Thinking of this, Jian Xiu asked, “Sir, who is this person? Why has he been allowed to escape?”

“To be honest with you, this person is named Liang Lai. Twenty years ago, he was involved in a relatively significant case. The case had far-reaching consequences, drawing the attention of higher authorities. The person in the portrait you just drew is a key figure in that case. So, Miss Jian, as you understand, we must capture him as soon as possible. Otherwise…”

The rest of the sentence went unsaid.

But even so, Jian Xiu could tell from his words how severe the consequences of this matter could be.

“Twenty-year-old case?” Jian Xiu asked again, just as she was about to start drawing.

“Yes, twenty years ago,” he replied.

“So, the image you had me draw is from twenty years ago, when you saw him?” Jian Xiu continued to ask.

She was quite surprised by this. After all, if they weren’t close friends, how could someone remember such details after so long?

Realizing her confusion, the Magistrate understood what she was thinking and nodded solemnly.

“To be honest, this person fled right here in Qu Yong County. I’ve personally faced him several times, which is why I barely remember his appearance,” he said.

“Even so, his face is etched in my mind. If there are no major changes, he might get fatter or thinner, but as you mentioned, his features and aura will remain the same.”

After hearing the Magistrate’s words, Jian Xiu had to admit that he made a good point.

Indeed, that was the case.

“As you said, it’s very likely he could change in weight. Based on your description, I can draw several versions, one where he is fatter, and another where he is thinner. That way, you can examine him from more angles,” Jian Xiu said indifferently.

She also wanted to ask about the crime this person committed, but she realized there was no point in asking.

Even if she knew, she wouldn’t be able to help much.

And frankly, she didn’t want to get involved in this case.

Hearing Jian Xiu’s response, Mo Shanrui nodded and said, “This is excellent! This is excellent!”

By the time he finished speaking, Jian Xiu had already completed the sketch.

With a few more strokes, a vivid portrait had appeared before them.

“Master, how is it? Does it look like him?” Jian Xiu asked nervously.

Though she was confident in her drawing skills, she couldn’t help but feel anxious without receiving a nod from Mo Shanrui.

Seeing that Mo Shanrui remained silent and only stared at the drawing, Ruan Fengsheng couldn’t wait any longer. He anxiously asked, “Master, how is it?”

“Yes, yes, yes! It’s exactly like him! This is definitely Liang Lai! Hahaha…” Mo Shanrui suddenly exclaimed excitedly.

“Master, let me see! Let me see!” Ruan Fengsheng immediately rushed forward, grabbing the sketch from Mo Shanrui’s hands without permission.

Seeing this, Jian Xiu merely raised an eyebrow and didn’t say anything.

This small gesture indicated that Mo Shanrui was someone who didn’t mind small matters.

The fact that he tolerated his subordinate’s actions showed that he was a benevolent person.

This made Jian Xiu more willing to help him.

At least for now, if she wanted to earn more money in Qu Yong County, she needed a solid backing.

If this support came from Mo Shanrui, it would be a significant gain for her.

After all, the county magistrate was the most powerful official in Qu Yong County. In this area, every matter, big or small, had to go through him.

With that thought, Jian Xiu lowered her head and began working on the next sketch.

The previous portrait was based on Ruan Fengsheng’s description, so it depicted Liang Lai’s appearance when he was neither fat nor thin.

Now, she needed to draw his fatter and thinner versions.

An hour later, Jian Xiu handed over three completed sketches to Mo Shanrui.

“Very good, very good! This portrait is just perfect. The simple lines and precise details capture Liang Lai’s essence, highlighting both his delicate features and sharp lines. Miss Jian, you truly are extraordinary!” Mo Shanrui praised enthusiastically.

“Your Excellency is too kind. Just call me Jian Xiu,” Jian Xiu replied modestly.

She paused for a moment, realizing her words might sound too forward.

She added, “Dean Mo calls me Jian Xiu as well.”

“Very well, Jian Xiu. But speaking of which, would you be willing to teach the portrait artists in my office?” Mo Shanrui asked, slightly embarrassed.

The skill required to create such a portrait was considered a treasured family tradition, passed down from generation to generation…

“Teach your artists?” Jian Xiu widened her eyes in surprise.

“Yes, teach them. Don’t worry, we will make sure you are compensated for it,” Mo Shanrui quickly assured her.

Seeing Jian Xiu hesitate, he added, “How about fifty taels of silver? If you are willing to teach them, I’ll personally ensure a reward of ten taels for you.”

Fifty taels was a lot. Originally, Mo Shanrui had considered offering five taels, but given the importance of the portrait, he decided to raise it to ten.

In truth, the value of the portraits far exceeded ten taels, but as the county magistrate, Mo Shanrui’s office didn’t have much silver to spare.

Normally, the office would only offer one tael, and he would have to personally cover the difference.

Understanding Jian Xiu’s situation, he continued, “Fifteen taels?”

He wasn’t being stingy; rather, he was a man of integrity, living off his official salary and not as wealthy as others might think.

Hearing this, Jian Xiu shook her head and said, “Your Excellency, you are too generous. Helping rid the people of evil is not only the responsibility of the government, but as a member of the Dazun Dynasty, I am also happy to contribute my part.”

She spoke sincerely, never having expected any compensation for her work.

Of course, she had her own reasons. She wanted to maintain a relationship with Mo Shanrui and hoped he could become a reliable ally.

But that was only if it didn’t break the law.

Normally, she would never go against her conscience and do something that could harm others.