I Play Dungeons in the Police Station-Chapter 398 - 243: Director Li’s Test

Li Xiang understood what Minister Li meant. It was obvious that the other party was worried he was too young and would retreat at the slightest difficulty. If he retreated, it was not a big deal; he could simply leave. But Li Zhongqing still had to lead here. This case was a knot in his heart, and assigning it to Li Xiang carried another deeper significance.

You help me resolve my concerns, and I will pave the way for your career.

These matters were unspoken understandings. Once Li Xiang took on this case, he would be marked with Li Zhongqing’s imprint, becoming his trusted confidant.

Li Xiang had a clean background, was not aligned with any faction, and was capable. He didn’t mind promoting him.

But if the first case given to him made him retreat, it would question his judgment of people, and it would become a stain that invited ridicule.

"Please rest assured, leader. I will not return to Jinghai until this case is solved."

"Even after it’s solved, you cannot return to Jinghai."

Li Zhongqing chuckled: Well, I’ve got you now, don’t even think about sneaking back to Jinghai.

"Uh... I will follow the leader’s instructions." Upon hearing Minister Li’s half-joking remark, instead of feeling happy, Li Xiang’s first worry was about his apartment rent.

Paying while it’s empty.

Should I cancel it?

But the contract was signed for a year, and suddenly not living there would mean paying an extra month’s penalty. That was too much of a loss. If he had known he would be coming to the provincial department in just a month, he would have persisted with his old, shabby place.

Such a waste.

"Alright, in that case, I’ll hand this case over to you. Wrap up the work at the institute, and after everything is sorted, report to me."

"Yes."

After Li Zhongqing left, people at the institute immediately gathered around, showing envious expressions on their faces.

What is a capable person? Now they understood.

Being personally poached by the head of the Public Security Bureau, this treatment isn’t something just anyone can get.

"A genius like Li Ge should have this treatment. Don’t forget us when you succeed in the future, Li Ge!"

"What does it matter if he remembers you? Li Ge is in criminal investigation, and you are a programmer—two entirely unrelated professions."

"I don’t care, having a big shot like Li Ge in my circle of friends is something to boast about."

"Yeah, I haven’t added Li Ge on WeChat yet. Li Ge, let’s add each other on WeChat."

With everyone’s reminder, Li Xiang added over thirty new WeChat friends.

Being part of a provincial department-affiliated institute, their capabilities were undoubtedly strong. The fact they seemed less competent depended on whom they were compared to. Compared to others, none of them were any lesser, but when compared to Li, they fell short. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

In terms of talent, Li Xiang was naturally welcoming; more friends mean more paths, just in case there was a need in the future.

After adding friends, Li Xiang said to Xiang Hui, "Professor Xiang, honestly, I haven’t been a very competent chief designer; all the affairs at the institute have been under your care."

"What are you saying? The project’s completion owes a lot to you as the chief designer; I’ve just been handling support work. Since Minister Li has given you a task, you should focus on your matters. Leave the final touches at the institute to me."

"Thank you, Professor Xiang."

This was exactly what Li Xiang was hoping to hear. After developing the software, his task was considered complete.

As for other matters, he was indeed not as clear as Xiang Hui was.

So it was best to leave the final touches to the professionals.

After finishing up, Li Xiang also tidied up his own workspace. Since he would rarely be there in the future, it was better to take away whatever belonged to him.

"Li Ge, let me help you." Qian Zhaoping came over to help Li Xiang pack some things. Initially, he had a bit of an ego, thinking they were peers of the same age, wondering why he should serve him.

But after these days of interaction, he was thoroughly convinced.

People are inherently different; he wasn’t as strong as others, and that’s a fact.

Being outperformed in every aspect made him realize that his skills were only worth showing off in a small group, but in a big city, he was nothing.

These days, he took the opportunity to learn several long-standing puzzles in his mind from Li Xiang, and unexpectedly, they were solved with ease, elevating his skills further.

Now he no longer saw Li Xiang as merely a peer, but as a mentor, a teacher.

With Li Xiang leaving, he felt a deep reluctance.

"Alright, help me organize the things in the drawer. Having lived here for over a month, things naturally piled up."

Li Xiang found a box, packed up some of his scattered belongings for easier transport later to his car.

"It’s been a pleasure working with you all; may we have the opportunity to work together again in the future."

"Li Xiang, let’s all get together tonight for a gathering. Sort of a celebration dinner; you, as the chief designer, must attend."

Seeing Li Xiang about to leave, Xiang Hui called him back to inform him about the evening’s plans.

"Alright, I’ll be there on time. I’ll head back first, and you can send me the location once you’re there."

Li Xiang sat in his car, took out his phone, and saw the task the system sent:

[Task Name: Skull Mystery Case]

[Task Description: This is a mystery case that has gone unsolved for at least fifteen years since the incident. Two previous task forces were assembled, but due to insufficient evidence, time lapses, and lacking technology, the case investigation stalled. Li Zhongqing has always been concerned about this case, and he sees hope in you, hoping you will thoroughly investigate it.]

[Task Requirements: Determine the identity of the victim and uncover the truth of the case]

[Task Rewards: Experience +800, Diamonds +4000]

"If even two task forces failed to solve it, it seems the case truly presents a challenge."

Upon seeing the system’s description, a slight smile unconsciously appeared on Li Xiang’s mouth.

It had been a while since his last case-solving, and his hands felt rusty; so be it, bring it on.

After closing the system prompt, Li Xiang checked his stock account and noticed he made over four thousand in profit today.

"So much today? I’m rich."

Li Xiang was content with his small fortune. If those top investment banks or quantitative institutions saw Li Xiang using top-tier stock models to earn just a few thousand a day, they would definitely scold him for being wasteful.

If this stock model were in their hands, with billions in capital, daily returns would be at least in the tens of millions.

If he were willing to sell his stock model, it would fetch at least ten billion in cash.

He had a gold mine without realizing it, grinning ear to ear over daily profits of just a few thousand.

Even during the evening’s gathering, he had a couple more drinks.

Seeing his happiness, others thought his luck had turned, indicating a bright future. Only he knew his wealth was limitless.

The next day, Li Xiang went to report his work to Fan Yonglin. Now that the project had ended, he also needed to inform him and discuss the case assigned by Li Zhongqing.

"Minister Li assigned you this case? It seems he indeed holds you in high esteem. Make sure you do well, and don’t embarrass Minister Li."

"Understood, Director Fan."

Li Xiang requested a day off, planning to return home. Over a month had passed, and his house’s main structure was now built. The exterior walls, doors, and windows were all completed, only the interior decoration remained.

He didn’t let his parents handle the decoration since their tastes no longer aligned with modern styles.

To simplify things, Li Xiang decided to hire a decoration company.

Coincidentally, Lin Feifei knew of one, and the design drawings he previously found were from them, so he had them handle everything: create a design proposal, offer a quote, and agree to proceed with construction upon approval.

However, regarding payment, Li Xiang made it clear: ten thousand upfront as a deposit, and payments at each stage thereafter.

Li Xiang planned to use his monthly earnings to cover the decoration costs, leaving his million principal untouched.

He was waiting to let his future assets grow his wealth.