Chapter 10 Meeting William

Although Alexander performed excellently in this case and received praise from Samuel, his status in the team did not improve. Instead, most of the 45 members of the team treated him like he was invisible. Except for Eric, Andrew, and some marginalized colleagues who were close to him, the core members of the team generally gave him the cold shoulder.

 

If it were just outsiders treating Alexander this way, he could tolerate it. However, even his roommates, with whom he had to live day and night, gave him the silent treatment. These people didn't cause trouble for him, but they also didn't talk to him. As soon as Alexander entered the room, everyone either fell silent or collectively left the room. As soon as he left, they would all come back, playing cards and chatting as usual.

 

The reason everyone treated Alexander this way was because he had offended David and grabbed the credit right after joining, inevitably causing some jealousy.

 

If it were someone else, they might regret offending David, but Alexander felt no such regret. His personality was somewhat cold, and not just anyone could get close to him. Moreover, he didn't believe that currying favor with others would help him fit into any circle. He thought that in such an environment, being overly weak would only encourage others to take advantage of him. If David could bully him once, he could bully him a hundred times. If Alexander silently accepted an extra three days of duty today, David might make him work four days straight next time. Eventually, he might even have to clean the dorm and wash others' clothes, which was unacceptable to Alexander.

 

Although Alexander didn't care about his colleagues' silent treatment, staying in the dorm did make him feel awkward. After all, living under the same roof with people who disliked each other and constantly giving each other the cold shoulder would affect his mood.

 

Alexander had received a $500 bonus, which he hadn't budgeted for. As soon as he got the money, he decided to rent a place on his own. Since he couldn't get along with everyone, he might as well avoid the hassle. However, Alexander wasn't familiar with the local situation, so he asked Andrew to help him find a place. The requirements were that it shouldn't be too expensive but have electricity, and be livable.

 

Andrew thought Alexander was brave and straightforward, getting along well with him, so he readily agreed to help.

 

The next day.

 

As Alexander entered the office, ready to start his shift, someone outside suddenly called out, "Alexander, William wants to see you in the cafeteria."

 

Alexander turned his head at the sound, intending to ask who had called him, but the person had already left, showing no intention of continuing the conversation.

 

Alexander smiled, grabbed his coat, and left the office.

 

In the cafeteria.

 

After asking the staff, Alexander looked up and saw William sitting by the window.

 

William was about 5 feet 8 inches tall, slim, with delicate skin and handsome features. He had a pair of charming eyes that curved slightly upward, giving the impression that his eyes were always smiling, making a great first impression.

 

"Hello, William, right? I'm Alexander."

 

"Hello." William stood up with a smile and shook Alexander's hand. "I should have welcomed you to the team the day before yesterday, but I was out of town in Stardust City."

 

"I heard about that. I know you were at a conference."

 

"All settled in?" William gestured for Alexander to sit down.

 

"Yes, all the necessary procedures are done." Alexander sat across from William.

 

"That's good." William personally poured Alexander a glass of water and said with a smile. "I heard about the kidnapping case. You brought honor to the team."

 

"There was some luck involved." Alexander grinned.

 

"This morning, I talked with Mr. Charles. He told me about your situation," William said, getting to the point. "Normally, the main officers in such cases would be promoted. Mr. Charles wanted to make you a team leader and promote you to a Level 2 officer. But since you just joined and this happened so quickly, it might seem too coincidental. So, after discussing with Mr. Charles, we decided to wait a bit. There's no rush. We have plenty of time."

 

"Yes, Mr. Charles told me about this. I'm not in a hurry," Alexander responded in agreement, "Since I'm new, I'll take some time to adjust to the environment."

 

"Don't worry. I'll make sure you get what you deserve," William said.

 

As they chatted, the cafeteria staff brought numerous delicious dishes, including beef and some expensive vegetables. This made Alexander feel that William was quite generous, at least appearing to be open-minded.

 

"We can't drink while on duty, so let's just have a simple meal." William refilled Alexander's water.

 

"This is great."

 

"Help yourself. It's on me," William said.

 

"Alright."

 

As they started eating, William observed Alexander with his peripheral vision. He noticed that this young man from the anarchic district didn't seem nervous at all. He ate without rushing but also without any signs of awkwardness.

 

"Alexander, you'll go to the third team." After a moment of silence, William suddenly said, "The previous team leader was dismissed for misconduct and corruption, so there's no one managing it now. You can be the acting team leader."

 

Alexander was surprised. "But Mr. Charles said I would be the deputy team leader?"

 

"An acting team leader is essentially at the deputy level, and Mr. Charles' original intention was to promote you to a Level 2 officer. Once your title is confirmed, you'll be the official team leader." William smiled. "It's easier to handle things within our team."

 

"Then thank you for your support, William." Alexander smiled.

 

"Alexander, this police department isn't my personal business, but being the team leader is something everyone supports. Without these brothers in the team risking their lives on cases, I wouldn't have anything to discuss with Mr. Charles." William's words were concise and filled with a sense of loyalty and righteousness. "Now that you're here, you're one of us. You support me, and I'll take care of you. There's no need for formalities... If you need anything, just come to me. I'll do my best to get you what you deserve. We're all in this together with different roles, but the goal is the same to survive a bit better in this chaotic environment."

 

Alexander initially thought that since he had offended David, William might have a negative impression of him and might cause trouble either openly or secretly.

 

But unexpectedly, William's words today were very sincere, with no arrogance, and very straightforward, making Alexander feel warm.

 

"William, since you've said that, let me toast you." Alexander, feeling grateful, raised his glass and said earnestly, "I'll do my best in the team."

 

With that, they both drank their water.

 

After setting down his glass, William wiped his mouth and looked at Alexander. "Alright, we've finished the friendly chat. Let's talk about work."

 

"Sure, go ahead."

 

"This morning, the police station issued a warrant. Some major criminals from the anarchic district might appear in the Black Street District. The team has been assigned to handle this, and I returned to organize the operation." William frowned and said to Alexander, "But I have another important case that needs manpower. Since you're new and lack experience with major criminals, I want you to lead the third team on this case."

 

"What kind of case is it?" Alexander asked.

 

"It's a drug trafficking case." William took a sip of water and explained, "Recently, a large batch of smuggled drugs has appeared in the Black Street District. Some are fake, and some are from non-regulated channels... Normally, no one would care about this because where there's demand, there's a market. We don't even have enough people for major cases, let alone this case. However, two major pharmaceutical companies in Stardust City jointly pressured the government, insisting that this case is affecting their market. You know, the more chaotic the world, the more leverage the healthcare industry has. The higher-ups have no choice but to pass the pressure down, causing the Pine City Medical Bureau to constantly call the police station, which in turn pressures Mr. Charles. Since the main area affected is the Black Street District, Mr. Charles is almost driven crazy. He announced in a meeting that within three months, the team must eliminate all drug traffickers in the Black Street District."

 

"Is it a real crackdown or just talk?" Alexander asked subtly.

 

William was slightly surprised and responded, "It's a real crackdown. We need to clean it up thoroughly."

 

"Will the third team have enough manpower?" Alexander asked.

 

"You'll start working on it, gather key leads, and then we'll concentrate our efforts to take them down," William replied softly, "But until we have key leads, we'll focus on the major criminals."

 

"Got it." Alexander knew very well that once he put on the police uniform, he had to follow orders. This was the rule, and he didn't have the power to choose.

 

"You also know that the joint government crackdown on fake drugs is unprecedented to protect the interests of pharmaceutical companies still conducting research and the many patients. So, selling smuggled drugs, whether fake or not, if it exceeds 11 pounds, it's a death sentence," William reminded with a frown, "So be careful. The case must be solved, but ensure the safety of your team and yourself."

 

"I understand," Alexander replied.

 

"I'll send the materials to the third team this afternoon. Get familiar with them quickly and get to know your team members. If necessary, take everyone out for a meal to build some rapport. They're all young, easy to get along with." William stood up, about to pay the bill, then turned to Alexander, "I almost forgot David has that kind of temper. Sometimes, he doesn't think things through. Don't take it personally. I'll arrange for both of you to sit down together later. Let's not dwell on past issues."

 

Alexander was surprised. "That would be great."

 

"I'll go pay the bill. It's almost time to start work." William smiled at Alexander and walked to the cashier.

 

Watching William's back, Alexander murmured, "He's quite magnanimous."

 

In the afternoon.

 

As Alexander was about to return to the third team, Andrew notified him to go to 88 Raindrop Avenue in the Black Street District because a new place had been found.

 

Alexander checked his phone. It wasn't work time yet, so he quickly left.

 

After about a fifteen-minute walk, Alexander hurried to the gate of 88 Raindrop Avenue. He didn't see Andrew but heard someone behind him call out, "Alexander? Is that you?"

 

Alexander turned around at the sound and saw Emily wearing a fitted wool coat, smiling beautifully at the bottom of the steps. Her face no longer showed the fear from the other day. With the dazzling sun behind her, she looked as if she had stepped out of a painting.