Chapter 13: Easing of relations

In the evening, the aroma of charcoal-grilled oysters wafts from the "Old Dock" food stalls at Aojiao Wharf. The June breeze, carrying a salty, fishy aroma, crushes the waves into a fine foam that gently laps onto the beach before quietly receding. Under the dim lights, the sounds of people bustle, the smoke of fireworks lingers, and the entire coastline seems softened by the warmth of the city.

Ji Feng, holding a pitcher of ice-cold beer, slowly scanned the bustling scene before him, a rare sense of relief rising within him. This was the first time he'd taken the initiative to arrange a dinner since arriving in Lan Valley. Eight folding tables were joined together to form a long table, and the team members gathered in groups of three or four, chatting and laughing. Topics ranged from case details to family matters. Ji Chuan crouched in a corner, whispering on his phone, his expression grave. Jiang Bo, while waiting for his food, scrolled down his phone, his brows strained with weariness, as if the weight of work was suffocating him.

Ji Feng coughed lightly, stood up, and said in a clear voice: "Brothers, raise your glasses! Thank you all for your kindness. I originally wanted to invite everyone to a star-rated hotel, which would be more respectful. But everyone said that the food stalls are more comfortable - so I will respectfully obey your orders. Tomorrow is the Dragon Boat Festival, let's celebrate together. I wish you and your families a happy Dragon Boat Festival. Cheers!"

Before he finished speaking, glasses were already being raised, clinking against each other, foam overflowing and flowing onto the table. Gu Xiaozheng was the first to tilt his head back and take a large gulp. His Adam's apple rolled violently, and his lean body looked particularly thin in the dim light. But his stubborn spirit was like a bamboo pole stuck in a rock, unwilling to break or bend.

Putting down his glass, Gu Xiaozheng burped and grabbed Ji Feng's hand. "Brother Ji, I'm going to tell you the truth." He wiped his mouth, his tone casual, but revealing a deep sense of helplessness. "Actually, we all did the same job you're doing three years ago. The reason we didn't continue was that there was indeed a lot of resistance. At the time, I also suspected that the Lan family was behind the murder, so I summoned a manager. The next day, my daughter's kindergarten received an anonymous call saying, 'Concerned about the children's safety.' - If I, Gu Xiaozheng, wasn't concerned about the elderly and children, who would I be afraid of?"

"Doesn't that mean you're involved in organized crime?" Ji Feng asked with a frown.

"So what? There's no evidence!" Gu Xiaozheng said, glancing at Jiang Bo.

As the glasses clinked, Gu Xiaozheng took another sip. His Adam's apple rolled, and the old scar on his left shoulder and collarbone rose and fell slightly, as if still telling of the pain of the past.

Jiang Bo seemed to notice his gaze, and when he saw Ji Chuan hung up the phone, he asked casually, "Da Ji, who did you just talk to on the phone?

The plastic chair scraped against the cement floor. Ji Chuan sat back at the table, pulled a wrinkled cigarette case from his pocket, shook out a cigarette, and lit it. A spark landed on his washed-out crewneck shirt. "My mother-in-law fell this morning and is in so much pain she's breaking into a cold sweat. My wife said it might be a broken bone, but she's too stingy to go to the hospital, insisting she'll just lie down for two days and be fine."

He took a puff of his cigarette and laughed bitterly, "Now I understand why men are called 'difficult people', hahahaha..."

The dry laughter was instantly blown away by the sea breeze.

Jiang Bo glanced at Ji Feng and whispered, "I'm sorry to have embarrassed you. We're all rough guys in this detachment, but rough guys have their responsibilities. We're all just trying to hold on. Alas, every family has its own problems."

"Captain Jiang, that's too polite." Ji Feng chewed a peanut and leaned lazily on the back of the chair, with a smile on his lips, but his eyes were clear, "We are all brothers and comrades-in-arms. Who doesn't have some difficulties? If I eat enough, my whole family will not be hungry. I just have to take on more responsibilities." His tone was frivolous, but everyone could hear the weight in his words.

Jiang Bo said nothing and patted his shoulder heavily.

The iron tongs on the grill clanked, and seagulls circled and cried overhead. Gu Xiaozheng grabbed Jifeng's arm, the smell of alcohol mixed with the sea breeze blowing in his face. "You should go back to the police academy to teach. The podium is clean, and people's hearts are clean too." His fingertips wiped the water droplets on the wall of the glass, and his voice lowered a little. "People like us have already rolled in the mud. You are different—"

"Captain Ji, you're from the provincial capital and have seen the world. But don't underestimate the Lan family," Daji suddenly interrupted, raising his hand and making a downward motion. "The Lan family's hand covers the entire sky of Lan Valley." His dark face was wrinkled, and his eyes were full of helplessness. "No one knows how powerful they are."

Jiang Bo continued in a low voice, "Xiao Gu is a tough guy, covered in injuries at such a young age. His parents are in poor health, his child is about to go to school, and his wife is unemployed, so life is very tight. Da Ji has it even harder. His father relies on dialysis to survive, and medical insurance covers part of it, but the rest is still a burden. His wife works in her hometown and has to take care of her parents. He's here alone, raising two children. The five of us live in a small 30-square-meter house, relying entirely on his meager salary to support us. It's not easy."

As the night deepened, the lights from the food stalls formed circles of light in the sea mist. Gu Xiaozheng leaned back in his chair, humming a tuneless song. Daji stared at the dark sea in a trance, the light illuminating the fine lines at the corners of his eyes.

"You're the most promising criminal investigation expert in the province," Gu Xiaozheng waved his hands drunkenly, "There's no need for you to wade into this mess with us."

"It's not that I don't trust you, it's just that you'll know after a while." Ji Chuan agreed with a tone of deep helplessness.

"Don't listen to them," Jiang Bo said, smiling, "They have a narrow vision, so just go ahead and do it. When the case is solved, ask them if their faces hurt."

"Captain Jiang, don't worry. I'm not trying to slap anyone in the face, but I will definitely get to the bottom of this."

"These brothers have been working hard outside for many years and are all rough guys. Although their words may not be pleasant to the ears, they are not bad at heart and can rush forward when encountering problems. You just arrived and you are not familiar with them yet, but after a long time, you will definitely become brothers with them." Jiang Bo said to Ji Feng in a low voice.

"That's right, everyone has their shining points." Ji Feng glanced at every tired but determined face and nodded affirmatively.

Qin Tian leaned in and whispered, "Daji's father said a few days ago that he couldn't afford the child's tuition and wanted to sell his corneas." Ji Feng was startled. Before he could say anything, Qin Tian added, "Brother Chuan once joked that if he died on the way to a case, at least the family would get a pension."

At this time, Jiang Bo raised his glass and said, "Everyone, let me say a few words. It's getting late. After I finish, everyone can go home. We have to go to work tomorrow." After that, he cleared his throat and continued, "First, I would like to borrow Captain Ji's wine to wish you and your families a happy Dragon Boat Festival and good health. Second, I want to express my gratitude to everyone. It has not been easy for us to walk through all the ups and downs over the years. During this time, everyone has made efforts, sacrificed, and also had glorious moments. For example, Daji, when you solved the robbery case last year, you lay in the bushes for four hours in the scorching heat, your body covered with mosquito bites and not a single piece of good skin left. And Xiaozheng, in the assault case two years ago, you faced four armed criminals alone, but you were not afraid and used your flesh and blood to withstand the criminals' daggers."

He looked around and finally his eyes fell on Xin Xiao.

"There are also some brothers who, although they don't have so many spectacular deeds, are usually hardworking, unknown, and willing to make sacrifices - you are all the backbone of the detachment." At this point, his voice trembled a little, and he raised the glass again and said, "Thousands of words cannot express my feelings. All my gratitude is condensed in this glass of wine. I'll drink it!" After that, he drank it all.

The noise gradually died down and the night deepened. The team members stood up one after another, reminded each other to be careful on the road, and then dispersed in their respective directions to go home.

"Brother, do me a favor." Ji Feng pulled Xin Xiao over and said in a low voice.

"Captain Ji, you go ahead."

"Find a stranger and transfer 5,000 to Xiaozheng and Daji each. I've already transferred the money to your WeChat."

Xin Xiao was stunned and took out his cell phone to check. Sure enough, ten thousand yuan had been deposited into his account.

"Don't worry, it will be fine." He looked up at Ji Feng, his eyes full of respect.

"Don't forget to pack some good food for the brothers on duty. Forget about the wine. We'll make it up to you later."

"clear."

The lighthouse in the distance flashed three times, and the neon signs of the food stalls went out one after another. The boss rolled up the iron door, and the metal chain rattled, as if drawing an end to this lively night.

In the distance, the ferry blew its whistle, a deep, long note that startled the seabirds perched on the breakwater. They flapped their wings and took off, their feathers brushing against the cool sea breeze, like shadows scattered by the night wind, quietly merging into the deep blue and inky black sky.