Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!

Chapter 72: Grateful Agents

Chapter 72: Grateful Agents

Ding Xiaoqi, Shi Zhang, and Su Yun were among those who had mocked and shown dissatisfaction towards Qiu Tu. At this moment, they couldn't help but glance at Qiu Tu. They saw his deep, ocean-like gaze, as if it could see through their hearts. All the agents felt a chill down their spines. Sweat began to form on the foreheads of Ding Xiaoqi, Shi Zhang, and Su Yun.

At this moment, Qiu Tu spoke calmly, "If there are any discrepancies in the records, feel free to point them out."

"The fire at the Qin residence only burned for two days. Most of the traces can still be verified."

"If the statements don’t match, I can request to enter the Qin residence for a detailed investigation."

Hearing Qiu Tu’s veiled threat, Ding Xiaoqi, Shi Zhang, and the others fully understood his message. Qiu Tu was aware of their dissatisfaction and was giving them a warning. If they continued to act out, Qiu Tu could easily seal their fate with serious charges.

At that moment, the three of them quickly responded, "No problem, sir."

[Ding Xiaoqi, Shi Zhang, Su Yun, Loyalty +8]

[Chen Feng, Zhu Huoyan, Li Xian, Jiao Ming, Loyalty +10]

Once all the charges were finalized, it was time for signatures and handprints. As each name was signed and each handprint was made, the interrogation finally came to an end. After collecting the interrogation records, Qiu Tu slowly said to the 13 agents, "You can rest assured. With your statements and the remaining evidence at the scene, the results of your review will be out soon."

"At that time, we should all still be colleagues."

Hearing Qiu Tu's definitive statement, the agents could no longer contain their joy. They looked at Qiu Tu with excitement. They had waited for so many days, anxious all the while. Their cooperation with Qiu Tu was all for this moment.

In New Realm City, being a formal agent, especially a political agent, was a position of significant power and privilege. Not only were the salaries generous, but the position also offered protection to their families and neighbors, allowing them to walk with their heads held high.

They had worked hard to become agents and were reluctant to give up their uniforms.

Seeing the agents' excitement, Qiu Tu smiled and timely asked, "I have a case to handle next. Is anyone interested?"

Upon hearing Qiu Tu's words, the agents, who had just received his favor, eagerly raised their hands, "Sir! I am willing!" "Sir! Count me in!" "Sir, I want to continue working under your command!"

Even the reserved Chen Feng raised his hand with determination.

Seeing this, Qiu Tu smiled and said, "Alright, I’ll note down your names."

"See you this afternoon."

After speaking, Qiu Tu turned to Liu Fuping, "Have the service team come and take them back."

Liu Fuping rolled her eyes playfully at Qiu Tu before getting up and swaying her hips to find the service team agents.

Thus, the 13 agents lined up and were led out of the interrogation room once again. However, just as the last in line, Cao Dabiao, was about to leave the room, Qiu Tu called out to him, "Dabiao, wait a moment."

Hearing this, Cao Dabiao stopped and looked at Qiu Tu in confusion. Once everyone else had left and only Cao Dabiao remained, Qiu Tu lit a cigarette, quietly smoking as he observed Cao Dabiao. At first, Cao Dabiao looked back at Qiu Tu in confusion, but gradually, sweat began to form on his forehead as he realized why Qiu Tu had kept him back.

Seeing this, Qiu Tu finally spoke, no longer beating around the bush. He flicked the ash from his cigarette and said softly, "I heard you’ve had some complaints about me these past two days?"

At that moment, Cao Dabiao’s legs almost gave way. He bowed and said with a forced smile, "Sir, it was unintentional. You’re magnanimous; please don’t hold it against me."

Qiu Tu smiled faintly and said, "But you have a lot of responsibility in this operation. I can’t completely absolve you of guilt."

"So, you will be demoted by one level."

Upon hearing this, Cao Dabiao’s face turned pale. Although it was just one level, a high-level agent had significant command and many privileges, with a status vastly different from that of a mid-level agent. Being demoted would greatly diminish his standing and authority in the Political Division.

Cao Dabiao wanted to flatter Qiu Tu more, but the words stuck in his throat. He knew this was Qiu Tu’s way of teaching him a lesson. Having failed to keep his mouth shut about Qiu Tu, a reprimand was well-deserved. He even felt grateful that Qiu Tu was giving him a second chance.

With this in mind, his attitude became much more peaceful. He bowed deeply to Qiu Tu and said, "Thank you, sir. I am already very grateful that you are willing to keep me in the Investigation Department."

[Cao Dabiao Loyalty +5, current Loyalty: 56]

Seeing this, Qiu Tu blew a smoke ring and, with a leisurely and relaxed air, said, "Dabiao, I’m glad you’ve come to terms with this."

"In life, don’t get hung up on immediate gains and losses."

He then asked, "Do you know about the garden terrace on the 9th floor?"

Hearing this, Cao Dabiao was momentarily stunned and shook his head.

Qiu Tu showed a reminiscent expression and said, "That’s a place only mid-level officers and above can access."

"Up there, you can drink tea, eat desserts, and overlook the entire New Realm City."

"You can also have the staff wash your uniform, prepare dinner, or even buy you anything you want."

Cao Dabiao was mesmerized by Qiu Tu's description, as if he could see the garden terrace in his mind.

Then Qiu Tu continued, "Dabiao, do you know about the lounge on the 12th floor?"

Cao Dabiao shook his head again, looking puzzled.

Qiu Tu smiled and said, "That’s a privilege for directors."

"Once you become a director, you will..."

Qiu Tu then described the luxurious lifestyle and immense privileges of mid-level officers, directors, and even the Director General. He embellished what Jia Shu had told him and conveyed it to Cao Dabiao.

This completely fascinated Cao Dabiao, who had never seen such opulence. By the end, Qiu Tu looked at him meaningfully and repeated Jia Shu’s brainwashing lines, "Dabiao, achieving all this is actually simple. You just need to follow the right person."

"Only by following the right person can you gradually reach the pinnacle."

Jia Shu’s brainwashing prowess was indeed remarkable. Qiu Tu’s delivery left Cao Dabiao flushed with excitement and his eyes red with determination. He made a fervent pledge to Qiu Tu, "Sir, you can count on me!"

"From now on, I am your man! Just give the orders, and I will execute them!"

[Cao Dabiao Loyalty +8, current Loyalty: 64]

Seeing Cao Dabiao’s enthusiastic expression and rapidly rising loyalty, Qiu Tu’s face was full of smiles. He had guessed correctly. When you hold someone’s fate in your hands and can significantly impact their future, gaining their loyalty becomes exceptionally easy.

After having the service team take Cao Dabiao back to the holding room, Qiu Tu brought the records and files to Jia Shu for his signature. Jia Shu, though a smiling tiger, was trustworthy. Since he had promised Qiu Tu the authority to handle this matter, he signed the documents without even reading the report.

Since the agents involved were under Qiu Tu’s command, their penalties were not severe. Agents like Chen Feng and Zhu Huoyan, who had high loyalty towards Qiu Tu, received only a warning and a light punishment of three glasses of wine.

Agents like Ding Xiaoqi and Shi Zhang, who had previously shown dissatisfaction with Qiu Tu, faced heavier penalties: a major demerit and three months’ salary deduction. Other agents received a demerit and a one-month salary deduction.

As for Cao Dabiao, Qiu Tu originally intended to teach him a lesson. But seeing his loyalty increase rapidly and considering he was the only high-level agent under his command, Qiu Tu decided not to demote him. Instead, he gave him a major demerit, deducted three months’ salary, and temporarily suspended his command authority. However, Cao Dabiao retained his high-level agent position.

When this punishment was announced in the holding room, the entire place erupted in excitement! Hearing that he kept his position, Cao Dabiao, who had resigned himself to a demotion, cried tears of joy. He hugged Xiaoliu and slapped him so hard in excitement that he nearly knocked him out.

This, of course, earned Qiu Tu another wave of loyalty.

Through Qiu Tu’s series of twists and surprises, he firmly established his position in the hearts of the agents who were already somewhat loyal to him. Now, their loyalty generally reached over 40-50 points, making them reliable allies.

However, Qiu Tu’s attention had already shifted away from these agents. His "chain plan" was far from over.

After leaving Jia Shu’s office, Qiu Tu was quickly pulled into an empty conference room by Liu Fuping. Despite being dragged into the room, Qiu Tu remained unperturbed and instead embraced the beautiful lady in front of him, softly asking, "Did you complete the tasks I assigned?"

Liu Fuping rolled her eyes at Qiu Tu and playfully said, "Everything is done, sir."

"But, won’t your actions attract attention from above?"

Qiu Tu thought for a moment before casually replying, "Even if I do nothing, won’t they still notice me?"

"Besides, I haven't done much. I just established my image in front of all the junior agents."

"Think about it. Once most agents know that following me will not only help them get promoted and raise their salaries but also ensure their protection, it will be much easier for me to accomplish things in the future."

Liu Fuping giggled, "But can you really protect them when something happens?"

Qiu Tu chuckled, "Whether I can protect them is another matter."

"Do you understand what an image is? It doesn’t have to be real."

Liu Fuping rolled her eyes again, "You’re so clever."

Qiu Tu laughed and then seriously added, "Moreover, I am also fostering a sense of unity and honor among Cao Dabiao and his group."

"This way, they will be more loyal in helping me investigate cases."

Hearing this, Liu Fuping blinked and curiously asked, "You seem to value them a lot. Do you really want them to participate in the investigation of the female spy's death?"

She hesitated for a moment before asking, "Why? Do they have something special?"

Qiu Tu’s eyes twinkled with a smile, "They do have a certain uniqueness."

He paused, "Don’t forget, they’ve been locked in the holding room from morning till night these past few days."

"And Deputy Chairman Tian’s mistress died right next to them."

"Having them investigate this case might bring unexpected surprises."

Liu Fuping suddenly understood and looked enlightened.

Leaving the holding room and reclaiming their belongings, Cao Dabiao and others first returned to the Operations Section to report and fill out the absence explanations. They had expected cold glares and ridicule from their colleagues due to their time in the holding room and the punishments they received.

However, to their surprise, the records clerk greeted them with a warm smile while processing their paperwork. Even their fellow agents looked at them with envious eyes.

Author's Note