Commended and Tested Again and Again

Shen Yan had originally been given seven days off, but he returned to work after only three.

He wasn't allowed to return to his own home, and he couldn't stay at Old Chen's. What else could he do but go to work?!

Even with the little red bottle helping, his body really hurt!

He hadn't noticed before, but Old Chen was especially petty and held grudges!

These past few days, Old Chen got angry whenever he saw Shen Yan, and whenever he got angry, he gave him a few whacks. It had become a daily routine...

He couldn't go on living like this!

Early that morning, Shen Yan arrived at the police station on time.

The moment he entered the gates, he sensed something different. The usually noisy courtyard was unusually orderly, with every officer in uniform, standing in formation at its center with a solemn expression.

Director Lu stood on a raised platform at the front, with a stern-faced man in a Japanese military uniform beside him. As for the former chubby director, Shen Yan hadn't seen him in a long time. He had probably been completely sidelined.

Shen Yan studied the man in uniform, and a set of information appeared.

[Name]: Kuroiwa Masao (Kuroiwa Masao)

[Gender]: Male

[Identity]: Chief of Japan's Special Higher Police (under the Japan Home Ministry, in charge of coordinating the Special Higher Police's daily operations.)

[Good and Evil Points]: -1000 (a core member of the fascists invading China, ruthless in his actions, responsible for suppressing anti-Japanese forces, and deeply sinful)

[Current thoughts]: This Shen Yan has rendered great service once again, but he is Chinese, after all. Before bringing him into the inner circle, we still need to keep observing him! ```

Understanding dawned on Shen Yan. He silently walked to the back of the formation and took his place.

When Director Lu saw the star of the occasion arrive, he smiled and beckoned Shen Yan onto the platform. He cleared his throat and spoke in a booming voice. "Everyone, attention! I've gathered you here today to commend the officer who rendered great service in the operation a few days ago-Shen Yan!"

As his voice fell, everyone turned to look at Shen Yan. Some gazes held admiration, others envy, and a few curiosity. Li Kui, standing in the front row, turned to look at Shen Yan, his expression complicated. He gave him a slight nod in greeting.

Shen Yan stepped forward and stood straight, facing his colleagues below the platform.

Director Lu picked up a bronze public security medal and an envelope and walked up to Shen Yan.

He personally pinned the medal to Shen Yan's chest and handed him the money pouch, speaking approvingly. "Shen Yan, during the Drunken Immortal Tower operation, you spotted the hidden sentry in advance and played a decisive role in the fighting that followed. You successfully protected everyone and rendered great service! This public security medal is in recognition of your service, and this bonus of five hundred fabi is your reward. I hope you'll keep working hard and do your job well!"

Shen Yan bowed respectfully. "I don't deserve such praise, sir. It was all thanks to your trust and the cooperation of the brothers. I merely did my duty."

His face beamed, but inwardly he thought, Before the fabi loses its value, I need Old Chen to hurry and exchange it for small gold bars.

The chief of the Special Higher Police slowly looked Shen Yan over, a hint of scrutiny flashing in his eyes. He said nothing, merely giving a slight nod.

After the commendation ceremony, Director Lu patted Shen Yan on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Shen Yan, you rendered service yesterday, so I'll treat you tonight. I'll take you to a Japanese izakaya to relax. Chief Kuroiwa Masao of the Special Higher Police will join us too. This is a good chance for you to make an impression!"

Shen Yan's heart stirred, and he immediately replied, "Then... what about Captain Li and the others? Are they coming too?"

Lu Tinghui frowned. "After the way that operation went, how could he have the face to go drinking?"

"Yes, sir! I'll follow your arrangements. And thank you, Chief Kuroiwa, for looking after me all this time!"

Kuroiwa Masao nodded. "Director Lu speaks highly of you. He says you're a rare talent among the Chinese and very loyal to the empire. I hope you'll guard against arrogance and impatience and keep working hard! Do your part for the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere!"

"Hai! I will devote myself wholeheartedly to the cause until my dying breath!"

Shen Yan bowed as he answered, but what he was thinking was, One thousand Good and Evil Points! This old Japanese devil is tempting...

Lu Tinghui patted Shen Yan on the shoulder. "Get back to work. Come to my office after your shift, and we'll leave together."

When Shen Yan returned to the office area, the patrol officers still at work rose and applauded. Whatever else might be said, no one could guarantee they wouldn't get hurt on a future operation. With a brother like Shen Yan beside them, they immediately felt much more at ease.

Only Old Chen still looked somewhat displeased. He instructed Shen Yan in a low voice, "Don't get carried away! That old Japanese devil on the platform today is bad news! Lu Tinghui is crafty enough already, and with that man there too, tonight won't be easy for you. Remember: eat more, drink less, and keep your mouth shut!"

When night fell, warm yellow light washed over the low table in a wooden booth at the izakaya. Kuroiwa Masao sat upright in the seat of honor, delicately holding a cup between his fingertips. His gaze swept over Lu Tinghui on his right before settling on Shen Yan, who sat upright on his left. It seemed casual, but carried an almost imperceptible hint of scrutiny.

Directly across from him, a geisha in a pale blue-green kimono slowly rose, her posture erect yet graceful.

Her attire was exquisite and appropriate. Subtle, simple cherry blossom patterns were embroidered on her ivory kimono, and fine silver thread adorned its collar and cuffs, making her figure look even more slender. Her black hair was swept into a neat bun, adorned only with a small pearl hairpin. She wore light makeup, and her features displayed all the gentle grace of a Japanese woman.

As the melodious strains of a shamisen slowly began, accompanied by the low, lilting tones of a shakuhachi, the geisha raised a hand and gently waved her round fan. She slowly turned, her dance light and soft. Her movements were never exaggerated, yet each was precise and crisp. Her wrist lifted gently, the fan swayed with the rhythm, and her hem fluttered with her steps, brushing the tatami and leaving a faint scent of grass. Her feet moved lightly in small, orderly steps. As she turned, her sleeves rose gently, their silver embroidery glimmering in the light. Every gesture embodied the restraint and elegance of Japanese dance, with no needless flourish, yet full of delicate beauty.

When the piece ended, the izakaya's proprietress arranged for several Japanese women to join them as drinking companions. They sat beside the men, pouring drinks respectfully and speaking softly. One woman in a kimono, with gentle features, knelt beside Shen Yan.

She poured a cup of sake, delicately held its rim between her fingertips, and, looking a little shy, gently brought it to Shen Yan's lips with both hands.

"Kiyoko has heard that Shen-kun is the bravest man. Please drink."

Shen Yan showed embarrassment and nervousness at just the right moment, making the proprietress cover her mouth and chuckle.

"I never expected that someone as handsome as Shen-kun would never have tasted a woman."

Laughter filled the room, and Shen Yan grew even more nervous. "My father has always been very strict with me. He said I couldn't lose my virginity before mastering martial arts..."

The laughter grew louder. Even the unsmiling Kuroiwa Masao's lips curved upward.

Lu Tinghui clapped repeatedly, looking at Shen Yan as though watching a younger man make a fool of himself.

"All right, all right, Shen Yan, don't be so rigid. A man has to learn to enjoy himself while he can! That way, he won't have regrets when he's old!"

Shen Yan had no choice but to drink the sake held to his lips, his face growing redder still.

The mood in the room was merry.

Just then, Kuroiwa Masao gave the proprietress a look. She understood and brought a bottle of sake to Shen Yan's other side.

"Come, Shen-kun, drink this cup. I'll make the arrangements tonight and have Miss Kiyoko give you an unforgettable evening! But you must be gentle, Shen-kun."

As she teased him, her gaze swept over the back of Shen Yan's head, where she spotted a faint scar. She immediately pretended to be surprised and curious and asked softly, "Shen-san, how did you get that scar on the back of your head? It looks frightening."

At her words, the noise around the table instantly quieted somewhat. Director Lu and Kuroiwa Masao showed no reaction, but their gazes slipped toward Shen Yan, their eyes probing.

Sure enough, this was no friendly banquet! The Japanese devils still don't trust me.

Shen Yan sneered inwardly, but his face instantly filled with unbearable shame. His cheeks reddened slightly, and he lowered his head, looking embarrassed. "I'm ashamed to say I got this scar on my last assignment."

"Oh?" Director Lu feigned curiosity and pressed him. "You're such a good fighter and so meticulous. How did someone manage to ambush you and leave a scar?"

Shen Yan scratched his head, looking even more ashamed. His tone held a touch of helplessness. "That day, the Imperial Army was clearing out the Communists, and I was helping the brothers block the roads. I drank too much water at noon and really couldn't hold it, so I found a secluded corner to relieve myself. I never expected... a female Communist would suddenly sneak up behind me and hit me in the back of the head with a rock."

"I've heard that martial artists have the quickest reflexes. It seems Shen-kun's kung fu still needs work." Director Lu continued to press him, his tone teasing but also carrying a hint of a probe.

Shen Yan looked even more ashamed and rubbed his hands together. His tone was frank but somewhat awkward. "I don't know either. It happened so suddenly. I was still peeing, and the moment I sensed movement behind me, I thought about pulling up my pants. By the time I reacted, that female Communist had already landed her blow. She hit me especially hard, so I..."

The moment he finished, laughter erupted around the table. Lu Tinghui slapped his thigh and laughed. "Hahaha, Shen-san, I can't blame you for that! In your place, we'd probably pull up our pants first too. That's a man's instinct!"

All the women in the room covered their mouths and giggled. Even Kuroiwa Masao smiled and nodded, the scrutiny in his eyes fading somewhat. He had evidently accepted the explanation too. And so, the only "loophole" in Shen Yan's story was firmly plugged with a seemingly comical excuse.