Storm of Gods

Chapter 159 Opportunity
“The second thing is also quite important. The Undertaker has extended a cooperation offer. They’re having a tough time right now because of the recent spate of organ harvester cases,” Christie said. “If we can contribute to this case, there’s a chance that Bird News’s reporting rights can be resolved.”

The difference between the Night Watchers and the Undertakers is that the Undertakers are entirely subordinate to the Church of the Earth Mother, while the Night Watchers were created and trained by Grand Archon Luther. They are quite skilled in intelligence gathering and investigation. Although they kept a low profile after arriving in Heldan, they still did their part.

“There have been quite a few cases lately. I feel that either the murderer is mentally unstable, or someone is taking advantage of the situation.”

"I'm afraid there's more than one group trying to take advantage of the situation. This case has been dragging on for a while now, and it'll be very difficult for the funeral director to get it completely resolved."

"The other person's technique is very skillful and they have a great understanding of the human body. They must be a doctor or related profession. There aren't many doctors with this level of skill. Targeted investigation is one direction."

“The undertakers also thought of that. They investigated dozens of targets, arrested a few, and in the end, they uncovered other cases,” Christie said.

To survive in Heldan, they must maintain a good relationship with the Funeral Homes; in fact, the existence of the Bird News is a political legacy of the former Grand Archon Luther.

This was a very big deal. High Overlord Luther allowed the Earth Mother to preach in the Li Dragon, establish churches in certain areas, and even some small chapels. He also gained access to Hexbird News in Moncalet, especially the promotion of Heldan. Both sides got what they wanted, so even after Luther's death, everyone remained at peace. Of course, Mazhe's skill in dealing with people and things also played a significant role.

"First, we need to figure out their motives. What would these people do with their hearts and livers? It can't be just for an extra meal, can it?"

“Cults really like this; internal organs can amplify the fear of believers, and fear leads to obedience and depravity.”

For a while, everyone in the meeting room expressed their opinions, sharing their ideas. Li Xin had also read the relevant reports. The matter had caused a huge uproar as soon as it was reported, making Daenerys Targaryen hesitant to go out recently, since many of the missing people were pretty young girls.

Reports about the Visceral Harvesters became a major section of the Heldan Daily, causing an explosive increase in sales. In contrast, the Hextech Bird Newspaper fared much worse, with significant overlap between the two publications. However, the Bird Newspaper couldn't report on sensitive areas, which was practically pushing them to their doom.

The Night Watchers had to achieve something to be considered as bargaining chips; as for Li Xin's novel, nobody took it seriously.

Meetings are long, and it seems nothing useful was discussed. The morning was over, but Ma Zhe was still not satisfied with the proposal, so the meeting continued. At noon, someone brought lunch, and the room was filled with smoke. Herdan's tobacco was the best in Daoyuan Continent, a top-grade cigar. The aroma of the smoke even made Li Xin light one up, and he couldn't resist asking for one.

Suddenly, the meeting didn't seem so unbearable anymore. Enjoying the swirling smoke, Li Xin's mind started racing. He wanted to brainstorm the next part of the plot. If he had a typewriter, he might be able to write a chapter or two.

"Li Xin, Li Xin!" Ma Zhe called out, his voice gradually growing louder.

"Li Xin, did you discover anything at the Holy Ze Academy, or encounter anything memorable?" Christie's voice rang out.

Li Xin regained his senses. His thoughts had just reached the exciting part, where the protagonist was about to escape.

“I just arrived at the Holy Zeal Academy and am still gathering intelligence. Oh, and I had a very interesting meal yesterday,” Li Xin said.

The meeting room burst into laughter. Everyone present was a veteran night patrolman, although they were somewhat different from the night patrolmen of Li Long. But what was with this kid eating?

Christy didn't laugh. "What did you eat that tasted so good?"

"Blue Agate Ivory Bay Restaurant," Li Xin said. "It's really delicious. It's probably the most memorable place I had at the Holy Zeal Academy."

The entire conference room fell silent for a moment, followed by bursts of laughter. Even Ma Zhe and Christie laughed. This Blue Agate Ivory Bay Restaurant was the hottest thing in Heldan right now. With its mysterious chef, anyone who could get a table could brag about it everywhere. The newspapers had been trying to report on it in detail, but the restaurant simply ignored them and didn't need to. It was indeed so popular that it was completely unnecessary for ordinary people to know about it.

"Xiao Li, if you're going to brag, at least make it believable. The blue agate you're talking about isn't the kind of blue agate everyone's talking about. You have to book there six months in advance, and not just anyone can book it."

"I've heard that there are indeed fake restaurants, like Lannao and Lannao, quite a few have popped up."

Li Xin shrugged helplessly, "It's the one at No. 1 Bay Street, the one Simmons George booked. I went with him."

The meeting room fell silent again, followed by the sound of swallowing. The deliciousness of this restaurant had been exaggerated to a certain degree, and eating there even brought pleasure. Food was one of Herdan's great pleasures; no one dislikes good food.

"You really ate it? Was it good?" Ma Zhe blurted out.

Everyone looked at Li Xin, who pondered for a moment, "It's nothing short of a miracle. Top-notch ingredients, top-notch creativity, top-notch environment, top-notch cooking skills, and it belongs to the category of psionic cuisine. I heard that Chef Bocuse is an elder or something from the Food Association."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes widened in disbelief. This was definitely true; they had not only eaten, but had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Moreover, the Gourmet Association was one of the oldest and most secretive organizations, and not everyone knew about it.

“You’re really lucky, young man, elder of the Gourmet Association.” Christie exclaimed with admiration. As a mature woman, the things she couldn’t resist were men and food. “The Gourmet Association is an ancient organization in Dao Yuan. Its members are all awakened individuals who can make spiritual energy food. The admission standards are extremely strict, and even a single member is very rare. This Mr. Bocuse is one of the five elders. He has come a long way on the path of a gourmet. Being able to eat his food is a blessing for any awakened individual.”

Hearing Christie say this, everyone became even more envious. This kid is incredibly lucky. "How did Simmons manage to book it? Maybe his father could help him."

“It wasn’t his reservation, it was His Highness Aklis’s,” Li Xin said, and everyone immediately understood.

"You're not trying to tell us you dined with His Highness, are you? Haha, haha!"

“His Highness invited Captain Simmons, Captain Obent of Rongze Knight Academy, and Captain Zheng Shengxun of Eternal Knight Academy,” Li Xin said. Ma Zhe nodded with satisfaction. “Not bad, kid. You’ve grasped the essentials of news. Reports involving His Highness the Prince must be handled with caution, but writing a food report is still possible. Think about your thoughts carefully, and you can ask the editors for advice on anything you don’t understand. Write a food news article about Blue Agate.”

Although the cuisine of Blue Agate has little impact on ordinary people, it is very attractive to the aristocratic circle and will also raise the prestige of Bird Newspaper. This is important, and he will have more to talk about. He can subtly hint at the strength of Bird Newspaper. People from Bird Newspaper can dine with His Highness the Prince in Blue Agate. Don't these people think about the issue of authority?
Thinking about this, Ma Zhe's lips unconsciously curled up. Relationships and backgrounds are all about being a mix of truth and fiction, and it all depends on the other party's imagination.

Ma Zhe's mood improved without him even realizing it. This kid is actually quite lucky. "Li Xin, cling to Simmons' coattails tightly, he'll be of great use in the future!"

"Okay, boss, I'll definitely complete the task diligently!" Li Xin always had a good attitude towards his boss.

"Go back and submit a plan for both of these matters. Meeting adjourned."

Ma Zhe has social engagements tonight. Solving the issue of authority is not something that can be done overnight; it requires continuous public relations efforts. However, tonight he has gained a topic of conversation and a potential breakthrough.

After everyone left, Li Xin was taken to Christie's office. Christie made Li Xin a cup of tea and flicked it with her fingers as she handed it to him.

"Little brother, not bad. Looks like you're adapting well to life in Heldan. You've already become friends with Simmons and the others so quickly," Christie said with a smile. Not just anyone would be brought along to that kind of occasion, which shows that Simmons really admires Li Xin.

"Sister, brother, or older brother are all fine, let's not quantify them, okay?" Li Xin said with a wry smile.

Christie's smile widened, as if her recent worries had lessened. "Your novel has been revised, and the editors think it's quite interesting, but the final result depends on the market response. If it's good, it will continue to be serialized; if not, there's nothing I can do to help."

“It’s already an honor to have the opportunity to be in the newspaper. How am I supposed to write a food report there?” Li Xin said.

“Only write about food, don’t write about anyone else. What’s the relationship between Simmons and Zheng Shengxun?” Christie asked.

"The verbal sparring never stops. Simmons is very patient, but Celia is very aggressive," Li Xin said.

Christie nodded. "These two families are very complicated and have many connections. Remember not to get involved. Once you get caught up in it, no one can save you."

"I'm just someone who's freeloading." Li Xin smiled; he could hear the concern in Christine's voice.

"What are your thoughts on that organ harvester? I heard from Tianjing that you're quite skilled at solving cases?"

“I’m a player who relies on luck. I just overheard some information, but the timeline is a bit messy. It would be best if we could look at the files first,” Li Xin said.

Christie's eyes lit up. "Just based on this, you're better than those guys sitting here. I'll have someone get the dossier ready. You prepare the food report first, and the follow-up articles too. If it goes well, don't let your sister down."

"Don't worry, Li Xin prioritizes integrity in his work!"

After finishing their tea and setting the cup aside, Li Xin stood up, and Christie also stood up. "Wait, come with me. We can take a photo and get a certificate; we might need it later."

The two arrived at the door together. Li Xin subconsciously let Christie go first. As he turned around, his arm was brushed against a chest, soft and elastic, and he felt a little reluctant to leave.

Both of them remained expressionless as if nothing had happened, and went to the photo area together. The bird photography studio was professional, and the photographer was very attentive to Christy.

"Try one first, come on, smile."

Christy looked at Li Xin's disheveled appearance and couldn't help but straighten his clothes a little. Just then, she turned around and said, "Old Zhang, be serious."

"Don't worry, Miss Christy, my skills are the best in our company when it comes to portrait photography."

After taking photos of Li Xin, Christie returned to her office; she had a lot of work to do.

Li Xin had already left the Bird Society, but looking at the sun overhead, he was still somewhat reminiscing. Damn it, where did my self-control go? I've already transmigrated, why am I flirting with women!
...Being flirted with doesn't count...So soft, so bouncy, so fragrant...Li Xin was thinking about food.

Back in her office, Christine was going through Li Xin's files. It seemed the Night Watchers' intelligence was incomplete.

Who is Simmons? He is the heir that the George family is grooming. The George family is known as the Eagle of Montcarette because of their intelligence and covert capabilities. Although they are currently being suppressed by the Zheng family, their foundation is still there. Simmons is no ordinary person for daring to gamble with the Papal Court. It's not right that he even brings Li Xin with him when dining with His Highness the Prince.

Based on what Li Xin said and his expression, Christie could tell that Li Xin not only ate there, but also ate with them. Being a follower and sitting at the table are two different things, which shows that Simmons trusted him a lot and even wanted to win him over.

It seems this kid isn't as honest as he looks; he actually dared to freeload off me... I need to dig deeper...

(End of this chapter)