There's definitely something wrong with this murder mystery game

"About the existence of our Safety Bureau, I believe you've already learned from Mr. Luo. I'm here to reach an agreement on cooperation with you." Upon his arrival, Captain Zheng got straight to the point and passed over a deep blue business card. Xu Shuo took a look. The card wasn't made of paper. The front side had nothing but the full name of the Safety Bureau and three phone numbers, while the backside featured a magnetic strip. It seemed that aside from serving as an introduction, the card had other purposes. Xu Shuo wanted to put the card back on the table, but Captain Zheng pressed his hand before he could retract it, their eyes meeting, and the latter smiled politely. "Don't be in a rush to refuse," Captain Zheng said. "Mr. Luo has already expressed your wishes to us." Xu Shuo still withdrew his hand and looked at him without speaking. At that moment, a waiter came over to serve coffee. Captain Zheng took back the deep blue card, waiting until the waiter had left before continuing to speak to Xu Shuo: "Yangcheng has already experienced several instances of pollution sources. Your and Mr. Luo's familiarity with such matters as players is definitely better than ours, who don't even know what exactly the Abyss is." Xu Shuo looked at him calmly. Undeterred by his attitude, Captain Zheng continued with a smile, "So, as the head of Yangcheng Branch, I'm sure there will be many more opportunities for us to interact in the future." Upon hearing this, Xu Shuo also smiled, "You should know that's exactly why I agreed to meet with you." "Yes, Mr. Xu is undoubtedly a wise man." Changing his tone, Captain Zheng said, "So you must also understand that the first time the officials faced this unknown mystical force, they were, perhaps, more intrigued and intent on research than afraid." Taking a sip of coffee from the cup on the table, Xu Shuo said nothing. Captain Zheng went on, "But after the incidents at Yuhua Dam and Gangwan North subway station, officials have become more restrained in their dealings." "Have you already conducted your own research?" Xu Shuo suddenly asked. "Yes, the official research institutes started studying these phenomena right after the incident at Yuhua Dam," said Captain Zheng, his tone somber. "How many people have died?" Xu Shuo asked further. "All of those who were in contact have died." "And then you sent another group of people to deal with it?" "..." Captain Zheng didn't speak, but the helpless look on his face confirmed the truth of the matter. Xu Shuo's mouth twitched meaningfully. Gazing at the gently undulating ripples in his coffee cup, he suddenly asked, "You've researched players as well, haven't you?" Captain Zheng looked up sharply, a flicker of something crossing his eyes. "Mr. Xu is indeed very astute." "Because, even after so many incidents, you still show no fear or trepidation towards the existence of Script Space and the unconventional abilities of players." Xu Shuo said indifferently, "In fact, you're still trying to oppose me. This suggests that you may have a confidence in subduing players, and this confidence usually comes from practice." The statement settled, and the booth fell silent for a moment. Unable to resist, Captain Zheng also took a sip of his coffee before breaking the silence, "Is it too bitter?" "There's self-service sugar on the side." Glancing at the sugar pot on the table, Captain Zheng started adding sugar while speaking, "Some time ago, the newly established Jiangzhou Branch was inspecting the city when they discovered that a third-tier actress had suddenly gone mad on a film set in the film and television city. "At first, the production crew and her agency kept it tightly under wraps, but later, it seemed, realising that her condition was incurable, they planned to use the opportunity to release the story and create a sensational headline to promote their film. "Then, a paparazzo got wind of some information and intended to be the first to sell the story." "Just so happens that an Investigator from the Jiangzhou Branch was passing by the film and television city and discovered this matter, found it suspicious, and suppressed the news before the crew and paparazzi could make it public," Captain Zheng said in one breath and then took a sip of his sweetened coffee. After tasting it, he probably still found it bitter, so he continued to add more sugar, Xu Shuo commented after listening, "Quite a twist." "Indeed, quite a twist," Captain Zheng nodded in agreement, then continued, "Because according to the information provided by Mr. Luo and others, those contaminated would lose their sanity, exhibiting mad behavior—extreme, irritable, with a strong urge to destroy. "That third-tier actress fits the symptoms quite well, so the Investigator reported it under the principle of 'better safe than sorry.' The Jiangzhou Branch took action that very day, taking control of the entire crew. "Later, when we attempted to communicate with that actress, we heard her mention a lot of information about 'Script Space,' 'players,' 'games,' 'Abyss,' and the like." "Additionally, this woman is a Shen City Resident named Zhao Sinuo, twenty-three this year, started off as a child star but never quite made it big. "However, after going mad, she kept claiming to be 'An Lin,' the Holy Maiden of the Holy Church, existing to eradicate witches. We later deduced that this must have been a game character she played." Captain Zheng sighed after saying this and then took another sip of his coffee now laden with sugar. In the end, he smacked his lips, seemingly unsatisfied as he set down his coffee, and his brows furrowed deeply, giving him an aura of solemn authority. Xu Shuo quietly listened until the end, brought the coffee cup to his lips and sipped, his lowered brow and eyes concealing his expression. "Truly tragic." "Indeed quite tragic. Does your line of work also carry the risk of madness?" Captain Zheng asked curiously. "Risk always coexists with opportunity," Xu Shuo responded noncommittally. "That's true," Captain Zheng laughed then said, "As you said, our Yangcheng Branch should also be able to offer you an opportunity—don't rush to refuse now. I mean, how about you hold an honorary position at the Yangcheng Branch, obeying orders without making declarations?" Xu Shuo frowned slightly, then listened as the other continued: "Even if no event requiring resolution arises, we would still offer you a monthly salary of five hundred thousand. After resolving a 'source of pollution' incident, depending on the impact, the reward could be over a million!" Captain Zheng's tone was gently persuasive, "Plus, we can green-light your business dealings!" Xu Shuo looked up at him, his tone ambiguous, "It does sound quite good, but there's no need for you to offer me such generous terms." "Ah, it's convenient to talk with a smart person!" Captain Zheng was either expressing admiration or resignation as he sighed and said, "To tell you the truth, because of the Tall Tower at Yuhua Dam, the higher-ups value you greatly. Or should I say, they value the person you represent, code-named 'Judgement'!" Upon hearing this, Xu Shuo smiled enigmatically. His smile was gentle and harmless. Even under official surveillance, he had chosen to meet with Themis in such an easily exposed place, which was indeed a beneficial act. Especially after the 'defensive line' appeared. For that tower full of miracles was not only a barrier against the Abyss, but also a deterrent to the humans of this world. Just like now. Xu Shuo's face broke into a smile as he extended his hand to the person across from him, "The pay is very generous, I'll take it." Captain Zheng looked at him intently, then took out that deep blue card again and handed it over. "Then, shall we have a pleasant cooperation?" "A pleasant cooperation." ... "Oh, only for Yangcheng," Xu Shuo seemed to suddenly remember something, pausing as he reached for the card. "Yangcheng!" Captain Zheng said irritably as he shoved the card into his hand. ...