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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 181: The Grand Finale: Who Says There Is No Home
What exactly happened that day became an unsolvable mystery in Guan Yiqing's heart. As she left, she quietly peeked through the crack of the door and saw Rong Ying quietly resting against Xiao Mu's chest. The two were embraced, whispering to each other or perhaps lost in silence.
Since then, they had lost contact again, but this time there was no disappearance. Guan Yiqing secretly checked the records several times and always found Mulin Shen’s name appearing like an ordinary person’s. There were records of bank cards, travel logs, flight details, and even a record of going abroad, which left her feeling melancholic for a long time.
Time passed swiftly; summer turned into winter, and winter gave way to the blossoming spring. As the events involving the people in her memories gradually faded, one day they would inevitably come back to disturb her like uninvited guests. On this particular day, Guan Yiqing unexpectedly recalled them. She had just started work when she began to daydream, only snapping back to reality when a knock on the door broke her reverie. In a panic, she pressed down on the photo on her phone.
“Come in,” she called out, sitting up straight.
The door slowly opened, and Guo Wei sneaked in with a mischievous look, standing at attention and saluting. “Inspector Guan, Director Guan, hello.”
Guan Yiqing rolled her eyes and chuckled awkwardly. Having just been promoted, she felt uncomfortable with the new title; it felt strange when familiar colleagues no longer called her Xiao Guan. She retorted sulkily, “What are you playing at during work hours?”
“Ah, I came to congratulate you on your promotion… So, how does it feel to be a leader?” Guo Wei smiled as he stood beside her.
Guan Yiqing ignored him and asked directly, “What’s the matter?”
“There is something,” Guo Wei replied seriously.
“Then just get to the point; why are you dragging this out?” Guan Yiqing said.
“I’m afraid you might find it emotionally difficult to accept… Why don’t you guess what it is?” Guo Wei suggested with a grin.
“Guess?” Guan Yiqing glanced at him. She knew him well enough given their small circle and blurted out, “Did you dig up some gossip about Lin Department Head?”
“More important than that,” Guo Wei said mysteriously.
“More important? Is it that Master is going to take over as the head of the Criminal Investigation Bureau?” Guan Yiqing asked. With Director Zheng Kegong transferred to the Provincial Department, Shen Lingchen was the frontrunner for the new position. After Aeming's incident, Master had stopped hiding in obscurity and seemed like a different person now; he spent every day at the grassroots level of the Police Force and had gained even more reputation for solving major cases over the past year.
“Even more important than that… It seems no one else dares to take that position besides Master. How many have been recognized by our department in this city?” Guo Wei countered.
"Is that all? You haven't really bid farewell to your single life, have you?" Guan Yiqing said with a smile.
"That's even more wrong. Without your approval, I can't say goodbye to being single," Guo Wei replied.
"If you keep being poor, I'll kick you out," Guan Yiqing pretended to be angry, glaring at him and asking, "What is it?"
"Please take a seat," Guo Wei said seriously, then suddenly added, "Xiao Mu is back."
Uh... Guan Yiqing was taken aback and looked at Guo Wei with displeasure. "Are you trying to scare me? He’s been abroad for almost a year."
"Just because he went abroad doesn't mean he can't come back," Guo Wei said.
"When did this happen?" Guan Yiqing asked curiously.
"About two or three weeks ago," Guo Wei replied.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Guan Yiqing exclaimed angrily.
"I didn't know either; I only found out today when Lin Department Head told me," Guo Wei explained.
"Lin Qizhao?" Guan Yiqing was skeptical. If Xiao Mu had returned, the first person he should contact wouldn't be Lin Qizhao.
"Surprised, right? This is the next shocking news," Guo Wei said.
"You... just finish your sentence instead of keeping me in suspense. Do you believe I won't talk to you anymore?" Guan Yiqing said, exasperated.
"Alright, I'm here for this. Do you know that this year's public recruitment for police officers has been announced? Mulin Shen has already participated in the written exam a week ago, and today is... the interview. Don't be surprised; he didn't tell anyone. We only found out during the political review when they checked his file. Can you believe it? Someone like him wants to apply to be a police officer! It's caused quite a stir in our Provincial Department's Political Office; even both deputy directors are going to the interview... Hey, what's wrong with you?" Guo Wei said, noticing Guan Yiqing's stunned expression. He laughed and added smugly, "I knew you'd be shocked."
"The master was right." After the initial shock, Guan Yiqing felt an unexpected joy and murmured, "He has risen from the ashes."
"Risen from the ashes my foot! The passing score for civil servants in city-affiliated units is 55 points. He scored 51.5 and ranked 1833rd among applicants, while there are only 112 positions available citywide," Guo Wei remarked.
It was certainly due to his special status that he had the qualification for such an interview. Guan Yiqing looked at Guo Wei in astonishment; both of them felt a mix of amusement and disbelief, much like when they watched this wealthy second-generation indulge in vices and then join a street gang years ago—his actions were simply bizarre.
"I think there's a chance. Come on, let's go cheer him on," Guan Yiqing said as she stood up.
"I came to get you, but it's not easy. According to Lin Department Head, the Provincial Department has been discussing the possibility of recruiting an informant as a police officer. They've held several meetings about it," Guo Wei replied.
"This guy just can't be ordinary; he's always challenging the impossible," Guan Yiqing remarked with admiration. Suddenly, Guo Wei asked teasingly from behind, "You don't still have feelings for him, do you?"
Huh? Guan Yiqing turned around and shot Guo Wei a glare. Guo Wei scratched the back of his neck awkwardly and said, "Don't look at me like that. I've also been challenging the impossible, like..."
"How annoying! Just buy a diamond ring to confess your feelings. Do you really think talking is enough?" Guan Yiqing blurted out before she felt embarrassed and ran off.
"Hey, wait for me... If you're serious, I'll go buy one today!"
Guo Wei was momentarily stunned, then after a dizzy spell, he chased after her while shouting...
...
Checking the time, it was a quarter past nine when the taxi arrived at the interview location, Dongjiang Branch Technical Investigation Building. Outside the main entrance, numerous private cars were parked, and families crowded around the fence, eagerly waving to encourage their loved ones entering this hall of employment.
Xiao Mu and Rong Ying got out of the car simultaneously. As they exchanged glances, Rong Ying seemed somewhat put off by the environment. Xiao Mu stepped forward, gazing at her hesitantly and said, "Why don't you head back first?"
"We've come all this way; are you really sending me back?" Rong Ying replied unhappily.
"Alright then, it's up to you... After the interview, we can go home together. I'll introduce you to my dad and stepmother," Xiao Mu said.
"Your dad..." Rong Ying hesitated slightly. "Will he agree to our relationship?"
"Our relationship is our business; as long as we agree, that's enough. It's just an introduction; I'm not asking for permission," Xiao Mu laughed and took Rong Ying's hand. "My grandfather didn't approve of my dad marrying my mom either, but my dad still eloped with her. Don't overthink it; what are you worried about?"
"I'm worried... Can you really do this? You've only studied this little?" Rong Ying asked before bursting into laughter herself.
"Let's give it a try... It's just a long-held wish; if I don't try, it'll never happen," Xiao Mu said as he released her hand. However, Rong Ying wrapped her arms around him and gave him a deep kiss, caressing his face as she said, "Then go ahead; come back quickly."
Xiao Mu walked with a glance over her shoulder, reaching the entrance where she hurriedly presented her examination admission ticket before rushing inside.
Bored and restless, Rong Ying looked around and was taken aback. She noticed that Guo Wei and Guan Yiqing were peeking from a nearby shop, sharing a quiet laugh. The two strolled over to her, exchanged greetings, and Guan Yiqing waved Guo Wei off, who left with an understanding nod. Guan Yiqing then curiously took Rong Ying's hand and said, "Yingzi, I've been to the cake shop twice and heard you weren't around."
"I went to the U.S. to accompany my studies," Rong Ying replied shyly.
"Oh, congratulations then," Guan Yiqing smiled.
"There's nothing fun about it; their school is in a small, remote town, and the studies are dull," Rong Ying said lightly.
"You..." Guan Yiqing was curious but held back from asking more.
"You're wondering why I'm with him?" Rong Ying laughed.
"Great, now there's another psychologist," Guan Yiqing teased. "You can see right through my curiosity."
"Are you really that curious? I can tell you actually like him a bit," Rong Ying said with a smile.
Guan Yiqing's smile faltered, feeling awkward; it was as if she had encountered a female version of Xiao Mu, no wonder they shared such a bond.
"He's worth liking—handsome and knows how to make women happy; he’s especially considerate," Rong Ying said, her face glowing with happiness.
This seemed contrary to common sense, and Guan Yiqing asked in disbelief, "Is that all?"
"I know you're puzzled. Honestly, this isn't my choice; I should thank you for telling me what my brother said in the end... There aren't many people my brother could trust with me. At least not in my memory. And those who know my background and still dare to marry me are few; among them, the only one who has even wronged someone close to me yet still dares to marry me is probably him... Do you think I should hate him forever or love him forever?" Rong Ying looked at Guan Yiqing, blushing as she smiled.
Guan Yiqing gradually returned the smile and gently leaned closer to Rong Ying's ear, whispering, "Neither. Just take good care of him for a lifetime; there aren't many who can keep him in check."
In that moment of laughter between the two girls, the past faded away...
At this moment, Xiao Mu faced another critical Exit Point.
A new member had joined the Judging Panel, and this addition was intimidating. It was for the evaluation of a low-ranking candidate, and even the supervising officials watching Xiao Mu cast strange glances. No matter if they were second-generation officials or wealthy heirs, even a combination of both could not enjoy such treatment. Two deputy directors, one bureau chief, and three representatives from the Political Office had waited for an hour just to interview this one individual.
The results of the interview were shocking. When asked about the evolution of the Public Security System, Xiao Mu could not provide a complete answer. Questions about the key points of Civilized Law Enforcement were met with vague responses. Even when given a simple essay topic to discuss, it took him a long time to come up with an unclear answer. Lin Qizhao, who was recording the evaluation, felt uneasy and looked at Xiao Mu with sympathy, wishing he could answer for him.
It had been nearly a year since they last met, yet Xiao Mu remained as confident as ever. Even though his performance was still at a subpar level—perhaps even worse—one of the representatives from the Political Office hesitated to ask further questions. Several times, he glanced at the leaders in the room, their expressions clearly indicating that it was too poor to continue.
Despite this poor performance, Xiao Mu remained arrogantly self-assured. After a moment of silence, Deputy Director Yan, who was presiding over the evaluation, could no longer hold back and cleared his throat to speak: “Comrade Mu, everyone here has a general understanding of your background. I must say something that’s been on my mind; please don’t think I’m trying to undermine you.”
“Of course not, please go ahead,” replied Xiao Mu.
“To put it bluntly, your written exam score ranks you 1833rd among applicants for just over two thousand candidates vying for 112 positions. Frankly speaking, it is only because of your unique background that we considered making an exception for you. However… your performance is exceptionally rare in its inadequacy,” said Deputy Director Yan, provoking laughter from those present.
Xiao Mu laughed as well and explained: “I just returned to the country not long ago and didn’t have time to seriously catch up on domestic subjects. I recently completed my studies at Tulsa University in Judicial and Criminal Psychology and graduated with credits. The educational systems abroad are entirely different from those here.”
Some in attendance were displeased by his arrogance and interjected: “The differences in judicial systems between countries are significant; they certainly won’t be recognized here.”
“True, but crime knows no borders. Financial crimes have increasingly become transnational trends; some professional criminals deliberately choose different countries' judicial systems to organize their activities. In this regard, relying on any textbook would be outdated,” countered Xiao Mu.
The audience felt uncomfortable; who was judging whom? Lin Qizhao shot a glance at Xiao Mu, worried that he might speak out of turn. However, Xiao Mu, seemingly oblivious, continued: “As for what this leader just asked about Civilized Law Enforcement, the very idea of combining civilization with law enforcement is inherently discordant. Law enforcement targets illegal activities that are anti-civilization and anti-social; often, civilized methods do not yield effective results. Furthermore, regarding your question about system evolution, I believe that even without understanding it fully, it wouldn’t hinder me from becoming a police officer. As a police officer, what I need to understand more is crime and maintaining social stability—not rigid doctrines that restrict my thinking.”
This was disastrous… thought Lin Qizhao silently; such remarks would surely deplete whatever goodwill the officials had towards him.
Deputy Director Yan chuckled in disbelief and said: “I’ve been a police officer for decades; I don’t need you to teach me how to do my job.”
“I’m not teaching you; I’m merely stating my perspective. Regardless of criticism or suggestions, ordinary people generally have goodwill towards police officers—just like how despite their poor reputation, no one wishes to live in a world without them,” replied Xiao Mu.
His sharp tongue showed no signs of dulling. Deputy Director Yan, regaining his composure, asked pointedly: “I will carefully consider your opinions and suggestions. However, I have one final question I’d like to ask you.”
“Please go ahead,” said Xiao Mu politely.
“In front of me is your general resume; you know your written exam score well enough. This resume indicates that you failed even the basic physical examination requirements. Coupled with the blemishes on your record—even if you’ve acted as an informant for our case—it warrants extreme caution. Frankly speaking, I have never heard of an informant becoming a police officer… My question is: do you believe you can be a good police officer? What mindset do you bring here for this application?” asked Deputy Director Yan, his tone heavy with skepticism and discontent.
Xiao Mu hesitated for a moment, then slowly shook his head and said, "I don't know if I can do well, but I will try my best."
Laughter erupted in the room; his tone sounded like a joke.
"Is this really that funny? No one knows if they will be a good person or a bad person in the future. From a professional perspective, the crime rate among law enforcement officers is higher than in other groups," Xiao Mu stated.
"Then you can leave; this profession with such a high crime rate might not be suitable for you," Deputy Director Yan replied with an awkward smile.
Xiao Mu laughed as well and asked, "Does that count as a rejection?"
"You study psychology; what do you think?" Deputy Director Yan countered.
"Criminal psychology is used to deal with criminals. I won't use it to judge an elder who means no harm to me. Moreover, I will answer your earlier question seriously and sincerely. This is precisely your curiosity. In fact, my family is quite wealthy, and I have countless options. Even if I were abroad, I would live well and have many choices. So why did I choose the worst and least likely option?" Xiao Mu explained.
This guess was accurate; the eyes of those present turned toward him once more, reassessing this candidate with a wealthy background and complex experiences, who had come from a life of informants. Behind his handsome and sunny exterior, it was hard to see why he would choose such a profession.
Xiao Mu pondered for a moment, a blissful smile spreading across his face as he slowly continued, "It has to do with a police officer I met at the Mental Hospital. At that time, I was in a terrible state after being sent there by my father. When I met him, I thought he was a criminal—he looked fierce, spoke foully, and engaged in all sorts of deceitful acts. He seemed like someone without morals or boundaries... Haha, later I found out he was an undercover trying to infiltrate a pyramid scheme. From that moment on, we formed an unbreakable bond—a strange partnership between an informant and a police officer..."
He omitted some details but added thoughtfully, "In the case we worked on together, we were friends. Most of the time, informants and police officers use each other for their own ends. When he found me again later, he was in even worse shape. He tricked me into helping him with another case, which nearly cost me my life... And he did lose his life. It is in moments of crisis that one’s true nature reveals itself... At that time, he picked me up and shielded me with his body, facing the explosion point... And then I survived."
Everyone understood this story; like all fallen officers, he had shone brightest in humanity's darkest moments—often at the cost of their lives. A wave of sighs filled the room as they mourned.
"He often said this: A police officer should be an idealist—not disheartened by society's darkness or afraid of reality's cruelty. I used to laugh at him for that, but I was wrong; it’s me who should be laughed at. I lived many years in self-indulgence and despair without knowing why I was alive or how to live. Even becoming an informant just to seek some excitement wasn’t for any noble purpose... After surviving, I tried to forget all of this and distance myself from it. But the farther I went, the more I realized he was right. If this world lacks faith and those foolishly lovely idealists, who knows what it would become?" Xiao Mu spoke these words happily and warmly without any trace of sadness. At this point, he stood tall and faced them directly as he delivered that simple answer:
"So here I am. I want to be brave and strong so that when my family, loved ones, or friends face danger, I can have the courage to stand before them instead of feeling fear or indifference... Just like he did. I hope to become someone like him; that's why I'm here."
His gentle voice moved everyone present deeply; an overwhelming sense of emotion surged within them. No matter how precise the interpretations might be, nothing could touch hearts like these plain words did. This person before them might understand the meaning of this profession even better than some police officers.
Deputy Director Yan fell silent as he looked at Xiao Mu with a complex expression—his face showing both relief and hesitation in equal measure. The other evaluators exchanged glances filled with strange agreement; they all knew they would soon face a difficult choice.
A person who had been tempered by blood and fire was too suited for this profession.
Yet precisely because of that experience, such individuals seemed so unconventional when it came to systems, rules, and discipline within the force.
Xiao Mu stood quietly, waiting for the final result. He felt more confident and composed than ever before. Perhaps the outcome didn't matter to him; what was important was having the courage and confidence to fulfill this long-held wish, regardless of whether he faced rejection or ridicule.
A long time passed, and still no one spoke. The interview room remained silent.
After what felt like an eternity, Xiao Mu still had not come out. Rong Ying, who was leaning against the railing with her head held high in anticipation, suddenly asked Guan Yiqing, "Sister Yiqing, do you think he will get what he wishes for?"
"Do you hope he gets it?" Guan Yiqing replied with a question.
"I both hope and don't hope," Rong Ying said.
Guan Yiqing smiled and gently wrapped her arm around Rong Ying. "It seems I feel the same way."
The two exchanged smiles as they quietly waited for Xiao Mu to appear.
What would the result be? Who really cared?
(THE END)
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