The train hissed with steam, clattering along...
Inside, the thousands of passengers had opened the windows wide against the heat.
Spring had returned, the ice and snow had melted, and the swallows had come back to nest. The swallows believed it was still last year's family, while that family believed it was still last year's nest.
On the train, people were packed shoulder to shoulder.
Ma Kui, dressed in uniform, was like an old tree sprouting fresh buds in spring—full of energy and vigor.
He wore a smile, presenting a fine and friendly image.
He was back. They were all back...
"Look how excited he is. Oh, I can't bear to watch..." Wang Xin, his face full of disdain, followed behind and leaned over to whisper to Wang Yan's Teachings.
"That's a real police officer—he loves the job," Wang Yan's Teachings said with a smile. "You know what he's been through. Now that he can return to the force, anyone would be over the moon."
"That's true. I get it. It's just annoying to look at."
"Then you've got plenty more annoyance coming." They had reached the connection between the carriages when Ma Kui turned back. "I'm forty this year. I can still work another twenty years. Deal with it."
"This guy's ears work pretty well." Wang Xin showed no awareness whatsoever of having been caught badmouthing someone behind his back, and kept bickering. "What, am I supposed to work under you for twenty years? Forget becoming an official—with all my skills, shouldn't I at least become a detective? Am I supposed to keep catching thieves on this train every day? If I become an official, hmph hmph..."
"Hmph hmph..." Ma Kui snorted too, his face full of disdain.
"What, you don't believe I can become an official?"
"I believe