Chapter 16: Without a Doubt, an Outstanding Talent Among Inspectors

With Hong Li’s interruption, Xiao Kaitian could no longer continue studying his materials. The computer was already destroyed, and unwilling to escalate matters, he dealt with things simply and declared the incident over.

Almost at the same time, on the top floor of a high-rise in Shangjing, the capital of Han-Tang, a spacious office was brightly lit. Behind a red sandalwood desk in front of an ornate bookcase, a middle-aged man in a gray suit was smiling as he spoke on the phone.

“Ari arito!” His somewhat clumsy attempt at the island language made him appear a touch comical, but the instant he hung up, the smile vanished from his lips, replaced by a cold, disdainful expression.

He swept aside the pile of folders on his desk with a wave, then reached into a sandalwood box to retrieve a cigarette with a gold-embossed tip and no brand markings. Those in the know would be astonished—this was a special-issue cigarette reserved for the elite of Han-Tang, unattainable to the public.

He was a man in his fifties, who took excellent care of himself; his skin was smooth, and while his features exuded a certain gentleness, there lingered a hint of youthful charm—he must have been quite distinguished in his youth. The only flaw was the slightly angular shape of his eyes, which lent his gaze a trace of severity.

This was Xiao Zhenglü, the half-brother of Xiao Kaitian’s father, Xiao Zhengze, and the current head of the Xiao family, the man who had reversed the family’s fortunes in its time of crisis.

He relished his current position. This seat once belonged only to his illustrious elder brother, Xiao Zhengze, and after decades of waiting, it was finally his. More importantly, he intended to rewrite the methods and vision of Xiao Zhengze—those outdated ways belonged in the dustbin of history.

The office had been refurbished according to his wishes; the once modest, practical furnishings that did little to reflect his status had been replaced. He caressed the red sandalwood desk with satisfaction and surveyed the various antique vases and ornaments. This, at last, was the space befitting the head of the Xiao family.

He was confident he could lead the family to a new height—without relying on his nephew, the renowned Xiao Kaitian.

Amid clouds of smoke, he could not help but laugh. Reason told him to restrain himself, but the surging joy in his heart was impossible to stifle.

There were still those he needed to keep an eye on—those two brats... no, those two relatives, Xiao Kaitian and Jiang Churan. Both would require special attention. Jiang Churan was, after all, not really a member of the Xiao family. Though she held ten percent of its shares, she was just a frail woman—not worth worrying about. Women were easy to deal with; at this thought, he unconsciously licked his lips.

As for Xiao Kaitian, he was more troublesome—after all, he was the capital’s most distinguished young man, and the Zhao family’s son-in-law!

Fortunately, fate had taken a turn, and Xiao Kaitian had gone to the island nation. Over there, Xiao Zhenglü had many friends, and the intelligence he had just received delighted him immensely.

“Director Xiao, we hope you’ll understand our predicament. The Zhao family has also made inquiries,” the words of his recent call echoed in his mind. “The situation must be kept balanced; after all, we are police, a state institution. So, we’re assigning one of our best personnel to ensure Young Master Xiao’s security in the island nation.”

“Rest assured—absolutely one of our finest... in traffic enforcement.”

At that, Xiao Zhenglü’s smile grew broader. He nearly called back to offer further thanks. If not for pressing matters awaiting him, he might have burst into song.

With this thought, he leaned forward and pressed the extension button. After two rings, the line was picked up promptly. “I hear a new starlet is visiting the capital. Make the arrangements—a simple dinner, nothing more.”

Receiving an affirmative reply, he exhaled another plume of smoke. Now, these were the real, challenging matters befitting a successful man! His smile deepened.

While Xiao Zhenglü busied himself with family affairs and expanding his network, the island nation was far from tranquil.

As soon as Sakura Harui returned to Kanagawa Police Headquarters, a young officer approached her with a smile. “Chief Inspector Harui, Superintendent Hattori asks to see you.”

“Superintendent Hattori?” Sakura Harui’s lips parted in surprise. Such an interdepartmental summons from headquarters was unusual—she was, after all, just a newly arrived traffic officer, and had no idea why a superintendent would call for her. The gap between a superintendent and a chief inspector was considerable. Could it be her work had been so outstanding as to draw the attention of higher-ups? This vain notion flashed briefly through her mind before vanishing.

Puzzled, Sakura Harui marched in standard police fashion to a high-level office in headquarters, taking the elevator. The sign on the door reminded her this was not a place she would normally enter.

Three polite knocks, a response from inside, and Sakura Harui drew a deep breath, straightened her uniform, fixed a measured smile on her lips, and pushed open the door.

Standing before the venetian blinds, hands clasped behind his back, was a man of modest stature. At the sound of her entrance, he turned, smiling, and the prominent mole on the left side of his nose was starkly visible in the light. This was Hideo Hattori, Superintendent of Kanagawa Police Headquarters.

“Sakura-chan,” he said, gesturing to the chair before his desk, “have a seat.”

Sakura Harui did not hurry to sit. She pressed her legs together and gave a crisp salute. “Chief Inspector Sakura Harui, Kanagawa Police Headquarters Traffic Division, reporting in. Sir, please instruct me.”

“Sit,” Hideo Hattori repeated, pointing again at the chair. He sat first, fingers laced under his chin, watching as Sakura Harui bowed carefully and sat down with composure. Only then did he smile and say, “Sakura-chan, you’ve been at headquarters almost a year now, haven’t you?”

“Yes!” Sakura Harui nodded slightly and replied earnestly, “I graduated this March and joined as a traffic officer.”

“Traffic work is important, but I see from your file you studied criminal investigation, didn’t you?” Hideo Hattori narrowed his eyes.

“Yes…” Sakura Harui’s face betrayed a flicker of embarrassment. She nervously pinched the edge of her uniform, her knuckles white with tension. “But I also minored in traffic studies. In fact…”

Hideo Hattori waved his hand, signaling she misunderstood. Looking pleased, he pulled over a sheet of paper. “Actually, that’s not what I wanted to discuss.”

“Oh…” Sakura Harui’s eyes reflected her confusion; she did not grasp the direction of the conversation.

“The truth is,” Hideo Hattori said, shaking the paper, “there’s a very important task I’d like an exceptional officer to handle. But I can’t assign it directly to the Criminal Division. Do you understand what I mean?”

“Um…” Sakura Harui was completely at a loss.