- 3 days ago
Official Rebirth: I Hold Supreme Power(Dubbed)
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Brighton County Officer Matthew Blake.
00:01In my last life, I caught a big shot driving drunk.
00:03I sent him to jail.
00:04I didn't expect that the very next day I'd be demoted to a remote area to guard a reservoir.
00:06But the video of me strictly enforcing the law was filmed and posted online by a bystander.
00:10Once public opinion gained momentum, I went viral instantly.
00:12From then on, my career took off.
00:14Within a few years, I made it to a senior position.
00:16However, during a flood rescue, I died in the rushing water,
00:18trying to save citizens who hadn't evacuated in time.
00:20But when I opened my eyes again, I had actually been reborn.
00:23I was back to the night of the DUI checkpoint.
00:25Brighton County Officer Ariana Rivers.
00:25At this moment, my girlfriend Ariana volunteered to handle the DUI checkpoint.
00:27Brighton County Officer Bassett.
00:28The captain died in his fault.
00:28The blizzard is heavy tonight.
00:30It's not convenient for a woman.
00:31Let the men go as much as possible.
00:32What does a little snow matter?
00:34We agreed when we took this job that we're here to serve the people.
00:37Ariana's words drew looks from our colleagues.
00:39While I took a deep breath, Ariana must have been reborn too.
00:43She's eyeing the success I had in my last life.
00:45She wants to beat me too at this time.
00:47I remember clearly.
00:48Let's break up.
00:49In my last life, the day after I was reassigned to the reservoir,
00:51Ariana broke up with me without hesitation.
00:52She immediately threw herself into the arms of a rich heir.
00:54Since your girlfriend is going, you stay behind.
00:56We can't have both of you lovebirds working so hard.
00:59Sure, Captain Preston.
01:00Then I won't go.
01:01I agreed immediately without thinking.
01:02She really thinks a DUI arrest can change her destiny.
01:04She's dead wrong.
01:05My growth in my last life wasn't because of a viral video.
01:08It came from a chance act of kindness.
01:09And my commitment to my original purpose of serving the people
01:12and the person who brought me that good fortune.
01:14Alexander Sterling's daughter, Olivia Sterling.
01:16Is Olivia Sterling, daughter of Alexander Sterling,
01:17the top leader of Jiangnam province.
01:18Olivia Sterling.
01:19On this night in my last life, because the snow was too heavy,
01:21her car skidded and fell into the river.
01:22She lost her young life.
01:23Since I've been given a second chance,
01:24I have the ability and the responsibility
01:25to change her tragic fate.
01:27Everyone get ready.
01:28We head out in 15 minutes.
01:30As expected, Ariana came up to me.
01:31Her tone was cold.
01:33Let's break up.
01:34Can you give me a reason?
01:36Is there something I didn't do well enough?
01:38It figures he wasn't reborn.
01:40This life-changing money is finally going to be mine.
01:44I'm over your games.
01:46I'm bored.
01:47That counts as a reason.
01:49Sorry, I'm just too much for you.
01:52Then I hope you find someone mediocre.
01:55I agreed readily.
01:56Ariana was stunned instead.
01:58Finally, she left looking overjoyed.
01:59I was so decisive, only because time waits for no one.
02:02Olivia fell into the water at around 8.30pm.
02:04It's already 7.45pm.
02:05I immediately drove toward the outskirts of town.
02:07Ariana was afraid the breakup wasn't clean enough
02:09to affect her rise to the top.
02:10She was also afraid I'd keep clinging to her.
02:12She posted twice on social media
02:13high-profile announcements of our breakup.
02:14When I saw the posts, I was thrilled.
02:17She would never imagine that the bystander
02:19who filmed the video in my last life
02:20ended up asking for a steep price.
02:22He blackmailed me for years.
02:24It was a real headache in this life.
02:26She'll have to deal with that trouble herself.
02:288.25pm.
02:29Near Moonlight Bridge on the outskirts.
02:31Olivia discovered her brakes had failed.
02:33In her panic, the steering wheel wouldn't obey.
02:35Just as she was at a loss,
02:36I drove up quickly.
02:37I pulled up alongside her.
02:38I shouted to her.
02:39Control the steering.
02:40Lean against the seat back as much as possible.
02:42I'll use my car to scrape yours
02:43to help you slow down and stop.
02:44Do you understand?
02:45Olivia was already scared out of her mind.
02:46She could only follow instructions mechanically.
02:49I carefully steered my car toward hers.
02:50The massive friction caused a deafening roar.
02:52Sparks flew everywhere.
02:54Olivia screamed in terror.
02:56Finally.
02:56With the help of the guardrail and my car,
02:58her car was safely forced to a stop on the bridge.
03:00I quickly ran out.
03:01I pulled the terrified Olivia straight out of the car.
03:03She burst into tears.
03:05I need to call my dad.
03:07Take your time, don't worry.
03:10Suddenly, several black sedans that had been following surrounded us.
03:13These people were going to watch Olivia plunge into the river with her car.
03:16They didn't expect me to take matters into my own hands and help.
03:19They put on masks and rushed at me with the tops.
03:22Fortunately, my moves were quick.
03:23I did a roll and jumped up from the ground.
03:25I kicked the leader down with one blow.
03:26The baton flew out of his hand.
03:28I quickly picked up the baton and counter-attacked the other two.
03:30One hit landed right on someone's forehead.
03:32He started bleeding immediately.
03:33Seeing things go south,
03:34the van driver immediately drove off with his men.
03:36I didn't chase them.
03:37Saving lives was the priority now.
03:38It was a matter of life and death.
03:39There was no time for hesitation.
03:40Dad, I ran into some bad guys.
03:42I got into an accident at New York Bridge.
03:43Please come save me.
03:45Olivia Sterling was cold and terrified.
03:47She fainted before she could finish.
03:48I quickly carried her into my car and rushed to the nearest ER.
03:52When I registered at the ER, I used my own name.
03:54I didn't know yet who this girl was.
03:55Just out of human nature.
03:57I decided to take matters into my own hands and help.
03:58Over two hours later, Olivia Sterling slowly woke up.
03:59I stayed by her bedside the whole time.
04:01In those short two hours,
04:02Riverside was in an uproar over Olivia Sterling's disappearance.
04:04Chairman of Sterling Group, Alexander Sterling,
04:06personally ordered a full-scale search for his daughter's whereabouts.
04:08All bridges and roads.
04:09Passing vehicles and surrounding areas and neighbourhoods were thoroughly searched.
04:12When the hospital room door opened,
04:13a group of bodyguards in black stood at the door.
04:15The person who finally rushed in was Alexander Sterling,
04:17wearing a black jacket with greying hair at his temples,
04:19and the slim Jodie Lane who looked like she was only in her thirties.
04:21Jodie Lane saw her daughter in the hospital bed,
04:23and tears immediately streamed on her face.
04:24Olivia, are you okay?
04:26How are you feeling now?
04:28Mom, I'm mostly fine.
04:29I'm sorry I worried you and Dad.
04:31As long as you're okay.
04:35You're my only daughter.
04:36If anything happened to you, how would we go on?
04:39He saved me.
04:40No, otherwise I would have been scared of Dad.
04:44I know.
04:45Our whole family needs to thank him.
04:47Captain Sterling of the Security Division,
04:49Mr. Walker, and other personnel,
04:50seeing Olivia Sterling was safe.
04:52All breathed a sigh of relief.
04:53After Alexander Sterling and Jodie Lane composed themselves,
04:55they gave me a deep bow.
04:57I'm Alexander Sterling.
04:58Thank you, young man, for saving my daughter.
05:00You look quite young,
05:01but in a moment of crisis,
05:02you didn't hesitate to take matters into your own hands.
05:04Your courage and sense of responsibility are remarkable.
05:06What's your name?
05:07Mr. Sterling, ma'am.
05:08I'm Matthew Blake.
05:09It was no trouble at all.
05:10Please, there's no need for that.
05:11However.
05:12However what?
05:12Mr. Sterling, I was driving a government car last night.
05:14It was an emergency.
05:15To force Ms. Sterling's car to a stop,
05:17I had to use my car to buffer the impact.
05:18This caused some damage to the vehicle.
05:19I might need your cooperation later
05:21to explain the situation to my supervisor
05:22to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.
05:24Sure, I'm down.
05:25Alexander Sterling couldn't help but laugh.
05:27What apartment do you work for?
05:27I'm with the 3rd Squad in Brighton County, Riverside.
05:30Hello, Matthew.
05:31I'll personally visit your office to explain.
05:34Thank you, Mr. Sterling.
05:35I appreciate it.
05:36Just then, a doctor walked in.
05:37Your daughter is fine.
05:38She's just a bit shaken up.
05:39Once the IV is finished,
05:40she just needs a day or two of rest.
05:42Since everything's fine here,
05:43I'll head out now.
05:44Oh, wait.
05:45Jody Lane pulled out a bank card.
05:47Matthew, you paid for Olivia's medical bills.
05:49Take this card.
05:50In addition to the medical bills,
05:52it's a small token of our gratitude.
05:54I can't do that, ma'am.
05:55I can't accept this.
05:56Alexander Sterling spoke sincerely.
05:57Take it, Matthew.
05:58Jody and I truly appreciate what you did.
06:00I said with a smile,
06:01Mr. Sterling,
06:02if I take this money,
06:02I'd really be missing out.
06:03Everyone was stunned.
06:04Missing out?
06:05What do you mean?
06:06Think about it.
06:06I did a good deed,
06:07and my supervisor might even reward me for it.
06:09But if I take your money,
06:10I'd be too embarrassed to mention
06:11my heroic act ever again.
06:13Wouldn't I be missing out then?
06:13I'm just joking, of course.
06:15Honestly, it was no trouble at all.
06:16I believe any capable person in that situation
06:18would have helped without hesitation.
06:19It's just the right thing to do.
06:21Those words impressed everyone.
06:23They all marveled at how
06:24this young man was not only brave,
06:25but also knew his place
06:26and was sensible.
06:27All right, Matthew.
06:28Thank you again.
06:29Here's my business card.
06:30Once Olivia is discharged,
06:32come over for dinner.
06:33Let us show you some hospitality.
06:34Sure, Mr. Sterling.
06:36I'll be there.
06:37Just then,
06:37Alexander Sterling's phone rang.
06:39He answered it,
06:39and his expression turned serious.
06:41What?
06:42Fled to avoid prosecution?
06:45Okay, I understand.
06:46He hangs up.
06:47Alexander Sterling's expression darkens.
06:49Captain Sterling,
06:50half an hour ago,
06:50Kevin Grant boarded an international flight.
06:52Deploy for pursuit immediately.
06:54The sooner the better.
06:54Yes, sir.
06:55Sir, I'm on it.
06:57Soon, Captain Sterling's phone rings.
06:59After answering,
06:59he looks troubled.
07:00Sir, flight 8875 has already taken off.
07:03We can't intercept it.
07:03Then contact the international airport.
07:05Find a way to stop him.
07:06Apply for extradition.
07:07We can't, sir.
07:08Sir, the airline for this flight
07:09doesn't have an extradition treaty with us.
07:11This time, I'm afraid.
07:12Alexander Sterling grinds his teeth,
07:14looking furious.
07:14I step forward.
07:15Mr. Sterling,
07:16can we talk privately?
07:18Alexander Sterling pauses.
07:19Out of his liking for me,
07:20and because I saved his daughter's life,
07:22despite being busy with official duties,
07:24he nods and takes me to the hospital corridor.
07:26What's up, Matthew?
07:27Mr. Sterling,
07:28you were talking about
07:29Heshen Group's core partner,
07:30Kevin Grant,
07:31fleeing to avoid prosecution on a plane, right?
07:32I think something doesn't add up.
07:35Without a clear arrest warrant,
07:36even if he knows he's in trouble,
07:37he wouldn't take such a risk
07:38and straight up flee.
07:39Fleeing to avoid prosecution
07:40is equivalent to exposing himself.
07:42Once caught,
07:43there's no way out.
07:43A normal person wouldn't do something so stupid.
07:45What's your take?
07:46I think this might be a front.
07:48He might still be in Riverside,
07:49using a fake identity
07:50to create the illusion of fleeing.
07:52Once the heat is off,
07:53he'll look for an opportunity to leave.
07:55Hiding himself away
07:56fits the logic of someone
07:56who's pushing their luck.
07:57That makes sense.
07:58Alexander Sterling nods.
07:59Then where do you think he's hiding?
08:00In plain sight.
08:01The most dangerous place
08:02is often the safest.
08:03Mr. Sterling,
08:04I suggest that,
08:05with Kevin Grant's permanent residence
08:06is the center,
08:07we conduct a thorough search
08:08within a three kilometer radius.
08:10On what basis?
08:11Human weakness.
08:13When people are in a panic,
08:14they often choose to hide
08:15in familiar environments.
08:16Good.
08:17Human weakness indeed.
08:18Alexander Sterling immediately
08:19calls Captain Sterling over.
08:22With Kevin Grant's permanent residence
08:23is the center,
08:24within a five kilometer radius,
08:26leave no stone unturned.
08:27Search carefully.
08:29Yes, sir.
08:31Mr. Sterling,
08:31there's one more thing.
08:32What happened to Ms. Sterling tonight
08:33wasn't an accident.
08:34Her car was being followed.
08:35After I rescued her,
08:36those people rushed up to attack her.
08:37I suspect they had two plans.
08:39One was to make her lose control
08:40of the vehicle,
08:40causing an accident in the river.
08:41The second was,
08:42if the accident failed,
08:43they'd straight up hurt her.
08:44I didn't want Ms. Sterling
08:45or her mother to be scared,
08:46so I didn't say anything then.
08:47You saw those people?
08:48I did.
08:49We even fought.
08:49But saving her was the priority then,
08:51so I couldn't catch them.
08:52All right.
08:53Alexander Sterling
08:54patted my shoulder excitedly.
08:55I understand.
08:56Matthew,
08:57you must come over to our place soon.
08:58Leave me your number.
08:59I'll schedule a time to contact you.
09:01Then Alexander Sterling
09:02immediately made a call
09:03and gave orders
09:04to thoroughly investigate
09:05tonight's accident at Moonlight Bridge
09:06and check the info
09:07of all passing vehicles and people.
09:08We must crack this case.
09:09Mr. Sterling,
09:10I'll head home now.
09:11Okay, Matthew,
09:12go home and get some rest.
09:13When I got home,
09:14I took a hot shower
09:15and went to sleep peacefully.
09:16I knew I was just doing
09:17what needed to be done.
09:17Whether it was stepping in
09:18to save her
09:19or pointing Alexander Sterling
09:20in the right direction
09:20for the investigation,
09:21it all came from the heart
09:22and basic logic.
09:23Doing the right thing
09:24doesn't require a reason.
09:26Early the next morning,
09:27news broke in the office group chat.
09:29Last night,
09:29Kevin Grant,
09:30then a core partner
09:30of Heshing Group,
09:31was at a small motel
09:32near his residence
09:33and was arrested on the spot.
09:34When Alexander Sterling
09:35received the news,
09:36he was deeply impressed.
09:37Sir,
09:38your foresight
09:38is truly incredible.
09:39Kevin Grant
09:40actually used a fake identity
09:41and had a stand-in
09:42pretend to flee on a flight
09:42while he was actually
09:43hiding nearby.
09:44Thanks to your reminder,
09:45otherwise the direction
09:46of our investigation
09:46would have been completely wrong.
09:47It wasn't my foresight.
09:49It was the young man
09:50who saved Olivia,
09:52Matthew Blake.
09:52Matthew Blake,
09:54the young man
09:55from Brighton County.
09:56I didn't step away
09:57when we were on the phone
09:57last night.
09:58After he overheard,
09:59he specifically reminded me
10:00about hiding in plain sight.
10:02Only then did I adjust
10:03the search direction.
10:04He's young but very meticulous.
10:05He can see through
10:06human nature,
10:07which is rare.
10:08Exactly.
10:08He's a promising talent.
10:10He's observant
10:10and has his own ideas.
10:12Just then,
10:12there was a knock
10:13on the office door.
10:18Security Division Head,
10:19Andre Walker, enters.
10:22Sir, Captain Sterling.
10:23I'm here to report
10:24the investigation
10:24into last night's crash
10:25on Moonlight Bridge.
10:28There were two vans
10:29tailing Miss Olivia Sterling's vehicle.
10:31According to the forensic sweep,
10:33Miss Sterling's car
10:34had been tampered with
10:35and the ones who tampered with it
10:37were the same ones
10:38who carried out the attack.
10:39The entire group
10:40has now been apprehended.
10:41However,
10:42five of the attackers
10:42were severely injured
10:43and were unable to resist.
10:45That's why it was so easy
10:46to round them all up.
10:47How many were there?
10:48Six people in two vehicles.
10:49Five are critically injured.
10:49Another driver didn't get out
10:50at the time
10:51and waited in the car
10:51the whole time.
10:52He offered no resistance
10:52when we caught him.
10:54So you're saying
10:55Matthew Blake was the one
10:55who hospitalized them?
10:58It appears so.
11:00An ordinary guy,
11:01one against five,
11:02hospitalizing a pack of thugs
11:04and walking away
11:04without a scratch?
11:05That's quite impressive.
11:07Could you two handle
11:08a five-on-one?
11:09Be honest with me.
11:10Don't hold back.
11:12Both clear their throats.
11:13Sir,
11:13under normal circumstances,
11:14we might handle
11:15five ordinary men.
11:16But against reckless criminals,
11:17we might not have
11:18what it takes.
11:19After all,
11:19they're ruthless
11:20and have no limits.
11:21One mistake
11:21and we'd be in trouble.
11:23It seems we found ourselves
11:24a real talent.
11:25Andre,
11:27go to the Brighton County offices
11:29to pull Matthew Blake's file
11:31and bring it to me personally.
11:33A young man with that kind of skill
11:35is wasted
11:36at the grassroots level.
11:38Yes, Mr. Sterling.
11:39I'll get on it right away.
11:44Meanwhile,
11:44I headed to the third precinct
11:45for work,
11:45feeling refreshed.
11:46Just as I arrived at work,
11:47I was pulled by my colleague
11:48and bestie,
11:49Evan Harper,
11:49into his office.
11:50Matthew,
11:51something big happened.
11:51Your ex,
11:52Ariana Rivers,
11:52was at a DUI checkpoint last night.
11:54She caught a real big shot.
11:55Now our whole department
11:56is in a mess.
11:57The leadership has all gone
11:58to report to their superiors.
11:59What kind of big shot
12:00could throw our whole department
12:02into such a mess?
12:03The deputy chief executive
12:04of the security division.
12:06Normally,
12:07after they show their identity,
12:08we just follow protocol
12:08and log it.
12:09But Ariana really tackled it
12:11head on last night.
12:12She insisted on an on-site test
12:13and even dragged him in
12:14for further inspection.
12:15Nobody could stop her.
12:16Now,
12:16the information is already
12:17in the system.
12:17She's really poked a hornet's nest.
12:19There's no telling
12:19if this is a blessing or a curse.
12:20I nodded indifferently.
12:22Ariana's actions
12:22were just a copy
12:23of my experience
12:24in my past life.
12:24She thought this would
12:25win her some attention,
12:26not knowing that law enforcement
12:27is about fairness and rules,
12:28not being difficult
12:29for the sake of it.
12:30Hey,
12:31why aren't you worried at all?
12:32If something goes wrong,
12:33regular employees
12:34like us could lose our jobs.
12:36What should I be afraid of?
12:38This has nothing to do with me.
12:39We officially broke up yesterday.
12:42Anything she does
12:43is none of my business.
12:45Hey,
12:46Matthew Blake.
12:47It's really over.
12:48Four years down the drain
12:49just like that,
12:50sigh.
12:52Really?
12:53Let me tell you something
12:54even weirder.
12:55I saw Ariana Rivers this morning.
12:56She didn't seem upset at all.
12:58In fact,
12:58she looked quite happy.
12:59Like she had some great news.
13:01Isn't that strange?
13:02I smiled.
13:03I patted his shoulder.
13:04Stop with the tea.
13:05It's none of our business.
13:06Just focus on work.
13:07Just do your job.
13:08Cool.
13:09I was just worried
13:09after you got dumped
13:10that you'd be stuck in the past.
13:11Stuck in?
13:11The past?
13:13I've more than moved on.
13:14I literally want to laugh out loud.
13:16I went to the cafeteria for lunch.
13:18As soon as I reached the door,
13:19I felt everyone's eyes on me.
13:20At the cafeteria entrance,
13:21there was a brand new car parked.
13:22A handsome young man
13:23wearing sunglasses
13:24stood by the car.
13:25Ariana Rivers
13:25straight up threw herself at him.
13:27I recognized him immediately
13:28as Cameron Sutton.
13:29In my last life,
13:30after Ariana Rivers
13:30and I parted ways,
13:31they became a thing right away.
13:32They ate in the cafeteria
13:33holding hands,
13:34looking very close.
13:35Hi, what a coincidence.
13:37Are you here for lunch too,
13:38Matthew Blake?
13:39Her tone was full of pride.
13:40I was puzzled.
13:41Since Ariana Rivers
13:42also went back in time,
13:43she should know that
13:43in the last life,
13:44Cameron Sutton's father,
13:45director Paul Sutton,
13:46would soon be investigated
13:46for legal and disciplinary violations.
13:48But why would she still,
13:49without hesitation,
13:50go public with her relationship
13:51with Cameron Sutton?
13:55Matthew Blake,
13:55let me introduce you.
13:56This is my boyfriend,
13:57Cameron Sutton.
13:58Cameron,
13:59he's the one I told you about.
14:00He was clinging to me in college.
14:01I never agreed to date him
14:02even after he chased me
14:03for three years.
14:04Cameron looks up
14:04with his nose in the air.
14:05He's full of arrogance.
14:06He sizes him up from head to toe.
14:07So this is your ex.
14:08The kid looks sharp.
14:09What's his name?
14:11I didn't say a word.
14:11I straight up turned
14:12and walked away.
14:14Look at the way he acts.
14:18Ariana,
14:18I was going to give him
14:19a chance to show off
14:20in front of the leadership.
14:21He just didn't know
14:22how to take it.
14:22Don't say I didn't
14:23look out for him.
14:24Cameron,
14:25don't stoop to his level.
14:26He's just someone
14:27who hasn't seen the world.
14:28He's nothing compared to you.
14:30My job title from three years ago
14:32is his top tier.
14:32Let me tell you a secret.
14:34Management will make
14:35my performance review public soon.
14:36There's a high chance
14:37of a promotion and a raise.
14:39Cameron,
14:40you're so amazing.
14:41I'm so jealous.
14:43Cameron beams with joy.
14:44He pulls a room key card
14:45from his pocket.
14:46He hands it to Ariana Rivers.
14:47I'll tell you tonight
14:49how you can keep up with me.
14:57Ariana accepted the key card
14:59with feigned reluctance.
15:00Their intimate behavior
15:00set tongues wagging
15:01among those nearby.
15:02But I couldn't care less.
15:03Cameron's current glory
15:04is nothing more
15:05than a fleeting illusion.
15:06Based on the trajectory
15:07of my past life,
15:08in two months
15:08his father will be
15:09under investigation.
15:10His mother will also
15:11be investigated
15:11for financial crimes.
15:12Everything right now
15:13is just a final glimmer
15:14before the end.
15:15That afternoon,
15:16Captain Oscar Preston
15:17suddenly tracked me down.
15:18Matthew,
15:18come to my office
15:19right away.
15:20Yes, sir.
15:22Once I reached the office,
15:23Preston grabbed hold of me.
15:24Did you get yourself
15:24into trouble?
15:25Fess up.
15:26Do you have any idea
15:26what's happening?
15:27Captain Preston,
15:28I haven't done anything wrong.
15:32Preston blew out
15:33a cloud of smoke.
15:35Some people from the top
15:36just came by.
15:36Without a word,
15:37they took all your files.
15:38Based on my experience,
15:39this usually means a transfer
15:40or that you're in deep trouble.
15:41A transfer or a problem,
15:42it might actually be a good thing.
15:43Captain Preston,
15:43don't worry too much.
15:44A good thing?
15:44I can't believe you'd say that.
15:46You trashed the company car
15:47last night.
15:47Was there an accident?
15:48Fess up.
15:48It isn't easy to have a job.
15:49Don't go and drop the ball now.
15:51If you tell the truth now,
15:52I can still try to cover for you.
15:54Oscar Preston usually
15:55took good care of me.
15:56In my past life,
15:56less than two months
15:57after he was promoted
15:58to deputy head,
15:58he was investigated
15:59for taking the fall
16:00for someone else.
16:00In this life,
16:01I'll never let that tragedy
16:02happen again.
16:03I really didn't.
16:04Captain Preston,
16:04there actually was a scrape
16:05last night,
16:06but it wasn't personal.
16:07It was to save someone.
16:08Mr. Alexander Sterling said
16:09he'd come explain
16:09the situation to you himself.
16:11Who's Alexander Sterling?
16:12I haven't seen any witness
16:14come to explain anything.
16:15Right then,
16:16Oscar Preston's phone
16:17suddenly rang.
16:17After he picked up,
16:18his expression
16:19turned solemn immediately.
16:21Hello, who is this?
16:22Right, okay.
16:23I understand.
16:24I'll get on it right away.
16:25He hung up after a few
16:26quick words
16:27and got up to leave.
16:28At the same time,
16:29Andre Walker,
16:30the head of the security division,
16:31brought my resume
16:32to Mr. Sterling's office.
16:35Mr. Sterling, look.
16:36Matthew Blake's resume
16:37is very impressive.
16:37He grew up in an orphanage
16:38and finished college
16:39with public assistance.
16:40He served three years
16:40in the military.
16:41After being discharged
16:42in his senior year,
16:42he applied for the job
16:43and was hired that same year.
16:44During his service,
16:45his military skills
16:46and overall performance
16:47were top tier.
16:48Since joining the department,
16:49he's been very dedicated
16:50and has received
16:50several commendations.
16:51A talent like this
16:52is worth promoting
16:53no matter where he is.
16:55Stop!
16:56Don't play games with me.
16:57I asked for his resume
16:59to scout talent for myself,
17:01not for you.
17:02I know, Mr. Sterling.
17:03Just a thought.
17:04But Mr. Sterling,
17:05if you want to hire him,
17:06why not have him join
17:07the city bureau first
17:08to get some experience?
17:09He can learn our workflow.
17:11No.
17:12I have my own plans for him.
17:16Yes, Mr. Sterling.
17:17I understand.
17:18Anyway.
17:19Alexander Sterling's tone shift.
17:20The group that targeted
17:21Olivia Sterling last night,
17:22did you find out
17:23who's behind them?
17:23We did.
17:24It was Heschen Group.
17:25Them again.
17:26Heschen Group has been
17:27in Riverside for years.
17:29They plunder through
17:29illegal operations
17:30and disrupt the market.
17:32We've wanted to investigate,
17:33but we lacked key evidence.
17:35Now they've targeted my family.
17:37It's time to take action,
17:39Andre Walker.
17:39I'm ordering you
17:40to organize a crackdown immediately.
17:42Strictly target
17:43all of Heschen Group's
17:44illegal activities.
17:45Be fast and precise.
17:47Don't let them cause
17:47any more trouble.
17:49Yes, Mr. Sterling.
17:49I'll draft an arrest
17:50and clean up plan now.
17:51Everyone involved
17:52in this incident,
17:52not one will get away.
17:53Once the plan is ready,
17:54I'll report back immediately.
17:55Fine.
17:56As for Matthew Blake,
17:57stop targeting him.
17:58I already have plans.
17:59Understood.
18:01Andre Walker just left.
18:02Mr. Sterling's personal phone rang.
18:04It was his daughter,
18:05Olivia Sterling calling.
18:06Olivia,
18:07what made you think
18:07of calling your dad?
18:08Are you feeling better?
18:09Dad,
18:10when are you planning
18:10to invite Matthew Blake
18:11over for dinner?
18:12I haven't thanked him
18:13properly yet.
18:14Besides,
18:14he left something in my car.
18:16It's a good chance
18:16to return it to him.
18:17Oh,
18:17you're being discharged.
18:18I was going to arrange it
18:20once you were out.
18:21I was discharged this morning.
18:22It's no big deal.
18:23I'm a professional too.
18:24I'm not that fragile.
18:25Alright, alright.
18:25Whatever you say.
18:26Fine.
18:27Let's do tonight then.
18:28Give your mother a call.
18:28I'll invite Matthew Blake.
18:30Got it, Dad.
18:30Come home early tonight.
18:31After hanging up,
18:32Mr. Sterling called me immediately.
18:34I was flattered
18:34when I received the call.
18:36Hello, Mr. Sterling.
18:37This is Matthew Blake.
18:38Matthew,
18:38come over for dinner tonight.
18:396 Park.
18:40The address is
18:41House 2,
18:41Riverside Manor.
18:42Just come straight over.
18:43I'm down, Mr. Sterling.
18:44I'll definitely be there on time.
18:48The thing Olivia Sterling
18:49mentioned that was
18:49left in the car
18:50was a dark green peace buckle.
18:51This is the only item
18:52I have related to my origins.
18:54It means a lot.
18:55In my past life,
18:56even after reaching
18:57a high position,
18:57I never found any information
18:58about my biological parents.
18:59It was my lifelong regret.
19:02After realizing
19:03the peace knot was gone,
19:04I've been extremely anxious.
19:06After work,
19:06I just bought some fruit
19:07and supplements
19:07and headed to Riverside Manor.
19:09The manor is full of
19:10detached villas
19:11with security personnel
19:12stationed at the gates.
19:13The estate looked
19:13solemn and grand.
19:14When I arrived,
19:15Alexander Sterling
19:16was already waiting
19:17at the door.
19:18Mr. Sterling,
19:19you didn't have to.
19:20Why did you bring gifts?
19:21It's just a small token
19:22of my appreciation.
19:23Since I call you Mr. Sterling,
19:24it's only right for a junior
19:25like me to bring something.
19:25It's the least I could do.
19:27Otherwise,
19:27I'd seem disrespectful.
19:28Alexander Sterling burst into laughter
19:29and took the items
19:30as they walked inside.
19:31You see,
19:32Alexander Sterling
19:33never accepted gifts
19:34from anyone,
19:34yet he accepted mine.
19:36Jodie Lane,
19:37who was in the kitchen,
19:38was quite surprised.
19:38It was clear that
19:39Alexander Sterling
19:40truly appreciated.
19:41This grounded
19:41and sincere young man.
19:43Matthew is here.
19:44Come in and sit down.
19:44Don't worry about your shoes.
19:45Jodie Lane was wearing
19:46loungewear and an apron,
19:48busy working in the kitchen.
19:49Because she practiced yoga
19:50for years,
19:50she stayed in great shape.
19:51She looked well-maintained too.
19:53You could hardly tell
19:54her real age.
19:55Thanks, Mrs. Lane.
19:55Where's Olivia?
19:56How is she recovering?
19:57She went to hand over
19:58her work as soon as
19:59she was discharged.
20:00She should be back in a sec.
20:01Matthew,
20:01have a seat.
20:02Dinner will be ready in a sec.
20:03Let me help you,
20:03Mrs. Lane.
20:04I'm a decent cook.
20:07Hey,
20:07why is this pipe leaking?
20:09Alexander,
20:09come help me.
20:10Jodie Lane shouted suddenly.
20:11Alexander Sterling
20:12just happened to get
20:13a work call.
20:13He quickly got up.
20:15Matthew,
20:15go to the kitchen.
20:16Help Jodie Lane.
20:17I'll take this call.
20:18Okay,
20:19Mr. Sterling.
20:20I hurried to the kitchen.
20:22The faucet connection
20:23had burst.
20:23Water was spraying everywhere.
20:25Jodie Lane's hair
20:26and clothes were soaked.
20:27I acted quickly,
20:29immediately shutting off
20:30the main valve.
20:31I found a wrench
20:32and quickly tightened
20:33the connection.
20:34When I turned back
20:35to look at Jodie Lane,
20:36I noticed her loungewear.
20:38It was clinging to her
20:39after getting wet,
20:40outlining her beautiful figure.
20:42No wonder Olivia Sterling
20:43is so beautiful.
20:44With a mother like her,
20:45her genes are naturally great.
20:47Matthew,
20:48thank you.
20:49Jodie Lane felt
20:49a little embarrassed.
20:50Watch the soup for a moment.
20:52I'm going to change.
20:53Sure,
20:53Auntie Lane.
20:54Go ahead.
20:55Soon,
20:55Jodie Lane came out
20:56in casual clothes,
20:57still looking elegant.
21:00Alexander Sterling
21:00finished his call
21:01and called me
21:02into the living room.
21:04Matthew,
21:04come sit down.
21:06Dinner will be a while.
21:07Do you play Go?
21:08Let's play around.
21:11I know a little.
21:12All right,
21:13you take Black
21:13and go first.
21:14I sit down
21:15to play against
21:16Alexander Sterling.
21:16As we play,
21:17I maintain a steady
21:18and calm pace,
21:19moving carefully
21:19and thinking every step through.
21:21Alexander Sterling
21:21grows more surprised
21:22as the game continues.
21:23He can't help but ask,
21:24you could have played
21:25aggressively here.
21:26Why choose to surround
21:28without attacking?
21:29Mr. Sterling,
21:30business is like a game of Go.
21:32Being overly aggressive
21:33doesn't always lead to success.
21:35Surrounding without attacking
21:36and waiting for the right moment
21:38is how you win without fighting.
21:41Well said.
21:41Alexander Sterling points
21:43to a spot on the board.
21:44What about this move then?
21:45It's the unexpected move.
21:47Exploit a weakness
21:48and he won't know
21:49what hit him.
21:50Alexander Sterling
21:51laughs heartily.
21:52He's growing more impressed
21:53with this young man.
21:54You know more than just.
21:55A little.
21:55You're a master.
21:57I guess I'm getting old.
21:58I can't keep up
21:59with you young people.
22:02You were going easy on me,
22:03Mr. Sterling.
22:04I just got lucky.
22:05Just then,
22:06the door opens.
22:07Olivia Sterling walks in.
22:10Mom, Dad,
22:11I'm back.
22:13Matthew,
22:14you're here too.
22:15Sorry.
22:15Something came up at work.
22:17I'm late.
22:18I'm being transferred soon.
22:20I'm currently handing over my duties.
22:22You just got out of the hospital
22:23and you're already busy with work.
22:24You should look after your health.
22:26I know.
22:27Thanks for your concern, Matthew.
22:29I'll be careful.
22:30Jody Lane quickly finished cooking dinner.
22:32The family sat together.
22:33The atmosphere was very harmonious.
22:35During the meal,
22:36Alexander Sterling,
22:37Jody Lane,
22:37and Olivia Sterling
22:38toasted me several times
22:39to thank me
22:39because I saved their lives.
22:41Alexander Sterling
22:41rarely drinks in private,
22:43but this time,
22:43he made an exception
22:44and had a glass.
22:45I was deeply moved
22:46by this recognition.
22:47After dinner,
22:48Alexander Sterling
22:48called me into his study.
22:49He looked serious.
22:50Matthew Blake,
22:51what I'm about to tell you
22:52is very important.
22:53Listen carefully.
22:54From what I've seen of you lately,
22:56your resume and your actions,
22:58I can tell that you are
22:59a hardworking,
22:59brave and resourceful young man
23:01with a sense of justice.
23:02You're a talent worth nurturing.
23:04Mr. Sterling,
23:05no matter what my role is,
23:06I will stay true
23:07to my mission
23:08and serve the people.
23:11Cut it out.
23:11You don't have to be
23:12so formal with me.
23:13In a few days,
23:14Brighton County
23:14will have a new director
23:15pulling up.
23:16They'll focus on economic development.
23:17The goal is to turn
23:18Brighton County
23:18into a top 100 county.
23:20I plan to transfer you
23:21to Brighton County
23:22to serve as an assistant
23:22to the director.
23:23And as the acting office manager,
23:25you'll go to Brighton County
23:26first to get familiar
23:27with the local situation,
23:28handle the preliminary preparations,
23:30and assist the new director
23:31in their work.
23:32Can you handle that?
23:33I was stunned.
23:34I knew Alexander Sterling
23:35was giving me an opportunity
23:36to grow.
23:37Assistant to the director
23:38might not seem like a high position,
23:40but it offers access
23:41to the core of county development.
23:42It's a rare platform for growth.
23:44What do you think
23:44about this arrangement?
23:45Speak your mind.
23:47Alexander Sterling
23:47took a sip of strong tea.
23:49My mind was racing.
23:51Mr. Sterling,
23:52this is the trust
23:52the organization
23:53and leadership have in me.
23:54It's a responsibility
23:55given to me.
23:56Brighton County's economic development
23:57is lagging
23:57and the grassroots work
23:58is complicated.
23:59This won't be an easy job,
24:00but the harder it is,
24:00the more it helps one grow.
24:01Once I'm in Brighton County,
24:02I'll report honestly
24:03to my superiors
24:04and diligently implement
24:04policies locally.
24:05The tasks assigned
24:06by the leadership
24:06I will complete
24:07with all my heart.
24:08I'll learn and ask
24:08about things I don't understand
24:09and seek advice
24:10from local colleagues.
24:10I'll work hard
24:11to get the job done right.
24:12I won't let your trust down.
24:13I won't cause any trouble
24:14for the leadership
24:14and I won't hold the work back.
24:17Good.
24:18You answered very well.
24:19Report to the city
24:19administration tomorrow.
24:21Someone will guide you
24:21through the transition.
24:22Yes, Mr. Sterling.
24:24By the way,
24:24can I ask something?
24:25Who's the new county executive?
24:28I'll leave that
24:29as a surprise for now.
24:30You'll find out
24:31when the time comes.
24:32Alexander Sterling
24:33was being cryptic.
24:34I didn't ask anything else.
24:36I knew in my heart
24:37this new county executive's
24:38identity wouldn't be simple.
24:39But no matter who it is,
24:41I just need to do my job well
24:42and support my superior.
24:44Business is done.
24:45Let's go.
24:46Let's play another round.
24:47I refuse to believe
24:48I can't beat you.
24:51You're on.
24:53Mr. Sterling,
24:54if you want to play,
24:55feel free to call me anytime.
24:56They returned to the living room.
24:58Jody Lane had already
24:59cleared the table
25:00and started doing yoga.
25:01Olivia Sterling saw them
25:02and stepped forward.
25:03Dad, are you still playing?
25:05I have things to discuss
25:06with Matthew.
25:08Just a moment.
25:09I just lost to this kid.
25:11I have to win a round back.
25:12Your dad just appreciates talent.
25:14Let them play.
25:15Wait for a while.
25:16They had just set up the board
25:17when there was
25:17a sudden knock at the door.
25:22Sir, it's Andre Walker.
25:24Alexander Sterling
25:25immediately put down the pawn.
25:27Come in.
25:29Andre Walker pushed the door open.
25:30He saw me there.
25:31He was a bit surprised,
25:31but he quickly regained his composure.
25:33He was holding a document in his hand.
25:34He walked up to Alexander Sterling.
25:37Sir,
25:38the plan for the special crackdown
25:39on Heshing Group is ready.
25:40Please take a look.
25:42I've named this mission
25:43Operation Trofeo 9.
25:45If you have no objections,
25:46at 2 o'clock a.m. tonight,
25:47we'll launch the raid.
25:49Everyone involved
25:49in harming Ms. Sterling
25:51as well as the illegal activities
25:52of Heshing Group
25:53will be brought to justice.
25:54Alexander Sterling took the plan
25:56and looked through it carefully.
25:57When I saw the name of the operation,
25:58my heart skipped a beat.
25:59Operation 1209.
26:00I remember that name all too well.
26:02In my past life,
26:03it was this very mission
26:04that cost the security division
26:05an outstanding leader.
26:07During the mission,
26:07the security division
26:08unexpectedly discovered
26:09that Heshing Group
26:10was also involved
26:10in major violations.
26:11The criminals were cornered
26:12and desperate,
26:13fighting back ruthlessly.
26:14Mr. Walker,
26:15head of the security division,
26:16was shot eight times.
26:17He died heroically on the spot.
26:18In my previous life,
26:19it wasn't until I reached
26:20a high-ranking position
26:20that I learned about this.
26:22I've always felt deep regret.
26:24Now that I've been given
26:24a second chance,
26:25I can't let this tragedy happen again.
26:28Mr. Walker is a good officer.
26:29He is truly dedicated to the people.
26:30He shouldn't have to
26:30sacrifice himself like this.
26:31Alexander Sterling finishes
26:32reviewing the proposal.
26:33He nods in approval.
26:33It's well prepared.
26:34You're clear to proceed.
26:35Go ahead and sign.
26:36Mr. Walker signs the papers.
26:37He prepares to leave
26:38to coordinate the operation.
26:39I quickly speak up.
26:40Mr. Walker,
26:41oh, wait.
26:43What's up, Matthew?
26:44I choose my words carefully
26:45and say tactfully,
26:46Mr. Walker,
26:47about tonight's operation.
26:48These criminals are desperate men.
26:50Please make sure
26:50the team is fully prepared.
26:51Bulletproof vests
26:52and plenty of ammunition.
26:53Especially since you're
26:54leading the team,
26:55you must watch your own safety.
26:56Don't take any chances.
26:57Mr. Walker is taken aback.
26:58You're quite concerned about us.
27:00Don't worry.
27:00We're all seasoned veterans.
27:02We know what we're doing.
27:03But thanks for the heads up anyway.
27:05I'll be careful.
27:06Alright, stop worrying.
27:07Mr. Walker has plenty of experience.
27:08Come on, let's get back to the game.
27:10I watch Mr. Walker as he leaves,
27:12praying silently.
27:13I hope my warning helps him
27:14dodge a bullet.
27:15Over half an hour later,
27:16I beat Alexander Sterling again.
27:17He smiles and waves it off.
27:19I give up.
27:20I give up.
27:20You're the first young person
27:21to ever beat me.
27:22Impressive.
27:24Olivia,
27:24didn't you want to talk to Matthew?
27:26You two should catch up.
27:27I have some business to attend to.
27:31Okay, Dad.
27:33Why don't you two go for a walk?
27:35Get some fresh air.
27:36Olivia Sterling and I
27:36walked out of the villa.
27:37We strolled along the path of the manor.
27:39The night breeze was gentle.
27:40The streetlights cast a soft glow,
27:42shimmering over both of us.
27:43I looked young and bright,
27:44while Olivia Sterling
27:45looked elegant and beautiful.
27:46In her lilac coat,
27:47she looked truly stunning.
27:48Walking together,
27:48we didn't feel like strangers at all.
27:50After all,
27:50we'd been through life and death together.
27:52Olivia Sterling took from her bag
27:53the dark green jade pendant.
27:54Matthew.
27:56Is this item...
27:57Did you leave it in my car?
27:59OMG.
28:00It's with you.
28:01I took it back excitedly.
28:02I've been worried sick
28:03these past few days.
28:05I thought it was lost.
28:07Thank you so much, Olivia.
28:08Olivia Sterling gave a small smile.
28:09No need to thank me.
28:10If you hadn't saved me,
28:11this wouldn't have been lost.
28:13Matthew.
28:14These past few days,
28:15it's all felt like a dream.
28:16I still have nightmares at night.
28:18Thinking about that night,
28:19I still feel scared.
28:20If it weren't for you,
28:21I really can't imagine
28:22what the consequences would have been.
28:24You're still having nightmares?
28:26Don't be afraid.
28:27Those criminals have all been caught.
28:28They won't hurt you anymore.
28:31How about I take you out to relax,
28:32give you a surprise,
28:33and help you forget all your troubles?
28:35What do you say?
28:36Surprise?
28:37Yeah, no.
28:38All my life,
28:39I've lived strictly by the book.
28:40Surprises don't exist for me.
28:42Well,
28:43you're wrong about that.
28:44Life is full of surprises.
28:45You've just been stuck in your comfort zone
28:46without a chance to experience them.
28:48Today,
28:49I'm going to show you
28:50what normal people do for fun.
28:51I guarantee you'll forget your worries.
28:52You game?
28:53Sure.
28:54I took Olivia Stirling
28:55to an amusement park
28:56in the city center.
28:57The place was brightly lit
28:58and buzzing with energy.
28:59The giant swing and screams
29:01from the roller coasters
29:01filled the air.
29:02Roller skating
29:03and the ring toss booths
29:04were crowded with people.
29:04This was a world
29:05Olivia Stirling
29:06had never seen before.
29:07Her eyes were full of curiosity.
29:09I took her on the giant swing
29:10and the roller coaster.
29:11From her initial screams of terror
29:12to her later bursts of laughter,
29:14the gloom on her face
29:15slowly faded.
29:16On her pale forehead,
29:17beads of sweat began to form.
29:19Her long black hair
29:19was a bit damp,
29:20making her look incredibly cute.
29:23So exciting, right?
29:26Olivia Stirling is out of breath.
29:28She has a wide smile on her face.
29:31That was intense.
29:32It was so much fun.
29:34There's more where that came from.
29:35I pull her over to a claw machine.
29:37Then I take her to play
29:38some arcade games on the street.
29:39I quietly hand the arcade owner
29:41a few hundred dollars.
29:42I ask him to help me out.
29:43The owner catches my drift.
29:45During the game,
29:45the machine keeps spitting out coins.
29:47Olivia Stirling can't help but scream.
29:49OMG, that's sick.
29:50I've never played anything
29:51this fun before.
29:52She gets so excited
29:53she accidentally swears.
29:54Realizing it,
29:55her face turns beet red instantly.
29:58I'm sorry, Matthew.
30:00I didn't mean to.
30:03It's fine.
30:04When you're out,
30:05you should let loose.
30:06No need to be so stiff.
30:07I'm tired from playing
30:09and a little hungry.
30:11I figured as much.
30:12I'll take you to get
30:13something good to eat.
30:14I guarantee you'll experience
30:15a whole new feeling.
30:18I take her to a roadside noodle shop.
30:20I order two bowls of noodles.
30:22Olivia Stirling looks
30:23at the bustling street.
30:24Her eyes are full of wonder.
30:27After we finish,
30:27I say mysteriously,
30:30Olivia,
30:30do you dare do something
30:31exciting with me?
30:32Dine and dash.
30:32A zero dollar shopping spree.
30:34No, no way.
30:35We can't do that.
30:36That's so rude.
30:38It's fine.
30:38The owner of this place
30:39is a nice guy.
30:40Besides,
30:40shops near tourist spots
30:41all make a lot of money.
30:42Two bowls of noodles
30:43won't make a difference to them.
30:44Don't worry.
30:44I'll take the blame
30:45if anything happens.
30:46Olivia Stirling hesitated
30:46for a moment.
30:47Her curiosity eventually
30:48overcame her concerns.
30:49She agreed.
30:50I counted down.
30:50Three, two, one.
30:52Hand in hand,
30:53the two of us rushed
30:53out of the noodle shop.
30:54We ran like crazy
30:55until we'd been running
30:56for over ten minutes
30:56before we finally stopped
30:57gasping for air.
31:00that was such a rush.
31:03The owner won't chase us with you.
31:06Don't worry.
31:08We ran so fast
31:09he'll never catch us.
31:10Actually,
31:10long before we even ate,
31:11I had already sent
31:12the money to the owner.
31:13The so-called dine and dash
31:14was just to help her
31:15fully relax
31:15and forget her troubles.
31:17This secret
31:18I plan to keep to myself forever.
31:20Eight dollars for a bowl of noodles.
31:21Sixteen dollars for two.
31:22It was worth it
31:23this much happiness.
31:23Totally worth it.
31:24Olivia Sterling said happily.
31:26We sat on a park bench to rest.
31:27The evening breeze blew gently.
31:29It was very pleasant.
31:30After a while,
31:31Olivia Sterling suddenly
31:32looked at me seriously.
31:33Matthew,
31:34you spent over five hundred dollars
31:36tonight.
31:36Regretting it?
31:38Over five hundred?
31:39No, I didn't.
31:39For the food and the games,
31:40I spent less than a hundred dollars
31:41in total.
31:43Still trying to fake it?
31:44Arcade machines
31:45don't just keep giving out
31:46a payout like that.
31:47I'm not stupid.
31:49Thank you, Matthew.
31:51Thank you for going
31:52to such lengths
31:53to cheer me up.
31:54Even though I know
31:55you planned all this,
31:56I really am happy.
31:58I definitely won't have
31:59nightmares tonight.
32:01Having a friend like you
32:02makes me feel lucky.
32:05You saw right through me,
32:06but your happiness
32:07is all that matters.
32:10It's getting late.
32:11I should head home.
32:12Could you take me back?
32:13Sure.
32:18After taking Olivia Stirling
32:20back to the manor,
32:20I left as well.
32:21On the way back,
32:22I couldn't help but reflect.
32:23Olivia Stirling seems fragile,
32:25but she's actually sharp
32:26and perceptive.
32:27She's definitely not
32:28some pampered airhead.
32:29And that's exactly why
32:30those criminals targeted her.
32:31She has her own thoughts
32:32and abilities.
32:33She'll be an obstacle
32:34to them in the future.
32:35That's why they want her gone.
32:37Before Olivia Stirling left,
32:39she said to prioritize work.
32:40She must have been reminding me
32:41not to let our friendship
32:42make me forget my purpose
32:43and duty.
32:44That night,
32:45I slept exceptionally well.
32:47Early the next morning,
32:48there was a knock at the door.
32:49I opened it
32:50and saw Andre Walker
32:51standing there.
32:51He was in plain clothes,
32:53looking sharp.
32:54Mr. Walker,
32:55what brings you here?
32:56I'm honored.
32:57At the same time,
32:58I can finally breathe
32:58a sigh of relief.
33:00Andre Walker is fine.
33:01My warning worked.
33:02Please, come in.
33:02Come in.
33:03How did last night's operation go?
33:04Let me get you some water.
33:06Andre Walker stops me
33:07with a serious look on his face.
33:09Matthew Blake,
33:10you are mine
33:11and all my team members' lifesaver.
33:12Mr. Walker,
33:14what do you mean by that?
33:15I just gave a casual warning.
33:17Don't underestimate that one warning.
33:19Last night's operation
33:20went exactly as you said.
33:21Those criminals were desperate.
33:23They didn't just resist arrest.
33:25They were armed
33:26and they engaged us
33:27in a shootout.
33:28Luckily,
33:28I listened to you
33:29and had everyone
33:29wear bulletproof vests
33:30and brought plenty of ammo.
33:31Even I added
33:32an extra layer of protection.
33:33During the crossfire,
33:35the team's vests
33:36were shredded.
33:39Without your warning,
33:42we wouldn't have been prepared at all.
33:44At least a dozen people
33:44would have died,
33:46including myself.
33:50This operation successfully
33:52took down the core
33:52of the Heyshen group.
33:54We arrested dozens of suspects
33:56and seized a large amount
33:57of drugs and dirty money.
33:59We were awarded
34:00a collective first-class merit.
34:01All of this is thanks to you.
34:05I didn't sleep all night.
34:07I came to find you
34:08first thing in the morning,
34:09just to thank you in person.
34:11Mr. Walker,
34:11you're being too kind.
34:13It was all because
34:13of your own bravery
34:14and hard work.
34:15I just happened to give a heads up.
34:16Besides,
34:17you keep this community safe.
34:18It's already hard enough.
34:19Staying safe should be a priority.
34:20No matter what,
34:21you're my lifesaver.
34:22Andre Walker sat down,
34:23took a sip of the honey water
34:24where I handed him.
34:25Andre Walker paused,
34:26his tone turning serious.
34:27By the way, Matthew,
34:28where does Mr. Sterling
34:29plan to assign you?
34:30Haven County
34:30as assistant to the county executive
34:31and deputy director
34:32of the county administration office
34:33to assist the incoming county executive
34:34in starting their work.
34:35Congrats.
34:36Although Haven County
34:37has complex grassroots issues,
34:38it's a great place
34:39to gain experience.
34:40But I have to warn you,
34:41things in Haven County
34:42are complicated.
34:43Local interest groups
34:44are deeply entrenched.
34:45You must be careful
34:46once you're there.
34:47Keep your guard up
34:48at all times.
34:48Thanks for the warning, Andre.
34:49I'll keep that in line.
34:52Samuel Price
34:52from the Haven County
34:53Police Department
34:54is a protege
34:54I trained myself.
34:55He's an upright man,
34:56hardworking and reliable.
34:58Once you get there,
35:00you can go to him
35:01for anything.
35:02He'll help you out.
35:03I'll introduce you
35:04to him later.
35:05I really appreciate that, Andre.
35:07Don't mention it.
35:08Ha ha.
35:09I've got things to do
35:10at the department
35:10so I won't stay long.
35:12As Andre Walker
35:13was about to leave,
35:13he looked at me,
35:14clearly worried.
35:15While you're in Brighton County,
35:16if you run into any trouble,
35:17call me anytime.
35:18I'll do whatever
35:19I can to help.
35:20All right.
35:21I'll walk you out.
35:22After seeing Andre off,
35:23I stood by the window
35:24for a long time.
35:25Andre said Brighton County
35:26is a complicated place.
35:27I'd already heard about it.
35:29In my past life,
35:30I spent years
35:30working my way up
35:31from the bottom.
35:32I know how difficult
35:32local government work can be,
35:34but I've always believed
35:35that as long as I stay true
35:36to my principles,
35:37work hard,
35:37and focus on the people,
35:39there's no obstacle
35:39I can't overcome.
35:41Alexander Sterling
35:42sent me to Brighton County
35:43not to repay a favor,
35:44but because he believes
35:45I can get things done
35:46and take action.
35:46I can't let that trust
35:48go to waste.
35:49Three days later,
35:50I reported to Human Resources
35:51at the Brighton County offices.
35:52I was received by
35:53the Deputy Director
35:54of Human Resources,
35:55Fred Coleman.
35:55He was a middle-aged man
35:56in his 50s,
35:57with thinning hair
35:58and a lukewarm attitude.
35:59I walked over to his desk
36:00and sat down.
36:01He took out the paperwork
36:02without any rush.
36:02I took the documents.
36:04I picked up a pen
36:04and filled them out carefully.
36:05I glanced at him occasionally.
36:07I finished and handed them back.
36:08He looked them over,
36:09then said they were fine.
36:10Then,
36:11we proceeded professionally
36:12to finish the handover process.
36:15Matthew,
36:15after careful consideration,
36:18you've been appointed
36:19as the Haven County Assistant
36:20and the Acting Chief of Staff.
36:24Once you start,
36:25we expect you to
36:26fulfill your duties,
36:27work diligently
36:27and support the county executive
36:29in all matters.
36:30Thank you,
36:30Secretary Xu.
36:31I won't let you down.
36:33Matthew,
36:33regarding the situation
36:34in Haven County,
36:35you might not be fully aware.
36:36It's not like downtown.
36:38Local work is tedious
36:39and the politics are complicated.
36:40You can't rush things.
36:41Take it slow.
36:42Listen more.
36:43Observe more.
36:43And do more than you say.
36:44I stood up and saluted.
36:46Thank you for the advice,
36:47Secretary Xu.
36:47I'll keep that in mind.
36:49After leaving Human Resources,
36:50I went straight up
36:51to the Haven County offices.
36:52The office building
36:53is an old building
36:53from the 80s.
36:54The exterior is weathered,
36:55the hallways are dim,
36:56and every corner feels dated.
36:58This made me realize
36:59how urgent
36:59Haven County's development is.
37:01My office is on the third floor,
37:03right next to the director's office,
37:04but the door was still locked.
37:06The new director,
37:07pulled up out of nowhere,
37:08hadn't arrived yet.
37:11The office director
37:12is a woman in her 50s.
37:13Her name is Madeline Carter
37:15and she's efficient and sharp.
37:16Her eyes are shrewd.
37:17She showed me around
37:18and introduced me to the office.
37:20She explained the daily workflow
37:21and finally said,
37:22Mr. Blake.
37:23Although you're the acting director,
37:24the daily operations
37:25of the administration office
37:26still need your full attention.
37:27The administration office
37:28is the heart
37:29of the county administration,
37:30bridging the gap between levels
37:31and coordinating all parties.
37:32It's a heavy responsibility.
37:33Feel free to ask me
37:34if you have any questions.
37:35Thank you, Madeline.
37:36I'll be relying on your guidance.
37:37Over the next few days,
37:38my life was very quiet.
37:39I spent my days
37:40reviewing files in the office,
37:41getting familiar
37:42with Brighton County's economy
37:43and welfare
37:43and various aspects
37:44of government affairs.
37:45At night,
37:45I returned to the dorm
37:46to organize my notes
37:47and clarify my workflow.
37:48No one came looking for trouble
37:50and no one tried
37:50to suck up to me.
37:52Everything seemed calm.
37:53I knew this was just the calm
37:54before the storm.
37:55The complexity of Brighton County
37:56was far more than what met the eye.
37:58On the seventh day,
37:59the new executive
37:59finally pulled up.
38:00I received the notice
38:01to greet him
38:02at the entrance
38:02of the county office center.
38:04I went downstairs
38:05ten minutes early
38:05and waited at the door.
38:08A black sedan
38:09slowly pulls up.
38:10It stops in front of the steps.
38:12The car door opens.
38:13First,
38:14a foot-wearing black high-heel
38:15steps out.
38:16Slender ankles,
38:17straight calves.
38:19I'm momentarily stunned.
38:21Then,
38:21a woman in a navy blue suit skirt
38:23steps out of the car.
38:24She's in her early thirties,
38:26with delicate features
38:27and a sharp,
38:27cold aura.
38:28Her black hair is pinned back,
38:30revealing her fair neck.
38:31Her eyes are bright,
38:32and as her gaze sweeps over,
38:33she carries a natural composure
38:35and competence.
38:36My heart skips a beat.
38:38Not because of her beauty,
38:39but because I recognize her.
38:40She's Lauren Sterling,
38:41Olivia Sterling's cousin.
38:42In my past life,
38:43when I held a high position,
38:44I saw her at the state office
38:45during a work conference.
38:47Back then,
38:48she was already a well-known,
38:49results-driven official in-state.
38:51With her exceptional ability
38:52and impressive track record,
38:53she was known as the pearl of politics.
38:55I finally understand
38:56why Alexander Sterling
38:57wouldn't tell me
38:58who the person in charge was.
39:00Choosing instead
39:00to have me come to Haven County
39:01first to learn the ropes,
39:03Lauren Sterling's arrival
39:04is clearly meant to break
39:05Haven County's development deadlock.
39:06And I'm her assistant,
39:07as well as her comrade-in-arms.
39:14I snapped out of it.
39:15I held her hand firmly.
39:17Her hand was cold.
39:18Her fingers were slender.
39:19Hello, County Executive Sterling.
39:20I'm Blake.
39:22I'm your assistant,
39:23the acting director
39:23of the county administration office.
39:25Welcome to Haven County.
39:26I've already handled
39:27the preliminary preparations.
39:28I'm ready to assist you anytime.
39:29Lauren Sterling nodded.
39:30She withdrew her hand.
39:31She walked straight
39:32toward the county administration building.
39:34I followed behind her.
39:35My mind was racing.
39:36In my past life,
39:37I never heard of Lauren Sterling
39:39taking a post in Haven County.
39:41At that time,
39:41Olivia Sterling had already passed away.
39:43Alexander Sterling's health
39:44had also declined due to overwork.
39:45He wasn't the man he used to be.
39:46Lauren Sterling's rise
39:47didn't happen until
39:47over a decade later.
39:48She worked her way up
39:49step by step from other states.
39:51But in this life,
39:52because I took matters
39:53into my own hands,
39:54Olivia Sterling is safe.
39:55Alexander Sterling
39:56can fully dedicate himself now.
39:58Lauren Sterling was sent
39:59to Haven County.
39:59This is the butterfly effect.
40:01A small act of kindness
40:02changed many people's lives.
40:04It also gave Haven County's
40:05development new possibilities.
40:06On her first day in office,
40:08she called a general meeting
40:09for all county officials.
40:11She didn't waste time
40:11with empty rhetoric or cliches.
40:13She got straight to the point.
40:14She analyzed Haven County's
40:15current economic state,
40:16the existing problems,
40:18and the future direction.
40:19Every word hit the mark.
40:21Every point was practical.
40:23The officials in attendance
40:24were all impressed.
40:26I sat in the audience,
40:27watching Lauren Sterling's
40:28calm demeanor on stage.
40:29I felt a quiet sense of admiration.
40:32She not only has a background,
40:33but she's also competent.
40:34This is the kind of leader
40:35worth following.
40:36After the meeting,
40:37Lauren Sterling called me
40:37into her office.
40:38She pointed to the chair
40:39across from her.
40:40I nodded and walked over
40:41with a light step.
40:42I sat across from her,
40:44waiting for her instructions.
40:45You saved my younger sister,
40:46Olivia Sterling.
40:47It was nothing.
40:48Saving a life
40:49is never nothing.
40:51Lauren Sterling paused,
40:52and her tone turned serious.
40:54But I want to make
40:55one thing clear.
40:56Professionally,
40:56I won't give you special treatment
40:57because of this,
40:58nor will I be extra lenient
40:59because Secretary Chen
41:00recommended you
41:01or show you any special favors.
41:03In my book,
41:04only results matter.
41:05Getting things done
41:06is the only thing that counts.
41:08Do you understand?
41:10I came to Haven County
41:11simply to do some honest work
41:12and help the people here.
41:13I'm your assistant.
41:14If your work goes well,
41:15mine does too.
41:16If your work runs into problems,
41:17I'm also to blame.
41:19So,
41:19I'll do my best to support you
41:21in every way
41:21and never hold you back.
41:24A flash of surprise
41:25crossed her eyes.
41:27Interesting.
41:27My uncle said
41:28you were smart,
41:29grounded,
41:29and knew your place.
41:30It figures he was right.
41:34Since you're familiar
41:34with the situation
41:35in Haven County,
41:36let me ask you this.
41:37What is Haven County's
41:38biggest problem right now?
41:40Franklin Ellis.
41:41I spoke bluntly.
41:42Franklin Ellis
41:43is the executive manager
41:44of Haven County.
41:45He's been in office there
41:46for years.
41:47He's the biggest stumbling block
41:48to the county's development.
41:50So,
41:50how do you think
41:51I should break this deadlock?
41:52I was silent for a few seconds,
41:53then I looked up at her.
41:54You've just arrived
41:55in Haven County.
41:56You're not familiar
41:56with the local politics
41:57or the conflicts of interest yet.
41:59If you make your next moves
42:00too hastily,
42:00not only will it be hard
42:01to succeed,
42:01but you'll also alert them.
42:02That would make any future
42:03work impossible.
42:05Tell me your specific thoughts.
42:06Lauren Sterling's gaze
42:07was searching,
42:08clearly wanting to hear my plan.
42:09As the county executive,
42:10you're in charge
42:11of economic development
42:12and administrative affairs.
42:13That's your foundation,
42:14and it's what the higher-ups
42:15care about most.
42:15Growing the economy
42:16and improving lives
42:17is what the people want,
42:18and it's the right direction.
42:19No one would dare
42:20openly block that.
42:21So,
42:22the first step
42:22is to establish
42:23a firm foothold.
42:24Start with the economy.
42:25Personally lead
42:26investment efforts,
42:27negotiate projects,
42:28and see them through.
42:28Focus on delivering
42:29real results.
42:30Once you have results,
42:31the higher-ups
42:32will be in your corner.
42:33Then you'll naturally
42:34have more of a say
42:35in Haven County.
42:39Secondly,
42:40Franklin Ellis'
42:41power base
42:42appears deeply rooted,
42:43but it's actually
42:44disorganized.
42:45There are no permanent allies,
42:47only permanent interests.
42:49A game like this
42:50may look solid,
42:50but it's full of vulnerabilities.
42:52What we must do
42:52is focus on the people,
42:54work hard for the
42:54everyday citizens,
42:55do good deeds
42:56and deliver results,
42:57and solve their most
42:57urgent and pressing concerns.
42:59As long as we have
43:00the people's support
43:01and act fairly,
43:02openly,
43:02and transparently,
43:03we will naturally attract
43:04more upright and capable
43:05officials to become
43:05one of us.
43:06Franklin Ellis' game
43:07will then crumble on its own.
43:08Lauren Sterling
43:08remains silent
43:09for a long time.
43:10The sunlight from the window
43:11falls on her face,
43:12half in light
43:12and half in shadow.
43:13Her expression is unreadable.
43:14After a long while,
43:15she stands up,
43:16walks to the window,
43:17and turns her back to me.
43:18Matthew Blake
43:19Do you know why
43:20I came to Haven County?
43:22I don't say a word,
43:23waiting quietly for her answer.
43:25Haven County has a prime location
43:26and is rich in resources.
43:28It should have had
43:28great development prospects,
43:29but because of various
43:30conflicts of interest,
43:31development has lagged.
43:33The people's lives
43:34aren't very prosperous.
43:35The state office
43:35wants Haven County
43:36to thrive and become an icon
43:37for the Riverside District's economy,
43:39but it's a difficult path.
43:40Many are afraid to come here,
43:41afraid of trouble,
43:42afraid of failing to deliver,
43:43and afraid of being crushed.
43:45Lauren Sterling's voice is soft,
43:46yet it carries a sense of determination.
43:47But I came.
43:49I want to be the pioneer.
43:50Mr. Sterling placed you by my side
43:52because he trusts you.
43:54Before I came to Haven County,
43:55I also looked into your background.
43:56Now, I trust you too.
43:58But you need to think clearly.
43:59Following me might mean
44:00taking a very difficult road.
44:04We could face danger at any time.
44:06Are you still down for this?
44:07I stood up.
44:09County Executive Sterling,
44:10from the moment I started this job,
44:12I swore to serve the people.
44:15I came to Haven County
44:16because I wanted to make a real difference
44:17and help people live better lives.
44:19The path you're taking
44:20is for the people.
44:21It's about getting things done,
44:22which is exactly what
44:23I've always wanted to do.
44:24Even if it's dangerous
44:26or the future is uncertain,
44:27I'm down to walk it with you.
44:28I'll never back down.
44:30Lauren Sterling's eyes shifted.
44:31Her lips quirked slightly,
44:32so fast it was almost unnoticeable.
44:35Good, then let's do this together.
44:37The next three months
44:38were the most exhausting
44:39and most rewarding months of my life.
44:41True to her word,
44:42Lauren Sterling followed
44:43the strategy we discussed.
44:44She stayed low-key and practical,
44:46focusing entirely on the job.
44:47She put all her energy
44:48into economic development.
44:49She personally led the team
44:50across neighboring states,
44:51visiting companies
44:52and negotiating projects,
44:53promoting the resources
44:54and advantages of Haven County.
44:55She talked until she was blue in the face
44:56and worked herself to the bone.
44:57She didn't act like
44:58a high and mighty executive at all.
45:02I stayed by his side,
45:04handling all the support tasks,
45:05liaising with various county departments
45:07and coordinating to resolve
45:08any issues during negotiations
45:09and project implementation.
45:10At the same time,
45:11I gradually mapped out
45:12the network in Haven County,
45:13its relationships
45:14and conflicting interests.
45:16I kept it all in mind
45:17to make sure I knew
45:17exactly what was going on.
45:18When faced with petty games
45:19and hidden obstacles,
45:20Lauren Sterling never confronted them
45:21head-on.
45:22She straight up swerved them,
45:24letting results speak for themselves.
45:25She often said
45:26that verbal arguments
45:27are pointless.
45:28Doing the job well
45:29and benefiting the community
45:30is the most powerful comeback.
45:32Hard work finally paid off.
45:34Three months of effort
45:35yielded great results.
45:37Haven County successfully signed
45:38a $300 million investment deal
45:39involving agricultural processing,
45:41rural tourism,
45:42new energy and more.
45:44There are also two potential projects
45:45currently under deep negotiation.
45:46Once these projects are implemented,
45:48they will provide jobs
45:49for over a thousand locals
45:50and drive growth
45:50in related industries.
45:52Haven County's GDP growth rate
45:53jumped to number one in downtown.
45:55They even received a special commendation
45:56from the state office.
45:57Downtown specifically sent
45:58a steering committee
45:58to Haven County for research.
46:00To study and promote
46:01Haven County's success,
46:02Lauren Sterling's name
46:03appeared for the first time
46:04on the radar of top officials
46:05at the state office.
46:09Her position in Haven County
46:11was now firmly established.
46:12The officials who had been neutral
46:13saw Lauren Sterling's competence
46:15and track record
46:15and began slowly gravitating toward us.
46:18Franklin Ellis' influence
46:19was gradually being isolated.
46:20I reported these developments
46:22to Lauren Sterling one by one.
46:24After listening,
46:25she simply said,
46:25No rush.
46:26Let's hold up.
46:27She was waiting for the right moment.
46:28I knew she was waiting
46:29for the chance to take down
46:30Franklin Ellis and his crew
46:31all in one fell swoop.
46:33It would be a moment
46:34to completely clear Haven County
46:35of any barriers to its progress.
46:37And that moment came even sooner
46:39than I'd expected.
46:40That night,
46:41I'd just finished my work
46:42and was about to head home
46:43when my phone suddenly rang.
46:45It was Andre Walker.
46:46His voice was very low,
46:48filled with a sense of urgency.
46:52My heart sank instantly.
46:54The pen in my hand
46:55dropped,
46:55dropped straight onto the desk.
46:56My voice was trembling.
46:59Andre,
47:00how's County Executive Sterling?
47:01Where is she?
47:02Andre was silent for a few seconds.
47:04Those seconds felt like an eternity.
47:05Finally, he said,
47:06get to the city enforcement center first.
47:08I'll be talking first,
47:13I hung up the phone.
47:14I didn't even grab my coat.
47:16I grabbed my keys and rushed out.
47:17My hands were shaking the whole way.
47:20I gripped the steering wheel tight.
47:21I only had one thought in my head.
47:23Lauren Sterling.
47:24She has to be okay.
47:25She absolutely must be okay.
47:27In my past life,
47:27I had too many regrets.
47:28I lost too many people I cared about.
47:30In this life,
47:30I don't want to,
47:31for any reason at all,
47:32lose a leader so dedicated to the people.
47:33A leader so practical and devoted.
47:35A true comrade in arms.
47:37I reached the security division.
47:38Andre Walker was already waiting at the entrance.
47:40He looked terrible.
47:41His eyes were bloodshot.
47:43I rushed over and grabbed his arm.
47:44Andre,
47:45what happened to Lauren Sterling?
47:47Tell me.
47:48Andre patted my shoulder.
47:49His voice was heavy.
47:50Matthew,
47:52you need to be prepared.
47:54He led me into an office.
47:55The moment the door opened,
47:56I felt my blood freeze.
47:58Alexander Sterling was sitting on the sofa.
48:00His hair seemed to have turned gray overnight.
48:02His face was a frightening shade of pale.
48:04Lisa Lane was leaning on his shoulder.
48:06She was crying silently.
48:07Her shoulders were shaking.
48:09Olivia Sterling stood nearby.
48:10Her eyes were red.
48:12She was fighting back tears,
48:13trying her best to stay calm.
48:17My gaze uncontrollably fell onto the coffee table,
48:20onto a photograph.
48:21In the photo,
48:22Lauren Sterling lay in a pool of blood.
48:24Her navy suit was stained red
48:26and her eyes were still open.
48:27They no longer held her usual coldness or sharpness,
48:30only a hollow emptiness.
48:31My legs gave way
48:32and I almost collapsed.
48:34Andre Walker quickly caught me.
48:35I opened my mouth,
48:36wanting to say something,
48:37but no sound came out.
48:38My throat felt blocked by a stone,
48:40making it hard to breathe.
48:41Lauren Sterling went to the countryside tonight
48:43to inspect the progress of the projects.
48:45On the way back,
48:46the brakes failed on winding mountain road
48:48and the car went over the cliff.
48:50Andre Walker's voice was hoarse.
48:51By the time we got the news
48:52and reached the scene,
48:53she was already gone.
48:54Brake failure.
48:55Accidents happen so suddenly.
48:57Right then,
48:58my phone vibrated.
48:59It was a text message.
49:01The sender was Lauren Sterling.
49:02It was sent an hour before the accident.
49:05The message was just one sentence.
49:07Matthew, Blake,
49:08if anything happens to me,
49:10don't be impulsive.
49:11Take good care of my younger sister.
49:13Keep up the work in Brighton County
49:14and give the people a better life.
49:19I stared at the text message,
49:20my fingers shaking uncontrollably.
49:22Tears finally began to fall.
49:23I finally understood.
49:24Lauren Sterling had known all along
49:26that standing by her principles
49:27and protecting the interests of the people
49:28would inevitably affect certain individuals.
49:30She knew better than anyone
49:31how difficult and dangerous this path was
49:32and she knew she might face unknown dangers.
49:35But she never wavered for a second,
49:36remaining committed to protecting
49:37the people of Brighton County.
49:39It wasn't that she was fearless.
49:40It was just that in her heart,
49:42Brighton's long-term development
49:42and the well-being of its citizens
49:44were far more important than her own safety.
49:46She stayed true to her mission
49:47with total devotion,
49:48using her life to embody the responsibility
49:49and dedication of a public servant.
49:51Through her actions,
49:51she guarded the peace of the community.
49:54That night,
49:54the lights at the Riverside headquarters
49:55burned all night.
49:56Shining on everyone who stood for justice,
49:58Alexander Sterling suppressed his grief
50:00over losing a colleague
50:00and, with intense resolve,
50:01personally ordered the formation
50:02of an investigation team.
50:03They would uncover the truth
50:05behind Lauren Sterling's accident,
50:06refusing to let a single clue slip by.
50:09Meanwhile,
50:09the investigation team
50:10launched a comprehensive sweep.
50:12Upholding the principles of fairness,
50:13justice and serving the people,
50:14they looked into hidden dangers
50:16and strictly investigated
50:17all illegal activities.
50:17They promised to investigate to the very end,
50:19showing no leniency.
50:20No matter who was involved,
50:21they would face severe punishment.
50:22They would bring justice to the people
50:23and clear the air in Brighton County.
50:25I followed Andre Walker
50:26through every inch of Brighton County's streets,
50:28alleys and fields.
50:29We patiently interviewed every citizen,
50:31carefully gathered every piece of evidence
50:32and questioned all involved parties.
50:34All this was to collect solid leads,
50:35to help the investigation team
50:37uncover the truth,
50:38to honor Lauren Sterling's sacrifice
50:39and to protect the vital interests
50:40of the people in Brighton County.
50:42Three months later,
50:43the state office officially released
50:43the investigation results.
50:44Franklin Ellis was suspected
50:45of multiple crimes.
50:46With the smoking gun found,
50:47he was legally removed
50:48from office for investigation.
50:48The criminal network behind him,
50:50including several local officials
50:51and business owners,
50:52was entirely dismantled.
50:53No one escaped.
50:55When the news broke,
50:56the people of Brighton County
50:58spread the word,
50:58cheering in the streets.
50:59The massive weight
51:00hindering the development
51:01of Brighton County
51:02was finally lifted.
51:03The sun finally shone
51:04on Brighton County once again.
51:07That day,
51:08I stood at the entrance
51:09of the Brighton County offices,
51:10watching Franklin Ellis
51:11being led into the car.
51:12His hair was a mess,
51:13and the usual confidence
51:14was gone from his face,
51:15leaving nothing but defeat and fear.
51:17As he passed by me,
51:18he glared at me with pure hatred,
51:19as if he wanted to devour me.
51:21I looked back at him,
51:22expressionless,
51:22with no sense of satisfaction
51:23in my heart,
51:24only a hollow emptiness.
51:27The woman who told me
51:28we'd walk this path together,
51:29the one who was dedicated
51:30to the people,
51:31that hard-working,
51:31dedicated county leader,
51:33that comrade who fought by my side,
51:34she's never coming back.
51:40Lauren Sterling's memorial service
51:41is tomorrow,
51:42held in the morning
51:42at Cloudview Hall in Riverside.
51:44Many officials from across the state
51:45and the people of Brighton County
51:46are all going to say
51:47their final goodbyes.
51:52I stood alone
51:53at the county office center entrance
51:55for a long time,
51:56from noon until dusk.
51:57The sun slowly sank,
51:58stretching my shadow out long,
51:59finally merging
52:00into the endless twilight.
52:01The breeze in Brighton County
52:02was light,
52:03but it felt piercingly cold
52:04against my face.
52:05I thought about
52:06what Lauren Sterling had said,
52:07thinking of the times
52:07we sought out investors,
52:08negotiated projects,
52:09and stayed up late
52:10preparing documents together.
52:12I remembered her standing
52:13by the window,
52:13and the resolve in her voice
52:14when she said
52:14we'd do this together.
52:16I wasn't sure
52:17how much time had passed.
52:18A car pulled up in front of me.
52:19The window rolled down,
52:20revealing Olivia Sterling's face.
52:21Her eyes were still a bit red,
52:22but she seemed much more composed
52:24than before.
52:24In her expression,
52:25there was a touch of
52:25the same determination
52:26as Lauren Sterling.
52:27Matthew,
52:28my mom wants you
52:29to come over for dinner.
52:33All right.
52:35I looked at her.
52:36For a moment,
52:37I seemed to see
52:38the shadow of Lauren Sterling.
52:39The same features,
52:40the same stubbornness,
52:41and the same sense of justice.
52:47The car drove out
52:48of Brighton County town,
52:49heading toward Riverside.
52:50The sun was setting.
52:51The horizon was stained,
52:52blood red.
52:52It looked just like
52:53Lauren Sterling's sunset
52:54on the day of her accident.
52:56The car kept moving forward
52:57through the twilight,
52:58through the evening breeze,
52:59slowly driving toward
53:00the light in the distance.
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