Chapter 236: Probing the Bottom
Chapter 236: Probing the Bottom
"I'd like to subscribe to some newspapers!"
After waiting in line at the post office's subscription counter for what felt like an eternity, Lyon finally reached the front and handed over a list of newspapers and magazines he had meticulously copied down. He spoke rapidly, "I'd like to renew all of these, for two weeks at the highest tier. I want both the mass entertainment and political-business quality editions of the newspapers, and for the magazines, I'd like the platinum editions with special supplements and bonuses."
"Certainly, I'll process your request right away!"
The clerk took Lyon's subscription form, glanced at the long list of publications, and suddenly, her previously weary expression transformed into a blooming daffodil.
She quickly tallied the subscriptions on the counter, and with a beaming smile, she said, "Sir, the total cost for these subscriptions is 7 silver wheels and 9 copper wheels. Do you have our post office's stamp card?"
"If you are one of our regular customers, based on your subscription volume, you won't need to queue for the gift stamping. I can directly stamp the new stamps for you here."
"Thank you for your help."
Upon hearing the clerk's words, Lyon heaved a sigh of relief and promptly produced a stack of stamp cards from the Director's desk drawer, passing them through the small window beside the counter.
These stamp cards were essentially a form of loyalty rewards offered by post offices and publishing houses to retain customers. When one subscribed to a publication for the first time, they would receive a corresponding thin metal card. With each subsequent renewal, a stamp would be imprinted on the card by a machine.
After accumulating enough stamps over time, the post office and publishing house would offer corresponding gifts, subscription discounts, or exclusive invitations to annual ceremonies, reading clubs, and other special events as VIP client benefits.
As people in the queue glared at the clerk for her special treatment of Lyon, she brought out a stamping machine from under the desk without even bothering to finish her regular duties. She took Lyon's stack of cards and began stamping them one by one with a satisfying clatter.
In no time, she finished stamping all the cards without even wiping her sweat. She handed them over with a smile and added, "Sir, you've collected enough stamps for three publications: 【Wine Traveller】, 【Sun Daily's Mass Entertainment and Quality Editions】, and 【Glamour Focus】. You can go and collect your gifts now."
"I just checked for you, the gift for 【Wine Traveller】 is a small bottle of selected Chardonnay, and for 【Glamour Focus】, it's a Meikuo lingerie membership card, which allows you to try on new lingerie styles in advance and purchase them at a 30% discount."
"As for the gift from 【Sun Daily】, it's a temporary pass that grants you access to the Sun Daily's publishing house across the street. You can visit the reporters and editors you're interested in and inquire about hidden news stories that couldn't be published due to space or policy constraints."
"Thank you."
After retrieving the stamped cards, Lyon finally completed his "mission" and breathed a sigh of relief. Following the clerk's directions, he headed to the gift collection area and claimed his three rewards.
The small bottle of wine and the lingerie discount card were, of course, intended for the Director. If he guessed correctly, she had been longing for these items for a long time. Otherwise, she wouldn't have asked him to subscribe to these newspapers while she was at headquarters for a meeting.
But this pass...
Lyon hesitated for a moment on the street, gazing at the pass with its intricate sun emblem, before deciding against boarding the public carriage. Instead, he strode across the street towards the Sun Daily's publishing house.
In the past, Lyon had neither the money nor the interest to subscribe to newspapers. He would occasionally skim through old newspapers to catch up on news, and he had no particular journalist he wanted to visit.
However, yesterday, while flipping through the Director's newspapers, he came across some clippings of her embarrassing photos. It was then that Lyon noticed a name that piqued his interest in the articles about himself.
Nicole Collins.
If he recalled correctly, the only Anomaly holder who didn't appear at the Chaos Party meeting was named Nicole. And the elderly Owen couple, who treated little B.J. like their own child, had the surname Collins. So...
Could it be that this journalist, who wrote several scandalous articles, was the twelfth member of the Chaos Party? Although Lyon was highly suspicious of the Sun Herald reporter's background, he decided to wait for the Director or Senior Emma to return before taking any action, as was his usual cautious approach.
However, since he now had the stamp card and a legitimate reason to investigate, along with the protection of the Ram's Heart and the Director's hair, he figured it wouldn't hurt to scout the area beforehand.
...
"Damn, I almost suffocated you while I was undercover these past few days!"
The Black Sheep, who had been silent for a long time, couldn't help but complain after being taken out of the small mirror by Lyon and placed in the shopping bag he was carrying.
"Isn't the undercover mission over? Why did you put me back in that broken mirror? Can't you just carry me like before?"
"Listen, it's really suffocating in that mirror. Besides that stupid heart that no one wants to see, there's just a dumb, lovable puppy. There's not even a living creature to chat with! It's too boring in there!"
"Alright, I'll try to carry you more often from now on."
Although the Black Sheep wasn't the most pleasant companion, Lyon still held him in some regard as a past comrade who had fought by his side and helped him through the most dangerous 'newbie' phase. So, he agreed to this small request.
With Lyon's promise, the Black Sheep, who had been confined to the mirror world, felt much better. After two chuckles, he surprisingly took the initiative and asked:
"Who's soul do you want me to check out this time?"
Hmm? In the past, the Black Sheep would cooperate but always demanded something in return. He had never spoken so politely before. It seemed like these past few days had been tough on him.
Noticing the Black Sheep's change in attitude, Lyon showed the stamp card and the temporary pass to the Sun Herald's security guard while replying:
"Her name is Nicole, and I suspect she's an Anomaly holder from the Chaos Party. I plan to investigate her... The process is the same as before. If she lies, you let me know."
"Leave it to me!"
Fearing that Lyon might find him bothersome, the Black Sheep decided to prove his worth. He took the initiative and began inspecting souls within a one-kilometer radius.
"Hmm?"
After a quick scan, the Black Sheep seemed to notice something amiss and his expression changed instantly. He hurriedly urged:
"Quick, put me back in the mirror!"
(End of Chapter)
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