Chapter 87: Nine Major Cases of the Martial Arts Competition
The warm winter sun shone on the head of the bed, and the municipal heating was on full blast. I lay sprawled out on my own Simmons bed all night, a corner of my pure white vest lifted up, revealing my fair belly.
The three-bedroom, two-living-room apartments in Oriental Garden were a "dream apartment" in the early stages of the development of commercial housing. They face south and have evenly distributed sunlight.
Knowing she would never again return to the cramped attic and enjoy crowded times, nor would she have to rent someone else's house or live at the mercy of a landlord, Chen Zhenzhu slept soundly.
This is truly their home.
Shen Zhenzhu slept for a long time and vaguely heard the sound of the television coming from the living room.
Thinking of the high-end large-screen TV, Chen Zhenzhu stretched like a cat, slipped on her slippers and went outside. The beige polished tile floor and the most popular "crystal" chandelier complemented each other perfectly.
The television was playing a lively countdown to the Spring Festival Gala. Above the TV cabinet, in the most prominent place in the house, hung a plaque that read "Family of a First-Class Hero." Next to it, in a glass cabinet, were her medals of honor, gradually becoming more and more impressive.
"A postal package from Beijing, addressed to Sixth Sister, turned out to contain two roast ducks." Shen Yuyuan said as she sorted the roast ducks onto a plate, "We've arranged to eat out with Godmother for lunch, and we'll have dumplings at home tonight."
“It must have been sent by my sister.” Chen Zhenzhu smelled the aroma of roast duck and squinted as she boasted, “I could eat a whole one.”
Shen Yuyuan smelled the aroma and felt tempted. She tore off a small piece of duck meat and crispy duck skin and tried to stuff it into Shen Zhenzhu's mouth, but Shen Zhenzhu regretfully refused: "I'm going to brush my teeth first."
Shen Yuyuan could only enjoy the delicious food by herself, happily squinting her eyes as she savored the flavor that filled her mouth: "Mmm~~ It's so delicious, I can never get tired of it. No wonder it's a century-old brand."
Chen Zhenzhu smiled and said, "When we get back, we'll buy some scallions, slice them into thin strips, and roll them up with cucumber strips. It'll be so delicious and not greasy at all."
"Pack a plate for Lili, so she can't take a day off. She and Wu Zhongguo are obsessed with making milk tea. I heard they even want Sixth Sister to handle the trademark, but I don't know anything about that."
After returning to Beijing, He Liana and Song Qibang would send Shen Zhenzhu dried fruit, roast duck and pastries every few days. Sometimes when Focus Interview went on business trips to other places, they would also bring back local delicacies from other places for Shen Zhenzhu.
She went to the balcony, squatted down in front of the basket, and touched it. Inside were dried shrimp and small silver fish drying in the sun. He Liana often made do with pickled vegetables, but Chen Zhenzhu got wild fish and shrimp from Uncle Lu that were neither too salty nor too bland. She carefully picked and dried them, and whether she sprinkled them into white porridge or put them in steamed buns, they were all nutritious and delicious.
Even though we can't be together every day, we should still think of each other; that's how human relationships are. A little care every day, over time, will grow into a vast and sunny ocean.
"The other day when you had hot pot dinner, Uncle Wu asked you about your criteria for choosing a partner. You said you didn't like greasy men and hated old men who harassed your subordinates. Could it be that someone has been harassing you like that?" Shen Yuyuan asked Shen Zhenzhu quietly while her sixth sister was not home.
"No, I just really dislike it." Shen Zhenzhu went to the bathroom to brush her teeth, with Shen Yuyuan following behind like a little tail.
Shen Yuyuan happened to see Gu Yanzheng's thoughtful expression and decided to give her unreliable older sister a nudge: "Won't what you're saying cause misunderstandings? I think Captain Gu is also investigating whether anyone has bullied you."
With a ring of white foam around her mouth, Shen Zhenzhu said nonchalantly, "Don't worry, only a thief would feel targeted. We in the Major Crimes Unit get along so well, how could anyone misunderstand?"
Shen Yuyuan felt something was wrong, but then thought there was nothing wrong, so she obediently went back to her room to get her newly bought down jacket.
When she came out and saw that Chen Zhenzhu was still wearing a police cotton-padded jacket, she stopped her and said, "Sixth Sister and I picked out a new cotton-padded jacket for you. Wear something with a fresh color for the New Year."
How could Chen Zhenzhu not love new clothes? She happily opened the wardrobe and saw the bright red cotton-padded coat without a single other color. She silently tried to pretend she didn't see it.
Shen Yuyuan reached out from behind and grabbed her, angrily saying, "You don't like it?! You can have the reddest one, Li Lili and I will each have one in rose red and one in grape purple!"
"I wouldn't dare complain." Shen Zhenzhu reluctantly put on her bright red cotton-padded coat, feeling like a sentient fire hydrant. She laughed, "No need to wait for the red light to cross the street then."
This was Liu Leqin's second Spring Festival since she recognized him as her godmother. When she saw the rosy face in front of her, she couldn't help but hide behind Zhou Qiushi and laugh. After being discovered, one of the children stuffed a big red envelope into her hand.
Chen Zhenzhu accepted the sweaters generously and handed them over the prepared wool sweaters: "You two are wearing matching outfits, the styles are the same, just the men's are a bit looser."
Shen Yuyuan also brought a gift: a music cassette tape she had recorded herself, containing songs that Liu Leqin liked.
“There’s an orphanage in Zhuang County that’s going out of business, and I plan to take over its management and turn it into the Aishan Welfare Home. I might be very busy after the New Year.” Liu Leqin has accepted Zhou Qishan’s departure. As a parent, she wants to pass on the love that Zhou Qishan couldn’t continue to receive and to bring her good fortune.
“Great! I’ll bring my classmates to volunteer when I have time. My classmates are all very caring.” Shen Yuyuan gets along very well with her classmates, and since they are all pediatricians, they have a natural love for children.
"That would be wonderful. There are over a hundred orphans over there, and you can help me check on their health." Liu Leqin looked on expectantly, picked up her glass and raised it: "I wish you a brighter tomorrow and a more brilliant future."
Chen Zhenzhu took a sip of red wine and turned her head to see a familiar family of three walking past the window.
She looked closely and saw Xiao Chuan standing between his parents, smiling happily. He was holding a movie ticket, wearing the latest sneakers, and still had that bouncy, boyish look.
"Shall we go see a movie later?" Shen Liuhe's restaurant was closed for three days, and now that she had some money to spare, she was starting to feel like taking her girlfriends out for some relaxation and entertainment.
Everyone agreed with her suggestion, and after dinner they went to the cinema together to buy the Hong Kong film "Fong Sai-yuk". The fistfights and sword fights in the film made Chen Zhenzhu dare not utter a sound. After watching it, she exclaimed, "It's so exciting!" even though she had seen it before, hehe.
******
Hongbao County Market, at the same time.
The bustling crowds searched for cheap clearance sales in the streets and alleys. The heavy snow fell on their heads and piled up on their shoulders, but it did little to disturb the crowds rushing to buy.
Every year on the morning of Lunar New Year's Eve, people from all around Hongbao County would sell their goods at extremely low prices at the market. They were eager to go home for the New Year and also eager to cash in on their goods.
Gradually, more and more villagers rushed to buy New Year's goods on the morning of New Year's Eve, and over the years it became a habit.
The market had more than 200 temporary shops, selling everything from fruit and sausages, fish balls and milk powder, groceries and daily necessities, cigarettes and alcohol, to couplets and toys, as well as dried green beans, dried sweet potatoes, dried potatoes, and pickled vegetables made by the vendors themselves.
Liu Laicheng followed behind the short, middle-aged man, weaving through the pork and mutton stalls, pulling an old cart behind him.
The cart was piled high with scrap metal, all of which had to be taken to the recycling station.
The cart passed in front of the braised pork intestines, pig's head meat, and blood sausage, then suddenly stopped.
The thin man walking ahead turned around and, ignoring Liu Laicheng's refusal, bought half a pound of pig's head meat from the stall.
"That's great, we have wine and meat. Thanks for your help, brother, otherwise I would have been limping and wouldn't have been able to get home before midnight." Li Mancang pointed to the wine jug hanging on the cart: "There are two jin of strong liquor in there, enough for the two of us to have a good drink."
Liu Laicheng was on a business trip from out of town and often saw Li Mancang picking up trash near the alley of the county guesthouse, pulling a cart. He often gave Li Mancang his empty cans and mineral water bottles. Later, he learned that Li Mancang's family lived in Tuanjie Village, a well-known village in Hongbao County, and that he was a relatively wealthy garbage collector in the area. At first, he was quite surprised.
Today I saw Li Mancang still cleaning up garbage on New Year's Eve. Seeing that Li Mancang almost slipped and fell down the downhill road, I went to help him.
When Li Mancang learned that Liu Laicheng would not be going home for the New Year, he earnestly invited Liu Laicheng to his home for the holiday: "Don't let my unkempt appearance fool you, my wife keeps my house spotless, and it smells wonderful. You'll definitely love it."
“What’s there to be ashamed of? It’s all the hard work of the laboring people. I’ve heard of Tuanjie Village. Your village is famous for its persimmon cakes. I even bought some when I first arrived in Hongbao County.”
“That’s perfect! There’s a persimmon tree right in front of my house, and the dried persimmons we make are coated with sugar frost—they’re so delicious.” Li Mancang, supporting the cart, walked forward and invited again, “It’s free, just think of it as a trip. Don’t you city folks call it a ‘vacation’? Why don’t you come and have a vacation? Besides, could you please help me out? I’ve broken my leg and can’t go home for the New Year.”
At Li Mancang's repeated invitation, Liu Laicheng agreed to help him send the cart back to Tuanjie Village.
The two emerged from the market, leaving a long trail of footprints in the heavy snow, which were then buried by the snow.
******
On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Shen Zhenzhu went to the Municipal Public Security Bureau's Criminal Investigation Team for her shift.
This year's heavy snow was exceptionally intense, and the little motorcycle remained motionless in the criminal investigation team's parking lot throughout the Spring Festival.
The first thing I did upon arriving was call the archives: "Sister, sister, come over! Let's roast sweet potatoes."
Knowing that Zhang Jie was also on duty, Shen Zhenzhu went to great lengths to bring sweet potatoes, corn, peanuts, and small potatoes from home. She also tucked a pot of jujube tea made by her sixth sister to warm her up, revealing her intention to have a sisterly tea party.
"That's exactly what I was looking for." Zhang Jie quickly appeared at the door, carrying two bottles of fresh milk. She casually took an aluminum lunchbox from the small table, poured the contents into it, and placed it on the stove to heat it up.
Shen Zhenzhu bent down to poke coal into the stove, and Zhang Jie said, "Let me do it." She took the fire tongs, picked up two pieces of coal, stuffed them in, and turned them over. Soon, sparks appeared from the coal.
"What is it?" Shen Zhenzhu sat obediently to the side, stirring the milk with a spoon. After boiling for a while, a layer of milk skin would form on the top of the milk. Zhang Jie always made her eat it, saying it was very nutritious.
Seeing that her face had gotten a bit fuller after not seeing her for a few days during the Spring Festival, Zhang Jie smiled and said, "Weren't you going to participate in the 'Grand Competition'? The cases selected by the municipal bureaus this year have already been sent over. Not counting ours, there are a total of eight cases. I'll bring them over for you to take a look at."
Zhang Jie was more experienced than her, having participated in the competition three times in a row since the first competition. After that, Gu Yanzheng and Pu Xingcheng went instead, and she stopped going.
Knowing that Shen Zhenzhu didn't understand, she said to Shen Zhenzhu, "These cases are selected for you to see in advance, so that you'll be prepared during the big competition. It's not just us, other brother units have them too."
"I see." Shen Zhenzhu arrived early in the morning and saw a thick, heavy mailbag on the coffee table. She opened it and saw files on unsolved cases from various places. Just as Zhang Jie had said, they were all unsolved cases from the past three years.
This made her shift easier. After reporting to Gu Yanzheng, she and Zhang Jie huddled together to review the case.
"It really is a cold case. It seems quite difficult, and there are very few clues." Chen Zhenzhu sighed, "Can it really be solved within 30 days?"
Zhang Jie recalled that in the past, the cases selected from each region were very difficult, and very few could solve them within the 30-day deadline of the exchange meeting. However, she would not do anything to discourage her juniors. She handed a tissue to Shen Zhenzhu to wipe her mouth and said, "Captain Gu had only been working for a short time when he participated in that competition and solved the most difficult case."
Shen Zhenzhu immediately perked up, her big eyes shining: "What case is it?"
Zhang Jie succinctly stated, "I recall it was a random killing case. The serial killer chose nine victims with no commonalities and committed the crimes while moving within the province. The weapons were randomly selected from the victims' homes. This case attracted great attention from the provincial authorities."
Shen Zhenzhu said, "These kinds of random killings are terrifying. They are impulsive and have no social connection. If there are no clues, the killer can hide in society after the murder and not be detected. Especially for serial killers without prior convictions, it is even more difficult to find out the motive and the tool used to kill."
Zhang Jie nodded and said, "That's true. But back then, Captain Gu was young, ambitious, and determined. In the last few days before the deadline, he discovered that the murderer had escaped on a bicycle and deduced from clues that he was left-handed. He immediately created a profile and arranged for people to ambush along possible routes. Finally, he found a suspect. The interrogation took 72 hours, and they found a breakthrough when the other party was momentarily careless. They solved the case on the 28th day."
She spoke calmly, but Zhang Jie remembered how proud the Liancheng Criminal Investigation Team members were when they learned that Gu Yanzheng had solved the case and saved the next target family.
"The archives have records of this case. We can find them for you to look through after your competition." Recalling her thrilling crime-solving career, Zhang Jie's eyes held a hint of nostalgia. She lowered her head and looked at the eight major unsolved cases in the province in front of her, studying them with Shen Zhenzhu.
******
On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, we welcomed the long-awaited year of 1993.
The theme song of "The Legend of the White Snake" played in the streets, its melodious singing echoing throughout the streets and alleys.
At the beginning of the year, a wave of layoffs swept across the country. Newspapers published stories of many people in the system resigning to start their own businesses, and jokes like "selling tea eggs is worse than dealing in missiles" appeared on the streets.
The Liancheng City Public Security Bureau's annual work conference was held in the city bureau's auditorium. Shen Zhenzhu had performed outstandingly last year and received numerous awards. Director Liu did not make empty promises; he indeed arranged for her to receive the title of "Advanced Worker of the City," which was jointly awarded by the city bureau and the government.
Shen Zhenzhu was overjoyed to have the opportunity to speak on stage. She was so excited that tears streamed down her face, and her clear voice echoed in the auditorium of the Municipal Bureau.
"Respected leaders and comrades:
Today, I stand on this stage with immense excitement. This honor belongs not only to me personally, but also to all my comrades who have fought day and night on the front lines of public security. People's police serve the people—from the first day I put on this uniform, being a guardian of the people, protecting their safety, and upholding justice has been my unwavering commitment!
In my ordinary post, my comrades and I have experienced the thrill of chasing criminals and enjoyed the warmth of receiving banners of appreciation from the people. Whether running through scorching heat or freezing cold, or conducting investigations late into the night in wind and rain, we always race against time on the front lines of solving cases. Because I always remember, the golden shield is forged with blood and sweat! This honor of "Advanced Worker" bestowed upon me by the municipal bureau leaders and the people's government is both an encouragement and a responsibility! I will hold myself to even higher standards and prove my commitment to "loyalty to the Party and service to the people" with concrete actions! I will make new contributions to building a "Safe Liancheng".
Thank you everyone.
Amidst thunderous applause, Shen Zhenzhu saluted, straightened her back, and walked off the stage. She returned to her seat next to Gu Yanzheng, smelled his familiar, warm scent, and let out a soft sigh.
The agarwood pearl is not the same as the agarwood pearl of the past, but its dark, olive-green color is still as awe-inspiring as ever.
Other comrades spoke up, and as Shen Zhenzhu listened to their stories, she was filled with patriotic fervor. She felt like she could run a kilometer right away and catch the bad guys.
After the annual work conference ended, Chen Zhenzhu was overjoyed with her "Advanced Worker" medal. She looked at it over and over, blowing on it and wiping it with her hands. Finally, she reluctantly put it in the velvet box and carefully tucked it into the compartment of her schoolbag.
“Let’s hang the ‘Advanced Worker’ banner in the office,” Wu Zhongguo said, admiring the banner for a moment before handing it to Lu Ye.
Lu Ye nailed the pendant to the wall and hung it securely on it: "In the future, we'll try to hang it all over the wall so that people from other departments can see that Team Four is full of hidden talents."
After the work meeting ended, there were no cases on hand at the start of the year. Gu Yanzheng presented the case that Shen Zhenzhu was to participate in the "Grand Competition" lottery for them to review in advance.
Because I was going to participate in the "Grand Competition", the case file was written in great detail, but that was all.
The reason why the case has been delayed for so long is not only the lack of key evidence, but also the lack of some evidence and eyewitnesses. After being shelved in the criminal investigation team for three years, when it was finally brought to light again, there were very few clues that could be provided.
Lu Ye said with great interest, "This is amazing. It's numbered Qing C5238. Five rural teenagers went to school together, and seven years later, five bodies were found. Two leads have been confirmed."
Zhao Qiqi sat to one side, took out another file and said, "This one is also quite risky. It's a kidnapping and murder case. The wealthy family gave the suspect more than 200,000 RMB on 17 separate occasions and received their son's body. Three leads have been confirmed, including a recording of the suspect's phone call."
“You guys are alright, but mine is truly impressive.” Zhou Chuanxi pushed up his glasses and read aloud: “The victim’s body was cut in half at the waist, blood had drained, and the face was slashed into a bizarre smile. The scene was spotless, as if it had been meticulously arranged.” Three clues have been confirmed.
Lu Ye rubbed his arms: "My God, how come there are so many perverts?"
They were looking at the case from the side. Shen Zhenzhu had already looked at it beforehand. She moved a stool and sat under the banner of "Advanced Worker," peeling roasted potatoes while chuckling to herself.
Zhou Chuanxi nudged Lu Ye's arm, and several people huddled together, secretly laughing at her from behind.
"Ahem." Gu Yanzheng interrupted them, pointing to the bottom file and saying, "Have you seen this serial disappearance case?"
Wu Zhongguo pulled out a file, glanced at the date, and said, "It's not sensible. This file is at least three or four years old. How can you expect to make progress in a month on a case that's been unsolved for so many years?"
Shen Zhenzhu listened intently but didn't dare to say anything. The Liancheng murder case that Zhang Jie handed over had been going on for nine years. However, there were four fingerprint clues in the case, and with patience and a massive amount of sifting, there might be a chance to solve the case.
Zhang Jie said it didn't matter whether the case was solved in the "grand competition". With the recent establishment of the "Information Technology" department, they would have to go through all the previous cases with fingerprint clues, and they would be able to solve the case sooner or later.
Lu Ye was drawn in and joined Zhou Chuanxi and Zhao Qiqi to look at the case files.
"'25 people have gone missing in a row, with no social connection, no witnesses, and no criminal motive.' Zero leads have been identified." Lu Ye said admiringly, "What a case with no leads at all. Whoever gets this case in the lottery can just consider themselves unlucky and get last place."
Seeing that Chen Zhenzhu didn't understand, Gu Yanzheng explained to her: "'Grand Competition' aims to solve cases and exchange investigative techniques. Scores are based on the clues obtained and the progress made in the case. The one with the highest score wins first place in the 'Grand Competition'."
"What if the case is solved?" Shen Zhenzhu asked curiously.
Lu Ye chuckled: "Sister Pearl, whoever solves the case in the 'Grand Competition' will win first place. Such talent is rare, and the boss is one of them. If you can also win, then we can say that the City Bureau has a successor."
Gu Yanzheng's eyelids twitched as he thought of the "older working man" concept that Shen Zhenzhu had mentioned that day, which had kept him up all night.
Hearing Lu Ye say "there are successors" at this moment, he felt as if he and Shen Zhenzhu were from two different generations. He immediately said: "It can't be called 'there are successors'. At most, we can learn from each other and exchange ideas."
Shen Zhenzhu said crisply, "Yes, old generals never die, and the torch is passed on!"
Gu Yanzheng, unable to bear it any longer, flicked her forehead with his index finger.
Shen Zhenzhu covered her forehead and glared at Gu Yanzheng.
Gu Yanzheng changed the subject and asked, "Does Vice Captain Shen have a suitable candidate for this competition?"
Shen Zhenzhu immediately turned to look at them.
Wu Zhongguo looked up at the ceiling, and Shen Zhenzhu thought to herself, "When did you develop such a bad habit?"
Lu Yechong flexed his biceps, flexing his arms, while Zhou Chuanxi pointed to his head to represent his intellect. Then, Zhao Qiqi, despite being slightly inferior in both intellect and physical ability, said, "I'll obey, I'll hit wherever you point!"
Shen Zhenzhu finally decided to draw lots, just to have some fun with the lottery.
Gu Yanzheng naturally agreed, wrote down the names of the people who wanted to go on a slip of paper, gathered them into a group, and held it in his palm, letting Section Chief Shen choose from them.
Section Chief Shen's neatly trimmed and elegant nails tickled his palm. He picked out two small crumpled pieces of paper and said, "These are the ones."
Gu Yanzheng unfolded the crumpled paper: "'Grand Competition' participants: Lu Ye and Zhao Qiqi."
The office of the fourth team was filled with the joyful roars of Lu Ye and Zhao Qiqi.
Zhou Chuanxi slumped onto the table, utterly dejected, and wheezed at Lu Ye, "You went last time too, and we agreed it would be my turn."
Lu Ye remained unmoved: "I'll bring you some veteran-style roasted chicken frames, don't cry."
Seeing his obsequious appearance, Zhou Chuanxi wanted to turn him into a roasted chicken frame.
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Author's Note: This story is set in a fictional world, but the background is based on real events.
Please do not take this personally.
Please don't assume any specific region is involved in the martial arts competition. [Please!]
For the sake of the plot, winning or losing might make me feel uncomfortable.
If you mind, please skip this section. [Please!]
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