Chapter 45: A Cop’s Rising Star

Xiao Yu didn’t seek glory.

Being a policeman was never about climbing the ladder or getting rich.

Wang Delong was the one he caught, but it was Guo Qiang who noticed the irregularity.

Had Guo Qiang not spotted the anomaly while driving, it might have been missed entirely.

Credit for the initial achievement clearly belongs to Guo Qiang; Xiao Yu takes a share while the whole team enjoys the success.

Perfect!

“Thanks, brother!”

Guo Qiang, with his head wrapped in bandages, looked at Xiao Yu with an excited expression.

What’s going on today? Doesn’t he have any sense?

Xiao Yu can take on eight foes at once, yet he didn’t nab a single one and even ended up being knocked down.

One might say Xiao Yu is practically handing over the credit to him!

“You’re a team player—and besides, you’re my mentor,” Xiao Yu joked.

“Saintly woman? Dropping sacred relics all over?”

“Neither of those!”

Lately, his star has been rising a bit too fast—and that’s hardly a good thing.

He did it to show his colleagues that he wasn’t one to hog the glory.

When everyone shares the credit, everyone wins.

If you do well, we all do well!

Back at the team headquarters, everyone’s look toward Xiao Yu had changed.

Who wouldn’t be fond of a colleague like that?

Even several team captains and supervisors wore expressions of heartfelt admiration.

Yet some couldn’t help but worry.

How long can this dragon stay afloat in the Criminal Investigation Team before it sinks?

“Join the Party.”

In the captain’s office, Zhao Changshan looked at Xiao Yu with a serious expression.

“Uh!”

Xiao Yu scratched his head and grinned, “I performed well at the police academy— a few teachers even recommended me. I joined the Party at 19, and now I’ve been a member for three years!”

Zhao Changshan: …

Why join the Party?

Because it’s tied to your career advancement.

For instance, once Xiao Yu passes probation, his post would simply be that of a clerk.

Actually, that isn’t his true role; his proper position is as a section officer (second level).

A section officer is the lowest administrative rank.

Above that are deputy section officers (deputy team leaders), section chiefs (team leaders), deputy bureau chiefs (deputy division heads), bureau chiefs (division heads)…

In a few days, Xiao Yu will head to the provincial capital for a commendation—a second-class merit.

And that’s no secret.

With his achievements, Xiao Yu’s police rank will be promoted again.

Chief Inspector status is enough to match the role of a section officer.

Considering Xiao Yu’s outstanding performance in cracking major cases, his promotions are practically guaranteed once reported.

Had he not been a Party member,

ha! Dream on.

Even as a Party member, many policemen might be stuck in clerical roles for a long time.

Only after reaching Chief Inspector and proving ample merit would they move beyond being clerks.

Without accomplishments or seniority, forget about it.

And that’s why some cops, despite having high ranks, hold low positions.

Zhao Changshan has spent his whole career as a policeman and still remains head of the Criminal Investigation Team.

His post? Just the chief of the section.

Someone once said that if you want to climb the ranks, don’t become a policeman.

Because it’s the hardest field for promotions.

Of course, if you continually crack major cases and rack up accolades, promotions can come in a heartbeat.

But realistically, where are you expected to find so many cases?

Imagine a city plagued with frequent incidents—major, high-profile, mega cases.

Can you imagine the consequences?

You wouldn’t dare to dream!

“Alright, when you return from the provincial capital, I’ll apply to have you promoted to section officer,” Zhao Changshan said.

He smiled and added, “For now, start by leading your team.”

A team leader is an internal role within an investigative unit, responsible for supervising two or three members.

Many cases are solved through the collaborative efforts of such small groups.

“Thanks, team,” Xiao Yu said in gratitude.

Deep down, though, he wasn’t really concerned about official positions.

After all, who would choose police work if it was just a stepping stone to a political career?

“Honestly, when you first joined our team, I was really curious,” Zhao Changshan admitted.

“Why didn’t you stay at the Provincial Department?”

He had looked into Xiao Yu’s background.

He knew that during his days at the police academy, the Provincial Department had already ‘reserved’ him.

But Xiao Yu chose not to go there.

“If I told you our team is closer to home, would you believe me?”

Xiao Yu wasn’t joking; he was being completely honest.

“……”

After a brief silence, Zhao Changshan said, “Stop joking around!”

“Honestly…”

Xiao Yu already knew he wouldn’t be believed. “My dream is to catch every criminal in the world and make it a cleaner place!”

And that was the truth!

Zhao Changshan’s lips twitched before he fell silent for a moment. “I had that dream too when I was young!”

“Ha!” Xiao Yu laughed.

At that moment, the captain gave off the vibe of a street performer reciting jokes under an overpass.

“Forget it—you’re not going to stick with us for long anyway.”

Zhao Changshan sighed, “Before you leave, try to help out the team so your brothers have it a bit easier.”

Xiao Yu knew Zhao Changshan was right.

After all, staying isn’t a choice anyone can force.

But in the next year or two, he had no plans of leaving the Criminal Investigation Team.

As long as he wasn’t willing, no one else could replace him!