Chapter 33

“What’s the matter?”

The bald Chief Inspector sat behind his desk, stroking his bald head and looking towards the door.

“Mr. Zha Te, there’s a girl at the door with a recommendation letter.”

The officer handed the letter to Zha Te.

“Another recommendation letter… Where does the police station get so many positions…” Zha Te muttered as he took the letter. After glancing at the wax seal, he tossed the letter aside.

“Mr. Zha Te, the girl… looks like she’s around thirteen or fourteen years old.”

The officer added quietly from the side.

“Another little girl? Is this some kind of marketplace?” Zha Te rubbed his hair, finally sighed, opened the envelope, and casually skimmed through it before saying, “Let her in.”

“Yes.”

The officer hurried downstairs. Soon, a beautiful red-haired girl was brought up.

Another student… Can’t you focus on your studies if you’re attending such a good school? Zha Te rubbed his temples, trying to soften his tone.

“Miss Xia’er, please sit,” he gestured to the chair in front of him, “Just call me Mr. Zha Te.”

“Okay, Mr. Zha Te.”

Xia’er sat opposite the bald Chief Inspector, quickly noticing his troubled expression.

“Um… Miss Xia’er, let me explain the situation first,” the Chief Inspector straightened his posture, pondered his words, and reluctantly began, “I know Miss Xia’er is very capable, and I trust Principal Jenny’s judgment, but we are short on staff at the police station…

“However, I have another suggestion. If you’re here for work, I suggest that some departments still need assistants, though the salary will be paid by the person hiring you, not the police station. Do you understand what I mean?

“Once there’s an opening in the administrative department, I’ll transfer you over and make it permanent. What do you think?”

The Chief Inspector looked sincerely at Xia’er, waiting for her response.

Of course, Xia’er understood what he was saying.

Temporary worker, intern… no matter what it’s called, it’s not a stable position.

“How much is the pay?” Xia’er asked.

“It varies… but the weekly pay is around 12 shillings.”

Zha Te mentioned. This was Zha Te’s subtle way of discouraging Xia’er. With her excellent academic background, she could easily find a better-paying job elsewhere.

“Okay, when does the work start?” Xia’er thought for a moment and asked directly.

A weekly pay of 12 shillings is better than nothing. Li Qi earns between 10 and 20 shillings per week at the factory, and 20 shillings equals one pound. It’s unlikely she can save enough for tuition by working.

But Xia’er wasn’t here to earn money. She just needed a cover identity.

Working at the police station would be considered a respectable job.

“Um…” Not expecting Xia’er to agree, Zha Te fell silent for a moment, then said, “Alright, I’ll ask around to see who needs an assistant.”

After all, this girl was recommended by Principal Jenny. Many councilors’ daughters are still studying under Principal Jenny. If she doesn’t get a job, it wouldn’t look good if a councilor came asking.

Xia’er sat in the office for about ten minutes. When Zha Te, looking awkward, returned, he sat in front of her.

“Miss Xia’er, someone does need an assistant. They’re offering 15 shillings per week. That department…

“It’s a bit niche.”

Zha Te held back for a moment, finally uttering those words.

“What department?” Xia’er asked curiously.

“The Investigation Department. You can think of it as the Detective Department. It may require frequent fieldwork.”

The Investigation Department?

Xia’er recalled something.

In the last simulation, the one where she met Aivana, she had heard the name “Investigation Department” from a police officer, and the person who came from the Investigation Department was indeed Aivana.

How coincidental?

Xia’er had been looking for an opportunity to get closer to Aivana, and now the chance was right in front of her. She naturally wouldn’t let it slip away.

“Sure.” Xia’er nodded.

“I’ll take you there first. Then you can discuss with that person,” Zha Te stood up, gesturing politely. He led Xia’er from the second floor to the third floor, which was also the top floor of the police station.

After passing through the Chief’s office and some other offices, Zha Te stopped in front of a door at the end of the corridor.

Knock knock knock—

“Come in.”

Zha Te opened the door but didn’t enter; he just said at the entrance, “I’ve brought the assistant, I still have some official business to attend to. You two can talk first.”

After saying that, Zha Te turned and left directly. Xia’er felt that Zha Te seemed to be walking faster, as if he didn’t want to have anything to do with the Investigation Department.

He was supposed to be the Chief Inspector.

“Excuse me.” Xia’er entered the office, which was quite spacious with excellent lighting. There were about four or five desks, but only one desk had someone sitting at it.

“You?” Aivana, seated behind the desk, looked unexpectedly at Xia’er standing by the door and said, “Come in, remember to close the door behind you.”

Xia’er closed the door and walked over to Aivana, saying, “Hello, my name is Xia’er.”

“Aivana.” Aivana took off her gloves and shook hands with Xia’er, then looked Xia’er up and down.

“Hmm… I’m not sure if you’re suitable for this job,” Aivana shook her head, expressionless, and said, “You stand out too much, Miss Xia’er.”

“What job?” Xia’er asked curiously.

“Mainly help me with simple census work, ask different people different questions, and summarize them for me…”

“A very simple job, Miss Aivana,” Xia’er said, “I think I can handle it.”

To Xia’er, this job was incredibly easy.

All she needed to do was find two reliable teenagers in Clock Tower Lane District to help her with these tasks for five shillings a week—there would be plenty of people vying for it. This was much easier than working as a child laborer in a factory.

And she herself didn’t need to do anything; she could earn five shillings every week, with a free schedule and a decent identity as a police assistant.

Whether it was due to the effect of the pact or the art of conversation, Aivana lowered her head in thought for a moment and then said, “I think I can trust you.”

Aivana pulled open a drawer and directly took out three silver coins with crowns on them, handing them to Xia’er, saying, “This is fifteen shillings, paid in advance for your weekly salary this week.”

“Can I ask about this week’s work content?” Xia’er took the shillings and immediately asked.

“Go with me to investigate the cause of dehydration syndrome in Clock Tower Lane District,” Aivana said, “I need you to follow and record beside me. Remember to come to the office at 7 AM tomorrow morning.”

Unexplained dehydration syndrome? Clock Tower Lane District?

“What happened in Clock Tower Lane District?” Xia’er couldn’t help asking.

“These matters are not for you to worry about, Miss Xia’er,” this time, Aivana replied expressionlessly, keeping silent on this matter.