With all eyes upon him, Shen Shikang, the Chief of the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office, ascended the high platform. Tian Fuliang stood a step behind Shen Shikang, and the other Constables, knowing their place, stood behind them both.
Shen Shikang's gaze swept across the crowd. The constables who met his eyes, their faces filled with awe, quickly lowered their heads. His gaze finally landed on Chen Ping'an and remained there.
Chen Ping'an, in turn, showed a hint of appropriate awe and respect, a faint smile on his face.
Shen Shikang, whose face was usually stern, broke character and offered Chen Ping'an a slight smile.
"I haven't attended the pre-patrol assembly in some time. It seems the culture of neglecting duties and failing to reward merit has run rampant here in the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Office!"
From the moment he spoke, his tone was one of accusation.
"Constable Zheng, you tell me. What's been going on lately?"
Hm?
