I Play Dungeons in the Police Station-Chapter 376 - 232: After National Day

A person’s abilities are ultimately limited. After working for so long, he still hasn’t completely figured it out. According to his estimation, it will take at least another month to get it to a usable state.

He had originally planned to not go to work during the National Day holiday and throw himself completely into the computer to quickly develop the artificial intelligence.

But seeing the worried look in Lin Feifei’s eyes, he couldn’t bear to see her looking so aggrieved.

He indeed had neglected Feifei’s feelings during this time, so he thought he should make it up to her this National Day holiday.

"Alright, where do you want to go for fun on National Day? I’ll go with you."

"As long as I’m with you, anywhere is fine."

This was Lin Feifei’s heartfelt sentiment. She just didn’t want to see Li Xiang come home just to play on the computer, staying up till midnight. With the National Day holiday coming up, it was better to go out and get some fresh air.

"Okay, it’s said that this National Day will be quite busy, so let’s not drive. We’ll take a plane instead."

The two of them planned several travel options together, and when the National Day holiday arrived, they got on a plane, with their first stop being Xi’an, planning to visit the Terracotta Warriors and the ancient city.

Something was off about the National Day holiday.

They avoided traffic jams on the highway but couldn’t avoid the crowds at tourist spots.

They wanted to see the Terracotta Warriors, but instead saw countless human statues due to the crowd—unable to move.

After all, they were part of the crowd too.

"It’s way too crowded. Is there anywhere less crowded we can go?"

Just the first stop had Lin Feifei quite frightened.

She intended to take Li Xiang out to relax, but in three minutes, they only moved two steps. That was indeed too relaxing.

"As long as it’s a tourist spot, it’s crowded. Traveling during the holiday is just about squeezing through people, whether you’re looking at mountains or seas; you can only see a sea of people."

Li Xiang chuckled, having no choice. National Day is a long holiday, so many people choose to travel.

They visited several spots, but the overabundance of people killed their motivation to continue, so they had to head back home.

"Home is still the most comfortable!"

After two days, they returned. The two days were merely about taking a plane to join in the crowd. Once home, Lin Feifei was completely exhausted, lying in bed without moving.

After getting home, Li Xiang didn’t return to the computer room to tinker with the computer but instead planned to spend the remaining days accompanying Feifei. Seeing her too tired to move, Li Xiang went to the market himself and bought some groceries.

In the evening, he opened a bottle of wine, preparing to treat his girlfriend well.

"I didn’t see this coming; you’re becoming more romantic!"

After waking up from a nap, Lin Feifei was drawn to the delicious food in front of her. She thought that after coming home, Li Xiang would return to his computer again, but he had surprisingly prepared a table full of good food.

"Just realized? Go wash your hands and let’s eat!"

Li Xiang poured Lin Feifei a glass of wine in a glass, "Come, a toast to my beloved wife, congratulations on your newfound freedom!"

Since Lin Feifei broke free from the agency, they hadn’t properly celebrated.

"Thank you. Here’s to you for finding such a beautiful and cute girlfriend!"

"Is that a toast to me, or are you just self-promoting like a boastful aunt?"

"Humph, just say it, do you want a toast or not?"

"Here’s a toast, to your freedom, and to my beautiful and cute girlfriend."

During the meal, they enjoyed themselves, and under the stimulus of alcohol, they ended up in bed after a toast.

In the days following, Li Xiang took Lin Feifei to relax around the nearby areas. Life was fulfilling, as enjoyable as visiting tourist sites.

Happy days are always short, and the holiday quickly came to an end. Li Xiang went back to his usual reporting at work and was soon called over by Director Song.

"Director Song, you wanted to see me?"

"Li Xiang, here you are. How was your holiday? Where did you go?"

"Ah, don’t even mention it; everywhere was crowded. We came back after two days. Is there something you wanted to talk about, Director Song?"

Li Xiang knew that Director Song rarely sought him out without reason, much less to ask about his holiday plans. He knew these were merely polite conversation starters.

"Here’s the thing. Early this morning, I received a notification from the Provincial Department for you and me to go to the Provincial Department next Friday. The secret mission you executed abroad has been concluded, and they’re holding a summary meeting over there. You, being the key contributor, have to participate no matter what."

Although they called it a summary meeting, it was actually a commendation event.

Li Xiang had been waiting for this day for almost a month.

"Is that right? Finally, it’s happening."

"Indeed, it was a major case handled by the Ministry of Public Security, and the Provincial Department is also taking it very seriously. I’ve heard from higher-ups that your exceptional performance this time is leading to well-deserved recognition, so you better be prepared mentally."

To be honest, the progress Li Xiang had made was something even Director Song envied. When he was Li Xiang’s age, he hadn’t even earned a first-class merit, but now look at Li Xiang, seemingly earning first-class merits at ease.

-----------------

October 13th, Friday.

Li Xiang sat in Director Song’s car, heading to the Provincial Department together.

Upon arrival, they first went to the Criminal Investigation Bureau to report to Fan Yonglin.

After all, he was their superior, and it was necessary to report their work to him upon reaching the Provincial Department.

"Report."

"Come in."

Fan Yonglin looked up, saw Li Xiang and company, and immediately smiled, "You’re here? Have a seat. Li, do you like tea?"

"Director Fan, no need for ceremony; I’m good with anything."

Sitting down, Fan Yonglin’s attitude towards Li Xiang was so pleasant that even Director Song was a bit surprised. It seems the rumors were true, the senior leadership indeed had some plans for Li Xiang.

Meanwhile, Song Jun felt a bit ignored, but it was understandable; this time Li Xiang was the star. His participation in this summary meeting was largely due to Li Xiang, and thinking this way made him feel more balanced.

As Li Xiang’s superior, he also had some credit as a leader.

After reporting their work to Director Fan, the two waited for the summary meeting to begin.

The event was of high significance, with leadership from the Ministry presenting and the Provincial Department sparing no effort in their preparations.

The Provincial Department was lauded for Li Xiang’s role in the previous joint operation, seizing victory and toppling malicious setups, significantly motivating others, but arguably setting a benchmark too high, putting pressure on others.

With comparisons come grievances.

Li Xiang’s shining example made it difficult for others to surpass, placing them far ahead.

In reviewing his action report, the leaders highly praised it, believing it was a task not typically handled by a third-tier police superintendent, insisting on promoting him significantly, enabling capable young individuals to rise quickly and serve the public good.

The conference began with Fan Yonglin hosting its opening content, covering several agenda items, including a speech from Ministry leadership.

The leaders fully acknowledged the accomplishments of the Provincial Department’s operation, especially commending grassroots officers, to Li Xiang’s surprise, mentioning his name specifically, making him feel extraordinarily honored.

The second agenda item was announcing the achievements of the operation and rewarding those who contributed significantly.

Every officer involved in the operation received a third-class personal merit award.

Yang Ming and Li Yue, for participating in an undercover task, received a second-class personal merit award each.

Both were newcomers, having just stepped into the police force, and now achieved second-class merits, which would be extremely important for their future careers.

As the absolute protagonist of this operation, Li Xiang was awarded a first-class personal merit, which was hardly a surprise, and in recognition of his exceptional contributions, his rank increased by three levels during this commendation, with Ministry leaders personally changing his rank.

This honor made many in the audience envious.

But considering his contributions, everyone felt it was well-deserved, beyond mere envy.