Chapter 12 The Missing Bicycle Bell: Files from the Women's Prison
The Qian Darong case has finally come to an end, but its impact is still quite significant.
Because the case involved sexual offenses against minors, the Yancheng Public Security Bureau attached great importance to it, as evidenced by the fact that the bureau sent Ying Songmao, the head of the physical evidence section, to court. The court specifically organized a juvenile court, which served as a pilot program and attracted many colleagues from other cities in Hunan Province to observe and learn from it.
Reporters arrived on the scene, and the local evening newspaper published a front-page report titled "Educational Reflections Triggered by a Heinous Campus Case—The Pain of Lack of Family Guardianship Behind Sexual Offenses Against Minors."
The opening paragraph immediately sparked a major investigation into the textile factory, demanding a thorough overhaul of lifestyles and a commitment to integrity and public service.
"Yesterday afternoon, the Juvenile Court of Yanshi People's Court delivered its first-instance verdict in the vicious home invasion case at a textile factory's affiliated middle school. The 15-year-old defendant, Qian, was sentenced to two years of reformatory education, and his father, Qian Moujun (deputy director of Yanshi Textile Factory), was ordered to publish an apology in the Yanshi Evening News. This case exposed deep-seated social problems such as a serious lack of family education and a lag in sex education for adolescents, sparking heated discussions across all sectors of society."
Because of the high level of attention it received, the Jinwu Road Police Station, which was at the center of public opinion, decided to organize a review meeting.
Morning light streamed through the iron-barred windows of the police station's meeting room, casting dappled shadows on the mottled walls.
Jiang Ling walked into the largest office on the east side of the second floor with a booklet in her hand. She glanced at the clock on the wall of the conference room and saw that there were still ten minutes before the meeting started. She was considered early.
Li Zhenliang followed closely behind, raising an eyebrow excitedly: "Xiao Jiang, I heard the bureau is sending someone over today. We've done a great job, right? Will we get a reward?"
Jiang Ling chose a seat facing the door, in the far corner, and sat down: "Yes."
The Qian Darong case involves juvenile sexual offenses and family education issues, and has a significant social impact. Jiang Ling was aware that, according to the police reward system of the 1990s, there would typically be collective and individual commendations.
Li Zhenliang sat down next to her and put his notebook on the table: "That's great. I've been in the office for so long, and this is the first time I've received an award from the bureau leaders."
In her past life, Jiang Ling only wanted to do what she loved in her own little corner of the world, and she didn't care about honors, treatment, or positions at all. After being reborn, Jiang Ling remained the same, replying with just one word: "Oh."
Seeing that she wasn't enthusiastic, Li Zhenliang could only talk to himself: "You know, even when reporters come to interview you, you won't step forward. Old Wei gets all the limelight."
"You brat, talking bad about me again?" Wei Changfeng walked in carrying an enamel mug with the five large characters "Serve the People" printed on it. The bottom of the mug was covered with a thick layer of tea leaves, with only a few leaves swirling on the surface.
Li Zhenliang quickly stood up, chuckled, but offered no explanation.
Wei Changfeng glared at him: "You still have the nerve to say I stole the spotlight? Isn't that because none of you are willing to show your faces?"
As they were talking, Liu Haoran and Zhou Wei from the case team also entered the conference room. Wei Changfeng immediately pointed at the two and began to lecture them: "From now on, when it comes to dealing with the media, it has to be you young people. The TV station is about to come and interview us. My face is too old, not as good-looking as yours."
Liu Haoran laughed and waved his hand, "No, no, no, my face is too big to photograph, I'm not going."
Zhou Wei hurriedly declined, saying, "I'm not going either! I'm bad with words, and I sweat when I see a microphone."
"It's quite lively here." Director Yao Hongyun walked in carrying an old enamel mug.
Yao Suo was promoted from a grassroots police officer. He was approachable and kind, and he loved to drink tea, always brewing it until it was as black as ink, saying that it would help him stay alert. His enamel mug was obviously very old; the enamel on the edge of the mug had long since peeled off, revealing the dark red metal underneath.
Wei Changfeng stepped forward and said, "Director Yao, we are discussing who should be responsible for handling such matters in the future."
Yao Hongyun glanced at his soldiers and smiled slightly: "Let Xiao Jiang go. She's young and has a good image. Although she doesn't talk much, every word she says is to the point."
With a single sentence, the outcome was decided, and everyone burst into laughter.
Liu Haoran and Zhou Wei both breathed a sigh of relief: "Great, great, Xiao Jiang has the best image in our department, she'll definitely be fine."
Li Zhenliang couldn't hide his excitement: "Xiao Jiang, you have a formal education in criminal psychology, so you can use criminal psychology terminology with ease. You'll definitely impress those reporters."
Wei Changfeng joked, "Don't be afraid of saying the wrong thing, because Yao will be the one to take responsibility in the end anyway."
Jiang Ling never expected to be so popular at the police station in this life, so she could only stand up and say, "Yes!"
The meeting room was filled with a harmonious atmosphere.
The atmosphere gradually became serious as the bureau leaders entered.
The delegation from Yancheng Public Security Bureau this time included Zhong Juncai, the deputy director in charge of criminal investigation; Ying Songmao, the deputy captain of the technical team; and Chen Xin, an officer from the publicity department. As soon as the three entered the office, everyone stood up and applauded.
Zhong Juncai, befitting his leadership position, spoke in an inspiring manner: "The successful resolution of this case fully demonstrates the profound understanding of the 'education and rehabilitation' policy among grassroots police officers, and has paved a completely new path for crime prevention. In particular, Comrade Jiang Ling's innovative application of criminal psychological assessment techniques has provided new insights for handling juvenile cases in the future, and deserves commendation!"
The people below applauded enthusiastically.
Although the praise was directed at Jiang Ling, her teammates Li Zhenliang, Wei Changfeng, and others were even happier than she was, and quietly gave Jiang Ling a thumbs up.
Ying Songmao sat next to the political commissar, his gaze fixed on Jiang Ling, who was sitting upright.
Sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a soft golden glow on Jiang Ling's slender shoulders and back, adding a touch of mystery to her delicate features.
As soon as she submitted her "Criminal Psychological Assessment File" written in her notebook, it immediately became a model for the bureau's technical team. How could someone so skilled in applying criminal psychological assessment techniques be a newcomer?
Next came the award ceremony, which excited all members of the police station's case team.
The police station was awarded a collective third-class merit, a banner was presented to them, and all personnel involved in the case received a bonus of 300 yuan.
Jiang Ling was awarded a third-class merit and a Hero 100 gold pen as a reward.
Li Zhenliang was awarded the title of "Advanced Worker" and received a thermos as a reward.
Wei Changfeng received a special contribution award and was awarded an acrylic paperweight.
Looking at the words "Twenty Years of Police Service" engraved on the paperweight, Wei Changfeng was so happy that tears welled up in his eyes. This year marks his twentieth year of police service, and he never expected that the bureau would still remember him. It really warmed his heart.
Li Zhenliang held a tin thermos with a big "Award" painted on it and grinned like a fool.
The words "Eliminate Evil and Defend Justice" were engraved on the cap of Jiang Ling's gold pen. After seeing these words clearly, Jiang Ling smiled faintly. These words were well engraved. Wasn't the reason Heaven gave her a second chance at life precisely to eliminate evil and defend justice?
The group posed for a group photo behind a red silk banner with gold lettering. The words "Thunderous Strike to Protect Seedlings" on the banner shone brightly in gold, and everyone's face was filled with joyful smiles.
After taking the group photo, the police officers were about to leave when Chief Yao grabbed Ying Songmao: "Captain Ying, we have to thank you for securing the evidence this time. Since you're here, why don't you say a few words? You can also give some guidance to the young people in our station."
Ying Songmao stopped in his tracks, turned around and looked at the five police officers in the case team. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "You did a great job in preserving and sending the evidence for examination in a timely manner."
Wei Changfeng quickly and modestly replied, "This is what we should do."
Ying Songmao turned to Jiang Ling and said, "Your psychological assessment file is very standardized. Our technical team would like to use your record as a new model. Is that alright?"
Jiang Ling nodded: "Okay."
The recording method she uses is based on the continuous innovation and adjustments made by her predecessors, and she hopes to see it promoted and applied.
After saying those two sentences, Ying Songmao didn't know what else to say. After thinking for a moment, he finally said two words: "Keep it up!"
Ying Songmao spoke concisely and clearly, without any embellishment.
Amidst everyone's gratitude, Jiang Ling handed the booklet to Ying Songmao: "Officer Ying, the Qian Darong case made me realize the importance of sex education for teenagers. I'm currently working on a promotional booklet, which isn't finished yet, but I'd like you to take a look. Ideally, the bureau could organize a city-wide campaign to promote sexual safety among teenagers."
Just now, when Director Zhong warmly shook hands with her after she received the award, her brow twitched, and it took her a while to suppress the burning sensation in her palm. Ying Songmao, on the other hand, was reserved and did not take the initiative to shake hands with everyone, so Jiang Ling chose to hand the materials to him instead of directly to Director Zhong.
Ying Songmao reached out and took it, flipped through a few pages, and then handed it to Zhong Juncai: "Director Zhong, please take a look. I think Jiang Ling's suggestion is very good."
The Qian Darong case has sparked heated discussions in society. Zhong Juncai had been thinking about how to expand the publicity, using this case to educate those unqualified parents and remind the ignorant teenagers whose sexual awareness is just beginning to emerge. Jiang Ling's publicity brochure was exactly what he wanted. He took it, flipped through it, and smiled and said, "Great! The bureau fully supports it. Comrade Jiang Ling, please send it to the bureau after you finish it. Then you can coordinate with Xiao Chen."
Ying Songmao was perceptive and could tell that Jiang Ling was a little reserved when interacting with people. After taking the picture book from Director Zhong and placing it on the table, he gestured for Jiang Ling to take it with his eyes and then uttered two words: "Keep it up."
Even after the bureau officials left, the meeting room remained filled with excitement.
Yao Hongyun praised Jiang Ling: "Xiao Jiang, you did a great job this time, you really lived up to expectations! Director Zhong asked you to hurry up and finish drawing that pamphlet on sexual safety education for teenagers, it seems the city is taking it quite seriously."
Liu Haoran was young, and his ears turned slightly red when he heard the word "sex." He raised his hand and scratched his head: "Um... are we really going to promote this kind of education?"
Jiang Ling nodded, calm and composed: "Preventing sexual crimes among teenagers requires raising awareness of sexual safety."
Li Zhenliang, somewhat uncertain, asked Jiang Ling, "Are you really going to promote this?" His fingers unconsciously flipped through Jiang Ling's unfinished brochure. Jiang Ling noticed that his movements were exceptionally gentle, as if he were afraid that touching the lines would burn his fingertips.
Jiang Ling said very seriously: "We not only need to promote it, but we need to promote it vigorously."
After working with Jiang Ling to solve the case, Li Zhenliang was completely convinced of her abilities. She not only predicted Qian Darong's actions based on his behavior and devised a plan to lure him out, but she also personally taught Liang Qiqiao self-defense techniques, enabling her to bravely stand up and fight against Qian Darong. Without Jiang Ling's strategic planning, how could he have received the commendation from the Municipal Public Security Bureau?
Li Zhenliang closed the brochure and almost reverently handed it to Jiang Ling: "Okay, I'll listen to you."
Wei Changfeng still had some reservations, frowning as he said, "Children are more focused on their studies and simpler. Learning too much about these things will only confuse them. I think it's enough for the physiology teacher to talk about it in the classroom. Why bother with all this fuss about sex education?"
Jiang Ling glanced at him: "You didn't say anything when Director Zhong was here just now."
Wei Changfeng felt a little guilty under her gaze: "How could I possibly express a different opinion in front of the bureau chief? I certainly can't embarrass you."
Jiang Ling's attitude was firm: "It must be done in order to prevent sexual crimes."
Sex education in the 1990s was relatively conservative, and schools and families rarely discussed these topics openly. Some girls did not even know about menstrual hygiene and regarded menstruation as "dirty stuff." They did not know what indecent assault or sexual harassment was, and did not know how to effectively protect themselves when they encountered danger while traveling alone. They did not know to seek help from the police station or the Women's Federation when they were assaulted.
In the case of Qian Darong, Liang Qiqiao's self-blame and self-harm after experiencing sexual harassment stemmed from a lack of awareness of sexual safety.
Having been given a second chance at life, Jiang Ling wants to do something for girls.
Wei Changfeng wanted to say something more, but when he met Jiang Ling's slightly rounded almond-shaped eyes, he sighed and said, "Alright, alright. The leader said that this world belongs to you young people. If you want to do it, then do it."
Yao Hongyun, always amiable, appreciated Jiang Ling's persistence and waved with a smile: "Alright, that's enough for today's meeting. It's good that Xiao Jiang is able to actively integrate into the group and try to show herself. You don't need to go on any fieldwork recently, just focus on drawing your brochure."
"Yes!" Jiang Ling replied loudly, holding the brochure.
The case team members returned to the office to continue discussing sexual safety awareness campaigns.
Team leader Wei Changfeng was relatively conservative and felt it was unnecessary, but seeing that Jiang Ling liked to stir things up, he let her be in the spirit of supporting a newcomer.
Li Zhenliang was Jiang Ling's staunch comrade-in-arms, and having a daughter as well, he strongly agreed and patted his chest to guarantee his full support.
Liu Haoran had only been assigned to the police station for three years, wasn't much older than Jiang Ling, had never been in a relationship, and didn't even dare to look at brochures or express his opinions.
Zhou Wei is a retired soldier whose family and children live in the countryside. He has traditional values and felt that what Jiang Ling was doing was meaningless. However, he is a calm and collected person. Seeing that the leaders in the bureau and the director were quite supportive, he only suggested that the education should be separated for boys and girls, and then he didn't say anything more.
The aroma of food from the canteen in the backyard gradually grew stronger. Liu Haoran was the first to jump up and take out an aluminum lunchbox from the drawer: "Let's go, let's stop discussing and eat quickly."
Li Zhenliang sniffed: "Stir-fried pork with chili peppers... and it smells like fried eggs too?"
As Liu Haoran ran, he shouted, "If you're not enthusiastic about eating, there's something wrong with your thinking! Charge!"
Seeing their greedy expressions, Wei Changfeng couldn't help but laugh: "Go, go, you bunch of gluttons!"
Jiang Ling walked at the back with her lunchbox in hand, a slight smile playing on her lips.
Halfway through the meal, the phone in the police station rang, and a moment later someone ran into the cafeteria: "Someone has reported a crime!"
Upon hearing this, Wei Changfeng immediately perked up, put down his lunchbox, and asked, "What case?"
Police officer on duty: "The bicycle bell has been stolen."
Wei Changfeng immediately relaxed: "Hey, I thought it was something serious."
Liu Haoran and Zhou Wei exchanged a glance and shrugged at the same time: "This is the 12th similar report, right? I'm really fed up. Who steals bicycle bells all day long? Those things aren't even worth anything."
Li Zhenliang chimed in, "Yeah, a bicycle bell only costs two and a half yuan to replace at a repair shop, why would you steal that?"
Yao Hongyun's attitude was very serious: "No matter how small the matter is, it is a matter of public interest. Regardless of whether the bell is valuable or not, it is a financial loss. Since someone has reported it, you should go and deal with it as soon as possible."
Wei Changfeng responded, and the police officers in the case team picked up their lunchboxes and ate as they walked.
Jiang Ling didn't move; her expression turned serious.
The words "bicycle bell" triggered her memory, and a complete file from a women's prison came to mind.
Number: NJ-2003-047
Name: Shen Xiaomei (Nickname: Crazy Bell)
Charges: Theft, Intentional Injury
————————
A new case has arrived.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com