Chapter 17: Teammates with Distinct Personalities
Wang Zhiyuan walked in from one side of the police station, and upon seeing Shi Yi, impeccably dressed, he couldn't help but burst into hearty laughter.
“Oh, Shi Yi, you’re here.”
Then his gaze landed on Gu Hansheng, who lounged beside Shi Yi in a carefree manner, and his expression turned stern.
“Look at Shi Yi—so neat and proper! Now look at yourself! What on earth are you wearing?”
Gu Hansheng went straight to a seat, stretching his legs out onto the table.
“It’s not like today is the first day you’ve met me. When have I ever worn a police uniform?”
Wang Zhiyuan cast him a helpless glance.
“Morning, Uncle Wang!”
“Good morning, Director Wang.”
Soon, several bright and cheerful greetings sounded behind Shi Yi.
Three young people, dressed in vividly colored clothes, entered from outside.
“Wow! Is this our new member?”
One, a girl who looked to be in middle school and as adorable as a porcelain doll, dressed in a cutesy anime-style dress, ran in and circled Shi Yi.
“Amazing, lake-blue hair! So cool! You look fantastic in that police uniform!”
As she spoke, the little girl tugged on Shi Yi’s arm and leaned her head against Shi Yi’s shoulder.
“Your uniform smells so nice!”
Shi Yi eyed the girl, a bit unsettled.
Could this be...?
Was she Wang Zhiyuan’s daughter? She hardly seemed like an adult.
“What’s your name? I’m Mi Chen, the sweetheart of our Bureau 857.”
“Alright, don’t let her scare you. She’s always like this,” said a more composed girl beside them, pulling at the overly affectionate Mi Chen.
“That’s enough, stop acting young. Anyone who didn’t know would think you’re a middle schooler and mistake our station for hiring child labor.”
She smiled at Shi Yi.
“I’m Feng Ming.”
Shi Yi’s gaze shifted to the girl called Feng Ming.
Feng Ming wore a crisp white shirt, green hiking pants, and a pair of sturdy boots, exuding a vibrant, confident air.
Beside her stood a man with black-rimmed glasses and an academic demeanor. He wasn’t as tall as Gu Hansheng, but among the group, he alone looked somewhat like a police officer—though he, too, wore no uniform.
Wang Zhiyuan clapped his hands.
“Alright, everyone from Bureau 857 is here. Let’s head to the conference room for a quick meeting!”
At Wang Zhiyuan’s words, Shi Yi’s eyes widened.
What?
These people were all members of Bureau 857?
She glanced at their eclectic, colorful outfits, then at her own.
Were all police officers here so unique?
As if sensing Shi Yi’s thoughts, Gu Hansheng patted her shoulder.
“Don’t feel bad, you’re plenty unique yourself. No one else has your striking blue hair.”
He winked at her and walked off.
The police station had only two floors in total.
The first floor housed the service hall, usually empty.
The second floor contained the officers’ offices and the conference room.
Feng Ming, noticing Shi Yi lagging behind, slowed her pace to walk alongside.
“Our whole station only has seven people. Uncle Wang usually isn’t around.”
“Seven?” Shi Yi asked in confusion.
Feng Ming nodded. “Yes, five officers, the security guard outside, and the cafeteria auntie. Just the seven of us.”
Shi Yi’s lips twitched.
Really? What kind of police station is so deserted—only seven people?!
She now seriously suspected Wang Zhiyuan’s promise of a high salary was a trick!
After passing the office area, they entered a small conference room.
A round table stood in the center, with Wang Zhiyuan in front, and the others seated around it.
Feng Ming gently pulled Shi Yi to a seat beside her.
Wang Zhiyuan looked over everyone and adjusted his glasses.
“Very good. Everyone has arrived on time for work today, not a single person late—keep it up!”
As soon as his words landed, enthusiastic applause broke out.
Shi Yi jumped at the sudden clapping, watching as Gu Hansheng and the others solemnly applauded.
Feng Ming whispered to Shi Yi, “It’s a tradition at Bureau 857—applaud for every word, never let a statement fall flat.”
Shi Yi nodded, still bewildered.
Wang Zhiyuan raised his hand. “There’s another matter. As you all know, we have a new member in Bureau 857—Shi Yi.”
All eyes turned to Shi Yi, making her nervous. She stood from her chair.
“Hello, my name is Shi Yi.”
Mi Chen grinned, propping her chin in her hands. “We know your name is Shi Yi. What’s your ability?”
Shi Yi, a bit anxious, answered, “My ability is crime prediction.”
At her words, silence fell.
Crime prediction...
Shi Yi felt nervous at the group’s expressions. Had she said something wrong?
What was wrong with crime prediction?
Feng Ming cleared her throat and smiled again.
“Let’s introduce ourselves, then. Shi Yi, I’m Feng Ming. My ability is damage resistance. I’m twenty-two.”
“Me, me, me! Shi Yi, I’m Mi Chen. My ability is super strength. I’m sixteen...”
“Huh?”
At Mi Chen’s words, several voices questioned her.
Mi Chen blinked her big eyes, smoothed her curly hair, and pouted.
“Fine, I’m twenty-six...”
The silent young man beside Mi Chen smiled warmly at Shi Yi.
“Hello, I’m Tang Yu. My ability is occult knowledge—whether it’s Western or Eastern divination, I’m proficient. Lately, I’ve been working on some new skills in the field.”
Gu Hansheng interjected, “No one asked what you’ve been working on lately.”
He turned to Shi Yi.
“You probably know my ability—control, especially puppetry.”
Wang Zhiyuan was quite satisfied with the scene before him.
“Good, now that everyone is familiar, we can—”
“Director! Director! Help!”
Before Wang Zhiyuan could finish, an urgent voice interrupted him from outside the conference room.
Everyone rushed out, heading downstairs to the service hall.
Mi Chen was surprised to see the visitor.
“Aunt Li, what brings you here?”
It was Aunt Li, a villager from nearby.
Though the station was technically on the city outskirts, it was right next to a village—desolate, to say the least.
As the only police station within miles, it was rare for villagers to come for help during early shifts.
Today was unusual.
Aunt Li hurried over to them, speaking in a thick local accent.
“Mi Chen, Mi Chen, help me catch my chickens! They’ve flown away!”
Shi Yi wondered if she had misheard.
What?
Catch... chickens...