The Ninth Secret Bureau

Chapter 1 “Chen Idle part 1”

In the old alleyways of yester years, the sun always seemed to shine particularly strong on these relics of history. Green earthly bricks, narrow passageways, crumbling oil wall paints, these are all the trademarks of the previous era. Yet, despite the rustic atmosphere, life continues to thrive in this bygone segment of the city.

Deep, deep into a certain alleyway, there lied a quaint looking courtyard shielded by a wall of green earth. It’s in here that the young man known as Chen Idle lazed comfortably asleep atop of a bamboo chair favored by the older generations.

“Is Mr. Idle here?” A sudden knock at the door broke the silence in the courtyard.

Casually rubbing his eyes to clear the haze away, Idle yawned and slowly got up to open the door. “You are?”

Outside the door stood a strange fat man with a friendly smile on his face: “My last name is Ho, I am looking for Mr. Idle.”

“That’s me, is there something you need?” Idle nods in confirmation.

Fatty Ho was obviously taken aback by this answer and expressed it by skeptically scanning the young lad in front of himself. “You are Chen Idle?”

“This alley only has my family with the last name Chen, so yes, I am Chen Idle.”

“This…. It appears I have made a mistake…” Fatty Ho makes a slightly embarrassed smiled and attempts to turn away.

This reaction was not unusual for Idle; after all, he did just graduate from university this year. For his line of work, being considered too tender was expected and not the first time someone reacted in this fashion.

“Uncle, do you have business with me?”

Fatty Ho remained quiet, his expression tied and troubled like he wants to leave and stay at the same time.

Gently leaning forward, Idle carefully sniffed the uncle’s clothes and asked curiously: “You have the smell of the dead on you, and quite fresh at that. Did you encounter something dirty? I’m assuming someone introduced me to you, correct?”

The fatty immediately made a dismayed face at the accuracy: “You can smell it?”

“Come in first and we can talk.” Idle politely invited the uncle with an open hand gesture.

The quaint yard was organized and rustic with the most notable item being the century-old eucalyptus tree planted in the corner. Its leaves would constantly flutter against the breeze, thus giving this a comforting lazy air.

First guiding the guest into his living room, Idle went straight into business after pouring the customer a cup of tea. “I have few friends In Ningchuan City. The ones that do come see me are those needing my service nine times out of ten. So, is your business private, or… is it official work?”

After hearing that, Fatty Ho lessened his hesitation but remained wary to answer: “I am from the Secret Bureau.”

Secret Bureau

Idle’s tea pouring gesture froze for a split second, his gaze inexplicably locking onto the fatty across from himself like he’s trying to see something.

“Tell me about the case.” He places the pot down and took seat for himself.

Giving a nod, Fatty Ho was ready to go over everything when he took a sip of the tea. Immediately, he gagged and nearly spat it back out.

YUCK, OVERNIGHT TEA!!