The next day, at the Red Star Street Police Station, in the office.

Qi Yun sat down on the sofa, picked up the teacup in front of him and took a few sips, then asked, "Brother Ma, why did you call me over so early in the morning? Your voice was so loud over the phone, my wife thought I'd gotten into trouble."

Ma Baoguo's face was full of joy as he quickly handed over a file folder, with an apologetic expression he said, "I really apologize, Brother Qi, for disrupting your sweet dreams."

"But this is really urgent, I only got the notification from the city bureau this morning." He paused, pointing to the file folder, "This is the application material for the Ten Outstanding Youths of the City selection. You need to fill it out now, I have to rush it to the city bureau, and today is the deadline."

Qi Yun was slightly startled, his gaze falling on the file folder Ma Baoguo handed over, showing a trace of surprise on his face.

He put down the teacup in his hand, took the file folder, and asked suspiciously, "Ten Outstanding Youths?"

"That's right, the director personally gave me this task." Ma Baoguo said as he sat down on the sofa, patting Qi Yun's shoulder, "This time we not only busted a large human trafficking ring, but also successfully rescued several abducted children. You've contributed a lot to this."

"After discussions, the leaders above decided to give you a spot in the Ten Outstanding Youths of the City selection, which is quite an honor."

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun couldn't help but blush, scratching his head in embarrassment and saying, "That's all well and good, but I'm already in my thirties, can I still be considered young?"

Ma Baoguo waved his hand, showing a helpless expression on his face, explaining, "Brother Qi, you're only 34 this year. According to the regulations, anyone under 35 is considered young, and in special cases, it can even be relaxed to 40."

"So don't worry about it, just fill out the materials and submit them, everything else has been coordinated above."

After hearing this, Qi Yun didn't ask any more questions. He picked up the pen from the table and quickly filled it out.

Once the materials were completed, Ma Baoguo took them and carefully looked them over, then placed them back into the file and said, "I'll take this to the city bureau later."

Qi Yun nodded, stood up and prepared to leave, "Alright, if there's nothing else, I'll get going. I'll find some time to treat you to a meal another day."

"Hey, don't rush off just yet." Ma Baoguo quickly stood up and pulled his arm, with a somewhat flattering smile, "Now that business is done, there's a personal favor I'd like to ask you, Brother Qi."

Qi Yun raised an eyebrow and looked at him, then sat back down on the sofa with a soft laugh, "Brother Ma, with our friendship, there's no need to talk about favors. If you need anything, just ask. If I can help, I definitely won't refuse."

"Brother Qi, you're really straightforward!" Ma Baoguo gave a thumbs-up in praise, taking out a pack of soft 'Zhonghua' cigarettes from a drawer, he pulled out one and handed it over, lighting one for himself before opening up.

"Brother Qi, you know, I'm over forty now. If nothing unexpected happens, I'll probably retire at this level."

Qi Yun nodded lightly upon hearing this. He understood that in this environment, without background and lacking opportunities, deputy section chief was indeed the career peak for many, and quite a few people spend their whole lives struggling to reach even this level.

"However, thanks to this human trafficking case, I've gained some credit sharing your glory, and now I hope to take another step forward."

At this point, Ma Baoguo paused, took a drag from his cigarette, then looked up at Qi Yun with a solemn expression.

"I've heard that there's an opening for a police squad chief in the New District public security bureau, and I'm hoping to vie for it."

"But you know, Brother Ma, I don't have much of a background, lacking someone to speak on my behalf. So I'd like to ask you to help me speak with Director Zhang at the city bureau on my behalf."

"With the credit from this case, plus Director Zhang speaking up for me, I think the chances of success are quite high!"

Qi Yun heard this and did not immediately respond. He rubbed the teacup in his hands, pondering inwardly.

Although the position of police squad chief is not high, it's usually just a section chief level, but it carries significant authority, far beyond what a station director can manage.

And once at that position, the opportunities for advancement in the future are greater.

However, because of this, competition must be extremely fierce.

He was not sure if Zhang Dayong had already made arrangements, so he dared not agree rashly.

Ma Baoguo seemed to see his difficulty, quickly put out his cigarette, leaned forward, and spoke with more sincerity: "Brother Qi, I know this is difficult for you, but this might be my only chance."

Saying this, he swallowed hard, cast a glance at the door, and continued, "Don't worry, Brother Ma, I am not ungrateful. If you help me this time..."

Qi Yun raised his hand to interrupt him, sighing softly, and said, "Brother Ma, talking like this between us is too formal. I truly treat you as a friend, Ma."

"Yes, yes, I'm well aware of what kind of person you are, Brother Qi." Ma Baoguo nodded repeatedly.

Qi Yun's gaze fell on the file folder on the coffee table. After pondering for a while, he slowly spoke, "How about this, I'll arrange a dinner with Director Zhang tonight, you come too. As for whether it'll work out, I can't give you a guarantee."

Upon hearing this, Ma Baoguo's eyes lit up with hope, and he excitedly shook Qi Yun's right hand vigorously, "Brother Qi! I will remember this favor! If there's anything you need from me, just ask!"

Qi Yun smiled, patting the other's shoulder, "Haha, no need for formalities with me, saying that makes us strangers."

"Alright then, you go on with your work, I'll sort it out and call you tonight."

"Okay, I'll see you out." Ma Baoguo stood up, full of joy, and saw Qi Yun to his car, watching him get in before turning back to the police station.

After getting into the car, Qi Yun lit a cigarette, furrowed his brows in thought for a few minutes, then took out his phone and dialed Zhang Dayong's number.

The call was answered after just two rings.

"Haha, I was just thinking about getting together for lunch, and here you are calling." On the other end, Zhang Dayong's voice sounded full of energy, quite unlike when Qi Yun last saw him at the New District public security bureau.

It seems the address Qi Yun provided earlier helped him out of a tight spot.

Qi Yun laughed heartily, "What a coincidence, I was just thinking of inviting you to dinner tonight."

"Anything important?" Zhang Dayong asked directly.

"Haha, nothing major." Qi Yun paused and continued, "Director Ma from Red Star Street wants to report some work to you, is that convenient?"

"Hmm?" Zhang Dayong wasn't born yesterday, he immediately understood the implication, and laughed, "Okay, invite him along tonight."

"Alright, I'll book the place and send you the location." With that, Qi Yun hung up the phone.

Though he didn't make it explicit, his attitude conveyed enough, and he believed Zhang Dayong would understand.

At dinner tonight, he wouldn't say a word.

If Zhang Dayong had arrangements for the position, then his approach wouldn't cause any trouble. If not, Zhang Dayong would likely do him this favor.

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