Because Ming Wei treated everyone to soda, the news that he had lost to Xue Xingzhou spread to everyone.

Someone asked doubtfully, "For real?"

"Of course it’s real. Didn’t Brother Ming buy us all soda?"

"No way. Him?"

"Hey, don’t you dare underestimate Xue Xingzhou. Never mind this time—just look at his performance in all the previous cases. That kid’s a real talent. Even the director praised him last time. Plus, he’s a top graduate from the Public Security University, better than us in every way."

"Hmph. It’s true he’s a top student, but to say his disassembly and shooting skills are even better than Ming Wei’s... I’ll have to see that for myself. Let’s see if he’s as amazing as you all claim."

"The big competition is tomorrow. You’ll see then."

The next morning, the first event was hand-to-hand combat. This year’s rules were different from previous years. Before, they would draw numbers to find opponents and select the winner in a final match. This year, they had surprisingly switched to a king-of-the-hill format. Each person only had one chance to enter the ring. The winner had to stay on the platform until someone defeated them, at which point the new victor would take their place as defender of the ring.

More leaders were in attendance this year, too. Director Guo from the Public Security Bureau and his subordinate leaders were all present. There was also a man in civilian clothes sitting next to the director, his eyes fixed on the ring.

Xue Xingzhou was the seventh to enter the ring, as the current champion on the platform had already defeated the previous five challengers.

The man smirked when he saw Xue Xingzhou come up, clearly recognizing him. "What’s a kid like you doing up here so early? Here to pad my numbers?"

Xue Xingzhou didn’t say a word, simply gesturing for him to come.

"Heh, you’re asking for a beating." Then he lunged at Xue Xingzhou.

With almost no effort, after just a few moves, Xue Xingzhou sent the man flying off the platform with a single kick.

"Whoa—"

The people in the audience, most of whom were Xue Xingzhou’s own teammates, leaped to their feet and cheered wildly for him.

Hu Shaojie narrowed his eyes as he watched Xue Xingzhou’s clean and decisive movements. He turned to Director Guo and asked, "What’s the name of the one on the platform?"

Director Guo glanced at Xue Xingzhou, then said proudly, "That’s Xue Xingzhou. He was specially recruited from the Public Security University last year. He was the one who discovered the clue in the last bank vault robbery case."

Director Guo was quite familiar with Xue Xingzhou. It wasn’t just because he had earned merit last time, but also because they had been through a rigorous selection process when picking people from the Public Security University. In the end, only three were chosen, and Xue Xingzhou was one of them. The leadership valued them highly.

Hu Shaojie watched Xue Xingzhou and murmured, "So he’s a top graduate from the Public Security University. No wonder."

In no time at all, Xue Xingzhou had already defeated three more people. Everyone planning to go up next straightened up, no longer daring to underestimate the kid.

After half an hour, Xue Xingzhou lost his patience.

"Let’s get another one up here. You know what, just send two at once."

The crowd below began to stir.

"This kid wants to fight two at once? He’s too arrogant! Old Liu, get up there and knock his teeth out!"

It wasn’t just the crowd that was excited; even the leaders on the viewing platform were no longer sitting upright. They leaned forward, hands on the table, watching with intense focus.

THUD— They were kicked off the platform.

"Sigh, what an embarrassment for Team Two. Two of them couldn’t even beat one guy."

"If you’re so good, you go up! Stop running your mouth from the sidelines."

"..." ’It’s not like I could beat him either.’

All the subsequent matches were two-on-one, and Xue Xingzhou won with almost no suspense.

Hu Shaojie stood up excitedly and was the first to applaud. Director Guo also rose with a smile, clapping along.

Hu Shaojie laughed and exclaimed, "What a talent! A real talent! Old Guo, your department is full of hidden talents."

Director Guo laughed heartily. "Of course! Don’t you underestimate my people."

Hu Shaojie smiled and nodded. "I’ll have to see them in a new light. But Old Guo, isn’t a guy like this a bit wasted in your Public Security Bureau? Why not let him come to our State Security?"

Hearing this, the smile on Director Guo’s face instantly froze. He glared at him. "I knew it, Hu Shaojie! I knew you never show up unless you want something! So that’s why you were so ’kind’ as to watch our competition and suggest this king-of-the-hill idea. You were planning to poach my people all along! Let me tell you, no way! Not a chance in hell! Now get out of here. You’re not welcome!"

The commotion on the platform was a bit loud. It was the first time many people had seen Director Guo argue with someone, especially in front of so many people. Everyone watched them with curiosity.

Hu Shaojie glanced down at the crowd, then lowered his voice. "Old Guo, let’s talk this over. I’m not asking for him for free. I’ll make it worth your while."

Director Guo paused, his eyes darting. "What’s in it for me?"

Hu Shaojie clapped his hands together. "How about two bottles of Maotai?"

Director Guo shot him a look. "Get lost! What the hell? You think I’m short on two bottles of Maotai? What kind of person do you take me for?"

Then, ignoring Hu Shaojie completely, he strode away. ’What a joke,’ he thought. ’Trying to buy me off with two bottles of Maotai. What a daydreamer.’

Hu Shaojie blinked. ’This guy’s temper hasn’t changed one bit. Still so hot-headed. Aren’t we negotiating? If he’s not satisfied, I can always offer more.’

Hu Shaojie glanced down below and met Xue Xingzhou’s gaze. He gave him a smile, then chased after Director Guo.

After the leaders on the platform had left, the members of Team One swarmed the ring, surrounding Xue Xingzhou and all talking at once.

"You kid, I knew we weren’t wrong about you! You really did Team One proud! You should’ve seen the guys from Team Two, all hanging their heads like wilted eggplants. It was hilarious!"

"Exactly! I still remember the last competition when our team lost and they laughed at us. They’d mock us every time they saw us. This time, we’re definitely getting them back."

Even Ming Wei came over with a smile to congratulate Xue Xingzhou. "I never would’ve guessed. You must be a trained martial artist, right? That’s not something you learn in a day or two."

Xue Xingzhou smiled and said, "Born with it."

Everyone was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing. No one thought Xue Xingzhou was being arrogant; they just found the talented kid to be quite humorous.

Actually, what Xue Xingzhou said wasn’t entirely a lie. He had brought the skills he’d learned in a past life to this era. Perhaps it was fate, or maybe destiny.

And so, the first day of the competition ended. Team One took first place, but Team Two was naturally unconvinced. They had to win the shooting competition on the second day. That night, some were still training at the shooting range in the middle of the night.

Those who had seen Xue Xingzhou compete against Ming Wei pinned their hopes on him.

Those who hadn’t seen him in action just assumed Team Two must have had an off day.

On the second day, the shooting range was packed again. Hu Shaojie wasn’t the only one from State Security today; two more had come with him, and they all stood on the leaders’ platform.

When Director Guo saw Hu Shaojie pointing at Xue Xingzhou while talking to the two people beside him, he rolled his eyes.