Chapter 78

A fierce fight broke out in front of the Xing Ying Men Hotel. Due to the suddenness of the incident, neither side had time to prepare weapons, so they relied solely on their fists and feet, making for a lively scene. The hotel security guards didn't dare to intervene, and a large crowd gathered around. The hotel's surveillance cameras captured the entire spectacle of the two groups.

Liu Hando's side had a relatively strong fighting force, but the other side was even more formidable. A few of them were tall and muscular, with extremely proficient fighting skills, clearly trained in professional kickboxing. Tan Shuai, Shen Huawei, and others were used to fighting in groups, but they were taken down in one round by the other side. Only Liu Hando and Huo Lei could hold their own.

On the second floor of the hotel, by a window, two men were drinking and watching the fight with great interest, occasionally making comments.

"That big guy is fighting well; he must be from the Jinlong Club. The others look like they're from the provincial kickboxing team. And that black guy, he's using internal martial arts, with a hint of military boxing," the middle-aged man said, his face flushed from drinking. He opened his jacket, revealing a quick-draw holster and a leather ammunition clip under his armpit.

"I know that black guy; he's good at boxing, but even better with a gun," the bald man across from him said with a smile. He was Wang Xing, the legal manager, accountant, investigator, and security guard of the Mingjing Investigation and Consulting Company.

"Oh, what does he do?" the middle-aged man asked with interest.

"The famous Liu Hando. It was with his cooperation that I captured Gu Changjun. In the summer, this guy and Ma Guoqing from Huahuo fought against eight armed criminals and won. Of course, I also played a significant role," Wang Xing said with a smile.

"Oh, that's him. A tough guy like him should be a police officer and join our narcotics squad to make the best use of his talents," the man chuckled, lighting a cigarette and watching the fight below.

"He's already in the special police. Old Geng, if you want to recruit him, you'd better act quickly," the other man said.

"Contract-based riot police, it's a waste of his talent," Old Geng said, taking a puff of his cigarette. "The matter you asked me to look into last time has some leads. Xia Bai Shi used Wang Shihuang's connections to get medical parole for hepatitis. He's likely to get a suspended sentence, so he won't have to serve time."

"Is that so?" Wang Xing was somewhat shocked. Xia Bai Shi had used the World Peak Group's connections, which must have some ulterior motives.

The information seemed accurate. He had been investigating for over a month without any leads, and it was only through Old Geng from the narcotics squad that he solved the mystery. The resources of the narcotics police were even more extensive than those of the criminal police. Old Geng had dozens of informants, and getting information was just a matter of a few words.

The sound of police sirens came from outside, and the 110 police force arrived. Both sides immediately fled.

"Damn, they run faster than drug dealers," Old Geng said, looking out the window, amused.

The police station was not particularly interested in such fights. With limited manpower, they couldn't control the situation, and they risked getting blood on themselves. As long as there was no property damage or riots, they would just watch from a distance and clean up after the fight. This time, the sirens made the crowd disperse, saving them a lot of trouble.

No one was dead or seriously injured, so the police just took statements and left. Back at the station, they received a call: "Ten minutes ago, a fight broke out in front of the Xing Ying Men Hotel. The person involved is Liu Hando. Go and arrest him."

The on-duty police officer recorded the information but didn't take it seriously.

Half an hour later, a Range Rover pulled into the police station. A man in his thirties got out and entered the duty room with an air of authority. "Has the case of the fight at Xing Ying Men been handled?"

"Which unit are you from?" the on-duty police officer asked, noting the man's alcohol breath and his boldness in driving to the police station.

"I'm from the city bureau," the man said, showing his police ID briefly.

The deputy chief of the station came over. "Director Zhan, what brings you to our station?"

"My cousin was beaten, and you haven't handled it," the man said.

"We'll handle it immediately. There were too many calls tonight, and we have limited manpower," the deputy chief said, promising to catch the person by the next morning.

The man nodded, pulled the deputy chief aside, and whispered a few words before shaking hands and leaving.

The on-duty police officer asked, "Chief, who was that, so arrogant?"

"The son of the head of the city bureau, Zhan Ziyu. Do you think he has the right to be arrogant?"

"Zhan's son, he must be arrogant."

...

Two days later, the newly recruited riot police reported to the provincial police academy. Lin Lianan still had stitches on his face, and the bruises on his body hadn't faded, but the fight had been satisfying. Liu Hando also had multiple bruises, but his face was well-protected.

The new police officers had already formed many small groups, chatting and laughing. Liu Hando was with a group of former soldiers, while Chang Jin was with the new recruits from the local sports college, occasionally shooting him hateful glances.

"Brother Jin, look at that guy's arrogance. I wish I could beat him to death!" a young man beside Chang Jin said with hatred.

"Mu Xin, don't worry, he'll be gone today," Chang Jin said, extinguishing his cigarette butt with a sinister smile.

"Brother Jin, how did you arrange it?"

"I reported him. He's a wanted criminal with a criminal record. Just wait and see the show," Chang Jin said, glancing at Liu Hando in the distance and snorting.

The city bureau had recruited 120 male and 30 female riot police, signing three-year contracts. They would be on 24-hour standby and live in a closed environment, similar to active military service. After the contract period, they could renew, but those over 30 would not be rehired.

This hired riot police force was a measure to address the shortage of police officers and also a way to provide employment for the children of internal staff. Some of the 150 people would be transferred to grassroots police stations, immigration bureaus, and vehicle management offices during their first contract period, and their status would be changed to permanent positions through various means.

Liu Hando belonged to the former group, while Chang Jin belonged to the latter.

A whistle blew, and the new police officers gathered on the parade ground. The cold wind made many shiver, even in their down jackets, and their noses ran.

A neatly dressed deputy inspector walked briskly to the podium and said in a loud voice, "Comrades, I am Zhang Y森 (Yasen), your instructor. Pay attention and stand straight!"

The new police officers straightened up.

"You haven't put on your police uniforms yet, so you're still civilians. But after today, you will be honored police officers. What qualities should our riot police have? Political reliability is the first. Martial arts skills, quick reflexes, and a firm resolve to combat crime are all essential. Do you have these qualities?"

"Yes."

"Are you hungry? I can't hear you!"

"Yes!" This time, the response was louder, but still uneven, with the female officers' shrill voices louder than the men's.

"Your voices are too weak; you're not even as good as women!"

"Yes!!"

"Good, now I can hear you. Before I start, I want to mention something. Some of you have been involved in public fights after being accepted!"

Chang Jin looked pleased and smug.

His follower, Sui Mu Xin, immediately flattered him, "Brother Jin, you're awesome."

"Of course, I told you, one word and he wouldn't be accepted," Chang Jin said.

Zhang Y森 (Yasen) scanned the crowd and suddenly pointed at Chang Jin and Mu Xin. "You two, step out!"

Chang Jin and Sui Mu Xin stepped out of the line, heads down.

"I don't allow anyone to talk while I'm speaking. Ten thousand meters, run clockwise, immediately! If you don't finish, you're out!" Zhang Y森 (Yasen) roared.

Chang Jin and Sui Mu Xin, dejected, started running on the track.

Zhang Y森 (Yasen) continued, "Where was I?"

No one dared to respond.

"About the fight," Liu Hando said loudly. In fact, he was feeling very cold inside, knowing that he might not become a police officer after all, but he decided to act tough.

"Right, the fight. Before you put on this uniform, you're still civilians. You're young and full of energy. If you encounter something and back down, you're not a real man and not fit to be a special police officer!"

Liu Hando was surprised by Zhang Y森 (Yasen)'s words, and Chang Jin, who was running, felt like dying. He had gone to great lengths to set up the situation, but it turned out to be useless.

"But once you put on this uniform, you represent the police and the government. You must control your personal emotions. You can vent your anger in the training ground and show your skills in the field. Now, turn right, march, and enter the small auditorium to receive your uniforms."

The 148-person formation turned and marched.

Zhang Y森 (Yasen) pointed at the two running on the track and shouted, "Ten thousand meters, not one meter less!"

...

The new police officers received their new uniforms: a set of dark blue blended wool uniforms, a suit jacket and pants, two light blue shirts, a tie, a belt, a cap, a pair of white gloves, and a metal bar shoulder badge, representing the lowest rank of trainee.

Everyone finally put on the long-desired police uniforms, their excitement evident as they adjusted their uniforms and discussed in low voices.

"The material of these clothes is really poor. The shirts are synthetic; they'll be uncomfortable in the summer," Liu Hando said, pinching the fabric.

"Don't be picky. I was almost scared to death. Why didn't they handle us?" Lin Lianan asked, tying his tie, still shaken.

"I don't know. Maybe we're just lucky," Liu Hando said, though he had been despondent just moments ago and was now pretending to be indifferent.

He didn't know that behind the scenes, there had been a lot of negotiations and struggles. Liu Hando and Lin Lianan's names had been removed from the new police list, charged with fighting. However, the officer in charge of recruitment, considering Liu Hando's connection to Secretary Shen, had resisted the pressure and kept them on the list.

All the new police officers changed into their uniforms and entered the small auditorium again, where Zhang Y森 (Yasen) continued to speak.

"Don't think that just because you're wearing the uniform, you're real police officers. You will undergo a week of political education and three months of full封闭 (closed) training. Those who don't meet the standards won't be hired. Those who violate the rules during training will be punished, and in severe cases, expelled!"

Zhang Y森 (Yasen) pointed outside. Through the large windows of the auditorium, the leaden sky was starting to snow, and the cold wind was howling. Chang Jin and Sui Mu Xin were running on the track, hunched against the northwest wind.

Everyone shivered involuntarily, except for Liu Hando, who was used to being confined in the military.

...

The new police officers received their new uniforms: a set of dark blue blended wool uniforms, a suit jacket and pants, two light blue shirts, a tie, a belt, a cap, a pair of white gloves, and a metal bar shoulder badge, representing the lowest rank of trainee.

Everyone finally put on the long-desired police uniforms, their excitement evident as they adjusted their uniforms and discussed in low voices.

"The material of these clothes is really poor. The shirts are synthetic; they'll be uncomfortable in the summer," Liu Hando said, pinching the fabric.

"Don't be picky. I was almost scared to death. Why didn't they handle us?" Lin Lianan asked, tying his tie, still shaken.

"I don't know. Maybe we're just lucky," Liu Hando said, though he had been despondent just moments ago and was now pretending to be indifferent.

He didn't know that behind the scenes, there had been a lot of negotiations and struggles. Liu Hando and Lin Lianan's names had been removed from the new police list, charged with fighting. However, the officer in charge of recruitment, considering Liu Hando's connection to Secretary Shen, had resisted the pressure and kept them on the list.

All the new police officers changed into their uniforms and entered the small auditorium again, where Zhang Y森 (Yasen) continued to speak.

"Don't think that just because you're wearing the uniform, you're real police officers. You will undergo a week of political education and three months of full封闭 (closed) training. Those who don't meet the standards won't be hired. Those who violate the rules during training will be punished, and in severe cases, expelled!"

Zhang Y森 (Yasen) pointed outside. Through the large windows of the auditorium, the leaden sky was starting to snow, and the cold wind was howling. Chang Jin and Sui Mu Xin were running on the track, hunched against the northwest wind.

Everyone shivered involuntarily, except for Liu Hando, who was used to being confined in the military.

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