched. He heard the sound of hurried footsteps approaching from afar.
But as the footsteps neared the office, they suddenly slowed down.
This was followed by the sound of someone adjusting their clothes and a faint, labored breath.
"Come on, Ke Xin, you can do it!"
"Even if the spirit masters are hard to get along with, as long as you try your best, you will be recognized. Come on, come on!"
"Huff!"
After taking a deep breath.
Knock knock knock...
The sound of knocking came.
"Come in."
Creak.
The office door opened, and a petite, fair-skinned, delicate-featured, soft-spoken young woman walked in.
She was about 5 feet 3 inches tall, wearing a slightly oversized business suit that made her appear even smaller and more adorable. Her large, clear eyes were focused straight ahead, and her lips curled into a slightly tense, stiff smile.
She was trying to look professional.
However, the clear innocence in her eyes was striking.
In short, she was a girl with big eyes and a petite figure.
A small face, a small mouth, a small bear...
"Hello, Director Wang," the soft-spoken young woman greeted him respectfully, her eyes darting around to study Fang Xiu.
Wang Dehai nodded and introduced, "Kexin, this is Fang Xiu. You will be responsible for assisting him in his work."
The soft-spoken young woman immediately turned to face Fang Xiu, bowed 90 degrees, and said nervously yet politely, "Mr. Fang, hello. My name is Su Kexin, ID number 1327..."
Before she could finish, Fang Xiu had already stood up, his gaze calm as he said, "There's no need for all that formalities. Send me your phone number later. Unless I contact you first, don't call me unless it's urgent."
"Huh?" Su Kexin looked up, her clear, black-and-white eyes filled with surprise and a hint of hurt.
Fang Xiu ignored her and began walking toward the door.
As he passed by Su Kexin, he murmured under his breath.
"Good acting, but don't do it again next time."
After saying that, he didn't bother to acknowledge the shock on Su Kexin's face and simply walked away.
After Fang Xiu left, Su Kexin suppressed her hurt feelings and whispered, "Director Wang, do you dislike me?"
Wang Dehai comforted her, "Kexin, don't take it to heart. You must understand that spirit masters are a difficult group of people to deal with. You must learn to adapt."
Su Kexin shook off her dejection, clenched her small fist, and said firmly, "I will definitely try my best!"
Fang Xiu, who had already left, soon received a text message.
It was from Su Kexin, containing a phone number, her name, and a short message.
"Mr. Fang, perhaps you have some misunderstandings about me, but it's okay. I will eventually earn your recognition through my professional competence. Please give me your support in future work."
Fang Xiu noted down the phone number and then ignored it.
Although on the surface, Su Kexin seemed like the typical innocent and naive type, he did not see her that way.
Su Kexin was very cunning.
Firstly, as a graduate of a prestigious university and having undergone professional training at the Investigation Bureau, she was an elite talent. Even on her first collaboration with a Spirit Tamer, she should not have appeared overly nervous.
Secondly, as a partner, she must have some understanding of the Spirit Master and should be aware that their senses far surpass those of ordinary people. Yet, despite this, she chose to encourage herself outside the door, which seemed more like something she was saying for others to hear.
Of course, it's possible that Su Kexin simply has that kind of personality, but that doesn't matter. Fang Xiu has only one requirement for his partner: don't act on your own and hold us back.
....
....
The next day, a black SUV departed from the Investigation Bureau and headed straight for the mountain village of Heishui.
The driver was Shen Lingxue, and in the car were Fang Xiu, Zhao Hao, and a fat man.
Today, Shen Lingxue wasn't wearing her work uniform but a white tracksuit, which made her figure look even taller and more striking. If it weren't for her overly cold expression, she'd be the epitome of a sporty, youthful beauty.
Fang Xiu and the others were also dressed in casual attire.
In the car, the fat man began to introduce himself, adopting a senior's demeanor as he addressed Fang Xiu and the others: "Fang Xiu and Zhao Hao, right? Nice to meet you. Let me introduce myself. My surname is Liu, and my given name is Shuai. I've been with the Investigation Bureau for a long time. You can just call me Shuai Ge from now on."