97: Chapter 97 Teaching with Method 97: Chapter 97 Teaching with Method Two thugs were kicked down by James Brown, and they already knew this man was far too strong, not someone they could handle.

So, they all targeted Helen Wilson, figuring if they could control her, the tough guy would hesitate to act, and they would be able to make their escape.

When Helen Wilson saw the two men charging at her, her heart didn’t feel the slightest bit of fear.

With such a master by her side, there was no need for her to lift a finger.

But then she heard James Brown say, “It’s a good opportunity to practice.

Thugs like these aren’t easy to come across.”

Helen Wilson was momentarily stunned.

James Brown had already slapped one thug to the ground, who couldn’t get up again, and deliberately let the other go.

That thug was also dazed by the blow, realizing the man in front of him was too powerful, that they had no chance of resisting.

Originally lunging toward Helen Wilson, he suddenly stopped.

Helen Wilson then snapped out of it, realizing that the expert clearly wanted her to practice.

This truly was a great opportunity.

Although she had practiced combat with her classmates at the police academy and had some sparring, no one really fought with the intent to kill.

At most, they were only competing to win, without the fear of getting injured.

But now it was different.

Facing such a thug, she had to give it her all.

It was a matter of life and death, and there was no room for ambiguity.

Moreover, having encountered such dangers twice, Helen Wilson knew her strength was really lacking.

She could handle ordinary thieves who fear the police, but against such desperate outlaws, she simply wasn’t up to the task.

Therefore, with such a chance at hand, she didn’t want to miss it.

With that thought, Helen Wilson’s stature instantly stood as tall and straight as a javelin, and her expression turned extremely solemn.

She spread her hands and with a light shout, already approached the thug.

The thug’s eyes were bloodshot; he knew he wouldn’t escape today.

Considering the crimes they carried, being caught by the police meant death ten times over.

And escaping was no longer possible.

Having reached this conclusion, the thought was to kill for a payoff, all in a moment of desperation.

The thug shouted loudly as his dagger thrust toward Helen Wilson’s chest, aiming deadly.

Helen Wilson’s eyes were fixed on the thug’s dagger.

Her body twisted sharply to dodge his dagger, then she quickly reached for his wrist.

This thug had also learned some martial arts skills.

With a flick of his wrist, he dodged Helen Wilson’s grab.

The dagger arched, slashing toward Helen Wilson’s wrist.

James Brown said at that moment, “Your evasion is too slow.

To deal with someone wielding a knife, the most important thing is to observe the shoulder and arm movements.

From there, you can predict their actions and make the necessary dodge and counter-movements.”

At this, Helen Wilson couldn’t understand.

With James Brown’s advice, she became somewhat confused and nearly got stabbed by the thug.

James Brown shook his head and said, “Alright, now do as I say, and then gradually understand it.”

“Okay,” Helen Wilson loudly agreed, placing immense trust in the apparent mastery of James Brown.

“Step left, strike forward with your right hand.”

Bang!

Helen Wilson moved as he told her.

Then the thug’s dagger stabbed at the spot where she had just stood.

Her punch, which should have hit nothing, now precisely struck the thug’s chest.

Helen Wilson was thrilled, finding the advice indeed useful, and her admiration for James Brown grew even more profound.

However, her punch didn’t pack much power, and the thug only staggered back a step before charging at her again with a shout.

“Your movement is still a bit slow.

Take a half step back, crouch, and swipe,” James Brown commanded once more.

Helen Wilson again followed James Brown’s instructions, perfectly avoiding the attack.

Then her leg swept the thug’s lower leg.

The thug’s body suddenly flew sideways in the air, then landed on the ground with a thud.

“Not bad this time, but your sweep was too high.

It looks like your fundamentals are still lacking.”

Helen Wilson humbly accepted James Brown’s criticism.

Encountering such an expert made her feel very fortunate.

Besides, James Brown’s guidance was so effective, she couldn’t help but believe her own fundamentals were indeed poor.

The thug got up again, appearing somewhat crazed, just fixated on attacking Helen Wilson.

Under James Brown’s guidance, she knocked the guy down over and over, gradually gaining insight.

She began to understand, at least to some extent, James Brown’s method of observing the opponent’s shoulders and arms.

After a few minutes, the thug was noticeably weaker, his movements slowing down, his psychological defenses finally collapsing.

Wham!

Without James Brown’s guidance, Helen Wilson dodged the dagger and swept the thug off his feet.

And this time, the thug couldn’t get up at all.

“Thank you!” Helen Wilson turned around to properly thank the master, but when she turned back, the master was gone, only to see police cars rushing in and several officers jumping out.

Onto her identity card flashed Helen, while the others stared in amazement at the two criminals lying on the ground.

A tall officer then gave Helen a thumbs up, saying, “You’re incredible, taking down both guys like that, you’re practically Queen Rose.”

Helen’s face warmed, for it wasn’t her victory, really.

She offered an awkward smile, then followed the officers to assist with the investigation.

It didn’t take long before the backgrounds of the two men were uncovered, and Helen was specially called into the Director’s office.

Director Johnson, Steven Johnson, was obviously in a good mood; his face was all smiles as he said, “Little Lin, you’ve really made a huge contribution this time.”

Helen, unaware of the criminals’ true identities, replied with some confusion, “Director Johnson, I just caught a couple of thieves.”

Steven Johnson narrowed his eyes and said, “Thieves?

These men are responsible for numerous homicides, top-tier fugitives on the run for over two years with no success in their capture until you alone seized them.

Isn’t that a great achievement?”

Helen’s eyes widened in disbelief.

As an officer, she well knew the significance of capturing such felons—hadn’t she joined the force with the goal of catching major criminals?

And now, she had done so with such ease; joy inevitably crept onto her face.

“Little Lin, in such a short time since you joined, you’ve already made significant contributions twice, nabbing three felons.

If I don’t commend you, I fear it would dishearten all the officers in YODC City.”

Only then did Helen snap back to reality and quickly said, “Director Johnson, I’m really not that capable.

In both cases, there was a master who helped me; without them, I definitely couldn’t have caught them.”

Director Johnson nodded and said, “I’ve seen your account of the events.

But since this person helped you and then left before the police arrived, clearly not wanting recognition, it seems he wants you to have the credit.

Besides, without your relentless pursuit of these criminals, there would have been no such opportunity.

In terms of action, you deserve the commendation.”

He paused before continuing, “Little Lin, our system needs positive role models like you.

You have a good image, and having achieved so much, I want to make you the face of YODC City’s police department and raise the profile of our officers.”

Helen was stunned and said, “Director Johnson, I…

I don’t think that’s appropriate, I haven’t achieved that much.”

Steven Johnson cracked a slight smile and commented, “Haven’t you noticed that our police image in the public eye is worsening?

Don’t you want to improve our image among the people?”

“I do, but shouldn’t we do that through our work, earning the public’s recognition that way?”

Director Johnson nodded, saying, “You’re right, but improving through work would take much time and encounters great difficulty.

If we have a more accessible approach for the public, why not embrace it?”

Helen tried to speak, but Steven Johnson’s expression hardened as he said, “Little Lin, the party committee has already decided on this matter, and it’s an excellent opportunity for you.

You’re already an assistant director, and in a year or two, you could become director.

The future is limitless.”

Helen felt a mix of shock and elation, not expecting to be promoted so soon.

Many officers work at the station for over a decade and might never advance to assistant director.

Yet, something inside her was uncomfortable; it felt like the credit wasn’t hers.

“Now, don’t feel burdened.

Go prepare yourself; tomorrow we have a press conference, and you’ll participate.

And let’s keep the matter of that master to ourselves; since he’s shown goodwill, let’s not disappoint him.”

“Yes,” Helen agreed, leaving the Director’s office in a daze, overwhelmed by her sudden stroke of fortune.

Back at the station, the staff gathered around her, all offering their congratulations—the news had quickly reached the precinct.

Seeing her peers, who were just ordinary officers like her, now trying to ingratiate themselves with her made Helen feel uneasy.

She stayed at the station until closing, then walked home.

Not far from her house, she spotted a familiar silhouette that she couldn’t forget and excitedly rushed over, grabbing the person’s arm.

“Officer Monaghan, what are you doing?

I haven’t broken any laws,” James Brown turned around, his face a mixture of surprise and confusion as he looked at Helen.

Helen’s hope deflated instantly; it was that guy James Brown.

She released his arm, frowned, and said, “I mistook you for someone else,” then turned and walked away.

James slightly curved his lips upward, knowing Helen must have mistaken him for the master.