An hour later, their conversation ended and Su Ning decided to take a stroll around the Capital. She needed a bit of fresh air after the eventful evening, a chance to stretch her legs and feel the pulse of the city that never truly slept.
Zhao Qi, ever dutiful, accompanied her as they took the elevator down from the hotel suite. The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing the glittering lobby, where the scent of lilies blended with the faint fragrance of expensive cologne.
The moment Su Ning stepped out, a familiar face appeared — the young receptionist from earlier. Her eyes widened in shock before they lit up with excitement.
"Goddess Su!" she gasped, almost tripping over her own feet as she ran toward her.
Su Ning blinked in surprise, her lips curving slightly. "Goddess?"
The receptionist nodded eagerly, clutching her phone to her chest. "You're trending! I saw your post on Stargram earlier. You're even more beautiful in person!"
Su Ning chuckled softly, realizing the girl must've recognized her from her fast-rising online presence.
The girl bowed, her voice trembling with excitement. "Thank you again for your generous tip earlier. You really didn't have to, but I'll never forget it."
"It's nothing," Su Ning replied gently, her tone carrying that calm warmth that often disarmed people.
The receptionist hesitated for a moment, then gathered her courage. "Um… Goddess Su, would it be possible to take a selfie with you?"
Zhao Qi stepped aside politely. "I'll wait near the entrance," he said with a faint smile, knowing well that Su Ning had become somewhat of an icon both online and offline.
Su Ning nodded to the girl. "Sure."
The receptionist nearly squealed as she quickly unlocked her phone and positioned herself beside Su Ning. They took several pictures — one with bright smiles, another with playful peace signs. Each flash of the camera seemed to make the young woman more thrilled.
After a few shots, she bowed deeply again, her eyes shimmering. "Thank you so much, Goddess Su! I'll treasure these forever!"
Su Ning smiled. "Take care of yourself."
The receptionist bowed one last time and hurried away, probably to upload the photos instantly.
Zhao Qi rejoined her as they continued walking toward the grand glass doors of the hotel. Just as they were about to step outside, the doors opened from the other side — and two men entered.
Su Ning's eyes flickered slightly when she recognized one of them.
"This world sure is small." she murmured in amusement.
Di Fulin, the principal of Fuyuan Academy froze mid-step, his eyes going round as he spotted Su Ning — and beside her, Zhao Qi.
For a moment, his brain couldn't process what he was seeing. The sight of his academy's recent mystery student standing side by side with the well known Director of Zongsheng Medical Centre, one of the most respected figures in the Capital's business and medical circles was enough to make his breath hitch.
"Director Zhao?" he blurted "Director Zhao! It's nice to meet you again."
Zhao Qi gave a polite smile. "Principal Di. Always a pleasure."
Then Di Fulin turned to Su Ning, trying to reconcile the image before him — his quiet, calm mysterious student who recently caused commotions in school and the poised young woman now dressed in understated luxury, radiating a quiet authority that felt almost… untouchable.
"M—Miss Su?" His voice trembled slightly.
Su Ning inclined her head with a small, amused smile. "Good evening, Principal Di."
It was the kind of smile that was both courteous and enigmatic — the type that gave nothing away, yet left one curious to know more.
Behind Di Fulin stood another man, dressed in a sharp black suit, his expression composed and observant. He appeared to be in his early forties, with the kind of presence that demanded respect even in silence.
Noticing Su Ning's curious glance, Di Fulin immediately composed himself. "Oh—allow me to introduce you," he said, gesturing to the man beside him. "This is Chief Tong Zu, head of the Capital's Crime Investigation Bureau."
Tong Zu extended his hand politely. "A pleasure."
Su Ning accepted the handshake with calm grace. "Su Ning."
When Di Fulin mentioned Zhao Qi's name earlier, Tong Zu's attention had already sharpened, but now… when he saw the subtle way Zhao Qi deferred slightly to Su Ning, a realization hit him. His brows lifted in astonishment.
"Miss Su…" he began carefully, "I couldn't help but notice that Director Zhao seems rather… respectful toward you."
Zhao Qi glanced at Su Ning for permission before answering.
"With Chairwoman Su's approval, I can clarify that she's the Owner and Head of Zongsheng Medical Centre," he said simply, his tone filled with quiet reverence.
The atmosphere froze.
Di Fulin's jaw fell open. He stared at Su Ning as though the ground had shifted beneath him. His own student—this calm, young girl—was the hidden chairwoman of one of the most powerful medical groups in the country. Now she was more mysterious and grand to Di Fulin.
Tong Zu let out a low whistle, a rare expression of disbelief crossing his features. "To think the elusive owner of Zongsheng is a student at Fuyuan Academy…"
Su Ning's lips curved faintly, her eyes gleaming with quiet amusement. "Does that make me a suspicious citizen, Chief Tong?"
Tong Zu chuckled deeply, shaking his head. "On the contrary. It makes me wonder how many more terrifying prodigies are walking among us."
"Few," Su Ning replied simply, her voice soft but edged with an underlying confidence.
Tong Zu retrieved a sleek business card from his pocket and handed it to her. "If you ever encounter trouble in the Capital, Miss Su, please don't hesitate to contact me. It would be an honor to assist you."
Su Ning accepted it graciously. "Then I'll keep that in mind."
They exchanged brief pleasantries before parting ways. As Tong Zu and Principal Di headed toward the reception desk, Su Ning and Zhao Qi exited the hotel, the cool evening breeze brushing gently against them.
Outside, the Capital shimmered under the lights — tall buildings bathed in golden hues, luxury cars gliding along smooth roads, and the faint hum of city life that seemed to pulse with ambition and secrets.
Zhao Qi stopped near the black sedan waiting by the curb. "Chairwoman, shall I have the driver take you around?"
Su Ning shook her head. "No. I want to visit a mall first, It's been a while since I shopped."
Zhao Qi hesitated, but when he saw that familiar glint of decision in her eyes, he knew better than to argue. He nodded respectfully. "Very well. Should I accompany you?"
"I'll be fine," Su Ning said, a touch of amusement in her tone. "Go handle the matters at Zongsheng. I'll call if I need anything."
Zhao Qi bowed slightly. "Understood."
She watched him leave before flagging down a passing cab. The driver, an elderly man with kind eyes, opened the door for her with a smile.
"Where to, miss?"
"Crystal Avenue Mall," Su Ning replied — the name rolling off her tongue like a melody. It was one of the most prestigious shopping complexes in the Capital.
As the car glided through the glowing streets, Su Ning leaned against the window, watching the endless rhythm of the city pass by.
Her mind drifted briefly to the system, which had been suspiciously quiet after her last mission.
'You're not planning another side mission, are you?' she thought.
There was no reply. Only the faint digital hum that lingered at the back of her mind.
Su Ning smirked faintly. "Silence means guilty."
The driver chuckled, thinking she was talking on the phone. "Ah, boyfriends these days, eh?"
Su Ning didn't bother correcting him. She merely smiled, eyes half-lidded as the city lights streaked by — golden, red, and violet, blending into a soft dreamscape.
The cab turned into Crystal Avenue Mall a few minutes later, the grand glass façade reflecting the Capital's skyline. Luxurious boutiques lined the entrance, from global fashion houses to jewelry brands whose prices could buy an apartment.
As Su Ning stepped out, the doorman greeted her with a polite bow. "Welcome, miss."
She nodded slightly, the hem of her coat brushing softly against the floor as she entered the mall's glittering expanse.
"Well well well. Look who we have here!" A sharp voice sounded.