Chapter 37: First-Class Officer

The following day, a team of esteemed psychiatrists conducted an exhaustive evaluation of He Xiao, ultimately diagnosing him with Dissociative Identity Disorder.

Subsequently, the police declared the gruesome family murder and dismemberment case officially solved. After a full circle of investigations, the suspect had remained unchanged.

On his return to the Criminal Investigation Brigade, Xiao Yu pondered in dismay, was it his fault?

If he hadn’t noticed the discrepancy in timing, would these complications have arisen? Yet, even if unnoticed, He Xiao might have still maneuvered to draw police attention.

It was unforeseen that a single body could harbor two ‘souls’. Moreover, who would have anticipated that a suspect could manipulate evidence like the lie detector to their advantage?

Upon his arrival at the Criminal Investigation Brigade, Xiao Yu was summoned to the captain’s office.

“Our hero has returned,” Zhao Changshan greeted him with a beaming smile, “You’ve made a significant achievement this time.”

The resolution of the case had become the talk of the police system, especially noteworthy as it was unraveled by a trainee officer.

Xiao Yu’s name became renowned within the system.

The Criminal Investigation Brigade was particularly elated. The case fell within their jurisdiction, and failure to solve it would have spelled disaster for them. 

‘If you do this, I’m in big trouble,’ Xiao Yu felt a headache coming on.

Earning significant accolades wasn’t frightening in itself. What was daunting was receiving too much recognition that didn’t align with one’s rank, potentially sparking envy.

Currently still a trainee officer without a formal position, Xiao Yu’s consecutive successes in cracking major cases could stir discontent among seasoned detectives and raise eyebrows among the higher-ups. Being too competent could make others seem less capable, and one might offend others if one wasn’t careful.

“Your promotion has been approved.”

Zhao Changshan seemed to anticipate Xiao Yu’s concerns, pulling out a document from his desk along with… a set of epaulets.

Xiao Yu was taken aback.

He expected the promotion, but what surprised him were the epaulets, each adorned with two four-pointed stars. A first-class police officer. Typically, a trainee advancing to a full position would receive epaulets with a single four-pointed star, denoting a second-class officer. 

What was this about?

“Your third-class individual merit has also been awarded.”

Zhao Changshan presented a small red box and a certificate of honor, passing them to Xiao Yu, who was momentarily lost in thought.

Was the warehouse murder case closed?

‘If this is the case, my concerns suddenly seem unwarranted,’ Xiao Yu accepted the red box and gradually opened it.

A gleaming medal rested inside. Not made of gold, the third-class merit medal was crafted from copper. First-class merit was awarded in pure gold, second-class in pure silver, and third-class in pure copper.

The proof of merit was unrelated to the medal’s material. This signified the nation’s acknowledgment of one’s individual contributions. With acts of valor, ascending the ranks of the police force followed naturally.

From that day forward, Xiao Yu was recognized as an official People’s Police officer.

“This is just for the warehouse murder case,” Zhao Changshan mentioned, patting Xiao Yu on the shoulder with a grave look. “The commendation for the gruesome dismemberment case is too significant. Once the case is cased, at least a third-class merit is guaranteed, and it might even rise to… a second-class merit.”

Xiao Yu maintained a composed demeanor, as this was within his expectations.

How many major cases could appear in a year? It was only fitting that the resolution of such a big case to start with a third-class merit.

Once the case was closed and the merits were distributed, Xiao Yu’s police rank was very likely to be promoted again.

That would make him a Police Inspector. Xiao Yu felt somewhat emotional inside.

In his past life, how old was he when he first achieved the rank of police inspector?

Observing Xiao Yu, who maintained a tranquil demeanor, Zhao Changshan wore an expression of mild astonishment. He recalled his own excitement, akin to a child’s joy when he first became an official member of the force.

His exceptional promotions were due to solving several significant cases, yet it still required four years to advance from a second-class police officer to a police inspector.

And Xiao Yu? From his internship in the police force to his official employment, and now on the brink of becoming a police inspector, it might not even span a month.

Maintaining such composure through this swift ascent, his mental fortitude was somewhat astonishing.

“Brigade, thank you!” Xiao Yu expressed his gratitude earnestly.

Indeed, gratitude was due.

Being under a commendable superior could prove advantageous, as they might vouch for you. On the contrary, an average superior might aim to suppress you, even hindering something as basic as a formal appointment.

“You’ve mentioned wanting to stay with the brigade,” Zhao Changshan remarked, smiling.

“Did I say that?” Xiao Yu blinked, feigning ignorance.

Their laughter filled the room, echoing a shared moment of light-heartedness.

Zhao Changshan was genuinely delighted, having acquired a gem in his team.

Xiao Yu was equally joyful, having not only secured his position but also earned distinction for his achievements.

As the end of the workday approached, Zhao Changshan, with a grand gesture, declared that the entire brigade need not stay late. Seizing the moment, Xiao Yu announced he would treat everyone to a meal, following the tradition where new colleagues host a dinner for their colleagues.

The chosen restaurant, located near the Criminal Investigation Brigade, welcomed everyone who could make it. Aside from those on duty, the attendees indulged in some drinks, celebrating Xiao Yu’s promotion and his commendable achievements, fostering camaraderie.

It was clear to all that Xiao Yu’s talent was undeniable, having cracked major cases within just a few days of joining the brigade. His future was destined for greatness.

The dinner stretched until ten o’clock when Zhao Changshan stood up and humorously suggested, considering Xiao Yu’s recent marriage, that it might be time to wrap up the evening.

The party then disbanded.

Despite maintaining mental clarity, Xiao Yu was visibly drunk.

It wasn’t until Mu Qingwu arrived at the restaurant’s entrance to collect him that Xiao Yu, struggling to stand on his own, stumbled into his sister’s arms.