Chapter 313 - 170: Son of an Old Friend

An inspector from the Provincial Government and the second-in-command from the Central Hub.

'Lingshan New District is certainly getting lively.' Yang Wenqing didn't have to think twice to know this inspector was likely here for two reasons: first, to clean up his superiors' messes, and second, to inspect the Civil Affairs Bureau's tax rolls for any loopholes. It wouldn't have much of an impact on the City Defense Bureau.

'The reason the inspector was coming was probably in advance of the second-in-command from the Central Hub. If the Provincial Government compromised, things would be fine. If not, there would be a real show. By Yang Wenqing's estimation, a compromise was the most likely outcome, but it would be a process. Each side needed to test the other's limits.'

As he was processing this information, a soft knock came from the office door. Liu Qin walked in briskly.

"Bureau Chief," Liu Qin reported, "we've received word from the records department. The first group of cadets from the City Police Academy who applied for early internships finished checking in this morning. As per standard procedure and the training plan, the records department recommends we first assign them to various precincts and certain bureau departments for a three-month grassroots rotation. This will help them get familiar with basic operations and the environment."

'Yang Wenqing nodded. The City Bureau's approval had been remarkably swift. On one hand, the New District was genuinely short-staffed, especially with two new precincts to run. On the other hand, it probably had something to do with Gao Zhen being the new head of the personnel department.'

"Also," Liu Qin added, "it's customary for you to meet with the representative for this class of cadets. The General Affairs Department has selected Wu Xian."

"That would be Captain Wu's only son, right?"

"That's right!"

"In that case, I'll see him," Yang Wenqing said.

"Yes, sir." Liu Qin acknowledged, then turned and left to pass on the message. ℯℯ𝑙.

A short while later, a young man walked in behind Liu Qin. He was well-built, with a posture as straight as a board. His face was still tinged with youthful inexperience, but his eyes were exceptionally clear. He wore a light blue police uniform with bare epaulets. Upon seeing Yang Wenqing, he immediately snapped to attention, saluted, and shouted, "Cadet Wu Xian, reporting to the Bureau Chief!"

A warm smile spread across Yang Wenqing's face. He got up, walked around his desk, and stopped in front of Wu Xian. Clapping him on the shoulder, he said, "Look at you, kid. You've gotten so tall. You look even sharper than your old man did back in the day. Have a seat, don't be so stiff."

Wu Xian was visibly excited and struggled to remain composed. Following Yang Wenqing's gesture, he was led, a bit awkwardly, to the sofa in the reception area.

"How've you been at the academy? Do you have any preferences for this internship? Any particular department where you'd like to get some experience?" Yang Wenqing asked casually as he returned to his seat.

Wu Xian's eyes lit up at the questions. He straightened his posture and replied without a hint of hesitation, "Sir! The academy has been great. I've learned a lot. I want to join the Major Case Team. I want to fight on the front lines like my father, catch criminals with my own two hands, and uphold justice."

His voice was filled with the passion and confidence unique to the young, brimming with limitless hope for the future. It was as if a magnificent scroll depicting great deeds and accomplishments was already unfurling before his eyes. It was pure, unadulterated zeal. Though Yang Wenqing found such passion rather naive, he said nothing. After all, everyone was young once.

Yang Wenqing smiled and nodded. "The Major Case Team is an excellent place to learn real skills. However, the grassroots rotation is a required step. You'll go to a precinct first to get familiar with the basics."

"After three months, if your performance is good and you pass your evaluation, I can consider making an exception and transferring you to the Major Case Team to train. But remember, no matter where you are, keep your feet on the ground. The greatest progress comes from doing every little task you're given to the best of your ability."

"Yes, sir!" Wu Xian shot to his feet again, his face alight with excitement.

Yang Wenqing offered a few more words of encouragement, then had Liu Qin see Wu Xian out. He watched the young man's energetic figure disappear through the door, feeling a brief pang of nostalgia, but he quickly reined in his emotions.

"Bureau Chief, one more thing," Liu Qin said, returning after escorting Wu Xian out. "Li Yi, the transfer from Qianjiao County, has completed all his paperwork with the records department. He's in General Affairs now, awaiting his assignment."

"Mm."

Yang Wenqing mused, "I won't see him personally. Go extend my welcome to him. Then, have him report directly to Deputy Bureau Chief Wang Hai. He'll be in charge of the preparations and site selection for the new precinct in the Warehouse District."

"Yes, sir."

Liu Qin made a note of it.

Yang Wenqing glanced up at the antique mechanical clock on the wall and asked casually, "What's the date today?"

"Sir, it's the eighth," Liu Qin replied.

By bureau tradition, the tenth of each month was the day for the regular monthly meeting with all department and precinct heads.

"Send out a notice," Yang Wenqing ordered. "All department heads and deputies, as well as all precinct chiefs, must attend the regular meeting the day after tomorrow."

"Yes, sir. I'll send out the notice right away."

After Liu Qin left, silence returned to the office.

Yang Wenqing got up and walked to the massive floor-to-ceiling window.

Outside, the buildings and streets of Lingshan New District looked quiet in the afternoon sun—deserted, even. Martial law hadn't been lifted yet. The streets were nearly empty of pedestrians, with only police patrols and the occasional vehicle passing by.

'He wouldn't dare lift martial law until the bombing case was completely solved.'

After a while, Yang Wenqing returned to his desk, sat down, and began to process the day's paperwork.

Compared to the tangled mess of the past few days, the number of documents requiring his personal signature was noticeably smaller. Most of the routine affairs and specific tasks had already been delegated to Wang Hai, Zhu Yunchuan, and the other department heads.

After leisurely processing the documents and having Liu Qin send them out, he rose and walked over to the mahogany tea cabinet against the wall. He took out a small canister of light tea and personally brewed himself a cup.