"You're really driving me crazy. This form was originally meant for Li Xiang; now it's yours. Hurry up and sign it."

Zhao Jianguo was worried that if he continued talking, he'd die of anger, so he threw the form at him, letting him go sign it.

"Zhao, I'm not the right person to sign this. It was supposed to be Li Xiang's application for promotion. What would signing it mean? How can we be brothers after this? Besides, I could resign and go home to become a boss. He's more suited to being a policeman than I am."

Upon hearing that the promotion application was originally for Li Xiang, Sun Zhidong suddenly didn't want it. Li Xiang's lifelong dream had been to become a policeman. By some twist of fate, the application ended up in his hands, and if Li Xiang found out about this, it would create a rift between the two brothers.

Hearing Sun Zhidong's words, Zhao's perception of him changed; this privileged kid wasn't all bad, at least he valued brotherhood.

So he softened his tone: "We'll figure something out for Li Xiang. I think if he knew you got this opportunity, he'd be happy for you."

Leaving Zhao's office, Sun Zhidong felt conflicted. On one hand, every auxiliary policeman dreamed of holding a promotion report, and if his father knew he could get promoted, maybe his monthly allowance would increase.

But on the other hand, this opportunity wasn't originally his; it belonged to his good brother, making it hard for him to face Li Xiang. He felt like a thief who had stolen his brother's future.

Several days passed, and Sun Zhidong hadn't filled out or submitted the promotion application. He intended to wait for Li Xiang to return and talk to him about it. If Li Xiang minded, he would turn in a blank form since being promoted wasn't crucial to him; he'd often slack off anyway.

Yet after waiting several days, Li Xiang still hadn't returned, so every night, he would go to his dorm to help feed his cat.

At this time, Li Xiang, who occupied Sun Zhidong's mind, was lying in a hospital room, resting and recuperating.

His arm had been set by an orthopedic doctor, and his body was covered with superficial injuries. To maintain the pretense, Li Xiang stayed in the hospital.

"Director Yan, why are you here?"

Director Yan, wearing a white coat and a mask for disguise, was still recognized by Li Xiang at a glance: "I came to check on you. I heard from Vulture that your injuries seemed serious."

"My injuries just look severe to outsiders but are really nothing."

"That's good. I'm here to tell you that your task is complete; you can return to Jinghai. Also, your file will be transferred to the Jinghai City Bureau. Which department you end up in depends on your leaders. Before Zhou Yuelong is arrested, it's best you don't appear in Jinling to avoid any accidents."

"How will I know when Zhou Yuelong is arrested?"

"The capture of someone like Zhou Yuelong is top-secret and won't involve local Jinling police forces. You might even be part of the operation when the time comes."

Director Yan smiled and left the room. The plan was progressing as he designed, step by step. Vulture had initially gained Zhou Yuelong's trust, but since Zhou Yuelong was inherently suspicious, gaining his trust further was necessary.

Knowing his task was complete, Li Xiang no longer needed to pretend to be a patient. He quickly tore off the bandages and got out of bed.

The nurse at the door saw his rough movements and thought something had agitated him, so she quickly ran over: "What happened? Your injuries haven't fully healed. Avoid intense activity, or your muscles could easily be strained again."

"I'm fine now. I want to be discharged."

With Li Xiang's insistence, he successfully handled the discharge procedures.

Then he sent messages to Chen Long and Miao Jun, saying he was returning to Jinghai and to contact him by phone if necessary, leaving the martial arts school to them.

Though the Jinling Martial Arts School lost in a challenge for the second time, this time it didn't lose popularity, nor did any students demand refunds. Instead, it sparked a sense of common cause among everyone.

Therefore, the martial arts school's business remained unaffected. It was under renovation and would reopen in a few days.

Returning to Jinghai, Li Xiang was in high spirits. The journey to Jinling had been a complete success, and he was unexpectedly promoted early, releasing the burdens and pressure he had felt. Even on his way to the police station, he was in a great mood.

"Li Xiang, you're finally back? Hey, what happened to your face?"

After days of agonizing, Sun Zhidong finally saw Li Xiang at the station and quickly approached, spotting the injuries on his face.

"It's nothing, just minor injuries. Don't ask for specifics."

"Alright then."

Sun Zhidong knew how skilled Li Xiang was. Whoever managed to injure him must be incredibly strong. Since Li Xiang didn't want to talk about it, he decided to drop the subject to avoid embarrassing him.

"Xiang, um... I want to talk to you about something."

"Just say it. Being all bashful isn't like you."

"Okay, but don't get mad. If you're unhappy, I can give it up."

"What is it? Why would I be mad?"

Li Xiang was puzzled since he was currently too happy to be angry.

"Zhao gave me your promotion slot."

"Wait, Zhao gave you the promotion slot?"

Seeing Li Xiang's surprised expression, Sun Zhidong assumed he was unhappy and quickly said: "I know you're upset. I'll go back to Zhao right now; if you can't have it, neither will I."

"Come back; it's a good thing, why reject it?"

"But..."

"No buts. You just shared good news, so let me share mine."

"What good news?"

"I'm already a Level 3 Police Inspector. In a couple of days, my personnel file will be at the city bureau."

"What? You're a Level 3 Police Inspector? Who are you kidding? It takes auxiliary police two years after gaining official status to even get to Level 3. How could you directly become a Level 3 Police Inspector?"

Sun Zhidong was full of disbelief, thinking Li Xiang must be joking, yet his expression didn't seem like he was lying.

"Why would I lie? Once I report to the city bureau and get my uniform, you'll see."

"Wait... how is this possible? How could you instantly become a Level 3 Police Inspector?"

Sun Zhidong looked at the application form, then at Li Xiang. He couldn't figure out how this was possible since Li Xiang had a record. How did he become a Level 3 Police Inspector?

Sun Zhidong couldn't wrap his head around it. Could it be that illegal activity is a shortcut to rapid promotion? Otherwise, how else could it be explained?

This question was destined to remain unanswered for him.

Realizing Li Xiang was already a Level 3 Police Inspector, Sun Zhidong didn't want to lag behind. He picked up a pen and swiftly filled out the promotion application form, then submitted it in Zhao's office.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.