130: Equipment Procurement

Shen Mingyuan headed out to the law firm, his thoughts already drifting to the upcoming "equipment procurement" on the way.

As a seasoned enthusiast of Detective literature and film, his knowledge of firearms stemmed more from those classic works—Sherlock Holmes's pistol, the "little gadgets" Poirot seldom used but always mentioned, and the standard gear of Detectives in countless film noir.

He was acutely aware that in reality, private acquisition and use of real firearms was an absolutely untouchable legal red line. But "toy guns" or "highly realistic models" were an entirely different matter.

A classic revolver model? It had the charm of a classical Detective, but its ammunition capacity and modern feel might be slightly lacking.

A compact semi-automatic pistol model? Closer to the image of modern law enforcement and agents, portable and sleek.

Or perhaps, consider a model of the submachine guns or special sniper rifles that Detectives sometimes use?

Those might be more suitable for "observation and deterrence" at medium to long range, but daily carry and concealment would be major issues.

The key wasn't its original power, but its appearance, feel, and most importantly—what kind of chemical reaction it would produce when combined with his "Perceiver" positioning after being modified by that mysterious "Forger."

He needed to select a "blank," a "vessel" capable of bearing unknown evolutionary potential.

It felt a bit like choosing a key prop for a "role-playing game" that transcended reality, except this prop might one day become a genuine "magical weapon."

With these thoughts, he stepped into his workplace, the "Mingli Law Firm." Shortly after settling into his private office, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door.

"Mingyuan, you're finally here." The one who pushed the door open was one of the firm's partners, Director Wang. His face bore its usual shrewdness, but now his brow was furrowed with obvious worry.

"Good morning, Director Wang."

"Morning, my foot," Director Wang sat down and sighed, "I'm here to talk to you about that commercial fraud case you voluntarily withdrew from last week."

Shen Mingyuan's expression remained calm. He knew which one it was—the client had concealed crucial, unfavorable emails during the Early Stages, which he had uncovered through independent channels.

"The case has already been transferred to other colleagues as per procedure," Shen Mingyuan said.

"It was transferred! And the client directly terminated the retainer and went to another firm!"

Director Wang's tone rose slightly, "Mingyuan, I know you have your principles—once you discover a client is lying, you won't defend them anymore. But could you... not dig so deep and so fast? Sometimes, a little strategic 'ignorance' is better for everyone.

That case involved a huge claim amount. We had already collected the initial fees, and now not only do we have to refund everything, but our reputation is damaged! Now everyone in the circle knows that if you hire Lawyer Shen, you absolutely cannot hide the slightest thing, or else he'll turn his guns faster than anyone!"

Director Wang leaned forward, his tone growing more urgent, "I'm not asking you to violate professional ethics! But water that's too clear has no fish! You always dig up the 'truth' to the very bottom, leaving no room for maneuver.

Yes, you uphold the 'justice' in your heart, but the firm's operations, everyone's livelihoods—those need consideration too!

That last case was the same; you found out the client had a similar record and immediately applied for an adjournment to confront the client... If the other side hadn't finally agreed to a plea deal, we would have been in a real bind!"

He rubbed his temples, "Mingyuan, your skills are undeniable. If you were willing to 'slightly' blur the focus, with your talent, you'd have been a pillar among the partners long ago. But you're always so... so 'rigid,' unable to tolerate the slightest impurity. This path is too solitary and too difficult to walk."

Shen Mingyuan waited for him to finish before speaking slowly, his voice steady yet carrying undeniable force, "Director Wang, I understand your concerns.

But when I take a case, my default premise is that 'my client is legally innocent.'

Once that premise is overturned by facts, my identity is first and foremost a seeker of justice, and only then a lawyer. The foundation of law is fact. If even lawyers start selectively 'blurring' facts, what's left in the courtroom?"

He paused, "As for 'the path being too difficult'... perhaps. But I chose this path in law not to walk an easy, broad, ordinary road. It was to walk, within the rules, as straight a road as possible toward the truth. Even if it's a bit narrower."

Director Wang looked at him, knowing further persuasion was useless. This kind of "stubbornness" of Shen Mingyuan's was the source of his charm and also his most headache-inducing trait.

"Forget it, I can't argue with you," Director Wang waved his hand and stood up, "You handled that hit-and-run case beautifully, and the public opinion is good. Let's just say... the merits offset the demerits. Next time, next time there's such a 'clean' case, I'll come to you again." He deliberately emphasized the word "clean," his tone full of resignation.

Watching Director Wang's retreating back, Shen Mingyuan gently touched the armband on his left wrist.

The rules and constraints of the real world formed a peculiar contrast with the hidden world of danger and power he had just entered.

But the core seemed not so different—both required finding truth amidst the fog, both required adhering to some inviolable bottom line.

He pulled back his thoughts, turned on his computer, and began earnestly browsing several well-known model weapon websites. Compared to workplace troubles, choosing a suitable "tool" for his upcoming "new job" was clearly more appealing and challenging.

During his browsing, all sorts of exquisitely detailed models dazzled the eye, but most were of fixed forms. Until he saw a niche shop specializing in "Sci-Fi/Tactical Transformable Weapon Models," where one product caught his eye.

The product name was "Twin Stars - Tactical Modular Adaptation System." The pictures showed two compact, sharply-lined black pistol models.

Individually, they were two perfectly symmetrical sidearms suitable for quick-draw shooting.

But the key was that, through several precision latches and connectors, these two pistols could combine, assemble, and expand within seconds, transforming into an equally cool-looking compact sniper rifle/designated marksman rifle form with a retractable stock and extended simulated barrel!

"Separated, they are dual-wielded guards; combined, they deliver long-range precision..." Shen Mingyuan softly read the slogan, his eyes brightening behind his glasses. This wasn't just a gun; it was the prototype of a tactical System.

It perfectly addressed combat needs under different distances and situations—rapid response in close encounters, and precise observation and strikes at medium to long range.

This modular, convertible approach aligned highly in concept with his need as a Detective to adjust strategies based on the case, and with the complex, variable supernatural combat scenarios he might face in the future.

"This is it," Shen Mingyuan hesitated almost not at all. He quickly checked the dimensions, materials, and reviews, then decisively placed the order. He used the law firm's address for delivery; he certainly didn't want such a conspicuous package sent directly to his home.

After completing the purchase, he leaned back in his chair, fingers unconsciously tapping the desk. His mind had already begun simulating: when these two black pistol models were modified by the "Forger" and combined with the energy of his "Perceiver" armor, what kind of abilities would they unleash?

In dual-pistol form, would it be a high-speed barrage of energy projectiles? In combined sniper form, would it be an ultra-long-range, precision strike with special effects? Or even... could there be further transformation possibilities?