When Detective David extended his invitation, all eyes fell on Ryan.
Compared to patrol officers, detectives had better pay, more freedom, and way more prestige.
Patrol cops were grunts.
Detectives cracked real cases.
And every beat cop, deep down, dreamed of trading their badge number for a detective's shield.
Ryan smiled politely.
"Appreciate it. But I haven't even passed my first month of probation yet."
To become a detective, you had to pass internal exams—Ryan didn't even qualify to take them. He was still officially a trainee.
But with my system? Why rush?
Sure, patrolling meant fewer encounters… but the real money was in big takedowns.
And judging by the huge payout he'd just earned for dropping a pro assassin?
The detective bureau was a goldmine. Every case they touched involved hardened criminals.
David's offer wasn't a no—just a not yet.
Captain Alexander quietly exhaled in relief.
He'd been sweating it.
Ryan hadn't even worked half a day in total before being tossed into back-to-back administrative leave.
But he was the kind of officer who made every cop around him feel safer. If David poached him?
Hollywood Division would lose their MVP.
David just chuckled and shrugged.
"No problem. I've got a feeling you'll make it through probation… real fast."
He glanced at Taylor, then gave a nod.
"You're free to go. But come by the Detective Bureau tomorrow—we'll need a formal statement."
Captain Alexander chimed in:
"Perfect timing. Tomorrow's also your check-in with Internal Affairs and the DA's office. We'll bundle it all up."
Technically, this latest kill didn't require IA scrutiny—it was a clear-cut self-defense case.
But it still needed to go before a judge.
"Got it, Captain."
—
Ryan and Taylor stepped out of The Little Door—but before they reached the car, a familiar man stopped them.
It was Madison Lewis, the personal bodyguard of Councilman Liam Clarke.
"Thanks," he said. "You saved my boss's life."
Ryan raised an eyebrow.
"Who is your boss, exactly?"
Because let's be honest—he'd just wanted dinner. The only reason he got involved was because Taylor had been in the line of fire.
"Councilman Liam Clarke."
Madison handed over a sleek black business card.
"If this ever causes you any trouble—call me."
Ryan took it without hesitation.
If the day ever came, he wouldn't be shy about using it.
Once they got in the car, Ryan finally let out a long breath.
"F**k… politicians. Always a mess."
Taylor had stayed quiet during the chaos. But now that they were alone?
She immediately latched onto his arm, voice trembling with emotion.
"Baby… you saved me again."
Ryan glanced sideways, softened.
"You're my woman. Of course I'll protect you."
Taylor's eyes sparkled.
"Don't worry—I'll get you the best lawyer money can buy. I won't let anything happen to you."
In the U.S.? Money could flip the legal system upside down.
Even a victim could get sued if they didn't lawyer up right.
"I appreciate it. But seriously—can you not climb all over me while I'm driving?"
His tone was stern. Focused.
But Taylor? She was still shaking from the adrenaline—and needed to let it out.
Let's just say…
Things escalated. Quickly.
"...Hah!"
Ryan sucked in a breath and tightened his grip on the wheel.
Dangerous driving. Do not attempt.
The Lamborghini Centenario roared down Sunset Blvd, its V12 engine howling like a beast off-leash.
By the time they pulled into the Swift Estate in Beverly Hills, Ryan's nerves were frayed.
He didn't even wait to get inside.
He grabbed Taylor and pinned her against the hood of the Ferrari 599 GTO.
Some lessons needed to be taught—immediately.
—
Later, Taylor swam laps in the estate's 30-meter pool while Ryan lounged in the hot tub, going over his system haul.
— Light of Justice: Super Hard-Boiled Cop System —— Host: Ryan Li (Li Han)— Attribute Cap: Human Peak = 20
Strength: 10Agility: 11Constitution: 10Spirit: 12
— Core Skills —Close-Combat L2 – ProficientHandgun L3 – ExpertRifle L1 – SkilledSniping L2 – Proficient ✦Driving L3 – Expert ✦Reproduction L3 – ExpertChinese L3 – ExpertEnglish L2 – ProficientFrench L3 – Expert ✦Cooking L2 – ProficientSwimming L3 – Expert ✦Lockpicking L2 – Proficient ✦Stealth L3 – ExpertTracking L3 – ExpertIntel Analysis L2 – ProficientFirst Aid L2 – Proficient ✦Disguise L3 – Expert ✦Toxicology L2 – ProficientPharmacology L2 – ProficientChemistry L2 – ProficientForensics L2 – ProficientAssassination L2 – Proficient ✦Makeup L2 – Proficient ✦
— Inventory —Storage Space: 1m³Tracking Card ×5Bulletproof Card ×1Skill Upgrade Card ×1
— Justice Points: 1700(1,000 = 1 draw)
—
"Jackpot."
Ryan's theory was dead-on.
The stronger and more dangerous the target, the bigger the system payout.
That assassin hadn't been a small fry. And the rewards showed it.
Dozens of skill cards. Huge Justice Point bump. Even rare skills like Assassination and Disguise.
He didn't hesitate.
Used everything.
Now his sniper training, driving, lockpicking, emergency medicine, swimming, and disguise skills had all leveled up.
And that's not even counting the +1000 Justice Points.
"Yup. Taking out high-level enemies is the real way to farm."
"And assassins? Always worth the trouble."
—
Ryan sat up straighter in the spa.
"System. Spin the wheel."
A glowing roulette wheel appeared in his mind's eye, each sector marked with mysterious rewards.
He watched it spin—faster, faster, until it gradually slowed.
Tick… tick… tick…
Ding!
"Congratulations, host! You've received…"