Chapter 133 The Growing Pains
Knowing that Wu Xue was doing well at the reform school, Chen Zhenzhu felt relieved.
In the evening, Taro Ball and Lili also came back. The four girls didn't go out to work. Instead, they snuggled up in front of the sofa, having hot pot while watching Stephen Chow's comedy movies.
When Shen Liuhe closed the shop and went home, she saw Shen Zhenzhu laughing so hard she was doubled over, so she sat down and ate and drank with them.
She never imagined that such wonderful days would be waiting for her. It turns out that in life, as long as you persevere, happiness will be waiting around the corner.
Hearing Xiaobai cough a few more times, Shen Liuhe touched her forehead: "She doesn't have a fever, cover her with a blanket."
"Okay." Xiao Bai obediently wrapped herself in the blanket, rested her head on Shen Zhenzhu's shoulder, and continued watching the movie with a smile.
...
When Shen Yuyuan woke up early in the morning, Li Lili had already left for school. Shen Zhenzhu found a note left on the dining table. Shen Liuhe wrote, "Come to the store before you go to work. I have something for Xiaobai."
Xiao Bai is going back to Shenyang today. I always feel reluctant to leave. After several tiring days, I woke up today to find my throat felt like it was being cut by a knife.
"It's a good time to go have breakfast." Chen Zhenzhu also touched Xiaobai's forehead: "Drinking some hot porridge and sweating it out will make you feel better."
"Mmm." Xiaobai let Shen Zhenzhu lead her to Sixth Sister's shop. There were no scooters to ride, which made her feel a little disappointed.
First, slowly drink the special congee made by Sixth Sister—vegetable and lean meat porridge, which contains a few strands of tender yellow ginger, causing Xiaobai's nose to break out in a light sweat.
When it was time to leave, Shen Liuhe called Xiaobai to the backyard. Seeing that she was dressed in casual clothes, she first put her half-new hat on Xiaobai's head and patted it: "Don't take off your hat. Don't catch a cold today. Get a good night's sleep when you get back, and I promise you'll be fine tomorrow."
"Mmm." Xiaobai touched the gray cloth hat that smelled of her mother, and was reluctant to take it off herself.
"Here, I didn't bring you any meat buns this time." Shen Liuhe picked up two jars from the earthen stove and stuffed them into Xiaobai's arms: "This is pear syrup. I took 30 catties of Dangshan pears this morning and boiled them into two jars. If your throat is uncomfortable, use a clean spoon to scoop out a spoonful and swallow it slowly. It will make you feel better."
As she spoke, Shen Liuhe unscrewed a jar of pear syrup and fed it to Xiaobai: "Try it. I picked the juiciest pears one by one and grated them. I added some fritillaria cirrhosa, red dates and rock sugar. It's good to drink it with water."
Xiao Bai felt that what she was eating was not pear syrup, but amber-colored honey. The syrup was extremely thick, and when the jar was opened, the air was immediately filled with a sweet date aroma and the unique fragrance of pears.
The smooth, mellow taste comes from the concentrated nectar of autumn pears after simmering, with the sweetness of rock sugar and the richness of red dates, plus the slightly bitter base of fritillaria cirrhosa, providing relief and hydration to her dry and sore throat. As the golden paste slides down, the aroma lingers on the tongue and throat, bringing nourishment from the inside out.
Xiao Bai looked down at the simple jar. The pear syrup didn't taste as overpoweringly sweet as the ones sold in stores. Its goodness came entirely from Sixth Sister's patient care in brewing it for her before dawn.
Xiao Bai looked up and saw Shen Liuhe's gentle and focused gaze fixed on her. She realized that a mother's love was silent yet boundless, and today she had even made it into the pear syrup for her. The sudden happiness stirred up the grievances and bitterness in her heart, and the longing hidden deep within her for many years was gently soothed.
"Hey, why are you crying?" Shen Liuhe anxiously pulled Xiaobai over, wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, and said, "Is it bitter?"
This gentle care left Xiaobai speechless; she shook her head, tears streaming down her face.
Sixth Sister rushed to the kitchen and quickly returned to put a piece of rock sugar in Xiaobai's mouth: "Sweetie, don't cry. It's hard for the child to be sick and uncomfortable, and it makes me feel bad too."
Shen Zhenzhu squeezed Xiaobai's hand. Shen Liuhe's pear syrup couldn't cure all illnesses, but it could soothe from the throat to the heart and fill that void in the soul.
On the way to the criminal investigation team, Xiao Bai wore a plain gray cloth hat and carried a blue mesh bag containing two jars of pear syrup, resolutely refusing to let Chen Zhenzhu help him carry them.
Upon arriving at the office, I didn't hear Xiaobai cough even once.
Shen Zhenzhu silently marveled at the destructive power of the pear syrup.
Xiao Bai sat at Shen Zhenzhu's desk, holding her round face and contemplating life.
Liu Yiyang and Gu Yanzheng arrived early. They first handed over and handled Liu Yiyang's "Eye Wall" case, and then went with him to fill up the gas tank, ready to set off.
Shen Zhenzhu divided the large bag of monkfish slices and dried shrimp she brought with Liu Yiyang and Song Xinchen. They couldn't go back empty-handed after coming all the way to Liancheng.
Liu Yiyang took a bite of the fish slice and felt even more that Gu Yanzheng and the others were very lucky. No wonder they were unwilling to go to the provincial department. Who would want to move when they have such a good place to stay?
Song Xinchen, his face glowing with health, didn't stand on ceremony with Chen Zhenzhu. The two exchanged things, exchanged fake smiles for a second, and that was it.
"Go back and get some rest." Shen Zhenzhu personally saw Xiaobai off to the car, and reluctantly pinched its soft cheeks, saying, "Call me if you want to eat anything. The fishing season opened a couple of days ago, and Liancheng has all kinds of fishing boats. It's very prosperous."
"I'm already very content," Xiaobai said, still clutching two jars of pear syrup, her eyes red. "I really don't want to leave."
“I’m also reluctant to see you leave.” Chen Zhenzhu sighed and said, “It’s a pity you can’t do your internship in another city, otherwise I would have kept you here no matter what.”
Xiao Bai's eyes sparkled, and she said with a grin, "It's okay, it's close by anyway, I can come whenever I want during the holidays."
“That’s true.” Chen Zhenzhu took a step back, closed the car door, bent down and waved to the car window: “Be careful on the road, call me when you get home.”
"Um!"
Gu Yanzheng, who was next to Shen Zhenzhu, also said a few words to Liu Yiyang, thanking the Shen City Criminal Investigation Team for their great help to Liancheng, and so on. His politeness was mixed with a natural ease in his official tone.
Shen Zhenzhu glanced at Gu Yanzheng, who took a step back to stand next to her and waved as their car slowly drove away.
"The South Russian police have arrived, and Director Liu is receiving them."
"Let's go then." Shen Zhenzhu walked ahead, then turned back and saw Gu Yanzheng staring at her retreating figure, asking in confusion, "What's wrong? Is there something you want to say?"
Gu Yanzheng smiled and said, "It's nothing."
Shen Zhenzhu felt that her brother Zheng had been acting strangely lately, always seeming to have something to say but holding back.
She couldn't guess what it was. When she arrived at Director Liu's office, she met Zhang Jie coming out of the office in the corridor. The two nodded to each other.
Upon entering the office, Chen Zhenzhu was quickly drawn to a pair of long, shapely legs.
One of the male police officers from southern Russia, he was fair-skinned, handsome, and tall with a red hair that symbolized his passionate and unrestrained nature.
He saw Shen Zhenzhu, whom the criminals called "Michael of the East," approaching. He reached out to hug her, but unexpectedly ended up hugging Gu Yanzheng instead.
Gu Yanzheng enthusiastically patted the young man on the back and welcomed him in fluent Russian.
“My name is Vycheslav. You can speak Chinese or call me by my nickname, Yura. These two are my colleagues, Alexander and Kirill.”
Yura tried to bypass Gu Yanzheng to greet Shen Zhenzhu, but Gu Yanzheng continued to greet him warmly, then had a friendly chat with the other two South Russian policemen.
Shen Zhenzhu stood smiling beside them, taking a moment to shake their hands and secretly glancing at Yura's superior appearance, who was nearly two meters tall.
Don't call her Yura, call her David. Her face and body are like they were sculpted.
"Sit down." Gu Yanzheng suddenly patted Shen Zhenzhu on the back. Shen Zhenzhu was interrupted and sat down to the side, hoping that her brother Zheng would not notice her stealing glances at the man.
“We learned about the whole case on our way here. Morish has been arrested, but we are currently missing the key witness, Brown Bear. We came here hoping to bring him in to charge Morish with his crimes,” Yura said solemnly. “We will bring him to justice for his attempted kidnapping and murder of Comrade Shen Zhenzhu.”
The other two South Russian policemen were no less imposing than Yura, but older and didn't speak Chinese; they nodded occasionally.
"The handover agreement has been signed. Our country and South Russia often have police exchanges in the black market and desert markets. We trust this cooperation very much." Gu Yanzheng took the documents from Director Liu, signed his name, and handed them to Shen Zhenzhu for her to take a look.
Shen Zhenzhu quickly finished reading it and found that it matched what Yura had said, with the addition of some internationally common clauses to bind them.
“Then take them to see the brown bear. They can’t stay here long; they’ll have to leave after the handover.” Director Liu stood up, and the others stood up too, making the office seem smaller.
"Wow, so fast," Shen Zhenzhu said softly. She hadn't even made friends with the international friends yet.
Gu Yanzheng led Yura and the others forward at an even faster pace.
The brown bear had been brought out and was being held in the detention cell. Upon seeing the South Russian police arrive, the bear appeared more dejected than ever before.
Shen Zhenzhu pursed her lips and thought, how could she not be discouraged? Southern Russia only suspended the death penalty in 1996, and this guy missed it.
Upon seeing the brown bear with bruises on his face, two other South Russian police officers conducted a brief examination of him.
Seeing that the brown bear was missing a front tooth, it chattered on and on in surprise.
Yura walked over to Chen Zhenzhu and said, "It's said that you personally defeated and captured the brown bear, which is truly unexpected."
The brown bear, completely out of its mind, shouted, "She didn't catch me at all!"
Shen Zhenzhu looked at him in confusion: "Don't you recognize me?" Oh my god, what if she accidentally knocked his brain out and he couldn't identify Morish later?
The brown bear roared, "How could a woman possibly catch me? A punch from her is like a tickle to me! You guys try it if you don't believe me! Yura, you should spar with her."
Shen Zhenzhu thought to herself, "It seems I didn't beat you enough."
Yura had long heard of the origin of the title "Michael of the East," referring to a young female police officer who represented justice, victory, and power. Brown Bear's words stirred a desire within him; he truly felt an urge to exchange words with her.
Shen Zhenzhu walked up to the brown bear, pointed at its nose, and said, "Don't you want the other teeth?"
The brown bear winked and said, "I can't work for you for nothing. I also contributed to solving the case. They'll know what to do to me when we get back. You give him a good beating, use your pressure point technique, and let him know who's the boss here."
"You'd better behave yourself." After Gu Yanzheng finished speaking to Brown Bear, he said to the operative next to him, "Take him downstairs to the car. If he resists, shoot him on the spot."
Brown Bear: "......" I'd better hurry back to Southern Russia.
The South Russian police are known for their rough and tumble approach to investigations, making Yura's beauty and politeness all the more precious during her cross-border exchanges.
As she saw them off, Shen Zhenzhu couldn't help but take another look at the handsome man; he was even more handsome than male celebrities from Hong Kong and Taiwan.
"If you haven't seen enough, how about I send you to Southern Russia for a few years of exchange?" Gu Yanzheng said out of the blue.
Shen Zhenzhu pretended not to hear Gu Yanzheng's words.
Upstairs, Director Liu waved to Shen Zhenzhu from the corridor: "Come up after you're done delivering, I have something to discuss with you."
Gu Yanzheng smiled and said, "Go ahead."
Shen Zhenzhu thought her brother Zheng was really strange, scratching her head as she went upstairs. Oh well, it's normal for men to act strangely as they get older.
Upon arriving at Director Liu's office, Director Liu covered the microphone and said, "The provincial department needs you to make a phone report."
Chen Zhenzhu whispered, "Why didn't you let Brother Zheng report it?"
Director Liu said, "He's going to the provincial department for a meeting tomorrow."
Shen Zhenzhu nodded and answered the phone. The person on the other end said, "Hello, Section Chief Shen. This is the Provincial Department Office. I have a few questions for you regarding this transnational case."
“Okay, go ahead and ask.” Chen Zhenzhu sat up straight and began to answer the other party’s question.
More than twenty minutes passed, and Chen Zhenzhu showed no signs of fatigue. No matter how tricky or subtle the other party's questions were, she could quickly give the correct answers.
After hanging up the phone, Chen Zhenzhu breathed a sigh of relief.
Director Liu poured her a cup of Maojian tea and handed it to her, saying, "Internationally, we need to join forces to crack down on the 'Eternal Association.' This case has a huge impact. The provincial department should investigate it thoroughly and report back to the Ministry of Public Security later."
Shen Zhenzhu said understandingly, "I understand, it's just that the 'Eternal Association' is deeply hidden in the dark web, making it very difficult to capture them."
"That's their problem. In the past two years, the country has been training cyber police. Zhou Chuanxi, as a frontline officer, went for training and will be back soon. Establishing a cyber security department is urgent, and this targeted crackdown is also a testing ground for many cyber police officers."
"I'm afraid he won't be able to join the fourth team when he comes back, right?" Shen Zhenzhu counted the days. Zhou Chuanxi left during the "Grand Competition," so he wouldn't be back until at least after the New Year.
Opportunities always come unexpectedly. He was chosen at the last minute because of a sudden situation where the municipal government needed to cultivate internet talent. Fortunately, he had an interest in the internet field, which might just be a promising career path for him.
"At present, it seems that he may go to the new information technology department, but after this case, the level of attention paid to the Internet will definitely increase. They might even set up a 'cyber police' department here."
"That's a good thing." Having personally experienced the rapid changes in the development of the internet, Shen Zhenzhu strongly agrees with the public security system's efforts to regulate and restrict it in this regard.
"In this 'Operation Sharp Sword,' you were both the 'target' and the 'bait,' you deserve credit for your efforts and hard work," Director Liu said matter-of-factly. "But as a precaution, the leaders have discussed it and don't plan to publicly reward you. You won't be angry, will you?"
Shen Zhenzhu said sincerely, "No, I truly love this olive green uniform. I have received many honors and praise from leaders and colleagues. My tenure is short, but the road ahead is long. I will continue to work hard to catch and crack down on more criminals."
Shen Zhenzhu said with a smile, "I can understand the leaders' good intentions. Actually, I'm not doing this job for the sake of rewards. Punishing evil and promoting good is my job responsibility. I have never acted out of self-interest."
Director Liu was very satisfied with her answer. The old policeman could tell from her expression that Shen Zhenzhu had spoken from the bottom of her heart.
“Although I can’t publicly commend you, I don’t want to discourage you. Even if you didn’t do this job for the awards and honors, what is rightfully yours must be given to you.” Director Liu said with a kind smile, “Get ready for your promotion after the New Year.”
"Huh?" Shen Zhenzhu said in surprise, "Promoted to a regular position? Oh, I'm a section chief now."
Director Liu chuckled and said, "The city bureau leaders have been observing several cases you've solved and believe you have the ability to lead a team independently. They've decided to appoint you as the head of the Major Crimes Unit. Do you want to accept?"
"Yes, yes!" Shen Zhenzhu nodded vigorously, "Thank you for your appreciation, leader."
Director Liu said, "Okay, the appointment announcement will be made after the New Year. Keep it confidential during this period. Are there any other questions?"
The unexpected surprise made Chen Zhenzhu beam with joy, and she had no other thoughts: "Reporting to Director Liu, there are no other questions."
"Okay, there are still a few months left, so don't let your guard down."
"Director Liu, please rest assured that you will not be disappointed." After saying this, Shen Zhenzhu saluted and left the office.
Walking down the corridor, I still felt dizzy.
After standing in front for half a minute and recovering, he guessed, "Could it be that Liancheng will have a new Major Crimes Unit 5 from now on?"
The thought of leading the Major Crimes Unit on a mission with great flair made him feel like he was walking on air.
She couldn't wait to share this joyous news with Gu Yanzheng, but Director Liu had told her to keep it a secret. At this moment, she was smiling brightly, she was really trying to keep it to herself.
"Am I going to have to compete with Brother Zheng in solving cases from now on?" Shen Zhenzhu thought to herself as she walked, feeling quite pleased with herself. She wouldn't back down even if it was Brother Zheng.
"Are there any vacant offices here?" Taking advantage of the time she had, Shen Zhenzhu went up to the sixth floor alone and secretly began to pick and choose her future office.
Although she was reluctant to part with Brother Ye, Uncle Wu, and Brother Qi, she hadn't gone far; they still worked in the same building. Chen Zhenzhu patted her chest, reassuring herself that comrades-in-arms are for life, and even if they couldn't be in the same team anymore, their hearts were still together. Who knows, there might be opportunities to work together on cases again.
"Then can Brother Ye become the vice-captain?" Shen Zhenzhu muttered to herself.
She peered through the glass door, looking around, and decided that the dilapidated office was not worthy of the imposing Section Chief Shen.
Of course, once it's all sorted out, it'll be a perfect match.
I'll also need to buy flowers, snacks, and late-night meals. Wow, feeding several mouths will be quite expensive.
With wonderful ideas running through her mind, Shen Zhenzhu, tired from walking, easily found her way to the archives to rest.
As soon as I entered, I found Zhang Jie packing her things.
"Sister Zhang, what are you doing?" Shen Zhenzhu was very surprised and quickly went over to see that Zhang Jie's frequently used water cup, folding fan, tissues, and notebook were all packed into her luggage bag.
Zhang Jie hesitated before speaking. She was about to undergo four months of intensive training, which required comprehensive improvement in her mental abilities, marksmanship, and physical strength.
As for why... that needs to be kept secret.
The list of members for the special task force against organized crime is still being selected, but she and Gu Yanzheng have already been confirmed.
Seeing Shen Zhenzhu's face fall, Zhang Jie tried to be tactful and said, "Something came up at home, and I might need to take a long vacation."
"What's wrong at home? Do you need any help?" Shen Zhenzhu knew how much Zhang Jie valued this job. Even after retiring from the front line, she would still carefully read every file. At the end of last year, she even solved two burglary cases by finding clues in the files.
"It's nothing serious, just a short trip." Zhang Jie wasn't good at lying, and she felt a little guilty in the face of Shen Zhenzhu's worried expression.
"Oh." As expected, Chen Zhenzhu didn't believe her and silently helped Zhang Jie tidy up the items on the table. After a while, she asked, "Then are you coming back?"
Zhang Jie smiled and said, "Of course I'll come back."
Shen Zhenzhu was immediately delighted: "It's good that you're back. I love being with you."
“I also really enjoy spending time with you; it’s been very beneficial.” Zhang Jie slung her bag over her shoulder, walked to the door, and glanced at the archive room key with a sense of appreciation: “I should go now.”
Shen Zhenzhu saw Zhang Jie off all the way to the gate of the Criminal Investigation Team, her eyes filled with reluctance.
He went back to his office and sat there, sighing repeatedly.
Xiaobai is gone, and Sister Zhang is gone too.
In the afternoon, someone reported to the police that there was a group fight on Liujia Street. Shen Zhenzhu lost her motorcycle and arrived at the scene in a convoy of police cars driven by Zhao Qiqi.
Although I don't drink the wind, I still feel it's not impressive enough.
The two groups of men who got into a fight were drunk at a barbecue restaurant. The fight started when one group tried to chat up a young girl at the next table, but she ignored them.
The man who approached the girl said he was drunk and that's why he touched her inappropriately. When she resisted, he slapped him.
The three men drinking behind the girl's table were unhappy and cursed a few times on her behalf. Then the other party tried to hit them, and so the seven or eight of them started fighting.
“Come on, point out who helped you and who harassed you.” Chen Zhenzhu, holding the frightened girl, stood between the two groups of burly men, pointing at them without any fear: “Tell me.”
"I don't need to tell you secretly, those two over there, and the one sitting on the steps covering her head, are the ones who harassed me." Half of the girl's face was swollen, and her face and neck were red with anger.
She stood at the entrance of the barbecue restaurant, pointing at the man with a bleeding bald head, and said, "He asked me to go to the movies first, but I didn't want to go. I was waiting for my friend here. He then slapped me hard across the face."
The bald man, who had just been hit with a beer bottle, hadn't even had time to see who it was when the police came to break up the fight.
"You fucking better say something nice, huh—!"
He stood up aggressively and raised his hand again, but before he could lower his hand, he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen and was kicked over by Chen Zhenzhu, falling heavily onto the steps.
"First warning!" Shen Zhenzhu stared at him, revealing the pistol on her waist, and said fiercely, "If you don't behave, I'll teach you to behave!"
"Ouch, that really hurts...ouch..." The bald man rolled around on the steps, tantrumling, "Go ahead and shoot me if you dare...ouch..."
"Group fighting, with the intent to assault the police." Shen Zhenzhu tilted her head and said to Zhao Qiqi, Chen Junsheng and others behind her, "Cuff them and take them away."
"I...I'm not leaving," the bald man said.
With a forced smile, Shen Zhenzhu said, "Not leaving? Let's see who else wants to pretend to be crazy while drunk."
"Go, go, go. Don't try anything funny." Zhao Qiqi handcuffed the bald man and shoved him into the police car.
“The three of you come with me to the team. The other side attacked first, so you don’t bear much responsibility. Don’t worry.” Chen Junsheng opened the car door in his Hong Kong-accented Mandarin.
Sitting in the car, Chen Zhenzhu watched as the girl's swollen cheeks were taken to the hospital for a diagnosis: tinnitus and a mild concussion.
Back at the criminal investigation team, the girl refused to settle the matter privately and demanded that those responsible be held accountable. Shen Zhenzhu did not try to dissuade her and directly detained the bald man and his brothers for disturbing public order.
After handling the matter swiftly and efficiently, it was time to leave work when I saw Gu Yanzheng returning from the case.
Shen Zhenzhu felt a little better.
Xiaobai is gone, Sister Zhang is gone, but thankfully Brother Zheng is still here.
-----------------------
Author's note: See you tomorrow, there's a red envelope coming! [Let me see]
***
Next Case: Starlight Hunted by a Pack of Wolves
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com