Vol 2 Chapter 73: Drinking Party
Lin Yun was just about used to Yuan’s uninvited appearances by now.
Never mind her previous stunt of barging into the Counterasure Bureau begging for handouts, she’d also made a habit of popping up out of nowhere whenever she wanted to challenge Veronica—often when Veronica was in the middle of dealing with a Ravager.
In Yuan’s own words, she didn’t own a mobile phone or have any way to contact Veronica, so the best thod was to camp out near a Ravager and wait. Which, in a weird way, made sense—but it still ca off as pretty bizarre.
No one liked the idea of their enemy appearing right in front of them at random.
“What do you want this ti?”
So, unsurprisingly, Lin Yun wasn’t exactly welcoming. He forced himself to keep the bare minimum level of politeness. “I don’t think we’re close enough to be exchanging holiday greetings.”
Fortunately, Lin Xiaolu had just left the Director’s Office, giving him so space to play along for now. But he knew it wouldn’t last long—his daughter wouldn’t take that long in the washroom.
He couldn’t figure out what Yuan wanted, but his mind was already running full speed, trying to think of how to get rid of her as quickly as possible. Ideally, without letting her co into contact with Lin Xiaolu at all.
“It’s New Year’s Eve—don’t be such a sourpuss.”
Yuan didn’t seem to care what attitude Lin Yun had. She walked in like she owned the place, plopped herself into a chair in front of his desk, and casually set down the bag she’d been carrying.
“Here. Brought you a little sothing—my New Year’s gift to the Bureau.”
“A gift?”
Lin Yun didn’t believe her for a second. But for safety’s sake, he glanced down at what she’d put on the table.
—It was a bottle of baijiu labeled Qingting River, “20 years” and other details printed on it. Next to it sat a bag of dark-colored snacks with the logo reading Tasty Duck Necks—a brand of marinated food.
He recognized both imdiately.
The forr was the best-selling baijiu in Fangting City, a staple at business dinners—he’d had plenty himself. The latter was a popular snack shop near the Counterasure Bureau. He’d even seen the place open and bustling this morning despite the New Year rush.
But while he recognized them, seeing them presented as a “gift” by a Clawmark Magical Girl was… confusing.
“What is this supposed to an?” he asked directly.
“Just what it looks like. It’s New Year’s—I brought booze and snacks.”
Yuan squinted and grinned. “Share a drink with , Director Lin. This little spread cost everything I had.”
“…Why?”
“Why not? It’s a holiday, and I’m all alone in a strange city. Gotta talk to soone, right?”
As she spoke, she tapped the bottle cap lightly with the side of her hand, popping it open in one swift move. “Got any cups?”
“Why ?” Lin Yun didn’t budge.
“Because I don’t know anyone else… The guys at the construction site all went ho, and I never managed to get Veronica’s contact info.”
Yuan tilted her head like she was thinking hard. “You’re the only one I know, and I know where to find you. Besides, you’ve treated pretty decently. Consider this my way of returning the favor.”
“And your partner?”
“My partner? Oh, you an Semi? That guy’s a Fairy.”
Yuan gave Lin Yun a look like Are you serious? “Who drinks with a fairy? Total buzzkill.”
“I don’t think fugitives usually show up at the Counterasure Bureau to drink either.”
Lin Yun sighed. “Aren’t you worried I’ll call soone to arrest you?”
“Before you do, I could easily take you hostage,” Yuan replied with a sweet smile. “You’re a smart guy, Director. You know better than to waste your ti.”
Lin Yun couldn’t refute that.
No one in Fangting City knew better than him just how terrifying Yuan’s combat ability was. From their first encounter and through their few sparring sessions afterward, she’d shown levels of skill that bordered on monstrous.
And right now, he was just an ordinary man. Even if he transford into Veronica, he doubted he could take her one-on-one.
“You seriously snuck into the Bureau on New Year’s Eve, completely undetected, just to… have a drink with ?”
He still couldn’t wrap his head around it. “Am I supposed to believe you’re really that bored?”
“Pretty much?”
With a flick of her hand, a flow of liquid tal coalesced into two claw-shaped utensils and fetched two teacups from the cabinet. She smacked them on the table and slid one toward him.
“But if you’re willing to chat a bit, I might have other things to share.”
Lin Yun glanced at the cup. Still not moving. “Other things?”
“Drink first. Talk after.”
Yuan stood and leaned in slightly, pouring the baijiu into both cups. Her breath carried the heavy sting of alcohol as she leaned farther across the table.
“If you’re worried, feel free to check the bottle. No tricks—just plain old alcohol.”
Whether intentional or not, she leaned in so far across the desk that her face was inches from his. Her neckline dipped just enough to reveal things best left unseen. Out of courtesy, Lin Yun averted his gaze imdiately.
Still, even in that brief glance, he noticed sothing: Yuan looked noticeably cleaner than before. Her hair was neat, her clothes were freshly washed and nded.
Was she preparing for sothing?
That thought flickered across his mind. Silently, he picked up the cup, scanned it with Magic, confird nothing was added, then brought it to his lips.
Whatever Yuan was planning, this drink might be the key to understanding it.
So he drank.
The liquor burned gently as it spread through his mouth. No strange taste. He swallowed, raised his cup slightly toward her.
Yuan looked pleased.
She sat back down and grabbed her own cup. “See? Not that hard. You’re a grown man, acting like a lightweight.”
Then she lifted her teacup and drank like it was water, tossing back two big gulps. She slamd the cup down with a satisfied grunt.
“Ahh—nothing like booze on New Year’s!”
She ripped open the duck neck bag and shoved it to the center of the table. “Co on, don’t forget the snacks!”
Only then did Lin Yun start to believe she might actually be here just to drink.
But that just made her more of a mystery—what kind of seasoned Magical Girl, especially one from Clawmark, acted like this?
He didn’t know. And he wouldn’t find out just sitting here pretending to enjoy the party.
Yuan, sa as when she first visited the Bureau, showed no concern about drinking herself silly. She kept pouring, kept egging Lin Yun on.
He didn’t respond. Instead, he used his years of boozing experience to look like he was drinking, when in reality, barely a few drops passed his lips—most ended up spilled on the floor.
He couldn’t afford to get drunk. Even if transforming into a Magical Girl would sober him up instantly, he couldn’t risk the dulling of his judgnt.
He also sneakily texted Lin Xiaolu, telling her soone was discussing official business with him in the Director’s Office, and to wander nearby for a bit before coming back.
Three rounds in, the baijiu was nearly gone, and only bones were left in the snack bag. Yuan finally leaned back in satisfaction.
“Ahhh, bliss… utter bliss.”
Despite grabbing the snacks with her bare hands, her fingers were miraculously spotless. She patted her stomach, belched, and murmured, “This is what New Year’s should feel like.”
“Are you satisfied now?”
Lin Yun’s face was flushed, pretending to be tipsy—but he was still on high alert. “Now, what exactly is that ‘other thing’ you ntioned?”
“Aw, don’t rush , Director.”
The alcohol was clearly hitting her, and her voice rose a few notches. “Desperate n aren’t popular, y’know.”
“I’ve been more than patient.”
He pointed to the near-empty bottle. “It’s been over half an hour since you barged in. I think it’s ti you held up your end of the deal, Miss Gladiolus.”
Just as he said, half an hour had passed. And even though he’d stalled Lin Xiaolu, she couldn’t be kept away forever.
Calling her “Miss Gladiolus” was calculated—he wanted to remind Yuan that he didn’t recognize her as part of Clawmark, but rather as the forr Kingdom official she once claid to be.
It was, after all, the alias she first used to hide her identity.
But to his surprise, Yuan fell into a strange silence.
“Gladiolus…”
She murmured softly. “Haven’t heard anyone call that in ages. But sohow, it still feels like yesterday.”
“You told that na.”
Lin Yun hinted at sothing. “I later found out it was real, but only a forr alias.”
“…Yeah. It’s a past na now.”
She nodded bluntly. “I’m no longer Gladiolus, arbiter of the Magic Kingdom. I’m now a Clawmark officer—Yuan.”
“You don’t seem ashad to admit your betrayal.”
Lin Yun t her gaze. “But your behavior doesn’t match the villainous image I have of Clawmark.”
“You’re not wrong. I’m a half-baked villain.”
Yuan chuckled. “But your image of Clawmark… what is it, exactly?”
“…Power-hungry traitors who rejected their responsibilities as Magical Girls, abandoned their comrades, and joined the enemy. By any standard, none of you are good people.”
“Oof. Harsh.”
Yuan laughed it off like it was nothing. “I won’t deny it. A half-baked villain is still a villain. You say I don’t act like a bad guy, but you know what? I’ve still got innocent blood on my hands—whether I ant to or not.”
“I’m not here to fact-check. But I am choosing to believe Clawmark are villains. Which is why your behavior confuses .”
Lin Yun’s voice remained flat. “You’ve been in Fangting for nearly two months. Plenty of chances to do evil. Yet you’ve acted like a regular tourist. Why?”
“What if I said… I really just ca here for a vacation? Would you believe ?”
Yuan blinked innocently. When Lin Yun didn’t respond, she let out a sigh.
“Figures. Doesn’t make sense, does it? Fine—I’ll co clean.”
She steadied herself on the table and staggered to her feet, weaving slightly as she walked around the desk.
Before Lin Yun could react, she was already behind him.
Hands on the back of his chair, she leaned down, bringing her mouth close to his ear.
“The real reason I ca here tonight is…”
——“Who are you?”
Yuan’s words were cut off by a voice from the doorway.
Both turned to look. The door to the Director’s Office was wide open, and there stood Lin Xiaolu, staring at them in stunned silence.
She looked like she wanted to speak but hesitated.
After a long pause, she finally raised her hand, pointed at Lin Yun, and asked:
“Are you two having an affair?”
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