Chapter 78 Probably a Woman’s Intuition

Chapter 78: A Woman's Intuition, Probably

Director Zhang thoughtfully observed Hua Diao, then asked, "So, what are the characteristics of this gargoyle? How can we identify it, and what are its abilities?"

So many Special Operations Bureau personnel had passed through, even two guards had been in close contact with these gargoyles, yet no one had noticed the stone lions were unusual. This young girl, however, had only been here a short while and had already discovered them. Director Zhang suspected this wasn't her first encounter, and perhaps she even understood this new monster.

Hua Diao met his gaze innocently, shrugging. "I don't know either," she said succinctly.

Director Zhang was momentarily speechless. "Then how did you notice something was wrong with them?"

Hua Diao replied, "Probably a woman's intuition."

Director Zhang: "..."

Do young girls talk this frustratingly these days?

His wise, deep-set eyes swept over her innocent face. Hua Diao struggled to maintain her composure, mentally clenching her fists.

Acting was her forte; she wouldn't lose.

As for why she was concealing information about the gargoyles: first, to avoid exposing herself. At this stage, she had only killed two gargoyles. At most, she knew their name, "gargoyle," from the system message after defeating them. She knew nothing else. If she were to reveal any details about their characteristics or abilities, it would only invite unnecessary suspicion.

The old man before her was clearly Zhao Xu's superior, an important figure in the Special Operations Bureau. If she exposed herself to him, it would lead to significant trouble later. As long as she insisted she knew nothing, even if he harbored suspicions, there was little he could do.

Second, gargoyles only caused negative effects. A few weeks wouldn't inflict major damage. This period would be more than enough for the Special Operations Bureau's experts to thoroughly understand them. Furthermore, now that the Special Operations Bureau was aware of their existence, they would surely take precautions. Once the news spread and humanity became vigilant, gargoyles would no longer pose a significant threat.

They might even end up providing humans with experience and rewards.

Ultimately, Director Zhang, unable to break through the young girl's stubborn pretense of ignorance, magnanimously dropped the subject. He then smiled and thanked her for saving the Special Operations Bureau personnel.

Zhao Xu, standing nearby, secretly shrugged and chuckled. He never thought anyone could leave Director Zhang speechless and force him to back down!

"Well done, Miss Hua!"

"So, is there a reward for saving people?" Hua Diao suddenly asked.

"What?" Director Zhang was taken aback, staring at the pretty, delicate girl before him. He truly couldn't fathom how such a tender-faced girl could be so audacious.

Hua Diao looked at him earnestly and repeated, "Is there a reward? I saved people from the Special Operations Bureau, and I was probably the first to discover the gargoyles. So, is there a reward?"

Director Zhang was speechless for a long time, finally managing a pained smile. "Yes, you can go to our bureau's equipment warehouse and pick any A-rank game item. But if you join our Special Operations Bureau, you can directly choose an S-rank game item."

Hua Diao's eyes lit up—not out of desire, but because his two proposals signaled a willingness to negotiate.

So she spoke, "I don't need an A-rank item. I want an S-rank item from your warehouse—the Smithing Table. But it requires a blueprint and a game weapon to exchange. Can you waive some of the requirements for me? I can provide you with a weapon, but the blueprint I have is only a copied backup; I can't give you the original."

Director Zhang's expression grew serious. "Let's discuss this inside."

Hua Diao glanced at the curious onlookers craning their necks and straining their ears towards them, then nodded. "Alright."

After entrusting the matters at the entrance to Zhao Xu, Director Zhang personally led Hua Diao into the Special Operations Bureau's interior.

Lin Mohan, who had been watching from the back for a while, stared at Hua Diao talking with Director Zhang, her face contorted with envy and resentment. She gnashed her teeth inwardly: *Why could that fool Hua Diao connect with Director Zhang?*

*Was it because of the connections her Uncle Hua left behind?*

*What are they even talking about now?*

But as the two approached, she quickly composed herself, putting on a gentle smile and stepping forward. With feigned warmth, she gushed, "Diao Diao, are you here to see me? Is there something you need help with? Director Zhang is very busy with important matters. If you have any requests, you can leave them to me."

Then, with a smug, knowing smile, she turned to Director Zhang, feigning understanding. "Director Zhang, Diao Diao and I are best friends. If she needs anything, I can handle it for her. Why don't you go ahead with your work? I'll take care of things here."

Translated, her meaning was: *You handle big matters, Director. Don't bother with a small fry like Hua Diao. If you're only entertaining her out of obligation because of her father, then leave it to me. You can slip away now to attend to your important duties.*

Sharp as he was, Director Zhang immediately understood her implication.

His slightly graying eyebrows rose as his shrewd, intelligent eyes narrowed, settling on Lin Mohan's face. A hint of disappointment flickered within him.

Before, he had thought this girl, though delicate and not much of a fighter, was at least a healing support, so her fragility wasn't a major issue.

But now, it seemed this girl was not only weak and a hindrance, but her intentions were also problematic—and that was a much bigger concern.

He would have to warn Zhao Xu to be careful. With a teammate like this, their Third Squad would be unstable.

As for Hua Diao, she had long known Lin Mohan's true nature and naturally caught the hidden meaning in her words.

What surprised her, however, was Lin Mohan calling him "Director Zhang." Was this old man actually the director of the Special Operations Bureau?

Hua Diao was astonished to find herself face-to-face with Qingcheng's top authority. After a brief flicker of apprehension, her emotion quickly shifted to delight.

If he was the director, then he should have the authority to decide on items in the game warehouse, right?

Hua Diao was too engrossed in her own thoughts to bother with Lin Mohan. Director Zhang, frowning, spoke first. "Xiao Lin, go attend to your own tasks. Help your captain. I have some free time now, and chatting with this young lady won't take long."

With that, he led Hua Diao further inside, completely ignoring Lin Mohan. Hua Diao didn't spare her a glance either, leaving her behind as she followed Director Zhang all the way to an office within the Special Operations Bureau.

Behind them, Lin Mohan's eyes blazed with fury as she stomped her foot in frustration.

*Damn Hua Diao! Was she deliberately humiliating me in front of Director Zhang?*

She had wanted to leverage Hua Diao's connection to Director Zhang to showcase their close relationship, hoping to gain his favor. But now—how infuriating!