The people should not contend with officials ; this is a wise saying passed down since ancient times. So when the dragon-horned girl with a serious face appeared before them, the entire barbecue area fell silent as if a silencing barrier had been cast. Croissant and Sora nodded respectfully towards Officer Ch'en; even Lappland, who had always been boisterous, honestly drank her alcohol sullenly, making one suspect that behind her carefree appearance was actually a delicate and sensitive heart.
"Officer Ch'en , hello~ You're not here to investigate us for something again, are you? We really didn't do anything this time, okay?"
"Officer Ch'en, hello."
"Ah, members of Penguin Logistics, hello."
Officer Ch'en nodded lukewarmly at these Penguin Logistics operators, then looked towards Sora and nodded in acknowledgment.
"Your concert, the security detail we handled last time, was very large-scale, and the fan groups were very orderly, saving us a lot of effort. We originally thought there might be mass disturbance incidents, didn't expect it to be exceptionally quiet. Thank you for cooperating with our work."
"Ah, it's nothing, it's what I should do."
"Would you mind if I borrow him for a while? I just happen to have some private matters to discuss with him."
"…Me?"
Li Lin, sitting on the chair, pointed at his own face, looking somewhat strangely at Officer Ch'en. And Officer Ch'en's pretty face showed no playful joking, but a serious, calm, business-like expression. Rather, apart from these, it was difficult to see any other expression on her.
Under the gazes of Croissant, Sora, and Lappland, who were watching the show either overtly or covertly, Li Lin was also somewhat bewildered. He really hadn't had any private contact with Officer Ch'en recently, let alone the fact that Penguin Logistics was essentially a logistics company, with no illegal activities. All actions were defensive counterattacks, completely beyond reproach. Towards the Lungmen Guard Bureau, which was more like 'well water does not interfere with river water', the other members of Penguin Logistics maintained an attitude of watching a good show.
Especially when Li Lin looked at the three people's 'so you're into that' expressions, he felt simply unable to defend himself .
Although Officer Ch'en had a face that looked very kissable, and legs that one really wanted to lick, Li Lin really didn't have any relationship beyond friendship with Officer Ch'en. Holding various doubts, Li Lin followed Officer Ch'en through the aisle of the barbecue restaurant and arrived at a quiet private room.
Inside, meat slices were sizzling on the grill, but because someone came to eat barbecue alone, no one flipped them when they stepped out just now, looking somewhat burnt. Li Lin hurriedly took a set from the spare bowls and chopsticks, threw the burnt pieces into his own bowl, then put a few new pieces of meat on, looking ingratiatingly (討好 - tǎohǎo) at Officer Ch'en with a smile. And Officer Ch'en just raised an eyebrow, then sat down opposite, looking with clear eyes at Li Lin who seemed about to eat the barbecue.
"Lungmen needs to investigate and file records for personnel with powerful Originium Arts, special abilities, or special backgrounds. This is a very difficult task, but the current public security situation is not optimistic. People's cases are happening almost daily on the outskirts of Lungmen, which has already become a breeding ground for crime."
She looked at Li Lin, who was gnawing on the somewhat charred barbecue meat, her expression calm and composed.
"This chaos has even spread to urban areas with normal work zones stationed. A considerable portion of industries have begun to reduce production. Compared to a quarter ago, various indicators this quarter have dropped by 3% to 5% compared to the standard. Although the overall trend is still development, as a secondary disturbance after the post-war development, these disturbances should not have caused such large-scale changes. Therefore, we decided to take the opportunity to introduce a public security management bill to grasp the movements of Originium Arts ability users. Especially the relationships and contacts among those high-risk ability users; this is a necessary measure for safety."
"I strongly support this kind of safety clause; this way, small citizens (升斗小民 - shēngdǒu xiǎomín) like me won't have to worry about safety issues."
Facing Officer Ch'en's somewhat strange gaze, Li Lin sighed from the bottom of his heart:
"Ai, life in Lungmen is really too dangerous. Everywhere there are gangs, attacks, bombs, and whatnot. Life in the wild is also very terrifying. I really support Officer Ch'en's work, and I suggest it's best to implement resident ID cards, or driver's licenses and other documents for cross-verification, etc. This way, as an ordinary person, I would feel more secure. Only when Lungmen welcomes true peace can I write books with peace of mind."
"…If I didn't know you, I would really doubt these words could come from you."
"What do you mean?"
"Special File D-Class Number 174, Penguin Logistics Operator, Prophet."
Looking at Li Lin's bewildered expression, Ch'en took a glass of drink, held the cup with both hands, quietly looked at him, and spat out a string of data that could be called luxurious.
"Identity and past completely unknown, checked channels of appearance revealed no pipeline connections, accompanied by a certain degree of amnesia and lack of common sense, memory confusion. Occasional symptoms such as schizophrenia and incoherent speech. Suspected escapee from an underground medical laboratory, but no one has claimed him yet. Proficient in perception-type Originium Arts, capable of accurately identifying enemies amidst chaos. However, the essence of the Originium Arts is unknown; suspected that due to amnesia, the method of manipulating Originium Arts is gradually being lost, leaving only basic instincts. Recommended to be listed as a high-alert observation target, file completely openable."
"Combat experience currently one month, participated in multiple high-risk escort missions, played a decisive role. His multiple perceptions of danger led Penguin Logistics out of perilous situations. Compared to other Penguin Logistics operators, the perception-type Prophet undoubtedly has the potential to become the brain. Close contact with other operators allows the entire Penguin Logistics to be bound together, significantly improving combat effectiveness and delivery speed."
"So my visit this time is also a coincidence, but tomorrow I will specifically go to Penguin Logistics to find you. I want to invite you to become an external member of the Lungmen Guard Bureau, to provide us with a certain degree of assistance. We need perception-type talents like you to help us recognize more dangers and possibilities."
"…This is me?????????"
Is this talking about me? How come I didn't know I was this awesome?
Looking at Officer Ch'en, who didn't seem to be joking, Li Lin pointed at his own nose in astonishment, feeling maybe she had mistaken him for someone else.
He knew his own situation clearly; a salted fish with good luck, or rather, keen intuition, was definitely not some perception-type Originium Arts user. Rather, up till now, he had read quite a few books on Originium Arts and even tried to use them, but with absolutely no effect. And most importantly, Li Lin didn't feel he could bear this responsibility.
"B-But, why me? Clearly my origin is unknown and my identity is a mystery? I don't even know who I am myself, you can trust me?"
Facing Officer Ch'en's calm expression, Li Lin asked in disbelief.