Chapter 45: No One’s Influence Works Here

Xiao Yu did not seek to take all the credit for himself. After all, being a police officer wasn’t about climbing ranks or amassing wealth.

While he was the one to apprehend Wang Delong, it was Guo Qiang who had spotted him. If not for Guo Qiang’s keen observation while driving, they might have missed the opportunity altogether.

The lion’s share of the credit belonged to Guo Qiang. Xiao Yu was content with his portion, and the entire squad benefited too.

Perfect!

“Brother, thank you,” Guo Qiang, his head wrapped in bandages, expressed his gratitude toward Xiao Yu with fervor.

What had happened today… Was he not aware of his own heroics?

Xiao Yu took on eight men single-handedly, yet he didn’t catch any of them and even got knocked down. Essentially, Xiao Yu was passing the recognition to him.

“We’re all in the same squad, plus you’re my mentor,” Xiao Yu said, half-joking.

A saint? Dispensing relics from his person?

Not at all!

Having been in the spotlight recently wasn’t exactly favorable. This gesture was meant to show his colleagues that he wasn’t one to hog all the glory. Sharing the achievements meant everyone benefits.

Good for you, good for me, good for everyone–that was the real deal.

Upon returning to the brigade, the way everyone looked at Xiao Yu had changed.

Who wouldn’t appreciate such a colleague?

Even the captains and instructors regarded Xiao Yu with expressions full of contemplation and emotion, though tinged with concern.

How long could this dragon remain in the shallow waters of the Criminal Investigation Brigade?

“Consider joining the Party,” suggested Captain Zhao Changshan, his expression earnest as he addressed Xiao Yu in his office.

“Eh!” Xiao Yu scratched his head, smiling sheepishly, “Actually, thanks to my decent performance at the police academy, several teachers recommended me, and I joined the Party at 19. I’ve been a member for three years now.”

Zhao Changshan was left speechless.

Why the emphasis on Party membership?

It was tied to the official ranking.

For instance, upon his official induction, Xiao Yu’s nominal rank would be that of an ordinary officer.

However, this title was somewhat misleading. The true rank was that of a section officer (grade two), which was the lowest rank within administrative duties.

Moving up the ranks, one found positions like Deputy Section Director, Section Director, Deputy Bureau Chief, and Bureau Chief…

Xiao Yu’s upcoming trip to the provincial capital for his second-class merit award was no secret. With his commendation, Xiao Yu’s police rank was set for another promotion. As a Police Inspector, he qualified for the position of section officer.

Given Xiao Yu’s exceptional track record, having solved major cases, his promotion would surely be approved upon submission.

If he weren’t a Party member, forget about any advancements. Even as Party members, many police officers might find themselves stuck as officers for an extended period. Only with a promotion to Inspector and sufficient merit would one ascend to the role of section officer.

Without merit or seniority, don’t even bother dreaming.

This was precisely why some police officers, despite high ranks, hold relatively low positions.

Zhao Changshan, who had dedicated his life to policing and currently served as the head of the Criminal Investigation Brigade, only held the position of Section Director.

There was an old saying that if you aim for a career in government, policing might not be the best path.

Promotions among police officers were notoriously difficult to come by. Naturally, if one consistently solved significant cases and earned numerous commendations, promotions could indeed come swiftly.

However, the issue was, how often do such opportunities for case breakthroughs occur?

Imagine a city rife with frequent, serious criminal cases. Could you fathom the consequences?

It was unthinkable.

“Alright, once you return from the province, I’ll submit an application for your section officer position,” Zhao Changshan said with a smile. “For the time being, you’ll start as a team leader.”

The role of a team leader was an internal duty within a case-handling unit, leading a small group of two or three team members. They collaborate on various cases, working together to achieve breakthroughs.

“Thank you, Captain,” Xiao Yu expressed his gratitude.

Truthfully, he held no concern for positions or ranks. After all, who pursued a policing career with ambitions of climbing the bureaucratic ladder? Wasn’t that absurd?

“I was genuinely curious when you joined our squad,” Zhao Changshan revealed his thoughts. “Why didn’t you stay at the provincial office?”

He had looked into Xiao Yu’s background. He was aware that this young man in front of him was already earmarked by the provincial department while still at the police academy. Yet, Xiao Yu chose not to go.

“What if I told you our squad is closer to home, would you believe that?” Xiao Yu wasn’t joking, he was speaking the truth.

“…” Zhao Changshan fell silent briefly, “Stop joking around.”

“Actually…” Xiao Yu knew they wouldn’t believe him, “My dream is to apprehend all the criminals in the world and make it a cleaner place.”

That was the truth as well.

Zhao Changshan’s lips twitched, followed by another moment of silence, “I had that dream too, back in my youth.”

“Ha!” Xiao Yu laughed.

At that moment, the Captain seemed to him like a comedian performing under a bridge.

“Let’s face it, we won’t be able to hold on to you for much longer.” Zhao Changshan sighed, “Before you go, do your best to assist the squad, make things a bit easier for the brothers.”

Xiao Yu understood Zhao Changshan was right. 

It wasn’t just about wanting to stay. However, he had no intention of leaving the Criminal Investigation Brigade within the next year or two. As long as he didn’t want to, no one could make it happen.