Chapter 79: Clues to Parasitism (Bonus Chapter 3000...)
The arson incident in Fu'anli has come to light, giving the lingering disaster victims a place to channel their hatred.
The sinner who destroyed a home, causing 5 deaths and 11 injuries would have implicated his entire family in ancient times.
Things aren't much better now.
The clothes that Xiao Kai kindly brought were thrown around in a mess, and some people even set them on fire and threw them into the ruins.
The three hundred and twenty households in the two buildings, the South Building and the North Building, were destroyed and their families wiped out in a single moment of Ye Shengwen's decision, a truly tragic situation.
“We’ve already planned to sit in front of the government building and demand that they execute your uncle immediately. Don’t come here anymore either. You share the same blood as your uncle, so you’re definitely no good either. Get out of here!”
Aunt Lü, who used to live next door, lost her daughter in the fire. She and Xiao Kai were classmates. When she saw Xiao Kai appear unharmed, Aunt Lü was overwhelmed with grief.
Despite her immense grief, she remained relatively calm and did not, like the others who had lost loved ones, push and shove Xiao Kai, forcing him to kneel in front of the ruins.
Occasionally, a few voices would say, "He's innocent too. His parents died in the fire. I saw his parents in the morgue."
But such voices were quickly drowned out by the angry crowd. They pressed down on Xiao Kai's arms harder and harder, and more and more people followed, some even looking for ropes.
Unable to break free from their grip, Xiao Kai knelt before the ruins and had his head pressed down hard as he kowtowed.
He was oblivious to the pain of the beatings he was sustaining, listening expressionlessly as they hurled insults at his uncle, his parents, and himself.
"I'm just like you, I've lost everything too." Xiao Kai couldn't shed a single tear, his hands braced against the black ashes, where only ants survived in the destroyed land.
He felt like he was an ant, struggling and struggling from birth until now.
He fought tooth and nail for many things that others could easily obtain. His mercenary and cruel parents, who shortsightedly controlled his life, ultimately prevented him from achieving his desires.
"You still have a life! Give me back my wife's life!!" A young man wielding a kitchen knife rushed into the crowd. Xiao Kai recognized him; they were newlyweds. Last month, his wife was pregnant, and they were happily handing out wedding candy to every household.
Xiao Kai closed his eyes, having lost all hope for his short and miserable life. Just as the crowd was shouting and taking cover, Wu Zhongguo's voice came from not far away: "Stop! Everyone stop! Anyone who dares to hurt the child, I'll target them!"
When Wu Zhongguo heard that Xiao Kai had come to deliver the items himself, he sensed something was wrong and rushed over to find him.
His pistol had been returned to the criminal investigation team, but his olive green uniform and the way he pointed his palm at the sky startled the young man in the distance.
In just a few seconds, when the young man realized he wasn't armed and swung the cleaver at Xiao Kai again, Wu Zhongguo rushed forward, knocked Xiao Kai aside, grabbed the cleaver tightly with both hands, and delivered a grappling elbow strike, causing the young man to release his grip in pain.
Wu Zhongguo picked up the kitchen knife from the ground, clutched his waist, and said, "If you hit me again, I'll consider it an assault on a police officer!"
The young man was subdued by the concerned bystanders who rushed over. None of them wanted to see any more bloodshed, so they pleaded with Wu Zhongguo to let the young man go.
Wu Zhongguo looked down at Xiao Kai, who was slumped on the ground, and said angrily, "Why didn't you run?! You're usually such a clever kid, why don't you know how to avoid danger!"
Seeing that Wu Zhongguo's forehead was covered in cold sweat, Xiao Kai hurriedly got up and helped him up, saying, "Are you hurting your back? Let me help you to the clinic."
Wu Zhongguo breathed softly, closed his eyes, and stood with his body tilted to one side for a moment: "It was just a minor injury, nothing serious. Just rub it with tiger bone oil when we get back. Don't just stand here like an idiot, come home with me."
Xiao Kai looked at the young man who was being restrained by the people. The man was still cursing in the distance. Xiao Kai said with a gloomy expression, "What about him? He hurt you."
Wu Zhongguo, supporting his back, said, "If you're injured, there's public funds for treatment; if you die, there's a pension. There's no need to ask him for it. Let's go, I won't argue with him."
Wu Zhongguo took a few steps with difficulty, then turned around and saw Xiao Kai still standing there: "What are you still standing there for? Go home!"
A glint flashed in Xiao Kai's eyes as he ran over to help Wu Zhongguo up, saying, "Yes, let's go home."
***
Municipal Public Security Bureau Criminal Investigation Team.
Small conference room on the third floor.
"After a year of collection and data entry, the fingerprint collection rate of Liancheng citizens and permanent residents has reached 98%, which has significantly improved the effectiveness of solving cases and greatly increased the monitoring of the migrant population."
Gu Yanzheng reported to Director Liu on the implementation of the fingerprint system and took the opportunity to apply for the position of the Information Technology Department.
"Information technology for solving crimes is an unstoppable trend. During my studies abroad, I found that many cases were solved using information technology. Their network monitoring had taken shape, and they were fully prepared for the informatization process of society."
Gu Yanzheng said, "However, most regions in our country still rely on experience to solve cases, ignoring subtle clues at the scene. They lack advanced instruments and DNA testing, and can only rely on blood type for investigation. Such methods are still very backward."
My commitment to promoting the fingerprint system is also aimed at finding breakthroughs in technical investigations, demonstrating to everyone the unstoppable power of technology in solving crimes. I also hope that everyone will learn and utilize advanced investigative techniques in their work, avoiding falling behind criminals in terms of both mindset and technology, thus preventing wrongful convictions and increasing the crime-solving rate.
"I know that technology will definitely be an unstoppable force in the future, and schools have started offering computer courses, but not everyone can learn how to use a computer."
Tian Yongfeng said with a worried look, "I have no objection to our Municipal Bureau's Criminal Investigation Team becoming a pilot unit for science and technology information. After all, your fourth team has arrested several criminal suspects in old cases based on the fingerprint system these past few days. But this thing is really too difficult. I suggest that we set up a special science and technology information detachment to provide technical support."
These words struck a chord with Gu Yanzheng. The case he helped solve this summer hadn't been in vain, and of course, the fourth team had also enjoyed plenty of watermelons from the second team.
“I also agree to specialize in this.” Park Heung-sung tapped his pen on the table, having to admit the benefits of fingerprint systems for solving cases: “Many criminal suspects don’t have the habit of wiping or destroying their fingerprints in their criminal methods. Last month, we arrested three criminal suspects using the fingerprint system and successfully sent them to the prosecutor’s office. What does this show? It shows that fingerprint technology is superior to some criminal methods, and that information technology is inevitable in the future.”
Gu Yanzheng had been fighting with him for many years and knew Park Heung-sung's habits. Park Heung-sung would never refuse any technology that was beneficial to solving the case.
Director Liu was still somewhat hesitant about adding a new department, so he held a meeting to discuss it. The Municipal Bureau had opened the door to an Information Technology Department, and many eyes were watching. If any technical workers were to slip in, their future would be uncertain: "Criminal activity is evolving; the age range of criminals and the methods of crime are expanding, but how do we move forward..."
Just then, Chen Zhenzhu's voice came from the doorway: "Report!"
Director Liu beckoned him in a friendly manner: "Come in, what's the matter?"
His tone was as loving as that of Shen Zhenzhu's own grandfather.
Chen Zhenzhu ran in, and in front of everyone, she did a good job of her kung fu. She stood at attention, saluted, and said, "Reporting to Director Liu, the fingerprint verification of the murderer in the Xiangshan County family annihilation case ten years ago has been completed. It matches that of Li Aiguo, who is currently serving his sentence in Fengcheng Prison. This is the verification report."
The Xiangshan County family annihilation case is unforgettable for veteran criminal investigators. Eleven members of a family, ranging from an eighty-year-old to a three-month-old infant, perished. The murder weapon was an iron axe; aside from a clear fingerprint on the handle, there were no other clues. No one had ever imagined solving a case using fingerprints, but today she actually found one.
Gu Yanzheng nodded slightly. Everyone knew perfectly well why he had arranged for Shen Zhenzhu to come at this time.
Director Liu clearly understood that this was putting pressure on him. If the results were compelling, the Information Technology Department would definitely open for business, and he couldn't keep throwing information and clues from on-site investigations to the Laboratory Department or the Forensic Department.
Shen Zhenzhu and Gu Yanzheng colluded and hit it off immediately, with Zhenzheng singing and Zhu following suit. This delighted Director Liu. When the Xiangshan family murder case was solved, he dispelled his concerns and made a decision: "I will report to the Provincial Department immediately. The Information Technology Section must be established! Gu will be in charge of recruiting, and I will handle everything else."
After successfully completing her mission, Chen Zhenzhu emerged from the small conference room. Upon seeing her, Lu Ye asked, "How was it?"
"Don't worry, Brother Ye, Director Liu's eyes are practically popping out of his head from smiling. This is a done deal." Chen Zhenzhu returned to her office, beaming with pride after helping to accomplish such a major task. She sighed when she saw Wu Zhongguo's empty desk, then reached into the fish food and scooped some fish food to feed the goldfish.
Everyone says that goldfish only have a seven-second memory, but when she saw that they couldn't see their owner, their tails were wagging weakly.
"After get off work, I plan to visit Uncle Wu and the others again. I'll bring them the bedding my mom made for the new house." Chen Zhenzhu touched the cold glass window and turned to ask Lu Ye, "Are you coming? We can go together and come back to work together."
Lu Ye was like a wild donkey that couldn't be kept in check. Without saying a word, he said, "Go! I still want to get to know Xiao Chuan better so he can get me tickets when he joins the provincial team!"
Zhou Chuanxi, holding the fingerprint data, said, "Aqi and I will go again in a couple of days; we're not done with the cases we have yet."
Just before leaving work, Shen Zhenzhu peeked into the conference room. Gu Yanzheng was still discussing the new department with Director Liu. It seemed like just an extra office and a few more people, but there were far more intricacies involved than she had imagined.
"Wait a minute." Gu Yanzheng called out to Shen Zhenzhu, who had popped out, and greeted Director Liu before walking to the door. "You weren't at the office just now. We've organized a donation drive here. If you're going, please take it with you. The list and the money are in my drawer."
“Sure,” Chen Zhenzhu readily agreed to run the errand.
The Xiangshan case was easily solved, and Chen Zhenzhu was overjoyed. He rode his little motorcycle to his house first to get two quilts.
The last time she saw Xiao Chuan and Xiao Kai sleeping in the living room, they were young and energetic and didn't feel cold yet. In another month, Liancheng will start to enter winter, the north wind will blow and the temperature will drop sharply, and it will be too late to fluff cotton then.
As for their move, it will be after the Lunar New Year, so they are not in a hurry to use it.
Lu Ye bought Xiao Chuan his favorite KFC burger and an extra portion of chicken nuggets, showing them off to Chen Zhenzhu as they walked along the road.
As they passed through the ruins, they saw that members of the community were organizing donation drives.
Seeing that the corner of her bedding had fallen off, Chen Zhenzhu snorted. Lu Ye, sitting in the back of the car with a wronged expression, curled up his legs and quickly hugged the bedding tightly.
Ah Ye is no longer the Ah Ye of the past, and Chen Zhenzhu is no longer the Chen Zhenzhu of the past, hehe.
"Is Auntie home?" Shen Zhenzhu arrived at Chang'an Jiayuan and easily made her way to Grandma Wu's house, turning left and right.
She called out, and the kitchen window opened. Xiao Kai saw that it was them and said, "Wait a moment, we'll be right there."
He ran to the door and opened it eagerly, then took out slippers from the shoe cabinet and placed them on the floor: "Sister Pearl, Brother A-Ye, what brings you here?"
Lu Ye handed him the bedding, glanced into the room, and said, "Why are you the only one home? Where are the adults?"
Xiao Kai said familiarly, "Grandpa and Grandma went to the senior activity center and will be back soon. Godfather and Godmother went shopping at the mall and said they'll be back for dinner. Come in and sit down, I'll get you some fruit. The oranges Grandma bought yesterday are really sweet."
As Chen Zhenzhu bent down to change her shoes, Lu Ye whispered in her ear, "Kids are so adaptable. If you didn't know better, you'd think this was their own home."
Shen Zhenzhu frowned slightly, straightened up and walked to the kitchen. She saw Xiao Kai take out oranges and pour peanuts and melon seeds from the cupboard into a plastic dish with flower petals. She leaned against the door and asked, "Why isn't Xiao Chuan home?"
Lu Ye, still carrying a hamburger in his arms, had finally arrived after smelling the delicious aroma all the way. He craned his neck and asked, "By the way, where's that kid?"
......
"That brat is always running around outside even though he's limping. He doesn't know what's fun out there. All he does is spend money recklessly. He doesn't even learn from Xiao Kai." Grandpa Wu came back from reading at the activity center and stood at the door with his cane. Xiao Kai squatted down to change his slippers.
"Grandpa, don't keep nagging Xiaochuan. His foot is bothering him, so going out for a walk will help him recover faster. I can stay home with you just the same." Xiaokai helped Grandpa Wu change his slippers, and seeing Grandma Wu changing hers behind him, he quickly brought her a small stool to sit on.
“He’s just not as sensible as you. He’s alive because of you.” Grandpa Wu walked into the living room and greeted Chen Zhenzhu and Lu Ye. Just as he was about to pick up his teacup to drink some water, Xiao Kai called out, “Grandpa, you’re not allowed to drink cold tea. I’ll make you a fresh one.”
Shen Zhenzhu helped Grandpa Wu sit on the sofa, and listened to Grandpa Wu say affectionately, "This child is even trying to control me. I'm a person who speaks my mind and I never blame other people's responsibilities on children. He is also a victim, suffering more than us, yet he still didn't forget to save Xiao Chuan."
Grandma Wu went to the kitchen and saw that Xiao Kai had already picked the vegetables he was going to stir-fry that night and was soaking them in a basin of water. She said with satisfaction, "Even after this incident, he didn't miss the monthly exams. He was originally second in the grade, but this time he actually got first place. As for Xiao Chuan, well, he didn't even go."
Grandpa Wu said, "Even if we go, we'll be among the last few."
Shen Zhenzhu and Lu Ye exchanged a glance, and she said with a smile, "Everyone has their own strengths and advantages. Xiao Chuan is naturally likable and has good interpersonal relationships. Even if his grades are a little worse, he can still make a name for himself in other ways in the future."
Grandpa Wu complained, "He's trying to make something of himself? He only has a three-minute attention span. Football training is another expense. My wife and I are both in poor health, and all our money goes towards medicine. He still has to go to winter camp training. We really have to tighten our belts."
Xiao Kai poured the old man's favorite Biluochun tea, placed it on the coffee table, put the radio next to him, pointed to the clock, and said, "The program is about to start."
Grandpa Wu said with satisfaction, "Xiao Kai won the second prize in the provincial competition last year. He could have gone abroad to study, but he was willing to give the prize money to his parents to save. I really love such a good child."
"With my grandparents' love and care, I will definitely get through this." Xiao Kai said with a sweet smile, "It's okay if my family doesn't have the money for training. There will always be a way. You guys chat first, I haven't finished my work yet."
Shen Zhenzhu subconsciously kept an eye on Xiao Kai's situation in the house. She chatted with Grandpa Wu outside and saw Xiao Kai patting the bedding she had brought outside, as if he could easily go into the old man's bedroom and rummage through old quilt covers to put on them.
As the old saying goes, comparing things will only make you throw them away, and comparing people will only drive you crazy. Grandpa Wu would often compare Xiao Kai and Xiao Chuan, and Xiao Chuan would always come out on top.
"I'll go out and call Xiao Chuan back for dinner." Shen Zhenzhu inexplicably disliked the atmosphere at home, and resolutely left Lu Ye here to keep the old lady company.
Xiao Kai came out of the bedroom carrying a dirty bed sheet and said to Chen Zhenzhu, "Xiao Chuan is probably near the basketball court, not far from here. You can see him if you walk towards the power room. But there are often groups of young thugs playing basketball there. If you see them with Xiao Chuan, you can help persuade him not to play with them."
Grandpa Wu snorted on the sofa: "Those people are always pushing and shoving and making noise. Xiao Chuan will learn bad habits from them sooner or later."
Shen Zhenzhu turned back and gave Xiao Kai a deep look: "I'll go take a look."
Xiao Kai flashed an endearing smile: "Then I'll help Grandma peel the garlic."
Shen Zhenzhu followed the paths inside the residential area to the basketball court but did not find Xiao Chuan. The so-called young people were just young people who had just finished get off work and gathered together to play basketball. They often cheered and made noise when they scored, which could easily lead to misunderstandings among the elderly.
She simply walked slowly outwards along the road, following the flow of people heading home from get off work.
Chang'an Jiayuan residential area is nestled against the mountains and beside the water. Although it's a bit far from the city center, the environment is quite nice. Chen Zhenzhu walked past the cluster of night market stalls and discovered a long river embankment.
She spotted a solitary figure sitting on the riverbank, clutching a soccer ball and staring blankly at the flowing water. He stood there, a stark contrast to the bustling night market scene behind him.
"Hey, wanna eat some lamb skewers?" Chen Zhenzhu bought ten large red willow skewers and sat down next to Xiao Chuan, carrying two bottles of orange-flavored Arctic Ocean soda in one hand.
"How...how did you find me?" Xiao Chuan's eyes were a little red. He wiped his eyes while holding the soccer ball and said shyly, "I'll be back in a bit."
"So what if we don't go back? I'll tell your grandparents you're with me, so they don't need to worry." Chen Zhenzhu handed him a skewer of fragrant lamb, cracked open a soda with her teeth, and clinked them together.
The orange-yellow soda was bubbling with crystal-clear bubbles. It was obvious that the temperature had dropped and it wasn't suitable to drink iced beverages, at least the adults wouldn't let him drink it like that. He could only drink it secretly each time. But Chen Zhenzhu handed it to him like that, giving Xiao Chuan the feeling that she was different from the other adults.
"Wow, they even sell cold noodles rolled with stinky tofu! Xiao Chuan, do you want some?" Chen Zhenzhu sat next to Xiao Chuan, twisting her body and constantly looking at the snacks in the night market. Her eyes were bright and she looked even more mischievous than a middle school student.
Xiao Chuan pulled her back, trying to stop her from making an impulsive purchase: "Don't buy that cold noodle roll with stinky tofu, it'll make your mouth water every time you eat it."
Shen Zhenzhu burst into laughter: "Zhao Qiqi should come over for a meal, so he won't have to go to the hospital for medicine. With mountains, water, and a night market, this place is simply a blessed land. I love it!"
Xiao Chuan tried to scare her, saying, "Don't eat out casually. My mom says it's unhygienic, and some people there might have infectious diseases—"
"Hey, you're a child, of course you need to take care of your health. I'm an adult, so I don't need to." Shen Zhenzhu then adopted the authority of an adult.
Xiao Chuan said, half-laughing and half-crying, "Even adults can't eat whatever they want. My dad said that your restaurant has everything you could want, so why are you forcing yourself to eat something you don't deserve?"
"Wow, anyone who didn't know better would think you're older than me. You talk like an old man." Chen Zhenzhu clinked her soda bottle against Xiao Chuan's again, took a big sip through the straw, and exclaimed, "So refreshing!"
The young boy's fleeting worries were completely dispelled by her. Urged on by Shen Zhenzhu, he took a big gulp, let out a loud burp, and shouted, "So refreshing!"
The two sat with their knees drawn up to their chests on the riverbank, enjoying the cool autumn breeze without speaking for a long time.
Seeing that it was almost time for Chen Zhenzhu to go home, she tried to stand up by pushing herself up from the grass, but Xiao Chuan suddenly shouted, "Don't go!"
Shen Zhenzhu slipped and fell on her bottom. She got up and was about to confront Xiao Chuan when Xiao Chuan preemptively accused her: "Why don't you ask me what I'm thinking?"
Shen Zhenzhu took a different approach: "I had my own thoughts too, but I didn't see you asking me."
Ogawa couldn't continue the conversation: "..."
What was the point of sitting with someone like that for two hours?!
After teasing the children, Chen Zhenzhu patted the withered grass on her knees and sat down again, saying, "I can listen to your thoughts, but you have to buy me KFC ice cream."
Xiao Chuan exclaimed, "Section Chief Shen, you get a salary and bonuses!"
Shen Zhenzhu said shamelessly, "You have pocket money, the kind you get without doing any work. It's so much better than us being treated like cattle, do you understand?"
Xiaochuan fell silent again, feeling an urge to stop the conversation.
Shen Zhenzhu suddenly laughed, patted Xiao Chuan on the shoulder and said, "Go ahead, Sister White Dove is online. You can tell me whatever troubles you have, and I will keep your secret."
Xiao Chuan was a little skeptical of her words.
However, he really wanted to talk to someone, at least not his current family.
"I'll buy you ice cream next time. Actually, I don't care much about pocket money. Even if Mom and Dad give all their pocket money to Xiao Kai, I don't mind." Xiao Chuan lowered his head, his fingers picking at the stitching of the soccer ball: "He deserves a better life, at least a better life than before."
Shen Zhenzhu had heard rumors about Xiao Kai's parents once, and since he was willing to talk about it, Shen Zhenzhu was still happy to be a good listener.
What kind of life did he lead before?
“We were classmates in elementary school, but our relationship wasn’t as good as it used to be,” Xiao Chuan said. “When we were in junior high, we were assigned to sit together. Once, I caught him stealing money from Sun Feifei’s desk and told Sun Feifei. That time, he begged us not to tell the teacher.”
Shen Zhenzhu asked curiously, "Why did he steal the money?"
Xiao Chuan lowered his head, feeling like a bad guy who broke his promise. He mustered up his courage and said, "He said his parents made him pick up aluminum cans at school. He didn't want to because he felt ashamed, but if he didn't, his parents would make him drop out of school. When Sun Feifei and I found out, we both gave him our allowance to take home. Sun Feifei even showed him Olympic competition study materials. Those materials were very expensive; they were custom-made for her by professional teachers. He didn't want them at first, saying that even if he achieved good results, his parents wouldn't let him go to other places to compete."
Chen Zhenzhu asked, "Why?"
Xiao Chuan said, "His parents are both teachers, and I heard they're both in poor health and need him by their side. Last year, he won second prize in a provincial competition, and Sun Feifei won first prize. They could have gone to the national competition together, but his father was worried he'd leave, so he asked the organizing committee to withdraw from the competition and even negotiated with the school for a sum of money to ensure he would participate in the competition this year and win an award for the school. During that time, he seemed like a different person, so scary that I didn't dare approach him. Later, he gradually accepted it, and after the top student in the grade was threatened by someone and transferred schools, he felt better after becoming the top student in the grade."
Shen Zhenzhu nodded, keenly noticing that their friendship had been fractured after the fire.
Xiao Chuan recalled the dramatic changes his family had undergone in the past few days and said softly, "I can give him all my allowance and live frugally myself, or I can ask my parents to sponsor his schooling, but I don't want him to continue living here... I told my close friends, and they all know that Xiao Kai saved me. My classmates said that this was a selfish act."
Chen Zhenzhu asked from the bottom of her heart, "Is your classmate some kind of authoritative person?"
"..." Ogawa, holding the soccer ball, paused for a moment, then said, "Of course not."
How did I do that? One sentence from me completely dispelled all his grievances.
“Besides, authority can be questioned.” Shen Zhenzhu propped herself up on the grass, smiling slyly. “I just love challenging authority.”
This sentence perfectly demonstrated Section Chief Shen's imposing presence. Xiao Chuan looked at Shen Zhenzhu, who was only four or five years older than him, and suddenly saw a radiance emanating from her.
Having unknowingly absorbed Section Chief Shen's courage, Xiao Chuan opened up a small corner of his heart and told her:
“He was much more mature than his peers at school, and his teachers and classmates all had a good impression of him. But he had a tough time. At the beginning of this year, he was unable to go to Shanghai for computer training because his parents said it would cost a lot of money. As a result, a classmate whose special skills and grades were not as good as his had his parents give a large sum of money to go to Shanghai. That person met a teacher from abroad in the training class in Shanghai, and it is said that he wrote a letter of recommendation that could help him study abroad.”
Xiaochuan hugged the soccer ball tightly and said, "He was also very depressed at that time. He had a big fight with his family and said he dreamed of leaving this place."
“But after he moved here, I felt very uncomfortable.” Xiao Chuan brought up the topic again, which drew Shen Zhenzhu’s attention.
She asked, "Could you elaborate?"
After hesitating for a while, Xiaochuan said, "On the day of the fire, he told me that my father was rescuing people upstairs, so I rushed up."
"So your father wasn't up there at all, right?" Shen Zhenzhu's expression turned serious, and she said in a low voice, "Can you tell me how you were rescued?"
"Later he said he was mistaken, which I could understand in that situation, so we didn't continue the discussion." Xiao Chuan looked up at her: "Section Chief Shen, are you taking a statement?"
Chen Zhenzhu said, "You can do that if you want."
Xiao Chuan lowered his head, holding the soccer ball, and said, "Some... I don't remember very clearly, but I thought I was going to be burned to death. I vaguely heard an insurance agent outside shouting, 'Even if I'm burned to death, we won't pay out.' Then Xiao Kai saved me."
Shen Zhenzhu stared intently at his micro-expressions. Xiao Chuan's tone suddenly became hesitant during the conversation, and he even covered his chest with a soccer ball, subconsciously trying to shut himself off. His expression was stiff, but his tone was relaxed, creating a contradictory signal.
Shen Zhenzhu quickly figured out what he was hiding.
She took out a notebook from her pocket, wrote down her contact information, and handed it to Xiaochuan: "Just because you don't want to talk now doesn't mean you won't want to talk later. You can talk to me anytime. Yihaodian just happens to have a new milk tea product launched. Let's go over there together and chat while we drink."
The pearls gleamed brightly, and milk tea was used to lure children into taking the bait.
Ogawa took her contact information, folded it, and put it in his pocket, saying, "You think I'd take the bait?"
Shen Zhenzhu smiled and said, "Don't you?"
After leaving Chang'an Jiayuan, Shen Zhenzhu first escorted Lu Ye, who was on duty, to the fourth team, and then took over Wu Zhongguo's shift.
After finishing her work, it was already quite late. Shen Zhenzhu said goodbye to Lu Ye and planned to go to the archives to rest.
As we passed the three interrogation rooms, Kanghe walked towards us: "Just taking a break?"
Shen Zhenzhu yawned wearily, and peeking through the crack in the door at Ye Shengwen in the interrogation room, she asked in surprise, "Why are they still interrogating?"
Kang He lowered his voice and said, "Last time he was arrested by Captain Park for robbery, but he reportedly denied it to the death. This time he admitted to arson very readily. Whether it was an accidental fire or a deliberate act of revenge against society still needs to be investigated carefully."
Shen Zhenzhu said, "That's true. After all, he just got out of prison and has a criminal record. It's said that he spends all his time at home smoking and drinking instead of looking for work, and the neighbors all have opinions about him."
Kanghe nodded and said, "That makes sense. However, although he admitted to arson, the brass lighter used for the arson is missing. This is the key evidence for conviction, the tool of the crime."
Shen Zhenzhu stopped and asked in confusion, "Was it picked up by someone or burned?"
Kang He said, "The site was cordoned off that day. The fire department said the temperature wasn't high enough to melt it, and even if it did melt, there would be solidified copper pieces to be found. But they couldn't find any no matter how hard they looked, and no one took any lighters out of the scene. Isn't that strange?"
“It is quite strange,” Shen Zhenzhu said. “The whole case is very strange. May I take a look?”
...
"Welcome back to the criminal investigation front, Comrade Wu." Gu Yanzheng stood at the office door, personally welcoming Wu Zhongguo back to the team.
Shen Zhenzhu stood beside him, holding gifts prepared for Wu Zhongguo, such as a new notebook and a new fountain pen, which she had spent her savings on. She handed them to Wu Zhongguo and said, "Uncle Wu, welcome back. We've missed you so much."
"Yeah, Uncle Wu, if you hadn't come back soon, we would have had to carry you over from your house." Zhou Chuanxi said with a smile, bumping Lu Ye's shoulder.
Lu Ye quickly pulled out a stool for Wu Zhongguo and said, "Please sit down. Aqi, bring tea, bring the best tea."
Wu Zhongguo squinted and looked around the office, noticing a slight change, a change that was hard to pinpoint, but their unsolicited hospitality was definitely suspicious: "With such sweet talk, have they left me a lot of work to do?"
None of the four teams admitted it. Just then, colleagues from the first, second, and third teams, as well as other departments, heard that Wu Zhongguo had returned to work, and they came to visit him one by one.
Wu Zhongguo's good interpersonal relationships were on full display as he repeatedly told everyone that everything was alright.
After they left, Director Liu came over with a newcomer he didn't recognize. Wu Zhongguo glanced at the man's rank and found that he was half a rank lower than Gu Yanzheng. He wondered what department the man was from.
"Old Wu, this is Guo Daye, the new political commissar from the Municipal Bureau. He's in charge of the ideological and political work and daily management of our criminal investigation team. You didn't come a few days ago, so you don't know him. Let's get to know each other today." Director Liu personally introduced Wu Zhongguo, giving him a lot of face.
Guo Daye had a square face and an average build. He had a friendly smile on his face and took the initiative to shake hands with Wu Zhongguo: "Hello, Comrade Wu. I feel very sorry for you after hearing about your experience. If you have any difficulties at work in the future, feel free to come and talk to me."
Wu Zhongguo's smile froze. He was almost fifty years old; how could they still treat him like a young lad? But he maintained his composure and said gratefully, "Thank you for your concern, Political Commissar Guo. I will definitely stay ideologically progressive and vigilant against corruption. I will report any problems to the leadership. Please rest assured."
As for which leader it is, Political Commissar Guo doesn't need to worry about that.
Guo Daye's arrival to assist Director Liu in ideological and political work didn't go smoothly at first. What kind of people were in the criminal investigation team? Brave and resourceful men—who wanted to spend all their time having long, heart-to-heart talks with other men?
Even if there are some doubts in one's mind, one will not take the initiative to reveal them. How is this any different from showing weakness?
He tirelessly sought out people to talk to every day, but with little success. When he encountered Wu Zhongguo, who also displayed a slippery and unapproachable attitude, he had no choice but to turn his attention to Gu Yanzheng.
He and Gu Yanzheng were at the same level as the branch captain, and he knew that the Fourth Major Crimes Unit was the most troublesome of the criminal investigation teams. If he wanted to carry out his work smoothly, he first had to make a name for himself and take down the Fourth Unit.
But Gu Yanzheng ignored him.
He was the most outspoken of all the troublemakers.
"Brother Zheng, let's go to Sister Liu's dinner party tonight to welcome Uncle Wu back to the team." Shen Zhenzhu was delighted to have her fishing buddy back and looked at Gu Yanzheng with great anticipation.
Gu Yanzheng didn't disappoint the expectant look on their faces and waved his hand, "Everyone's joining the dinner tonight."
“Okay, it’s been a long time since I’ve eaten at Sixth Sister’s place. I’ve lost weight.” Zhao Qiqi put down her pen and said to Lu Ye, “Let’s order two servings of braised pork. I want to mix the broth with my rice.”
Lu Ye said, "No problem, the boss is treating, you can eat ten servings."
Seeing the harmonious and friendly relationship among the four teams, Director Liu left his office.
Seeing that everyone was talking and there was nothing for him to do, Guo Daye left as well. But as he walked, he kept looking back at Gu Yanzheng and then at Shen Zhenzhu, who was talking to him.
"Director Liu, Deputy Captain Shen is quite renowned in the Fourth Team, isn't she?" Guo Daye escorted Director Liu to the door of his office, which was right next door. He lingered, which made Director Liu feel troubled but he didn't want to say it directly. So he took out the official document to indicate that he still had things to do. Only after everything was ready did he say, "She has solved so many major cases and has a first-class merit award. She carries a lot of weight with me."
Guo Daye didn't catch the hidden meaning in Director Liu's words that he was subtly praising Chen Zhenzhu. He was transferred from another city to the municipal bureau, but the municipal bureau didn't keep him and assigned him to the criminal investigation team. This was also because he was too rigid and inflexible in his work, and sometimes he would offend people without realizing it.
Director Liu gave him a hint, hoping he could come to his senses and spend his days reading books, drinking tea, and reading newspapers in the office, and at most go out to check the sanitation.
Let's not do any more ideological work, lest Guo Daye end up getting himself into ideological trouble from those slippery characters. At least we should get to know them first before starting any work.
But a new broom sweeps clean, and Guo Daye returned to his office to start thinking things over.
Wu Zhongguo was a seasoned veteran in the criminal investigation line. As soon as he saw Guo Daye, he understood why Shen Zhenzhu and the others were so friendly to him.
After exchanging a few words, Chen Zhenzhu started to chatter on: "He is so serious about inspecting the work, he doesn't allow any trash in the trash can."
Lu Ye said, "I'm forced into this situation."
Chen Zhenzhu continued to chatter: "When I ran out of ballpoint pens, I asked the logistics department for more, and they even told me to take the old refills back to exchange for new ones."
Zhao Qiqi said, "Stingy."
Shen Zhenzhu continued, "The new department needs to buy office furniture, and he asked Xiao Min to go to the warehouse to peel and repaint the old furniture."
Zhou Chuanxi said, "A real nuisance."
Shen Zhenzhu glanced at Gu Yanzheng, who was on the phone, and said, "They also want to reduce the amount of gas receipts, saying we use too much gasoline! Parking receipts should also be reimbursed based on working hours, and not at all after get off work. But we often work overtime on cases."
Gu Yanzheng covered the microphone and said, "I'm losing money at work."
Wu Zhongguo, teasing the goldfish in the fish tank that had grown quite plump—or you could call them little fish pigs—looked up in surprise and said, "Didn't Director Liu previously disagree with the new political commissar coming over?"
Gu Yanzheng said with a troubled expression, "We need to develop the Information Technology Department, and the Municipal Bureau has given us the condition that we must agree to settle the new political commissar here."
Wu Zhongguo's mind raced, and he said, "I'm sure those people at the Municipal Bureau can't stand him either."
The tattletale curled her lip and said, "You can't be wrong!"
"Old Shen, how's the burglary case going?" Gu Yanzheng smiled, walked to the blackboard, and lifted the densely packed investigative notes, asking, "Any leads?"
Chen Zhenzhu walked over, opened her notebook, and began her day's work.
Wu Zhongguo didn't need Gu Yanzheng to make arrangements for him. He picked up the team's code of conduct written by the new political commissar and read it. He already understood that he would be working with the new political commissar from now on.
After a busy day, everyone left work on time and went to Sister Liu's restaurant for a big meal.
The next day, Shen Zhenzhu went out to investigate eyewitnesses and unexpectedly saw Li Ying, Grandma Wu, and Xiao Kai at the entrance of the Tie Si Police Station.
They were carrying bags of clothes they had bought from the mall, and Xiao Kai looked brand new.
Seeing that they were asking Ma about something, Chen Zhenzhu entered the police station and greeted them: "Auntie, Grandma Wu, what brings you here? Are you waiting for Uncle Wu to get off work?"
When Li Ying saw Shen Zhenzhu coming over, she couldn't hide her joy and gestured towards Xiao Kai, saying, "We came to inquire about the adoption procedures."
Shen Zhenzhu was taken aback. Seeing Xiao Kai standing there shyly, she felt a chill. She nodded slightly and looked at Ma Suo.
Ma continued the previous topic: "The Adoption Law has just been implemented, and the adoption procedures are still being standardized. Currently, there are still some areas where de facto adoptions have not been registered. According to the Adoption Law, your conditions do not meet the requirements of 'under 14 years old' and 'no children'."
Xiao Kai lowered his head, looking aggrieved, and said, "I'm about to participate in the provincial Olympiad, and I need a guardian to accompany me."
"Wow, I didn't realize this young man was so talented."
Grandma Wu said with pride, "His grades are exceptionally good, he's first in the whole grade, and he even won a provincial award last year."
Ma nodded and said, "Brother Wu told me about his situation. You don't need to worry. The law also stipulates that conditions can be relaxed in special circumstances. It's a pity that the household registration office is not open today. I'll ask for you later."
Seeing a fleeting hint of smugness on Xiao Kai's face, Shen Zhenzhu inexplicably interjected, "If things get difficult here, I have another idea. Contact the competition organizing committee and have the public security department issue a certificate of loss of guardianship. A school teacher can then accompany him as a temporary guardian during the competition."
She had seen contestants do this in competitions before, and these competitions were all pretty much the same: "Anyway, it's about selecting talent, not guardians, right?"
Li Ying was overjoyed: "It would be great if you could really help me get the certificate, then I wouldn't be in such a hurry to adopt. Xiao Kai told me about it yesterday and it really worried me. I can't let the child's life be ruined because he doesn't have a guardian."
Shen Zhenzhu didn't look at Xiao Kai, but smiled slightly and said to Li Ying, "I'll inquire about it for you later." As she spoke, she looked down at the large bags they were carrying and casually asked, "You bought so many clothes? Do you want me to take them back for you?"
Grandma Wu patted Xiao Kai, whose expression was stiff, and said, "He doesn't have many clothes, so I bought him three sets of clothes, including two cotton-padded jackets."
Xiao Kai said stiffly, "The teacher said I should dress presentably when I go out for the competition... I wasted money."
Li Ying laughed and said, "You don't want designer brands, you only buy affordable clothes. It looks like you have a lot, but you didn't actually spend much. Unlike Xiao Chuan, who is very picky about shoes."
Chen Zhenzhu asked naturally, "What did you buy for Xiaochuan?"
Li Ying and Grandma Wu were taken aback. They looked down and rummaged through the items. Li Ying belatedly realized and said, "Look at my memory, I forgot to buy it for my son."
Grandma Wu said, "He has so many clothes, he has enough old ones. He can just buy a nice new outfit for the New Year."
Li Ying glanced at the time and said, "I'll leave Section Chief Shen's matter to you. Thank you on behalf of my child."
"You're welcome, I'll be going now." Shen Zhenzhu said goodbye to them and waved to Ma Suo: "Don't rush, I'll be here."
Ma frowned slightly, but quickly regained his composure, nodded, and said, "Understood. Take care."
Shen Zhenzhu's smiling face instantly crumbled as she stepped out of the police station. Behind her, Xiao Kai's gaze turned icy.
Seeing the boy hiding in the corner, Shen Zhenzhu forced a smile again: "Hey, I saw you. Your mother will be out soon."
Xiao Chuan was wearing a thin black cotton-padded jacket, the hood of which was filthy from somewhere, and the cuffs were torn, revealing the white cotton inside. He looked disheveled and pitiful, more like an orphan without anyone to take care of him than Xiao Kai.
"Hurry up, are you going to get milk tea or not?" Xiao Chuan kept glancing at the police station, worried that they would catch him red-handed.
Shen Zhenzhu said in a pretentious tone, "I'll go if we have something to talk about, and I won't go if we don't."
"Let's talk. I'll tell you everything I know." Xiao Chuan was extremely anxious, fearing that he would have a half-brother who would replace him and disappear.
“I’ll ride my motorcycle, you wait for me over there.” Chen Zhenzhu revealed her dimples and said, “I told you you’d take the bait.”
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Author's Note: Pearl Shaking Little Hammer: Does your classmate have the power of my punch?
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See you tomorrow, there will be a red envelope.
***The following contains spoilers, proceed with caution***
Let's talk about it:
Originally, this case was to be adapted from the case of three junior high school students and twelve (yes, not twelve years old) minors in Handan who took turns sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl... but I really couldn't bear to describe the victim who was harmed and tortured by minors again. After many revisions, it was completely unrecognizable. I could only describe it in a different way, without face-to-face physical violence.
By now, you should be able to guess who the murderer is, right?
(Don't read on if you don't guess what's coming next!)
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Writing this case was very painful and agonizing for me. Like you all, I felt both sympathy and hatred for Xiao Kai (I felt pure hatred for the two real-life cases mentioned above). Perhaps deep down, I didn't want minors to be tainted by darkness.
However, with the juvenile crime rate rising in real life, let's work together to successfully complete this case, so that the wronged souls of the victims will no longer weep, and so that the perpetrators who use their minor status as a shield will learn from this and be brought to justice as soon as possible.
May pure flowers bloom from the soil of kindness. [Hands clasped in prayer][Hands clasped in prayer][Hands clasped in prayer]
An extra 3,000 words to speed things up! Go, Section Chief Shen!!! [Exaggerated compliments][Exaggerated compliments][Exaggerated compliments]
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