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Chapter 45 Parting

When we arrived at the brightly lit and bustling Guangying Square, the lively atmosphere instantly infected everyone.

As the host, Ling immediately became active: "Ying, Sanyueqi, Paimon! Follow me! I know some great stores with clothes, accessories, and super cute merchandise!"

She held Ying in one hand and greeted Sanyueqi and Paimeng with the other, and the three girls quickly disappeared among the dazzling shops.

Zhe Ze smiled and said to the rest of the group, "Come on, I'll take you to the HIA Club! They have the latest immersive games there!"

Xing cheered, and although Danheng was reserved about the "excitement", he nodded with interest and prepared to follow Zhe to the game venue to take a look.

Zhongli looked around and his eyes fell on a shop at the edge of the square that was elegantly decorated and exuded the aroma of coffee - "Tingman Coffee".

He nodded slightly. "This place is very good. I will wait for you all here."

After saying that, he walked leisurely into the store, found a quiet spot by the window, sat down, and ordered a cup of signature hand-brewed coffee.

Looking at the bustling crowds and brilliant lights in the square outside the window, I enjoy the tranquility in this worldly atmosphere.

Time passed quickly amid laughter and joy.

Dangling brought Ying and Sanyueqi, who were very satisfied and carrying several shopping bags, and Paimon, who was holding a bunch of snacks.

When Zhe led Xing, who was still discussing the thrilling scenes in the game, and Danheng, whose expression was relatively calm but his eyes were a little brighter, back to the door of the coffee shop, the coffee in Zhongli's cup was just empty.

"Mr. Zhongli, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting!" Ling felt a little embarrassed.

Zhongli stood up and smiled gently, "It's alright. Watching the prosperity here is also a form of spiritual practice. Are you all enjoying it?"

"Have fun!" Xing quickly replied, "The game Zhe recommended is awesome!"

"It's time to eat!" Paimon touched his belly and looked at Zhe and Ling eagerly.

Zhe waved his hand and said, "Let's go! Next stop, Zhuwei Cuijin! I've reserved a table, so feel free to eat tonight!"

The atmosphere in the Zhuwei Chuijin Restaurant is lively.

Sure enough, hotpot is one of the best choices for a gathering with friends.

Paimon looked at the table full of ingredients, her eyes turned into stars, but unexpectedly, she did not turn on the "swept away everything" mode this time.

Although he still enjoyed the food and tried everything, he ate much slower than usual and the portions were obviously smaller.

Ying was a little surprised and asked in a low voice: "Paimon? Don't you have a good appetite today?"

Paimon leaned close to Ying's ear and whispered, "No! Zhe and Ling are treating us. Paimon knows it's not easy for them to make money! They helped us a lot today and treated everyone to fun and food. If Paimon can eat as much as he wants..."

"Well, I'm afraid they will go bankrupt tomorrow! So... eat a little less!" After saying that, she nodded vigorously, as if applauding her own "considerateness".

Ying has a deep understanding of this. After all, she has suffered greatly from Paimeng's belly, and Paimeng's food alone is a considerable expense every month.

This is based on the premise that I can cook. If I can't cook, I will take Paimeng to restaurants every day to solve the problem of eating.

If she took Paimon out to eat every day, she would probably have to complete all the tasks in the Adventurer's Guild just to make ends meet.

After hearing Paimon's "whisper", Ling felt warm in her heart and quickly said, "It's okay, Paimon! Today we want everyone to have a good time and eat! Eat as much as you want! Don't worry about your wallet, my brother will take care of it!"

Zhe also smiled and said, "Yeah, little Paimon, you're welcome! We can still afford this little bit of money! This is a rare opportunity, so enjoy it!"

Paimon hesitated for a moment, looked at the table full of delicious food, then looked at the sincere smiles of Zhe and Ling, and finally the temptation of delicious food prevailed.

Cheered: "Then... then Paimon is welcome! Zhe and Ling are the best!"

However, she still maintained her "restraint" and did not actually perform the feat of "clearing the table by herself".

Looking at Paimon's adorable look as he tried hard to control his appetite but couldn't resist eating heartily, and seeing everyone chatting and laughing at the table, Zhe and Ling smiled at each other and felt that the money was well spent.

The happy time spent with friends is priceless.

The dinner ended in a joyful atmosphere, and time quietly slipped towards nine o'clock.

Everyone left the bustling restaurant and, following the prompts in the chat group, came to a relatively quiet, dimly lit alley near Guangying Square.

"Time is almost up." Zhongli reminded.

Everyone stood still and said goodbye to each other.

"Come and play again next time!" Ling waved her hands vigorously.

"Sure! I'll take you to visit Teyvat next time!" Ying responded with a smile.

"Remember to come to Pinocchio. I'm a major shareholder. Let me treat you!" Xing patted his chest.

"Goodbye! Thank you for your hospitality!" Paimon flew in the air, reluctant to leave.

Zhongli nodded slightly to Zhe and Ling, "Thank you for your hospitality. Take care, both of you."

At exactly nine o'clock, several soft blue beams of light appeared out of nowhere, enveloping the visitors from another world.

In a flash of light, only Zhe and Ling were left in the alley, along with their two motorcycles parked nearby.

The air seemed to still be filled with the breath and laughter of friends.

The two smiled at each other. Although they were a little reluctant, they were in a good mood.

They got on their motorcycles and prepared to return to the video store.

However, joy turned to sorrow. Just as they drove out of the alley and turned onto a main road, the flashing red and blue police lights at the intersection ahead blocked their way.

Two sheriffs are setting up a checkpoint.

"Oh no!" Zhe's heart skipped a beat.

Sure enough, after being stopped, problems arose.

"Please show your driver's license and vehicle registration," the young sheriff said in a businesslike manner.

Zhe and Ling gritted their teeth and searched their bodies, but of course they couldn't take it out - these two motorcycles were provided by the chat group for the event, where did they get the documents?

"Driving without a license? The vehicle's origin is unknown?" The sheriff's face grew serious. "Both of you, please come back to the police station with us and cooperate with the investigation."

The brother and sister's hearts sank to the bottom. This was big trouble!

Just as they were dejected and about to be taken to the police car, a slightly tired but familiar voice rang out: "Wait."

Zhu Yuan and Qing Yi, who had just finished overtime and changed out of their uniforms to go home, happened to pass by here.

Zhu Yuan recognized Zhe and Ling at a glance, as well as the two motorcycles beside them with unique shapes that were obviously not ordinary ones.

"Zhu Yuan? Qing Yi?" Ling seemed to have seen a savior.

Zhu Yuan walked forward, exchanged a few words in a low voice with the sheriff on duty, and showed his ID.

Qing Yi walked over to Zhe and Ling and asked in a low voice, "What's going on? Where did this car come from?"

Zhe could only say vaguely: "Yes... a friend lent it to us for experience... We were having so much fun that we forgot the time and also forgot that the paperwork for this car was not complete..." He tried his best to make it sound like it was a paperwork issue rather than an illegal taxi.

Qingyi looked at the embarrassed and nervous expressions of the brother and sister, and then carefully looked at the two motorcycles that were exquisitely crafted and not crudely made.

She understood a little, sighed, turned to Zhu Yuan, and nodded imperceptibly.

Zhu Yuan seemed to have also convinced his colleagues on duty and was communicating something.

Chapter 46 The Unforgettable Experience of Being Investigated

In the end, with Zhu Yuan's guarantee and Qingyi's "special instructions", the sheriff on duty agreed not to seize the vehicle for the time being. After all, the source was indeed suspicious and difficult to handle.

However, Zhe and Ling must leave detailed identity information and contact information, and promise to go to the Public Security Bureau within the prescribed one-week time to complete relevant procedures or prove the legal source of the vehicle, and receive traffic safety education.

After coming out of the Public Security Bureau, the two men just cooperated with simple registration and education and were not detained. At this time, there were few pedestrians on the street and it was almost ten o'clock in the evening.

Zhe and Ling were filled with gratitude towards Zhu Yuan and Qing Yi.

"Thank you so much! Zhu Yuan! Qingyi! You've helped us a lot again!" Ling bowed repeatedly, her voice full of fear and relief.

"It's just a piece of cake." Zhu Yuan waved his hand, his face showing tiredness after work, and he covered his mouth and yawned slightly.

"It's getting late, let's go back quickly and drive slowly."

Zhe said sincerely, "I really don't know how to thank you! How about... I treat you to dinner some other day? You pick the place!"

Zhu Yuan immediately frowned and sternly refused: "No! As public officials, this is what we should do. We cannot accept private banquets! Remember this lesson. Obeying the law in the future is the best way to express your gratitude!"

Her tone was firm and unquestionable.

Zhe and Ling were choked, but they also knew that Zhu Yuan was very principled.

Ling's eyes rolled, and an idea struck her: "Then...how about this! From now on, all purchases at our video store will be permanently 20% off! No, no, no, 50% off! Just think of it as a super discount for regular customers, is that okay?"

Zhu Yuan frowned slightly and wanted to refuse this "disguised" thanks, but Qingyi smiled and gently pulled her arm.

"Zhu Yuan, the young store manager is sincere, and watching the video won't cost much. At most, you'll just buy some snacks and drinks. It's completely within the scope of reasonable social interactions and doesn't violate any regulations. Is that all?"

Zhu Yuan looked at the brother and sister, whose faces were filled with anticipation and sparkling eyes, then looked at Qing Yi's smiling eyes. Finally, she sighed helplessly and compromised, "...This won't happen again. But the discount is too much, 30% will be fine."

"That's great! Thank you Zhu Yuan! Thank you Qingyi!" The brother and sister smiled happily, and their worries were finally put at ease.

Just as they were about to wave goodbye and get on the motorcycle, Qingyi's eyes inadvertently swept over the jade pendants hanging around Zhe's waist and Ling's necks.

Under the dim street lights, the warm luster and ancient patterns seem to be flowing with restrained brilliance, appearing particularly extraordinary.

"Huh? Zhe, Ling, wait a minute."

Qingyi called them over curiously, took a step closer, and examined the jade pendant carefully. "Your jade pendant... looks very special. I haven't seen you wear it before? Did you buy it new?"

"Oh, this," Zhe took off his jade pendant generously and handed it to Qingyi who was approaching.

"I didn't buy it. It's a parting gift from a friend who came to help me today. He said it would keep me safe and bring good luck."

Qingyi took the jade pendant. The moment she touched it, she was startled by the warm and delicate touch from her fingertips.

This wasn't the feel of ordinary jade! It felt more like some kind of magical object imbued with gentle yet powerful energy.

She carefully examined the patterns on the jade pendant in the light of the street lamp. She felt that the lines were simple and mysterious, and they were natural. They faintly revealed an indescribable sense of heaviness and protection.

It is definitely not an ordinary work that can be carved by ordinary craftsmen.

She subconsciously mobilized her tiny "inspiration" to try to perceive, but it was like throwing a small stone into the vast ocean, disappearing without a trace in an instant.

All that was given back was an unfathomable, heart-pounding calm.

"This... is really good jade." Qingyi suppressed the turmoil in her heart and calmly handed the jade pendant back to Zhe, but her tone became more serious than ever.

"Zhe, Ling, listen to me. The value of these two jade pendants is absolutely beyond your imagination. They are rare treasures in the world. As the saying goes, 'An innocent man is guilty of possessing a treasure.' You two better pay attention!"

She looked at the brother and sister's still somewhat confused eyes and emphasized: "In the future, please keep it carefully and wear it close to your body. Don't show it to others easily."

"And don't tell anyone about their origins! To avoid unnecessary covetousness and trouble, remember?"

Zhe and Ling saw that Qingyi had a serious expression and sharp eyes, and that he was truly thinking about them.

The two men nodded solemnly and said in unison, "Remember! We must keep it carefully and wear it close to our bodies, and don't tell anyone!"

"Well, go back quickly. Be careful on the road and drive slowly." Qingyi nodded and reminded again.

"Got it! Zhu Yuan, Qingyi, goodbye!" The brother and sister thanked him again, then started the motorcycle. This time, they drove away from the door of the Public Security Bureau at an extremely "well-behaved" speed.

After watching their two peculiarly shaped but unlicensed motorcycles disappear around the corner, Zhu Yuan turned to look at Qingyi, who was frowning slightly beside him.

He whispered, "Are those two jade pendants really that special? I think they're just two pieces of ancient jade of good quality, right?"

Qing Yi withdrew his gaze, his expression still filled with a hint of disbelief, and whispered, "Hmm... very special."

"Although it looks like just an ancient jade of excellent quality, when I held it in my hand just now, I felt as if it contained a calm yet vast ocean of energy, unfathomable..."

"With my limited skills, I can't even get a glimpse. These two young store managers...their friends are truly incredibly powerful."

"Their 'little secrets' are probably much more numerous and much bigger than we previously imagined."

Zhu Yuan rubbed his chin thoughtfully: "So?"

A playful and inquisitive smile appeared on Qing Yi's lips. "So? If you have time later, why don't you go to their video store on Liufen Street more often?"

"I always feel that the stories and 'surprises' hidden in that little video store will become more and more interesting."

On the other side, Ying and Paimeng returned to the temporary residence of the Liuquan people.

The busy and exciting day finally came to an end, and Paimon began to snore softly almost as soon as he touched the pillow.

Ying looked at the night view of Nata outside the window, recalling her experience in the Zero World, with a smile on her lips.

Katsina's Nightwatch War would be over by tomorrow, so it would be a good time to pick her up. Feeling a little tired and satisfied, Ying soon fell asleep.