"Gentlemen, let me introduce someone."
At Old Port District Fourth Precinct, Chief Ford Hamilton introduced him to all the officers without expression. "This is Deputy Chief Ronan Raymond, who will be interning at our precinct. Everyone, welcome him."
The officers in the precinct hall exchanged looks. Only when the chief frowned impatiently did they seem to wake from a dream and begin applauding in welcome.
But the applause was sparse and perfunctory.
The reason was simple. Chief Ford's expression was exceedingly cold; he clearly had no favorable impression of this newly arrived intern deputy chief. How could anyone else possibly show enthusiasm?
Besides, Ronan looked very young, much like one of those scions of power and privilege who came to the precinct merely to gild their résumés.
Many officers had formed a preconceived impression and instinctively disliked Ronan.
Ronan paid no mind to the chief's coldness or the officers' perfunctoriness. Smiling, he said, "Thank you, everyone. I hope you'll guide me in the future."
When he had reported to the Fourth Precinct that morning, he had already clearly sensed Ford Hamilton's antipathy and disgust toward him.
They were complete strangers, and today was their first meeting. Such an attitude from the other man was certainly thought-provoking.
Without a doubt, this internship as deputy chief would be anything but easy!
But what did such a little obstacle amount to for Ronan?
After the exceedingly simple welcoming ceremony, Ronan officially joined Old Port District Fourth Precinct.
He was assigned an office in a corner of the second floor, along with an assistant.
The assistant was named Milo Austin. He was about Ronan's age, a civilian officer still in his internship period. Thin and introverted, he spoke timidly and submissively.
He did not have a shred of manly spirit about him.
Who knew