Chapter 66: Unexpected Honors

First-Class Merit?

Stepping out of the Provincial Department meeting room, Xiao Yu was suddenly overwhelmed by an unsettling feeling.

It was as if the world had turned unreal—so absurd and impossible…

After all, the Provincial Department had no authority to issue such a medal.

Today, not only was the medal awarded, but a Collective First-Class Merit was also presented to the Bincheng Criminal Investigation Team.

Zhao Changshan, standing nearby, looked as if he were lost in a dream.

Coming back to reality, Xiao Yu’s expression grew complicated as he glanced at the one in front of him… Wang Dong!

Yes, the Provincial Department had no authority.

But National Security certainly did!

A slight tingle prickled his scalp as Xiao Yu struggled to understand the issue, staying ever cautious of this bizarre stroke of luck.

If it were a system reward, he might have accepted it with pleasure.

Because it all fell within his expectations…

“There’s still a lot of work to do on the major cadaver smuggling case,”

Wang Dong explained, “The nation never neglects those who contribute. Whether your Criminal Investigation Team discovered it or you cracked it, awarding the merit in advance is perfectly acceptable. And by the way, you’re a police officer now, right? A Second-Class Merit boosts you a rank, but a First-Class Merit is extraordinary—it could catapult you up two levels, even three in one go… Exciting, isn’t it?”

Exciting?

Xiao Yu frowned and glared at Wang Dong, “The procedures are all wrong. Even with achievements, you shouldn’t just hand over a medal. So what’s really going on?”

“Talking to smart people should be effortless,”

Wang Dong chuckled, “How about joining National Security?”

Xiao Yu remained silent.

Zhao Changshan’s face darkened as he coldly glared at Wang Dong.

Recruiting someone right in front of me—does National Security think they’re that impressive?

Do you want me to smash your brains out?

But…

Zhao Changshan’s anger vanished in an instant.

What was bound to happen, happened.

After just one month, is the team’s star about to slip away?

Zhao Changshan, being embedded in the system, wouldn’t dare to impede Xiao Yu’s progress.

Compared to the Criminal Investigation Team, the path in National Security shines brightly.

Before Zhao Changshan could even sigh, lament, or brood, his little brother spoke up.

“Sorry.”

Xiao Yu shook his head, “Not interested.”

Truly no interest—just chasing promotions and wealth.

Quit the job and let your sister support you—isn’t the comfort of a cushy life enough?

What’s the point of being a police officer then!

Xiao Yu remarked in a nonchalant tone.

Zhao Changshan lost his composure, thinking: Does this kid have a broken brain?

“I knew it!”

Wang Dong wasn’t at all surprised by Xiao Yu’s reply.

He’d spoken with Xiao Yu just a few days ago.

He knew that Xiao Yu wouldn’t be leaving Bincheng anytime soon.

“Enough chatter.”

Wang Dong’s expression turned serious, “I’m not just here to deliver your medal; there’s another favor I’d like you to do.”

“Not interested.”

Without another word, Xiao Yu turned and walked away.

Could National Security really be such a trivial matter?

If they couldn’t solve it, would you really help? Does your scalp tingle now or what?

“This case… is very peculiar!”

Wang Dong’s tone conveyed a helpless resignation.

Peculiar?

Xiao Yu halted in his tracks.

Women are famously curious, and men aren’t any less so.

Hearing the word ‘peculiar’ from someone in National Security

if you put it that way, I’m definitely intrigued!

On the return flight,

Xiao Yu discovered a small USB drive in his hand.

It contained the complete file for a major case.

Wang Dong had warned him when handing over the drive.

Aside from himself, no one was allowed to take a look.

Otherwise… well, you know the consequences!

National Security’s warnings are no laughing matter.

Xiao Yu had no intention of checking it immediately.

His sister was at home cooking and waiting for him.

Some cases, once you finish reading them,

might leave you with no appetite at all…

…

That afternoon, upon returning home.

Xiao Yu saw two side dishes and a soup set neatly on the dining table.

Under Mu Qingwu’s expectant gaze, he picked up his chopsticks.

A plate of scrambled eggs, a plate of smashed cucumbers, and a large bowl…of some mysterious soup.

His sister’s scrambled eggs had hardly improved.

The smashed cucumbers were not only sweet but also remarkably sour.

As for the soup—one sip, and

Xiao Yu, with twenty-two years of experience, nearly lost it.

It was confirmed.

In the business world, Mu Qingwu was a powerhouse.

But when it came to cooking, she was probably even worse than an elementary school student.

“Tasty?”

At the table, Mu Qingwu rested her chin on her hand, her beautiful eyes blinking.

“There’s improvement!”

Xiao Yu realized just how hypocritical he sounded.

“Then just eat it all.”

Mu Qingwu laughed, her eyes curving like crescent moons.

Xiao Yu nodded and buried his head in his meal.

Before long, he had devoured every dish his sister had prepared.

Mu Qingwu was momentarily taken aback.

She knew her cooking well—taste never deceives.

“Why?”

Moisture welled in Mu Qingwu’s eyes.

“Because it was made by my sister.”

Xiao Yu set down his chopsticks and spoke calmly.

“Fool!”

She threw herself into her brother’s arms without reservation.

Xiao Yu grinned silently.

“When the weather warms up,”

Mu Qingwu said softly, “let’s have a wedding!”

Xiao Yu’s eyes lit up.

Are you finally giving yourself to me?

Suddenly, Xiao Yu had a bold idea—he scooped up his sister and headed toward the bedroom.

“Little brother!” Mu Qingwu stuttered.

“What?” Xiao Yu was already fired up.

“I’m on my period!” Mu Qingwu struggled to hold back a laugh.

In an instant, Xiao Yu froze, nearly dying on the spot.

For boys, the worst nightmare as children wasn’t missing the bathroom in time,

but as grown men, it was finding the bathroom only after it had already been located.

And as men grow older, the worst is when you’re ready to charge into battle,

only to discover that the battlefield is already soaked in blood. It sends a chill right through your heart!