When Li Jie stepped into the Eastern District Precinct lobby again, a banner had already been hung overhead.
Welcome back, generous Sheriff, to your loyal and impoverished Police Department.
"Hiss..."
He sucked in a sharp breath. That wording sounded awfully familiar. Why did it feel like someone was taking a jab at him on his very first day back?
Who the hell taught these bastards that? he grumbled inwardly, while keeping a broad smile on his face as he returned his colleagues' greetings.
"Hey! Sheriff! It's great to see you!" A police officer's eyes shone with genuine delight. "You know what? I've been looking forward to your return every single day."
"Really? Thank you so much. I didn't realize..."
"Of course!" The officer cheerfully kept talking. "Everyone said you'd need at least a year, maybe even two, to recover. I was the only one who believed you could work a miracle and return within six months. I won at least four thousand dollars on this bet."
"Uh... well..."
Li Jie's mouth twitched, but he joined in the laughter and patted the man's shoulder. "Congratulations, then."
"I'll treat you guys to dessert later!"
The officer waved and went back to work. Li Jie headed for his office, pushed open the door, and froze for a moment. Then he abruptly backed out and looked up at the nameplate.
"Right room..."
He pushed the door open again and walked inside. "What the fuck..."
His old office hadn't been a mess, but it certainly hadn't been tidy. Files, records, and case folders often ended up piled on the desk or couch. Used paper cups and snack wrappers usually only got cleared away every two or three days.
Now, however, flowers were growing all over the place.
A row of tiny, unfamiliar purple flowers crowded