Star Gate

Chapter 110: The Silver City Branch (II)

Being in high spirits, Liu Long didn’t care what Li Hao was thinking. “Based on the Night Watcher configuration of other cities, if we are to gain our own branch, it must be staffed by at least ten people to be complete.

“One of the personnel is the director of the branch, to be served by a chief commissioner. There are one or two deputy directors, served by high-ranked commissioner inspectors. There is one team captain, which can be filled in by an inspector.

“We will differ from the larger cities due to a fewer number of citizens. Our framework will be smaller, so these are to be our arrangements.” He looked at the rest of the team. “Based on the news that I’ve received, White Moon will not be sending a branch director. I ought to be able to serve as the branch director!”

True joy seized the team when they heard this!

“Chief, how is upstairs being so generous?” Liu Yan bubbled with delight.

“A variety of factors,” chuckled Liu Long. “The most important being Yuan Shuo. He’s not exactly on good terms with Night Watcher powerhouses. Many are unwilling to come to Silver City as long as he's here, and they might have to follow his lead while they’re at it. We are too small and we've offended Red Moon. That supernatural organization might attack at any time, so no Sunflare is willing to come.”

As for those below Sunflare, well, they were no fools. Local tyrant Liu Long was a peak Sunderer—any newcomer would be expected to issue commands to the man. But how? Who would listen to them?

Out of consideration for this point, White Moon made a decisive call. Establishment of the branch would go forward, but its director would be Liu Long.

The team was ecstatic! Li Hao’s mouth threatened to split from the force of his grin.

“It doesn't matter if other people don't think much of us, we think much of us! Chief is being promoted to chief commissioner!”

Inspector, commissioner inspector, and chief commissioner were the three grades of the Inspectorate. Inspectors were divided into third, second, first rank. Commissioner inspectors were divided into low and high rank. The same went for chief commissioners—low and high rank.

Of course, the “low rank” part of the title normally went unvoiced. It was referred to in private. Low rank commissioner inspectors and low rank chief commissioners were still viewed as full members of their grade. Meanwhile, “high rank” was always affixed as that made the title more sophisticated.

Liu Long grinned and pressed his hands downward for calm. “I’m being pushed to something entirely beyond me, there’s no helping it! The formation of a Night Watcher branch isn’t as simple as doling out promotions. I’m sure everyone understands the meaning within.

“I summoned the team to share the news and for another important matter—selection of the deputy director. If there’s only one in our branch, then I can recommend someone. If there’s two, the other spot may be filled by someone from White Moon.”

Such was convention.

Liu Yan flicked a glance at Yun Yao as soon as she heard this, understanding why the chief couldn’t make up his mind.

“Give it to her if she wants, I don’t care!” she sniffed. “She's a supernatural, after all. I'm just a martial blockhead!”

Liu Long wordlessly raised his eyebrows at the woman. Who are you dragging down with you? Who here isn't a martial blockhead? I’m one too!

Yun Yao greeted the outburst placidly, as if she wasn't angry at all.

“I don’t need it,” she responded calmly when the team captain looked her way. “Put her name forward if she wants it. She's the vice captain and a commissioner inspector. She manages to fit the bill.”

With that, both parties expressed their indifference to the position. Off to the side, the quiet Li Hao suddenly ventured timidly, “Um… can I say something?”

Perplexed heads swiveled toward him. What are you interrupting for? Do you want it too? Get outta here!

The young man continued awkwardly. “Um… I just… I just have a small suggestion,” he said gingerly. “Really, just a small suggestion! Deputy directors are usually commissioner inspectors, of which Sis Liu is one. The rest of us in the team such as me, Brother Wu, Brother Chen, and Sis Yun are all first rank inspectors.”

He'd just been promoted two days ago—sadly, not to commissioner inspector.

“Why don't we discuss it among the team and have the chief put one of our names forward? Ahem, just for official purposes. Sis Liu is still the vice captain in private. That gives the Demon Hunters another commissioner inspector. Our salaries and benefits will be better, and the rest of the deputy director benefits can go to Sis Liu…

“Maximization of profits!” the young man concluded. “Otherwise, Sis Liu will still only be a commissioner inspector if she fills the position. She won't even be promoted to high rank commissioner inspector, which would be a waste!”

Liu Long and the others stared, slack jawed. Could things be done like this? They hadn’t considered this at all because professional ranks weren't too important to them.

Li Hao held a contrary opinion. “I hear from Wang Ming that even Night Watcher benefits differ according to grades. Strength is one facet, grade is another. Some veteran inspectors or veteran Night Watchers aren't the strongest, but their tenure runs long. So despite transferring to a desk job, they still have a place at the table given their high rank.

“In that case, we should think more about this. It may not matter in Silver City, but…” Li Hao continued with enthusiasm, “but we keep improving! If there comes a day in which we're all supernatural or Sunderers and Dominators, rank will be very important if we're still a part of the Night Watcher system!

“Chief, for example, is being promoted to chief commissioner. He'll have decent status if he moves to White Moon. But if chief was still a commissioner inspector? There's commissioner inspectors by the handful in White Moon. What will happen to chief then?

“If there comes a day when Silver City can no longer be defended, we’ll talk more loudly if our own ranking is high. It’ll make for a smoother migration, so not only are professional ranks important, they're very important! I bet you that the provincial senior council isn’t only filled with Sunflare and Solar supernaturals!”

Liu Long sank into contemplation and inhaled deeply after a while.

“You’re right.” He looked at Li Hao. “It doesn’t matter from the Silver City perspective, but if we have to give up the city and join White Moon one day, our ranks will be key then!

“Mundanes and supernaturals share custody of the government, and not purely on basis of strength. Some stronger supernaturals lack the desire to administer a city, so most of the work falls to mundane hands.”

Liu Long turned to address the rest of the team. “Li Hao is correct. Liu Yan won’t be promoted even if she becomes a deputy director because it hasn't been long since she's become a commissioner inspector. Some more time is required before she can advance to high rank. The four of you, however, can use this opportunity to rise to commissioner inspector!”

“I'm not interested,” Yun Yao declined again. “I'm completely unconcerned about this.”

“Don’t look at me, chief,” Wu Chao chuckled. “I can’t, not even for show! Let Fatty Chen do it…”

“Not me!” Chen Jian rumbled. “Chief, you know how I shake whenever I see higher-ups! If I have to host them after becoming the deputy director… I’ll go weak at the knees!”

Liu Long blinked. None of them were willing? He looked at Li Hao again.

“I’ll do it, chief!” the young man said excitedly.

“……” Dead silence descended upon the scene.

“Did you say all that because you knew they’d refuse?” Not even Liu Yan could resist teasing the young man. “You want a promotion for yourself, don’t you? I say, Little Hao Hao, you’re only how old and already a first rank inspector! How are you not satisfied?”

“It’s not that, sis.” Li Hao beamed radiantly. “If I’d graduated from the Veteris Institute, I would’ve quickly become a first rank inspector. Therefore, the promotion a few days ago isn't really a promotion. Commissioner inspector is the real advancement!

“I would have no opinion if Brother Chen or the others are willing. I'm young, after all, and I joined the team later. But they’re not willing, so I must put myself forward to serve others and contribute what I can to the team!”

The explanation sounded pretty, but in reality, he just wanted to be promoted! Wasn’t this sweet! Commissioner inspector!

First, it went without saying that his salary would increase.

Second, it would indeed bring about a better position if they moved to White Moon. No one wanted to start from the bottom, not to mention that Li Hao had already cleaned desks and fetched water at Classified Affairs for a year

Third, a higher rank and position would result in acquaintance with the senior levels. It would all prove useful someday. Right now, for instance, it would make it easier to obtain information about the Red Moon organization.

Liu Long stared at the young man, unable to find words for a proper response. He’d thought that Li Hao raised the idea to help others advance in their careers. Well well, it turned out everyone turned the idea down, leaving the way clear for the righteous young man. Look at him champing at the bit!

Isn’t he something! Quite obsessed with professional success at his young age.

“Can you do it, Li Hao?” Liu Long frowned. “You’ll be put on probation for a bit even if they agree. You’re so young and you’re… a Slayer. You might find this post a bit difficult.”

“That’s easy too, chief!” Li Hao said hurriedly. “Just tell them this is to cozy up to my teacher. I can run anytime if I’m an ordinary inspector, but if I’m a commissioner inspector, I count as mid-level management. Deserting won’t be easy then! What's a commissioner inspector worth for the sake of my teacher?”

Damn, kid already has the proper excuse for me. But Liu Long had to say, if this was what was in his report, it was likely that upstairs wouldn’t care about Li Hao’s capabilities. The young man would just be an ornament connecting the Night Watchers with Yuan Shuo.

“Then people might point to nepotism…”

“I don’t care!” Li Hao answered firmly. Who the heck cares? A tangible benefit in hand is the key!

Liu Long had nothing else to say. He looked at the rest of the team. “Are you sure you don't want to fight for it?”

Yun Yao shook her head uncaringly, Wu Chao smiled spookily, and simple Chen Jian said, “Let Li Hao do it, he has a brighter future than all of us!”

More like he’s too treacherous! It was better for Chen Jian to support the idea, just in case the kid turned back to bite him when he grew into his strength. The kid was too evil!

Wu Chao and Yun Yao didn’t have an opinion. Although Li Hao was weak, everyone knew what kind of person he was. How a Darkmoon and Sunderer had previously died was clear in everyone's minds.

The lad was a vicious character!

They were happy to facilitate his advancement; they cared more about becoming supernatural.