Youyou Qiaolin shook his head. "However, someone did contact me before the New Year, looking to acquire some unclaimed bodies from me. Hold on, let me see if I can find his business card."

A business card. What would a body collector put on his card? Would it brazenly state 'Corpse Collector' under occupation? If so, surely no one would dare accept it, or they'd probably just get a beating for handing it over.

I couldn't help but be curious, craning my neck to watch him rummage through the drawer. After a moment, he looked up, disappointed. "It's been a while; I don't know where I put it. I’ll give it to you when I find it."

"You're not seriously planning to sell the bodies, are you? That’s a severe breach of discipline and the law!" Seeing Youyou Qiaolin's earnest expression, I couldn't resist teasing him, always looking for a chance to catch him being too serious.

The moment the words left my mouth, Youyou Qiaolin’s demeanor instantly tightened. He frantically waved his hands. "Don't talk nonsense. How could I do such a thing? I rejected him immediately and told him not to contact me again."

"If that’s the case, why did you keep his business card?" I’d finally found a loose thread on him, and I wasn't about to let go so easily.

"He had a smiling face; I couldn't exactly shove the card back at him, could I? I probably just tossed it aside. It's likely lost now."

I laughed. "Just joking. If you can find it, try your best. It might come in handy."

Youyou Qiaolin adjusted his glasses. "It really is that useful?"

"Unless you genuinely intend to sell him corpses on the sly, then hurry up and find that card for me."

Youyou Qiaolin finally realized I was joking. He shouted at me, "This isn't a joking matter! Don't do that again, or else—or else..."

The 'or else' trailed off. While he had countless ways to make lifeless corpses speak, he was utterly helpless against a living person like me. Finally, he slammed his hand hard on the desk, forcing a bitter laugh. "Your Special Investigations Office truly is full of talent."

I’d been at the Special Investigations Office for quite some time and knew exactly what those guys were made of. I was surprised Youyou Qiaolin felt the same way, so I laughed. "What's wrong with the people in the Investigations Office? You need to make yourself clear today, or else I'm just going to sit here and not leave."

Youyou Qiaolin smiled too. "Suit yourself. Stay as long as you like. It’s best if you stay until midnight. I certainly won't be able to keep you company then, but my 'friends' definitely won't let you be idle."

I first met Youyou Qiaolin when investigating the murder of Wang Dong. Since then, I've been running to the Forensics Office every few days, and now he and I are old acquaintances. So, when he felt at ease, he didn't mind trading a few witty remarks with me. However, due to the nature of his profession, even the wittiest words coming from his mouth carried a slight chill.

I stood up and laughed. "Alright, perhaps I should just drop it. You can entertain your friends yourself." With that, I swiftly slipped out of his office.

The Forensics Office was about a hundred meters from the Public Security Bureau building. Walking on the cement path, the dense shade from the flanking, somber trees dispersed that unique smell clinging to me, and I felt significantly lighter. After taking a few deep breaths, I headed toward the main office building.

Just then, three men, impeccably dressed, walked toward me. They had the distinct look of classic scenes from television. I focused my gaze and immediately cursed my bad luck: these three were Hong Yang, Ding Qingyuan, and Wang Xuyang. Seeing the smug, strutting way they carried themselves, it was clearly a deliberate show for my benefit, making me instantly want to rush forward and throw a punch.

But I’m not one to stir up trouble unnecessarily, especially with three of them against me. I wouldn't try to smash an egg against a rock. So, I consciously altered my path, intending to bypass those three irritating figures.

As I was moving in an arc, an obstacle suddenly blocked my way—it was that punk Ding Qingyuan.

"What do you want?"

"Deputy Chief Hong wants a word with you."

Hong Yang stood to the side, his chin slightly raised, looking at me out of the corner of his eye—precisely the manner of observation I despise most. Although I often use it myself, I absolutely forbid others from looking at me that way.

"I don't want to talk!" I snapped coldly at Ding Qingyuan before stepping forward, intending to brush past his side. Unexpectedly, Ding Qingyuan threw out a hand and blocked me again.

Well, this is something. They’re resorting to physical contact. They clearly intend to keep me here.

I quickly reached out, my hand gripping Ding Qingyuan’s wrist precisely, and said coldly, "If you want to spar, the training grounds will gladly accommodate you!"

Ding Qingyuan, true to his name, was a slippery character. He absolutely wouldn't fight me. He chuckled wryly, "Chief Wang, how could I possibly compare with you? I'm just following orders. Forgive my rudeness."

I maintained an air of icy detachment. "Apologies. Tell your pompous Deputy Chief that if he wants a talk, he can come himself. Don't keep using your subordinates as cannon fodder."

My voice was a bit loud; Hong Yang definitely heard it. A flicker of pride crossed his face, and then he walked over in a few strides, affecting an air of humble inquiry. He extended his hand. "I apologize for my earlier presumption."

This guy is truly hateful. He says sorry, but his smug demeanor suggests I owe him millions. Still, since he took the initiative to approach, I couldn't completely ignore him. I replied acidly, "Deputy Chief Hong certainly knows how to make an entrance. I, a mere squad leader, truly need to learn from you. Perhaps then the lads at the Special Investigations Office can learn to fawn over you like Little Ding, and we'll look much more impressive stepping out."

Hong Yang displayed no discernible reaction to my words. He remained lofty, as if my words were mere flattery that he was casually accepting.

Forget it. No use wasting breath on this type. Let's get to the point and leave.

"What do you need me for?"

"Well, I do have something to discuss, but this isn't the right place. Why don't we go to my office? Please." Hong Yang’s tone was arrogant yet outwardly polite.

To be honest, in the time I’ve been at the Municipal Bureau, I had never once been to the Criminal Investigation Division. Although our Special Investigations Office handles criminal cases, we aren't part of the Criminal Investigation Bureau; we are an entirely independent department. This is the root of the friction between Hong Yang’s group and us. They always feel we are snatching their livelihood, doing work that should be theirs, so they eye us constantly, looking for any chance to lord it over us.

Hong Yang’s Criminal Investigation Team Four is famous throughout the Bureau; they’ve cracked numerous major criminal cases, several of which were national sensations. You could say that Criminal Investigation Team Four is a shining jewel within the Bureau, respected and sought after everywhere. Meanwhile, the Special Investigations Office feels like an orphan suddenly sprung from a rock—no glorious past, just an unclear future.

From this, you can understand why Hong Yang, a Deputy Chief, dares to act so condescendingly toward me, a formal Chief. And why I have to yield to him in certain situations.

Now that he has issued a formal invitation, I must accept. If I refuse, rumors will spread throughout the precinct by tomorrow: Special Investigations Chief Wang Lei fears Hong Yang of C.I. Team Four like the plague and dares not even step onto the Criminal Investigation floor.

To prevent shameless lies from damaging the positive image of the Public Security system, I had to sacrifice my ego for the greater good. I looked at Hong Yang and said, "Let's go!" Then I took the lead, walking toward the Criminal Investigation Division on the third floor.

The moment I stepped out of the elevator, I was flooded with envy, jealousy, and resentment.

The Special Investigations Office is at the far end of the corridor on the fourth floor of the Bureau building—an isolated island in a vast ocean, almost completely cut off from other departments. The Criminal Investigation Division is completely different; they occupy an entire floor. Just that scale alone makes the Special Investigations Office look pitiful.

Upon entering the floor, I saw beautifully framed pictures hanging on the corridor walls. They weren't priceless masterpieces, perhaps, but the sheer grandeur was beyond what the Special Investigations Office could ever match. Then I heard various sounds emanating from the offices—tense yet orderly—immediately putting one in an efficient working mindset.

Looking at everything here, and then recalling the few pathetic misfits and the cold, empty office of our department, my heart sank to absolute zero. I almost lacked the courage to walk to Hong Yang’s office.

"So, how is the Criminal Investigation Division?" Hong Yang’s tone clearly carried a note of smug satisfaction.

I suddenly remembered that I was representing the Special Investigations Office right now. No matter what, I couldn't lose face; otherwise, how could I face my boys later? So, I gritted my teeth, straightened my back, and put on a pained expression. "Extravagant! Utterly extravagant! If this continues, corruption won't be far behind!" Then I strode forward with a righteous face.

Entering Hong Yang’s office, my emotions surged even more intensely. If a Deputy Chief's office is this luxurious, it’s no wonder the public constantly demands transparency in government spending—this is the root of the problem!

Indignant, I sat down on the soft leather sofa, feeling prickly and staring fiercely at Hong Yang. "What is it? Hurry up. Our office is swamped with cases; we don't have time for idle chatter."

"It’s like this: I want to discuss a matter of cooperation with you." Hong Yang got straight to the point.

Cooperation—that’s a rare thing. The renowned Criminal Investigation Team Four has always been autocratic. When have we ever heard of them cooperating with another department? This is truly the first time.

I thought this must be Director Jiang's doing. He must have engaged in a thrilling confrontation with Fu Zhen and achieved a degree of victory, hence this situation.

Thinking of Director Jiang gave me some backbone, so I spoke slowly, "I can consider that. I'll give you an answer in a couple of days."

"We have three victims in a row now, and public reaction is huge. Everyone wants the case solved quickly. The pressure from the Bureau is immense, so I need your immediate reply, or we risk missing the critical window for action. No one can afford to take responsibility for that!" Hong Yang’s pace quickened, and he spoke with the authority of a Bureau Chief, yet without any forced pretense, as if he was destined for that seat even if he didn't hold it now.

I wasn't in the mood to guess if he’d ever become Bureau Chief; he certainly wasn't now, so he had no right to make demands of me. I replied coldly, "I said I would consider it. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

Seeing a hint of anxiety cross Hong Yang's face made me feel quite pleased. I stood up from the plush leather sofa, not forgetting to jest, "The sofa is very nice, but sitting too long will certainly give you hemorrhoids. Better not sit too much."

Hong Yang finally couldn't sit still. He stood up and quickly walked in front of me, saying, "This is Chief Fu’s intention. I hope you won't refuse."

Chief Fu—that’s Fu Zhen. Why would he have this intention?

My petty mind began spinning. Based on my past observations, I knew Director Jiang and this Fu Zhen were absolutely incompatible, like fire and water. If Fu Zhen was initiating cooperation with the Special Investigations Office now, he should be talking to Director Jiang first. Why send Hong Yang to me?

No, there’s something going on here. I can't fall for this trap, or Director Jiang will surely fly into a rage, and that won't benefit me at all.

I thought for a moment and said, "Since it's Chief Fu’s idea, then you should have him talk to Director Jiang himself. Let’s lower-ranking soldiers like us stay out of this squabble."

With that parting shot, I pushed the door open and strode out of the office, leaving a stunned Hong Yang behind.

Back at the Special Investigations Office, I found Gao Jianning leaning back with his feet up, head cocked, staring at his computer screen. This was his usual state. If this were before, I would have simply ignored it, but after the shock I just received at the Criminal Investigation Division, I strode over and delivered a kick, nearly knocking him off his chair.

Gao Jianning steadied himself and yelled, "Did you take the wrong medicine? Why kick me for no reason?"

I pointed at his nose. "Look at you! Not a single decent posture. Do you even look like a cop?"

Gao Jianning looked at me quizzically, like he’d spotted an alien, and then reached out to feel my forehead. "Are you alright? Got a fever?"

"Get lost!" I snapped irritably. "One day I’m sending all of you to the Criminal Investigation Division. That place is fantastic; once you’re there, you won't want to move!"

Xiao Cuo, standing nearby, swayed his head back and forth. "No, no. Did you go up to the third floor?"

The Special Investigations Office and the Criminal Investigation Division have been rivals forever, so we never go there. Hearing me say that, Xiao Cuo immediately understood. And that was exactly what I wanted—to let them know what happened so I could properly boast about showing off my might in front of that punk Hong Yang today.

"Sigh," I sighed dramatically. "That brat Hong Yang sought me out today, and yes, I paid a visit."

Gao Jianning leaned in. "I heard that C.I. Team Four has everything they want in the Bureau. You must have been deeply shaken. Should I find you a wash basin? Don't want your tears flooding the office."

I slapped him away, my lip curling. "Who do you think I am? I tell you, I walked straight through the third floor like I was in empty territory. What’s Hong Yang? With enemies surrounding me right in his office, I gave that brat a severe dressing-down and walked away victorious!"

Xiao Cuo’s face twisted into a strange curve, making it impossible to tell if he believed me, disbelieved me, or simply hadn't understood a word I said.

Both of them simultaneously turned and walked away, shaking their heads, muttering, "Dream on."

Alas, being a Chief is truly a sad business. My standing among my subordinates is this low. But the good news is, I wasn't bluffing this time, and this is the perfect moment to re-establish my authority.

I yelled, "All of you, come back here! Let big brother tell you the heroic tale of today's great battle against C.I. Team Four!"

Next, I recounted the events, naturally adding embellishments here and there to solidify my heroic image in their minds.

Seeing their doubtful expressions made me frustrated. I glared at Gao Jianning. "This is one hundred percent true! I stake my personal honor on it. If you don't believe me, go ask Hong Yang."

Upon hearing that, the two seemed to finally believe me. I continued, "This matter absolutely cannot be kept quiet. We must mobilize the power of the people for widespread propaganda, especially Zhang Jiewei—you two must ensure the publicity is thorough."

Just then, Xiao Cuo crept forward furtively, whispering conspiratorially, "It really is good news. Looks like we’ll eat well tonight."

Gao Jianning and I were utterly confused. "Are you fresh off the plane from Afghanistan? What possible connection do these two things have?"

Xiao Cuo chuckled slyly. "Don't panic, gentlemen. Let me explain slowly. Didn't you just say the cooperation proposal came from Fu Zhen?"

I nodded. Xiao Cuo continued, "But Director Jiang never mentioned this to you, right?"

I nodded again. Xiao Cuo clapped his hands. "It’s obvious! Fu Zhen wants to secretly sign an alliance with you behind Director Jiang's back. Once the milk is spilled, Director Jiang will have to accept it. And you successfully saw through his wicked scheme, making him lose everything! Do you know what that means?"

I shook my head. Xiao Cuo grinned. "It means Director Jiang owes you a favor! Hee hee. Director Jiang’s salary is much higher than ours; we deserve to extort a little."

Gao Jianning immediately chimed in, "Exactly! Little Cuo is quick on the uptake, Brother Lei. Hurry up and report this to Director Jiang. We absolutely have to cash in on this meal!"

Looking at my subordinates, who often struggled to afford a full meal, my heart genuinely went out to them. I immediately pulled out my phone and reported the incident to Director Jiang.

Director Jiang was silent on the other end of the line for a moment, then said, "Well done. I'm marking one point for you now. It will be redeemed later."

I seized the opportunity. "Don't wait until later; that could be the next millennium! Best to cash it in immediately."

"What do you want? Just say it."

"Hehe. It’s almost the end of the month, and the boys' wallets have been gaping open, begging to be fed for ages. You, my esteemed elder, should show some mercy this one time."

"You little brat, daring to shake down my pocket! Fine. Today it is. Every last one of them gets something."