The waning evening cast a soft, amber glow through the blinds of Zhu Yuan’s office, the faint hum of the city outside a distant backdrop to her meticulous routine. Her red eyes, sharp and focused, scanned the latest report as her pen moved with precision, each stroke deliberate. The coffee on her desk had long since cooled, its bitter aroma lingering faintly in the air. She took a measured sip, her expression unyielding, before setting the cup down with a quiet clink.

The day had been relentless — calls to the rescue service, coordination with her team, and the endless paperwork that came with her role as head of the Criminal Investigation Department. Yet, despite the chaos, her workspace remained immaculate, every file aligned, every surface spotless. Perfection was her creed, and even the slightest deviation gnawed at her.

As the clock ticked past the hour, Zhu leaned back in her chair, her tall frame relaxing for the first time that day. She massaged her temples, the weight of her responsibilities pressing against her usual composure. Working late was a rare concession to imperfection, one she silently vowed to rectify. Outside, the faint rustle of leaves from her garden offered a fleeting solace, a reminder of the order she so cherished.