Chapter 37: A Salute to Bold Beginnings

The next day.

A group of top psychiatrists conducted a thorough examination on He Xia.

Diagnosis: Dissociative Identity Disorder!

Moments later, the police announced that the massive family annihilation and brutal dismemberment case had been solved.

After all the twists and turns, the prime suspect had remained unchanged!

On the way back to the Criminal Investigation Team.

Xiao Yu grumbled, ‘Are you blaming me?’

If we hadn’t noticed the odd time discrepancies, none of this trouble would have emerged.

But even if we hadn’t noticed, He Xia would have found a way to alert the police.

Unbelievably, one person’s body harbored two distinct ‘spirits’.

Even a polygraph machine — who could have thought such evidence might be exploited by the suspect?

Back at the Criminal Investigation Team, Xiao Yu was summoned to the captain’s office.

“Our hero has returned.”

Zhao Changshan beamed, “You’ve done us a huge service this time!”

News of the case’s resolution spread throughout the police system.

Especially since it had been cracked by a rookie.

Xiao Yu’s name echoed all across the ranks.

No one celebrated more than the Criminal Investigation Team.

After all, the case occurred within their jurisdiction — a failed investigation would have spelled disaster for everyone!

“At this rate, I’m going to be in big trouble…” Xiao Yu winced from a toothache.

Great achievements aren’t frightening in themselves.

The real danger lies in a reward so grand that it clashes with one’s status, inviting jealousy.

Xiao Yu was still a rookie — his full appointment hadn’t come through yet.

Back-to-back major case breakthroughs made both veteran detectives and higher-ups question everything.

Your talent shines so bright it makes others seem incompetent, and that can easily ruffle feathers!

“Your official appointment is approved.”

As if reading Xiao Yu’s mind, Zhao Changshan pulled a file from his desk along with… a pair of shoulder badges.

Xiao Yu’s eyes widened.

He had expected to be confirmed.

But what surprised him was that each epaulette bore two four-pointed stars.

A Level One Officer!

Usually, a rookie’s confirmation comes with shoulder badges that have only one four-pointed star — for a Level Two Officer.

What on earth is going on?

“Your personal third-class merit has also been approved!”

Zhao Changshan handed Xiao Yu, still in shock, a small red box and an honor certificate.

The Storage Room murder case has been closed?

“If that’s the case, then maybe this headache of mine will finally fade…” Xiao Yu murmured as he took the red box and slowly opened it.

Inside lay a gleaming, golden medal.

Not actually gold — third-class merit medals are made of copper.

First-class merit is pure gold.

Second-class merit is pure silver.

Third-class merit is pure copper.

The proof of one’s achievement isn’t about the medal’s material.

It’s the nation’s recognition of your personal contribution.

With such accomplishments, a promotion in rank is inevitable.

From this day on…

Xiao Yu became an official People’s Police officer!

“This is just for the Storage Room murder case.”

Zhao Changshan patted Xiao Yu’s shoulder, his tone serious, “Your contributions to the massive dismemberment case were monumental. In the end, you’ll earn at least a third-class merit — maybe even a second-class merit!”

Xiao Yu maintained a calm expression; it was all expected.

Major cases like this only happen a few times each year.

For such a colossal case, starting with a third-class merit is perfectly normal.

Once the case is officially closed and the credits distributed, Xiao Yu’s rank might even be raised further.

That could propel him to Inspector… Xiao Yu felt a surge of mixed emotions.

He recalled the day he was promoted to Inspector in his previous life — how old he was then.

Observing Xiao Yu’s composed demeanor, Zhao Changshan’s expression shifted unexpectedly.

He remembered when he first got confirmed, excited like a child.

Having cracked several major cases, he was promoted on special merit.

Yet it still took him four years to rise from a Level Two Officer to Inspector.

And Xiao Yu?

From joining as a trainee to confirmation, and then to promotion as Inspector…

It might have taken him less than a month.

Keeping such composure through it all was almost intimidating!

“Thanks, team!”

Stowing away his medal, Xiao Yu expressed heartfelt gratitude.

One truly has to be grateful.

Having a supportive superior was rare — someone who would have your back.

Usually, higher-ups try to keep you down.

Even a simple confirmation could be used against you.

“You said you’d stick with the team,” Zhao Changshan laughed.

“Did I ever say that?” Xiao Yu replied, blinking.

The two burst into hearty laughter.

Zhao Changshan was genuinely delighted — he had a loyal crew at his disposal.

Xiao Yu was equally thrilled; not only was he confirmed, he’d also earned accolades.

When the shift ended,

Zhao Changshan waved his hand, dismissing overtime for the entire team.

Xiao Yu seized the opportunity to announce, “Dinner’s on me, everyone!”

After confirmation, it was customary for the new colleagues to treat the veterans.

All gathered at a nearby restaurant close to the Criminal Investigation Team.

Apart from those on duty, everyone enjoyed a few drinks.

To celebrate Xiao Yu’s confirmation and his achievements, bonds were forged even stronger.

Everyone was sharp—nobody was oblivious, and all minds were in gear.

Xiao Yu’s talent was evident; in just a few days with the team, he had cracked major cases.

Such abilities are destined to take him to towering heights.

Dinner lasted until 10 PM when Zhao Changshan stood, “Young Xiao, in the prime of your youth, we’re all nearly at the same stage!”

Only then did everyone begin to disperse.

Though Xiao Yu remained clear-headed, he was a bit tipsy.

Until Mu Qingwu arrived at the restaurant entrance to pick someone up.

Dizzy and unsteady, Xiao Yu collapsed into his sister’s arms…