Chapter 46: Little Thoughts Seen Through
After the meeting, Ji Feng remained alone in the conference room, needing a moment of peace and quiet. As soon as he closed his eyes, a thought suddenly popped into his mind—the day after tomorrow was the weekend! He had to immediately begin planning a celebratory banquet for President Lu.
Seeing that it wasn't too late, he sent a WeChat invitation to Dean Lu. After sending it, he breathed a sigh of relief and waited for Dean Lu's reply.
With a ding, Dean Lu replied instantly: "Thank you, that's not right. Congratulations when the truth comes out." Ji Feng was somewhat prepared for Dean Lu's response. After all these years, he knew his old boss's temperament well. He was a man of strong principles and a calm and cautious approach. It was precisely these qualities that had led him to his current success.
He opened Hua Ailing's WeChat and read, "President Lu is currently unavailable. We'll discuss the celebration another day."
"As expected." Hua Ailing replied to WeChat quickly. Ji Feng then understood why Hua Ailing did not reply when they communicated about this matter on WeChat last time.
I can only say that I was too excited at that time.
"The provincial police dog base has contacted me and is preparing to sniff the source." Out of courtesy, Ji Feng felt that he should tell Hua Ailing about the progress of the matter.
"I'm afraid you have overlooked a detail." Hua Ailing said.
"I'd like to hear more about it."
"At the last class reunion, Zhao Ran said that Xiangdong packed all of Chen Zhou's belongings into a package and sent it to Chen Zhou's parents in Yishijiang through a courier. Do you remember this?"
"I think I said something, but I can't remember clearly. Then what?"
"Don't you think the remains of the sunken ship are an important clue to the case?"
"Yeah! That's right! Was he drunk at the time?" Ji Feng's eyes widened suddenly, and he slapped his head. How could he have overlooked such important information? Without caring about being upset, he quickly replied: "You really woke me up. You are so thoughtful and always provide timely help at the critical moment!"
"You may be too tired." Hua Ailing said.
"Just now in the meeting, I was still reflecting on my lack of sensitivity, and it seems that this is indeed the case." Ji Feng
"I just remembered it too. Go ahead and get busy. Bye."
Hua Ailing's continuous help left Ji Feng with mixed feelings. He couldn't guess what Hua Ailing was thinking. Perhaps, there was no need to guess.
Without giving it much thought, the most urgent thing was to see Lu Chenzhou's remains as soon as possible. After thinking for a moment, he checked the time and saw that it was already after dinner, so he immediately called Jiang Bo.
After listening to Ji Feng's account, Jiang Bo also believed that Lu Chenzhou's remains were crucial and needed to be retrieved as soon as possible. After discussing it, the two decided to have Xin Xiao travel to southern Jiangsu first, gain Lu Chenzhou's parents' understanding, and then fly directly to Yishijiang to search for the remains. To increase the chances of success, Ji Feng enlisted the help of Yong Xiangdong, who would accompany Xin Xiao on the trip. A police officer and a close friend of Lu Chenzhou's, both classmates, this combination of identities should garner the trust of the two elders. Jiang Bo, impressed by Ji Feng's thorough and detailed plan, immediately agreed, and specifically stated that the detachment would cover all expenses for the four-person trip.
After finalizing the plan, Ji Feng immediately called Xin Xiao to inform him. Xin Xiao was on his way to collect the Thuja arborvitae scent source when he answered the phone. After hearing Ji Feng's instructions, this honest and straightforward Jiaolang man once again demonstrated his innate loyalty and commitment. He accepted the task without hesitation and promised to contact Yong Xiangdong immediately.
A short while later, Xin Xiao sent a message on WeChat, saying that he and Yong Xiangdong were communicating smoothly, and Yong Xiangdong happened to be on a business trip in southern Jiangsu Province. After the two reconciled in the capital of southern Jiangsu, they went to visit the two elderly people together.
He instructed Xin Xiao to deliver the olfactory source sample to Gu Junping early in the morning, and then immediately set off for southern Jiangsu to report progress at any time.
At this time, the clock hands had quietly pointed to ten o'clock in the evening.
Another busy day passed, and after counting on my fingers, there were only ten days left before the deadline of the bet.
As a ray of morning glow re-illuminated the earth, the tenth day before last officially began with a morning run at Jifeng.
Like everyone else, Jiang Bo truly felt the profound transformation Ji Feng had undergone since returning from Yishijiang. Ji Feng, too, saw in Jiang Bo's approving eyes the affirmation and appreciation he felt for himself, Xin Xiao, and Yong Xiangdong. He once again emphasized his commitment to covering all expenses for Yong Xiangdong and Lu Chenzhou's parents' trip.
A week had passed, and Jifeng, who counted the days on his fingers, was practically despairing. He was convinced that solving the case on schedule was hopeless. A wave of weakness washed over him, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
Just as he was feeling depressed, Xin Xiao called and told him that he had handed the source of the Thuja arborvitae to Gu Junping and told him not to worry. He immediately rushed to the train station and caught the earliest train, heading straight to Sunan Province to meet Yong Xiangdong.
After hanging up the phone, Ji Feng deeply felt Jiang Bo's praise for the three of them. He was deeply moved by Xin Xiao's dedication, kindness, and unconditional obedience. How lucky he was to have such a partner.
Ji Feng knew that today was Dean Lu's last day at the police academy, and he would report to the provincial government the following Monday. Right now, the academy was probably holding a farewell party for Dean Lu. Thinking about the progress of the case, he couldn't help but feel anxious. If Dean Lu hadn't been promoted, the worst that could happen was that he would have just conceded defeat. But if he couldn't solve the case on time, he didn't know how others would view him. A year ago, he might not have cared about others' opinions, but now, after his transformation, he didn't want to be seen as an opportunist. If that happened, he would have no way to defend himself.
Furthermore, the gambling agreement he had made with Hua Ailing had already spread like wildfire among his classmates. He knew what it would mean if he couldn't fulfill his promise. Sigh...
Pressure follows us everywhere, but time flies by...
When I received the news that Xin Xiao had met up with Yong Xiangdong again, it was almost time to get off work.
Hoping to find a breakthrough clue among Lu Chenzhou's relics was Ji Feng's last straw. Every ring of his phone stimulated his sensitive nerves.
He clicked on President Lu's WeChat and wrote: "Team Leader Lu, you are the most popular choice, thanks to your years of outstanding leadership and hard work. This new position, new starting point, new challenges, and new achievements will once again demonstrate your wisdom and foresight! I wish you will lead your new team to take the lead in the new journey and create more glories!"
Just as his fingertip was hovering over the send button, Xin Xiao's WeChat message finally popped up: "I've contacted Chen Zhou's parents and will visit them tomorrow morning!"
After tossing and turning all night, a new day full of hope finally arrived.
The early summer dawn bathed the beach, and the sea breeze, carrying a refreshing, salty, and refreshing flavor, invigorated his soul. After his morning run, he breathed heavily, as if trying to expel all the pent-up emotions in his chest. The refreshing feeling brought by the sweat washed away his inner depression. The explosive 100-meter sprint, after building up momentum, was like the surging power of the pink McLaren, fiercely releasing the repression of the past few days. At that moment, a light suddenly flashed in his heart: "Confidence is more valuable than gold! I must remain steady. I must believe that a turning point is just around the corner—it's not far away! Persevere!"
The power of thought, like an invisible wind, quietly propels the course of all things. As Jifeng enjoyed his weekend breakfast in the sunshine, the wheel of fate, driven by the magical power of thought, quietly changed its trajectory.
This time, the caller wasn't Xin Xiao, but Yong Xiangdong. Yong Xiangdong sounded cheerful, half-jokingly promising to complete the mission Captain Ji had assigned him. He then politely offered to cover all the costs of the trip, saying Xin Xiao was busy booking a flight on his phone for a direct flight to Ishjiang the next day.
"Did Chen Zhou's parents agree to go together?" Ji Feng asked hurriedly.
"Ji Feng, you are smart. It would be a pity if you didn't do business. I'm afraid you have already thought of taking advantage of the trust the two elders have in me and letting Xin Xiao and I go to Yishijiang alone to look for the relics." After saying that, he laughed heartily.
Indeed. Ji Feng hadn't made this clear when he and Jiang Bo discussed the plan last night. He knew the two elders were old and couldn't handle the journey, so they would most likely let Xin Xiao and Yong Xiangdong go to Yishijiang alone. If the two elders weren't familiar with Xin Xiao, they trusted Yong Xiangdong immensely. Their natural trust in the police profession, coupled with their classmates with Lu Chenzhou, meant they felt completely at ease handing them the keys to their home.
Ji Feng hadn't expected that his hidden secret would be exposed so quickly by Yong Xiangdong. He also laughed out loud, "Xiangdong, you hit the nail on the head! You saw through it so quickly. You're the same. You're wasting your talent by not being a criminal police officer!"
"Let's stop flattering each other. I have to say your plan is absolutely perfect. It rationally utilizes the unique advantages of Xin Xiao and I, and we are a duo. There are several necessary factors here, and none of them can be missing. I admire you!"
"You are the most crucial factor in this. Are the two elders in good health?"
"It's okay. After all, the climate in my hometown is much more comfortable than in Yishijiang. I'll give my regards to the two elders on your behalf."
"Thank you, old classmates, for your unwavering support at this crucial moment! When you, the best duo, return triumphantly, I'll host a welcoming reception for you."
After hanging up the phone, Jifeng felt even more relaxed. The sky was a clear blue, the grass was lush and green, a gentle breeze caressed his face, and the sun shone warmly on his body. The boundless sea in the distance seemed to broaden his mind as well.
He walked briskly, humming a little tune as he sent a WeChat message to Jiang Bo to report on his progress. Jiang Bo seemed to have realized Ji Feng's careful planning and replied with a single word: "Brilliant!"
If it weren't for Xin Xiao's WeChat message on Sunday night, he could have had a relaxing and enjoyable weekend. Of course, his mood wasn't too bad, after all, the psychological preparation he had put in early Saturday morning was still taking effect.
Xin Xiao told him on WeChat that the plane could have stopped in Qingning for an hour before taking off again, but due to air traffic control, the time of the next take-off could not be determined. He and Yong Xiangdong had been waiting at the airport for two hours.
In such a situation, no one can do anything.
He replied: "Since we are here, we should make the best of it."
Xin Xiao seemed unwilling to give up and was determined not to let him have this happy weekend.
"Just now on the plane, I was chatting with the passenger next to me. He said that it's peak tourist season in Ishijiang, and there are so many tourists. The road to Kuzhaolan is jammed every day, and it can last for most of the day. Alas, I really have no other choice but to pray."
"After arriving at Kakeshiku, if you have any difficulties, you can contact my student Maitiwuzi, whom you met last time. Ask him to help you think of a solution. I will call him right away." If there was no other way, Jifeng was reluctant to cause trouble for his students.
After the call was connected, Maitiwuzi remained enthusiastic. But he couldn't do anything about the traffic jam. There was only one road leading to Kuzhaolan, and if there was a traffic jam, there was nothing he could do. As Xin Xiao had said, there was nothing he could do except pray.
Ji Feng thanked Mai Ti Wu Zi and hung up the phone helplessly. That was it. He didn't plan to tell Xin Xiao the bad news, hoping that Xin Xiao's prayers would move God.
When he was awakened by the WeChat notification sound, he checked the time. The glaring screen showed 12:30 a.m. The plane finally took off again and headed straight for Kakeshiku.
At this point, they had waited at the airport for 7 hours. Fortunately, Qingning was not far from Kakeshiku.
He saw Xin Xiao's WeChat message again. It was his alarm clock that woke him up for his morning run. They had already arrived in Kakeshiku, rented a car at the airport, and were on the road to Kuzhaolan.
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