Chapter 160, Chapter 160, it's all a routine.
The north wind whipped up heavy snowflakes that seeped into the fourth team's office through the window cracks, obscuring the view in the distance.
The heating temperature dropped significantly, and Wu Zhongguo's attempt to seal the window seams with tape was to no avail.
"I heard that the small stove in the second team's office was taken away. Team Leader Tian came to our office looking for it this morning. Who in the criminal investigation team would do something like that?"
“Exactly, the quality and morality of the people’s police shouldn’t just be directed at ordinary people.” Shen Zhenzhu was diligently studying the “Key Points of Police Training for the Criminal Investigation Detachment.” As the new captain, she still had to undergo an assessment by the Municipal Bureau, and if she failed, she would be dismissed. Her mind was full of rules and regulations, completely forgetting that she had once wanted to bring back the little stove from the archives room.
The desk was covered with a landline phone, a mobile phone, a file rack, a pen holder, and other office supplies. Under the glass was a dense array of business cards belonging to the heads of various departments.
You don't know how difficult it is to be a full-fledged officer until you get promoted. Besides solving cases, you also have to give various learning reports frequently, not only your own but also those of your subordinates, explaining everything from their thoughts to their lives. You also have to attend meetings at the municipal bureau every month. It's incredibly busy.
Fortunately, she has a vice-captain.
Shen Zhenzhu looked at Deputy Captain Lu, who was scratching his head and writing a report, with a sullen face. Every time she watched him, she wanted to laugh.
The 29th day of the Lunar New Year is the last day of work.
The Municipal Public Security Bureau gave the Criminal Investigation Team a lot of holiday gifts. After most of the office staff had left, Chen Zhenzhu went to the first-floor warehouse to line up and collect her gifts before leaving work.
"Team Leader Gu hasn't received his allowance for this year yet. Can anyone from your fourth team help him get it?" the old logistics officer asked casually, not having seen Gu Yanzheng.
Zhao Qiqi, who was standing behind Shen Zhenzhu, said, "Team Leader Gu has been transferred. This is our Team Leader Shen."
"Team Leader Chen, Team Leader Chen, I've got it." The old logistics officer glanced at the booklet, didn't see Gu Yanzheng's name, and said apologetically, "He forgets to take it every year, I've gotten used to asking you guys. Zhou Qingbai from your team has already gone back to his hometown, and Lu Ye and Wu Zhongguo have already taken theirs, so it's just you guys left."
"So heavy." Chen Zhenzhu picked up two boxes of fruit from the table, then struggled to lift a bucket of oil. Looking down at the bucket of watermelon seeds and peanuts at her feet, she said, "So much stuff this year?"
The old logistics staff member said, "This year, not only did we receive a lot, but all the other units received quite a bit."
“This is so strange,” Shen Zhenzhu said.
Zhao Qiqi, carrying two boxes of fruit, came up to Shen Zhenzhu and said, "Well, after that case, who knows if it will come back again? The bosses who weren't named are grateful to their employees, while the bosses who were named are even more afraid. These past two days, the streets and alleys have been full of people carrying things."
Following the riots, Liancheng arrested over a hundred criminals, all of whom were severely punished during the crackdown. Some individuals involved in organized crime were taken away for further investigation, but the court expedited their trials and sentencing, ensuring none escaped punishment. Interested members of the public were able to attend the hearings, and those who witnessed them applauded. The media, needless to say, were also present, with the proceedings continuing until the end of last month. The provincial and higher authorities were very satisfied with Liancheng's swift handling of the situation; according to Director Liu, they were full of praise.
"Sister Pearl, shall I give you a ride?"
"OK."
Zhao Qiqi borrowed a friend's car to go to the countryside to pick up some local pork for the New Year after get off work, and took the opportunity to drop Chen Zhenzhu off at the shop.
Shen Zhenzhu got into a rideshare and saw through the car window that Chief Ma and Lao Huang were standing at the entrance of the Tie Si Police Station.
Upon seeing Shen Zhenzhu emerge from the Criminal Investigation Team's gate, Director Ma greeted her, "Captain Shen, wishing you a Happy New Year in advance!"
Chen Zhenzhu said with a smile, "Mr. Ma, you're too kind. I'll come to your house to wish you a Happy New Year later."
"That's great, then I'll be waiting for you." Ma Suo reached out and patted Lao Huang, saying, "Your former colleague, Comrade Lao Huang, is officially retiring today."
Zhao Qiqi parked the car on the side of the road, and Shen Zhenzhu got out. She reached out and shook hands with Lao Huang, saying, "You've retired so soon. It's like the blink of an eye."
Old Huang couldn't help but feel that it had all happened in the blink of an eye. The junior police officer in front of him had become the head of the serious crimes unit of the criminal investigation team.
"I haven't congratulated you on your promotion yet, but congratulations, Captain Chen," Old Huang said very politely, shaking hands. Over the years, he'd come to realize that heroes come from all walks of life; those with ability can shine anywhere. Those without ability are lucky to retire peacefully.
Shen Zhenzhu also politely said, "Retirement is a new beginning. Comrade Lao Huang can enjoy life now. Before, he was always guarding the police station. Now he can go out and travel more and have some fun."
"I can't say I'm enjoying life. I have a lot of responsibilities at home. After the New Year, I'll go work as a gatekeeper at my granddaughter's kindergarten." Old Huang was a little embarrassed. He certainly wanted to retire later. But his energy, physical strength, and mental capacity could no longer keep up with the demands of the ever-changing society.
Ma Suo followed up, saying, "You can rest assured that you can see your granddaughter every day. It's a good job. I'd be happy if I could find a job like yours after I retire."
Hong Le, who was next to Lao Huang, seemed reserved when he saw Shen Zhenzhu. Shen Zhenzhu said a few words to Ma Suo and Lao Huang, got into the car, and then smiled and left.
"Look, everyone here at the bus stop is carrying stuff distributed by their work units." Zhao Qiqi turned a corner, passed a traffic light, and entered the area of Tie Si Xin Er Street.
"This road is so beautifully built, decorated with lanterns and streamers, no wonder more and more people are coming to visit." Zhao Qiqi said, but Shen Zhenzhu didn't reply. He turned his head and saw that Shen Zhenzhu looked dejected.
He scratched his head, thinking that Chen Zhenzhu was a workaholic. But she was scheduled to work overtime from the first to the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, so it shouldn't be this bad.
When Shen Zhenzhu arrived at the shop, she saw two tables set up outside. One table sold Shen black duck, and the other sold fried meatballs, fried flounder, garlic sausage, pig blood sausage, and so on. There were dozens of people in line, all waiting to buy some to prepare for the delicious New Year's feast the next day.
Shen Zhenzhu went back to the shop and brought Zhao Qiqi two blood sausages, saying, "These are blood sausages that Sixth Sister made herself. She put some ginger, garlic, and cilantro in them, and also seasoned them. You can just steam them when you get home, since they're already cooked. Sixth Sister made fewer this year, so take them home and eat them secretly."
"Hehe, I'll eat it secretly, I'll definitely eat it secretly. It's perfect for stewing in my family's big pot of sauerkraut. My grandma said she wanted to buy some but couldn't find any. Sixth Sister's is much better than what you can buy." Zhao Qiqi happily accepted the food and said goodbye to Chen Zhenzhu: "I'm on duty on the third day of the Lunar New Year, so I'm wishing you a Happy New Year in advance. Please say hello to Sixth Sister and the others for me. I'll come over to wish you a Happy New Year later."
"Alright, you should hurry up and go, Old Zhang is coming to chase you away." After seeing Zhao Qiqi off, Chen Zhenzhu stepped on the curb to admire the new road.
The pale yellow streetlights shone on the pristine white snow, and the streets, meticulously cleaned and cared for by the neighbors, were beautifully and elegantly designed. The evergreen plants, laden with snow, created a dreamy and romantic scene.
The district even hung a sign reading "Liancheng Excellent Street of Local Culture" at the intersection, further attracting tourists. The locals cherish this street, having hung lanterns under the streetlights and decorated the flowerbeds with colorful lights several days prior.
Yuan Jiangxue and Yuan Juan's image studios have also opened, and thanks to Sister Qing, business is no longer a problem. Uncle Lu's stationery store has been officially converted into a photography studio, so the two shops can now offer package deals together.
Shen Liuhe's restaurant, Sixth Sister Restaurant, also has a bronze plaque that is the "Red Flag Model Merchant Award" issued by the district. It is to reward Shen Liuhe for opening her door that day to take in people who were lingering on the street and to give them food and vegetables.
It is said that among those who stayed in the store that day were the district chief's mother and son. The old woman and the young boy disappeared on the day of the riot, which panicked everyone in the district. Later, the old woman and the young boy returned home with hiccups.
This year, it was agreed that Aunt Yuan and her family would spend New Year's Eve together with Shen Zhenzhu's family, and Li Lili, Wu Fuwang, and Xiao Li also insisted on spending the New Year together.
Shen Zhenzhu was on duty on the first day of the Lunar New Year, which was convenient since it was close to home. She went into the shop, took off her cotton coat, and planned to make dumplings for Shen Liuhe.
There were so many people queuing outside, everyone saying that Sixth Sister's fried meatballs have less starch, more meat, and the taste is beyond words. Chen Zhenzhu started making meatballs after work yesterday, and naturally came to the backyard today.
Last month, a roof and thick plastic sheeting were added to the backyard to block wind and snow and keep it warm. Half of the space is used for dining, and the other half is used for stocking up for the Spring Festival. It is filled with sausages, cured meats, cured chickens and ducks, and covered with hazel mushrooms and tea tree mushrooms. There are also dried yellow croaker, large knife fish, mackerel, dried clams, dried oysters, dried hookfish, and so on. Next to the sauerkraut jar in the corner, there is a pile of cabbages as tall as a person, as well as bundles of green onions.
As each diner enters the backyard, they can see red peppers, garlic, and yellow corn hanging by the window. The colorful array of plants creates a festive and prosperous atmosphere, reminiscent of the Spring Festival.
Shen Liuhe was teaching someone how to make meatballs with her back to Shen Zhenzhu. The oil pot next to her was filled with the aroma of fried meatballs.
The man, clumsily putting the meatballs into the oil as he tried to fry them, glanced back at Chen Zhenzhu in her red vest, checked his watch, and smiled, "Pretty fast."
"Brother Zheng." Shen Zhenzhu walked around to the table, took a good look at that handsome yet hateful face, and asked in confusion, "What are you doing here?"
"If I hadn't come soon, I heard someone was going to tear my table down and burn it for firewood." Gu Yanzheng picked up a fried oyster and fed it to her: "Try it, I fried it."
Shen Zhenzhu carefully picked up the fried oyster, and the plump and crispy taste made her want more after finishing one. She muttered, "I didn't mean to open it, who told you that nonsense?"
"Don't try to trick me into saying anything." Gu Yanzheng pointed to the basin and said, "Hurry up, don't even think about resting until we finish frying them today."
With her eyebrows curved, Shen Zhenzhu pinched out a round dumpling and scraped it into the oil with a spoon, making a sizzling sound instantly.
Shen Liuhe said, "I'm not afraid of it being big, I'm just afraid it will burn easily if it's small. I'll go take this bowl of fried food out, and you guys keep an eye on the heat."
“Okay.” Shen Zhenzhu felt that she was better than Gu Yanzheng and wanted to move to the edge of the oil pot, but Gu Yanzheng took the spot first: “Be careful not to get your face twisted into a mess.”
Chen Zhenzhu asked, "Are you done with your work?"
Gu Yanzheng looked up and saw her bright face, feeling relieved. He said, "I'll come over to report after I'm done. I have work to do tomorrow. I just happened to be passing by and thought I'd drop by to see you."
"What do you want to see me for?" Shen Zhenzhu asked in a muffled voice, her head lowered.
Gu Yanzheng didn't have a chance to observe her expression, so he made an excuse and said, "Captain Chen has just taken office, and I can't just abandon him all at once. I have to do a handover."
“Oh, Director Liu said I did a good job, so I don’t think I need to hand over anything.” Chen Zhenzhu said dryly, squeezing out a dumpling. “Anyway, I’ve been leading the team for most of the year.”
Sensing the hint of resentment in his voice, Gu Yanzheng coaxed, "Why haven't I seen you wearing a bracelet?"
Chen Zhenzhu looked at her like she was an idiot and asked Zheng Ge, "Why are you wearing it?"
Gu Yanzheng said, "That's true, red and green don't look good together. I'll get you a pink one, a blue one, a colorful one later."
"How fake would that be?" Shen Zhenzhu didn't want to pay any more attention to his nonsense.
Gu Yanzheng noticed that Shen Zhenzhu was squeezing the dumplings faster and faster, as if she wanted to chase him away. So he felt a sense of crisis again and emphasized, "I have work tomorrow and can't go back to Shen City."
Chen Zhenzhu didn't respond.
Gu Yanzheng licked his lips, feeling embarrassed.
“If we can’t go back, we’ll just spend the New Year here! We haven’t thanked you yet since the road was repaired! This is a perfect opportunity for us.” Yuan Jiangxue, dressed in a red woolen skirt, looked increasingly stylish and fashionable, and walked into the backyard like a beautiful model.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony," Gu Yanzheng said immediately. "I'll come directly tomorrow."
Shen Zhenzhu silently looked up at her brother Zheng, but didn't feel that he had been polite at all.
Yuan Jiangxue pretended to pick a bunch of red peppers in the backyard, preparing to go into the shop. Turning around, she saw the woman whose face had been drooping lately secretly smiling, and left with a smirk.
It seems Old Lu was right; the good news on this street isn't over yet.
On Lunar New Year's Eve, the festive atmosphere was stronger than ever before. The damaged Tie Si Xin Er Street welcomed 1994 with a fervent zest for life.
The street installed new loudspeakers on the commercial street, playing festive music on repeat.
The New Year's Eve dinner at Sister Liu's restaurant was booked two months in advance by the old neighbors. Xiao Li stayed behind to help instead of going home, and even brought her new boyfriend along to help out.
Shen Liuhe wasn't as busy as usual today. She only served about ten tables and didn't take on any other guests. She spent the Spring Festival with Yuan Jiangxue and the other neighbors and shop assistants.
The joyous sounds of the Spring Festival Gala came from the television. When Gu Yanzheng arrived, Shen Zhenzhu had changed into a purple vest with auspicious patterns of fortune, prosperity, and longevity, making her look like a little landlord.
She rolled up her sleeves and vigorously stirred the ground beef. Shen Liuhe had a rule that it had to be stirred until it was firm before it could be wrapped into dumplings.
Gu Yanzheng washed his hands first and greeted Shen Liuhe politely. Shen Liuhe saw that he was carrying pastries and dried fruits from other places and assumed that was all. She was about to invite him over to make dumplings when she noticed that he was also carrying some high-quality nutritional supplements.
"What are you doing with these things?" Shen Zhenzhu handed the basin to Hu Xiaodie, Xiao Li's girlfriend, wiped her hands, and went over to take a look.
Gu Yanzheng had already prepared his explanation: "These were all gifts from others. I'm not going back to Shenyang recently, and it's not safe to leave them in my car. I might as well bring them over for Sixth Sister and you all to replenish yourselves... Pearl, you can come with me for a bit."
Gu Yanzheng no longer addressed him by titles like "Section Chief Xiao Shen," but instead called him "Pearl" quite naturally.
Just as Chen Zhenzhu was about to go over, Gu Yanzheng stopped and accurately took Chen Zhenzhu's cotton-padded coat from the clothes rack: "Put it on."
"Oh." Chen Zhenzhu put on her cotton-padded coat and went out the main gate with Gu Yanzheng. The air was filled with the smoke of firecrackers. Zhang Xiaopang was still picking up duds on the ground with his classmates.
"Take these to the backyard and set them off tonight." Gu Yanzheng opened the trunk, revealing a trunk full of fireworks and firecrackers that dazzled Chen Zhenzhu.
"Brother Zheng, you didn't rob the firecracker factory, did you?" Shen Zhenzhu was overjoyed, rummaging through the various things in the trunk, unaware of Gu Yanzheng's smile behind her.
"I bought it on the way. It was freezing cold, and the locals were selling it cheaper."
"You must have been very kind-hearted and couldn't bear to see your fellow villagers freezing outside, so you bought them all, right?" Shen Zhenzhu believed her brother Zheng's nonsense.
Gu Yanzheng said with a smile, "Captain Shen is wise, that's exactly right."
The two men returned to the shop carrying a bunch of fireworks and firecrackers, followed by a string of children. Gu Yanzheng took out a handful of sparklers and firecrackers and gave them to Zhang Xiaopang. Zhang Xiaopang happily said, "Thank you, Uncle. Congratulations on your fortune and may you have a son soon."
Gu Yanzheng finished laughing: "Did you forget something?"
Zhang Xiaopang, a little eager to go out and have some fun, scratched his forehead and said, "With beauties on the left and right, and a harem of wives and concubines?"
"He doesn't learn anything good." Gu Yanzheng was about to take off his pants as punishment.
Zhang Xiaopang pulled up his pants and ran outside, shouting, "That's exactly how Wei Xiaobao is!"
Shen Zhenzhu stopped Gu Yanzheng and said, "He's still a child."
Gu Yanzheng laughed in anger: "Did you do that on purpose?"
Chen Zhenzhu lowered her head to read the fireworks instructions.
Gu Yanzheng squatted down in front of her, looked up at her, his eyes full of laughter: "You're not angry with me anymore, are you?"
Shen Zhenzhu seemed to realize only then: "What are you angry about?"
Gu Yanzheng explained again: "I didn't intentionally hide it from you before; I requested that it be kept confidential. Now that it's public knowledge, I can tell you. However, I didn't fulfill my responsibilities as team leader in the last six months, and I neglected other things. I'm grateful for the great assistance from Section Chief Shen, which allowed me to have no worries."
Seeing his earnest explanation, Shen Zhenzhu felt a little embarrassed and said softly, "Actually, I understand everything."
Gu Yanzheng said, "I know you understand, but even if you do, I'll still say it, even if I have to say it a hundred times."
"Go ahead and say it if you want." Chen Zhenzhu put her hands in her pockets and strolled into the store.
Gu Yanzheng strode after him, saying, "I've been going to Director Liu's place sometimes lately, and I often forget to bring things—"
"Just take anything you need from my drawer," Chen Zhenzhu said generously. "The pantry is empty anyway."
Gu Yanzheng readily agreed, saying, "We'll be full soon. We need to add more shrimp crisps, jelly, hawthorn candy, King of Kings (a type of snack), cat ear cookies, ladyfingers, scallion biscuits...and also some soft drinks and instant noodles."
As she walked, Chen Zhenzhu chuckled, "That's more like it."
Gu Yanzheng suddenly said, "It's not like we'll never see each other again."
Chen Zhenzhu paused for a moment, then continued walking forward.
Seeing them come in, Yuan Jiangxue called them over to make dumplings: "Hurry up, the New Year's Eve party is about to start. Your mom's dishes are almost ready. After we finish making dumplings, we'll have our New Year's Eve dinner, then we'll set off firecrackers, and after that, we'll eat dumplings and receive red envelopes!"
The New Year's Eve dinner was exceptionally lively. At first, the restaurant had separate tables, but later everyone was seated haphazardly, all huddled together. Auspicious words were exchanged like they were free, and everyone's face was beaming with joy.
At night, Gu Yanzheng took Shen Zhenzhu, Shen Yuyuan, Li Lili, and Xiao Li to the backyard to set off fireworks, and they had a great time.
Back in the shop, Shen Zhenzhu picked up the cup next to Shen Liuhe and took a big gulp. The fiery taste of the liquor slid from her mouth into her throat and into her stomach: "Why is it baijiu? Hiss... hiss... it's really spicy."
"Have a bite of this." Gu Yanzheng picked up a piece of colorful cold noodles for her. Shen Zhenzhu lowered her head, slurped it into her mouth, and swallowed it. The taste of alcohol in her mouth immediately subsided, and her face turned red.
When it was time to eat dumplings, Shen Yuyuan couldn't find her older sister while carrying the dumplings.
Gu Yanzheng pointed to the far corner, his back to the television screen looking quite pleased with himself, and said, "Over there."
Shen Yuyuan handed the dumplings to Shen Zhenzhu, who was engrossed in watching the Spring Festival Gala, when she heard the TV announce, "Imperial Jade Liquor—"
Chen Zhenzhu happily said, "One hundred and eighty yuan a cup!"
How's this wine?
Chen Zhenzhu said with a smug look, "Let me brag to you!"
Shen Yuyuan asked in bewilderment, "Big sister, how do you know the lines from the Spring Festival Gala?"
"..." Even with the alcohol taking effect, Chen Zhenzhu didn't forget to make excuses: "It was Sister He who said it."
Shen Yuyuan believed it to be true: "So it was Sister He who said it. But then again, they're all from CCTV."
Gu Yanzheng also placed a small plate of dumplings on the table: "Eat them while they're hot. Sixth Sister said there are still eight coins left to eat."
Shen Zhenzhu, holding a bowl of dumplings, began to read, hoping to become rich overnight and have a windfall.
Gu Yanzheng silently spun the small dish around, and a brand-new coin was about to burst out of a big-bellied dumpling.
Chen Zhenzhu took a bite and exclaimed happily, "Coins! I'm so lucky! Brother Zheng, I'll have good luck this year!"
"Yes, yes, you're the luckiest." Gu Yanzheng's smile never faded as he watched her smug expression, even in her drunken stupor. It was worth it for him to keep an eye on these dumplings from the moment they were made until they were cooked.
Shen Liuhe was holding the prepared red envelopes and calling the younger generation to come and receive them. Just as she was about to call out to Shen Zhenzhu, Yuan Jiangxue covered her mouth and said, "That blockhead is about to see the light. Don't disturb her."
Shen Liuhe: "...Huh?"
She had no idea what Yuan Jiangxue was talking about.
Yuan Jiangxue complained, "Oh dear, what a big blockhead gave birth to a little blockhead."
Uncle Lu glanced at Yuan Jiangxue and thought she had overlooked one simpleton.
......
A new year, a new look.
However, Shen Zhenzhu felt that the difference wasn't that significant.
After all, yesterday was the 30th of the lunar calendar, and today is the first day of the new year.
This morning, we received a report that an apprentice at a car repair shop stole a customer's luxury car and drove it onto the sidewalk. The owner of the luxury car happened to be on the side of the road and saw what happened. The owner got out of the car and a fight broke out, resulting in the apprentice's death on the spot.
According to forensic expert Lu Xiaobao, the apprentice had already suffered irreversible internal bleeding when he was in the car accident, and the customer's attack only hastened his death.
The apprentice's family wouldn't let it go, insisting the customer pay with his life. The whole morning went by in this charade.
At noon, Shen Zhenzhu went to Zhou Qiushi and Liu Leqin's house to pay New Year's respects and have lunch. Liu Leqin said, "When the commotion happened last time, your godfather and I watched a movie downstairs all day. After the movie, the commotion was over. I only found out what happened later from the news."
Shen Zhenzhu said, "That's because you two are kind people and treat your employees well, otherwise you would have suffered."
Zhou Qiushi said with a smile, "We gave them a lot of things this year, and the funding was twice as much as last year."
Shen Zhenzhu gave a thumbs up: "That's why you're the one who's getting rich."
After chatting and rambling for a while, we went to the SANSAN Department Store flagship store in Mr. Zhou's driver's car, met Wu Fuwang, and gave everyone red envelopes.
Then, just in time for my afternoon shift, I leisurely took the bus back to the team and found that Lu Ye had also arrived.
"Happy New Year, Captain Chen." With the responsibilities on his shoulders becoming heavier, Lu Ye became more composed during the New Year.
Shen Zhenzhu said, "Happy New Year, Captain Lu."
Lu Ye corrected, "Vice Captain."
Shen Zhenzhu said, "Happy New Year, Deputy Captain Lu."
Deputy Captain Lu was satisfied and pointed to her desk, saying, "I thought you'd be lonely on duty by yourself. I wish I hadn't come."
Shen Zhenzhu turned around and saw that the crystal vase hidden under the table had been brought to the table, filled with water, and had a large bouquet of fiery red flowers in it: "Xue, these big roses are really beautiful, did you buy them?"
"No, no, I wouldn't dare." Lu Ye felt a chill run down his spine at the thought of Gu Yanzheng holding the flowers and couldn't help but say, "Captain Chen, first of all, you need to know that these are called red roses, okay?"
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Author's Note: Old Gu: [Clown]
***
The first case of Pearl will be written a little slower.
See you tomorrow, there are 100 red envelopes! [Let me see]
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