Step, step, step.

When the police chief told them to leave, they coolly walked out, but instead of going back to their office, the team members waited on the stairs. The moment Shin Haesu came down, they rushed toward him.

“What happened?”

“What did the chief say?”

“There's a dinner appointment with the Commissioner.”

At Haesu’s calm response, the team members’ eyes widened.

“Finally, the higher-ups are recognizing our senior!”

“Dinner with the Commissioner, huh? I'm jealous. He must be eating something delicious.”

“That’s the issue here? Anyway, this is a celebration for our team. A promotion! Oh? Detective Shin is being celebrated. So… are we heading to Gyeongsan?”

“That was terrible.”

A rib restaurant with a great view on the outskirts of Gangjin City.

Clatter.

“This way, please.”

“Ah, yes, thank you…”

The Gangjin police chief entered the room with an awkward expression. The Commissioner, who had arrived first, greeted him with a smile.

“Ah, nice to meet you. This is our first time seeing each other in person, isn't it?”

“It's an honor to meet you.”

“But where is Detective Shin?”

“Well…”

The chief wiped his sweat and glanced behind him before answering.

“Just before we left, an urgent dispatch came in. He insisted he had to go… I apologize.”

“Ah, ah? Hahaha!!”

The Commissioner laughed heartily and gestured for the chief to take a seat.

“Just as I’ve heard. If the Violent Crimes Unit is called, it must be an urgent matter. Of course, he should go—he’s a police officer. It’s fine.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

But the chief felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. The Commissioner refused to start eating until Haesu arrived, making the atmosphere increasingly awkward.

After what felt like an hour but was actually ten minutes, a knock was heard.

Knock, knock.

“That must be him.”

The door slid open, and Haesu appeared. Upon seeing the Commissioner, he bowed sharply at the waist.

“I apologize for being late.”

“Ah, our hardworking Detective Shin, who is making the police shine. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

The Commissioner extended his hand first. Haesu started to shake it but hesitated. There was blood on his hand. Quickly wiping it on his pants, he clasped the offered hand.

“It’s an honor. I’m Detective Shin Haesu.”

“The honor is mine. Have a seat. Let’s start serving now.”

“Yes, bringing it in now.”

The restaurant was clean, quiet, and had a nice view. The staff grilled the ribs, cut them into pieces, and then stepped back.

“Help yourself. I wanted to take you somewhere even nicer, but these days, it's risky for police officers to be seen eating at expensive places.”

The chief quickly chimed in.

“This is really delicious. I didn’t even know about this place, even though it's in Gangjin.”

“You haven't even taken a bite yet. Hurry up and eat. You too, Detective Shin.”

The Commissioner placed a piece of meat onto Haesu’s plate.

“Thank you.”

The Commissioner pointed at Haesu’s clothes with his index finger and asked,

“Whose blood is that?”

“It belongs to a suspect caught in the act of attempted murder. He came at me with a knife, and the blood splattered during the takedown.”

“I see. Hahaha, having someone from the field here makes the stories so much more vivid! It reminds me of the days when I had passion for the job.”

“Thank you.”

Meanwhile, the Gangjin police chief, now a silent bystander, was simply focusing on eating his meat.

He knew it well. The main guest here was Detective Shin, and he had only been invited as an accessory to save face. But the chief really loved meat.

‘Delicious. Nothing beats free food.’

“I hear Detective Shin’s nickname is ‘the physical therapist’ because you ruin criminals’ joints?”

“I apologize.”

“Ah, no need to apologize. Here’s what I think—when the police are taking down a criminal, they shouldn’t have to worry about whether the suspect has the intent to attack, whether they’re hiding a weapon, or whether they’re already holding one. But our system forces them to think that way. That’s the country’s fault. That’s why police officers hesitate.”

Haesu had been repeatedly disciplined for excessive force, always receiving warnings. But now, the highest-ranking police officer in Cheongnam was supporting him? He felt something warm rise from deep inside him.

For the first time here, he answered with genuine emotion in his eyes.

“That’s something I’ve always wished would change. Thank you for thinking that way.”

“I feel sorry. Even after reaching this position, I haven’t been able to fix it because of political concerns. It would be great if there were more officers like you.”

Haesu swallowed his bite of ribs before responding.

“I am not a righteous officer. From the beginning, my goal was never public safety, maintaining order, or strengthening law enforcement. I am not a just police officer.”

The Commissioner furrowed his brow slightly and leaned in closer.

The chief, who had been eating diligently, froze.

“Then what is Detective Shin’s reason for being a police officer? It doesn’t seem like it’s for power or money… Is it for promotion?”

“If I get promoted too much, I won’t be able to work in the field. That worries me. Rank isn’t an issue when it comes to catching criminals.”

The Commissioner looked surprised. Haesu continued.

“As you know, recidivism rates are increasing every year. When I see criminals with nine or ten prior convictions, it’s shocking. There’s only one answer: the punishment is too weak.”

The Commissioner was now entirely focused, listening as if mesmerized.

“So?”

“So I thought, the only thing I can do to reduce recidivism… is to catch bad guys in a bad way.”

“Catching bad guys in a bad way…”

The Commissioner fell into thought. Then, for once, the chief spoke first.

“Actually, ever since Detective Shin was at his previous station, he’s caught enough criminals to fill a truck, and their recidivism rate is extremely low. They committed crimes using their hands and feet, but now they can’t use them anymore.”

“Ah-ha!”

The Commissioner, now fully understanding the nuance of Haesu’s words, clapped his hands like he had discovered a rare treasure.

“This is remarkable! He’s personally going out to catch criminals to prevent repeat offenses. Most officers are just looking for promotions or killing time, but a true officer is actually working. What a rare find. This is beyond my expectations. Detective Shin, is there anything making your job difficult? If there’s anything you want, say it.”

Haesu set down his meat, thought carefully, and then spoke cautiously.

“There is one thing…”

“What is it? If it’s something I can grant, I’ll make it happen.”

“Faster issuance of search and seizure warrants. There are times when delays give suspects a chance to flee or destroy evidence.”

“Hahaha! A detective with consistency, I like it, I really like it. I’ll do my best regarding the Special Investigation Unit matter. Are you married?”

“I’m single.”

“Do you have anyone you’re seeing?”

“No.”

The commissioner took out his phone, scrolled through his photo album, and showed a picture.

A woman with a neat bob haircut, resembling a squirrel, was posing with a V-sign while wearing a police uniform.

“My daughter is also a police officer. Her name is Jo Ara. She’s a year older than you? Yes, one year older. She takes after me, so she’s still single because she’s busy catching criminals in the Violent Crimes Unit. Would you be interested in meeting her?”

“I’m sorry. Not at this time…”

For the first time, the commissioner’s expression showed slight dissatisfaction as he closed his photo album.

“Ahem, well, well, these days young people prefer… what’s that called? A natural encounter? Since you’re in the same industry, you’ll probably meet someday. Eat up.”

“Yes.”

Only then did Haesu eat the meat freely.

The next day, as soon as he arrived at work, the Special Investigation Unit detectives swarmed him.

“Haesu, was it good? What did you eat?”

“Senior, are you going to be the commissioner’s secretary now?”

“Assault Captain! What did the commissioner say? Did he tell you to transfer to headquarters?”

Haesu pulled each of them by the shoulders, lined them up, and met their eyes one by one as he answered.

“Beef ribs. No, I’m not transferring. Nothing special happened.”

“Damn, I like beef ribs too! You didn’t bring any back?”

“Thank goodness, senior! Without you, the Special Investigation Unit would be like kimbap without perilla leaves or bibimbap without perilla powder!”

“What? Those things are unnecessary anyway! This guy is definitely your subtle anti-fan.”

As Haesu sat down, he continued speaking.

“I felt uncomfortable that only I was getting credit for the team’s achievements. The meat was delicious. I’ll treat you all after work today.”

“Wow, as expected, our Assault Captain has true loyalty! Tonight, we feast on beef ribs!”

While the team leader gave a double thumbs-up, Oh Gaeng answered the internal phone. His expression gradually hardened.

“Damn it, tonight’s dinner might be convenience store rice balls. There’s a gang riot in Yangjin, requesting backup.”

“Why the hell is Yangjin suddenly in chaos?”

“Boss, we’re the Special Investigation Unit now. Let’s move out!”

“I’ll drive!”

The detectives of Violent Crimes Unit 1, now part of the Special Investigation Unit, got up and mobilized.

Even after meeting the commissioner, many things had happened.

The Traffic Division building was remodeled into the Special Investigation Unit headquarters, and Chief Gu brought in a professional tailor to measure the detectives for custom protective gear.

Although the transition from the Violent Crimes Unit to the Special Investigation Unit didn’t change much, there were subtle differences in how things were handled.

Support and responses from the Intelligence Division became quicker, and cooperation with investigations in other regions became smoother.

As Haesu was heading home after another ordinary day, he noticed a sleek black sedan parked at the entrance of the Reed Building.

‘I’ve seen this before…’

Instead of heading to the underground parking lot, he approached the car. Just then, the rear door opened, revealing a smooth, slender leg.

“Haesu, it’s been a while.”

Ahn Seo-eun, wearing silver high heels and a sky-blue two-piece suit, greeted him.

“Did you come looking for me?”

“Of course. Why didn’t you invite me over after moving?”

Haesu tried to recall whether he had informed her about his new place.

“Haru told me.”

“I see. Would you like to come up?”

“Yes, I’d like to take a look around. I also have something to discuss.”

“Alright then.”

Seo-eun parked in the underground lot and took the resident-only elevator to the 10th floor with Haesu.

Today, she had no bodyguards with her—only Chief Kang.

“Come in… huh?”

Haru was waiting at the door, as if she had been notified in advance.

Oddly, she was wearing the fancy outfit she had bought at the department store last time. Her hair was neatly brushed, not a single stray strand out of place.

“Welcome.”

“It’s been a while, Haru. You’re still as pretty as ever.”

“Yes.”

For some reason, Haru’s behavior felt awkward.

Haesu handed banana-flavored milk to Seo-eun and Chief Kang.

“You always have these stocked up, don’t you?”

“Not a lot, just one box at a time.”

“I see… You have a nice place.”

Seo-eun took a small sip and carefully looked around.

Haru led the way, silently opening doors as if showing off the house, much like a child proudly introducing their home.

“This must be Haesu’s room.”

“My room.”

“Ah, oh, it’s Haru’s room. Sorry. It must be nice to have your own space.”

Haru glanced at Haesu and shook her head.

“The house being big is nice, but I don’t like it. We can’t sleep together.”

“W-What?”

Haru stared silently at Seo-eun, her empty eyes strangely unsettling. Eventually, Seo-eun averted her gaze.

After the house tour, Seo-eun sat face-to-face with Haesu.

Her eyes were serious, as if she had something important to say.

“Haesu, why are you a police officer? No, what is your goal as a police officer?”

It was a weighty question, fitting her serious expression. Haesu rubbed his chin before answering slowly.

“A goal… I’ve answered this before, so I can say it right away. My goal is to catch bad guys in a bad way.”

Seo-eun stared at him, then nodded deeply as if that answer was sufficient.

“Then, could you make some time this Friday night?”

“Friday night? What for… Haru, do you have something to say?”

Haru had been lingering around, and now she was sitting on the sofa table, blocking Seo-eun’s face.

“No.”

She flinched at Haesu’s question, then finally stood up.

Seo-eun glanced at Haru before turning back to Haesu.

“It’s the inauguration party for the new president of Geonyeong Trading. All of Korea’s top third-generation chaebols will be there. There’s something I want to show you.”

This was her real reason for coming today.

Haesu nodded without hesitation. Seo-eun was an excellent ally. There was no reason to refuse her request.

“I’ll attend unless a case comes up.”