Chapter 5: Sign In?

Upon receiving his assignment notice, Xiao Yu immediately headed to the City’s Criminal Investigation Brigade to report for duty.

Officially known as the Criminal Investigation Brigade, it was sometimes referred to as the Criminal Police Brigade in some regions. The names might vary, but the function remained the same.

This brigade, a permanent unit within the county-level police department, was tasked with handling all local criminal investigations.

Apart from new recruits like Xiao Yu, the brigade consisted entirely of seasoned detectives.

This time, five trainee officers were assigned to the brigade, including Xiao Yu. Despite the impressive title, these ‘trainee officers’ were essentially interns.

From his past life’s experience as a police officer, Xiao Yu recalled his initial days as an intern, cleaning, making tea, shadowing his mentor to gain experience, taking simple notes for complainants, attending meetings on legal discussions about various aspects of crime, and perusing case files during downtime. This was the typical routine for a trainee officer.

Thinking of getting hands-on with actual cases? 

Not so fast. 

As a trainee, you weren’t yet an official officer. Your role was more akin to that of an auxiliary officer, with no real authority to enforce the law.

During his internship, Xiao Yu had the opportunity to participate, assist with various tasks, and learn on the job.

Despite being a county-level unit, the brigade comprised a substantial team of around sixty to seventy members. This included over twenty civilian staff, a brigade leader, an instructor, four deputy leaders, several group leaders, and team members, forming the complete structure of the brigade.

Interns like Xiao Yu were each assigned a ‘master’ upon joining, typically an experienced criminal investigator who could gauge an intern’s capabilities within two months. 

After a year, those who proved their worth would stay, the rest would have to leave. Despite the need for more officers, it was often advised that those not cut out for police work should stay away for their own good.

After meeting the brigade’s key leaders and hearing the team leader and instructor’s speeches, Xiao Yu was assigned to a seasoned criminal detective.

Guo Qiang, 39, held the rank of second-level police inspector. Despite his high rank, he was treated as an ordinary criminal police officer due to his level.

It was a common scenario in the police system. Rank was separate from the position, but promotions often depended on one’s rank.

“Master, have a smoke,” Xiao Yu offered, employing his charm. 

His ability to speak sweetly had been honed over two lifetimes.

Without hesitation, Xiao Yu addressed him as ‘Master’, offering a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.

This wasn’t just sucking up. It was understanding how the world works, a necessary skill in any workplace. 

After all, those who struggle to fit in rarely last long in one place. 

It was a hard lesson learned by many. ‘If one place doesn’t welcome you, another will’ – a naïve thought until life teaches you otherwise.

“Nice,” Guo Qiang chuckled, sizing up Xiao Yu before accepting the cigarettes. 

It was no secret that most police officers were smokers, a necessary vice to cope with the frequent late nights and intense work pressure.

“Heh,” Xiao Yu grinned, handing the pack over to Guo Qiang, “Keep it, Master. I don’t smoke.”

Guo Qiang squinted his eyes, amused. 

A non-smoker carrying cigarettes? This kid was astute, clearly understanding the subtleties of human relations. He was a clever one indeed. Mentors always preferred smart apprentices; those quick to learn were assets in solving cases.

“Let’s go,” Guo Qiang said, pocketing the cigarettes and gesturing with enthusiasm. “I’ll show you the ropes and broaden your horizons.” 

Xiao Yu, with a nod and a smile, followed closely behind Guo Qiang. 

On his very first day, he made a small but significant step within the brigade, a step that might take other trainees weeks, months, or even longer to achieve.

Guo Qiang drove Xiao Yu to a particular location, and as Xiao Yu had anticipated, it was a crime scene.

In major investigations, the crime scene was always a crucial component. 

Xiao Yu and Guo Qiang were now squatting in a storage room of a small private factory, examining plaster lines and several darkened bloodstains on the floor.

“The incident occurred four days ago,” Guo Qiang said with a serious tone. “The initial on-site investigation suggests the victim died from blunt force trauma to the back of the head, resulting in a fractured skull. We haven’t found the murder weapon yet. It’s suspected to be something like a large wrench, a crowbar, or a steel bar. This place is a backup storage room of the factory. It’s equipped with surveillance, but it wasn’t operational. The primary suspects are the factory workers, but after thorough vetting, most lack a feasible window to commit the crime. Currently, we’ve narrowed it down to two suspects, both female and quite short. Given the initial assessment and the victim’s skull fractures, although they’re prime suspects, they likely lack the physical strength needed. There’s a 90% chance the perpetrator is an adult male,” Guo Qiang explained.

“Our superior has tasked our brigade with this case and set a deadline. We have a maximum of two weeks to solve it,” he added.

Guo Qiang glanced at Xiao Yu, who seemed lost in thought, and flashed a grin. 

“Feeling a bit overwhelmed, huh?”

He assumed Xiao Yu was taken aback by the gravity of a murder case.

But it wasn’t just that. Xiao Yu was indeed lost in thought, shocked by the sudden activation of the long-silent system in his mind.

【Ding, Police God case sign-in activated.】

【Host has the option to sign in or decline.】

【If declined, the next sign-in opportunity will be in one year.】

【If signed in, the host must participate in the case-solving process and will receive system abilities as a reward.】

【Successful case resolution will grant additional system skills to the host.】

【Failure to solve the case will result in the retraction of abilities granted by the system.】

【Host, do you wish to sign in?】

Xiao Yu didn’t hesitate. 

‘Sign in,’ he said silently.