Chapter 2, The Quest for Power

Yan Zheng thought for a moment and said, "Alright, I agree, but it needs to be slightly modified. You are not only responsible to me, as the specific affairs are more under the purview of Minister Yu, who is your direct supervisor." Shu Yi replied, "Okay. Then I will state my second requirement: I will select the personnel for the Ninth Division myself, and my selection range is not limited to those within the system." Although Yan Zheng and Yu Zhong had long agreed that the personnel for the 'Mysterious Domain' would be chosen by Shu Yi, they believed that the selection should be confined to the internal members of the Ministry of Security. They did not expect Shu Yi to act outside the norm.

In the formal office, Yan Zheng and Yu Zhong were discussing something. According to the secretary, Yue Zhiwei had invited Shu Yi over. Yu Zhong smiled and said, "This Yue Zhiwei is quite capable; Old Yan, you have certainly encountered your fair share of setbacks." Yan Zheng replied, "This time is different; as long as Shu Yi hears about the Peng Gang case, he will undoubtedly agree." Yu Zhong remarked, "It seems he still can't let go of Xiao Qin." Yan Zheng instructed the secretary, "Hurry, please invite them in."

Shu Yi said, "What? Do you want Qin Xue to come and be a mediator as well?" As soon as Yue Zhiwei's thoughts were stirred, Shu Yi voiced them. Yue Zhiwei suddenly felt as if Shu Yi knew exactly what he was thinking; this person was truly frightening.

Yue Zhiwei did not expect that Shu Yi was actually one of Qin Xue's admirers; had he known earlier, he would have invited Qin Xue to come along.

Yue Zhiwei said, "What does that prove?" Shu Yi did not explain but rather impatiently replied, "Let’s get to the point; you have too many questions." Yue Zhiwei, after all, was a director in the Ministry of State Security, and Shu Yi's attitude made him quite uncomfortable. However, Shu Yi's earlier performance made him not dare to underestimate him. He said, "Indeed, it was Minister Yan who sent me here; he wants to invite you to work with us."

Shu Yi said, "Thirdly, we must ensure the funding for our activities." Yan Zheng replied, "Of course, the emperor is not short of hungry soldiers, right, Old Yu?" Yu Zhongguo also laughed and said, "Indeed, indeed." Yue Zhiwei could not understand why Yan Zheng valued Shu Yi so much, and his heart was filled with doubt; he was determined to find an opportunity to ask Minister Yan.

Yue Zhiwei felt a surge of anger inside, yet he still wore a smile on his face: "Mr. Shu, Minister Yan has said that this case is solely yours. He has given me a strict order to ensure that you return." Shu Yi looked at Yue Zhiwei: "What if I insist on not wanting to?" Yue Zhiwei was somewhat angry as well: "Even if I have to force you, I will bring you back."

Yue Zhiwei and Yu Zhongguo exchanged a glance. Yu Zhongguo smiled at Shu Yi without saying a word, and Yue Zhiwei could only remain silent. However, he felt somewhat dissatisfied; this Shu Yi seemed intent on establishing an independent kingdom.

Yan Zheng said sternly, "Is there anything else?" Shu Yi nodded seriously, "Yes." Yan Zheng continued, "Go ahead, state all your demands at once. Shu Yi, I have never seen anyone bargain like you before." Shu Yi also smiled, "This is the last request! I want privileges."

Shu Yi said lightly, "Let's go." The two of them exited and got into the Audi that Yue Zhiwei had parked outside. Yue Zhiwei started the car and drove towards the headquarters of the Ministry of State Security

Yue Zhiwei said: "I have not introduced myself until now; my name is Yue Zhiwei, the director of the Fifth Bureau of the Ministry of State Security." Shu Yi smiled and said: "Director Yue." Yue Zhiwei continued: "The department that Mr. Shu is about to enter is called 'The Domain of Deception', which is under the Fifth Bureau and is externally referred to as the Ninth Division of the Fifth Bureau." Shu Yi said: "Then Director Yue will have to be more accommodating in the future." Yue Zhiwei thought Shu Yi was being polite and also smiled, saying: "Mr. Shu, I will support your work well."

Yue Zhiwei said helplessly, "Alright, we will provide you with a written guarantee when we return." Shu Yi replied, "Okay, just wait a moment. I will change my clothes and then we can go."

Yue Zhiwei drove while saying, "Mr. Shu, I am very curious about what kind of person you really are?" Shu Yi leaned back in his seat, adopting a posture he found comfortable, and replied, "Why? Didn't Director Yan tell you?" Yue Zhiwei shook his head, and Shu Yi continued, "I am engaged in psychological research." Yue Zhiwei was filled with doubt; how could a psychologist be in charge of the 'Mysterious Domain'? Yet, after saying this, Shu Yi said nothing more. Shu Yi stated, "I am engaged in psychological research." Yue Zhiwei was filled with doubt; how could a psychologist be in charge of the 'Mysterious Domain'? Yet, after saying this, Shu Yi said nothing more.

Shu Yi noticed Yan Zheng's hesitation and said, "Rest assured, this privilege is solely for the purpose of investigating the case and will not be used for any other matters." Yan Zheng looked at Shu Yi and after a long pause, he gently replied, "Alright, I agree. I reiterate, we must solve this case as soon as possible. Although we have done our best to control the situation, it has still caused some panic within the security department and resulted in negative repercussions. Therefore, Xiao Shu, the burden on your shoulders is quite heavy"

If it is according to Shu Yi's requirements, then it will be a selection open to society. Yu Zhong glanced at Yan Zheng, who thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "Alright, I agree to you." Shu Yi said, "This is what you said, so don't come up with various reasons to refuse when I select someone later." Yan Zheng smiled and said, "You can rest assured, since it is something I promised you, even if you pick a prisoner, I will accept it"

Shu Yi actually smiled

Shu Yi said, "When did I ever say I would work for you? I really enjoy my current life." Yue Zhiwei replied, "Mr. Shu, every citizen of the Huaxia nation has the obligation to contribute to the country, so I hope you will reconsider this matter carefully." Before he could finish speaking, Shu Yi interjected, "This matter is non-negotiable. Please go back and inform Minister Yan not to disturb my life any further." After saying this, he stood up and indicated that he was ready to see them out.

Yue Zhiwei said, "Mr. Shu, since you care so much about Qin Xue, you should investigate Peng Gang's death thoroughly, as this is also Qin Xue's wish." Shu Yi fell silent, gently rubbing his hands together. Finally, he stood up and said, "Alright, I agree to your request, but I have a condition." Upon hearing Shu Yi's agreement, Yue Zhiwei let out a long sigh of relief and said, "Mr. Shu, please feel free to state any requirements you have."

Yan Zheng stated: "Then I will not be verbose. I hope you can quickly immerse yourself in the work and resolve the case as soon as possible. The specific information regarding the case will be transferred to you by the Fifth Bureau shortly. I would like to hear your requirements; feel free to express them. As long as it can expedite the resolution of the case, we will definitely provide unconditional support."

Shu Yi sighed: "Peng Gang's incident has dealt her a heavy blow, and a part of her heart has died along with it." The romantic relationship between Peng Gang and Qin Xue was known to only a few in the department, but how did Shu Yi find out? Yue Zhiwei asked, "Do you know Qin Xue?" Shu Yi glanced at him: "I was once a suitor of Qin Xue. If Peng Gang hadn't had an accident, I would have had a chance to compete fairly with Tu Shu, but Peng Gang died, taking a piece of Qin Xue's heart with him"

Yue Zhiwei and Shu Yi walked in, and Yan Zheng greeted them with a smile: "Xiao Shu has arrived? Please take a seat. Zhiwei, you sit down too." Shu Yi casually sat down on the sofa, while Yue Zhiwei appeared much more restrained in comparison. The secretary brewed the tea and then stepped out. Yan Zheng said to Shu Yi: "I believe Zhiwei has already explained the situation to you, right?" Shu Yi nodded.

Shu Yi freshened up, then shaved his beard clean and changed into a new outfit before walking over. He wore a black Zhongshan suit and polished leather shoes. His beard was clean-shaven, and even his hair was washed. With gold-rimmed glasses, he appeared refined and cultured. Yue Zhiwei looked at Shu Yi and almost did not recognize him.

Yu Zhongguo was drinking tea when he almost choked upon hearing Shu Yi's words, and Yan Zheng was also taken aback: "Privilege? What privilege?" Shu Yi retracted his smile: "Minister Yan should be aware of my style of conduct; I desire the privilege of not being interfered with by local military and police forces." This time, Yan Zheng did not readily agree; he understood that Shu Yi was indicating that his actions might exceed the boundaries permitted by laws and regulations, and he truly did not dare to agree to such a privilege lightly.

Shu Yi did not explain, merely smiling faintly: "Director Yue, please refrain from calling me Mr. Shu repeatedly. From now on, I will be your subordinate, so you can just call me Shu Yi." Yue Zhiwei replied: "Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony with you."

He said, "Go ahead and tell me, what kind of big trouble have you encountered?" Yue Zhiwei briefly recounted the disappearance of the scout and the case of Peng Gang. Shu Yi listened quietly from beginning to end without interrupting, until Yue Zhiwei finished speaking. Only then did Shu Yi and Tu Shu gently ask, "Is Qin Xue doing well?" Yue Zhiwei did not understand why Shu Yi suddenly mentioned Qin Xue, but Shu Yi's next words made him realize.

"It seems that it is Yan Zheng. Go ahead, what is the matter?" Shu Yi quickly concluded that Yan Zheng had sent him, which further intrigued Yue Zhiwei. He asked, "Why are you so sure that Yan Zheng sent me?" Shu Yi replied, "I speak slowly, and when I mentioned Ji Tianheng, you seemed somewhat surprised, but your reaction was not significant. However, when you heard Yan Zheng's name, your pupils slightly dilated."

Shu Yi picked up the cigarette from the table, lit one, and then slowly said: "Since anything can be brought up, I will speak. First and foremost, and this is the most urgent point, I have just informed Director Yue that the 'Mysterious Domain', or the work of the Fifth Bureau and the Ninth Division, must be absolutely independent. I am only accountable to you, and no unit or individual has the right to obstruct or interfere with my case handling. I hope you can provide a written commitment on this matter."

Shu Yi said, "Since the case has been entrusted to me, I hope to have the authority to handle it independently, without any interference or obstruction from anyone. If this cannot be achieved, then you will have to seek someone more capable." Yue Zhiwei did not dare to make a decision and replied, "Please wait a moment, I will report your request to my superiors, and I should be able to provide you with a response shortly."

After receiving a clear response from Yu Zhongguo, Yue Zhiwei said to Shu Yi: "Your request has already been approved by the department leaders." Shu Yi replied: "That's good, please have them provide a written guarantee." Yue Zhiwei smiled wryly and said: "Is that really necessary?" Shu Yi responded: "No, this is my principle and my procedure. Otherwise, if you turn your back on this later, who will I turn to for help?"