Al Swan, Alex

Alex ignored Patty's gritted-teeth fury behind him. Nor could he understand the lingering regret of a flat-chested girl who was perfect in every other way—looks, intelligence, long legs, skin—yet lacked the one thing that would make her a perfect woman.

And Alex had mercilessly dug into that scar with such certainty, making Patty so angry her chest nearly caved in. It was a cruel moment, and Patty felt deeply wounded by Barry's so-called good friend.

Alex approached the police department offices. This was the Central City Police Department headquarters, the most important police office. Under normal circumstances, suited plainclothes officers and uniformed officers would be constantly hurrying through here, handling difficult cases from the Central District and even the various boroughs and precincts that could not be resolved elsewhere.

But now, every officer had stopped in their tracks, their eyes fixed on their superior's office—the Chief Director's office. Through the gaps in the blinds, they could vaguely make out Al Swan's silhouette arguing inside.

"Mark, I can do it. I can lead the Special Ability Handling Team. My abilities alone are enough to deal with so-called superpowered crime!"

The indignant voice came from their superior's office. It was loud enough now that Mark, inside, felt his ears ringing from the force of it.

Alex swept his gaze across the room, then walked over to an officer he knew and lightly patted him on the shoulder. Looking toward the much-watched director's office as well, he said, "Jenson!"

Jenson's body jerked instinctively. His hand went to his waist, his heart skipped, and he drew a sharp breath—the normal reaction of someone who had been startled. He quickly turned and saw Alex, then let out a breath and lowered his hand from his waist. It was standard police reflex.

Alex lifted a shoulder, indicating that Jenson was overreacting.

American police officers generally did not act alone. Even for minor matters, at least two officers had to be deployed. The American police practice of "going in pairs" was mainly for safety, as well as legal, use-of-force, oversight, assistance, and other considerations.

Jenson was Bert's partner, the one who often went on assignments with Alex's adoptive father.

"Alex, what are you doing here? Didn't Bert take leave today?"

"Yes. He's cleaning out the warehouse at home. You know, a troublesome girl is coming back to live with them. They're delighted."

Jenson smiled knowingly. He knew that was Alex's sister, and he also knew Alex did not get along well with her. He merely smiled and did not ask further, instead tilting his head toward the director's office.

"Al Swan—you've heard of him, right? He's always on TV. He works on the floor below ours."

"I know him. What about him?"

Alex had heard of him. At breakfast that morning, Bert had specifically warned him not to cripple the man.

Alex had seen him on television before, and had run into him twice in person while coming to the police headquarters. He looked proud and confident, but they had never spoken.

The Central City Police Department had a large force. Alex was not stationed here, and since they were not even on the same floor, he had never met that celebrity officer, despite helping Bert with several assignments.

"Officer Swan wants to lead the Special Ability Handling Team. What a confident guy." Jenson looked at the headquarters director's office, a hint of disdain at the corner of his mouth.

Even his own partner Bert was not qualified to lead the Special Ability Handling Team, so how could Al possibly gain Mark's recognition and lead it?

In terms of ability, Bert had over twenty years of police experience. He was experienced, cautious, meticulous, had solved countless cases, and possessed many strengths. He was far more outstanding than the inexperienced celebrity officer Al Swan. There was no reason to choose Al Swan to lead the Special Ability Handling Team.

Especially in the past year or two, Al Swan had frequently appeared on television representing the police department, soaking up all the attention. His arrogant, overly confident manner was extremely irritating to Jenson as a colleague.

If not for the Swan family behind him, how could Al Swan have risen through the ranks so quickly?

Jenson was quite dissatisfied, but he did not say it aloud. These were internal police matters, and Alex did not need to know about them.

So it was because of me!

Alex suddenly understood. Looking at the Chief Director's office and Al Swan's figure inside, a playful smile curled across his lips.

After speaking, Jenson subconsciously asked, "Alex, did you come to the station for something?" He did not suspect Alex of any wrongdoing; as a police officer, he simply instinctively wanted to find out what was going on.

"Me? I came to take up a position."

Alex smiled, then walked past the puzzled Jenson toward the director's office. Under the watchful eyes of numerous officers, he lightly tapped on the glass by the office door.

Knock, knock, knock...

As he knocked, Alex could still hear Al Swan tirelessly showing off, insisting that he was capable of taking on such an important responsibility.

"Come in."

Behind his gold-rimmed glasses, Mark's eyes flashed with delight. Through the glass window, he saw Alex in black-framed glasses that concealed his striking features, giving him an understated air of luxury and reserve.

Compared with Al Swan, an outstanding talent from the century-old Swan family who was overly confident and lacked social grace, Alex seemed more like someone from a distinguished family. He possessed that comfortable bearing unique to old families. His words and actions revealed calm optimism and open-mindedness; he was cultured and courteous, yet clear about right and wrong; tolerant and easygoing, yet frank and direct; composed and sincere.

From the few conversations and interactions he had had with Alex, Director Mark had formed an extremely favorable impression of Bert's adopted son.

Combined with Alex's formidable combat ability, Director Mark was even more inclined to make him a member of the Special Ability Handling Team, handling superpowered crimes for Central City that ordinary officers could not resolve.

"You are...?"

Al Swan turned around. The eyes that had been warmly displaying his abilities to Mark instantly became hawk-sharp, glaring fiercely at Alex as a shadow settled over his face.

"Alex Liang. I invited him for a long time before he finally agreed to officially join the police department and become a member of the Special Ability Handling Team. He will be the team's captain. Al, if you want to join the Special Ability Handling Team, you must earn Alex's approval before I allow you in."

With his gentle, plump face, Mark rose directly to his feet and extended a hand toward Alex.

That action practically placed Alex over a fire to roast.

Seeing Mark rise to greet Alex, Al Swan's expression turned incomparably ugly. Rage surged in his heart, and he could not help growling.

"Mark, I don't believe someone from outside the police department has the ability to capture superpowered criminals."