Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!

Chapter 45: Promotion

Chapter 45: Promotion

Jia Shu stood by the window for a while, replaying the entire situation in his mind.

After a moment, he returned to his desk and made some changes to Qiu Tu’s appointment, modifying “take office tomorrow” to “take office immediately.”

He also temporarily withheld Qin Shuman’s arrest warrant, intending to issue it only after the Qin family had dealt with their own matters. Ultimately, he opted for a more cautious approach.

“My gosh! Another promotion?”

“Who?”

“Who else? Officer Qiu, of course.”

“What? Officer Qiu got promoted again?”

In the age of radio and vehicles, orders were transmitted swiftly. Before Qiu Tu even returned to the Qin family estate, the promotion notice had already reached the guard team.

“Officer Qiu got promoted twice in a week!”

“He’s moving to an office now? I’m so jealous.”

“He’s a big shot now, unlike us.”

Hearing his name being mentioned, Qiu Tu waved over an agent from the Special Operations Division and asked, “What’s going on? Who got promoted?”

The chosen agent eagerly ran over, saluted respectfully amid the envious gazes of his peers, and whispered, “Sir, it’s you! Congratulations on your promotion to deputy chief!”

Qiu Tu was momentarily stunned. Promotion? Deputy chief?

What were Yan Chen and Jia Shu plotting now?

Despite his suspicions, he maintained a cheerful expression and patted the agent on the shoulder, encouraging, “Keep up the good work, and you’ll be a deputy chief too someday!”

The agent’s face turned red with excitement, and he saluted again, “Thank you, sir!”

Returning to the other agents, the chosen one became the center of attention, with everyone asking what Qiu Tu had said and whether he promised to mentor him. Clearly, Qiu Tu’s promotion had significantly altered the agents’ attitudes towards him.

As described earlier, the difference between a first-level agent and a deputy chief was immense. A deputy chief could transfer favored agents to their department, freeing them from field duties. They also had the authority to recommend promotions for agents below first-level and decide on selections.

In New Realm City’s early stages, with many mid-level vacancies in the Investigation Department, a newly promoted deputy chief had ample opportunities for further advancement. Gaining Qiu Tu’s favor could be a game-changer for these lower-ranking agents.

Understanding the power dynamics in New Realm City, Qiu Tu knew what the agents were longing for. However, not yet having seen the official promotion document and unsure of Yan Chen and Jia Shu’s intentions, he wasn’t in the mood to recruit agents.

He summoned an agent to inquire about Fang Ming’s whereabouts and went directly to find him.

As expected, Fang Ming had the promotion document. Upon seeing Qiu Tu, Fang Ming handed over the document with a complex expression, finding Qiu Tu’s rapid rise unbelievable.

Qiu Tu took the document, read it carefully, and couldn’t help but smile. “Political Division Interrogation Office Deputy Chief? Immediate appointment? Hand over duties to Cao Dabiao?”

The document seemed fine at first glance but revealed much upon closer inspection. Qiu Tu’s eyes sparkled with amusement. ‘It looks like Yan Chen and Jia Shu sensed the danger and wanted to act early to separate me from the Qin family. But it’s too late. The groundwork is already laid.’

Seeing Qiu Tu’s reaction, Fang Ming sighed, “You’ve really rocketed up the ranks.”

Qiu Tu chuckled, “Are you jealous?”

Fang Ming, usually calm, admitted his envy, “Of course, who wouldn’t be?”

Then he cautioned Qiu Tu, “But I advise you to be careful.”

Qiu Tu looked at him curiously.

Fang Ming explained calmly, “Unless you’re some high-ranking official’s illegitimate child, have dirt on an Investigation Department leader, or caught the eye of a big shot’s daughter, you should make sure they aren’t setting you up for failure.”

“You’re too young and rising too fast. We ordinary agents might be envious, but we can’t affect you. However, your peers—other deputy chiefs and section chiefs—might have issues. They are often heads of significant local factions, having gained their positions by aligning with the shelter. You surpassing them in a week might cause resentment.”

Qiu Tu understood the implications. After a moment of silence, he patted Fang Ming’s shoulder, “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”

Fang Ming didn’t push further, just reminding, “Stay safe.”

Qiu Tu acknowledged, “Thanks. I’ll go hand over the guard team duties now.”

As he turned to leave, he paused and added meaningfully, “I remember you and Cao Dabiao don’t get along well. You’ve never liked his lax attitude. Now that you’re working together, mind your temper. Don’t cause a conflict and get kicked out of the guard team. It’d be embarrassing for both of you.”

Fang Ming: ??

Hearing this, Fang Ming was bewildered. Since when did he dislike Cao Dabiao? He didn’t care much for him, but that applied to many people. And he didn’t have a bad temper. Hadn’t he always remained calm, even when Qiu Tu annoyed him?

Suddenly, a realization struck Fang Ming. He looked up sharply at Qiu Tu, who merely gave him a meaningful look before walking away.

Watching Qiu Tu’s retreating figure, Fang Ming swallowed nervously, finally understanding.

By noon, Qiu Tu and Cao Dabiao had completed the handover of the guard team duties. Without even having lunch, Qiu Tu went to the Political Division Interrogation Office to report for duty.

That afternoon, Fang Ming and Cao Dabiao had a heated argument over Cao Dabiao’s command. The disagreement escalated, leading to Fang Ming and his team being recalled by the Special Operations Division, replaced by a new team to assist.

Amid the confusion, Shen Lingshuang was secretly transferred out of the Qin family estate. Her secret entry into the Qin family, kept undisclosed by Qiu Tu and Fang Ming, left Cao Dabiao and the new team unaware of her presence.

At 5 PM, Qiu Tu returned home after work. Opening the door, he was stunned by the transformation inside.

The once cluttered living room was now immaculate, with neatly arranged furniture and spotless surfaces. The floor, tables, and windows were cleaned to a shine. If not for the familiar items still in place, Qiu Tu might have thought he’d entered the wrong home.

“You’re back?” a clear, pleasant voice called from the direction of the bedroom.

A young girl, around sixteen or seventeen, emerged from the bedroom, her hair wet from a recent shower. She wore Qiu Tu’s white shirt, which was oversized on her petite frame, revealing her slender legs.

Qiu Tu’s heart skipped a beat, but he quickly regained his composure. His gaze swept over the tidy room, and he asked, “Did you clean all this?”

Shen Lingshuang nodded, her pure smile like sunlight. Qiu Tu acknowledged, then began unloading his belongings while asking, “Is everything ready?”

Hearing the serious tone, Shen Lingshuang’s smile faded. She nodded again, “Everything is ready.”

She led Qiu Tu to the bedroom, now cleared and filled with alchemy equipment for potion-making, purchased from the black market by Eagle and A Kun.

Qiu Tu checked the setup and noted the countdown timer indicating the completion of the Cataclysm Potion preparation time. Satisfied, he turned to Shen Lingshuang, “Let’s begin.”

With a determined nod, Shen Lingshuang started working on the potion. Qiu Tu observed for a while, ensuring no new crisis alerts appeared, then finally relaxed.

Leaving the bedroom, he stood by the spotless window, gazing at the fiery sunset, lost in thought.

‘The Qin family should be starting their plans now.’

Author's Note