Compared to Nicole's effortless composure in front of the reporters, Zhu Yuan and Qingyi's performance was far less satisfactory.
One of them was Qingyi, who had little interest in publicity work, and the other was Zhu Yuan, whose mind was filled with professional criminal investigation knowledge. Neither of them were the type who could handle reporters properly.
Fortunately, Justin Bringer stepped in at the right time, saving the situation and preventing the two from embarrassing themselves in front of the press.
The two squeezed their way out of the crowd of reporters, both exhaling in relief.
"Phew, finally out. I always feel like post-incident interviews are a waste of life." Qingyi sighed helplessly. "Although disclosing the truth to the public is important, today's coverage feels a little too exaggerated."
"This was a good chance to promote the work of the Public Security Bureau, it wasn't meaningless at all." Zhu Yuan's tone was a bit downcast. "It's just a shame I'm still not used to interviews—I almost ruined the Bureau's chance at good publicity."
As she spoke, the two walked over toward Sol and the others.
Sol was equally indifferent toward the reporters; after just a few simple words, he went to stand off to the side with Anby and Nekomata.
And since he was an ACE investigator, the reporters didn't dare push their luck.
"Sol, I really want to thank you for today." Zhu Yuan looked at him sincerely. "If it weren't for your help, the residents of Canvas Street might have died in ignorance, and the Public Security Bureau would have been derelict in its duty."
She looked at Sol with both admiration and gratitude.
This man was powerful and kind-hearted—a truly good person.
And this time, with his help, she and Qingyi had earned considerable merit. Back at headquarters, they would surely receive a big commendation.
"No need to thank me, we're friends." Sol smiled lightly, speaking casually. "Besides, I also gained quite a lot from this incident."
"Yes, we're friends." Zhu Yuan nodded firmly before adding, "Once this case is finished, I'll treat you to dinner as thanks."
Sol replied, "Then I'll be waiting. Don't expect me to hold back when the time comes."
"Mhm, I'll definitely bring enough money." Zhu Yuan gave a small nod, then looked toward Anby. "And thank you and the Cunning Hares as well—taking down the Dead End Butcher and helping guide the residents made a huge difference."
Since Nicole was still locked in battle with the reporters, she could only offer her thanks to Anby for now.
Anby cast a glance at Baal. "It was what we should have done. Honestly, we were just… in the right place at the right time."
She had been the one to finish off the Dead End Butcher, but as Sol's Bangboo, she also counted as a member of the Cunning Hares.
And besides, the Cunning Hares hadn't originally come to Dead End Hollow to rescue Canvas Street's residents—they had been tricked into it by that mischievous cat.
"No matter what, we still owe you gratitude." Zhu Yuan shook her head, speaking with heartfelt sincerity. "Please also pass these words on to Miss Nicole. We need to head back to handle the Vision Corporation case."
Anby nodded seriously. "I'll tell her exactly. Nicole will be very glad to hear it."
"Then, until next time, Sol—and all of you in the Cunning Hares."
Zhu Yuan and Qingyi waved farewell to the group.
As they were leaving, Qingyi leaned toward Sol and said, "Thanks again for today. If you ever get in trouble with the Public Security Bureau, just give my name."
"Eh? Senior, you can't say that sort of thing!" Zhu Yuan panicked a little.
"Ah, it's fine. Anyway, Sol probably wouldn't commit any serious crime."
Qingyi tugged Zhu Yuan along, and the two boarded the Public Security Bureau's vehicle.
For the next few days, they would be working overnight to investigate the Vision Corporation case.
"They really are two kind-hearted officers."
Watching their car pull away, Anby spoke with genuine admiration.
"I think so too—they're both good people." Sol nodded in agreement, then added to Anby, "You and Nicole are also good people."
Both were good girls… which made choosing between them a bit difficult.
"Nicole is indeed very good."
Anby nodded in firm agreement.
"Hey, hey, hey! Sol, were you talking bad about me to Anby just now?!"
Nicole, finally freed from the reporters, had caught the sound of her own name and immediately rushed over.
"Why couldn't it have been Anby talking bad about you?"
Sol looked at her with amusement.
"Tch, Anby would never badmouth me." Nicole pouted, then looked straight at Sol. "Only you, you bad guy, would do that."
"Forget it. Since you took the lead today, I'll let it slide no matter what you said."
"Come on, let's go eat at a luxury buffet! Big Sis Nicole's treat!"
Since Sol had risked himself to save Canvas Street's residents and also brought such great publicity to the Cunning Hares, she felt he deserved a reward.
Sol nodded without hesitation. "That's how it should be."
"Uuugh, so moving." Billy let out a dramatic whimper. "The Cunning Hares are living it big now—we can go out for feasts every other day!"
"Let's just go to Sea Overlord," Anby said calmly. "Their à la carte dishes are excellent."
"Sol, Sol, make Nicole add me and my brother too!" Eous tugged at Sol's pant leg, pleading. "I made contributions to the mission! I took risks for the mission! You can't forget me!"
Sol glanced toward Nicole, raising his brows slightly.
"Fine, fine." Nicole winced as if it hurt her wallet. "Belle and Wise did lead the way, so they deserve seats too."
Nekomata, listening from the side, was practically drooling.
Sea Overlord Buffet… that place's seafood was top-notch, and the fresh, delicious mackerel was unlimited.
But she, a sinner, surely didn't have the right to such a feast.
"Nicole, I'll head back to the Cunning Hares first. I'll make sure everything is clean and tidy when you return." Nekomata swallowed hard, speaking with difficulty.
As a sinner, it was best to hurry back to her post of atonement.
"What silly thing are you saying?" Nicole ruffled her head affectionately. "Even if you joined the Cunning Hares under special circumstances, I'd never shortchange you on your very first meal with us."
After all, this cat was going to be her unpaid worker from now on—treating her to one feast wasn't too much.
"Nicole's right." Sol squeezed the fluffy cat ears, smiling. "A pet has to be glossy and sleek to the touch, otherwise it's no fun to pet."
Anby pulled a pendant from her pocket and handed it to Nekomata. "Here. This should be a family heirloom of yours—I happened to find it."
"Uuuhhh… Nicole, Sol, Poker Face…"
Nekomata took the pendant, her eyes filling with tears as she saw the photo of herself with Miguel Silver.
Her family relic… it was a childhood photo with Miguel, back when he was still a good person.
And she, a sinner who had once plotted against them, was now being invited to an unlimited mackerel buffet.
And Poker Face had even gone out of her way to recover her lost keepsake.
Too much for a cat's heart.
Guilt and gratitude surged together.
Nicole's chest was so big—was that where her conscience was kept?