HLM -Chapter 761 Crash Cushion Truck

After introducing his identity, Sam continued, “Our squad is responsible for the northwest region of the Otago District and the southeast region of the Canterbury District. Actually, Sunset Town also falls under our jurisdiction.”

Wang Bo perked up and asked, “Then, may I ask, Officer Wilson…”

“Just call me Sam,” the policeman smiled. “That’s what my friends call me. Some even call me Fat Sam.”

This nickname puzzled Wang Bo. “Fat Sam? How did you get that name? From what I see, your physique is actually quite fit.”

Sam said, “Yes, but I wasn’t always like this. I used to be very overweight. Later, I joined AOS, where training was more scientific and systematic, and eventually, I shaped myself into the body I have now.”

Wang Bo nodded. Of course, he’s taking every chance to pull me in… but do I really have that much charisma?

“Okay, Sam, Sam,” Wang Bo muttered twice, “So you normally work at the police station, right? Handling psychological cases?”

AOS officers were all part-time; they had regular posts during normal workdays. These posts varied: some were drivers, some warehouse managers—they weren’t all frontline police.

Sam nodded. “Yes, I work as a psychologist at the station. I organize case materials and analyze the psychological behavior of criminals based on the information in the files.”

Wang Bo asked with interest, “How much do you earn now?”

Sam replied, “My weekly salary is close to 1,500 NZD. Our AOS allowance is slightly higher, so every year, besides the salary, we can get an extra 10,000 NZD…”

“No, no, you misunderstood. I’m not asking about the AOS allowance. I mean, would you be interested in a change of work environment? How about coming to Sunset Town? I can offer you a weekly salary of 2,000 NZD,” Wang Bo said.

Yes, that was his plan. Originally, he had no intention of dealing with this, but after learning that Sam was a PNT, he wanted to recruit a PNT to the town.

His current team, although brave, mainly relied on courage and lacked someone who could control opponents through words, text, and psychology.

Sam was slightly stunned and smiled. “Thank you for the offer, Officer Wang, but I’m very comfortable in Cromwell. The AOS 12th squad’s headquarters is located there, and I…”

“Think about it. 2,000 NZD weekly, plus a house. Sunset Town has beautiful scenery and is destined to become a world-class tourist destination. Owning a house there… doesn’t that tempt you?”

Sam said, “Honestly, any normal person would be tempted. Who wouldn’t want a higher salary and better benefits? But my AOS squad brothers…”

“Then how about 2,200 NZD per week? That’s not a small income; even our town’s bank manager only earns this much.”

Sam’s smile weakened. “The salary isn’t the point, Officer Wang. In Cromwell, though my salary isn’t very high, it’s enough to sustain my family…”

“Sustain life? That’s not living; that’s surviving! If 2,200 NZD isn’t enough, how about 2,500?”

“No, Officer Wang, please stop talking about salary…”

“Alright, 2,800 NZD weekly. That’s a very high salary.”

Sam finally retreated. Wang Bo had no real interest in joining AOS; instead, he wanted to persuade Sam to change his workplace. Sam, an expert in psychology, could clearly see this from Wang Bo’s attitude.

So he had to leave. Staying any longer might make him waver and actually switch jobs.

A monthly salary over 10,000 NZD is impossible in a small town like Cromwell!

“Why’d he run off?” Wang Bo watched Sam’s retreating figure in disappointment.

Uncle Bing laughed. “Boss, think I could get a 3,000 NZD weekly salary?”

Wang Bo never skimmed on his subordinates’ pay. He patted Uncle Bing on the shoulder. “3,000 isn’t possible yet, but I’ll give you a 10% raise!”

Uncle Bing calculated and said contentedly, “That’s not bad.”

The special case team was disbanded just two days after being formed. New Zealand didn’t hold any victory celebrations for solved cases. Everyone packed up and went home.

The next day, the South Island Voice broadcast an interview program. The police also published the investigation process. New Zealand was good in this respect: achievements weren’t just credited to leaders. Wang Bo and Uncle Bing’s contributions were publicized during the press conference.

For a while, Uncle Bing caused quite a stir in the South Island, as he was a retired SAS special forces soldier—a title that made New Zealanders respect him without fully understanding why.

Sheriff Smith stayed behind to handle the case’s follow-up work. Wang Bo and Uncle Bing could go back. They had contributed, but were just ordinary members of the special team; once their work was done, they were free.

On the way back, Wang Bo fumed in the car. “Shit! What kind of attitude is this? We solved such a big case and there’s no commendation ceremony? No reward dinner?”

Uncle Bing shrugged. “No, boss.”

“I know there isn’t. I’m just complaining!” Wang Bo glared at him. “Fine, I accept no celebrations, but not even a car to take us back? We have to taxi? Unacceptable!”

Uncle Bing was silent for a moment, then cursed along: “F*ck, how stingy! Boss, will they reimburse our travel expenses?”

Wang Bo sneered, “Dream on. If they were going to reimburse, why would they make us pay just now?”

“I mean, will the town reimburse?”

“Dream on!”

Suddenly, the speeding car slowed down. The driver looked back. “Officers, please wait. There seems to be a car accident up ahead. I see the shadow of a crash cushion truck.”

Traffic slowed. After driving more than two hundred meters, Wang Bo saw the accident: a transport truck had overturned while turning, blocking most of the road.

Behind the accident scene were two small trucks with flashing LED lights. Wang Bo, seeing them for the first time, curiously asked, “What are these?”

“Crash cushion trucks,” Uncle Bing explained.

Traffic was moving slowly, so Wang Bo opened his phone to look up these vehicles. He found them interesting.

New Zealand has extremely high safety standards for road users, especially for workers at construction sites or when police, medical personnel, or firefighters are on the scene after a serious accident. There’s always a crash cushion truck behind.

Crash cushion trucks are a New Zealand specialty. Many countries think they waste manpower and resources, but in New Zealand, they are highly effective and can comprehensively protect accident scenes.