Mu Bai's eyes lit up with joy, displaying his pristine white teeth as he grinned. He scratched his head and asked Ye Jianghuai, standing beside him, "Captain, how much can my salary increase?"
Ye Jianghuai looked deeply at him, then directed the question to Zhou Cen, who had been eavesdropping, "What do you think, Deputy Director Zhou?"
Caught off guard, Zhou Cen blinked, wondering why the issue of the Qinglong Squad's pay was suddenly his concern. Just as he was about to deflect the question, he noticed Ling Ji's narrowed eyes, emitting a dangerous gleam.
Desperate to appease, Zhou Cen blurted, "Double, no, five times!" He raised five fingers for emphasis.
Mu Bai, though puzzled about why his captain asked an outsider, was reassured by the promises from the deputy director, knowing his pay was secure.
"Thank you, Deputy Director."
He beamed a genuinely grateful smile at Zhou Cen.
Zhou Cen returned a nervous chuckle, "You're welcome, it’s the least I could do."
Finding a graceful way for Ling Ji to help was crucial, and whether intentional or not, Zhou Cen had succeeded.
As Ling Ji decided to control the floodwaters, the ominous thunderclouds dissipated swiftly, as if they had never appeared.
Everyone observed this with growing certainty about their suspicions but wisely kept their expressions neutral, smiling as they escorted Ling Ji toward the disaster area.
"Brother Dong, should we follow?" Yang Zhen asked her colleague, watching the group move farther away.
Dong Shanmin, holding his equipment, was torn.
Not following would betray his journalistic duty. They were here to report firsthand, bringing the situation to the public.
But following might put their lives at risk. The powerful figures seemed to have overlooked them for now.
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Rubbing his neck, Dong Shanmin felt a chill.
"Let's go," he decided, seeing a familiar figure hastily following the group. "We can't let that pretentious celebrity show us up."
"Alright!" Yang Zhen, initially fearful, regained her resolve upon seeing Jiang Lingyan pursue them. They were reporters from Phoenix Media, committed to truth and integrity. They couldn't lose to a fake star.
"Deputy Director, those three are following," Zhao Jiong noted, glancing back at the footsteps.
"No need to worry about them for now," Zhou Cen replied, knowing what he meant. The Bureau often erased memories to prevent public panic about supernatural events.
"Phoenix Media journalists," he continued. Phoenix Media, while not as authoritative as state outlets, was reputable and known for integrity.
"They might be useful later."
"And the celebrity?" Zhao Jiong had already checked her records. Though she had no major transgressions, her character was dubious, especially compared to the earnest reporter.
Zhou Cen pondered, "Let's keep an eye on her."
Watching Jiang Lingyan, a flash of cold calculation crossed his gentle features, "It's safer to monitor her closely."
Zhao Jiong nodded in understanding.
A pampered celebrity wouldn't normally venture into such danger for mere publicity. Something felt off about her presence.
But dealing with the flood took priority. Jiang Lingyan's issues could wait.
Unaware of her near-exposure, Jiang Lingyan, driven by jealousy and defiance, followed Ling Ji's group closely, determined to see the monster's power firsthand.
She couldn't accept how this being, hated and hunted by all, was revered by such extraordinary individuals. Her envy fueled her resolve, making her forget the system's previous warnings.
Reaching Fengchuan River, she watched in disbelief.
The Fengchuan River, a lifeline for several counties, had become a deadly torrent. The once nurturing river now overflowed with violent currents, carrying debris and destroying everything in its path.
The sight of soldiers struggling in the floodwaters brought tears to Yang Zhen's eyes as she filmed. "Brother Dong, those are our soldiers, risking their lives."
"Yes," Dong Shanmin's voice cracked, his eyes reddening. "Our brave soldiers."
"Lady Ling Ji, those are my colleagues," Mu Bai said, pride and worry evident. "Aren't they adorable too?"
So, won't you show your great power to save them?
Ling Ji glanced at the pleading Mu Bai, a sarcastic smile forming, but upon seeing his pale face, she pressed her lips together and strode toward the water.
"Hey, who are you people? This area is restricted!" A rescue team leader spotted the group, his eyes widening at Ling Ji and Xing Miao's attire.
"We're from the Special Affairs Bureau, sent to assist," Zhou Cen approached first, showing his credentials.
The team leader's eyes widened further, snapping to attention. "Sir!"
Zhou Cen retrieved his ID, smiling, "No need for formalities. We're all here to fight the flood."
"But..." The young leader stammered, overwhelmed, until Zhao Jiong led him aside to explain.
Returning, the leader's respect and awe were evident. "This way, ma'am."
Zhou Cen stepped aside, letting Ling Ji pass.
She walked effortlessly over the muddy ground, leaving no trace. As the raging waters surged towards her, they twisted and recoiled, forming a towering whirlpool.
Everyone watched in awe as the water, under her control, spun higher and higher, finally dissipating into a gentle rain that nourished the land.
"Is this... a deity?" the team leader whispered, eyes wide with reverence.
Zhou Cen and Zhao Jiong, equally stunned, exchanged glances. They knew Ling Ji was powerful, but this display surpassed all expectations.
Even the skeptical reporters and the jealous celebrity now gazed at Ling Ji with awe.
"Lady Ling Ji, you’re incredible!" Mu Bai rushed over, clinging to her arm. "You’re my hero!"
Ling Ji's faint smile hinted at more to come. "This is just the beginning."
Turning towards the distant horizon, determination filled her eyes. "I will end this flood and restore life to this land."
With each step, the ground trembled, the world seeming to respond to her will.
Watching her retreating figure, hope surged in their hearts.
They believed this woman would indeed bring miracles.
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