Once, I wanted to be a good person

"These past couple of days, my communicator has been almost blown up by people calling."

"Now that the case is so significant, don't give others leverage over you."

Upon hearing the words of the female director, Fang Ze coughed and said, "Director, I think we can't let the person go."

The female director went "Hmm?" and asked, "Why?"

Fang Ze replied, "Among those five commissioners, excluding Jiang Cheng, there's only one representative from Qingshan City who is clean. The other three all have issues."

This time, the female director was visibly surprised.

She asked, "They all have issues?"

She looked at Fang Ze, frowning as she asked, "Are you sure you're not acting on personal vendettas?"

Fang Ze said, "I swear on Jiang Cheng's life, I am really not acting on personal vendettas!"

Female Director: ...

For some reason, the female director felt that this made it even less credible.

But seeing how emphatic Fang Ze was, and considering his previous track record, she had no choice but to believe him.

She fell silent for a while, then said, "Then write me a detailed report, and fax it over."

"Leave the rest to me. I'll handle it."

"You focus on processing this case."

Fang Ze smiled and saluted, "Yes, ma'am."

Fang Ze wasn't deceiving the female director; those three commissioners really did have issues.

Although Fang Ze was somewhat arrogant, he was still very cautious in his work.

That day, during the commissioners' meeting, Fang Ze activated his "Black Panther" ability to observe the commissioners present.

Then... he was shocked to discover that, aside from Commissioner Wang, there were three other commissioners whose bodies were surrounded by a black aura with a kaleidoscope of colors within.

If he had encountered just one of them outside, Fang Ze would not have thought much of it. But with so many similar "premonitions," he was almost certain: they must, like Commissioner Wang, be followers of Dahei Jialuo.

Or... maybe Commissioner Wang had introduced them to Dahei Jialuo.

And in this matter, the funniest thing was: Commissioner Wang and Jiang Cheng each had two commissioners under them.

The only one who was not "corrupted" turned out to be Qingshan City's representative, who was on Commissioner Wang's side.

And the two trusted associates Jiang Cheng thought he had... were actually Commissioner Wang's people.

Fang Ze couldn't help but feel that Jiang Cheng was indeed a failure, and suddenly it all made sense: no wonder, even though he had the Jiang Family backing him and was the First Commissioner of Emerald City, he had always been on equal footing with Commissioner Wang over the years!

This fool, his house was stolen right under his nose, and yet he thought he could fight? Ridiculous!

Fang Ze even speculated that Commissioner Wang might be maintaining this balance "grudgingly" out of concern that Jiang Cheng would "call for his parents" for help.

Otherwise, Commissioner Wang would probably have beaten Jiang Cheng to a pulp.

Thinking about it, Jiang Cheng was actually quite pitiable...

Somehow feeling a surge of (sarcastic) sympathy for his enemy, Fang Ze snapped back to reality and was ready to hang up the communicator and get back to the case.

But just as he was about to disconnect, the female director looked at him with a cold gaze and suddenly said, "Fang Ze, are you interested in working at the Provincial Government?"

Upon hearing the female director's words, Fang Ze's hand involuntarily paused.

He looked at the female director with a bit of surprise and said, "The State? Director... I've just been promoted."

The female director spoke slowly, "The head of the Judicial Department of the State Security Bureau is getting on in years and wants to retire."

"He has been asking me to resign. But, I haven't had a suitable candidate."

She candidly said, "Initially, I actually had Gu Qing in mind. That's why I've been focusing on grooming him these two years."

"But now, it seems to me that you are actually the more suitable candidate."

She said indifferently, "I've never cared about seniority or factions. I only care about ability."

"If you can solve cases for me, and maintain peace in Xida State for generations, what harm would there be in promoting you beyond your rank?"

Upon hearing the female director's words, Fang Ze couldn't help but ponder.

It had to be said, the Provincial Government was definitely a bigger stage than Emerald City, and the State Security Bureau was certainly a better place for Fang Ze to utilize his "abilities."

Moreover, becoming the head of the Judicial Department of the State Security Bureau indeed had more prospects than being the director of Emerald City Security Bureau.

Leaving aside everything else, there were 37 major cities in Xida State; Emerald City was practically insignificant among them.

Just moving from Emerald City to another department in the Provincial Government as a key official already constituted a promotion.

And the Judicial Department, as the core department of every Security Bureau, had its head holding a higher status and more power relative to the heads of other departments.

It was almost comparable to a deputy director.

In Xida State, any crime involving an Awakener was directly handled by the head of the Judicial Department, who could call upon the Security Bureaus of various major cities, the Investigation Bureau, and even the Federal Defense Team at will.

It was truly the power to summon the wind and call for the rain.

And the resources that could be obtained were even more abundant. Officially, they might even promote the head of the Judicial Department to Spirit Ascension Perfection, or even the initial stage of Yang Transformation.

So, to be honest, Fang Ze was very tempted...

While Fang Ze was thinking this, the female director appeared to have noticed his interest and said, "The old head still needs some time before retiring; you can take your time to think about it."

"Moreover, you do need a significant case right now to prove yourself."

As she said this, she implied, "Like... this case."

Hearing the female director's words, Fang Ze gathered his thoughts.

He nodded seriously and said, "Understood, Director. I'll resolve this case properly."