Chapter 718: Returning as a Youth

Book Chapter 718: Returning as a Youth (Update 1)

National Security Minister’s Office. Lin

“Du Yuda, 42 years old, from City N, a priest from a church in City N… He is part of the cult ‘Divine Emissary’ and is skilled in hypnosis-like techniques using drugs, props, portraits, and subtle inducements to plunge others into deep hypnotic states and trigger hallucinations…”

“Seven years ago, he connected with a private foreign power and became a supplier of Corpse Oil, trading it for enormous wealth…”

“He even killed victims in order to extract Corpse Oil…”

Xiao Yu stood at the desk with a grave expression, briefing the pensive Old Man on the details of the ‘Living Corpse Refinement’ case.

The Old Man’s wrinkles were as deeply etched as if carved by a knife.

He slowly raised his head and gazed at Xiao Yu.

Unconsciously, a smile tugged at his lips.

For a moment, the Old Man sighed softly.

Having this youngster around certainly brought comfort.

The case report no longer mattered.

What mattered was that he was back!

“One First-Class Merit.”

The Old Man’s face flushed as he uttered those words.

There was nothing he could do.

How can you control an entity who cannot be restrained or rewarded?

What choice did you have?

Not only was he troubled, but his superiors were as well.

Remember, Xiao Yu was only 25 years old this year.

At 25, he was a First-Class Police Superintendent—a group leader under National Security, commanding nine Special Forces teams.

The Old Man had been considering retirement, planning to hand over his position to the young man before him.

Could that really be possible?

At 25, carrying the weight of National Security—what kind of joke is this?

The Old Man was in a quandary…

“Really?”

The Boss’s words made Xiao Yu’s eyes light up with surprise. “That’s fantastic!”

How many First-Class Merits had he earned himself?

First-Class Merit: 9 times.

Tenth First-Class Merit (National Honor): 5 times.

No, it’s 6 times now.

This brought him one step closer to his ultimate goal!

Just imagine the day he clinched the National Honor!

Xiao Yu planned to parade in front of Mu Qingwu, showing off with an air of complete detachment from all ties.

He wanted to show Sister Qingwu what a real man looked like in a woman’s eyes.

Yeah, that was the joyful decision!

“Ha ha!”

The Old Man chuckled, shaking his head as he turned his gaze from the window and said calmly, “Some people never learn to be content, while others always know the joy of satisfaction. Sometimes, I wonder whether you’re just a youth or someone who’s seen through the world.”

“Boss, don’t say that.”

Xiao Yu grinned widely and said, “I’m still just a kid!”

The Old Man: …

If I weren’t so old, I’d love to knock some sense into you.

Kid… where’s your face?

A trace of emotion softly emerged on the Old Man’s weathered face, melting into a wistful smile.

How many years had it been since someone joked with him like this?

Nowadays, how many still dared to joke with him like that?

Though he looked at Xiao Yu, the Old Man’s thoughts drifted back countless years.

He silently recalled his youth, remembering the companions who had stood by him back then.

Recollecting that blazing youth of his…

Xiao Yu looked at the Old Man calmly, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Age brings both loneliness and solitude.

They cherished reminiscing and recounting the old days.

Facing the Old Man, Xiao Yu felt deep-seated respect and awe.

Yet he couldn’t help thinking that in a few years, he too would become such an imposing figure.

This thought filled Xiao Yu with a tinge of melancholy.

He never intended to reach the top; he just wished to live freely.

But how many truly manage to control their own lives?

Yet, as of today…

Xiao Yu felt he hadn’t shamed his country, nor disgraced the time travelers.

Suddenly, it struck him—returning as a youth!

“Your rank and duties in National Security have reached their peak, but merit must be rewarded—that’s the rule.”

Coming back to himself, the Old Man glanced at Xiao Yu and sighed softly, “We old-timers have agreed to bump up your rank in the Police Department by one level.”

Xiao Yu: ???

He quickly caught on.

He held dual positions—one in the Police Department and the other in National Security.

It seemed he was still a First-Class Police Inspector in terms of rank.

Wow, a dual role as Police Superintendent?

Who knew it worked like that?

It sure did!

Though both belonged to the police system,

the Police Department and National Security are independent systems.

Their ranks differ—the police rank is not the same as the National Security rank.

It’s like comparing Criminal Police and Armed Police—both are cops.

But one is a police title and the other a military rank.

Can they be the same?

“Third-Class Police Superintendent?”

Xiao Yu’s handsome face betrayed a mix of emotions as he said, “But…”

“Don’t worry.”

The Old Man shook his head, his wise eyes sparkling as he smiled serenely, “I know how much you love being a cop and cracking cases, and you’re reluctant to leave Bincheng’s Criminal Investigation Team. Now that your team’s instructor has retired, it’s your turn to take over.”

Xiao Yu was momentarily stunned, his expression suddenly dawning with realization.

Time flew by—he hadn’t expected it to pass so quickly.

Only then did he recall that Zhou Tinghu was indeed retiring…

“Go back and spend time with your sister and your child.”

The Old Man waved off with a smile, “Also, see off your former boss.”

Xiao Yu nodded, saluted the Old Man, and left the office.

Yes, there was someone to bid farewell…

……

Bincheng, Night – Outside a restaurant.

An elder and a youngster stood by the roadside, cigarette in hand, gazing at the starry sky.

“I’m getting old.”

Zhou Tinghu, beaming with delight like a seasoned elder, extended his hand and patted Xiao Yu on the shoulder. “There was a time when we both chased the light, but now I can’t go any further. It’s up to you now. Though shadows may fall along this path, if you keep looking forward, you’ll always see the light… Keep moving forward (Wang, Li, Zhao) and don’t look back!”

“Mm.”

Xiao Yu nodded heavily, then reached out and embraced his boss by the shoulder.

They were like colleagues, partners, brothers—like mentors and protégés.

Both laughed as they gazed up at the starry sky.

It’s often best when people first meet.

After all, under the sky, we share the paths we once walked together.

Though all gatherings eventually disperse, a little distance is fine.

We can chat endlessly, meeting whenever we imagine.

A cellphone rang, its soothing melody gradually filling the air…

A gentle, lazy sea breeze.

It whispered over towering peaks.

Warm winds.

Peaks of mountains.

They became my mountain breeze.

Why aren’t you here?

I ask the mountain breeze if you’ll return…

Amid the song.

Xiao Yu raised his hand and performed a military salute to Zhou Tinghu.

Boss, have a good rest—leave the rest to me!

Wen

Xue