Title: Reborn in Handong, Starting with an Investment in Gao Yuliang

In contrast to Qi Tongwei's success.

Hou Liangping's assignment was like a basin of lukewarm water, neither too hot nor too cold, but enough to extinguish the last bit of illusory flame in his heart.

A unit under the Jingzhou Municipal Bureau of Justice.

The name sounds nice, respectable, and leisurely.

But compared to the city's criminal investigation team, which charges into battle and commands respect, it's like an inconspicuous patch inside a gorgeous dress.

Before the announcement.

Hou Liangping stared at the name of the organization and his own name for a long time.

The cheers and chatter of those around me sounded blurry and jarring, as if separated by a thick pane of glass.

He felt his cheeks getting hot.

As I turned to leave.

Hou Liangping saw Zhong Xiaoai and several girls walking over as well.

They had obviously seen the list too.

Zhong Xiaoai's gaze lingered for a moment on the top line, "Qi Tongwei" and "Criminal Investigation Detachment of Jingzhou Public Security Bureau," and the corners of her mouth seemed to curve slightly.

Then things returned to normal.

She said something to her female companion in a light and cheerful voice.

Hou Liangping couldn't hear clearly.

But he felt that it must be a compliment to Qi Tongwei.

Just like back then by the lake.

She admired Liang Cheng just as much.

On what grounds?

What's wrong with Hou Liangping?

Doesn't she have a strong sense of justice?

Is it because it lacks principles?

Does he not study hard?

Why do good things always fall on the heads of those who scheme and curry favor with the powerful?

Does Qi Tongwei's ruthless and scheming nature even qualify him to work in criminal investigation?

Does Liang Cheng, that money-grubbing playboy, deserve to be admired?

fair?

Where is the fairness in this world?!

A surge of evil fire suddenly rose from the depths of Hou Liangping's heart, burning so intensely that his internal organs felt like they were twisting.

He fled from that noisy place almost as if he were running away.

......

evening.

The cafeteria has specially designated a small area for this purpose.

A few classmates from the Department of Political Science and Law who had a decent relationship with Qi Tongwei pooled their money to buy a few hearty dishes, which served as a simple celebration banquet.

Qi Tongwei was surrounded by people in the middle.

His usually stern face now showed more smiles.

Although it was still not obvious. He wasn't used to this kind of situation, but he didn't refuse.

Hou Liangping walked in at that time.

He didn't want to come, but somehow, he ended up here anyway.

Looking at that lively scene from afar.

Looking at Qi Tongwei, who was surrounded in the middle.

Looking at Qi Tongwei's calm yet glaringly conspicuous "victor" demeanor.

Hou Liangping felt a churning in his stomach.

After getting his food, he deliberately chose a seat not far from that table.

The chopsticks poked at the rice in the bowl, while the ears stood up.

They're toasting over there.

A boy, slurring his words, said, "Tongwei, if you become a detective, don't forget your brothers!"

"What detective? Just do your job properly." Qi Tongwei's voice remained calm.

"What you're saying is true. The Municipal Criminal Investigation Department will be handling major cases from now on, which is completely different from us who just talk the talk."

Another person chimed in, their envy barely concealed in their voice.

Hou Liangping finally couldn't hold back any longer.

He put down his chopsticks, his voice not loud but just loud enough for everyone at the table to hear, with a deliberately affected, sour tone:

"Yes, the Criminal Investigation Division is a good place. You can earn merits quickly and get promoted quickly. I just don't know if they refer to legal provisions or... some other instructions when handling cases."

The air fell silent instantly.

Everyone at that table turned to look at him.

Qi Tongwei's smile faded, and he lifted his eyelids to look at Hou Liangping.

His gaze was devoid of warmth, as if he were looking at an insignificant decoration.

"Hou Liangping, what do you mean?"

The boy who had just offered the toast had a fiery temper and immediately stood up.

"I didn't mean anything by it."

Hou Liangping slowly picked up a piece of food. "Just a thought. In this world, ability is certainly important, but it seems even more important to follow the right person and choose the right side. Don't you think so, Chairman Qi?"

He deliberately emphasized the word "chairman".

Qi Tongwei put down the cup in his hand.

The bottom of the glass hit the table with a soft sound.

He didn't stand up; he just sat there.

Eyes fixed on Hou Liangping:

"Hou Liangping, I ranked first overall, and my interview and physical fitness scores were all excellent. Choosing the Criminal Investigation Division is within the rules; it's my own decision, and I took the exam myself. Do you have any objections?"

His voice wasn't loud, but every word was firm and resolute.

"Opinions? How could I dare to have any opinions?"

Hou Liangping twitched the corner of his mouth.

That smile was more like a grimace. "You, Qi Tongwei, are so amazing. I'm just wondering, in previous years this program had few spots and the selection process was strict, how come it's such a coincidence this year? And coincidentally, you and Liang Cheng, the eldest son of the Liang family, have a very close relationship?"

This statement is almost explicit.

Someone tried to pull Hou Liangping away, but he shook them off.

Qi Tongwei laughed instead.

It was a cold, mocking laugh.

"Hou Liangping, your written test score was just barely passing, your interview answers were empty and weak, your simulated case handling was full of loopholes, and you barely passed the physical fitness test. Being assigned to the Bureau of Justice is already a favor to you."

"What, just because you're incompetent, you think the whole world is like you, resorting to crooked methods?"

"Sour grapes, you say. Hou Liangping, you're really making a fool of yourself."

"you......!"

Hou Liangping's face turned bright red, and he stood up abruptly.

He pointed at Qi Tongwei, trembling with anger.

"What about me?"

Qi Tongwei also stood up.

He was half a head taller than Hou Liangping, and his physique, honed through years of training, exuded a powerful and imposing presence.

This left Hou Liangping speechless.

"The report card is posted on the bulletin board. The entire assessment process is recorded. If you have any questions, you can file a complaint with the Organization Department or the Provincial Department."

The surroundings were completely silent.

Many students who were eating looked over.

Hou Liangping stood there, caught in a dilemma.

His face turned pale and then flushed, and his fingertips felt icy cold.

He wanted to refute and denounce this shady dealings, but Qi Tongwei's words were all reasonable, leaving him speechless.

Hou Liangping turned around abruptly, bumping into the onlookers behind him, and almost staggered out of the cafeteria.

Suppressed snickers faintly came from behind, along with the unrestrained laughter and chatter that had resumed at Qi Tongwei's table.

Those voices felt like needles pricking his back.

......

The lights were off in the dormitory.

Hou Liangping slumped in a chair, facing the mirror.

The light from the streetlights outside the window shone in, casting his distorted and blurry reflection.

The person in the mirror has bloodshot eyes.

His face was contorted with rage and hatred.

Where is there even a trace of the "chosen one" and "messenger of justice" he once claimed to be?

Hou Liangping recalled Zhong Xiaoai's fleeting glance when she looked at Qi Tongwei's list.

He recalled her merciless rebuke of him by the lake, calling him "stupid."

I remember the utter indifference Liang Cheng always showed him...

On what grounds?

Qi Tongwei, a poor boy from the mountains, was able to rise to the top overnight just because he latched onto Liang Cheng's coattails?

Liang Cheng, a spoiled brat who relies on his father, is able to manipulate events at will.

Even someone like Zhong Xiaoai has such high regard for him?

Is there no law left in this world?

Is there no fairness left?

He did nothing wrong!

The problem lies with this distorted environment.

It was Liang Qunfeng who abused his power.

It was Qi Tongwei, an opportunist.

The one who's wrong is Zhong Xiaoai, who's blind!

A toxic fire mixed with humiliation, anger, and resentment.

It burned fiercely in Hou Liangping's chest, almost consuming him.

He needs to vent, he needs to make those who look down on him and trample on him pay the price!

His gaze fell on a stack of letters in the corner of the desk.

A dark thought.

It grows and twines like a poisonous vine.