A heretical cultivator in Bureau 749, I'm the fiercest at pulling out tendons and skinning peop

"Hey kid, you want to spend a couple of days in the Demon Management Department? Fine, I'll take your word. I'll write the report, and your Uncle Zhang will approve it."

Hearing a familiar voice behind him, Ji Zuodao turned around and saw the person. His feet went numb instantly.

Oh my! I've managed to slack off right under the boss's nose!

It was Deputy Director Liu, standing behind him with his hands in his pockets, a half-smile on his face that made Ji Zuodao feel uneasy.

"Uncle Liu! Well, I just came back from patrol, and I was parched. I came in to get some water and rest. Now that I've recovered, I'll go patrol the streets. Even though Yuehai District is peaceful, we can't let our guard down, can we?"

Ji Zuodao put on a sincere smile, and as if his feet were greased, he twisted his body and tried to slip away.

"Patrolling the streets my ass!"

Deputy Director Liu reacted quickly, grabbing Ji Zuodao by the back of the neck and pulling him back like a kitten.

"Didn't you see the internal notice? The patrol officer for the Moonsea District has been replaced. From now on, you're no longer in charge."

Upon hearing this, Ji Zuodao's mind went blank, and he was dumbfounded.

"What? They changed the person?"

"No... Uncle Liu, I only missed half a day, just half a day without checking my phone or clocking in, and someone else took my place? Is this a demotion?"

"Please don't! I haven't made any major mistakes lately! I swear to God! Yes, there were a few clueless merchants who insisted on giving me 'service fees' or 'tea money,' and I couldn't stop them!"

"But can you call that protection money? That's the support and recognition of the people for the work of our 749th Bureau! It's a bond between the people and the government! I didn't pocket a single penny; it was all confiscated! Really!"

His voice grew softer and softer as he spoke, until he was almost muttering to himself, his eyes darting around, clearly lacking confidence.

Deputy Director Liu's eyebrows nearly flew off as he listened, feeling both annoyed and amused. He raised his hand and gave Ji Zuodao a light tap on the back of the head—not hard, but crisp.

"Tsk! What are you thinking! What protection money? What demotion? It's a promotion! Listen carefully, a promotion!"

Ji Zuodao rubbed the back of his head, looking completely bewildered: "Promotion?"

"That's right!"

Deputy Director Liu said slowly, his hands behind his back.

"The bureau's new policy is to implement a 'one chief investigator and one assistant investigator' system in several pilot areas. Your Yuehai district is as secure as an iron barrel, where doors are left unlocked at night and lost items are not picked up. It's perfect for the pilot program! Let the newcomers practice on your own."

Ji Zuodao's later "pilot projects" and "systems" didn't register with him at all.

The word "promotion" was ringing in his ears, making him overjoyed and his eyes sparkle.

Holy crap! I got promoted! Damn it! I, Ji Zuodao, have finally met my match! I've officially embarked on my official career!

As for what official position he should hold?

Why even think about it?

Ji Zuodao straightened his back instantly, his mouth involuntarily turned up in a grin, and his mind was already exploding with excitement.

Uncle Liu used to say all the time, "Kid, do a good job, this position will be reserved for you in the future!"

What else could it be? It must be the deputy director! He's here to take over Uncle Liu's position!

As for the director-general?

Ji Zuodao touched his conscience. Hmm, he was too cowardly to think about it.

Being a deputy director is fine; it's passable, but you can still command a hundred or so people, and it makes you look good when you go out!

He became increasingly pleased with himself, his smile almost bursting out. He moved closer to Deputy Director Liu, rubbing his hands together, his tone incredibly warm and friendly.

"Oh dear! Uncle Liu! Look at you, isn't it a bit too hasty for you to retire? With your health, your experience, and your revolutionary spirit, wouldn't you be able to burn for another twenty or thirty years, illuminating the path for us who come after you?"

His eyes darted around, and he lowered his voice:

"Um... Uncle Liu, your office is sunny and spacious! After I move in, could you add a small bed in there? It doesn't need to be too big, a cot will do! You know, with our work, we work day and night, so we need a place to nap..."

As Deputy Director Liu listened, his lips twitched, then twitched violently. Finally, unable to hold back any longer, he raised his hand and delivered another crisp, clean slap to the back of Ji Zuodao's head.

"Snapped!"

"You son of a bitch! All you ever do is dream on! I haven't even retired yet! And you're already eyeing my position? Aren't you afraid of taking too big a step and tripping over your balls!"

Deputy Director Liu chuckled and pointed to the chair next to him:

"Sit down! Take your seat first! Section Chief! Let's see how you hold your position for a few years!"

"Section Chief?"

Ji Zuodao was a little dazed from being slapped, but he still clearly heard the words "section chief".

Okay, section chief is fine too, it's barely acceptable, at least it's a minor official position.

He scratched his head and began to ponder again:

"Which department head? How about the logistics department? Uncle Liu, that place is lucrative... ah, I mean, it carries great responsibility! It needs a principled and incorruptible backbone like me to guard it! Don't worry, there are kickbacks... ugh! There are benefits, we'll split it in half! I definitely won't keep it all for myself!"

"Get out of here! Get lost!"

Deputy Director Liu was amused by his words and gave him a feint kick.

"Logistics Department? I'd love to sit in that position! Who would you think you'd get it?"

"Here it is."

"Demon Management Section Chief."

"Sit, or not sit?"

Upon hearing the words "Head of the Demon Management Section," Ji Zuodao shook his head so hard it was almost blurry.

Good heavens, right now the Demon Management Department only has Wang Dazhuang as a hapless guy who was temporarily transferred here to take the fall, and at most, there are those two mascots who haven't been recruited yet.

If he were to take over this section chief position, he would be no different from a commander without any troops.

Not worth it, not worth it at all!

Thinking of this, his face immediately plastered with utmost sincerity, plus a touch of deep remorse:

"Oh my, Uncle Liu! My dear uncle! You flatter me too much! Me? A section chief? In charge of a section? Do you think I don't know my own limitations?"

"I feel I still have many shortcomings—my ideological awareness, professional skills, and... my grassroots connections—all need further development! I'll go back to Yuehai District, no, even if it's just to a more grassroots position, and hone my skills for another two years! To stand guard and keep watch for the bureau!"

Deputy Director Liu didn't even lift his eyelids.

"Don't try to fool me. Your Uncle Liu has a good eye for people. You can do it."

"No way! Uncle Liu, I'm used to being a carefree person. Being a leader? That would just hinder the work and the advancement of my colleagues!"

"If I say you can do it, then you can."

"Uncle Liu, with my fiery temper, what if I clash with the masses—no, with the demon masses—and it ruins the great unity between humans and demons..."

"Perfect, it will help you develop patience."

"My educational level is also limited..."

"As long as you can understand the mission briefing, that's fine."

"I also have poor discipline; I'm often late or leave early..."

"Once you become the section chief, you'll be responsible for keeping your own attendance records."

The two went back and forth, one pushing desperately and the other stuffing in forcefully, like they were practicing Tai Chi push hands.

Ji Zuodao racked his brains to find excuses, while Deputy Director Liu countered each move with ease, deflecting all his attempts with nonchalant words.

After declining seven or eight times, Ji Zuodao's throat was almost dry, but Deputy Director Liu still had that "you're the one" expression.

Seeing that he couldn't get rid of this "hot potato" no matter what, Ji Zuodao was inwardly groaning, wondering if he should just lie down on the ground and pretend to have a sudden serious illness.

At this moment, Deputy Director Liu seemed to "just happen" to remember, and slowly, as if talking to himself, or as if casually mentioning it:

"Oh, right. I almost forgot to mention. This Demon Management Section has eighty investigator positions, all vacant. Old Zhang said they're under your control. As for who to recruit and how to recruit them, in principle, you just need to submit a report and get the bureau's approval."

The words hadn't even completely faded from his lips.

"When can we complete the formalities and take office?"

Ji Zuodao, who had just been shaking his head vigorously and whose face was filled with "I'd rather die than submit," was now standing straight as a rod, with a serious and earnest expression and a firm and burning gaze.

It seemed as if they were about to sacrifice their lives for the revival of the Demon Management Department.

The speed at which he changed his expression was faster than turning the pages of a book, and even more skillful than the special techniques of Sichuan Opera.

Looking at Ji Zuodao, who was suddenly full of fighting spirit and seemed ready to fight, Deputy Director Liu felt a little itchy to punch him.

That little rascal...