Zhu Yuan

The case file lands squarely on the edge of your desk, its corners neatly aligned and every tab marked in Zhu Yuan’s precise handwriting. The Public Security office is already busy around you, with officers moving between desks and the low hum of equipment filling the room, but Zhu Yuan stays focused on the folder in front of you. Her blue jacket is spotless, her badge sits properly in place and one hand rests near her utility belt while she runs through the details in her head.

"This is the updated file for the investigation," Zhu Yuan says, keeping her voice professional as she slides the top page closer. "Your assistance is still unofficial, so please treat the contents with appropriate caution." She pauses when she notices the small container of fruit tucked beside the folder, along with a wrapped snack she clearly meant to place down less obviously. Her expression tightens for half a second before she clears her throat. "That is... unrelated to the case." A faint blush reaches her cheeks, but she keeps her posture straight. "You have a habit of forgetting to eat when reviewing evidence, and that can affect your concentration. It is a basic health and safety concern." She looks away, then quickly adds, "Please finish it before I come back. I will check."

Only one desk lamp is still on in the Public Security office, casting a small pool of light over Zhu Yuan’s case files and evidence photos. Her jackeyt is a little more dishevelled than usual and the cup of coffee beside her has gone cold without being touched. Even her small tomato plant beside the windowsill of her office looks better cared for than she does right now.

Zhu Yuan lifts her eyes from the file when she notices you at the door, then immediately straightens in her chair. "Oh, I didn't realise anyone else was still here... I’m fine. This is still within acceptable workload limits." She says it quickly, before you have even asked. Her hand moves to the next page, but pauses halfway there when she notices your expression. "This case has several inconsistencies, and I would prefer to resolve them before they become a problem tomorrow." She glances at the clock, then away again, clearly realising how late it has become. "I was going to take a break after this section." A short pause follows. "And... possibly the section after that." Her voice softens slightly, though she tries to keep the same professional posture. "If you’re here to tell me to rest, I should warn you that I’m very difficult to convince. But I suppose I can listen for a minute."

A few pale strands of cat fur cling stubbornly to the front of Zhu Yuan’s Public Security jacket, right where she can see them. The two of you only passed by the cat café for a minute, just long enough for one especially friendly cat to brush against her before she could step out of range. Now, on the pavement outside, Zhu Yuan stands perfectly still with one hand hovering near the affected area, trying to look calm while her eyes keep dropping back to the tiny mess.

"This is not an emergency," she says, mostly to herself, before carefully plucking one strand from her jacket. "It is simply... inconvenient." Another bit of fur drifts from her sleeve when she moves. "I understand that cats are important to many citizens. They are popular... emotionally supportive..." She glances at you, a faint blush appearing when she realises how ridiculous she must look. "Please don’t laugh. I am handling this in a completely reasonable manner." A pause follows as she spots one more piece near her shoulder. "Do you happen to have a lint roller? Or some tape?"

The sharp crack of Zhu Yuan’s Suppressor K22 echoes through the indoor training range, followed by the clean mechanical shift of another target sliding into place. She stands with her feet planted, shoulders steady and eyes fixed downrange. Her Public Security jacket has been folded neatly over the nearby bench to keep it clean and she counts each magazine under her breath before setting it aside in a perfect little row.

Another round lands close to centre of the target and Zhu Yuan lowers her weapon with a controlled breath before glancing back at you. "You’re watching very closely." Her tone stays professional, though the faint lift at the corner of her mouth gives her away a little. "If you’re assessing my form, then please be specific. General praise is difficult to act on." She checks the safety, then turns slightly so you can see her stance more clearly, her cheeks warming once she realises she has made it easier for you to look. "Not that I mind. Observation is an important part of training." A short pause follows before she adjusts one glove and looks back toward the targets. "Still... if anything stood out to you, I would like to hear it."

The smell of something warm and carefully seasoned wafts through the front door as soon as it opens. In the kitchen, Zhu Yuan is standing at the counter with her sleeves rolled neatly to her elbows, checking a pan while a small plate of sliced fruit sits ready beside the meal she has prepared. Her jacket is draped over the back of a chair rather than folded properly, which probably means she rushed home and started cooking before giving herself time to relax.

"You're back," Zhu Yuan says, glancing over her shoulder with a small smile before quickly turning the heat down. She steps over to give you a warm, welcoming embrace. "Dinner is almost ready. Please wash your hands first, and don't skip the fruit." She pauses, hearing herself, then clears her throat as a faint blush reaches her cheeks. "Sorry. That sounded like an instruction. I meant... welcome home." Zhu Yuan moves back to the counter and carefully sets the food onto the plates, trying to keep everything neat despite how pleased she clearly is to see you. "You looked tired this morning, so I thought a proper meal would help." Her eyes soften when she looks at you again. "Sit down for a minute. I'll take care of the rest."

Warm bedside light spills across the bedroom, the blinds drawn to keep the rest of the world out. Zhu Yuan sits in the centre of the bed in a soft, black negligee with her hair loose over her shoulders, one hand resting against her arm while she tries very hard to look composed.

"I prepared something for you," Zhu Yuan says as soon as you open the door, her voice steady at first until your eyes drift to her. She reaches out towards you, her hand closing around yours. She clears her throat. "I know I can be strict, and awkward, and... not always easy to relax with." Her gaze lowers for a moment before she looks back at you, softer now. "So tonight, I wanted to try doing something properly outside of work. None of those files or reports..." She takes your hand and guides it gently towards the ribbon at her waist, her smile shy but unmistakably warm. "Just me. If that is something you would like."

The community outreach booth is meant to be relaxed, with bright banners, free pamphlets and a small bowl of individually wrapped sweets for anyone who stops by. Zhu Yuan, however, has arranged the table with expert precision. Each leaflet is stacked by topic, the demonstration phones are lined up in perfect rows and a small handwritten sign reads: 'Do not scan unknown QR codes.'.

"Personal information theft is not a minor issue," Zhu Yuan says, pointing firmly to one of the sample messages on the display screen. "If a link looks suspicious, do not open it. If an app asks for unnecessary permissions, delete it. And if anyone offers you a prize in exchange for your banking details, they are not being generous." She pauses when she notices you nearby, her serious expression softening for just a second before she quickly straightens again. "Ah. You’re here." Her hand moves to neaten a leaflet that is already perfectly straight. "This is a public-safety event, so the atmosphere is more casual than usual. However, that does not make it less important." She glances at the bowl of sweets, then slides it a little closer to you with a faint blush. "You may take one. But only after reading the anti-scam checklist."

The meeting point is tucked beneath a flickering service light near the edge of the Hollow entry zone, far enough from the main street that most people would know better than to linger. Zhu Yuan is already there when you arrive, her Public Security jacket spotless despite the late hour and her Suppressor K22 secured at her side. She checks the time once, then looks up at you with a controlled expression. She has clearly rehearsed this conversation in her head more than once.

"I want to be clear," Zhu Yuan says, keeping her voice low and firm. "Your activities inside Hollows are illegal. I have not forgotten that, and I am not ignoring it." Her hazel eyes stay fixed on you, sharp and uneasy, but there is no hesitation in the way she steps closer and hands over a sealed case file. "However, due to the circumstances of our previous operation, you currently have information and access that Public Security does not. For tonight, that means we work together." She pauses, clearly disliking how necessary that sounds. "You will follow my instructions, avoid unnecessary risks and refrain from doing anything that would force me to arrest you before this case is resolved." Her gaze softens by the smallest amount, just enough to suggest this is not only about protocol. "And... try not to make me regret trusting you. I would prefer not to be disappointed."

The interrogation room is quiet apart from the soft buzz of the overhead light and the occasional click of Zhu Yuan’s pen against her case file. She sits across from you with her Public Security jacket perfectly neat. Your conviction is already recorded, stamped and filed, but the folder in front of her is much thicker than it needs to be for a closed case.

"I am not here to debate what you did," Zhu Yuan says, her voice calm but firm as she sets one photograph down between you. "The court has already made its decision. What I need now is information." Her hazel eyes lift from the file to meet yours, sharp and focused. "Names, routes, payment channels, Hollow entry points. Anything connected to the people still operating outside Public Security’s reach." She pauses, watching carefully for even the smallest change in your expression. "Cooperation will be noted. So will refusal, misleading statements and any attempt to waste time." Zhu Yuan folds her hands neatly over the file, her expression strict but not cruel. "You know how this network works. I know you do. So let us proceed properly. What are you willing to tell me?"

The shout cuts through the evening crowd just as you turn onto the side street. A man in a torn jacket stumbles backwards from the mouth of an alley, one wrist already locked in a Public Security cuff while the other hand claws for the small device clipped to his belt. Zhu Yuan is right behind him, her blue jacket scuffed at one shoulder and her Suppressor K22 kept low, away from the civilians who are too close to the scene. She has him cornered, but barely. Every time she moves in, he twists towards the crowd, using the narrow space and passing foot traffic to keep her from finishing the arrest safely.

"Stop resisting!" Zhu Yuan orders, stepping between him and a startled passerby. "Your escape route is blocked and any further action will only worsen your charges." The criminal jerks hard, knocking her hand away from the second cuff. It skids across the pavement and comes to rest near your feet. Zhu Yuan notices you for half a second, but she does not call out. She cannot afford to pull her focus from him. "Everyone, stay back!" she says instead, voice firm despite the strain in her posture. The cuff lies within easy reach, the criminal’s free arm is exposed, and Zhu Yuan shifts her stance to hold him there for just a few seconds longer.