Chapter 93: Forget It, I

I don’t want to hear it… Yu Dazhang strongly disliked the other’s approach.

Investigating me behind my back, and now reading it out loud in front of me.

Brother, are you even polite?

Seeing Yu Dazhang didn’t react, Li Mingzhao continued reading on his own:

“Yu Dazhang, 23 years old, graduated from Songhai Police Academy, completed a two-month internship with the Public Order Unit, then transferred to the Third Criminal Investigation Team of Hongkou Branch.”

“During his time in the Third Team, he assisted in solving one theft case, later transferred to the First Team.”

“Subsequently joined the special task force, serving as a probationary officer and leading the team to solve a case of identity substitution.”

“Now, your report from a few days ago.”

Li Mingzhao set the file aside and picked up a file folder from the other side of the desk.

He pulled out a document, flipped through two pages, then continued:

“Found the missing officer and the lost service weapon in just one day.”

“And located them in a mountain village fifty kilometers away.”

“Then eliminated every violent criminal in the village.”

“Men, women, old, young—you didn’t spare a single one, and each had a justifiable reason for being killed.”

Li Mingzhao returned the document to the folder, his face breaking into a smile again:

“Flawless in detail—your report is excellent.”

Yu Dazhang hadn’t spoken a single word since entering the room.

Yet he felt he had spoken volumes.

This was Guoan!

Making you slip into their rhythm without realizing it.

Effortless, seamless, as if you had no right to secrets in front of them.

“Relax, no need to be nervous,” Li Mingzhao said casually, like chatting with a friend:

“Look at you—you’re sweating.”

Hearing this, Yu Dazhang unconsciously reached up to touch his forehead.

No sweat!

His expression twisted with embarrassment.

“Leader, just say what you need to say. You’re busy—no need to waste your time on me.”

Yu Dazhang was done playing along with the Guoan officers.

He’d wiped his brow, he’d been awkward, he’d given them their emotional value—now just get to the point.

“There’s no special matter—I just wanted to meet you,” Li Mingzhao said, locking eyes with him:

“Want to keep working with us on this case?”

Yu Dazhang didn’t hesitate:

“No.”

Li Mingzhao, taken aback by the refusal, paused for a moment before asking again:

“Aren’t you the least bit curious about how the case turns out?”

Yu Dazhang shook his head:

“Not curious. I’ve only just been confirmed in my position—I’m happy just doing my job well.”

He wasn’t truly uncurious—he just dared not be.

If he agreed to keep working with them, he’d be stepping onto a long, perilous path.

These past few days, he’d been thinking nonstop about the case.

Were all the villagers arrested?

The answer was no.

Even if every person in the village had been detained, some would still slip through.

Twenty-four years…

There’s a saying: time changes people, and it changes many things.

During that time, some would’ve decided they’d made enough money and retired abroad.

And they’d know they’d eventually be held accountable, so they’d choose countries with no extradition treaties with China.

Letting them go was impossible.

So someone had to take on a long-term job…

Manhunt.

What could he contribute by cooperating with Guoan?

Or rather—what about him had Guoan noticed?

The answer was obvious: his exceptional tracking ability.

When Li Mingzhao said “found the missing officer in one day,” Yu Dazhang had already grown wary.

Why would someone randomly investigate him? They must’ve noticed some skill of his.

Working with Guoan on a case? What a joke.

Was a lowly little cop like him even qualified?

Saying yes was easy—just nod. But turning back? Impossible.

“Comrade Yu Dazhang, you must complete this manhunt mission at all costs.”

He’d already anticipated exactly what they’d say.

Not word for word, but close enough.

When they tell you to spare no cost—you are the cost.

This job couldn’t be taken. He was still young, his ideological awareness insufficient—he needed more study.

Please… collect… 6…9…books…!

“Honest thoughts?”

Li Mingzhao stared straight into Yu Dazhang’s eyes, as if peering into his soul.

Yu Dazhang put on the look of an innocent boy, blinking innocently:

“My master told me: know your limits. As a police officer, even more so. I still have much to learn—I won’t cause trouble for the leaders.”

“Don’t you want to advance?” Li Mingzhao pressed.

I want to advance so badly… but I can’t take on your job… Yu Dazhang smiled sheepishly:

“Ability can’t be forced.”

He added silently to himself: switching maps too early is a fatal mistake.

After a few more exchanges, seeing Yu Dazhang’s firm stance, Li Mingzhao reluctantly gave up.

After Yu Dazhang left, Li Mingzhao stared at the door and muttered:

“Clever kid.”

Ye Lin, who had been standing behind him, stepped forward:

“Team Leader, according to his personnel file, he’s fully capable of joining us.”

Hearing this, Li Mingzhao waved his hand:

“That doesn’t prove anything—it just means he’s got a bit of cleverness, and a lot of luck.”

“So do we still include him in the manhunt team?” Ye Lin asked.

In her view, this was a rare opportunity—and a test.

Joining Guoan wasn’t just about having a polished resume.

Li Mingzhao tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, thinking for a long moment before speaking:

“Too inexperienced. Needs more time to mature. Skip him this time.”

After leaving the building, Yu Dazhang sprinted down the stairs and only exhaled once outside.

He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand.

This time, he really was sweating.

When you’re low-ranking, avoid contact with superiors as much as possible.

A single word from them can decide your future.

To earn favor, you must pay a price.

Do you really think flattery will get you promoted?

There’s a saying in the workplace worth remembering:

Ten thousand compliments mean nothing compared to one task properly done for your boss.

Forget it—this fat body of mine isn’t worth the trouble.

He returned to his stakeout spot and waited until the end of his shift.

The stakeout was to assist Economic Crime investigators in monitoring a corporate executive.

No need to watch him 24/7—once he left work, the Economic Crime team took over.

After all, it was their case; the brigade only sent two officers temporarily to help.

This kind of duty was the easiest in the Criminal Investigation Unit—essentially a favor to Yu Dazhang.

When he got home that night, Yu Dazhang had just finished dinner when he received a call from Team Leader Li Jun.

"You'll need to work overtime tonight—our district's private hospital reported a case of child abandonment."

"Got it, I'm leaving now," Yu Dazhang replied quickly:

"Give me the hospital's name and address."

(End of Chapter)