Chapter 184: Graduation Ceremony

Chapter 184: Graduation Ceremony

Jian Ruochen glanced down at his speech notes and inexplicably felt nervous.

He belatedly realized that this graduation ceremony truly marked a pivotal moment—a watershed in his life.

He tightened his fingers around the medals, thanked Sir Zhong in a hushed voice, shook off the thought of Guan Yingjun, and turned back to the dormitory to pin on his medals.

Three silver medals and one gold-bronze medal were arranged side by side on his chest. Other students gathered around, reaching out to touch them admiringly.

Gong Ruiming exclaimed, “Looking sharp, man!”

“Yeah, who else gets this many medals by 23? I’m green with envy.”

“Bro Jian, you’re amazing.”

Everyone in this class had entered through recommendation letters. Most of their parents were part of the police system, so they knew the system well. But someone like Jian Ruochen—who had earned four medals even before entering the police academy and helped solve several major serial cases—was truly unheard of.

Jian Ruochen wasn’t just smart; he was handsome, knew how to handle people, and had even secured a recommendation letter from Tao Hongyun, the Chief Superintendent of West Kowloon.

Incredible.

Jian Ruochen smiled at them. “You like medals that much? Let’s earn more together in the future.”

“Sure! It’s a deal,” Gong Ruiming said, before dashing to the window. He spotted the Commissioner sitting in the shade, the six medals on his chest gleaming under the sun.

Surrounding the Commissioner were the Chief Superintendent of CID, the Chief Superintendent of CIB, the Chief Superintendent of the Forensic Firearms Division, and others.

At a glance, all that stood out were the shimmering medals on the Superintendents’ chests. Among them, Guan Yingjun wore five on his left breast. He seemed to sense something and glanced up at the window.

Gong Ruiming staggered back three steps, his legs suddenly weak with nerves. “So… so many big shots.”

The thought of having to march in formation with other cadets, guard the flag, raise it, and undergo inspection in front of these high-ranking officers made him break out in a cold sweat.

Before he could say anything else, the assembly bell rang. Jian Ruochen swept his hair back, tugged his police cap down firmly on his head, and patted Gong Ruiming’s shoulder. “Let’s go.”

He was nervous too—excited and stirred up—but the moment he stepped downstairs and lifted the ceremonial rifle, an unexpected calm washed over him.

He hadn’t been afraid during the gold shop robbery shootout; why would he fear a simple graduation ceremony?

The June sun in Hong Kong was already scorching, beating down on everyone, radiating heat from all around.

Guan Yingjun, being high-ranking, sat in the front row, his gaze locked intently on the leader of the first formation.

Jian Ruochen had grown taller, his posture ramrod straight. Under his police cap, his amber eyes caught the light with a golden gleam.

His expression was solemn and proper. Among the cadets, he was the only one with four shining medals pinned to his chest—more than even the Chief Superintendent of the Forensic Firearms Division beside him.

Six months of longing burned intensely, almost tangible.

In Guan Yingjun’s eyes, there was only Jian Ruochen.

Everyone else, every other color, seemed to fade into the background. He watched as Jian Ruochen approached, halted before him, and saluted.

When the cadets responsible for raising the flag stepped forward and all officers stood, Guan Yingjun’s gaze remained fixed on Jian Ruochen.

Jian Ruochen seemed overly warm, his cheeks flushed, his pinkish lips parting as if singing the British national anthem.

But his neck showed no tension, and his Adam’s apple didn’t move. Guan Yingjun knew he wasn’t singing.

Jian Ruochen would never sing the colonial anthem. His convictions were rock-solid, commanding respect.

After the flag-raising, Lei Jinwen took the stage to deliver a speech.

Dressed in a white short-sleeved police uniform, he stood on the podium. From a distance, his expression was hard to discern, but his authoritative voice echoed through the speakers:

“Cadets, instructors. In this leafy June, we gather solemnly for this graduation ceremony, witnessing 69 police officers complete their studies… Over the past few years, Hong Kong has faced numerous severe incidents threatening public safety. Some, driven by selfish motives, have instigated crimes that endangered the public.”

“Despite the immense threats to Hong Kong’s security, you have steadfastly chosen to become police officers, demonstrating your sense of social responsibility. You have made me proud.”

“…May all graduates discern right from wrong, uphold justice, and be both wise and courageous to fulfill your duties.”

“I wish you all bright futures.”

Jian Ruochen applauded, his eyes on Lei Jinwen. He keenly noticed Lei Jinwen wink at him—a playful, almost avuncular gesture.

After standing for a while, Jian Ruochen’s face and back were drenched in sweat. He pressed his lips together, suppressing a smile.

The parade commander presided over the ceremony, announcing the list of outstanding graduate representatives.

Each class had one representative. This year, the police academy had four classes, one of which was a female cadet class.

After reading the names, the instructor announced clearly, “Now, let us welcome the outstanding graduate representatives to deliver their speeches.”

Jian Ruochen stepped onto the podium amid applause.

He looked at his prepared speech, a surge of fervor welling in his chest.

As he spoke, there was a faint ringing in his ears. The heat was intense; the sun cast a white halo before his eyes. The written words felt too restrained, too conservative, too formal—inadequate to convey the aspirations in his heart.

Though inwardly impassioned, Jian Ruochen’s tone remained steady: “…On behalf of all graduates, I pledge: to be loyal to the law, confidential in duty; impartial in enforcement, integral and honest; dedicated to our posts, serving the people, defending political security, maintaining social stability, and ensuring public safety.”

“May we remain true to our convictions and forge ahead with determination.”

Coming from anyone else, such words might sound hollow.

But when Jian Ruochen said them, they carried undeniable conviction.

Because over the past three years, he had embodied these principles. The four medals gleaming on his chest were proof.

No one was more suited to speak these words than him.

Watching from below, Gong Ruiming felt his blood surge with passion, eager to report to the Hong Kong Royal Police and get to work starting tomorrow.

Many were tearing up.

Hong Kong followed a British-influenced education system, and most had never experienced such military-style discipline. They had seen each other daily, even schemed together—like taking turns standing guard while others sneaked to the commissary for snacks.

Now, facing separation, a wave of sentimentality hit them. Nearly everyone’s eyes glistened with tears.

After the ceremony, the tears Gong Ruiming had been holding back finally fell, splattering on the ground. He rushed to Jian Ruochen, grabbing his hand, laughing and crying at once. “You were so cool today. It’s a shame we can’t work together right from the start.”

Following Gong Ruiming’s lead, a crowd of excited comrades immediately surrounded Jian Ruochen.

And summer was already sweltering as it was.

Jian Ruochen had to take off his cap and tuck it under his arm, said reassuringly, "We're all in Hong Kong, we'll definitely meet again."

"You're rising so fast, by the time we join the Force, you might already be the Commissioner." Gong Ruiming couldn't help but feel a bit inadequate.

Why didn't he have a brain as sharp as Jian Ruochen's?

Jian Ruochen just smiled at him, "It's not that fast. I'd be thankful if I made it within ten years. How could they let a young guy under 30 become the Commissioner?"

Everyone exclaimed in unison, "That's not necessarily true."

Gong Ruiming said bluntly, "Sir Jian, you should have some awareness of your influence. I think it'll take at most five years."

Jian Ruochen just smiled and didn't respond.

His platinum blond hair hadn't been trimmed for a long time and had grown long. A few strands fell behind his ears, while the rest, having been under his cap, looked messy and fluffy, sticking up in the wind like wisps of cotton candy.

He casually brushed it back, not caring about his appearance at all, and asked, "Shall we take a photo?"

"Yes!"

The twelve people from the class stood shoulder to shoulder in front of the photographer the school had hired for graduation photos. They all took off their caps and held them casually. The photographer found their playful banter amusing and took a few candid shots. When they stood up straight and serious, he took a couple of formal photos.

The photos would be sorted by the police academy and mailed to the students' homes.

Jian Ruochen hugged each person properly to say goodbye.

Guan Yingjun stood in the spectator area, thinking that his eyes were especially bright, and even his flushed face from the heat was captivating.

After saying goodbye to everyone, Jian Ruochen seemed to sense something and turned around to see Guan Yingjun waiting for him.

There weren't many people around Guan Yingjun, but Lei Jinwen was surrounded by several Chief Superintendents, busy socializing.

Jian Ruochen walked over and stood in front of him.

The two stared at each other for a moment. Guan Yingjun wanted to ask, "Why didn't you call me?" and "Did you miss me?"

Just as he was about to speak, Jian Ruochen reached out to him. Guan Yingjun immediately stopped asking, leaned forward, and hugged Jian Ruochen tightly, as if trying to merge him into his own body.

"I missed you so much," Guan Yingjun said.

"I missed you too," Jian Ruochen whispered.

He buried his face in Guan Yingjun's shoulder and neck, smearing sweat all over him.

Guan Yingjun, who usually wiped down chairs with tissues before sitting, seemed to have forgotten his cleanliness habits. Instead, he buried his face in Jian Ruochen's hair and took a deep breath.

A strong scent of pomelo, mixed with a faint, indescribable sweetness.

It was still the same scent.

After taking a whiff, Guan Yingjun mumbled, "You liar. No one's around to take care of you, and you're having so much fun at the police academy you've forgotten about home."

Jian Ruochen stubbornly denied it and let go of Guan Yingjun.

It wasn't appropriate to keep hugging in front of so many people.

Their eyes met for a moment before they both looked away.

Guan Yingjun held out his hand, silently asking to hold hands. Jian Ruochen thought for a moment but still shook his head.

There were so many unfamiliar VIPs around, and they might run into each other at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong later. It was better to be cautious for now.

Thinking this, he still hooked his pinkie with Guan Yingjun's and said, "The situation is special. We'll talk when we get home."

Guan Yingjun gave him another look, then placed a hand on Jian Ruochen's shoulder—a gesture ambiguous enough that even the most conservative traditionalists couldn't find fault with it.

He took Jian Ruochen to find Lei Jinwen. As juniors, they were surrounded by people trying to flatter Lei Jinwen and were praised endlessly. It wasn't until an hour later that they finally had time to grab their suitcases and head home.

Before leaving the dorm, Jian Ruochen picked up his bedroll and had Guan Yingjun return it. On the way, they stopped by the canteen to buy some savory oatmeal cookies before heading to the school gate.

As they left, Jian Ruochen looked back one more time.

Guan Yingjun ruffled his hair and said, "When you become the Commissioner, you can come here to give speeches twice a year."

That instantly lightened the mood of parting.

Jian Ruochen laughed.

He saw the Toyota Alphard parked across from the police academy and Luo Binwen holding a bouquet of flowers. He immediately handed his suitcase to Guan Yingjun, spread his arms, and ran over, "Godfather..."

He paused, and just before hugging Luo Binwen, he suddenly changed his tone, mimicking how others call their fathers, "Daddy."

Luo Binwen was stunned. He stared at Jian Ruochen's face, suddenly feeling that if he had really married the young lady, their child would have been just like this young master.

Kang Nate's genes were just too strong.

There was no trace of his father in Jian Ruochen.

"Dad, what are you zoning out for?" Jian Ruochen tilted his head, looking up at Luo Binwen.

Luo Binwen's eyes were red. His lips trembled as he responded, handing the flowers to Jian Ruochen and saying hoarsely, "Guan Yingjun and I picked them together. Do you like them?"

"I like them," Jian Ruochen said, smiling as he held the flowers, his chin resting on the clusters of blooming hydrangeas. The flowers were lush and exceptionally beautiful.

Luo Binwen turned away, secretly wiping his eyes, "Alright, let's go home. Mr. Guan made braised beef. He's been practicing his cooking lately."

Jian Ruochen "Oh"ed, opened the back door of the car, elbowed Guan Yingjun to get him to sit inside, and then sat on the other side.

Guan Yingjun, with his long limbs, had some difficulty getting in, but he sat down without complaint.

Once settled, Jian Ruochen prodded him again and asked, "Wasn't I supposed to have spicy fried beef?"

Guan Yingjun turned his head, his gaze roaming freely over Jian Ruochen. When he saw his dewy, pinkish lips, he chuckled softly, "You haven't been handling spicy food well lately."

"What do you mean I haven't—" Jian Ruochen's voice cut off abruptly. He fell silent.

He stared at Guan Yingjun, slowly shifting closer to the door. But when he looked up, he saw that the partition in the front was already locked.

Guan Yingjun wrapped an arm around Jian Ruochen's waist, pulling him close with one hand. He leaned in and kissed the top of his beloved's head, "How did you miss me?"

Jian Ruochen's ears turned red instantly.

He hadn't thought about it much, but he had definitely thought about it.

What else would a red-blooded young man think about?

"After dinner tonight, I want you to show me," Guan Yingjun said, using his index finger to wipe away a drop of sweat from Jian Ruochen's temple.

He stared at his finger for a moment, then, under Jian Ruochen's stunned gaze, stuck out his tongue and licked the sweat off.

Things were really not looking good.

Jian Ruochen tightened his grip on the bouquet and quickly changed the subject, "Ninth... Ninth Brother's matter, how is it? Did you catch him?"

"I've been in secluded training for so long—are there any new updates from the mainland? Any demands from the Legislative Council? When will the bill be drafted?"

"And... mmm!"

His mouth was covered. Jian Ruochen's pupils contracted sharply for an instant, and then he was robbed of breath.

It had been almost a year since they last kissed; he had almost forgotten how. Soon, he was completely overcome.