“Hey hey, Xu Lan. Don’t you think you’ve had enough rest? Would you like to be reinstated? After all, your suspension is meant to be temporary as it was for investigative purposes.” After offering Xu Lan a glass of water, Lao Chen took a seat. He was smiling and leaning on the table as he spoke.

“Uh, a distant relative came to visit. I want to spend more time with him,” Xu Lan replied unenthusiastically.

“Seeing how we’re always out and about, why don’t you get your relative to tag along? He’s in for a free city tour,” Lao Chen chuckled as he insisted.

Xu Lan’s subordinates had a lot to say about being under Meng Chengjun’s leadership. As the case became increasingly complicated, a task force was assembled to deal with it. Thus, it became harder for Meng Chengjun to manage the subordinates.

“Hmm, this could work. However, I’m planning to show him around Dali, Lijiang, or even Jiuzhaigou.” Xu Lan realized what his main problem was — he needed money!

“Director-General, when will my claim be approved? Back then, we agreed unanimously to splurge on setting up the trap. I heard that Lao Meng is currently engaging the same method too. Seeing how we share the same goal of cracking the case, it’s only fair if you give us equal treatment.”

Xu Lan was good with words and gave off a bad boy vibe. His tone, build, and the scar on his brow seemed to suggest that he was ready to fight at any moment. It was Xu Lan’s intention to show Lao Chen his place.

Meng Chengjun was Lao Chen’s brother-in-law, which was why Lao Chen roped him in when the case was almost closing — to let him take credit. Unfortunately, the suspect made preparations and turned this into a cross-border issue, putting Meng Chengjun in a difficult position.

“Cough, cough. It’ll happen soon. Given the huge sum, it’s natural for the procedures to be slightly complicated. Just get yourself reinstated and I’ll have the finance department approve a part of your claim. As for the remaining sum, we would still need the approval from higher-ups,” Lao Chen smiled as he spoke. He was running his fingers through his hair, in an attempt to cover up his shiny bald spot.

“Sure. I’ll make the necessary preparations. I’m going to show him around the city and get him to familiarize with it. As for the bigger trips, I can hold it off till I get my money back.” Xu Lan stood up and left with the packet of Chunghwa cigarettes that was on Lao Chen’s table.

“Ugh! Who does he think he is?” Lao Chen roared right after the door was closed. He slammed the ashtray against the door to vent his frustration.

Right after he left the office, Xu Lan bumped into Wang Hao, to whom he immediately tossed the packet of Chunghwa to.

“Eh? Sergeant Xu, what did the Director-General tell you? Did he mention about your reinstatement?” Wang Hao queried enthusiastically as he struggled to catch the packet of cigarettes.

Xu Lan glanced at him and drove him into the corner.

“Have you seen my distant relative yet?” Xu Lan asked secretively. Wang Hao nodded.

“Here’s the deal. He’s from a poor family and has barely received any education. During my disappearance, I was actually spending time at his house. Seeing how he didn’t even have enough food and clothes at home, I felt obliged to bring him over. What should I do if I want him to be formally educated?”

Wang Hao listened in disbelief as Xu Lan described his charitable efforts. He was surprised by how Xu Lan had a soft heart. After all, Xu Lan was the man who chased the culprit down with a knife in his hand and ended up with seven stitches.

“Cough, cough. Sergeant Xu, my girlfriend and I are still in a very early stage of the relationship. I’m not sure about this,” Wang Hao scratched his head as he said.

“Pft, I was expecting for you to have improved during my time away. I guess I’ll have to think of a way myself,” Xu Lan said as he shook his head in disappointment.

‘… what?’ Wang Hao thought.

“Where do I find a world full of fresh flowers, if only…”

“Hello?” Xu Lan picked up the phone. The caller was the teacher at the school. “Alright, I’ll come over now.”

“Can the members of Team 2 please gather here? We’ve received a report; Someone suicided.” Meng Chengjun put his hat on as he descended the stairs hurriedly.

He was surprised by the sight of Xu Lan. After the initial shock wore off, he broke into a huge grin.

“Sergeant Xu, you’re back? I’ll buy you a meal another day. I’m quite busy today.”

“Don’t worry, focus on your tasks. I’m leaving soon.” Xu Lan waved his phone and kicked Wang Hao away from him.

Wang Hao took a few steps backward. After regaining his balance and tidying his outfit, he replied, “Wang Hao reports!”

“Fall in and head out!”