That same day.
A Patrol Department vehicle was parked beneath a concrete building.
Lu Chao, having received a notice for temporary duty, rushed to the scene. He stood outside the yellow police tape, gazing at the utter mess within the alley.
There were several pools of blood and bullet streaks scarring the walls.
Several corpses with civilian-grade cybernetic implants lay scattered on the ground. It was clearly the scene of another gang shootout.
Members of a cleanup crew arrived to take care of the bodies, their heads bowed as they worked. Among them were several youths who looked to be around his age.
It was as if he saw his past self in them, and a flurry of images flashed through Lu Chao's mind.
The next moment.
"Captain, here."
Footsteps approached. Chen Xiao, who was on duty with him, handed him a bottle of soda and called out with a smile.
His tone was half-serious, half-joking. Lu Chao accepted the soda and shook his head helplessly.
