Anniversary

September 16, Saturday.

"Hm?"

After working overtime, Shiraishi arrived at the police station entrance and immediately sensed that something was off—

For one thing, the "Beika Countdown Board" at the entrance had reached Day [8]. More importantly, Shiraishi sensed the air of an "ambush."

However, Shiraishi merely smiled faintly and walked inside.

Sure enough, the moment Shiraishi stepped into the station—

Pop-pop-pop—

"Chief, happy first anniversary!"

The instant Shiraishi entered, a dense barrage of party poppers went off. There were indeed many female officers dressed in formal gowns—those at the front had good figures, while the ones at the back were clearly there to make up the numbers. They were wearing uniforms normally reserved for publicity events. Evidently, everyone had once again been dragged over by Maruo to provide labor.

Over the past two days, Shiraishi had also noticed Maruo coordinating the various departments to organize an anniversary celebration for him. He did not want to spoil the fun, so he pretended not to know. That was also why he had worked overtime today.

In any case, the house could no longer be returned, so Shiraishi was not in any hurry to move out—

For the "surprise" everyone had prepared, Shiraishi put on a suitably surprised expression—

A temporary "award podium" had even been set up in the lobby, with a banner hanging above it. Everyone crowded around Shiraishi and escorted him up.

Although the banner reading "2016.9.17–2016.9.16: First Anniversary" and "101 Murder Cases Solved" made Shiraishi feel slightly awkward, he still smiled as he was helped onto the stage.

Afterward, Shiraishi accepted the sash for the station-made "Most Popular Chief Award," delivered an "acceptance speech," briefly summarized the past year's work, praised and encouraged everyone, then told them to return to their posts.

Shiraishi had been at Beika Police