Die, Replay, Repeat

Fang Xiu nodded. "Yes, the stronger the power, the bigger the cost. Every time I glimpse into the future, a mess of images and ideas swarms my head. It not only stresses my mind but also risks my Spiritual Energy going out of control. And, to be honest, this future-seeing skill isn't perfect. At most, I can only catch glimpses of moments a few seconds to a couple of days ahead."

Wang Dehai listened intently and grew serious. "The range of your foresight probably ties to your Spiritual Energy level. It's normal that, since you're just starting out as a psychic, you can't see too far ahead. I think once you move up to the second-tier, you'll be much better at it. But, Mr. Fang, I'm a bit confused. If peeking into the future makes your Spiritual Energy more unstable, why do it so often?"

"Because of the spiritual incense."

"You're trying to get the bureau's spiritual incense?"

"Exactly. I show off my skills a lot to catch your bureau's eye. I want to join to get a regular supply of spiritual incense to help stabilize my Spiritual Energy."

Upon hearing this, Wang Dehai finally understands Fang Xiu's actions and intentions.

_'Oh, it's all to get the spiritual incense, right?'_

While spiritual incense was indeed valuable, Wang Dehai was not hesitant. When dealing with a psychic who could see the future, no offer was too big to get them on their side.

"Mr. Fang, what kind of pay are you thinking if we ask you to join the Investigation Bureau?"

"I'm thinking of a pay on the level of a second-tier psychic. On top of that, provide me with one spiritual incense each month. Also, I want the freedom to say no to jobs that don't respect me," Fang Xiu said.

A second later, he added, "And, if there are events that require the use of my skills, you've got to give me a bonus afterward. Basically, you have to pay extra."

Before Wang Dehai could say anything to that string or requests, Shen Lingxue, who was standing nearby, couldn't hold back any longer.

"Fang Xiu, you can't be serious? You're saying you want top pay, spiritual incense, and basically relax all day until we need you, then ask for more money?"

Fang Xiu nodded. "You got it right."

"You—" Shen Lingxue looked at him really mad.

Then she turned to Wang Dehai. "Director Wang, you can't agree to his demands. It goes against all the rules. He had just become a psychic. If we follow his request, he'll be getting the same treatment as a captain. Besides, we don't even know if he can really see the future yet."

Wang Dehai brushed off Shen Lingxue. He thought it over for a moment before saying, "Mr. Fang, if after the lottery, it's confirmed you really can see the future, I can agree to the pay and the monthly spiritual incense stick. But paying extra each time we need your skill, that might be a bit too much—"

"Director Wang, it seems you haven't realized the value of my skill. But you'll find out soon," Fang Xiu cut him off.

"Mr. Fang, what do you mean by that?" Wang Dehai furrowed his brow slightly.

"I brought a major gift with me to the bureau. When you see it, you'll probably agree to my demands."

"What kind of gift?" Maybe because he's seen too many films, Wang Dehai had a bad feeling about this "major gift."

Fang Xiu smiled faintly. "A life."

Wang Dehai grew serious. "Whose?"

"Bai Qi's life."

"Fang Xiu, what are you getting at? Are you threatening me using Bai Qi's life?"

"Not a threat, a gift. If you don't believe me, give Bai Qi a call now."

The way Fang Xiu was acting and speaking could easily be misunderstood. It resembled a self-assured movie villain holding a life hostage.

Wang Dehai didn't call right away but glanced at Shen Lingxue instead. She got the message and stood up, positioning herself next to Fang Xiu. She was clearly ready to step in if things went south.

Fang Xiu wasn't phased; he came to help, not harm.

Soon, Wang Dehai took out his phone to call Bai Qi.

BEEP … BEEP … BEEP …

"The number you've called is not available."

Wang Dehai's face hardened instantly, and he fixed his gaze on Fang Xiu. "Bai Qi's phone, given by the bureau, is always on. Now it's switched off. Mr. Fang, is this the 'gift' you're talking about?"

BOOM!

A bright, blazing flame flickered in Shen Lingxue's petite hand, her face showing clear menace.

"Talk! What did you do to the vice-captain?"

Fang Xiu's brow furrowed slightly. Did Yang Ming fail?

Just then, a sharp ringtone cut through the room's thick tension. Wang Dehai peeked at the screen; it showed an incoming call from Yang Ming.

He picked up with no hesitation.

"Yes?"

He barely got the word out before Yang Ming's frantic voice rang out from the other end.

"Director Wang! Is there a guy named Fang Xiu there?"

Picking up on Yang Ming's upset, unsettled tone, Wang Dehai's mind raced to the worst-case scenario.

"How do you know about Fang Xiu? Also, what happened to Bai Qi? Wasn't he with you investigating the Human Head Specter? Fill me in!" he asked urgently.

"Bai Qi? He's badly hurt. But what about Fang Xiu? Is he—"

"What! Bai Qi is badly hurt!" Wang Dehai cut Yang Ming off, standing up abruptly. He fixed his gaze on the calm Fang Xiu before him. In seconds, a whirlwind of thoughts spiraled in his mind.

_'Fang Xiu managed to seriously wound the best psychic in Greenvine; the group backing him must be extraordinarily powerful. Who are they? Not only demonstrating such strength but also daring to provoke the bureau after causing harm.'_

Shen Lingxue couldn't keep her cool either, as the flame in her hand grew larger. She yelled, "Fang Xiu! Who are you? Who sent you? Your backers actually attacked Bai Qi?"

Under the stern glares from both, Fang Xiu simply suggested, "I think you should hear Yang Ming out fully."

Wang Dehai narrowed his eyes, holding back from giving a command to attack. Considering that Fang Xiu had been able to seriously wound Bai Qi and still remained so confident, he clearly had substantial support.

"Yang Ming, give me the full story. Now!"

"Is Fang Xiu right there?" Yang Ming asked.

Wang Dehai nodded solemnly. "Yes, he's here in my office, claiming he brought me a major gift. Now, with your call informing me of Bai Qi being seriously injured, it's quite the 'gift' indeed." "