Chapter Four: The Bureau of Special Affairs

“Mu Rongxun, residing at 28 Crescent Alley, Tianhai City, an orphan since childhood, raised by his grandmother. After the old woman passed away, he has lived alone ever since.”

In the quiet café, a few people sat here and there. Despite the summer heat, the air conditioning hummed softly, and the aroma of coffee mingled with a sense of leisurely comfort.

As he gazed at the woman standing before him, Mu Rongxun did not lift his head. He simply stirred his coffee with a spoon.

The woman recited his identity in this world—facts that held no meaning for him.

Fang Jin Xuan felt a flicker of discouragement; her attempt at an imposing introduction had failed to make an impression.

Feigning nonchalance, she pulled out a chair and sat opposite him.

Mu Rongxun brought his cup to his lips, took a sip, and finally glanced at the woman.

Before him was a woman dressed in a crisp denim jacket over a tank top, her chest curving provocatively, threatening to burst from its confines. Two silver earrings lent her a wild, untamed air.

“I am Agent Fang Jin Xuan from the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs,” she announced, flashing a badge before him, then tucking it away without waiting to see if he’d looked.

“Waiter, a coffee for me,” she called.

“What do you want?” Mu Rongxun went straight to the point, uninterested in small talk.

“You’ve been accused of murder. Please come with me.” Fang Jin Xuan tried her best to project authority.

“Murder?” Mu Rongxun set down his cup and looked at her directly. “Shouldn’t the police be handling that?”

The mellow, soothing music in the background played on as Fang Jin Xuan strove to appear imposing.

“This case is different. It’s a special incident, under the jurisdiction of our Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs.”

“Oh.”

Mu Rongxun gave a brief response and fell silent.

Fang Jin Xuan felt a pang of frustration, but recalling this was her first official field mission, she summoned her resolve.

“You know Chen Lian, don’t you? She’s the one who reported you.”

“I don’t know any Chen Lian,” Mu Rongxun replied coolly. “But are you really supposed to give away your informant like that?”

“Huh?” Fang Jin Xuan realized too late her slip. If this man wanted to harm Chen Lian, what then?

“Just tell me why you’re here,” Mu Rongxun cut to the chase.

“Join the Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs,” Fang Jin Xuan finally laid out her true purpose.

“What’s in it for me?”

Mu Rongxun straightened in his seat, his demeanor shifting from lazy indifference.

“Huh?” Fang Jin Xuan was caught off guard by his direct demand.

“Don’t you understand?” Mu Rongxun frowned. “Even regular jobs pay a salary. You’re recruiting me, shouldn’t there be terms?”

“Our benefits are excellent!” Fang Jin Xuan quickly replied.

Someone capable of handling anomalies independently was a rare talent; she had to bring him in, no matter what.

“We offer not only a salary, but also an official vehicle. More importantly, we can make you stronger.”

“Oh?” Now Mu Rongxun’s interest was piqued.

In truth, he was not surprised to be approached by the authorities. The moment Fang Jin Xuan arrived, he’d sensed her background. Whether to join or not was immaterial to him; as he said, if there were benefits, why not? Alone, tracking and dealing with anomalies was far from easy, but with official resources, things would be different.

His mission was time-limited. Four days had already passed out of two weeks, and eliminating twenty anomalies was no simple feat.

“How do I become stronger?” He never forgot that he was only a transient in this world. Money, cars, houses—none of it mattered. Only power was real.

“That can only be revealed once you join us,” Fang Jin Xuan replied, though she dearly wished to win him over. She remembered the first rule: never reveal the bureau’s secrets lightly.

“I’ll consider joining,” Mu Rongxun’s lips curled into a smile, “but only if your offer is compelling.”

“This…” Fang Jin Xuan hesitated. As a junior agent, she had no authority to promise anything substantial.

“If Little Fang can’t make you an offer, perhaps I can,” came a deep, resonant male voice.

“Chief!” Fang Jin Xuan immediately stood.

“No need to be so tense.” A large hand pressed Mu Rongxun’s shoulder, pushing him gently back into his seat. “I’m just an ordinary man.”

“Ordinary men aren’t that strong,” Mu Rongxun retorted mildly.

He’d undergone enhancement—his physical strength exceeded that of normal people. What’s more, sensing danger, he’d subconsciously channeled the power of his ghoulish gloves, yet this man had effortlessly restrained him. It was clear this newcomer was formidable.

“Haha, nothing worth mentioning,” the man laughed heartily, putting everyone at ease.

“I am Chu Wannian, captain of the Second Squad, First Operations Division, Bureau of Extraordinary Affairs, Tianhai City. Pleased to meet you.”

“Mu Rongxun.” One doesn’t refuse a friendly gesture; Mu Rongxun shook his hand.

Yet inwardly, he was more interested in that strange charisma. In the midst of Chu Wannian’s laughter, the restlessness and resistance he’d harbored toward this strange world seemed to vanish for a moment.

“Back to business,” Chu Wannian’s smile faded. “I can promise you this: if you join the Bureau, join the Operations Division, I’ll personally authorize one vial of enhancement serum. But in exchange, after you use it, you’ll have to contribute accordingly.”

“The terms?”

Mu Rongxun looked at the honest, square-faced middle-aged man.

“Straightforward. I like it,” Chu Wannian smiled. “Just slay five first-level anomalies, or one of second level, and that will do.”

“Chief!” Fang Jin Xuan interjected, “That breaks protocol!”

“What is protocol?” Chu Wannian shook his head. “Rules are made to be bent for talent. Don’t you know that?”

Mu Rongxun watched their back-and-forth in silence.

“Go settle the bill,” he said.

“Eh?” Fang Jin Xuan was momentarily stunned. Why did nothing go as expected with this man? She could never keep up with his tempo.

“What are you waiting for? Go on!” Chu Wannian responded promptly.

“Oh,” Fang Jin Xuan went reluctantly to pay, muttering under her breath, “Why me?”

“Needs a taste of society’s beatings,” Mu Rongxun commented suddenly, watching her retreating figure.