Chapter Four: My Life as a Police Officer in America

“I’ve become someone else? No! I’ve disguised myself as someone else—the only difference is…” Gao Ning stretched his body, but everything felt perfectly normal.

Yes, this was indeed his own body.

“…the only difference is that I’ve inserted myself into another Gao Ning’s timeline.”

Two timelines existed side by side, clearly distinct. With a single thought, Gao Ning could access the memories from any point in either timeline. It was as if his mind had re-experienced another person’s life from start to finish, at tens of thousands of times normal speed—a truly wondrous sensation.

His mind was racing to sort things out, but his body kept moving. He pedaled his bike at breakneck speed, darting toward the police station.

Gao Ning had completed high school and had served two years in the military. He’d been lucky, always remaining in the reserves at home; though there were frequent rumors about deploying troops to the front lines, no official orders ever arrived before he finished his service.

After a few days at home, at his father Gao Fei’s strong insistence, he joined the police force and became a rookie officer.

In recent years, the police profession had fallen on hard times. Recruitment standards had dropped year after year—now, anyone eighteen or older with a high school diploma could apply.

For someone with a military background like Gao Ning, he was considered a top-tier candidate. He breezed through training camp in just a week and was formally assigned to the police roster.

Of course, his father’s influence likely played a part. But even so, Gao Ning still started as a rookie.

The Ninth Precinct was responsible for the Brooklyn industrial district, which was less populated than the commercial heart of Manhattan. Even so, New York’s population density—tens of millions packed into the city—was no joke. The Ninth Precinct had no shortage of officers.

When Gao Ning arrived, a clump of newcomers waited in the courtyard. Spotting a uniformed officer on the steps reading off names, Gao Ning tossed his bicycle aside and hurried to join the lineup.

The officer glanced his way but said nothing. Clearing his throat, he announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. It’s time for roll call. Anyone not present will be considered to have withdrawn voluntarily.

Your files and paperwork were submitted a week ago, and all procedures are complete. I’ll distribute them now—take a look, and if everything’s correct, sign your name.

Remember: once you sign, the agreement is official, and you’ll be a full police officer. Any attempt to quit afterward will be noted on your record. This is a high-risk profession. If anyone’s having second thoughts, I suggest you leave now—this is your last chance!

No one? Good!”

He handed the files to the first row, gesturing for them to be passed back.

“My name is Lucas Schindel, Senior Sergeant. For the foreseeable future, I’ll be your superior. If you have any questions, come to me.”

At that moment, Gao Ning took his file from the person beside him, skimmed through it, signed his name, and passed the remaining files along.

“Thank you!”

A pleasant female voice came from beside him.

Gao Ning instinctively glanced over.

Beautiful!

She was a tall, striking white woman, with hair that hinted at mixed heritage. Her features were a little more pronounced than average, and her figure was unexpectedly impressive. At first glance, she was stunning.

Perhaps sensing his gaze, the woman smiled.

“Anna Benson, from Los Angeles!”

Gao Ning replied automatically, “Gao Ning, local.”

“You’re Chinese?” Anna asked, curious.

“Third-generation immigrant.”

“Then you must have an English name, right?”

“Oh, sorry—you can call me Mark.”

“Nice to meet you, Mark!” Anna smiled.

Gao Ning hurried to shake her hand.

Lucas was still droning on about various matters, but the new recruits had already started quietly introducing themselves.

“Recently, the department’s workload has spiked and we’re seriously understaffed. At most, three of you will be paired with experienced officers. The rest will be divided into pairs to familiarize yourselves with procedures.”

True to his word, Lucas collected the files, set aside three at random, then paired off the rest by name, instructing them to collect keys from logistics.

When names were called, Gao Ning and Anna were assigned together.

At the precinct, attractive women were rare, and from the start, many eyes had followed Anna. Now, discovering she was paired with an Asian partner, more than a few people exchanged meaningful glances. But this was a police station, and everyone here was a newcomer—whatever they thought, they kept it to themselves.

Anna waved cheerfully at Gao Ning, smiling broadly.

At Lucas’s command to disperse, everyone quickly found their partners and entered the building in pairs.

A burly man was already blocking the door, booming, “Get your keys here. There are twelve teams—one patrol car for every two officers.

Your car numbers have been reassigned, from 0901 to 0912. ‘09’ is your precinct, the remaining digits are your patrol area. You should remember the district numbers from your training.

Your car number is also your seat number and your locker number. As for other rules, you’ll pick them up as you go!”

“Keep your keys, radios, and badges safe, and always listen for dispatch. That’s about it!” the burly man finished, handing out the keys.

Anna took their key and waved it at Gao Ning.

0909—a lucky number. Qi Shan nodded in satisfaction.

In the parking lot, Gao Ming spotted his father watching from a window, studying him intently. He hesitated, then waved. His father nodded in reply.

Anna glanced over curiously. “You know someone at the Ninth Precinct?”

“That’s right—very well. That’s my dad!”

Gao Ming shook his head, opening the car door. “You want to drive, or should I?”

“You drive—you know the roads better,” Anna replied, sliding into the passenger seat.

Gao Ning started the engine and eased the car out of the station.

From today onward, he was a proud police officer.

Though it was in America.

Their patrol area wasn’t large—seven or eight blocks at most. A slow circuit would take less than two hours. Then they could park at a gas station, buy coffee or soda, and while away the time at the roadside.

The radio squawked occasionally with dispatch: a neighborly dispute here, a lost cat or dog there. Every ten or twenty minutes, something came up.

Gao Ning’s area was mostly middle class, with a few factories. So, all afternoon, he and Anna didn’t receive a single call-out.

It was only their first day together, and they weren’t well acquainted. After some small talk, they mostly kept to themselves.

Gao Ning found himself pondering the unusual tasks he’d encountered earlier, lost in thought.