Recruitment! Recruitment! Recruit What Damn Recruitment!

That evening, Chief George pulled himself away from his busy work. The thought of the huge crowd of reporters surrounding the precinct made his head ache.

Every one of those reporters was there for a headline, waiting to interview Bai Ye once he came out.

To prevent the situation from escalating and protect Bai Ye's personal information, George had sent Bai Ye and his lawyer out through the precinct's back door ahead of time.

The entire New York City was in an uproar over the bank robbery. Especially since something the police had failed to resolve for half a day had been handled by a young man in just a few moves, wiping out all the criminals. It was simply too juicy a topic.

On top of that, Bai Ye was downright stunning, so whether they were looks-first fans or story-first fans, everyone found the matter interesting and began following it.

After an afternoon of brewing, people online had even given Bai Ye titles like "Savior of the New York Police" and "21st Century Robin Hood."

On television, the news anchor said sternly, "This humiliating defeat of the New York Police has become the biggest topic in American law enforcement. Former United States police chief Hoover commented on it as well. The former chief, known for his decisive style, said that the New York Police's conduct showed they had no shame left at all..."

New York City Mayor Adams turned off the video on the screen and looked back at the police department's senior officials. "You all know what public opinion in New York City is like toward your department right now. It has seriously damaged the government's image in the eyes of the citizens. This matter must be resolved immediately."

At that moment, the higher-ups in the conference room were all muttering to themselves, wondering why this mayor, who had always left police matters entirely alone, suddenly cared so much today.

But only a few people, including George, understood that the mayor saw the next election approaching and feared it would affect his approval rating, which was why he had suddenly started caring on a whim.

"The crux of the matter lies in the crucial matter. No matter what, you must resolve this. I summoned you here today because I want you to give me a plan. How are we going to solve this?" The mayor looked at George. "Since no one is speaking, let the chief go first. After all, you were involved in this matter from beginning to end."

George had not expected to be dragged into it. He rose helplessly and said, "I think we should strengthen the officers' professional training and increase drills..."

"Alright, alright, you can stop there. What you said makes sense, but what I want is a way to immediately turn public opinion around." The mayor quickly cut him off, then turned to the deputy chief. "Do you have any ideas?"

"I do have one." After hesitating, the deputy chief stood up. "Since the precinct's public relations crisis was caused by that young man, why don't we recruit him?"

"Recruit him?" The mayor said thoughtfully.

"That's right. All of New York City is comparing that young man's abilities to our police department. If that's the case, why not bring him into the department?" The deputy chief's words made the mayor's eyes light up.

"As long as we issue a public statement saying that the department has learned its lesson and is bringing the young man who resolved the bank robbery into the force, the public's attention will focus solely on that young man."

"And it will give citizens the impression that the government listens to public opinion, reversing the previous negative perception that we stand above everyone else." The deputy chief spoke as he thought, becoming more convinced that his method was feasible with every word.

"But that kid hasn't even graduated high school. Are we really going to make an exception and let him join the police department? There's never been a precedent for this," George stepped forward and said.

"What's the problem? He doesn't need to formally join the force. He can come in under the title of Police Special Advisor. He won't need to handle cases; we'll only need to use his name to support us," the deputy chief said.

"Later on, we can promote him directly as a rising star in law enforcement. With his looks, he could even help turn around the government's image."

"Good. Your idea is highly practical. We'll do it your way." The New York City mayor made the decision on the spot, then looked at George. "Since the deputy chief has come up with the idea, you'll carry it out."

"Huh? Me..." George pointed at himself helplessly.

"Who else? Out of everyone here, you've had the most contact with that young man. If not you, then who?" the mayor said as if it were obvious.

George looked around and discovered that his colleagues had instinctively put some distance between themselves and him.

The mayor looked at George calmly. "This concerns the government's honor. I remember you're coming up on five years as chief. During this final stretch of your term, I hope you won't slack off. Work hard."

Faced with that naked threat, George nodded helplessly. "Understood. I'll talk to him and do my best to get him to join the department."

"Not do your best. You will," the mayor emphasized.

You completed 21,543 weighted squats in total. Your Spirit attribute cap has increased to 1.6.

As the description panel changed, Bai Ye gently set down the three barbells on his body.

By then, the sky outside the gym had darkened, and it was already late at night. Bai Ye had been squatting at full speed for seven or eight consecutive hours, yet he did not feel the slightest fatigue. All he felt was the hunger that came after prolonged exercise.

"Are you stopping for today?" Smith asked.

"You can head back first. I'm staying here tonight," Bai Ye said.

His background had definitely been investigated inside and out by now. If he went home, he would surely get tangled up with the reporters lying in wait there. Since the club owner had said he could stay here around the clock, he might as well treat this place as home for the time being.

Feeling hungry, Bai Ye left the club and headed toward the shops outside. But before he could go, a phone call changed his plans.

Looking at the unfamiliar number on his phone, Bai Ye hesitated for a moment before answering. "Hello, who is this? How did you get my number?"

"Is this Bai Ye? I'm Chief George from the police department. We met today. There are some matters concerning the department that I'd like to discuss with you. What are you doing right now?"

Chief George? Bai Ye recalled the middle-aged man he had met that morning. The voice did indeed match.

After hesitating for a moment, Bai Ye said, "I don't have anything going on at the moment. I was about to get dinner."

"Is that so? I haven't had dinner either. If you don't mind, come to my house for dinner," George invited over the phone.

Dinner... Bai Ye frowned slightly. He did not understand the other man's intentions, but it probably was not anything bad. After all, if George truly meant him harm, there was no reason to bring him to his own home.

"Alright, Chief. Where is your house? I'll head over now," Bai Ye said with a nod.

After noting down George's phone number, Bai Ye hung up and headed straight for his house. But before he got there, another call came through on his phone. It was another unfamiliar number.

Recruitment? Recruitment? Wasn't the next line supposed to be, "Recruit what damn recruitment—storm Tokyo and seize the throne"?