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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.

But... this isn't right still.

You're right. It isn't.

And I can name all kinds of reasons.

First, you just got here. You may be brimming with charisma, but they still won't bow down to you right away. Just think about how long it took you to get those nitpickers to work with you when you first joined the bureau.

At times like this, moolah is the simplest way to get someone on board.

If I remember correctly... I beat them into submission. You were the last one.

I never caved.

Plus, it's a little arrogant to ignore what you've got on hand and rely only on yourself.

And that's especially if it's money, authority, and power that you have available. You might as well use it.

Is that the impression everyone had of me?

You've put in enough effort over the years to convince everyone in Lungmen. This isn't Lungmen, though, and you aren't planning on staying here that long, so how will you prove yourself?

Next, both of us heard the guy's rambling loud and clear. Do you really think the cops turned out like this because they don't want to do their work?

Were they born this bad? Do they really think it's right for cops to get in bed with gangs, and they are actually happy to release someone as soon as the phone rings?

This is a police station. They know they're the police.

It's not that they don't want to stand up to all that. They can't. They're too afraid to. They might've had the courage before, but reality wiped it all out. Trying to reason with them is a futile exercise. Might as well do what you know works.

Those are all reasons, and you should also know you shouldn't have done that.

But you did, and that's the truth.

I know.

You know, but you don't understand it well enough, Ch'en.

Before, I would probably be worried sick that you were getting yourself killed over something stupid.

But you've actually changed since you left Lungmen, and, in my eyes, you've changed for the better.

Now, Ironically, I'm afraid you'll lose sight of yourself.

Will I?

Who knows?

I guess I've said too much. It doesn't matter how afraid I am. This is your decision to make, and I won't interfere.

And you're sure you won't stand in my way again?

Oh, still holding grudges, huh?

It's hard to say, though. You know I don't think much of promises.

Heh, Hoshiguma not thinking much of promises. Now that's a new one.

I don't know how to answer yet, Hoshiguma.

Just like how I still have no idea how I'd judge what just happened here and this place itself.

I'm afraid the only thing I can do is keep on walking.

That will do, Ch'en. That's more than enough.

What I said might have been scary, but don't forget. You have lots of friends around you. If you come across anything you don't know, there's nothing wrong with asking their help.

Really?

Really.

Okay, then maybe you should give the lecture.

What?

You're an active duty police officer, I'm not. Besides, didn't you say I should ask my friends for help?

I'll be the student this time.

*Sigh*... If that's your call, how am I supposed to say no?

But actually, I'm bringing Missy too. I can't be the only one to suffer.

Sure, and feel free to get Lin Yühsia on the stage.

*Sigh*... There goes my holiday.

Hoshiguma...

Hm?

Seriously, the sun here shines way too bright.

It is pretty bright, isn't it? But at least that's the sun, Ch'en.

Maybe.