Chapter 26: Does Your Ability Permit?

‘A kid with a sharp mind and reliable execution,’ thought everyone as they assessed Xiao Yu. 

In this room, was there anyone naive or foolish? Hardly. Everyone could clearly discern the implications of Xiao Yu’s words. After all, no fool could possibly find a seat in this high-powered meeting.

Consider the caliber of those present, the head of the Municipal Bureau, three deputies, leaders of the Criminal Investigation Detachment, the Special Police Brigade, and heads of all major case units in Bencheng. In this gathering of ‘big shots’, even Zhao Changshan, the head of the Criminal Investigation Brigade, was like a younger brother, let alone Xiao Yu, who wasn’t even a formal officer yet.

Had they overlooked such glaring doubts about the suspect? Unlikely. 

But once the case unfolded and a suspect was arrested, everything seemed too clear-cut and straightforward. The evidence was conclusive, pointing squarely at the suspect. Frankly speaking, with their level of authority, they could easily have pushed the case through prosecution and secured a conviction.

Their seasoned experience in handling cases, however, gave them pause. Something about this case was just too conveniently wrapped up.

Moreover, the suspect’s staunch refusal to confess added complexity to the case. Hesitant to rush their judgment, the police applied for a polygraph test. 

Xiao Yu’s keen observation of the time discrepancy and his highlighting of the suspect’s inconsistencies brought the case to this juncture.

The head of the Municipal Bureau, a second-level police superintendent in a white shirt at the center, turned towards his deputy and then surveyed the room. 

“Any suggestions?” he asked.

“One promising young man here,” commented a superintendent. “Let’s bring him into the task force.”

A wave of nods swept the room, signaling agreement.

Surprise flickered across Xiao Yu’s face, his heart brimming with secret delight. Success! 

Did they really think he was putting in such effort just for superficial recognition? Absolutely not.

From the moment he arrived at the Municipal Bureau, Xiao Yu had been strategizing on how to join the task force, to delve deeper into this case. That was the only way to take charge, solve the case swiftly, and accomplish his system task.

But navigating the subtle probes of these influential figures was akin to walking through a breeze. One misstep could betray his intentions. Thankfully, he had managed to conceal his eagerness to join the task force from these big shots. 

As Xiao Yu gazed at those five police officers in white shirts, a wave of admiration surged within him. ‘One day, I will be such a boss of such stature!’ 

In his previous life as a police officer, despite numerous commendations, he never earned the honor of donning a white shirt. Not to feel a twinge of regret would be insincere. 

He set a minor goal for himself. In this life, he was determined to earn that white shirt.

So, what exactly was a task force? 

Simply put, it was the serious case squad often depicted in movies and TV shows. 

Elite detectives from various units within the system were temporarily brought together to form a special task force. But unlike the fixed serious case teams portrayed in films, these groups were mostly assembled on an ad hoc basis or temporarily formed by the criminal investigation detachment or the major crime unit. In reality, a fixed, standing serious case squad like ‘Serious Case Group Six’ from TV dramas didn’t exist. 

As the meeting concluded, Xiao Yu was escorted away by the head of the criminal investigation detachment. 

Zhao Changshan’s face was etched with worry. Was he about to lose a valuable asset? It was a struggle to find such talent for his team, and now it seemed he might be poached. 

However, just as Xiao Yu was leaving, he gave Zhao Changshan a reassuring wink.

Zhao Changshan couldn’t help but almost burst into laughter at that gesture.

The little guy certainly was interesting.

Was he signaling that he wouldn’t leave the brigade? Or did he lack ambition for advancement?

Of course, Xiao Yu yearned for progress. But in his previous life, because he was too good at solving cases he had advanced too quickly and marked him as an anomaly – a monster in the eyes of others. 

Sometimes, one must eat a meal bite by bite, rushing could prove detrimental to one’s health. At just 22 years old in this life, Xiao Yu understood the principle of moderation.

However, he never considered that some individuals are like fireflies in the dark, naturally conspicuous. Even if one desires to remain unobtrusive, does one’s innate abilities allow for such modesty?

***

A police car cruised down the road.

“Are you interested in interning at the detachment?”

Inside the car, the captain of the criminal investigation detachment glanced at Xiao Yu, asking with a smile.

Here it came, life was finally making its move. Xiao Yu’s mouth twitched slightly. It reminded him of dialogues between bosses and subordinates in corporations from his past life.

The boss would suggest, “How about going out tonight for some fun? A bit of romance and flair?”

And you might want to say, “I don’t want to. I have a wife and kids at home. I can’t betray them.”

But the boss would insist, “No, you do want it!”

You, “…”

Could one ever really refuse such an ‘invitation’ from their boss?

“I actually find our brigade quite fitting for me. Besides, I’m still lacking in experience and need more learning. The pressure might be too high if I move to the detachment.” Xiao Yu spoke tactfully, adding, “Plus, our brigade is closer to my home.”

“Ah…” The detachment leader chuckled, but said nothing further. His smile, however, carried a hint of peculiarity – a mix of teasing, jest, and perhaps a bit of mockery.

Xiao Yu remained silent, appearing to be lost in thought. This wasn’t a daze, but a matter of principle, a conviction. Ever heard of Marxism-Leninism?

Soon enough, the police car reached the criminal investigation detachment and entered a large courtyard.

Xiao Yu followed the detachment leader into an office building, and then they proceeded to an office hall. Inside, eight criminal police officers were having a team meeting. These were the members of the special task force.

“Detachment Leader,” they greeted, standing up. 

Smiling at their superior, their gazes also curiously fell on Xiao Yu. It was hard not to notice him. He was a strikingly handsome young man. Tall, with fair skin, bright eyes, and finely chiseled features, he looked more like a celebrity than a policeman.

“This is Comrade Xiao Yu,” the detachment leader introduced without further ado. “As decided by the leadership of the municipal bureau, Comrade Xiao Yu will join the task force effective immediately.” 

Upon hearing this, the eight detectives were taken aback. A young rookie, a mere trainee officer, joining their task force? 

It seemed almost like a far-fetched joke.