Fang Ze glanced at the pile of rice that was almost a small mountain and awkwardly shook his head, "That's enough, that's enough."
Upon hearing Fang Ze's words, Lan Bing didn't say anything. She sat across from Fang Ze, picked up her chopsticks, and then said, "Let's eat."
To be honest, Lan Bing's cooking was delicious, Fang Ze felt it was comparable to the chefs at Shenfeng Tower. However... despite the food being tasty, eating with Lan Bing was particularly torturous.
Lan Bing's demeanor was naturally cold, and the atmosphere during meals was already not lively. Coupled with her insistence on "not talking while eating," the mood became even chillier.
Nevertheless, although Fang Ze was somewhat uncomfortable, Lan Bing savored the experience.
She found it quite enjoyable to have a meal with Fang Ze amidst her busy work schedule.
It would be even more enjoyable if Old Mr. Bai joined them.
Thus, the two of them finished their meal, each having a completely different experience.
After the meal, the silence order was lifted. Lan Bing, who was busy washing dishes in the kitchen while lowering her head, asked Fang Ze indifferently, "Did Bai Zhi go back?"
Fang Ze looked at her busy figure in the open kitchen and replied, "Yes. I won't be returning to Emerald City. With no one there to oversee things, she went back to take charge."
Lan Bing, expressionless, murmured "Hmm" and then said, "Tomorrow, you should officially start working at the Judicial Department."
"Sort out the work as soon as possible and get her transferred back to the provincial government."
"Her temperament and abilities make her unsuitable for the position of chief officer."
Fang Ze did not argue about this: mainly because... Bai Zhi was originally uninterested in being the director. Additionally, due to their relationship heating up quickly during this "business trip," neither wanted to be apart, making her even less interested.
If it weren't necessary for her to transition to the provincial government and to regain face at the Emerald City's Security Bureau, she might have just quit to accompany Fang Ze.
As Fang Ze was thinking about this, Lan Bing slowly said, "The Judicial Department is an important department. It's the core of the entire Security Bureau."
"Your predecessor managed it well over the years, cultivating a group of elite personnel."
"He reached out to me over the past couple of days, hoping you could give his staff some opportunities and not replace them too hastily."
Upon hearing Lan Bing's words, Fang Ze couldn't help but look up at her.
At this moment, Lan Bing was wearing an apron, head down washing dishes, looking more like a housewife than the commanding Security Bureau chief of Xida State.
Fang Ze pondered for a moment, then said, "If their character or ability isn't an issue, I won't touch them."
"After all, I don't have many people to use myself."
Lan Bing silently nodded before continuing, "The focus going forward is to investigate matters related to Dahei Jialuo."
"You've disrupted his plans of many years, he's bound to react."
"Once he makes a move, we can catch his tracks and drive him out of the real world."
At this point, Lan Bing paused, "But you should be careful."
"Although his danger level isn't high, a demigod's counter-attack shouldn't be underestimated."
After finishing, Lan Bing stopped her chores. She washed her hands, dried them on a towel, and then returned to the bedroom. Moments later, she came out with a box and handed it to Fang Ze, saying, "This is a piece of defensive equipment I made by hand. Take it."
Surprised by her words, Fang Ze accepted the box.
Lan Bing had already returned to the open kitchen to continue washing dishes, as if she hadn't done anything unusual. She didn't explain its function or its value, acting like it was just an ordinary item.....
Half an hour later, after Lan Bing finished the dishes and prepared to begin work, Fang Ze took the initiative to say goodbye.
Returning to the manor, a completely different atmosphere from the female director's home greeted Fang Ze: everywhere was bustling with activity.
The private soldiers were shouting their chants while exercising under Black Bull's leadership, Hei Yu led the management team in inventorying and recording the manor's assets, Ying sat on the shoulders of her twin brother Wu, swinging her little white legs as they ran around the manor, while Hei Po leaned on her Fox Head Staff, touching a statue, in tears, seemingly reminiscing about something....
Seeing this scene, Fang Ze couldn't help but smile.
He didn't disrupt this warm, bustling scene and instead returned to his villa room alone.
After playing for a while with the Flower God hidden under his pillow and drawing a few more cakes for her, he lay on the bed with the box given by the female director and slowly drifted off to sleep.
Even though the director hadn't told Fang Ze the function of the defensive equipment in the box, Fang Ze had the Late-Night Investigation Room! As long as the gift was truly a piece of defensive equipment, the Investigation Room could identify it!
With this in mind, once in the Late-Night Investigation Room, Fang Ze didn't hesitate to open the box. Inside was a simple item: a red string bracelet.
Looking at the plain item, Fang Ze couldn't help but wonder: Just this? Is the director messing with me?
Thinking this, he held the red string and silently awaited for two minutes.
Soon, the identification result of the equipment appeared in his mind.
Reading the description, Fang Ze's mouth slowly opened in shock....
A simple piece of equipment crafted by an apprentice. Its effect isn't strong, but it's imbued with powerful strength due to the love within: when the wearer faces a fatal attack, all damage will be taken by the creator instead, and the creator will know the wearer's location.
Seeing the strong life-saving abilities of such a simple piece of equipment, Fang Ze couldn't close his mouth for a long time.
'Am I... being influenced by the Flower God? I... might be the director's half-sibling?'
'Why is she being so nice to me?'