Chapter 228 Life Standards
Metallurgical Middle School, Tuesday morning.
Upon discovering evidence of a death regression within the teeth, Chen Zhenzhu initiated an investigation. After assigning investigators to Qiangfeng Restaurant, she proceeded to the nearest middle school to continue her search.
Walking across the school playground, a bulletin board reads "Standards for Campus Civilization at Metallurgical Middle School".
"Student hairstyle standards: bangs should not cover the forehead, and side hair should not cover the ears. Facial and body language standards: no makeup, no nail polish, no jewelry... Clothing standards: students must wear the full school uniform while on campus, with all zippers and buttons fastened, and underwear not longer than the outer garment." Xiaobai pouted and said, "They're almost as strict as us."
Chen Zhenzhu lowered her head and silently zipped up her casual jacket. She raised her chin and said, "Besides the requirements for students, there are also requirements for teachers: standards for dress and appearance, standards for speech and behavior, and standards for teaching etiquette. In addition, there are standards for campus etiquette, environmental order, moral character, and overall demeanor..."
"It's like an assembly line." Xiaobai shook his head as he walked, and after looking at the long list of school standards, he stopped and exclaimed, "Wow!" "This school is pretty impressive. They won second prize in the provincial middle school essay competition, and they also have a good reputation for ranking in the city's math Olympiad."
Shen Zhenzhu glanced at the detailed address in her notebook and inadvertently noticed an inconspicuous notice in the corner of the bulletin board: "Congratulations to Li Rujun for winning third place in the national track and field race walking event."
Next to this congratulatory notice are shoe prints and ball prints, along with a list of students from each grade who did not meet the standards and had the lowest deductions.
The school bell rang, and the already quiet campus became even quieter.
I walked along the clean cement road on campus to the Academic Affairs Office, where a teacher was already waiting politely: "Please have a seat, would you like some tea or mineral water?"
Shen Zhenzhu shook hands with her and said, "No need, just ask a few questions."
"Captain Chen, according to the conditions you provided, we have checked the students in each class, and thankfully, all the students are at school and none of them are missing."
Chen Zhenzhu didn't beat around the bush and asked directly, "Teacher Zhao, are there any students who are absent?"
Teacher Zhao picked up the checked forms and handed them to Chen Zhenzhu, saying, "There are no unexcused absences, but a few students who participated in the district spring sports meet are absent."
The current clues about Shen Zhenzhu are: a boy, aged 10 to 15 (with relaxed criteria), wearing worn-out basketball shoes, who is very likely to play basketball. His facial features are indistinguishable for some reason.
Shen Zhenzhu took the form and glanced at it. Some people were participating in discus, javelin, and badminton, but no one was playing basketball.
"Could you give me a photo of these students?" Shen Zhenzhu asked. "Can the parents prove that their children come home every day?"
Teacher Zhao said, "Of course."
She stood up and went out to give instructions, then quickly returned with four photos: "Captain Chen, our school has always strictly required students to stay away from people outside the school and focus on their studies. What did you do wrong?"
Xiao Bai took the photo, and Chen Zhenzhu said as she looked at it, "A classmate has gone missing, and we are currently confirming their identity."
"I see, it must have been done by some young people from outside the community." Hearing that it wasn't an incident like fighting or brawling that affected the school's educational standards, Teacher Zhao stopped asking questions.
After looking at the photos, Shen Zhenzhu felt that none of them looked like the real person. She exchanged pleasantries with Teacher Zhao and said, "Your school places great emphasis on cultural aspects. I see that there are quite a few award-winning students on the campus honor roll."
Teacher Zhao was proud of this: "Our school can't compare to key middle schools, but it's not far off. The students' academic performance has always been good. Last year, the school's overall subject pass rate was 83%. Physical education is a little weaker, but that's okay. After all, academic performance is the most important thing."
“I understand.” Seeing that there were no clues here, Shen Zhenzhu stood up to take her leave: “Excuse me, we’ll be going now.”
Xiao Bai and Shen Zhenzhu walked towards the school gate together and encountered a classmate who was late for some reason. The classmate was limping and running in a hurry, almost slipping and falling.
Chen Zhenzhu helped her up and said, "Classmate, are you hurt? Let me take you to the hospital."
The girl, holding her knees, choked back tears and said, "It's okay, I have to go register now, otherwise it will be considered an absence and I'll lose points. Waaah, I really don't have any points left to lose."
Shen Zhenzhu withdrew her hand and watched the girl twist her ankle as she headed towards the teaching building.
The sound of students reading aloud in unison echoed from the teaching building, growing ever more distant as the girl's figure receded into the distance.
Back on Mantou No. 2, Chen Zhenzhu said, "It seems we still need to do DNA testing."
After receiving the teeth yesterday, the Information Technology Department found six pairs of parents in the province's missing persons database who had been involved in cases of missing teenagers. They extracted DNA information from the pulp cavity for verification in order to determine the gender and identity of the missing teenagers.
Back at the Criminal Investigation Division, Shen Zhenzhu made a DNA application.
In the afternoon, I managed to leave work on time, which was a rare treat.
Shen Zhenzhu walked downstairs with her cloth bag slung over her shoulder. She met Gu Yanzheng, who was returning from his field mission. Gu Yanzheng had not yet concealed his murderous aura and was radiating a low-pressure atmosphere.
Upon seeing Shen Zhenzhu, he stopped and told his colleagues to go upstairs first. He leaned against the wall and beckoned to Shen Zhenzhu with his finger.
Yesterday evening in the desert, amidst the golden expanse of sky and earth, he came across a small, nameless blade of grass, standing alone, waiting for the wind to sweep by, stubborn, wild, naive, and somewhat endearing. He thought of his beloved, wanted to pick it up, but couldn't bear to. He shared the only water he had with the blade of grass, reloaded his weapon, and stepped into the chaotic, savage world of humanity.
Chen Zhenzhu looked around and ran over: "Have you run into a problem?"
Gu Yanzheng touched the end of her braid, feeling her bright almond-shaped eyes watching him, and said in a low voice, "A colleague almost died."
"That was close." Shen Zhenzhu knew that SAS personnel were all elite soldiers, fierce and unstoppable, so for them to be injured meant that the other side was not to be underestimated: "And you? Are you alright?"
Shen Zhenzhu glanced around furtively, then reached out and pinched Gu Yanzheng's shoulders and biceps, patted his abs and waist, making no attempt to hide her actions: "Let me check."
Gu Yanzheng looked at him with a smile and cooperatively raised his arm: "Wouldn't that be a little offensive?"
Shen Zhenzhu said matter-of-factly, "You are already mine, so I can offend you."
"Alright, I'll let you properly offend me next time you're on vacation." Gu Yanzheng's Adam's apple bobbed, and he lowered his head to gently smell the fragrance of Chen Zhenzhu's hair: "I saw a beautiful cloud, and I immediately thought of you."
It's okay if we're too busy to be together, Chen Zhenzhu said with a smile, "Next time I see beautiful clouds, I'll share them with you too."
Gu Yanzheng looked at her for a long time and then said, "Before we set off, there was a small village with beautiful scenery. There was a jujube tree there."
Shen Zhenzhu listened intently, then asked, "And then?"
Gu Yanzheng said, "There is also a jujube tree."
Chen Zhenzhu said, "Are you possessed by a ghost?"
Gu Yanzheng smiled: "I missed you so much."
Shen Zhenzhu cupped his face in her hands, pinched his taut, handsome face, and said, "I think there will definitely be a technology in the future that allows for instant communication, so that people who miss each other can see each other's faces even if they are thousands of miles apart."
"Real-time dynamic imaging technology?" Gu Yanzheng said, "If it can be popularized, it will definitely be of great help in solving cases."
Shen Zhenzhu said, "That's inevitable; it saves a lot of time. And it allows me to check on things anytime, anywhere."
Gu Yanzheng opened his arms wide: "I'm available 24 hours a day, the more sudden the better. You know, checking up on someone requires a back-and-forth, 360-degree cooperation."
Chen Zhenzhu patted his hand and said, "You should pay attention to your brain hygiene."
Tian Yongfeng's shout came from upstairs, and he poked his head out from the stairwell: "Old Gu, why have you guys in logistics been locking the doors these past few days?"
Gu Yanzheng looked up and said, "Something's up." Then he looked down again and said, "A goodbye kiss?"
Shen Zhenzhu blew him a kiss, then touched her lips to Gu Yanzheng's cheek with her fingertip: "Maybe we'll see each other tomorrow, maybe the day after, but we'll see each other sooner or later, so let's say goodbye for now."
"Goodbye." Gu Yanzheng patted her head, stepped up the stairs, and couldn't bear to leave her. "I brought you something delicious. It's in the car."
"Thanks, Director Gu." Chen Zhenzhu quickly ran downstairs, eager to know what delicious food it was.
Gu Yanzheng only looked away after watching her run away.
Tian Yongfeng came downstairs and found Gu Yanzheng, looking at him with a accusing expression and gossiping: "A good horse doesn't eat the grass it has already grazed, how come you've done it again?"
"Fool." Gu Yanzheng was in a good mood and couldn't help but say it.
Tian Yongfeng followed him upstairs: "Hey, who are you talking about?"
"I'm talking to you, do you admit it?"
"I don't admit it."
"Then I didn't mention you."
Tian Yongfeng stopped in his tracks, laughing angrily: "Do you really think I'm stupid? Hey, let me ask you something. Can our office apply for computer equipment this year? Everyone else has it, so I need to get one too..."
Shen Zhenzhu arrived at the No. 2 steamed bun truck and saw an old-fashioned flower basket cake in plastic packaging on the driver's seat. She opened the door, held the cake on her lap, and carefully drove back to Sixth Sister's restaurant for a free meal.
"You just mentioned it casually, and Xiao Zheng bought it for you? You're such a glutton." Yuan Jiangxue hadn't finished the glutinous rice balls at home, so she came over in the afternoon to fry some. They chatted until evening.
"I even saved some Dandong strawberries for him." Chen Zhenzhu held the flower basket cake, looking at the piping on it, she liked it very much, took a spoonful, and felt the sweetness in her heart.
Shen Liuhe took two sauerkrauts from the vat in the backyard, carried them in, and said, "Aren't you going to eat dinner tonight?"
Shen Zhenzhu said, "Eat, I have two stomachs, one for cake and one for rice."
After their honeymoon ended, Xiao Li and Hu Die returned to work and worked even harder. Shen Liuhe has been saying lately that being married really makes a difference. She also thinks about her own two children, each more capable than the last, always with a smile on their face.
Regular customers entered one after another, greeting everyone familiarly, taking menus, and finding seats on their own.
New customers, drawn in by the aroma, may not know if the restaurant has any rules they're unaware of. They stand obediently at the door, waiting for the waiter to lead the way.
"Sister Pearl, it's so good to have you here." Zhang Xiaopang's mother, Wang Shucai, entered the store and greeted Chen Zhenzhu at the counter.
"Sister Wang, you're here quite early today." Seeing that she seemed to have something on her mind, Chen Zhenzhu pushed a stool to the side: "Have you eaten?"
Wang Shucai and her husband both work and have little free time, so Zhang Xiaopang is usually looked after by his grandfather. Hearing that Zhang Xiaopang had boldly called the police, specifically Shen Zhenzhu, they took some time to come over and politely said, "My child caused you trouble the other day; he was really being unreasonable. We've spoiled him rotten."
Shen Zhenzhu suddenly realized: "It's nothing, we often play together, it's no big deal."
Wang Shucai placed a box of "Happy Gao" on the stool and patted it gently: "Don't say I'm being polite, he's always been a burden to you. I heard this stuff is nutritious, and since you're usually so busy, you can have a couple of sips when you don't have time to eat, so you won't go hungry."
When Chen Zhenzhu saw "Happy High" in the advertisement, she picked up the beautifully packaged box and looked around curiously: "It's out of stock everywhere."
Wang Shucai said, "Sigh, it's really hard to buy. I had to ask an acquaintance to get it for me. I originally wanted to give it to my child to try, but he eats so well here and doesn't lack vitamins A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. He had a nosebleed after drinking one bottle."
Seeing the box covered with a dense list of nutritional ingredients and a patented formula, Chen Zhenzhu hinted, "It's a high-performance product, but I, as an adult, won't drink it. In fact, children might not need it either."
“I don’t think my son needs this anymore. This was brought over especially to thank you. You have to take it whether you want it or not.” Wang Shucai quickly stood up and almost bumped into a customer coming in at the door. “I have to go back to work overtime. You can keep it and drink it slowly. I’m leaving.”
"Zhang Xiaopang didn't come with you?" Shen Zhenzhu asked.
Wang Shucai said, "No, I'm still at the Children's Palace. I'll have to take the bus back by myself today."
She hurried out and quickly disappeared into the crowd on the commercial street.
Shen Liuhe stood at the kitchen door and said, "Xiao Wang is still so polite. Take it or leave it. We'll use it to pay for the meal for the two of them, as if we bought it ourselves."
Chen Zhenzhu couldn't sit still behind the counter. Seeing the expensive nutritional supplements, she said with heartache, "A box costs 108 yuan. It's a waste of money."
"Why did you throw it away?" Shen Liuhe didn't bother arguing with her. She pushed open the kitchen door and said, "You drink it. Your sister is taller than you now. Luckily you found a boyfriend. You don't know, some guys out there have high standards. The standard for the woman is 168cm."
"weight?"
"Height!" Shen Liuhe said, both amused and exasperated, "Have you ever heard of a short father and a short mother, or a whole family of short women?"
"That's outrageous," Shen Zhenzhu said. "How well-off is the groom's family? They must be at least two meters tall!"
Shen Liuhe said, "Stop being so glib. I was malnourished back then. Now that you have the means, you should make sure you get enough nutrition. Maybe you'll grow taller. Keep it for yourself."
When Shen Zhenzhu mentioned "Happy High", she thought for a moment and said to Shen Liuhe, "I'm going to the Children's Palace to pick up Xiaopang. I've taken the drinks with me. Remember, don't sell them or drink them."
Shen Liuhe said, "Drive slowly."
Upon arriving at the entrance of the Youth Palace, there were many parents waiting for their children on bicycles, and several cars parked on the roadside.
Although the weather is cool, new branches have already sprouted from the tree branches, and upon closer inspection, tiny green caterpillars, no bigger than sesame seeds, are sucking up nutrients from the branches and leaves.
The aroma of roasting corn and sweet potatoes from the oven was irresistible, and the art students, after class, gathered around the oven, picking and choosing what they wanted.
After they left, Shen Zhenzhu guessed that the dance class was about to end, so she got out of the car and walked inside.
"Waaah—" A series of sobs came from the corridor.
Shen Zhenzhu stopped in her tracks, stepped back down the stairs, and followed the sound.
The sound of piano practice could still be heard in the corridor, interspersed with faint sobs.
Parents were also waiting in the corridor. Their own children often cried while practicing the piano; few children could endure such hardship. They were used to it, assuming it was just another child being lazy and not wanting to practice.
When Chen Zhenzhu arrived at the second-to-last empty music room, she found a pair of ballet shoes peeking out from the corner.
"Is anyone there?" Chen Zhenzhu asked softly. "I'm lost. Could you tell me where the advanced dance class is?"
Su Mei'an loosened her knees and stood up, her eyes red and swollen from crying. She said, "The advanced class isn't on this floor. Go up two floors and ask someone."
"Thank you. Oh, are your eyes wet? I have some tissues here." Chen Zhenzhu handed Su Mei'an a tissue so she could wipe away her tears.
Su Mei'an lowered her head to take the napkin, then slowly raised her head and said, "I've seen you before. You went to the dance class with Zhang Guojun."
"You have a good memory, I remember you too, what a coincidence." Chen Zhenzhu tentatively asked, "Is practicing dancing too hard?"
Su Meian clutched a napkin, pursed her lips, and said, "...I can bear the hardship of practicing dance, and I can work harder if my technique is not as good as others, but I really can't accept that I can't dance solo because my arm length is 0.5 centimeters shorter than the standard."
“You’re only in middle school, and you’ll still be going through puberty. 0.5 centimeters isn’t a big difference. You’ll definitely be able to dance solo soon,” Shen Zhenzhu advised Su Mei’an.
Su Mei'an walked to the window, where she could see her classmates in the advanced class. Looking in their direction, she said, "The teacher said that the standards are to filter out those who are not qualified. No matter how hard I try, if I'm not qualified, I'm not qualified... I really love dancing. I dream about dancing."
Shen Zhenzhu said, "What your teacher said was too certain. I know the requirements for dancers are demanding, but given your age and development, it's not like you have no chance anymore. Have you discussed it with your parents?"
Su Mei'an lowered her head again, revealing her graceful and delicate swan neck, and said in a choked voice, "My parents sell vegetables at the farmers' market. They work overtime and put in a lot of hard work so that I can realize my dream of dancing. If they knew that they spent so much on training fees and received an evaluation that my physical condition did not meet the standards, I might even be expelled from the training program. I... I'm afraid to face them, sob sob sob."
“They are working hard to help you realize your dream, which at least shows that their love for you is real. I believe they will understand you—” Shen Zhenzhu was interrupted by the noise outside halfway through her sentence.
In the corridor, many footsteps approached, and someone called out "Su Mei'an" "Su Mei'an".
Seeing that Su Mei'an also looked bewildered, Chen Zhenzhu walked to the door and saw the dance teacher surrounded by several parents. She asked, "What's wrong?"
Ms. Bao, the dance instructor, was excitedly talking about "sponsorship," eliciting exclamations of admiration from the parents. Upon seeing Chen Zhenzhu, Ms. Bao stopped: "Who are you?"
Shen Zhenzhu said, "I'm the older sister of a student in the advanced class. I can't find my class. I'll just ask around."
Ms. Bao has an oval face and a slender figure. She is wearing a leotard and a fashionable light blue headband. She said calmly, "You've gone the wrong way. Go up."
"Hello, Teacher Bao." Su Meian lowered her head dejectedly and tiptoed to the door.
When Teacher Bao saw Su Mei'an, he warmly took her hand and said, "I have good news for you. Considering your good foundation, although you are a little short of the standards of the Youth Dance Association, our sponsoring company is willing to give you the opportunity to dance solo and will sponsor all your future dance learning expenses. Only you and two other students in the whole class were selected. Aren't you happy?"
Su Mei'an could hardly believe her ears. Leaning against the doorframe, she said, "Really? Am I dreaming?"
Teacher Bao held Su Mei'an's hand, looked at her excellent physical condition, and sighed, "The selection of qualified ballet dancers is extremely strict. Your conditions are already very good. I begged the sponsoring company for a long time before they were willing to give you a chance. When you go for the audition, don't say anything out of line, or you may miss the opportunity."
Shen Zhenzhu asked, "What does the sponsoring company do?"
Before Teacher Bao could even answer their questions, some parents, who had been listening with envy, had already started chattering away.
"It was sponsored by the Liancheng branch of the International Children's Nutrition Foundation."
"You're so young, you probably don't have any children. You have no idea how expensive it is to raise a child."
"Completely free, think of how much money that saves!"
Teacher Bao, as if he were a sponsor, raised his arrogant chin and said, "There are also scholarships for good performance. It's all to support the growth of teenagers, which is a good thing for the country and the people."
She held Su Mei'an's hand and said gently, "An'an, think it through yourself. I won't put pressure on you. But think about your father and mother's expectations for you. They would be so proud of you if they knew this news."
One anxious female parent in the crowd said, "If she doesn't agree, can't you let my child go? My child is also quite good."
A parent nearby said, "Why are you taking up a dance spot when you're just a pianist? You're always trying to take advantage of others. Who wouldn't agree to getting free money? This is such a promising opportunity, don't take advantage of the fact that the child's parents aren't here and start talking nonsense."
The woman, dressed simply, gave an awkward smile and said nothing more.
Su Mei'an couldn't refuse Teacher Bao's kindness and hugged her gratefully: "Thank you for getting this opportunity for me. I will definitely practice dancing hard and live up to everyone's expectations."
"Come on, let me tell you about the interview." Teacher Bao took Su Meian's hand and walked away from everyone's sight.
The parents, who were lingering in the corridor, were all talking at once about the sponsorship: "Did you hear that? There might even be scholarships. If you study hard, you can earn money."
"I heard that there are also one-on-one art tutoring sessions, and if you can win a competition for your special talent, you can get extra points on the college entrance exam."
“The little girl is so lucky. Unlike us, we started by buying an expensive school district house, then had a decent job and the financial means to cultivate her interests. We sent her all the way from a top kindergarten to a top high school. We became model parents, but our child didn’t meet the standards for academic exams or her grades. Sigh, I wonder how many people are laughing at us behind our backs.”
"You've really had a tough time. Once you become a parent, you'll understand how difficult it is to raise children. There are standard growth curves for children. If they don't meet the standards, you have to see a doctor, give them supplements, and control their diet. You also have to manage their physique, studies, and image, restrain their rebellious speech and behavior, and pave the way for their future. You strive to avoid being eliminated by society yourself, but you also can't let your children be eliminated by society."
"Speaking of this, I remember one of our alumni saying that the adolescent clinic at Wutongye Hospital is good. His child had ADHD and was cured there. The doctor had studied abroad and treated the child according to international standards."
“My friends at the tennis club said that Ms. Chen from Xingcai Arts School is going to collaborate with a big production team and is looking for young actors. I have the selection criteria, but unfortunately my family doesn’t qualify.”
"Professor Chen is a well-known figure in the art world. How do you know him?"
"How could we possibly know each other? We're old friends."
The parent who had been trying to persuade him leaned against the corridor window, watching the child playing the piano inside with a blank expression. She listened intently to the conversations, afraid of missing any opportunity.
Meanwhile, her child sat anxiously in the music room, playing out-of-tune notes.
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Author's note: See you tomorrow, there's a red envelope coming! [Let me see]
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