Declaring His True Feelings, Promoted Again

More than halfway through the banquet, perhaps because of the alcohol, Shen Yan gradually loosened up. As he gazed at the beautiful, gentle Miss Kiyoko beside him, his eyes grew hazy.

"Miss Kiyoko, may I tell you a little story?"

"Of course! Kiyoko loves stories most of all! Please tell it, Shen."

Kuroiwa Masao and Lu Tinghui's attention was drawn over as well. They were curious what kind of story Shen Yan would tell.

Shen Yan drained his cup and cleared his throat.

"Once upon a time, there was an old couple who had no children and depended on each other. One day, the old woman went to the river to wash clothes and suddenly saw a very large peach floating down the river..."

"I know, I know! It's the story of Momotarō. My grandmother told it to me."

Kiyoko was delighted, but immediately realized her behavior was improper. She hastily lowered her head and sat properly.

Shen Yan, however, showed no anger at having the story spoiled and continued at an unhurried pace. "The old woman was delighted and carried the peach home. The old man took out a wood-chopping knife and cut the peach open with all his might. Then they discovered..."

Shen Yan looked around at the people in the room, who appeared expectant but were actually just playing along, and gave a cheeky grin.

"There was a note inside the peach. It said, 'There aren't enough children to go around, so you two will have to make do with a peach.'"

After a moment of silence, everyone in the room burst out laughing. Kiyoko balled up her fist and punched Shen Yan's arm several times.

"Shen, you're so naughty! I love it!"

Lu Tinghui sprayed the wine from his mouth. Coughing, he pointed at Shen Yan. "You rascal! You really are full of surprises. Since you're so good at telling jokes, tell us another. If you can't, you'll have to drink as punishment!"

"Yes, sir!"

Shen Yan pondered for a moment. His eyes lit up. He had one!

"An old man fell into the sea off Etajima and shouted for help. The naval cadets on shore didn't move, so, in a flash of inspiration, the old man shouted, 'Navy idiots!' The cadets immediately dragged him out of the water and gave him a beating. But that saved the old man's life."

When he finished, Shen Yan waited smugly for everyone's praise, but the reaction was unexpected.

The women in the room all lowered their heads in silence. Only Kuroiwa Masao and Lu Tinghui were smiling.

Realizing something, Shen Yan sobered up at once. He stood and bowed ninety degrees to Kuroiwa Masao.

"I'm sorry, sir! I... I got carried away and spoke without thinking. I insulted the empire's servicemen. Please punish me!"

The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew tense.

Kuroiwa Masao smiled faintly and waved a hand at Shen Yan.

"Shen, there's no need to be nervous. I imagine your teacher Inoue taught you those jokes. Inoue's survey team belongs to the army, and the empire's army and navy... don't get along. Everyone knows that, so it's no surprise your teacher taught you a joke like that. Besides, our Special Higher Police is also part of the army. I was quite happy to hear your joke!"

Hearing Kuroiwa Masao say this, everyone relaxed again, but the mood never quite returned to what it had been.

Kuroiwa Masao exchanged a glance with Lu Tinghui and nodded.

Lu Tinghui understood and clapped his hands. The proprietress got up and led the girls out.

Shen Yan also sat up straight, waiting for Kuroiwa Masao's questions.

Kuroiwa Masao drank a cup of wine and slowly began, "Shen, the war between China and Japan is now raging. I wonder what you think of this war?"

The table fell silent. Everyone looked at Shen Yan, waiting for his answer.

Shen Yan put down his cup. The embarrassment vanished from his face, replaced by a sincere, guileless expression. He spoke evenly. "Section Chief, to tell you the truth, I didn't have much schooling growing up. I can barely read, and I don't understand grand principles."

He paused, then continued, "When my father was alive, he often told me to be honest and remember whose bowl I ate from and whom I worked for. Right now, I eat from the police bureau's bowl and draw my pay from the bureau. So all I do is what a policeman should: maintain public order, solve cases, and live up to the director's trust and the responsibilities of my job. As for the war between China and Japan, that's for important people to think about. I'm just a lowly policeman. I can't concern myself with so much, and I wouldn't dare talk about it carelessly. Doing my own duty is enough."

The speech was plain and unadorned, without a single flowery phrase, yet every sentence conveyed a sense of duty. It perfectly established the persona of a lowly policeman with little education, no understanding of politics, and a commitment to loyalty and doing his duty.

After hearing him out, the probing look in Kuroiwa Masao's eyes disappeared entirely. He nodded, his tone softening somewhat. "Shen, you're an honest man. It's rare to have such a clear understanding."

Director Lu also smiled with satisfaction and nodded inwardly. Shen Yan's answer had neither struck a lofty tone nor sung anyone's praises. It was so sincere that no one could find fault with it.

"Everyone should have enjoyed themselves by now. Shen Yan, shall I arrange for you to rest at Miss Kiyoko's place?"

Shen Yan hurriedly shook his head. "Thank you for your kindness, Director! I can't hold my liquor, so I'd like to go back and rest early."

Lu Tinghui nodded and didn't press him. "Come to my office after you get to work tomorrow. There's a surprise waiting for you."

Everyone rose to leave. Shen Yan tactfully settled the bill and saw the two men off to their cars. Only then did he let out a relieved breath.

Those two Japanese devils are hard to deal with. One test after another, but after tonight, I should be in the clear.

Early the next morning, Shen Yan got ready and headed to the police bureau on time.

Recalling Lu Tinghui's words about a "surprise" the night before, he was curious but didn't speculate too much. After all, he had passed the test at the banquet, so he assumed it was nothing more than some small reward.

As soon as he entered the office building, Lu Tinghui's secretary came forward to lead him and said respectfully, "Officer Shen, Director Lu is waiting for you in his office. He gave specific instructions for you to go straight in as soon as you arrived."

Shen Yan nodded, adjusted his clothes, and suppressed his curiosity as he strode toward Director Lu's office.

When he pushed open the door, Lu Tinghui was sitting behind his desk with a document in his hand and a warm smile on his face. As soon as he saw Shen Yan enter, he stood and motioned for him to sit. "Shen Yan, have a seat. You did very well last night. Section Chief Kuroiwa thinks highly of you too."

Shen Yan took a seat, his tone still tinged with regret. "It was only thanks to your and the section chief's generosity. I didn't know my own place last night, and I still regret it." Director Lu smiled and shook his head. He pushed the document in front of Shen Yan and tapped its cover. "Young people need some spirit. You don't need to dwell on it. Now, to business. This is your surprise. The situation is chaotic, and public security incidents are frequent. Regular police forces alone are struggling to deal with all kinds of emergencies, so the higher-ups have decided to establish a Special Operations Squad to handle major cases, investigate potential threats, and assist with the empire's related plans. We've unanimously decided to put you in command."

Shen Yan was shaken, and some of the composure instantly faded from his face. He spoke instinctively. "Director, I... I really can't accept! I've had little schooling and have never led a team. I'm afraid I can't shoulder such a heavy responsibility and will let you and the section chief down."

Lu Tinghui waved a hand, his tone firm. "Section Chief Kuroiwa and I have both seen your work. You're efficient and meticulous. We believe you can shoulder this responsibility!"

As he spoke, he opened the document and pointed to its provisions. "This Special Operations Squad will be under the direct joint command of Section Chief Kuroiwa and me. Its personnel have already been selected for you, though you can tell me if you have other candidates. It will also be given priority for equipment. You can get on with the work without holding back."

Shen Yan looked at the words "Special Operations Squad captain: Shen Yan" on the document and understood. Only by accepting the appointment could he gain further favor and have more initiative in what followed.

He immediately stood and bowed slightly, speaking sincerely. "Since you and the section chief place such trust in me, I won't fail in my mission. I'll do everything I can to lead the squad well and live up to your expectations!"