chen2

But you know what these men are like. You know you can't change them, so everything you're having them do is only superficial.

That's not the Superintendent Ch'en I knew.

I...

Oh, don't get the wrong idea. I'm trying to say this is a good thing. A really good thing.

Beating around the bush again.

Oh, don't say that. Hey, I see the guy.

What time?

Okay, let me take a look.

There we go... lock on. We'll track his movements.

Okay.

He's regrouping with his mates. Looks like they're with the local gangs.

If it isn't Ch'en, the heroine everyone in the city is raving about right now. How can I help you?

You free?

Hard to say. Maybe. Maybe not.

Help me find somebody.

Ch'en, Hoshiguma, and the contestant head to the place where Lin Yühsia said she would meet up with them.

There, Lin Yühsia is aimlessly fiddling with a card in her hand. Next to her feet lies an unconscious thief, tied up.

Here. This is your card, right?

Yes, yes, yes. That's right. It's mine. Thank you very much, Miss Lin!

I owe you one.

Don't worry about it. Just figured I'd lend a hand. Besides, there's nothing you can do for me, even if you owe me one.

Yühsia?! I try on just three outfits and you vanish. Where the hell did you go this time?

I saw an old lady having trouble crossing the street, so I gave her a hand.

We're on the fifth floor of the mall! How in the world would you spot an old lady?! And the street down there's a pedestrian zone!

I'm giving you five minutes to show up, or you're dead!

Okay.

You can help me carry Swire's bags.

I'll pass.

Then I've got no use for you.

You can deal with this guy. See you.

See you later.

Well, this I'll never get used to. How are you getting along with Miss Lin, of all people?

You think I'm getting along with her?

Sure do.

Well, okay.

Take good care of your card. Don't lose it again.

Of course, of course. I really don't know how I can repay you, or Miss Lin. You went through all this trouble for me.

Police have to protect the citizens and their interests.

Are you two cops?

I used to be... She still is.

I see. I wish the police here were all as honest as you...

Even if you're not a cop, as a human being, you should always offer a hand to those in need.

That's what I used to think as well, but ever since I came to this city, it kind of feels like I had it all wrong...

You're not a local?

Nope. I'd say most of the job hoppers here aren't either.

My family's from a Singas village.

One day, a fight broke out between the Singas and True Bolívarians. Our whole village was destroyed by True Bolívarians. Lots of people died.

I was lucky enough to be hunting up in the mountains at the time, and that saved my life. I ran away as soon as I saw what had happened to the village.

I wanted to be a soldier, but the army didn't want me. I had no choice. I heard it's easy to make a decent living here, so I came.

That must be a painful memory. Sorry for bringing it up.

To be honest, whenever I think back on it myself, it all feels like a dream.

What makes you say that?

I'm 35 now. I spent some 20 years back in my hometown, and it hasn't even been 10 years since I moved here, but sometimes...

Sometimes it feels like the life I once had was all a lie.

Back then, I thought it was the right thing to do to help out, but when I heard what you said just now, it felt like it's been a really long time since I heard anyone say anything like that. It's been a long time since I even thought that way myself, too.

To tell the truth, if the shoe was on the other foot at the police station, if I was a bystander like you instead of someone asking for help, I definitely wouldn't have lent a hand.

And I knew it was pointless to go to the cops, but I was pissed. I didn't expect anyone there would help me, but then you showed up.

In this city, you can get lots of things done if you have money, but you can forget about it if you don't.

And if you want to climb the ladder, your best bet would be to try your luck, join a gang, gamble, or steal. You'd be an idiot to try to get there by working your ass off.

The championship is trying your luck?

Of course. I'm a coward. I'm not brave enough to gamble, let alone steal. For someone like me, the championship's the most stable way to hit it big.

Men like me don't actually try to win. Just making it through the prelim earns you some decent money. If you win the first round, you get yourself some fame and even more money.

I work at a restaurant here. I can talk to the boss and treat you two and Miss Lin to a meal.

How about it, Ch'en? Why don't we call Missy too?

Alright.

Wonderful. I'll head back and tell the boss. I'm sure he'll be over the moon to know Ch'en and Lin will be eating at his restaurant.

See you later, then.

Yeah.

What's the matter, Ch'en? Not going to escort him back?

Hoshiguma.

Hm?

I need you to do me a favor.

Oh? Well, if the sun isn't rising in the west now. Let me say this up front: I have no money. If you need some, try Missy.

Okay, I'll knock it off. What is it? I've known you all these years, and this is the first time I ever heard you ask for something. Just say the word.

Hmph, acting all high and mighty. The mayor's got her back, and she actually thinks she owns the place.

If I had the mayor pulling strings for me, I could throw my weight around too.

Ahem.

Oh, uh... Umm... You're back, Miss Ch'en.

Sure am.

Haha, and that guy behind you must be the thief.

Yeah, I'll leave him to you.

Of course. Not a problem. I'll make sure anyone who dares to upset you gets what they deserve.

Also...

Something else?

I talked to Lady Candela just now, and, uh...

What Miss Ch'en here is saying is that she knows she stands out too much, and that may have made your office here look bad.

So she paid Lady Candela a visit and asked her to consider increasing your performance bonuses.

And out of respect for Miss Ch'en, Lady Candela allocated a decent amount of money. Anyone from the station who has made a meaningful contribution will get a bonus.

And to help all of you earn the bonus that Lady Candela has set aside, Miss Ch'en will also be holding lectures, teaching your teams the techniques she used back when she was a police officer.

May I ask... how much is the bonus?

This much for each case.

With her finger, Hoshiguma draws a number in the air in front of her.

M-Miss Ch'en, you are incredible! I'll go tell everyone right away!

It's nothing...

And this guy's going on your count.

Thanks! Thank you very much!

Phew...

Did that feel bad?

It certainly didn't feel good.

But if you ask me, 'What can I do to motivate the police here?' I'd tell you this is the simplest and most direct way to go about it.