Nie Bing took a deep breath, stepped forward, and addressed "Aya" with a mix of apology and resignation:
"Miss Aya, it seems... the truth is now undeniable.
"I apologize for my unwarranted suspicions and persistent harassment. I'm deeply sorry for wasting so much of your time and for my disrespectful remarks.
"Please pretend you didn't hear my earlier request. I sincerely apologize once again."
With a slight bow, Nie Bing turned to leave, needing time to calm down and process the night's events.
However, Cifera had no intention of letting her go so easily. Little Ya's unexpected arrival had made this drama even more intriguing—how could Little Bingbing be left out now?
She wanted to escalate things. She would invite Nie Bing to stay the night again!
You think you can use helping me as a pretext to scheme something? Well, I'll invite Nie Bing too. How will you handle that?
Shall we continue our little charade? Just wait until you're officially appointed as the Pursuit Team Expert. When Nie Bing finds out you and this contestant have been deceiving her together, her reaction will be priceless, and the reality show's ratings will skyrocket!
"Officer Nie Bing, please stop."
"Aya" called out, her face wearing an understanding and forgiving smile.
"You don't need to apologize. I genuinely admire your dedication and tenacity. To be honest, I was already planning to accept your request."
Hearing Aya's words, Nie Bing turned back in surprise, her face clearly showing her astonishment.
"Firstly, my conscience is clear; I fear no verification. Secondly... I have my own selfish motives."
Cifera's smile deepened as she glanced at Little Ya.
"I just wanted to bring you home with me so my constantly energetic younger sister could experience your professional-grade massage techniques. Let her relax and unwind too."
"Of course, I can tell that the knot in your heart hasn't truly been untied. You still suspect my identity, don't you? You still want to come back with me, don't you?"
"It was only because Little Ya and Sister Jingjing showed up that you felt continuing to press the matter would be excessive.
"I completely understand how you feel. Being forced to give up without fully convincing yourself must be incredibly frustrating. I hope you'll come to my home to completely dispel your doubts. That way, you can truly rest assured."
With that, "Aya" smiled at Little Ya, her expression full of trust as she said:
"I'm sure my family will understand and support my decision, right, Sister?"
Seeing Cifera toss the ball her way, Little Ya's heart skipped a beat.
She instantly realized Cifera was up to something, but having already taken on the role of her sister, she couldn't back down now!
You little scheming cat!
You were waiting for me all along!
Trying to drag Nie Bing into this too? Playing along with the plan, huh? Fine! As if a genius like me would be afraid of you!
You're not the only one who can raise the stakes. I'll raise them too! Let's see who outplays whom!
With that thought, Little Ya plastered an innocent smile on her face and nodded vigorously:
"Exactly! Officer Nie Bing, you should come! I've always been curious about how amazing the massage Sister Aya keeps praising is!"
"And we absolutely must clear my sister's name completely! Otherwise, people will always doubt her, and I won't be happy seeing that!"
She acted like a devoted younger sister, fiercely protective of her sibling.
Then, Little Ya's eyes darted sideways, and she suddenly grabbed Lu Yue's arm as he was trying to slip away unnoticed.
"Little Yue Yue! There's no time like the present! We haven't seen each other in ages, and Officer Nie Bing is here tonight too—the more the merrier! Come join us!
"You've always dodged my invitations to come over all these years. No more excuses this time!"
She grinned like a mischievous little demon before lowering her voice to a seemingly conspiratorial whisper, deliberately loud enough for everyone to hear:
"Or else... I can't guarantee I won't accidentally spill some of your 'little secrets' to Officer Nie Bing. Like... a certain resounding nickname..."
"!!!"
Lu Yue, who had been deeply moved by "Aya's" earlier invitation to Nie Bing and had mentally praised her as a selfless mentor, suddenly felt a sharp pang of anxiety. He mentally wailed in panic:
No! Little Ya, you little troublemaker! Aren't you being a bit childish?
Stop trying to copy your sister, okay?!
They invited Nie Bing to counsel her, but you invited me? Just to mimic your sister! That's just mean-spirited and pointless!
Don't think I don't know what you're up to! It's the same old trick—you just want to make a fool of me again!
Me, the mighty Night Shadow, the future Phantom Thief, staying overnight with your Cat's Eye Clan, a family of detectives? What a disgrace!
And I'd have to spend the night with Officer Nie Bing, a member of the Pursuit Team, at your house? Who knows when you'll go crazy and reveal my identity!
But damn it, she publicly threatened me! Now I have no choice but to go!
After a moment's thought, Lu Yue forced out a smile more strained than a cry, making one last desperate attempt:
"This... this isn't appropriate, is it? It's too much trouble... and it's not really convenient. You know I'm a man, and I'm not suited for a girls' night in..."
"Nonsense! No one here sees you as a man!"
"Besides," Little Ya retorted immediately, "our house has plenty of bathrooms and bedrooms. There's absolutely no chance of triggering some 'lucky pervert' scenario!"
What the hell is this 'lucky pervert' nonsense?! Lu Yue thought furiously. Do you really think I'm the kind of guy who expects such ridiculous things? What kind of stuff do you even read?! You're underage—don't push your luck, or I'll tell your sister!
Though Lu Yue was inwardly raging, he maintained a facade of puzzled confusion.
"Aya" smiled sweetly and asked, "Sister Lu Yue, did you not understand? You're so innocent~ Should I explain it for you, dear sister?"
"..."
Lu Yue hadn't expected even "Sister Aya" to tease him like this. Is this what it means to be a mature woman? She can even flirt so elegantly!
"No... no need to explain! I'm not interested!"
Seeing Lu Yue's flustered expression and frantic head-shaking, "Aya" stopped teasing him and switched to supporting Little Ya:
"Alright, back to the main point. I agree with Little Ya—Sister Lu Yue should stay over too.
"It's been so long since Little Ya saw you. She must have so much to talk about. And I'd love to hear your stories about her school days!"
Lu Yue, his cheeks still flushed with a faint blush, felt the scales of his inner struggle tip instantly.
That's right! If he could seize this opportunity to get closer to his "life mentor," Sister Aya, and obtain her contact information, wouldn't that be turning misfortune into a blessing?
This... might actually be a win?
With that thought, Lu Yue's expression transformed, his smile becoming much more sincere.
"Since Sister Aya and Little Ya are both so warmly inviting, it would be rude of me to refuse! Alright, I'll come over tonight!"
Seeing Lu Yue's preferential treatment, Little Ya immediately exclaimed dramatically:
"Eyyy! When I invited you, you kept making excuses, but when my sister asked, you agreed so readily?!
"Ooooh~ I get it now, Little Yue Yue! You must have... a crush on my sister!"
Pfft—!
Lu Yue nearly spat out a mouthful of blood, his face flushing crimson again.
"Y-y-you... you're slandering me!
"I-I-I... I simply admire Sister Aya's wisdom and grace! I want to learn more about life from her! I see her as a respected senior! It's nothing like what you're suggesting!"
Watching his flustered defense, the street corner filled with an air of amusement.
The live stream's Bullet Comments were now in a complete frenzy, bubbling like boiling water:
[Hahaha! Little Ya and Lu Yue's awkward greeting is killing me! Enemies turned lovers confirmed!]
[Little Ya wanted her sister's dress, but her sister roasted her for potentially gaining weight. So relatable!]
[That Sister Jingjing... her presence is so intimidating! She looks like she could punch a cow to death! Is she a bodyguard?]
[Sister Aya is such a sweetheart! Even though Nie Bing suspected her, she didn't get angry and even invited her home to clear things up! Saying the massage was just an excuse, right? She's clearly trying to help Nie Bing!]
[I'm crying! Sister Aya is an angel! Lock down the Ayaice ship! Level up the points! Cifera's head is now a vast, green grassland!]
[Hahahaha! Little Ya just made that threat in front of everyone! Publicly plotting?!]
[Little Ya is so naughty—I love it! Threatening him so blatantly is hilarious!]
["Nobody here sees you as a man!" Savage! Sister Ya's roasting skills are MAX level!]
["Triggered a 'Lucky Pervert' event?" Little Ya, what have you been watching?! (Shocked face) Minors, don't pick up bad habits!]
[Sister Aya actually responded! And she's going to explain?! Aaaah! When an elegant older woman suddenly turns flirty, it's lethal!]
[Lu Yue's face is beet-red! He's panicking! He's completely flustered! Ha ha ha!]
[Poor Lu Yue! He's being completely manipulated by these three brilliant women!]
[Don't talk nonsense! Officer Nie Bing would never participate in such games!]
[Ha ha ha! Little Bingbing's bewildered expression is so cute! She must be thinking, "Why is the mood suddenly so... weird?"]
[I'm so jealous I could cry! What kind of divine treatment is this for the Little Granddaughter?! Spending the night with three stunningly beautiful women, each with their own unique style! I want to go too! Aaaah!]
[Tonight's slumber party is overflowing with juicy details! I can't wait! Director! Please, please film everything! We need full coverage!]
Amidst this seemingly lively and harmonious atmosphere, no one noticed a man in a baseball cap standing quietly in the crowd, his gaze fixed on the scene.
Beneath the brim, a cold, sinister smile slowly curled his lips, like a venomous snake baring its fangs.
Meanwhile, backstage at the Production Team's headquarters:
Chief Director Guo Tao received a phone call, and his expression instantly darkened with extreme displeasure.