A soft, composed voice—paired with the faint scent of sandalwood that lingered around Fu Hua—stirred something in Coco's chest.
Especially under that cascade of gray hair, Fu Hua's face was both serene and striking, a perfect blend of elegance and strength.
"Please…"
Fu Hua had already released her, but seeing Coco still frozen in place, she gently repeated herself.
"Would you mind preparing that milk tea now?"
"Ah—yes! Right away!"
Snapping out of her daze, Coco blushed furiously and dashed back into the shop.
Though the helmeted man had been subdued, his getaway driver was still in the car, engine revving.
But before he could hit the gas, the Security Bureau had already boxed him in.
Just like that, the crisis was over.
Zhu Yuan and Qingyi approached Fu Hua.
"That was incredible miss Fu Hua."
Fu Hua gave a small wave of her hand.
"You flatter me, Sheriff Qingyi. I'm just a martial arts practitioner—nothing more."
"Regardless, thank you for helping us rescue the hostage."
"It was nothing. If he hadn't pulled such a disgraceful move, you would've had him cornered already."
Just then, Coco returned, carefully holding a cup of milk tea.
"Um… here's your milk tea."
"Thank you. How much—"
Fu Hua reached for her pouch, but Coco quickly grabbed her hand.
"No need! This one's on me. Consider it a thank-you for saving my life."
Fu Hua paused, then smiled faintly.
"In that case… I'll accept it with gratitude."
"Right! Um… may I ask your name?"
"Fu Hua."
"Got it. Next time you stop by, I'll give you a discount!"
"That won't be necessary. I've already received your kindness."
Zhu Yuan, still curious, stepped forward.
"Miss Fu Hua, if I may… with skills like yours, what did you do before coming to New Eridu?"
"I just arrived recently. No impressive background—my father ran a martial arts dojo. I trained since childhood, that's all."
"Ah, I see. That explains it. Thank you again for your help. I'll make sure to report this to the Bureau."
"No need to be formal. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"Of course."
As Fu Hua turned to go, Coco tugged gently at her sleeve.
"Um… could I get your contact info, Miss Fu Hua?"
"Sure."
Fu Hua pulled out her phone, fumbling slightly with the interface.
"Here, let me help," Coco offered, noticing her hesitation.
"Alright."
With a few taps, they exchanged contacts. Coco beamed, visibly thrilled.
Qingyi arrived at Fu Hua's residence, eyes widening as she stepped inside.
"Wow… a place this spacious in the city center? You must come from serious money~"
Fu Hua shook her head modestly.
"Not really. This is the only property I have."
"Ahem—anyway, I'm here on official business. The Bureau asked me to deliver this."
She handed over a small pennant embroidered with the Bureau's insignia, along with a cloth pouch.
"Fifty thousand Denny. A token of appreciation for your assistance."
Fu Hua blinked as she opened the pouch.
"Wait… this looks like the money I gave you before."
"It is—and it isn't. So just take it."
"Alright. Thank you."
They chatted briefly before Qingyi excused herself, citing another mission.
Later, Fu Hua opened her system panel and was surprised to see the 50,000 Denny listed as convertible energy.
"So that's how it works…"
She nodded and converted the funds without hesitation.
Then she navigated to the system shop, eyes scanning the available forms and upgrades.