Chapter 5: A Rookie’s First Step

After receiving his assignment, Xiao Yu promptly reported to the city’s Criminal Investigation Team.

Officially known as the Criminal Investigation Unit!

In some places, it’s called the Criminal Police Squad—just different names.

This is a permanent county-level department within the police system, responsible for local criminal investigations.

Except for guys like Xiao Yu who were just assigned, everyone is a full-fledged police officer!

This time, five rookie officers have been assigned to the Criminal Investigation Unit.

“Rookie” is just a flattering title—in reality, they’re merely interns.

In his previous life as a cop, Xiao Yu remembered that at the start of his internship he would either sweep or serve tea while shadowing his “master” to learn the ropes.

Or he’d help prepare simple statements for complainants.

When nothing else was going on, they would attend meetings and study legal distinctions like “guilty or not” or compare different crimes.

And when bored, they’d flip through case files…

Yes, this was the everyday life for a rookie officer.

Want to get involved in cases?

Don’t be ridiculous—you’re not an official officer yet, much like a civilian assistant, lacking any law-enforcement authority.

During the internship, you’re mostly just there to lend a hand and learn.

Of course, even though it’s a county-level unit, there are still sixty to seventy personnel.

Among them, over twenty are civilian staff; there’s a team leader, an instructor, four deputy team leaders, along with various group leaders and officers that form the whole team.

For trainees like Xiao Yu, each is assigned a “master” upon arrival.

These masters are veteran detectives—within two months, they’ll decide if you have what it takes.

After a year, only those who perform well get to stay; the others… well, you know.

Even though the police force is short on staff, if you’re not cut out for it, it’s best to stay away—it’s for your own good…

I’ve even met some of the unit’s key leaders.

After the team leader and instructor finished their briefing, Xiao Yu was assigned to an experienced detective.

Guo Qiang, thirty-nine years old, a second-class police inspector.

Although his rank might seem high, his level is no different from a regular detective with clerk benefits.

This is quite common in the police system.

Rank isn’t tied to one’s true capabilities, though promotion does depend on it.

“Master, got a cigarette!”

Having lived two lives, Xiao Yu’s tongue was as smooth as ever.

He immediately addressed him as “Master” and pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket.

This wasn’t flattery—it was just proper etiquette.

No matter where you work, it’s always the same.

Just look at those who don’t fit in; have any of them ever stuck around for long?

Don’t spout that clichéd “if you’re meant to stay, you’ll always find a way” nonsense.

It’s only after society knocks you down a few times that you realize how foolish you once were…

“Alright.”

Guo Qiang chuckled as he sized Xiao Yu up and accepted the cigarette with a smile.

In this line of work, at least eight out of ten officers smoke—no exaggeration.

Late nights are routine, and overtime is the norm.

With such high pressure at work, a cigarette is essential for keeping alert.

“Hehe.”

Xiao Yu smiled and slapped the cigarette pack into Guo Qiang’s hand: “Master, keep it—I don’t smoke.”

Guo Qiang squinted, wondering why his master would offer cigarettes if he didn’t even smoke.

This kid’s got some spunk.

He’s well-versed in the ways of the world—a real sharp cookie!

Masters prefer smart apprentices; no one wants someone who’s dimwitted.

Being smart means being quick on the uptake—solving cases is all about brainpower…

“Let’s go.”

Guo Qiang tucked his cigarettes away and, grinning, waved his hand: “Master will show you the ropes.”

Xiao Yu nodded with a smile and followed right behind Guo Qiang…

On his very first day, he took a small step within the unit.

That small step might take other trainees a week, a month, or even several months to muster.

Before long, Guo Qiang drove Xiao Yu to a location.

Sure enough, just as Xiao Yu had suspected.

A crime scene!

Among all parts of a case, the crime scene is the most crucial.

At that moment, Xiao Yu and Guo Qiang crouched in a storage room.

They examined the plaster lines on the floor and a few patches of dark, stained blood.

“The crime occurred four days ago.”

Guo Qiang said in a serious tone, “Based on the investigation, the victim died after being hit on the back of the head with a blunt object, fracturing the skull…”

“The murder weapon has not been found—a large wrench, crowbar, or steel bar…”

“Since this is a private small factory and the storage room is only a backup, the cameras were on but not recording.”

“The prime suspects are the factory workers. However, after a thorough check, most were found to have no time to commit the crime.”

“So far, only two female suspects have been identified. Both are short in stature, and judging by the extent of the skull fracture on the victim, though they seem most suspicious, they likely couldn’t have mustered the strength—it’s 90% likely the culprit was an adult male…”

“Our superiors handed the case over to our unit with a deadline—at most two weeks to crack it.”

At that point, Guo Qiang glanced at the still-dazed Xiao Yu and grinned: “Scared, huh?”

He assumed Xiao Yu was shocked by the murder case.

Actually, he wasn’t.

Xiao Yu was indeed in a daze because, after years of silence, the system had finally spoken.

【Ding, Alert Case Check-In Activated.】

【The host may choose to check in or opt out.】

【If opting out, the next check-in opportunity will not occur until a year later.】

【If checking in, the host must participate in the investigation to earn system rewards.】

【Should the host solve the case, further system abilities will be rewarded.】

【If the host fails, the system-granted abilities will be revoked.】

【May I ask, host: do you want to check in?】

Is that even a question?

Xiao Yu silently thought: Check in!

…