Chapter 236 Special Advisor
Beneath the lush foliage of the sycamore trees, the chirping of cicadas filled the air. In the distance, the faint honking of car horns echoed from the street.
Several heads were crammed together near the window.
Little White cried out in a low voice, "It's born! It's born!"
Wu Zhongguo's carefully nurtured guppies began to give birth to fry. Chen Zhenzhu quickly scooped up the fry and placed them into the prepared fish tank.
In the partitioned "birthing room," the well-cared-for guppies swam and gave birth.
They gathered together, and the agent standing at the door, thinking they were discussing a major case, dared not speak loudly, lowering his voice to say, "The person has arrived."
Shen Zhenzhu hesitated to hand the small fishing net to anyone else, but Zhao Qiqi snatched it away and said impatiently, "It's my turn, it's my turn, Sister Zhenzhu, you go ahead."
"I'm coming right away." Chen Zhenzhu straightened her clothes and headed towards the conference room.
In the conference room were comrades from the provincial department, leaders from the municipal bureau, a well-known domestic director, and his core team members.
Shen Zhenzhu called out "Report" at the door, and Director Liu let her in: "This is Director Zhang, whom I mentioned to you. The criminal investigation TV series based on your life, which is being filmed with the participation of the Ministry of Public Security, has been finalized to be directed by Director Zhang."
Director Zhang, with his large nose and small eyes, had a scholarly air about him, almost like someone studying art films. As a filmmaker designated by the Ministry of Public Security, he warmly stood up and shook hands with Shen Zhenzhu: "I've heard so much about you. Have you read the script?"
Chen Zhenzhu said somewhat embarrassedly, "I haven't finished reading it."
Director Zhang complimented, "I understand you're a very busy person. I've seen the cases you've solved, and I haven't been able to sleep well for several nights in a row. If it could be filmed, it would definitely cause a huge social impact. Everyone would know 'Sister Pearl' from now on."
Shen Zhenzhu said seriously, "Whether 'Sister Pearl' becomes famous or not is not important. I always remember that the purpose of filming is to educate the public about the law and make them pay attention to and be vigilant against criminals around them."
Seeing that Chen Zhenzhu's attitude was correct, the provincial leaders looked at each other and smiled, nodding in agreement.
Director Liu continued, "Many people feel that criminals are far removed from them, and they are unable to properly protect themselves when faced with danger. This TV series aims to raise public awareness and vigilance."
Director Zhang quickly said, "That makes sense. Knowing that 'National Criminal Police' was going to start filming, many stars volunteered to join and act for free. By the way, Captain Shen would never have guessed that top star Ouyang Qing is also in it."
Guo Daye slowly said to Director Zhang, "Ouyang Qing had dealings with Captain Chen before; they were close friends despite their age difference."
Director Zhang was taken aback, but then, remembering the connection, he smiled and said, "This time, I'll be handling some of the professional knowledge involved in solving the cases with the help of legal and psychological counselors. Today, before the script is finalized, I'd like to discuss the specific character composition and case pacing with Captain Shen. If Captain Shen is willing, please serve as a special consultant for our production team. Of course, we won't waste your valuable time; just help us with the key parts."
“Of course,” Chen Zhenzhu readily agreed.
Shen Zhenzhu learned a week ago that a TV series would be made based on her, but the Ministry of Public Security and the provincial department did not leak any information about it.
The only clue was that Xiaobai would hold her face and smile foolishly at her every day.
When they met them to discuss the details, Director Liu and the other leaders remained silent and listened to Shen Zhenzhu's conversation. Strict oversight was required in every aspect of filming crime dramas.
We chatted like this for most of the morning.
"If you don't mind the protagonist's name, we're also planning to call him 'Pearl,'" Director Zhang said. "A tiny grain of sand, battered by countless waves, eventually becomes a dazzling pearl. What a brave, strong, and beautiful name."
The leaders all agreed, and Shen Zhenzhu had no objections.
Before leaving, Director Zhang's go-to screenwriter exchanged contact information with Shen Zhenzhu and asked in front of the leaders, "Captain Shen, do you have any opinions or suggestions about this TV series?"
As the prototype for Shen Zhenzhu, the screenwriter wanted to understand her attitude.
Shen Zhenzhu glanced at Director Liu, who said, "Just say what you have to say. That's why we've all come together today."
Shen Zhenzhu actually did, and said seriously: "There are two points. First, I hope that the supporting characters and operators will also have names and surnames, because I didn't solve the case by myself."
Shen Zhenzhu has always emphasized this aspect.
Director Zhang nodded in agreement: "That makes sense."
Shen Zhenzhu said, "Secondly, we cannot use ratings as a goal and distort the victims' experiences as a gimmick."
Director Zhang and the screenwriter exchanged glances and smiled, saying, "Don't worry, we'll only protect the facts, not distort them."
Shen Zhenzhu smiled and said, "I have faith in Director Zhang and everyone's level and ability, and I look forward to it."
"You're welcome to come and inspect when filming starts." Director Zhang spoke politely, but Shen Zhenzhu remembered that he later excelled in film production and was a very capable second-generation national-level director.
Just as Shen Zhenzhu was about to leave, Xiaobai and Zhao Qiqi caught up with her.
"Sister Pearl, there has been a murder on Maoxin Street."
Director Zhang quickly said, "Captain Chen, go ahead and get busy."
Director Zhang and the others watched as Shen Zhenzhu led the team away. Shen Zhenzhu couldn't hear the words of lamentation that followed, nor did she have time to pay attention to them.
Mantou No. 2 sped to Maoxin Street, near the farmers' market, where the shops where the murder had occurred were completely blocked off.
People carrying shopping baskets craned their necks to look inside, and on the buses that arrived at the station, some people even opened their windows to peek out.
"My wife is eighty-two years old. She helps her son make vegetable pancakes to sell at the market. Her hearing is often failing, and her temper is getting worse."
The operative controlling the scene reported to Shen Zhenzhu: "Her son called her for lunch, but she didn't hear him. Her daughter-in-law complained, 'I'll die before my mother sooner or later,' and the old woman overheard this. She grabbed a bottle of 1605 and drank it down, but half of it was taken back. They gave her water and called an ambulance, but she still died."
Shen Zhenzhu knelt beside the deceased old woman as the forensic doctor conducted a preliminary examination. She called over Xiaobai and Zhao Qiqi: "What do you think?"
"It's poisoning. His pupils are significantly constricted, there's a lot of white foam around his mouth and nose, and he smells like garlic," Zhao Qiqi said, covering his nose.
Xiao Bai also said, "Typical symptoms of Slugge syndrome: drooling, tearing, incontinence, vomiting, and severe pain. Sister Pearl's death was likely caused by 1605."
"That's right. 1605 is a highly toxic organophosphate pesticide. Irreversible neurological symptoms can appear within ten minutes of oral ingestion, and these symptoms are irreversible."
After confirming that the cause of death matched what the operator had said, Shen Zhenzhu stood up.
The deceased's daughter-in-law sat on the ground wailing, while her son clutched his head and banged his head against the wall repeatedly.
Shen Zhenzhu walked over to him and asked, "Please accept my condolences. May I ask why your shop has 1605?"
The son, nearing sixty, said in anguish, "My family is from the countryside. My mother thought there were rats in the shop, so she brought a bottle of rats back from her hometown for the New Year. I... I never imagined my mother would do this. I've never considered her a burden!"
He pointed at his wife and said, "She washes my mother's feet and massages her head every day, and takes her to the bathhouse for a back scrub every few days. The year before last, when my mother had surgery, she took care of her, even cleaning up after her. People say that even a biological daughter wouldn't do that. Why can't my mother just think straight?"
The daughter-in-law covered her face and wept bitterly. A neighbor who knew what was going on came up to comfort her: "She's getting senile. It has nothing to do with what you said. You could say a thousand nice things to her, but she heard this one sentence. She can't blame you."
Shen Zhenzhu took her son aside and carefully inquired about the circumstances of the incident, which were basically consistent with those recorded in the Tianyan backtracking system.
"It was caused by the deceased's passion, so homicide can be ruled out."
After finishing this, it was time to leave work.
Shen Zhenzhu returned to Tiesi Commercial Street, washed her hands thoroughly, and hugged Shen Liuhe, who was busy during mealtime.
"What? You want fried yellow croaker again?"
With her forehead pressed against Shen Liuhe's broad back, Shen Zhenzhu shook her head and said, "Mom, I just missed you. Remember, I will always love you."
"Do you even need to tell me?" Shen Liuhe turned her head and shoved a bowl full of fish balls into her hands: "Go to the backyard and don't cause me any trouble."
Upon reaching the backyard, Yuan Jiangxue gestured towards the wall and, upon seeing Chen Zhenzhu, said, "Oh, the big star is back? How about the TV series deal?"
Ouyang Qing had already announced the TV series, originally intending to tell Yuan Jiangxue and Yuan Juan in secret. But everyone in Tiesi Commercial Street is one family, sigh, what secrets can one family have?
"Filming is about to begin." Chen Zhenzhu saw the majestic tabby cat standing on the wall, plump and agile, dodging the stakes on the wall.
Yuan Jiangxue asked, "Is it you acting?"
Shen Zhenzhu said, "I am a special consultant." Then she started playing with the cat again.
Yuan Jiangxue said, "Being a special consultant sounds pretty impressive."
Dongbao stopped carving, held up the fish slices and shouted, "Cat King, Cat King, Dongbao is giving you back your delicious food."
The big fat cat was very arrogant, its tail held high, and it brushed past Dongbao's hand as it left without giving him another glance.
"So it's the Cat King?" Chen Zhenzhu leaped up, bracing her feet against the wall as she reached out to grab it. The two of them, human and cat, went back and forth.
"Dongbao, Dongbao is anxious!" Dongbao paced anxiously below, unsure of who to cheer for.
With lightning speed, Chen Zhenzhu grabbed the cat king by the scruff of his neck, lifted the fat cat up, and leered at the cat's "little bell": "Is it neutered? Wow, so fat, it feels so good."
Yuan Jiangxue was terrified: "Be careful it doesn't bite you!"
Chen Zhenzhu chuckled and fiddled with the "little bell": "It's nothing."
Dongbao was so frightened that he ran away with his head in his hands.
The cat king, with his eccentric personality, bullies all living beings equally, and today he has finally met his match.
Shen Zhenzhu loved the big, round, fat cat. She would pet it and kiss it repeatedly, and even let out a perverted, obsessive laugh.
Dongbao couldn't bear to look, so he squatted down facing the corner of the wall, pretending that he wasn't there.
Ultimately, Cat King was imprisoned by Chen Zhenzhu and sent to a pet hospital two streets away to be neutered.
While waiting, Chen Zhenzhu was still talking to the snarling cat king: "When you come out, you'll miss your 'little bell,' hehehehehehe."
The cat king stood up and hissed at her.
"Come pick me up in a week." The staff at the pet hospital had seen the notice board and knew who Chen Zhenzhu was. They smiled and said, "Spaying or neutering stray cats is free."
After thanking them, Chen Zhenzhu returned to Sixth Sister's Restaurant feeling relieved.
When it was time to eat, in order to soothe Dongbao's wounded heart, Shen Liuhe spanked Chen Zhenzhu's bottom a few times and stuffed a large goose egg into Dongbao's mouth.
Shen Zhenzhu didn't get to eat the goose eggs, so she silently peeled and ate quail eggs, thinking about her brother Zheng as she ate. If her brother Zheng were here, she could have eaten the swan eggs.
"Have you seen the news? The Zayuan Lane on Huanghe Road is being demolished to build a public park." Uncle Lu must have missed out again yesterday; he had a big mosquito bite on his nose, but he refuses to admit he went fishing.
Yuan Jiangxue sat opposite him, peeling edamame for Shen Liuhe, and said with emotion, "When the time comes, let Lili open a milk tea shop in the park, so that we'll have a place to sit when we're tired from shopping."
Speaking of Li Lili, Uncle Lu said admiringly, "She's a shrewd young lady with a good head for business. She opened a new store the other day? How come I've never met such a capable girl?"
Shen Zhenzhu stuffed a quail egg into Dongbao's mouth, patted her chest, and said, "You're a great girl, right here."
Uncle Lu patted her head: "If the TV series airs, I'll stand on the street corner to promote it for you and let everyone watch it."
Shen Zhenzhu quickly said, "Please don't."
She appeared very calm at work, but back in her own territory, she was actually excited, thrilled, and a little embarrassed.
What's even more impressive is that the TV series is not only based on her own life, but also on her as a female criminal police officer who becomes a key force in solving cases!
A single spark can start a prairie fire by illuminating each other.
Upon learning of this, she immediately shared her joy with Gu Yanzheng. Gu Yanzheng solemnly offered to cook a celebratory meal himself, but Shen Zhenzhu ruthlessly refused. The novice cook was unhappy, but Shen Zhenzhu hugged him and gave him a couple of bites, which appeased him.
After finishing their meal, Chen Zhenzhu and Dongbao went outside to digest their food.
Dongbao first went to check on the dying Cat King, then hid outside the hospital, too scared to go in. He was such a coward.
He turned around and admired Shen Zhenzhu immensely, then gave her the beef jerky from his pocket.
Walking along the brightly lit commercial street, Chen Zhenzhu discovered that the marriage agency, which had only been open for two months, had closed down.
"Dongbao knows they're bad; they took other people's money and ran away."
Shen Zhenzhu exclaimed "Wow!" She'd suspected it was a scam from the start. How many outstanding and excellent people in the world were still single? They'd all be targeted long ago. Like herself, for example, hehe.
"Dongbao knows all this?"
"Yes, they also wanted to introduce Dongbao to someone, and the old lady scolded them."
"Tsk tsk." Shen Zhenzhu could only say that they were highly skilled and daring.
The matchmaking agency was cluttered with messy tables and chairs, and the walls and floors were covered with matchmaking information.
The street workers standing at the entrance were tidying up overtime. When they saw Chen Zhenzhu, they said, "Off work?"
Dongbao said, "My mother came back a long time ago and is just wandering around."
Chen Zhenzhu picked up the broom with a grin: "Rented out again?"
The woman from the neighborhood snatched the broom and said politely, "Don't do any work. Those with money can contribute money, and those with strength can contribute strength. We'll take care of the work."
Two more street workers, a man and a woman, arrived at the door, carrying buckets and rags. Upon seeing Chen Zhenzhu, they said gratefully, "Your family is very conscientious. Knowing there was a dispute here and the place couldn't be rented out, Sixth Sister took it over, saying she wanted to use it as a cultural center for Tie Si, a place for the neighbors to read books and newspapers."
"So it was my mom who rented it. I absolutely support her. We've all put our hearts into this street, and I hope it can be well maintained in the future." Shen Zhenzhu didn't know that her mother had done such a thing. Dongbao, on the other hand, had become familiar with them and was helping to carry chairs and stools, putting in all her strength, which was quite endearing.
"Don't worry, we've already talked to the neighbors. Each household will voluntarily donate books and chairs. Besides reading and newspapers, we also plan to hold a secondhand exchange day. Life in our neighborhood is getting better and better, and everyone hasn't forgotten their roots. Some old items are useless to keep, so it's good to bring them out so that everyone can take what they need and continue to circulate."
Shen Zhenzhu also thought it was a good idea and planned to go back and clean out her things at home, saving them for an old items exchange over the weekend.
When I got home that night, I had a wonderful long sleep.
The next day, the autopsy report of the deceased who drank 1065 came out and the matter was handled. A week later, Ouyang Qing called and asked Chen Zhenzhu to meet him at the filming location.
The filming location was an old residential house, where people in police uniforms were simulating a crime scene.
Director Zhang was filming an establishing shot when he saw Chen Zhenzhu arrive, and his eyes lit up. He took out his camera and snapped a few photos of Chen Zhenzhu, exclaiming, "She has such a captivating presence!"
Ouyang Qing accepted the milk tea brought by Chen Zhenzhu and they chatted intimately, arm in arm.
Director Zhang said to the cameraman beside him, "No wonder Sister Qing went to such lengths to come all the way from Beijing to film this movie; it turns out they have a really good relationship."
The cameraman gossiped, "Didn't you know about Sister Qing's previous case? It was Captain Shen who helped handle it, otherwise she would have been in serious trouble because of her family."
Director Zhang said, "Of course I know. The case that Sister Qing is making a cameo appearance in this time is this one. A real person acting out a real case, the ratings—shh, I won't say. I turned down filming for this project, and the ratings are guaranteed."
He quickly stepped forward to greet Shen Zhenzhu, introducing her to the busy crew members: "This is Captain Shen, also known as Sister Zhenzhu. She is the real-life inspiration for our TV series 'National Criminal Police.' Captain Shen was the main investigator in solving all the cases."
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause. During the pre-production seminar, everyone had reviewed and analyzed the script.
Even those who are not interested in criminal investigations cannot help but marvel at the prowess of this young head of the serious crimes unit when they come across the major cases that Shen Zhenzhu has encountered.
Chen Zhenzhu smiled and said to everyone, "I'll treat you all to milk tea, please don't be shy!"
"Thank you, Sister Pearl."
"Sister Pearl is beautiful inside and out."
Director Zhang, seeing that Shen Zhenzhu was being polite, said with a smile, "Since you're already here, you're too kind. By the way, come and take a look at the final edited script."
As Shen Zhenzhu flipped through the script, she was delighted to see herself looking so spirited, clever, and sharp.
I am even happier to see that everyone in the fourth team and the criminal investigation team, as well as my colleagues who participated in the case, even though they all used aliases and abbreviations, still have real names and identities, and their dedication and contributions have not been ignored.
During her morning break, Shen Zhenzhu watched the filming with great interest and even recounted some details of the "A-level wanted criminal case: the eleven-province robbery" that was being filmed.
A meticulously planned criminal gang, a young, inexperienced policewoman going undercover alone. Uncle Dashan, disguised as a surveillance officer, and the altered detonator valves and the breached reservoir and fishpond.
As she described it, everyone's hearts were in their throats.
After Shen Zhenzhu finished speaking, Ouyang Qing cupped her face and kissed her, his eyes reddening as he said, "There was such a dangerous time. I'm so glad you're alright. It was truly a narrow escape from death."
Later, Ouyang Qing laughed again: "I have a feeling that Captain Gu was interested in you back then."
The people at the scene responded with a chorus of "Oh~"
Director Zhang's eyes lit up with gossip: "Captain Gu? The former head of the Major Crimes Unit? You guys...?"
Ouyang Qing stopped him and said, "Hurry up and take the picture, it'll get hot by noon."
Director Zhang immediately changed the subject: "Okay, you guys rest, I'll go right away."
Chen Zhenzhu stood up and then sat down again.
Ouyang Qing looked at him with a smile: "Don't worry, with me here, no one will force a confession."
Shen Zhenzhu whispered in her ear, "No wonder Brother Zheng hugged me so tightly back then, he was even trembling more than me."
Ouyang Qing gently pinched the tip of her nose and said, "Look how happy you are! I'm waiting for your good news. I'll be there to sing you love songs at your wedding."
With her cheeks flushed, Shen Zhenzhu happily went to Sixth Sister's restaurant for lunch after leaving the film set. She then carried the lunchbox she had brought for Xiaobai to the entrance of the Criminal Investigation Brigade.
Sister Wang was off work today, so she took her grandson out for a stroll and walked to the entrance of the Tiesi Police Station.
When Chen Zhenzhu saw the child, she went up to tease him and playfully pinched his nose, saying, "You're so good-looking, with such big eyes."
Carrying a lunchbox that smelled delicious, the chubby one-year-old boy reached out to grab it. Before he could reach it, Chen Zhenzhu quickly grabbed Sister Wang and they dodged to the side together.
A couple in their thirties rushed out of the police station. The woman was beautiful and tall, while the man was ordinary-looking and half a head shorter than her. They were dressed simply, and if they hadn't stormed out of the police station in a huff, they wouldn't have caught Shen Zhenzhu's attention.
"Slow down!" Officer Ma shouted when he saw that they almost bumped into Sister Wang's grandson. "Comrades, it's not that we don't want to file a case, it's just that what you said is too vague. We don't even know who to arrest."
The woman had dark circles under her eyes. She was standing next to the bus stop when she saw Chen Zhenzhu and Sister Wang. She quickly came over to apologize: "I'm sorry, I was agitated just now and almost bumped into you."
Sister Wang held her grandson and comforted him. The little guy, unaware that he had almost fallen, was still reaching out his chubby little hands for the lunchbox.
Sister Wang said generously, "It's alright, just be careful while walking. Hey—"
The woman swayed slightly, and Chen Zhenzhu reached out to support her: "Are you alright?"
Shen Zhenzhu felt that the woman's hands were much rougher than her face, so she must be a diligent woman who did housework.
Her husband, supporting her on the other side, grumbled, "Everyone says to go to the police when you have a problem, but is it even helpful?"
Sister Wang covered her grandson's ears as they entered the police station. Shen Zhenzhu frowned as she looked at the two of them. Ma, standing on the steps, waved to them: "Come in and talk. Don't worry about it."
At the police station, Shen Zhenzhu watched as the man helped the weak woman onto the bus. The woman took out a tissue to wipe the seat before sitting down.
Ma Suo, holding a lollipop and teasing the child, said to Chen Zhenzhu, "Don't you know her?"
Shen Zhenzhu said, "I don't know him. Should I know him?"
Sister Wang handed her grandson to Ma Suo, walked to the pile of newspapers, rummaged through them, found a newspaper and handed it to Chen Zhenzhu: "You'll recognize him after reading this."
"'Lucky Angel'?"
As Shen Zhenzhu flipped through the newspaper, she saw information about the passenger ship. It was from last summer when the engine of a fishing boat from Bayu Island failed, causing a head-on collision with the passenger ship. Of the seventeen passengers on the passenger ship, one was missing, seven were seriously injured, and the others sustained minor injuries. She was unharmed.
Shen Zhenzhu said, "She wasn't the only one who was rescued; she just had relatively minor injuries. She can't really be considered a 'lucky angel,' can she?"
Sister Wang said, "Don't underestimate some people's lucky aura. Besides the compensation from the Fisheries Association for the collision, she was crossing a railway track two years ago when the staff on duty forgot to warn her. At the same time, a woman whose legs were crushed was hit, and others only suffered minor injuries, but she was completely unharmed." Sister Wang then picked up a newspaper and showed it to Chen Zhenzhu: "Wouldn't you call that lucky?"
Shen Zhenzhu nodded: "It should count."
Then Ma said, "The winter before last, I bought milk and won the first prize from Lianfu Dairy Factory, winning 20,000 yuan. Does that count?"
Shen Zhenzhu was surprised: "This is really a 'lucky angel'! And that lady is beautiful, truly possessing both beauty and luck. But why did she report it to the police?"
“She and her husband have a very good relationship. Although they have encountered many things, big and small, over the years, they have always loved each other dearly,” Ma said. “But recently, she and her husband felt that there was a pair of eyes watching her. Just from this one sentence, they asked us to find out. Isn’t this like looking for a needle in a haystack?”
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Author's note: Merry Christmas! [fireworks]
This case is closed. The final case: [Creating Luck] [Laughing]
(Not very long)
See you tomorrow, there's a red envelope!
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