Chapter 297: Even the Big Shots Lack Style

Xiao Yu had already pointed out the direction for the investigation. As for how it would be carried out, that was up to Group One and Group Two. What did it have to do with him, a mere police officer? No, scratch that. What did it have to do with him, the leader of Group Ten?

Looking at the credentials Wang Dong had just handed him, Xiao Yu couldn’t help but grin.

The credentials for National Security were different from those of the police.

A police officer’s identification was a Police ID (for officers and officials), while National Security personnel carried a Reconnaissance ID. It was a black leather booklet with a physical metal emblem.

When Xiao Yu opened it, the details inside left him speechless. Photo, name, position, rank, official seal, special identification code…

In the “Position and Rank” column: Deputy Bureau Level—Leader of the 10th Special Operations Group.

Putting down the credentials, Xiao Yu glanced at the National Security uniform beside him. The shoulder epaulet displayed olive branches and a four-pointed star. Police Rank: Third-Class Commissioner.

Xiao Yu shook his head and laughed.

He was promoted three levels at once.

From the principal staff member, he had bypassed the Division level straight to Deputy Bureau level. Even his police rank had skipped over Superintendent.

Finally, he could wear the white uniform shirt.

However, Xiao Yu was well aware that whether it was his current police rank or position, this was the end of the road. From now on, no matter how many merits he earned, not even the top leadership within the system could approve further promotions.

No matter what Xiao Yu accomplished today, there was no room for advancement before the age of thirty, or even thirty-five. He had already walked a road others wouldn’t complete in their entire lives.

“Time to meet the big boss. This is a favor I owe.”

Muttering to himself, Xiao Yu changed into the uniform.

The National Security uniform looked very similar to the police uniform. The only differences were the insignia on the sleeve and chest.

From police to National Security.

For field agents and special operatives, uniforms were rarely worn. Their daily attire was usually Chinese tunic suits or casual clothing. The uniform only appeared on special occasions, such as ceremonies or formal events.

When Xiao Yu stepped into the National Security Headquarters building, everyone who saw his uniform was stunned.

The white shirt, the Third-Class Commissioner rank, and at such a young age?!

No one assumed Xiao Yu was impersonating. This was the National Security Headquarters after all.

Precisely because they knew it couldn’t be fake, they were utterly shocked—stunned, even. Just imagine how much service to the country someone had to perform to achieve this rank and position at his age. The very thought sent chills down their spines.

They all understood:

If someone like Xiao Yu were to display his medals, at minimum, his entire chest could be covered.

A legendary title surfaced in their minds–King of the Police.

***

Outside the office, Xiao Yu once again saw the big boss’s secretary.

The other party greeted him with a smile.

Walking into the office, he also saw the National Security Chief.

“Salute!”

Xiao Yu never forgot the necessary protocols.

“That’s more like it.” The elder glanced at Xiao Yu’s new uniform and shoulder insignia, smiling warmly as he blinked, “You look quite sharp. If your wife sees you like this, she should be quite happy, right?”

“…”

‘What’s with these big shots? Do none of you have any style?’ Xiao Yu’s lips twitched slightly.

He hadn’t expected even the chief to crack a joke.

After silently complaining, Xiao Yu felt a little awkward.

How he wished for a “recall” function like QQ or WeChat.

Thinking back to the time when he had boldly declared—right to the chief’s face—that he would never join National Security, Xiao Yu couldn’t help but feel reluctant about being here now. Yet, with no other choice, he found himself holding two positions at once: a police officer and a member of National Security.

“Sit.”

The elder stood up and moved to the reception sofa on the side.

Xiao Yu walked over and sat respectfully beside him.

“Wang Dong has explained it to you, right?” The elder looked at this subordinate—who was now technically also his direct subordinate—smiling as he spoke. “Even though you’re just carrying the title of the Tenth Group Leader, you’ve been given command authority.”

‘So, in other words, I’ll need to help out when required, huh?’ 

Xiao Yu’s expression remained serious, though internally he was complaining as he nodded heavily.

What could he say?

He was already quite resigned to his fate.

The big shots always loved pushing them forward like ducks onto a rack, never bothering to ask the ducks how they felt.

It was the same feeling as when his wife would say: I’m cold.

Even though every man knew that was a classic move, Xiao Yu had to clarify. It was his brain that understood instantly, not him. He simply respected the thoughts and choices of his brain. But he was still a pure and innocent boy.

“The case needs to be resolved quickly.” The elder smiled faintly, “Any issues with that?”

‘There are, but I don’t dare say them.’ 

Xiao Yu maintained his serious expression and nodded. “I’ll do my best!”

“Have you thought about transferring here permanently?”

The elder seemed to be teasing Xiao Yu on purpose.

“Uh…” Unable to keep up the act, Xiao Yu smiled wryly. “I haven’t considered leaving Bencheng yet. Besides, in just over five months, my wife is due to give birth.”

“Ha!” The elder laughed loudly. “Get out of here.”

‘Did he just curse me out? Do none of you have any class?’ Xiao Yu grinned, stood up to salute, and left happily.

Getting scolded but still smiling—he must be crazy, right?

But that was just the elder’s way of affectionately chiding someone. If you weren’t one of us, you wouldn’t even have the privilege of being scolded.

Leaving the headquarters building, Xiao Yu hummed a tune as he headed to the Second Group’s office.

The nine special operations groups each had their own offices, And they weren’t located at headquarters. Some were even stationed in quite unique places. Take Wang Dong’s Second Group, for instance. They had their own building.

If you were to compare ranks, don’t let Wang Dong’s casual demeanor fool you.

If he were to be “transferred,” at the very least, he’d hold the top position in a provincial office within the system.

“Met with the boss already?”

Inside the office, Wang Dong grinned when he saw Xiao Yu’s uniform. “You’re looking sharp.”

“…”

Speechless, Xiao Yu realized that no matter their age, when humans acted goofy, they all seemed young.

“What’s the progress on the case?”

Xiao Yu sat on the office sofa, slouching without any care for his image. He picked up Wang Dong’s premium cigarettes, lit one, and began puffing away.

“…”

This time, it was Wang Dong’s turn to fall silent. 

“We’re preparing to test the method you suggested,” he said.

Taking a drag of the cigarette, Xiao Yu wasn’t the least bit surprised. With no other leads on the case, it was the only option. Even Xiao Yu himself found it hard to believe that another plot written by suspect Fang Shuoxin could come true.

If it happened again, it could only be described as supernatural. And if he were truly faced with something supernatural, Xiao Yu wouldn’t hesitate to turn and run.

In this cold, eerie world, only his wife could bring him a shred of warmth.