"Yes, I want to buy it, I'm not joking." Zhou Qingfeng said seriously.
Kelly took half a step back, looking straight into Zhou Qingfeng's eyes, as if trying to judge the truth in his words.
After a moment, she nodded and said confidently, "My father is too old and pessimistic about that company, thinking it's beyond saving.
But after my personal investigation, my view is quite the opposite.
'Apocalypse Creatures' currently hasn't achieved any substantial results, but it has already burned through over three billion US dollars and built a team of hundreds of people. It's a pity to just give it up.
I'm glad you share my opinion.
I'll immediately start the preliminary work for the acquisition and will get it at a very good price. Your money won't be wasted."
Kelly had a strange personality. Clearly in her thirties and a mother of two, she carried the rebellious attitude of a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old, as if her teenage years never ended.
Her eyes bore a stubbornness that seemed ready to declare to the world at any moment: she didn't need anyone's approval to do her best.
In reality, she was like a love-deprived child, desperately needing recognition.
Just as Zhou Qingfeng was about to release Kelly and end the formal hug, Kelly suddenly leaned in and lightly touched her lips to his.
In that instant, time seemed to stand still.
Her lips were soft and cool, with a faint mint flavor, like morning dew lightly resting on his lips.
Though it was just a fleeting touch, it sent an unexpected thrill through Zhou Qingfeng, as if an electric current shot from his lips straight to his heart.
Their lips parted, Kelly said nothing more, nor did she linger.
She quickly turned around, opened the car door, sat in the driver's seat, started the engine, and drove off seamlessly. The car soon disappeared into the night.
Zhou Qingfeng stood in place, watching the red taillights fade into the distance—this woman seemed cold on the outside, but inside, she was a fiery blaze.
-----------------
On the night of the prize redemption, Zhou Qingfeng returned to White Beach Town and still stayed at Chief Constable Conges' house.
The next day, the FBI made no moves, and Chief Inspector Karl, in charge of the 'bar lottery' case, seemed to be asleep.
On the third day, Zhou Qingfeng received an expedited Green Card. He could now buy cars, purchase houses, take driving tests, and buy firearms in the United States.
On the fourth day, the FBI's bureaucratic system finally seemed to respond...
Early in the morning, Chief Constable William Conges pushed open the heavy door of the police station and was immediately called into the director's office, where he was informed of his suspension.
"Suspension?" Conges's voice exploded in the office, shouting incredulously, "Why am I being suspended?"
The director's expression was hard to maintain, and he sighed, "The police station received reports accusing you of multiple misconducts.
Including but not limited to violent law enforcement, assaulting suspects, threatening witnesses, accepting bribes, and destroying evidence.
The FBI has already begun an investigation into you. They originally wanted to arrest you directly. The only thing I could do was change 'arrest' to 'suspension.'
Now, please hand over your badge and gun and prepare to cooperate with the FBI's possible questioning at any time."
Conges looked down at the shiny badge on his chest, a symbol he had fought for over the years.
He had a bad temper, a tough style, and a rough attitude, but he was always steadfast in fighting evil, never showing mercy to criminals.
Of course, his law enforcement methods were inevitably harsh. Taking in informants meant his operations had some grey areas, allowing him to earn extra money to support his family.
This led to both the arrested criminals and the townspeople and colleagues fearing him and many speaking ill of him behind his back.
Being suspended seemed inevitable.
No matter how unwilling Conges was, his fingers trembled as he unpinned his badge. Slowly, he reached for his waist and removed the gun and police gear that had accompanied him for years.
"Director," Conges's voice was hoarse and low, forcing out a sentence from deep within his throat, "what exactly is the case that led to my suspension?"
"Don't worry, William, it's just some regular complaints, but I must follow the procedure." Director Matthew took a deep breath and said slowly, "Trust me, I will definitely help you.
But if you don't cooperate, the FBI will arrest you immediately. For now, they just want you to assist in the investigation."
"Assist in the investigation, how is that different from being arrested?" Conges's temper flared instantly, roaring in anger, "At least let me know the real reason!"
The entire police station heard the roar coming from the director's office.
Director Matthew immediately softened his tone, "William, don't ask anymore. It's really just small issues. Consider it a vacation, and I'll handle the rest."
Conges had no choice but to endure for now.
The police officers in the office area were confused, seeing the station's bravest, fiercest, most effective deterrent to local crime, but also the most complained-about chief storm out of the director's office, slamming the door behind him.
Director Matthew slowly stood up, instructed his secretary to find someone to fix the door, then closed the door and went back to his desk, frowning deeply.
Not long after, the director called in a clerical officer, his face stern as he said, "Conges is in trouble. The FBI has targeted him.
The exact reason is unclear, but this is not a good sign. I'm worried... it might affect the town's business."
The clerical officer understood immediately and asked, "Do we need someone to take care of him?"
The director thought for a moment, then nodded firmly, "Handle it cleanly, leave no complications."