Chapter 22
The Tide Turns

Night deepened. In a remote town in Hantong Province, moonlight spilled over the winding country road, casting an unusually cold glow.

The townspeople had long since retired to their beds. But a sudden incident shattered the peaceful night.

Xu Fu Gui, a farmer known for his honesty and simplicity, was being taken away by several officers from the drug rehabilitation center.

His hands were bound behind his back, his eyes filled with confusion and fear.

This scene was witnessed by Xu Da Niang, who had just returned from working in the fields.

“What are you doing? Why are you taking my son away!” Xu Da Niang rushed forward, attempting to stop the officers from taking Xu Fu Gui.

Her strength was limited, however, and she couldn’t hold back the strong officers.

“Xu Da Niang, please calm down. Xu Fu Gui is suspected of drug use. We are acting according to the law.” The officers explained patiently.

“Drug use? My son couldn’t possibly use drugs! You must be mistaken!” Xu Da Niang exclaimed with agitation.

No matter how much she argued, the officers took Xu Fu Gui away.

Xu Da Niang stood there helplessly, her mind suddenly flashing back to Qi Tong Wei, the police officer who had once helped their family.

She rushed to the judicial office and found Qi Tong Wei on duty.

“Officer Qi, please help me! The drug rehabilitation center took my son away. They said he’s using drugs! How is that possible?” Xu Da Niang cried out anxiously.

Upon hearing this, Qi Tong Wei furrowed his brows.

Xu Fu Gui had always been an honest and decent person. How could he suddenly be suspected of drug use?

He realized there must be something amiss.

“Xu Da Niang, don’t worry. I’ll go to the drug rehabilitation center to investigate right away.” Qi Tong Wei comforted her.

Qi Tong Wei quickly assembled his colleagues, Li Kao Shan and Wang Man Cang, and they drove to the drug rehabilitation center.

Along the way, Qi Tong Wei couldn’t stop thinking about Xu Fu Gui’s character and demeanor, firmly believing there was a hidden truth behind this.

At the drug rehabilitation center, Qi Tong Wei and his colleagues saw Xu Fu Gui.

Xu Fu Gui had regained his composure, but his eyes still held a hint of fear.

He recounted the events to Qi Tong Wei and his colleagues, revealing that it was all a misunderstanding.

Xu Fu Gui had encountered a stranger on his way home.

The stranger claimed to be feeling unwell and asked Xu Fu Gui to buy some medicine for him.

Xu Fu Gui, out of kindness, agreed to help.

However, he didn’t know the stranger had given him drugs.

When the drug rehabilitation center staff discovered Xu Fu Gui carrying drugs, they took him in for investigation.

After learning the truth, Qi Tong Wei and his colleagues immediately communicated with the drug rehabilitation center, ultimately clearing Xu Fu Gui’s name.

Xu Fu Gui was overwhelmed with gratitude, repeatedly thanking Qi Tong Wei and his colleagues.

However, Xu Da Niang remained cold towards the judicial office staff.

She felt that they had unjustly taken her son away, causing great distress to their family.

Despite Qi Tong Wei and his colleagues explaining the misunderstanding, Xu Da Niang couldn’t let go of her resentment.

“Just go. I don’t need your thanks.” Xu Da Niang said coldly.

Seeing this, Qi Tong Wei and his colleagues left the Xu family with heavy hearts.

Back at the judicial office, Qi Tong Wei lay in bed, unable to sleep.

Recalling the events of the day, he felt a surge of responsibility.

He made a silent vow to work harder to create a safer, more harmonious living environment for the villagers.

At the same time, Qi Tong Wei couldn’t help but think back to his past life.

He remembered that he was also a police officer in his past life, but due to various reasons, he eventually strayed from the right path.

As a police officer, one must uphold one’s principles, remain unmoved by power, and resist the allure of money.

Only then could one truly serve the people, eliminate evil, and uphold justice.

Night fell, but Qi Tong Wei still couldn’t sleep.

The night was as black as ink, illuminated by bright lights, but the silence of the night was undeniable.

Qi Tong Wei sat in his office, his brow furrowed, seemingly deep in thought.

Suddenly, a knock on the door shattered the silence of the night.

Qi Tong Wei looked up and saw a middle-aged man standing at the door, his old friend, Li Kao Shan.

Li Kao Shan’s face was etched with fatigue, but his eyes shone with determination.

“Tong Wei, why aren’t you resting this late?” Li Kao Shan pushed open the door and walked in.

Qi Tong Wei smiled slightly, motioning for him to sit down.

“Why aren’t you sleeping so late either?”

They exchanged smiles, as if they understood each other without words.

Li Kao Shan sighed and spoke slowly, “Tong Wei, you know, all these years, I’ve been struggling in the police force, but there’s always been a knot in my heart.”

Qi Tong Wei nodded, knowing what Li Kao Shan was referring to.

This generation of police officers had weathered many storms and made countless sacrifices, but sometimes they didn’t receive the recognition they deserved.

Qi Tong Wei could relate; his career path had not always been smooth sailing either.

“Kao Shan, I understand how you feel.” Qi Tong Wei said solemnly. “We both once fought for the justice and ideals we held dear, but reality is often harsher than we imagined.”

Li Kao Shan nodded, a hint of sadness flashing in his eyes.

He thought back to his own experiences over the years, rising from a simple police officer to his current position. He had paid a heavy price for his efforts and sacrifices.

However, sometimes he felt lost and powerless, unsure of what he was truly striving for.

“Tong Wei, what do you think we live for?” Li Kao Shan suddenly asked.

Qi Tong Wei fell silent for a moment before slowly replying, “Perhaps it’s for the faith and pursuit that dwell within our hearts.”

Li Kao Shan nodded, knowing Qi Tong Wei was right. The reason these police officers could persevere was because of the unwavering faith and pursuit in their hearts.

“Tong Wei, you know, I’ve always admired you.” Li Kao Shan said suddenly. “You’ve risen from a lowly police officer to where you are today, enduring countless hardships. Yet, you’ve always retained your initial passion and drive. That’s what I admire most about you.”

Qi Tong Wei smiled slightly, knowing Li Kao Shan was speaking the truth.

He had indeed faced many setbacks and tribulations, but he had never abandoned his dreams and aspirations.

As long as he didn’t give up, he would one day achieve his worth.

“Kao Shan, I’ve also had times when I felt lost and confused.” Qi Tong Wei admitted. “But whenever I recall the words Uncle Wu said to me on Eagle Ridge, I find my way again.”

Li Kao Shan asked curiously, “Uncle Wu? Who is he? What did he say to you?”

Qi Tong Wei took a deep breath, as if transported back to that smoke-filled, adrenaline-pumping Eagle Ridge.

“Uncle Wu was my old comrade and a mentor in my life.”

He spoke softly, “When I was on a mission at Eagle Ridge, I encountered unprecedented difficulties. I was about to give up, but Uncle Wu told me, ‘Tong Wei, remember this: Life is like a battle. Only by bravely facing difficulties and challenges can you achieve victory.’”