Unlike Liu Xie, the intimidating captain of the third squad, Wang Yu appears particularly low-key and humble within the Arresting Bureau, speaking little with a gentle demeanor.
Not only is his professional capability outstanding, excelling both in pen and sword, but he is also taciturn, not vying for fame and fortune, emotionally stable, and has someone backing him.
It can be said that Wang Yu embodies almost all the qualities of a good rapport.
Within the Arresting Bureau, Wang Yu maintains harmonious relationships with nearly everyone.
Even those like Gou Xin, who harbor discontent towards Liu Xie, when occasionally encountering Wang Yu, can exchange a few genial words.
Wang Yu always responds with a poised attitude, not enthusiastic but never tiresome, possessing an inexplicable trustworthy aura.
"Wang Yu, can you make a portrait for me?" Liu Yang stepped into the sketch room, his voice tinged with a hint of anticipation.
While working, Wang Yu meticulously draws portraits of suspects based on verbal descriptions, and during leisure, he sketches portraits for fellow members of the Arresting Bureau.
Due to his highly skilled and expressive artwork, most members of the Arresting Bureau have sought his help, yearning for a portrait of their own.
For others, perhaps this would seem bothersome, as creating a portrait demands considerable time and effort.
But Wang Yu never declines, accepting every request eagerly, and every time he picks up the brush, he pours himself wholeheartedly into the drawing, never perfunctory.
This eagerness garnered gratitude and satisfaction from everyone who sought his artistic services, consequently drawing more team members to request portraits, with some even seeking multiple drawings.
Just like Liu Yang from the first squad, who was seeking a portrait from Wang Yu for the third time.
"Alright." Wang Yu nodded towards Liu Yang.
Though Wang Yu's expression was void of a smile and his response was curt, limited to just one word.
Despite his face not showing any smiles, with words too scant to extend beyond a single affirmation, his fingers lightly holding the brush exuded a genuine passion that surpassed mere smiles.
His brushstrokes conveyed emotions through each line on the canvas, warming hearts beyond any spoken language, forging a connection indescribably profound.
At least, Liu Yang believed so; in his heart, Wang Yu was not just the sketch artist of the Arresting Bureau but a "best friend + colleague."
This sentiment wasn't solitary; many who had sought portraits from Wang Yu secretly cherished him fondly.
"Absolutely lifelike, I can't say why, but it seems your portrait captures me more truly than any photograph. Sometimes, facing the mirror, my reflection feels less real, while your rendition truly mirrors who I am, your artistry is divine!"
Liu Yang accepted the portrait, gently rolling it up, his mouth filled with praises.
Excitedly, he continued, "I must frame it carefully and hang it by my bedside, to see it every day."
Though seemingly just a portrait, every receipt of Wang Yu's artwork evokes an inexplicable urge to cry.
It seems the painting contains an immeasurable wealth of profound meaning beyond monetary value, carrying exceptional emotional significance for Wang Yu.
Liu Yang didn't know that within the Arresting Bureau, many shared this heartfelt appreciation, genuinely grateful towards Wang Yu.
Setting down his brush, Wang Yu showed little emotion towards Liu Yang's accolades.
His gaze appeared slightly blank, quietly observing Liu Yang's joyous face, while his mind involuntarily conjured an image of another withered, lifeless "dead face."
Gently withdrawing his gaze, Wang Yu understood that his skills hadn't reached a superhuman level.
The lifelike nature of his portraits stems from infusing a trace of reality.
Like some girls who enhance their photos, refining features and smoothing complexion.
Wang Yu's "enhancement" takes an alternate approach, making the subject's face slightly weathered, features mildly withered, eyes reflecting a tinge of lifelessness.
The alteration is subtle, not shocking or discomforting, yet sufficient for revealing glimpses of their authentic selves, unconsciously spilling out genuine essence.
This gentle touch bestowed an unusual allure to his art, like seeing a more animated version of oneself through the canvas.
"To express my gratitude, I must treat you to a meal today." Liu Yang enthusiastically invited, "A nice new restaurant opened nearby, let's go try it."
Wang Yu shook his head and declined, never dining with colleagues; he could tolerate these real yet lifeless faces, but couldn't stomach those sophisticated yet rotten cuisines outside.
A hint of disappointment flashed across Liu Yang's face, genuinely wanting to convey his gratitude but always missing the right chance.
Breaking the silence, Wang Yu calmly inquired, "Can you help me find someone?"
In the Arresting Bureau, every member cultivates informants outside, as a necessity for their work and a stepping stone for advancement.
An informant's identity isn't as confidential as undercover agents but isn't casually exposed, unless… having an extraordinary relationship with the person.
Without asking Wang Yu whom he was looking for, Liu Yang readily agreed.
After all, this was the first time Wang Yu sought help as a true friend; how could he refuse?
"Tell me, who do you need me to find?" Liu Yang inquired directly.
Wang Yu retrieved a wanted poster of [Black Face] from the drawer, handing it to Liu Yang.
It was one among many reproduced copies, half of which had already been distributed, and Liu Yang was merely one of the recipients.
Frankly speaking, Liu Xie could command the third squad but had no authority over the other two.
Yet Wang Yu, leveraging his network and goodwill, could mobilize the majority of the Arresting Bureau's resources within a day.
Liu Yang took a glance at the wanted poster and immediately grasped its implication.
This was a task undertaken by the third squad; he understood Wang Yu was aiding Liu Xie in tracking the target.
Liu Xie, captain of the third squad, and Wang Yu were disciples at the same martial arts school, known by all within the Arresting Bureau.
Despite being the last established squad, theirs was undoubtedly formidable, unmatched in the Arresting Bureau.
But when it comes to the array of informants and tracing capability, one must acknowledge the first and second squads, established sooner and more profound.
"Alright, I'll notify you once I hear anything." Liu Yang assured, determining to promptly activate his informants to search for [Black Face] around the city.
Wang Yu's face lightly revealed a rare smile, saying, "Keep it confidential!"
Liu Yang grinned broadly in return, "Don't worry, once found I'll quietly tell you, ensuring not a whisper escapes."
Liu Yang didn't question Wang Yu's cautiousness, assuming it was to safeguard Liu Xie's interest, fearing other parties might seize the credit if leaked.
An old team member of the Arresting Bureau, Liu Yang had seen enough of the sly deceit and scheming over the years, knowing how to assist and act appropriately without mishap.
With a smile, Liu Yang departed, shortly afterward another second squad member entered the sketch room.
"Wang Yu, can you make a portrait for me?"
"Sure!"
"This portrait is incredibly vivid, so spirited; I plan to carefully frame it, and hang it by my bedside to accompany me every night."
"No problem, who do you need me to find?"
"Keep it confidential."
"Rest assured, I'll ensure the information remains sealed."
The similar scene plays out like a meticulously edited tape, repetitively replaying.
One "Liu Yang" after another steps into the sketch room, each bringing anticipation, leaving with satisfaction and appreciation, cautiously carrying portraits away.
In the sketch room, Wang Yu's brush busily dances, capturing the likeness of every visitor, while the portraits of [Black Face] in the drawer gradually dwindle…
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