Hu Shaojie grinned at Director Guo.

"Old Guo, that was ages ago. How can you be so petty and hold a grudge for this long?"

Director Guo waved a dismissive hand at him. "Cut the crap. I’m not as cunning as you. You’re welcome to visit, but if you’re thinking of poaching my people, I’m telling you, it’s impossible."

Hu Shaojie clicked his tongue. Just as he was about to start negotiating, he caught Xue Xingzhou watching them with great interest out of the corner of his eye.

"You head back first. Think it over carefully. You can serve the people anywhere, but your value will be better recognized at the National Security Agency."

Seeing that his director didn’t say anything, Xue Xingzhou left.

After Xue Xingzhou was gone, Hu Shaojie laid his cards on the table.

"Old Guo, you know I’m here on orders from above. We’re both just following commands. No matter where Xue Xingzhou goes, he’s serving the country."

Director Guo snorted. "You don’t need to tell me that. Is working at our police department not serving the country? Is his talent being wasted here?"

Hu Shaojie said helplessly, "That’s not what I mean. It’s just that the National Security Agency needs him more right now. Old Guo, I’m determined to have Xue Xingzhou. Stop putting on airs and just name your price."

Director Guo raised his voice. "How am I putting on airs? I—"

"Thirty Type 92 pistols—" Hu Shaojie said slowly.

Director Guo was instantly silenced. His eyes went wide as he stared at Hu Shaojie, his mind racing. Then he countered, "Forty."

"Deal." Hu Shaojie sealed it with a word.

Director Guo froze for a moment. ’He agreed so quickly,’ he thought. ’Did I ask for too little?’

Hu Shaojie said to Director Guo, "And that Zhao Gazi, give him to me too. His marksmanship is excellent; he’ll be of greater use at the National Security Agency."

Since he had already given one away, the other didn’t matter as much. Director Guo nodded. "Fine, take him. But what about your promise? When will you make good on it?"

Hu Shaojie said, "I’ll report back first, then file the application. Don’t worry. Since I’ve given my word, I won’t short you."

Hearing this, Director Guo felt relieved. He knew Hu Shaojie. Although the man was cunning and full of tricks, his word was his bond.

"You’ll have to be the one to talk to Xue Xingzhou. He listens to you right now," Hu Shaojie said to Director Guo.

"Mm."

"Give me Xue Xingzhou’s file when you’re done. You must have investigated his background when you specially recruited him, right?"

Director Guo shot him a look. "Isn’t that obvious? We don’t just take anyone. By the way, there’s something special about this Xue Xingzhou. His biological father is Zheng Guofeng from the Ministry of Commerce. He was raised by his adoptive father. Zheng Guofeng’s background is a bit unusual."

Hu Shaojie nodded. "We’ll run another check."

Xue Xingzhou had no idea that his director had already traded him for forty Type 92 pistols.

Xue Xingzhou returned to his squad, and everyone gathered around to ask, "Who was that guy? What did he want with you?"

Just then, the captain of Squad One looked at Big Liu with dissatisfaction. "What are you prying for? Why so curious? If a superior is looking for someone, it’s obviously for a reason."

Then he said to Xue Xingzhou, "Don’t tell them everything. Keeping a tight lip is the first lesson we learn."

Xue Xingzhou raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t planned on explaining anyway.

That evening, Xue Xingzhou rode his motorcycle home. Zhang Qian stared in amazement at the motorcycle in the courtyard.

"Where did this come from? It looks so new!"

Xue Xingzhou said with a smile, "Guess?"

Zhang Qian gave him a searching look. "Didn’t you say motorcycles are too conspicuous? Why did you buy one?"

Xue Xingzhou shook his head. "I didn’t buy it. It’s a reward from the department."

Zhang Qian circled him. "Well now, look at you. Moving up in the world. Did you perform another great service?"

Xue Xingzhou tilted his head smugly. "Your husband here took first place in two events at the grand competition. This is the prize."

Zhang Qian’s eyes widened slightly. "You’re that good?"

Xue Xingzhou raised an eyebrow at her. "Mhm, surprised?"

Zhang Qian thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Actually, not really. I heard from my dad that you got first place on the entrance exam for the town police department back then, too. Tsk tsk, honey, you’re just too amazing."

Xue Xingzhou leaned in close to her and whispered, "So, do I get a reward?"

Zhang Qian glanced toward the kitchen and said in a low voice, "Didn’t the department already reward you with a motorcycle? Why are you asking me for a reward?"

Xue Xingzhou didn’t speak, just looked at her with deep, meaningful eyes.

Zhang Qian pursed her lips, stood on her tiptoes, and gave him a quick kiss on the corner of his mouth. "There, happy?"

Xue Xingzhou smiled. "Let’s have Xing Jun put Tun Tun to bed tonight."

The meaning behind his words was obvious. Zhang Qian blushed and nodded. "I’ll go... discuss it with our son in a bit."

When Xue Xingjun and Zhang Yunlei got back, they both glanced curiously at the motorcycle parked in the courtyard.

Xue Xingjun’s first thought was that his brother had bought a motorcycle.

He shouted into the house, "Big Brother, did you buy a motorcycle?"

Hearing the shout, Xue Xingzhou came out. "What are you yelling about?"

Xue Xingjun said excitedly, "Big Brother, did you buy this?"

Only then did Xue Xingzhou smile and tell him, "It’s a reward from my department."

Hearing that, Xue Xingjun jumped for joy. "I knew it! Big Brother, you’re so amazing! You didn’t even have to spend any money. You’re even more amazing than Brother-in-law!"

Xue Xingzhou couldn’t help but laugh. "Careful, or your brother-in-law will hear you and get jealous."

Xue Xingjun chuckled. "Brother-in-law is generous. He wouldn’t."

The next day, as soon as Xue Xingzhou arrived, Director Guo called him into his office.

"Director, you wanted to see me?"

Director Guo took a sip of his tea and looked at Xue Xingzhou, feeling a real pang of regret. ’To finally get my hands on a once-in-a-century talent, only to have him poached just like that...’ But then he thought of those dozens of pistols and managed to restrain himself.

He sighed. "Xiao Xue, you’re a real talent, and I value you highly. But the National Security Agency has its eye on you, too. You may not know this, but they have more pull than we do. My hands are tied; I have to follow orders. Old Hu is a decent guy. He might not be the most scrupulous friend, but his dedication to the country is beyond question. Working under him, you’ll have a brighter future. So, even though I can’t bear to let you go, I can’t hold you back."

Xue Xingzhou’s brow furrowed slightly.

Director Guo continued, "Xiao Xue, Section Chief Hu will be here this afternoon to pick you up. The police department will always be your home. Don’t you forget us." He even started to sound sentimental.

Xue Xingzhou stared at him for a few moments. Director Guo waved a hand at him. "Go on back and say goodbye to your team."

As Xue Xingzhou turned to leave, he abruptly spun back around and said softly to Director Guo, "Director, you got something out of this, didn’t you?"

Although he had spoken softly, Director Guo still heard him. His gaze faltered for a second. He blinked, trying his best to look serious. "What are you talking about, you brat? Am I that kind of person?"

Xue Xingzhou shot him a look and quickly opened the door to leave, afraid Director Guo would fly into a rage from embarrassment and hit him.

Watching Xue Xingzhou flee, Director Guo laughed out loud. "That kid is sharp. He’s really cut out for this line of work."