Chapter 55: What’s the Matter, Little Brother?

“Xiao Yu, 22 years old, from Bincheng City, graduated from the police academy with outstanding grades, declined a position in the L Province Provincial Department, and instead joined the local case-handling agency as a probationary officer. On his first day, he identified the murder weapon in a significant case. By the second day, he had deduced the entire modus operandi of the perpetrator, leading to the Criminal Investigation Brigade’s successful arrest of the criminal on the third day. On his eighth day, he encountered a major mass murder case, unearthed crucial evidence, joined the specialized case team, and took over the investigation…”

The middle-aged man’s gaze remained fixed on Xiao Yu as he spoke, closely watching for any shifts in his expression.

His handsome face remained impassive, betraying not a ripple of emotion.

The man sighed, recognizing the acclaim Xiao Yu received at the police academy as both a top student and a naturally gifted police officer. He could almost bet that Xiao Yu had already guessed the purpose behind his words.

‘Such a remarkable young man!’

Xiao Yu maintained his composure outwardly, yet inwardly, he was anything but. 

Having grown up in a world of smog and preservatives in his past life, he too had once dreamed of stumbling upon a system by hitting his head on the bed corner, hoping for a chance to traverse through time or something of that sort.

As it turned out, when he actually transmigrated to another world and acquired a system, Xiao Yu quickly realized it wasn’t a license to act without restraint.

Against the backdrop of a powerful and intimidating state apparatus, he was nothing but a speck of dust.

Being run over by such a formidable force, you wouldn’t even leave a mark behind.

With this realization, Xiao Yu silently eliminated the option of ‘showing off and stepping on others’ from his list of life goals in this new life.

It was an enlightening insight into the new world.

But… was it really appropriate to say in front of me that you’ve investigated my ancestors up to the eighteenth generation?

“My name is Wang Dong,” the middle-aged man said with a smile, “I’m the leader of the second team of the National Security Special Operations Team.”

‘And then what? Is your next line going to be an invitation to join National Security for some fun?’

Xiao Yu’s lips twitched, but he remained silent. He was already familiar with these tactics from his past life. Even in this life, he had once been scouted by the leader of the Criminal Investigation Division.

“Don’t be nervous,” Wang Dong said with a smile, “Are you interested in… joining us to investigate this case?”

‘Ah, not following the usual script,’ Xiao Yu was momentarily caught off guard, but his eyes sparkled, and he nodded emphatically.

He was absolutely interested.

The system task was incomplete, with less than five days until the deadline. If he didn’t crack the case or contribute to its resolution within that time, he’d fail the task.

“Do you understand why you’re invited to join?” Wang Dong asked with a smile.

“Because I uncovered the case?” Xiao Yu responded evenly.

“Anything else?” Wang Dong prodded further.

‘I really feel like smacking him, but I’m somewhat hesitant,’ Xiao Yu smirked inwardly, “A test of my capabilities?”

“Hahaha!” Wang Dong burst into laughter, clearly amused.

‘Such a sharp young man!’

Yet, Xiao Yu’s subsequent remark abruptly ceased Wang Dong’s laughter.

“Sorry to say,” Xiao Yu flashed a cheeky smile, “but if I were to admit I’m not interested in National Security, would you take a swing at me?”

Wang Dong’s expression quickly soured, his smile vanishing for the first time since his arrival.

What’s the problem, little brother? Haven’t you been roughed up by life yet? That lackadaisical attitude of yours is asking for trouble.

‘I think I’ve struck a nerve.’ 

Sensing the shift, Xiao Yu tactfully fell silent.

“Why?” Wang Dong was puzzled.

Wasn’t it common knowledge that people aim for higher positions and water flows downhill?

“My wife is somewhat affluent,” Xiao Yu felt compelled to clarify, “If I wanted to, what lifestyle couldn’t I afford?”

Wang Dong went quiet, a twitch forming at the corner of his mouth. He had investigated Xiao Yu. How could he not look into Xiao Yu’s family background?

Was Xiao Yu’s wife just somewhat affluent?

If possessing assets over a hundred billion counts as ‘somewhat,’ then what were others? Mere mortals? Less significant than beggars, merely extras in the grand scheme of life?

Wang Dong’s curiosity deepened.

With a wife like that, why did he continue being a police officer?

“Everyone has dreams,” Xiao Yu said with a smile, “Mine is to be a cop, to solve cases and catch criminals. Where I work doesn’t matter. Promotions and raises are meaningless to me. So, why would I leave a familiar setting for National Security?”

Wang Dong fell silent once more. Xiao Yu’s reasoning was sound, leaving him at a loss for words.

But still…

“Do you want to say ‘with great power comes great responsibility’?” Xiao Yu laughed lightly, “I understand that concept, but I’m still young and currently have no intention of leaving this city. And the most important thing. You’re familiar with the word ‘newlyweds,’ right? I’ve just gotten married.”

With a slap to his forehead, Wang Dong realized.

‘Ah, of course! The inseparability of newlyweds, as sweet as honey mixed with oil.’

At such a time, a man wished nothing more than to be beside his wife every moment. Trying to pull someone away during such a period, was he out of his mind?

Wang Dong smiled again, “Let’s set that aside for now and focus on the case.”

“Thanks for your understanding,” Xiao Yu let out a relieved breath, his inner turmoil far more vivid than his composed exterior suggested.

For someone who had transmigrated, who would willingly catch the eye of national security?

Others might not know, but he certainly didn’t want to live under the close watch of a looming dragon, constantly anxious.

Impossible, utterly impossible, not in this lifetime.