The events unfolding at Tianxing Hotel quickly reached the ears of higher-level officials.
Even Teacher Gao, who was both Qi Wei's mentor and the number one leader of Bright Pearl City, learned of the news.
"This is outrageous, absolutely outrageous!"
"Do they have any respect for the law? For discipline at all?"
Upon hearing his secretary's report that the Wanlong Society had now gathered hundreds of people to surround a hotel in the city, and especially knowing that girl Li Xiaohui was mixed up in it, Teacher Gao flew into a rage.
He had always turned a blind eye to their previous minor scuffles.
Of course, his student Qi Wei had explained to him that while Li Xiaohui might stir up trouble, she hadn't broken any laws and had actually accomplished quite a few meritorious deeds.
Coupled with his knowledge that the Wanlong Society's background was relatively clean, not involved in any illegal businesses, he had allowed Li Xiaohui to operate within the society.
But such a huge commotion today? How could this possibly end well?
If Li Xiaohui's father found out, not only would Li Xiaohui face criticism, but he himself would probably get an earful in private.
Teacher Gao initially wanted to have his secretary call Qi Wei to ask him just what the hell was going on with maintaining order, and if he didn't want his job anymore.
But just as the secretary finished dialing, he reached out and took the phone himself.
The phone rang several times, but no one answered.
The second call, still no answer.
The third...
...
On the other side.
In Qi Wei's office.
"Team Leader Zheng, Director Qi, Ms. Liu Yutong has made significant progress and now hopes to immediately confirm the specific terms of the informant agreement with both of you."
"Ms. Liu Yutong has already signed the agreement. All that's missing are your signatures."
Both Qi Wei and Team Leader Zheng were stunned. It was the first time they'd heard of an informant needing to sign an agreement, their brains nearly short-circuiting.
"An informant agreement? Wait, what does Liu Yutong mean by this? Does she not trust us?"
Zhao Tianyi hurriedly explained, "It's absolutely not a matter of distrust. It's just that my client, Ms. Liu Yutong, has a special status and is undertaking significant risks by assisting the police this time. Therefore, signing an agreement that grants her immunity for any 'necessary measures' she might take during the operation is a form of protection—for her, and for your subsequent handling of the case. It avoids unnecessary... well, disputes."
As he spoke, he subtly pushed the thick agreement in his hand forward a bit more and placed a pen right beside Qi Wei's hand.
Qi Wei and Zheng Yi, who had just arrived, looked at the incredibly detailed informant cooperation agreement before them, the corners of their mouths twitching slightly.
This was no ordinary agreement; it was clearly a preemptive liability waiver. It even listed up to nearly a hundred possible contingencies and their corresponding liability divisions, drafted with such meticulousness it was almost terrifying, leaving hardly any loopholes.
This wasn't Qi Wei's first time working with Liu Yutong, so he was somewhat accustomed to her way of doing things and could grudgingly accept it.
Zheng Yi, however, was completely different. He felt as if he were being held hostage.
After all his years as head of the prosecution department, this was the first time he'd encountered someone who operated like this... so... indescribable.
If it weren't for Qi Wei insisting on recommending her as the informant, he probably would have wanted to tear the agreement up.
Just as Zheng Yi was about to ask something...
Ring ring ring.......
The office landline suddenly rang.
Qi Wei instinctively reached to answer it.
While saying, "Let me get that, you two review the agreement first," Zhao Tianyi reached out, picked up the phone, and handed it to Qi Wei. At the same time, his other hand found the phone cord and gave it a gentle pull.
He clearly remembered his boss's instructions: before the agreement is signed, anything could happen. Stall for time if possible.
He guessed this call was likely related to what his boss was doing, hence this rather drastic measure.
Qi Wei took the receiver, only to hear a dial tone.
"Strange, no sound? Wrong number?" He didn't think much of it and casually placed the receiver back.
Seizing the opportunity, Zhao Tianyi continued, "Director Qi, Team Leader Zheng, I completely understand your concerns. This agreement does indeed seem somewhat... unique. But that precisely reflects Ms. Liu Yutong's sincerity regarding this cooperation and her trust in you both as leaders."
"And this is called trust?" Zheng Yi pointed at the densely packed liability waiver clauses on the agreement, clearly displeased.
"Precisely because of trust, the details need to be clarified upfront. After all, Ms. Liu Yutong could have chosen not to participate at all. What benefit does she get from being involved? None, right?"
"Even ordinary people write I.O.U.s when borrowing money, let alone Ms. Liu, who is now staking her entire fortune and life, mobilizing all her resources to assist you two in solving this case. What's the ultimate goal? Isn't it to root out the malignant elements in Bright Pearl City and restore peace and order to the city!"
"Ms. Liu Yutong is giving so much without asking for anything in return. What a noble character she has. She merely wants a guarantee. Is that really too much to ask?"
"Is it?"
Both Zheng Yi and Qi Wei felt somewhat ashamed by Zhao Tianyi's words. After all, hearing him put it that way, it did make sense.
This Liu Yutong not only wasn't asking for a single cent of funding from them but was also digging into her own pockets, providing manpower at her own expense to help them investigate and solve the case. After contributing so much, what's wrong with wanting a guarantee?
If they didn't agree, wouldn't they be breaking her heart?
In the end, both men signed their names on the liability waiver agreement.
The pens had just been set down.
Ring ring ring, the phone rang again.
This time, Zhao Tianyi didn't reach for it. Instead, he proactively bid them farewell and took his leave.
Qi Wei nodded. After Zhao Tianyi left, he grabbed the receiver. "Hello? Who is this?"
"Qi Wei!!!"
"T-teacher?"
"So you still remember I'm your teacher? How many calls have I made? Your wings have grown strong, Qi Wei, you dare not answer my calls now? Do you think the sky over the Lijin District is too small to contain a big Buddha like you?!"
"No, Teacher, please let me explain, just now I was..."
"Explain? What is there to explain! I'm asking you, what are you doing right now? What's going on at Tianxing Hotel? I heard the Wanlong Society has hundreds of people surrounding the hotel, they've even stormed inside. I also heard that girl Xiaohui is leading the charge inside! The scene is practically like something out of a gangster movie!"
"Ah? Re... really?"
"What do you think! And what did you tell me before? You said that kid Li Xiaohui knew her limits, that the Wanlong Society operated with principles. Is this what you call limits and principles? To actually cause such a huge mess? You go now! Immediately! Go and fix this! Or I'll hold you personally responsible!"
"Yes... yes... Teacher, I... I'll go right away!"
After hanging up, Qi Wei's face turned ashen.
Then he thought of something, quickly turned, and leaned out the window to look down. He happened to see that 'sanctimonious' fellow Zhao Tianyi also looking up at him.
Before Qi Wei could even shout for him, the guy turned and bolted.
His speed would have earned a thumbs-up from an Olympic sprint champion.
Qi Wei: "..."
"Liu Yutong... you've really set me up this time!"
