Consultant of the Mysterious Department

The furnishing in Long Bing’s home was simple and looked like they were dated, giving one the feel of nostalgia. Xia Lei felt like he’d walked into an oldies-themed television drama set.

“These things were left by my parents. I haven’t touched them in years,” said Long Bing.

Xia Lei spotted a family picture on the television cabinet. The picture was of a man and a woman in military garb with a chubby little girl between them. The girl in the picture was, unquestionably, Long Bing.

Xia Lei was curious and thought, ‘Long Bing doesn’t look over 24 or 25. And herself as the girl in the picture looks about four or five. Her parents were alive then, and there weren’t any wars in the past 20 years. How did her parents die on the battlefield? Were her parents in the same line of work she is in now? Special forces or spies?’

He wanted to ask but didn’t.

“I’ll go prepare the guest room for you,” said Long Bing, “You go cook.”

“Huh?” Xia Lei had not expected to be put in the kitchen to cook on his first visit to Long Bing’s home.

Long Bing patted him on the shoulder, “I’ve seen and tested your culinary skills. A guest is coming later, coincidentally, so you’ll come in handy.”

“Is the guest you’re talking about the someone who wants to meet me?” probed...