By the time Jiayi returned to the Team B office, Fang Zhenyue had already buttoned up his shirt completely, neatly and strictly.
All the wildness concealed, leaving only rigor and a cool, handsome look.
If he wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, he could go next door to TVB to play a sophisticated villain.
“Jiayi, you’re looking too gorgeous today in your little white shirt, paired with black trousers and little leather shoes. If this continues, we might have to send you to compete in the Miss Hong Kong pageant,” Liu Jiaming spoke in a nagging tone typical of an elder.
“Being a policewoman upholding justice has blocked my path to becoming a star,” Jiayi said earnestly. Suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder. Turning around, she realized it was Qiu Sushan, and quickly dropped her joking demeanor, respectfully greeting her with a “Madam, good morning!”
Qiu Sushan cheerfully greeted Jiayi back and glanced inside the room. After noting Fang Zhenyue’s satisfaction with his tie, her gaze shifted to Tan Sanfu:
“Sanfu, where’s your tie?”
“Huh? Do I need a tie for the meeting?” Sanfu was surprised.
“There’s a segment at the commendation ceremony, and the Public Relations Department will take photos to send to major newspapers. You’re not wearing a tie?” Qiu Sushan shook her head in resignation, “Just a moment.”
After that, she turned and walked towards Office Team A.
A minute later, the detectives at Team B’s door heard a commotion from the neighboring office:
“Hey! Madam, what are you doing? Ah—my tie—”
A few seconds later, the next office quieted down, leading everyone to speculate that the wailing detective might have been silenced by Qiu Sushan.
When Qiu Sushan triumphantly returned with the tie, Sanfu solemnly took it, pretended to caress the tie, and whispered, “I’ll treat you better than your previous owner ever did.”
“Stop it, you’ll return it to Tony after the meeting. He needs it tonight for a date with his girlfriend,” Qiu Sushan rolled her eyes.
“So, I don’t have to return it then~” Sanfu chuckled.
“?”
“Their Team A hasn’t solved their case yet; they definitely have to work overtime, maybe even all night. Going on a date? They’ll have to cancel,” shrugged Sanfu, and seeing Qiu Sushan glare at him, he quickly said:
“Understood, Madam. I’ll return the tie after the meeting.”
Qiu Sushan then let it go, checked the time, and said to the trio:
“Go wash your hands, comb your hair, flush the restroom, and then we’ll be ready to leave.”
Fang Zhenyue adjusted his rain-soaked hair from earlier and replied on behalf of the three.
A few minutes later, after preparations, they headed upstairs for the meeting under the well-wishing gazes of their colleagues.
As soon as they left, Uncle Jiu turned to the statue of Guan Gong, lit three incense sticks, and muttered, “Win a big prize, more bonus, treat us to a big meal…”
…
…
When Madam led everyone into the huge conference room, it was still fairly empty.
Nameplates were set on the table. Normally relegated to the back, this time they were seated very close to the main seat—they were the stars of this meeting.
But still being low on the totem pole, every time someone entered the room, Fang Zhenyue and the two juniors had to stand up and salute, saying “Hello, Chief.”
This was his most hated meeting and detested process, but now it was also a shared hardship endured together with his two subordinates.
Superintendent O, known as the White-browed Eagle King Chen Wujie, and CID Superintendent Sir Huang arrived side by side last, acting as the finale’s two major leaders.
One was the chief superintendent of the anti-gang unit, and the other was the chief superintendent of the major crimes unit.
As the two big shots entered the room, everyone stood up to salute and greet them. Jiayi thought to herself: Might as well treat today like a fitness squatting session, it’s good for the health, no harm done.
The leaders sat at opposite ends of the long table, and before the meeting began, introductions were made for the representatives of various departments.
Then, the moderator moved the meeting along, starting with a recap of the case, followed by a review of the case details, with each department reporting on the gains and losses from this mission. Areas of success were noted to be maintained, while areas needing improvement were to be corrected next time.
It was the usual mundane meeting content, but unique this time was that the colleagues from the O division, responsible for the case, reported only deficiencies. In contrast, Qiu Sushan from the CID, as the reporter, spoke only of what had been done well, modestly mentioning that next time they should focus more on their own safety and act within their means.
After the review, the public relations department reported on the upcoming plans for guiding and promoting public opinion concerning the recent major robbery, discussing how to handle the current good and bad public sentiments.
Then, the forensic and evidence departments among others reported on their upcoming work plans.
Having been accustomed to such meetings, Fang Zhenyue was almost falling asleep, and Sanfu was intermittently zoning out and observing what everyone was doing. Only Jiayi, curious as a baby, was attending this kind of event for the first time, seeing first-hand what a ‘complex procedural meeting’ in the workplace was like, watching wide-eyed and listening intently the entire time.
To her, everyone’s clichés were fascinating. She even took rapid notes during some leaders’ speeches.
Oh, so this department does that, wow, so this is how everyone collaborates on such cases…
She gained a deeper understanding of the police station’s operations and the responsibilities and duties of each department. It was really interesting.
Jiayi’s reactions made many reporters, who had initially intended to speak casually, take their presentations more seriously.
After all, they couldn’t just muddle through when those bright, shiny eyes were looking at them, right? You have to share some wisdom of being a person (and a policeman).
Even if there was nothing new to say, they had to come up with something creative!
Agent Yi Jiayi’s behavior directly made an already lengthy meeting even longer.
Everyone endured through all the earlier parts of the meeting until finally reaching the commendation segment.
The previously somber office suddenly came to life, the sound of chairs lightly moving woven into a melody that awakened the sleepy participants, energizing everyone.
The White-browed Eagle King praised each department for their excellent work, and finally, as the highlight, turned his attention to Fang Zhenyue and other CID agents who stole the show.
All the officers from the police department who were responsible for this case, yet failed to contribute or earn any real credit, glared enviously at Fang Zhenyue and his two colleagues.
Under the watchful eyes of envious inspectors, constables, and sergeants, the White-Browed Eagle King first praised the team spirit of the CID-B team. Qiu Sushan stood up to thank her superiors.
Then, with a smile, the White-Browed Eagle King exchanged a glance with Superintendent Huang of the CID and invited Fang Zhenyue, Yi Jiayi, and Tan Sanfu to come forward to receive their medals.
Three Hong Kong Police Meritorious Service Medals (PMSM) were awarded in succession to three exceptionally brave officers.
Standing up like the officers, the White-Browed Eagle King warmly praised them and then shook hands, hanging the medals around their necks. The officers saluted their superior to express their gratitude.
The Public Relations Department covered the event from three angles, planning to distribute the footage not only to major publications but also internally across departments, encouraging all police station personnel to learn from the courageous spirit of these three detectives.
This was the so-called full-staff commendation announcement.
“The station will award two months’ salary as a merit bonus and one year’s salary for injury compensation,” the White-Browed Eagle King told Fang Zhenyue.
“The station will award one month’s salary as a merit bonus and two months’ salary for injury compensation,” he told Tan Sanfu.
Yi Jiayi, standing last in front of the White-Browed Eagle King, solemnly saluted after receiving her hefty medal. Her eyes eagerly watched her superior, as if to say, “It’s my turn, how much money, how much money?”
With a smile, the White-Browed Eagle King finally spoke: “The station will award two months’ salary as a merit bonus and three months’ salary for injury compensation.”
Two months amounted to twenty-four thousand, plus thirty-six thousand for three months… that’s sixty thousand Hong Kong dollars!!!
Adding on the twelve thousand she would normally receive this month, plus the bonuses for solving multiple cases… Oh my, she’s struck it rich!
She’s about to receive nearly a hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars in salary this month!!!
In the 1990s, wow, even in Hong Kong, a major international city at that time, that was a fortune!
Wealthy Yi Jiayi!
Overwhelmed with excitement, the young policewoman could hardly contain her enthusiasm as she shook hands with the White-Browed Eagle King, her voice quivering with emotion: “Thank you, White-Browed Chief!”
“Pfft,” Tan Sanfu couldn’t help but chuckle.
Fang Zhenyue gently nudged Yi Jiayi.
“Oh, thank you, Superintendent Chen!” Yi Jiayi quickly corrected herself.
“Hahaha,” the White-Browed Eagle King laughed heartily, stunning everyone present. The Public Relations Department officer hurriedly captured this rare moment, causing everyone to forget to proceed with the meeting agenda.
However, Superintendent Huang remained calm and rational, clapping his hands and standing up to call everyone together for a group photo in front of the flag wall.
After the group photo, two senior officers and three meritorious detectives took a special photo together, followed by individual photos of the two officers with each of the three detectives.
At that moment, Detective Jiayi was sandwiched between Superintendent Huang and Superintendent Chen, standing upright like a young sapling. Superintendent Huang patted Jiayi’s shoulder and said kindly:
“The Hong Kong police force now needs fresh officers like you more than ever! A female hero like you is indeed a rare gem!”
Everyone looked on with envy, delighted by Superintendent Huang’s lavish praise.
With a snap, the photo-taking session ended, and the meeting was finally drawing to a close.
As Jiayi was about to walk over to Fang Zhenyue, Superintendent Huang spoke up again:
“I heard that Sergeant Fang is preparing for the inspector promotion exam?”
“Yes, Sergeant Fang is outstanding, and he will surely pass!” Jiayi nodded vigorously.
“That’s great. It’s always uplifting to see young people striving forward, which us old folks love to witness.” The nearby White Browed Eagle King nodded in agreement.
CID Superintendent Huang, seeing the sharp eyes of the White Browed Eagle King lingering on the young female officer, knew that his old habit of cherishing talent was flaring up again.
Perhaps he had his sights set on poaching one of CID’s detectives, and after failing to get Fang Zhenyue, he now wanted to poach Jiayi?
Thinking ahead to the internal reshuffling that would occur if Fang Zhenyue’s promotion went through, the White Browed Eagle King would surely make a move.
Reflecting on this, Superintendent Huang recalled the lavish praise Fang Zhenyue and Qiu Sushan had for Jiayi’s abilities in every case report. He raised an eyebrow and once again patted the shoulder that had been frequently hit these past days, saying in a deep voice:
“Officer Yi, keep up the good work, and I assure you, your future as a Sergeant is secured.”
Qiu Sushan watched this scene, utterly stunned.
Everyone knew how tough internal promotions were at the Hong Kong Police Station.
For a long period during the 70s and 80s, the highest honor for the Chinese was to be a Police Detective Chief Inspector, a position that is just one rank above Sergeant and is known as the role of Detective Inspector.
The legendary Inspector of Five Hundred Million Renos (a role portrayed by Andy Lau) was perceived by many as the highest-ranking Chinese position in the police force, a position higher than that of a Sergeant.
It shows how rare it is to become a Sergeant, especially in a Major Crime Unit that deals exclusively with serious criminal cases!
Ninety percent of the inspectors in the Hong Kong police force have climbed to their positions through higher education, passing police academy exams after university, or further studies in the UK.
Generally, those with higher education start as inspectors, while those with lower education start as uniformed officers.
There are two paths, two worlds; ninety percent of those who start as uniformed officers never have the chance to become inspectors.
Within this Hong Kong system, there is one system above the rank of inspector and another below, a divide that is very difficult to cross.
In the police system of the 1990s, within the world below this divide, the position of Chief Inspector is the highest attainable for the vast majority of uniformed officers and plainclothes detectives.
Ninety percent of uniformed officers making it to plainclothes detective is considered good; many old cops indeed spend their whole lives on the beat. The position of Chief Inspector is really seen as the ultimate career goal, something many officers work towards for decades before achieving.
To date, many female officers rely on their educational achievements and further studies, directly entering the police academy from university or studying abroad in the UK, and starting their careers as inspectors, like Qiu Sushan.
However, those who start as uniformed officers and compete against men for the position are indeed fewer.
If Yi Jiayi can take advantage of this trend and also participate in internal exams while being promoted with Fang Zhenyue, and passes the exams directly under the approval of Sir Huang, she would probably be the youngest female to achieve this!
So glorious! So honorable! So worthy of everyone’s pride!
This could also become a remarkable story, even legendary.
Now, Jiayi’s name is thoroughly known among the upper echelons of the Hong Kong police. The female officer who killed Ye Yongqian with a single shot has completely overcome the difficulties of moving from officer to a Sergeant.
Taking this opportunity, Superintendent Huang recruits talent without strict adherence to the usual criteria, a promise so powerful it could stun with joy!
Qiu Sushan feels a bit dizzy on behalf of Jiayi.
Waiting for Fang Zhenyue to be promoted to inspector, and for little Jiayi to fill the vacancy and become Sergeant, isn’t it set in stone? Fast! It’s really fast!
Qiu Sushan smacks her lips in appreciation, unable to help feeling envious.
Really, what a sigh!
…
…
After the commendation ceremony ended, the leaders and colleagues from Unit O left with mixed feelings.
But the CID staff remained in the office.
The Public Relations department stayed to take a few more photos of the three heroes, and Superintendent Huang, the Chief Inspector, also joined for a couple of shots.
After the photos, Sir Huang waved to Qiu Sushan, “I’ve already approved Yi Jiayi’s scheduling process. The internal exams and interviews are offset by actual work assessments and merits, and now she is an official CID detective, both practically and procedurally.”
“Thank you, Superintendent Huang,” Qiu Sushan waved to Jiayi, and they both stood in front of Sir Huang to salute and express their thanks.
Superintendent Huang looked at Jiayi, nodding with appreciation and relief, and said solemnly:
“Once you become a police officer, you shoulder the grave responsibility of protecting the citizens and upholding the law. It’s a daunting yet exhilarating mission, a severe but immensely valuable test. If you are ready to take on this challenge, policing is the ideal career for you.”
“Yes, sir!” Jiayi stands at attention, saluting impeccably.
Inspector Huang smiles and adds, “Go for your firearm proficiency test today; I’ve already notified them. Hurry up and get your assigned gun.”
“Understood, thank you, Huang sir.” Jiayi, clutching the medal on her chest, cheeks flushed, her eyes firm and bright.
“Perform well, and I hope to see you at the annual recognition ceremony!” With these encouraging words, Inspector Huang leaves, pushing the door open and striding away.
Jiayi stands at the doorway, carefully examining the medal hanging on her chest—a green strap with black edges and two red lines in the middle, the silver medal intricately crafted, shimmering in the sunlight, truly beautiful.
Her elder brother would be thrilled to see this exceptional police medal, and her siblings Jiaru and Jiajun would surely vie to try it on.
Jiayi, with a smile filled with happiness and excitement, holds the medal high and gently kisses it.