Frankly, Zhang Jiewei was far better suited to be the team leader than I was. If nothing else, I certainly couldn't have managed that move just now. Since I have virtually no desire for authority, I feel no gratitude toward those who promote me, nor would I ever engage in such nauseating displays of affection.

Director Jiang nodded once, declared the meeting adjourned, and then quickly left the office, his silhouette vanishing as the door clicked shut behind him.

Sometimes, we all suspected that Director Jiang had been deliberately sidelined here, which explained his utter indifference to the Special Operations Division’s affairs. He left everything entirely to the team members below him, enjoying a life of leisure for himself all day long.

With Zhang Jiewei now the leader, his expression was even colder than before, like a slab of frozen meat just pulled from the refrigerator. He swept a glance across the office and delivered a brief, speech-like declaration—but not a single person paid him any attention.

Afterward, Zhang Jiewei called me into the small office and instructed me to hand over my previous duties. I immediately adopted a look of utter devastation, detailing every area each team member was responsible for, along with all other relevant matters, while inwardly, I was absolutely thrilled.

Zhang Jiewei proved himself an old hand in criminal investigation; he quickly grasped the whole situation and made the necessary adjustments. Since I was no longer the leader, I naturally stepped into his old role, taking over the investigation into Liu Shun of the Canon Group.

I accepted the file Zhang Jiewei compiled on Liu Shun and settled at my small desk in the main office, burying my head in the material. The file contained a wealth of information, including Liu Shun’s direct and indirect relatives, his closest friends, hobbies, past experiences—it was incredibly comprehensive and detailed.

When I turned to the last page, a single sheet of blank paper slipped out.

I picked it up and saw it was something Zhang Jiewei had written himself. It read: "Liu Shun. Surname Liu. The Black Blood Society of Anyang City was founded in the early days of the nation by the once-prominent Liu family in the city, later evolving into a gang organization."

After Xiao Cuo mentioned the Black Blood Society last time, I had started looking into it. I learned that before the founding of the PRC, the Liu family was an influential clan in Anyang City, closely aligned with KMT forces. When the PLA achieved national victory, the Liu family failed to escape to Taiwan with old Chiang Kai-shek, resulting in a rather grim fate. At that time, a man named Liu Neng within the family was highly skilled in martial arts and naturally refused to submit to government control and suppression. He utilized the family’s secretly hidden treasures to recruit drifters and those dissatisfied with the government, launching organized criminal activities, gradually developing into the largest underground force in Anyang City.

During this period, the Black Blood Society faced several clean-up attempts by the public security organs. However, the Liu family were natives of Anyang, intimately familiar with the local terrain, and Liu Neng had also called in favors nationwide, befriending many underground kingpins from other provinces. Consequently, completely eradicating them proved exceedingly difficult.

Moreover, Liu Neng himself was an extremely cunning individual. He never openly challenged the government; instead, he engaged in charitable activities at opportune moments and maintained legitimate businesses. Because of this, the public security organs were virtually powerless against him; every crackdown only addressed the symptoms, not the root cause. It wasn't until the previous Police Chief launched a thunderous, thorough assault on Liu Neng and the Black Blood Society that the organization suffered near annihilation. Liu Neng himself fled Anyang City, and to this day, no one knows where he is hiding.

However, based on some current clues, it’s evident that the Black Blood Society has not been entirely rooted out. In this beautiful city of Anyang, this near-extinct cancer is showing signs of new vitality, and their presence can be faintly discerned in certain criminal activities.

Liu Shun, Liu Neng?

One, the boss of the underground Black Blood Society; the other, the head of the state-owned Canon Group. Could there be a connection between them?

The disparity between the two is immense. The only similarity is the surname Liu, but there are countless people surnamed Liu in the world; they can’t all be related to Liu Neng. Otherwise, this fellow would be some kind of Shadow Pope.

Suddenly, I recalled a news story I once saw: the head of a criminal organization in a certain place sent his two sons to study at a police academy and a political science academy, not to reform their ways, but to commit crimes more effectively.

Could Liu Neng have done the same thing?

It’s important to remember that in those days, Liu Neng’s reputation in Anyang City was no less than that of the Mayor, perhaps even surpassing him by a fraction in the eyes of the common people. This man had managed his underground career since the very beginning of New China, weathering countless storms, yet always emerging unscathed—proof enough of his resourcefulness and cunning. What others could not accomplish, he could; therefore, what others achieved, he could do even better.

If my guess is correct, then Liu Shun’s relationship with Liu Neng is not that simple. Even if they are not father and son, they must be closely related by blood. If this is the case, the death of Gu Hengming and the kidnapping of Xiaoxuan suddenly have a clear direction.

Once I grasped this, the rest of the work became simpler. But I cannot appear too conspicuous now. For Xiaoxuan’s safety, everything must proceed in secret. According to my prior agreement with Director Jiang, I must appear as lazy and unmotivated as possible during this period. In turn, he would instruct Zhang Jiewei to discipline me severely, which would further highlight my state of dejection.

The mere thought of Xiaoxuan brought an inexplicable pang to my heart. In a daze, a blood-soaked face suddenly flashed before my eyes, but before I could discern who it belonged to, it vanished from the office space like a mere flicker, as if it had never been there.

The next day, I rose early, waiting until half-past eight before leaving the house and strolling lazily toward the precinct.

The moment I entered the Special Operations Division office, I could feel the atmosphere was off. Following the drift of gazes, I saw Xiao Cuo sitting utterly still, like a Taoist performing a rite, while Gao Jianning and Feng Siyan huddled behind the computer, pretending not to hear me enter. At that moment, I felt two sharp gazes bore into me. Though invisible, they carried a tangible weight, enough to show how much attention their owners were paying to me.

I looked up and saw the owners of those looks—Zhang Jiewei.

He carried himself with the airs of an official. Even though he was just a minor team leader, he possessed the ability to magnify that role until you felt he could dictate your very survival. I don't know if others felt this way, but at that instant, I felt it profoundly.

However, this was exactly the effect I wanted. I enjoyed watching him, appreciating the anger smoldering in his features as if it were graffiti painted there by mischievous children.

Faced with my nonchalance, Zhang Jiewei’s gaze grew increasingly severe, until even he seemed unable to bear it, letting out a low growl that sounded like it came from an abyss: "Wang Lei, you are late."

"Yes, I know, but looking at you, I thought I’d committed murder and deserved to die!"

The office instantly turned ice-cold. Gao Jianning had intended to break the tension after Zhang Jiewei’s reprimand, but my next few words utterly pulverized his good intentions.

Zhang Jiewei’s face instantly turned the color of liver. His usual composure shattered in that moment.

"No wonder he craves authority; it’s the only way he can live like a real person instead of a cold corpse," I thought with a touch of malice.

Seeing Zhang Jiewei on the verge of an explosion, Gao Jianning finally acted like my cousin, stepping forward quickly to Zhang’s side and murmuring, "Team Leader Zhang, Wang Lei has been in a bad mood these past two days, please don't take it to heart. I’ll have him apologize to you later."

Zhang Jiewei shot him a cold glance, and his anger seemed to slightly ease, but I didn't want that. Today, I intended to provoke Zhang Jiewei, to cause a massive scene that would be known throughout the entire precinct, ensuring that the ears hidden in the corners would hear and see everything.

"Zhang Jiewei, let me tell you, don't think you’re so great just because you’re a leader. We’ve been leaders before, so stop acting so smug!"

Gao Jianning glared at me fiercely and snapped, "Will you die if you just say a little less? Team Leader Zhang is being generous by not pursuing this, but you were late and still talking back!"

I ignored him, fixing my eyes directly on Zhang Jiewei, continuing my provocation: "If you have the guts, fire me from the force. Otherwise, stop acting high and mighty in front of me."

Zhang Jiewei finally exploded. He shoved Gao Jianning aside, stormed up to me, and jabbed a finger into my nose: "Wang Lei, I’m telling you, as long as I, Zhang Jiewei, am here, you will behave. Otherwise, I won't be polite to you."

I looked entirely unconcerned, drawling lazily, "I’m late today. How exactly won’t you be polite?"

"You are not only late today, but you are openly confronting a superior. I have decided to dock your pay for half a month, and I will submit the report to my superiors immediately. If you disagree, I’ll fight you to the end."

Zhang Jiewei’s words landed like iron spikes, creating a pit the moment they struck. My half-month salary was gone just like that. But for me, this was only the beginning; if it ended here, it wouldn't have achieved the effect I desired.

"Zhang Jiewei, my salary is directly allocated by the Finance Bureau. What right do you have to deduct it? You really think you’re something special. Let me tell you, if my salary is short by a single penny this month, I’ll move into your house and eat your food for free."

I must admit, I possess a certain aptitude for being a rogue. Those words tumbled out without a second thought.

Zhang Jiewei blinked, apparently startled. Not only that, but Gao Jianning standing nearby, as well as Xiao Cuo and Feng Siyan in the office, all looked taken aback. After all, seeing a police officer suddenly transform into a street hoodlum was difficult for anyone to process.

I figured Zhang Jiewei had reached his breaking point. If he weren't an excellent police officer, he would have thrown a punch by now. And that was precisely what I was aiming for, so I needed to push further.

Zhang Jiewei's flushed face regained its prior icy coldness in an unbelievable shift. He took a step back: "I'll give you three days. After three days, if things are still like this, I will not spare you!"

To my slight surprise, the man backed down at this crucial moment. I paused briefly, then immediately reacted, stepping forward and shouting, "What can you do to me after three days? You’re threatening me! I’m going to report you to higher-ups!"

My blatant, unreasonable behavior finally stirred even Xiao Cuo, who had been sitting on the sidelines. He sighed, "Wang Lei, honestly, your performance today is unacceptable. While Team Leader Zhang might not be the nicest guy usually, you’ve gone too far—so far that even I find it hard to watch."

Gao Jianning quickly chimed in, "Brother, just drop it. Bao Ge [Xiao Cuo] has spoken. You are clearly in the wrong today. Go sit down for a bit, and we can talk once you've calmed down." He then reached out to pull me away.

Seeing the scene escalating into a spectacle, I secretly rejoiced. I shook off Gao Jianning’s hand and shouted, "Stop pretending to be a saint here! I bet you’ve been hoping I wouldn't become the team leader all along."

Gao Jianning’s eyes widened like a goldfish's, and he roared, "What nonsense are you spouting? Didn't you hear what I said that day? Are you deaf?" He never treated me like an older brother, and in his agitation, his true colors showed; he looked like he wanted to tear me to pieces.

Feng Siyan had remained seated at her computer the entire time, silent and motionless, as quiet as a little bird. Everything happening in the office was just a vivid performance to her, and she was merely an ordinary audience member, as she didn't truly belong to the Special Operations Division. But when Gao Jianning spoke those words, she actually reacted—her lips moved slightly, but no sound came out. Then, inexplicably, Gao Jianning seemed to register her reaction, turning to look at her. They exchanged no words, yet there seemed to be a tacit understanding, which brought Gao Jianning back under control.

Seeing this, I couldn't help but wonder: have these two been involved in something? Impossible. They usually exchanged barely a word outside of work matters; that much was obvious to everyone.

I smacked myself mentally. What am I thinking about at a time like this? Turning the office into a battlefield is the priority.

Shoving Gao Jianning aside, I pointed at Zhang Jiewei’s nose again: "Don't try those tricks on me. I’ve never submitted to anyone’s authority in my entire life. See if I’m lying, just watch me."

Zhang Jiewei was a calm man, but that didn't mean he lacked temper. It was just that his anger was usually suppressed through meticulous pursuit and cold punishment when dealing with criminals. Now, confronting a colleague was a completely different kind of stress, one he was unfamiliar with and couldn't skillfully manage. Thus, his fury was reignited.

"Wang Lei, I am officially warning you: if you continue this farce, I will use restraints according to the law!"

This was the final warning. The effect I desired was imminent, and my heart filled with anticipation.

"According to the law? I’m a police officer too! By what right would you use restraints on me? Have I threatened your personal safety? Or anyone else’s? Stop your posturing. You lack management skills and instead try to push the blame onto me!"

With that, I threw open the door to the Special Operations Division and yelled, "Zhang Jiewei is so impressive! Misusing his authority to restrain a colleague! Wow! What great ability!"

Doors in the neighboring offices cracked open, and several heads peered out. Soon, the doors along the entire corridor were opening, and everyone was looking over. This sight filled me with immense satisfaction. Even though it was an act, I was quite pleased with my performance. I mused that if I had pursued an acting career, I’d surely be clutching some kind of award.

Now it was truly chaotic. Gao Jianning and the others rushed to close the doors, constantly assuring the onlookers, "Just a small internal dispute, please don't watch."

I had intended to continue the commotion, but I didn't want to see the Director’s aging face. I believed that ninety percent of the officers felt the same way, because that face, which allowed no hiding place, could instantly shatter all your defenses and masks. I feared I might accidentally let something slip in front of him, so I decided to stop things there. I was certain that in this precinct, where gossip traveled faster than a rabbit on four legs, I had already earned myself a notorious reputation.

But what I never expected was for the Director to appear right then.

The Director’s office was on the eighth floor. He rarely visited other floors; if something was needed, he summoned people up. Yet, on this day, some unknown wind blew him to our floor. By the time I was shouting outside the Special Operations Division, he was already standing at the end of the corridor, having watched the entire performance until the actors were ready to bow. Then, the true protagonist made his entrance.

My mind went blank, like the empty corridor itself. All those peering heads had vanished without a trace. The hallway was deathly quiet, broken only by the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps.

I knew that the owner of those footsteps held the real power over my life and death. Before him, I was Sun Wukong, and he was the Buddha.

"You are Wang Lei?"

The Director’s stern face appeared before me, and he immediately asked that single question.

I was momentarily stunned. I wondered if it was fortunate or unfortunate that the Director recognized me.

I nodded mechanically, then snapped to attention and saluted. Although I’ve never been one to fawn over authority, I certainly didn’t want to offend this elder gentleman. Better to leave a good first impression.

By then, Zhang Jiewei had already rushed forward to salute before me, saying, "Director Li, I am Acting Team Leader Zhang Jiewei of the Special Operations Division. I apologize for disturbing you over a minor matter just now."

Director Li grunted, then said, "A minor matter? Such a loud commotion—tell me, just how minor was it?"

Zhang Jiewei was a qualified policeman, so he would never lie to a superior. "Wang Lei was late for work today, and when I questioned him, he started arguing with me. That’s the whole story."

Director Li’s expression remained unchanged as he glanced at us both, then muttered, "I truly wonder what games Jiang Haitao is playing." With that, he turned and left.

It took me a long while to come back to my senses. Recalling the Director’s last words as he departed, I couldn't help but secretly pray for Director Jiang—praying that he wouldn't take out his frustration on me after being chewed out by the Director.

But for the sake of concealing the eyes watching me within the precinct, I was willing to become the sinner pointed at and cursed by everyone!