On Bailu Avenue, at a sheltered alley entrance, several constables on night patrol were huddled under a bluestone courtyard wall, chatting idly to pass the grueling night shift.
Just then, a tall, imposing figure came striding from down the street with purpose.
"Who goes there?" the lead constable shouted, darting out from the alley with his men to block the newcomer's path.
"Chen Cheng." Chen Cheng frowned slightly as he announced his name.
Chen Cheng had already noticed these night patrol constables slacking off. If he had wanted to, he had no fewer than ten ways to slip past them unnoticed.
These constables weren't his subordinates, so naturally, he couldn't be bothered with them slacking off.
"So it's Mr. Chen! My apologies for my impertinence!" The constable quickly cupped his hands respectfully and cleared the path.
The other constables also scrambled to make way, all calling out respectful greetings:
"Still heading to your post so late, Mr. Chen?"
