Chapter 40: A Series of Joyful Events
"Old Shen can carry a gun now? Congratulations." Lu Ye rubbed his hands together, squatted down in front of the stove in the fourth team's office, which was a size larger than the other offices, and smelled the roasted sweet potatoes on it.
Shen Zhenzhu poked at the roasted sweet potato with her finger to flip it over, but got burned by the heat. She quickly covered her hand and blew on it, revealing faint marks on her knuckles.
"Tsk tsk." Lu Ye, thick-skinned and tough, quickly flipped the sweet potato over. "Hey, have you heard about something?"
Chen Zhenzhu asked, puzzled, "What is it?"
Zhou Chuanxi came to work yawning. When he heard Lu Ye was about to tease Chen Zhenzhu, he joined in: "Liangliang is leaving. She's not going to be a criminal police officer anymore and is going back to school."
"Huh?" Shen Zhenzhu's beautiful almond-shaped eyes widened like a cat's, and she was thunderstruck upon hearing the news: "This won't do."
Lu Ye asked in bewilderment, "Why not?"
Shen Zhenzhu was unaware of the good deeds they had done behind the scenes. She pondered and said, "I think Liang Liang may be a bit slow, but he's not a bad person at heart. He can handle things by following the rules. With Captain Gu keeping an eye on things from above, we can just let him do clerical work and write documents in the office. At least he won't torment us, right? If he leaves and we get a vice captain who torments us, how will we live?"
Zhou Chuanxi deliberately said, "Oh, I'm also afraid of being tormented by the future vice-captain. What should I do?"
Lu Ye also exclaimed, "Let's just leave this life as it is."
Shen Zhenzhu didn't catch their teasing and focused on her worries.
Thanks to the year-end crackdown, these past few days have been relatively peaceful, with no murders reported, a rare moment of tranquility.
"Go to Director Liu's office." Gu Yanzheng entered with a chill in his air. Today, Director Liu wanted to talk to Shen Zhenzhu about the deputy team leader.
"What's wrong?"
You'll see when you get there.
Shen Zhenzhu's heart was in her throat. She got up, straightened her uniform, and headed to Director Liu's office in a serious and methodical manner.
Lu Ye and Zhou Chuanxi exchanged glances behind her, both knowing what Chen Zhenzhu had gone to do.
Sure enough, after talking with Director Liu about whether she was competent to be the deputy captain and future plans, Shen Zhenzhu was like a ripe shrimp that had been hit by a pie falling from the sky!
Blushing, she rushed into the office, excitedly exclaiming, "Director Liu said it was decided by a vote! You all voted for me!"
Looking at her excited face and the obvious dimples, Gu Yanzheng deliberately said, "It's a pity that out of the five of us, only four votes are in favor."
Chen Zhenzhu stood there dumbfounded, and said in a daze, "Who? Who else has a problem? No, I'm not looking for trouble, I just want to ask what went wrong—"
Lu Ye pointed at Chen Zhenzhu's nose and said, "Aren't you stupid? Hahaha, did you vote?"
Chen Zhenzhu slapped her forehead: "Haha, I forgot to count myself."
Everyone was happy for her, and Lu Ye deliberately asked, "Will you still roast sweet potatoes for us now that you're the vice-captain?"
Shen Zhenzhu said, "I'll roast it every day if you want to eat it."
The fourth team's office was filled with laughter, and Shen Zhenzhu felt that she would become a good mother-in-law in the future.
She clenched her small hands into fists excitedly and walked awkwardly to Gu Yanzheng's desk: "Report!"
Gu Yanzheng asked with a smile, "What's wrong?"
Chen Zhenzhu said, "Um... isn't this too fast?"
Gu Yanzheng said, "If you think it's too fast, then I'll talk to Director Liu and ask him to find someone else?"
Shen Zhenzhu was about to make a blurry gesture when she quickly said, "No, no, no, it's not fast at all. I think I'm perfectly capable of being the vice-captain!"
"We're all family, so let's skip the formalities. We earned our positions through our own abilities. If everyone thinks you're capable, then you are!" Lu Ye put his arm around Chen Zhenzhu's shoulder, led her back to the wooden chair, and handed her a glass of cool water, saying, "Take a sip to calm down. I'm afraid you'll become like Fan Jin after passing the imperial examination."
"Haha, Fan Jin passed the imperial examination." Shen Zhenzhu chuckled dryly, "That's about right."
Zhou Chuanxi saw it all clearly from the front and couldn't help but laugh again.
A while later, I heard Chen Zhenzhu calling her sixth sister: "Mom—Guobaorou! And any other good dishes? Have Dagongji send them over. Your daughter's really something, she's treating us to a meal today!"
***
In the conference room of the municipal bureau's leadership team, after the 1990 annual review meeting, the deputy bureau chiefs, branch bureau chiefs, and cadre section chiefs were organizing the annual materials.
Tu Baoguo, the head of Liancheng Public Security Bureau, is holding a small table meeting with the deputy directors to review the major decisions of the year and to assess the crime rate and police force allocation for the coming year. This is the most important task at the end of each year.
Liancheng is a tourist and cultural city. It is not a large city, but due to the increasing number of migrant workers, the crime rate and the difficulty of solving cases are also increasing.
"There is no problem with the Fourth Criminal Investigation Team receiving a collective third-class merit." During the break, the secretary brought over the application form. Director Tu spoke with a strong and clear voice. With his silver hair and slightly plump body, he sat in the head chair, carefully reviewing the major cases solved by the Fourth Criminal Investigation Team.
The secretary handed him some medicine, which he took and drank. After drinking some water, he asked, "Old Liu, the deputy captain of the fourth team is surnamed Liang, right? Why isn't he going anymore?"
Director Liu recounted the entire incident, glancing at Deputy Director Chen. It was Chen who had sent Liang Liang to cause this mess. He immediately launched into a tirade: "Lacking frontline experience, he's only good at theoretical discussions and isn't suited for a management position. This nearly resulted in the death of a frontline comrade—"
Deputy Director Chen couldn't let such a serious accusation be leveled against him, so he interrupted Director Liu, saying, "It's not that serious at all. I've looked into it, and the injured woman's injuries aren't serious at all! She only rested for one day before going back to work."
Director Tu lowered his eyelids, reached out to interrupt their argument, and pointed to the deputy captain's application form in front of him, which had her two-inch photo on it: "'Chen Zhenzhu,' right? You think she's suitable?"
Director Liu recounted Shen Zhenzhu's experiences over the past year, including her involvement in cases, discovering crucial clues, and fighting with the Sun brothers. He praised her for her high moral character and excellence in both academic and martial arts studies.
Tu Ju, who was known as the "devil's nightmare," seemed to have thought of something, and a smile flashed across his face—a truly rare expression.
Comrade Zhan Doufeng wasn't exaggerating.
"She was covered in blood at the time, fighting a bloody battle. If she had made even the slightest mistake, she would have lost her life. Being lucky doesn't mean she's alright, nor does it mean that the mess she made can be covered up." Director Liu continued to promote Xiao Miaomiao, praising her in every way and saying she was very competent as a deputy team leader, while also subtly putting a bad word to the head of Deputy Director Chen.
The selection of a deputy squadron leader can be decided in a brief discussion. Before signing, Director Tu, following procedure, asked, "So, does anyone have any objections?"
Seeing that no one spoke, Director Tu was about to sign when suddenly the person next to Deputy Director Chen said, "I object."
Director Tu put down his pen and leaned back in his chair: "The reason."
Deputy Director Chen always contradicted Director Liu, and the man, wanting to gain the leader's approval, boldly shouted out.
Deputy Director Chen frowned suddenly, glanced at him sideways, then turned to offer a way out: "That's the city's major crime unit, it's probably too much of a burden for her. If she's very capable, then there's no problem."
Director Tu repeated, "So this is your reason too?"
The young man next to Deputy Director Chen blurted out, "She...she's a woman!"
"Just because she's a 'woman'?" Director Tu said calmly, "I'm asking you, did the woman you're talking about embezzle anything?"
The young man said, "No, I don't think so."
Director Tu then asked, "Was she corrupt?"
The man looked rather unpleasant, regretting his words: "No."
Director Tu then asked, "Did she engage in any power-for-sex transactions?"
The three questions in quick succession already hinted at a wrathful rage. The young man swallowed hard and glanced at Deputy Director Chen, who didn't even look at him. Sensing something was wrong, he replied, "No, not at all."
Deputy Director Chen lowered his eyes. The moment the young man uttered the words "female comrade," he knew things were going to go wrong.
Director Tu spoke in a calm tone, yet his voice pressed down on Deputy Director Chen and the others like a heavy mountain:
"She neither embezzled nor engaged in corruption, nor did she engage in any power-for-sex transactions. So why has the term 'female comrade' become a standard for incompetence? For so many years since the founding of the People's Republic of China, we have been committed to gender equality. Now you still use this kind of thinking to deny the abilities of comrades who are fighting bloody battles on the front lines?"
The young man realized he had said the wrong thing. He didn't mean to disrespect the woman and wanted to explain, but Director Tu didn't give him a chance.
Which department are you from?
"I...I just graduated with my PhD and I'm working as a legal consultant...I'm still an intern."
"Internship consultant? You're clearly a young person. Who instilled this kind of thinking in you, allowing you to overstep your bounds and boss around a future female deputy section chief at an organizational meeting? Who gave you the audacity? Go look out the window; the national flag hanging outside is stained with their blood!" Tu Shanhai roared in anger, slamming his fist on the table. "Now that the motherland is at peace, how can you say that women are no good?"
All the deputy directors stood up immediately, heads bowed, listening to their leader's reprimand! "The word 'female comrade' is more serious than a crime in some people's minds! I ask you, has 'female comrade' ever been deprived of political rights in your heart? This is not a place where people are treated based on gender! Old Chen, this is the person you brought; send him back to where he came from! Go back today and give me a thorough self-criticism! See if his thinking came from your influence!"
"I didn't teach any of that... Yes." Deputy Director Chen had only intended to contradict Director Liu, but now he stood sweating profusely next to Director Tu, his mouth agape for a long time, unsure how to explain, knowing that any explanation would be wrong.
This male intern came from another province and was excellent in every way, but I didn't expect him to be so backward and complacent. I was originally planning to train him in depth, but now it seems I should just send him back.
Director Tu didn't give him a chance to speak, and looked at the other deputy directors, questioning, "When he said 'female comrade' just now, who nodded?"
The scene was completely silent; no one dared to speak.
Even Director Liu, who recommended Chen Zhenzhu, couldn't help but break out in a sweat.
"Using the term 'female comrade' to judge someone's work ability is not only stupid but also malicious. If such a person becomes a leader, they are completely incompetent because they can only rely on superficial and one-sided gender to judge ability. What's wrong with male comrades? Are male comrades capable of everything? Aren't there enough men who have gone to jail for corruption, bribery, and power-for-sex deals?! If I find out about this kind of thing again, I will not only suspend them from their duties, but I will also conduct a thorough investigation, from top to bottom!"
Deputy Director Zhang, who was next to Director Liu, nudged him and said, "You should try to persuade him. Director Tu is not in good health and shouldn't get so angry."
Director Liu thought that he was the only one who could say something without being scolded by Director Tu, so he braced himself and stood up, saying, "Director Tu is right. Not only does Lao Chen need to reflect, but we also cannot lead our subordinates with outdated ideas. We must always keep up with the times and strive for progress. Nowadays, many female comrades have taken up police positions, including many outstanding women like Comrade Chen. We must promote and cultivate them fairly, justly, and transparently, so as not to disappoint talented people."
The responses came in droves: "Deputy Director Liu is right, we all need to reflect on this."
"Yes, yes, yes, Director Tu's lesson is correct. We should also hold a similar ideological meeting when we get back to eliminate gender inequality and other outdated and backward ideas in job promotions."
"Director Tu, calm down. We're not like that."
Deputy Director Chen was also severely reprimanded, but he managed a weak laugh: "It's all because we're afraid female colleagues are too delicate, and criminal investigation work is difficult—"
Director Tu ruthlessly swept his hand across Deputy Director Chen's neck and palm, recalling the sight of his neck being hoisted up and his scarred fingers as he laboriously picked potatoes for the villagers in the snow. He slammed his fist on the table again and roared, "Delicate? More delicate than you! I think you haven't been on the front lines for too long. Get out here and make a self-criticism!"
Seeing his old nemesis being scolded out of the meeting room by the leader, Director Liu's chubby face remained expressionless. He turned to Director Tu and handed him tea, saying, "Old Chen was in the wrong this time. Don't get so angry. The safety of Liancheng still depends on you."
Deputy Director Chen lost face completely and stood in the corridor waiting for the meeting to end.
But Director Tu left right after the meeting, without giving him a chance to explain.
It was rare for Deputy Director Chen to lower his head to Director Liu. He walked up to Director Liu and said, "Old Liu, please speak up for me later. I really didn't suppress any female comrades. There were too few female comrades in our team before, but now that some are emerging, I'm actually very happy."
With his briefcase tucked under his arm and a teacup in his other hand, Director Liu said with a forced smile, "This time it was Director Tu who was fair. If we had encountered an unfair leader, how would we have compensated them? We can fight it out, but let's not let our comrades down below feel disheartened."
"That brat, he can forget about working in the system from now on!" Deputy Director Chen was once again thwarted, and sighed, "I'll go back and write a self-criticism, a deep self-criticism."
Unaware of the bloodshed and turmoil above, Shen Zhenzhu was still happily setting up her elegant double-seat table and chairs in the attic.
Three square tables were placed against each of the two walls. Although this provided extra seating, the line to eat was still very long.
The freshly painted walls were adorned with framed photos of celebrities from home and abroad. She also set up a couples' message board, where she, Shen Yuyuan, and Li Lili pretended to write a bunch of love notes to attract other couples to leave messages.
There's a "Customer Message Board" on the first-floor wall, for single people. Those looking for pen pals, travel buddies, or boyfriends/girlfriends can leave their contact information there. Right now, it's all mail addresses; we won't have any more until early 1999.
The wall opposite is quite beautiful; it's covered with clippings and banners collected by Shen Yuyuan and Li Lili, displayed in frames of various sizes, attracting much attention and praise.
Shen Zhenzhu hasn't told her family that she's about to become the vice-captain yet. It still needs to be approved. She doesn't want to be like Liang Liang, who failed at the last minute. She'll surprise them after she becomes the vice-captain.
Brother Leng has finished painting the floor below and is now laying the new floor. He does all the painting and installation work, providing high-quality products at reasonable prices, and giving the whole store a fresh new look.
Honestly, if he can't sell his coffin boards, he could at least sell some solid wood flooring.
Recently, she hasn't gone to see Zhang Jie during her lunch break; instead, she comes back every day to help clean up. Right now, Sixth Sister's restaurant is as clean and beautiful as if it had just opened.
Not many people eat black duck in winter, but many line up for stir-fries. Especially the Sichuan cuisine made by Sixth Sister, which is famous far and wide, attracting people even before mealtimes.
Savvy customers will pre-order large vegetable buns and pack them up to take home after their meal. If they have a refrigerator, they will put them in the refrigerator; if not, they will hang them outside the window to freeze and save them for breakfast in the following days.
"Why is the tea shop next door closed again? Sister, you're going to pick up your award tomorrow, I'll give you a pretty haircut." Li Lili wanted to style Chen Zhenzhu's hair, copying the hairstyles of female stars in Hong Kong and Taiwan weekly magazines.
Chen Zhenzhu also wanted to look beautiful in the newspaper, but she had to wear a uniform, so she said regretfully, "Let's go shopping and get my hair done while I'm resting."
Yuan Jiangxue also sent several beautiful dresses, which is a pity.
The next morning, when we went to the award ceremony, the city bureau arranged a bus to take half of the criminal investigation team away.
Shen Zhenzhu washed the shirt, folded it neatly, and returned it to Gu Yanzheng. He put it on, looking tall and strong, wearing a police overcoat, his handsome face serious and righteous.
The team leaders sat at the front of the bus. Shen Zhenzhu, who hadn't officially become the vice-captain yet, discreetly sat next to Lu Ye. The two of them furtively ate four steamed buns and two tea eggs in the back before the bus stopped.
The annual meeting was held in the city's Workers' Stadium. As Shen Zhenzhu followed the procession inside, she saw a large group of police officers and felt the oppressive aura of righteousness filling the stadium.
Lu Ye walked ahead and said in a low voice, "Now you've really made your mark. More than 4,000 people from the entire city bureau have come, and there are also media reporters filming. Don't be too nervous later. After Gui Jianchou gives you the award, you'll be done with this."
"Oh, oh." Shen Zhenzhu looked around but didn't hear the words "Ghost's Sorrow". It wasn't that she hadn't seen big scenes before. Back when she participated in martial arts competitions, they were also held in stadiums. She remained calm.
The banner for the "Lianyi Municipal Public Security Team Commendation Conference" was hung high, and two rows of seats for municipal bureau leaders were already set up at the front of the stadium.
In the very center is a leader surnamed Tu, who should be the top dog in the municipal bureau!
Next to him were Deputy Director Zhang XX, Deputy Director Liu XX, Deputy Director Chen XX, and so on. All the big shots who were influential in Liancheng were here.
"Comrade Chen Zhenzhu, come over here and do your makeup. I'll go over the schedule with you again." An olive-green worker who was setting up the venue came over and beckoned Chen Zhenzhu to come over.
She looked past Lu Ye and saw that Gu Yanzheng had also been called away, and that someone was checking with the rest of the fourth team about the arrangements for receiving the third-class merit award, in order to avoid making a mistake in such a big event.
Shen Zhenzhu walked into the stadium's lounge, where a number of people were hurriedly arranging things. She stood by the wall with her head held high as a makeup artist patted powder onto her face: "You criminal police officers are exposed to the wind and sun, it's rare that your skin is still so good. I think I'll put some lipstick on you."
Shen Zhenzhu didn't dare to make too much of an expression. She pouted and waited for her lipstick to be applied, saying obediently, "I've only been in this industry for a short time, so things probably won't be so good in the future."
"You are naturally beautiful, it's impossible for you not to be good-looking."
As they were talking, people weaved through them, and the makeup artist accidentally applied makeup crookedly. She quickly wiped it off, saying, "There are so many people! There weren't this many last year. I also need to braid your hair, and there's not even a big mirror—"
"Come up here." A voice came from above. Chen Zhenzhu and the makeup artist took a step forward and peered upstairs.
Shen Zhenzhu recognized the man at a glance and exclaimed, "Uncle!"
Tu Ju waved from upstairs and said, "Comrade Zhan Doufeng, come over here."
Shen Zhenzhu saw that Tu Ju was accompanied by several people, but when she and the makeup artist went up to him happily, they found that he was the only one there.
"Uncle, what are you doing here?" As she entered the lounge, Chen Zhenzhu looked at him with bright, sparkling eyes. The uncle was wearing the same olive-green uniform, which made her feel a little closer to him.
"Come on, you guys do your makeup here." Director Tu's usually stern face broke into a smile. "I'm here for the big meeting too. Don't I look impressive?"
Shen Zhenzhu didn't notice that the makeup artist's hands were trembling a little on her face. Sitting in the seat that Tu Ju had just been sitting, she said foolishly, "Yeah, we're both pretty good."
The makeup artist whispered, "Should we make the lipstick a little redder? It would look better on camera, but I'm worried it might not look good."
"A lipstick won't affect a person's ability. If anyone wants to gossip, let them come find me," Director Tu said, frowning.
Chen Zhenzhu pouted again and said, "Then make it even redder, so it will look better in photos."
The makeup artist nervously replied, "Okay."
Seeing Chen Zhenzhu secretly glancing at his police rank insignia, Director Tu sat down next to her, offered his shoulder, and said, "Do you recognize it? Want to touch it?"
Shen Zhenzhu stretched out her hand, boldly touching it, then counted on her fingers what a flower was, what a bean was, what a line was... Finally, she shook her head and said, "I can't figure it out."
Director Tu laughed and scolded, "You learned nothing at the police academy, did you?"
Shen Zhenzhu retorted, "I don't usually see people like this... Is it true?"
The makeup artist gasped.
Director Tu chuckled and offered her a way out: "Your Director Liu is different from mine, no wonder you don't recognize him. As you grow older, you'll see more different people."
After finishing her makeup, Chen Zhenzhu, still a few minutes away from her appointment, made small talk by saying, "I saw several unfamiliar faces buying kimchi from my mother's place. Did you help promote it?"
The old residential area where Director Tu lives is a building for municipal cadres. Last time we ate together in the cadre canteen, he casually shared some with the others, which was also a way of promoting Shen Zhenzhu.
"Your mother says her cooking is great, so you'll have to give me some extra reward later. I've done you a huge favor."
Shen Zhenzhu didn't know what kind of "big favor" Director Tu was talking about. The poor Shen Zhenzhu thought it was just a pittance from selling kimchi, but she still happily said, "Here you go, here you go, lots and lots of it."
After a while, the makeup artist left and someone came in to tell Chen Zhenzhu to get ready.
Shen Zhenzhu walked to the door, then turned back and whispered to Director Tu, "So, who has a higher rank, you or our Director Liu?"
Director Tu squinted and said, "Of course it's me. He's Deputy Director Liu. What's wrong?"
Shen Zhenzhu quickly instructed, "If I make a mistake on stage, you have to cover for me, okay? I'm very timid."
"I see you've gotten quite bold, trying to order me around again." Director Tu was in a good mood and laughed, "When you go up there, you don't need to look at anyone else, just look at me. I've handed you the medal, just take it and stand aside to wait for the photo, and you'll be fine."
"Okay." With a powerful figure backing her up, Chen Zhenzhu's audacity swelled again.
Once outside, Chen Zhenzhu walked around in a deserted corner and realized that the only person higher up than Director Liu was the Director himself!
The uncle was actually the head of the municipal bureau, a big shot among big shots? Then she worriedly wondered if he thought she was trying to get close to him.
Shen Zhenzhu took a few steps, patted her chest, and muttered to herself to bolster her courage: "A person with a clear conscience has nothing to fear. Be bolder! Shen Zhenzhu, you have nothing to be afraid of!"
The award ceremony went smoothly. Lu Ye, along with thousands of police officers, witnessed the leader of Guijianchou present the award to Shen Zhenzhu with a kind smile and gently pointed to the side for her to walk over and stand properly.
When taking group photos, her rosy lips and row of white teeth made her stand out brightly among the big shots.
After taking her photo, Chen Zhenzhu returned to her seat, her face beaming with joy. She had no idea that being an outstanding agent would earn her a 300 yuan bonus.
After a while, Shen Zhenzhu went up on the stage with Gu Yanzheng and the others to receive the collective third-class merit award. Director Tu and the other deputy directors shook hands with her one by one, and when he got to her, he patted her on the shoulder vigorously: "Don't let me down."
Gu Yanzheng glanced back, his eyes filled with surprise. When it was his turn, the leaders spoke to him more, placing high hopes on him.
However, a deputy director surnamed Chen seemed a bit confused. He kept shaking her hand, praising her for a long time, and saying, "Good, comrade, you're very good! Keep up the good work! If you have any problems that you can't handle, you can call me anytime."
Of course, after she finished speaking, Director Liu, who was standing behind her, clicked his tongue. Shen Zhenzhu came up to him, shook his hand solemnly, and said, "Comrade Shen Zhenzhu, thank you for your hard work this past year. I look forward to your outstanding performance next year. Remember, if you have any problems, you can go to your direct supervisor."
Shen Zhenzhu couldn't understand what they were arguing about, so she obediently stood at attention and saluted amidst the big shots' verbal barrage: "Yes, sir!"
As for what exactly it "is," that remains unknown.
After stepping down from the stage, Shen Zhenzhu was in an even better mood and received a third-class merit award of two hundred yuan.
We're rich!
On the way back, on the bus, Gu Yanzheng learned about how she met Director Tu and how she asked him to help sell kimchi, which made him both laugh and cry.
Lu Ye was also quite surprised: "No wonder you're so kind to me, but you're a nightmare to me."
Shen Zhenzhu quietly asked Gu Yanzheng about his police rank, and softly muttered, "How could I have gotten it wrong? I'm a very good student."
“Our Director’s name is Tu Shanhai.” Gu Yanzheng patiently explained to her, “In general, in a sub-provincial city, the director of the public security bureau is concurrently the vice mayor, and is a deputy department-level cadre. But Director Tu’s position is different from other sub-provincial cities. He has received three individual first-class merits and many collective honors, and has made significant contributions to the country and the people in combating crime. His administrative rank is one level higher, exceeding the required level, and he is a department-level national cadre. He also serves as the deputy director of the provincial public security bureau, which is part of the leadership team of the provincial political and legal committee. It’s quite complicated, so it’s understandable that you can’t figure it out.”
This high-ranking official left the country bumpkin speechless. His hand, which had just touched the police rank insignia, was burning hot, and his rosy lips could only utter a clueless "Wow~ Ah~"
Gu Yanzheng said with a laugh, "You'll get along with him the way you did before. Director Tu isn't a narrow-minded leader; he's decisive and efficient. It's clear he appreciates you."
After being comforted by Gu Yanzheng, Shen Zhenzhu smiled again: "Okay, actually I also think Director Tu is a good person. He even gave me Da Hong Pao tea. Then I'll send Director Tu some pickled vegetables later... This doesn't count as bribing a veteran revolutionary comrade, does it?"
The old man and the young girl actually hit it off.
Not to mention Gu Yanzheng, even Director Liu sitting in front couldn't help but laugh, and said with a laugh, "What a load of crap, get me some later too."
The all-day conference came to an end. Shen Zhenzhu took a bus back to the Criminal Investigation Brigade, with the hard-earned money in her pocket, and then rode her old bicycle back to Sixth Sister's Restaurant.
The following day, photos of the public security conference were published in the Liancheng Legal Daily, Liancheng Political Weekly, and Liancheng People's Daily.
This time, without Ma's prompting, the neighborhood office proactively posted newspapers with photos of Shen Zhenzhu on the bulletin board.
The little seedling no longer belongs solely to Ma Suo; it belongs to the entire Tie Si District.
Shen Liuhe went out to buy groceries and came back with seven or eight newspapers. When she saw her eldest daughter, who was still standing in the middle of the living room, rubbing her eyes in a daze, she hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.
"Sixth Sister..." Shen Yuyuan, who had gotten up half an hour early to memorize vocabulary, came out of her bedroom and asked in surprise, "What happened?"
Shen Liuhe threw the newspaper at her, excitedly saying, "Your eldest sister won the 'Outstanding Young Police Officer of the City' award! She kept it a secret from us, but it's all in the newspaper!"
Shen Zhenzhu hurriedly said, "It's not that I didn't want to tell you, it's just that everyone has been very busy lately. Sixth Sister's shop is incredibly busy, and Yuyuan is also preparing for a major review—" Besides, we can celebrate the promotion to deputy team leader together.
Shen Yuyuan rushed over and hugged Shen Zhenzhu tightly, shouting, "Big sister, you are my idol! You are my idol!"
Just as the family was celebrating, the old lady next door knocked on the door, wearing reading glasses and holding a newspaper, comparing herself to Chen Zhenzhu: "Why does this look like you? Little girl, is it you?"
Shen Yuyuan pulled her grandmother through the door and said happily, "That's my eldest sister! She's my eldest sister! She won the Outstanding Police Officer award and also received a collective third-class merit!"
"This is incredible! The younger generation is surpassing the older generation. This is the first time I've ever seen a female police officer receive an award in the newspaper."
Chen Zhenzhu blushed at the praise and tidied herself up before heading to her sixth sister's shop for breakfast. Uncle Lu came riding out in a flurry, carrying a fishing rod: "Did you win a prize?! I'll get you a big knife fish tonight!"
"It's okay if you can't get it, don't waste money on cigarettes, my mom said we can make dumplings!" Chen Zhenzhu shouted.
Uncle Lu paused on his bicycle, turned around and stubbornly said to Shen Liuhe, "If we're going to eat dumplings, they have to be knife fish dumplings!"
Early in the morning, Chen Zhenzhu was surrounded by neighbors who showered her with compliments, and her face was practically frozen with smiles.
Shen Yuyuan brought the congee with preserved egg and lean pork to the table and obediently presented it to Shen Zhenzhu.
The amber-colored rice porridge is enveloped in mist, with bouncy preserved eggs scattered among it, and shredded lean meat coated in glistening porridge oil. The rich, savory taste spreads across the tongue, while the aroma of ginger chases away the winter chill. The warm, thick porridge slides from the throat to the stomach, spreading warmth throughout the body.
Chen Zhenzhu carefully scraped the rice porridge off the edge of the bowl, patted her belly, and felt extremely happy.
She obediently handed over the prize money to Shen Liuhe, waiting for her mother to save it for her when she had time.
"Off to work!" Shen Zhenzhu said, full of fighting spirit as she prepared to set off.
Watching the figure gradually grow taller, Shen Liuhe called out, "Go on, be careful."
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Author's Note: Congratulations to Zhuzhu on winning the award! Good news keeps coming!
See you tomorrow, there will be red envelopes, and there will be some in the later chapters too.
***
I'm having them speak as interns, not official operators, to avoid saying anything too sensitive. I'm worried about getting in trouble with them, so please understand, everyone! [Please]
Respect and trust the public security, procuratorial, and judicial organs, and respect and trust the Party and government organs.
This story is fictional and does not reflect real society.
All the plot points are for dramatic conflict only; please do not take them personally.
[Hands clasped in prayer]
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