Chapter 105 Ying Xuanji: I want to apply to her graduate program
September is the start of the school year.
Liang Jiushan entered high school, Liang Qiqiao went to study at the provincial normal university, and Xiaoyu finished his psychological treatment and went to elementary school with a new schoolbag.
Zhang Minghui's verdict has been handed down. He was convicted of murdering his wife and abusing his children, as well as plagiarism and fraud, which crossed moral boundaries. The court imposed a severe sentence: death penalty, to be carried out immediately.
The technical challenges faced by the Peony Towel Factory were resolved by An Xiaohui's mentor, and the reform proceeded smoothly. The colorful baby-sized towels were an instant hit upon their release, turning the factory from loss to profit, much to the delight of everyone in the factory.
The factory leaders practically worshipped An Xiaohui's mentor, but the mentor was indifferent to fame and fortune, only hoping that the factory would treat Wen Xiufen well so that she could better take care of Xiaoyu. Therefore, Wen Xiufen was promoted to union officer and no longer worked three shifts, which was a pleasant surprise.
October arrived in the blink of an eye.
Autumn has arrived in Yancheng with light and gentle steps.
The plane trees outside the window had shed their lush summer green in just a few days, turning large patches of withered yellow and rusty red. A cold wind swept through, and the withered leaves fluttered down, carpeting the sidewalk, where they rustled softly underfoot.
Jiang Ling sat alone in the somewhat empty office, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the pages of the open book, "Introduction to Criminal Psychology." The rough texture of the paper and the distinctive smell of ink calmed her chaotic thoughts.
More than a year has passed since her rebirth. The faces of criminals, details of crimes, and files of unsolved cases that were branded into her mind in her previous life were once her greatest reliance and her golden finger that made her a god of crime-solving expert.
However, in recent months, she has clearly felt that these memories are fading and dissipating at an irresistible pace. Those once crystal-clear file details are now reduced to blurry outlines and a chilling sense of unease.
This decline in power brought Jiang Ling unprecedented anxiety and a profound sense of powerlessness—she saw the iceberg of evil, but was powerless to stop it from fully surfacing.
Preventing crime is easier said than done.
The phone rang abruptly, breaking the silence in the room.
Jiang Ling picked up the receiver, and her father, Lin Weidong, spoke with concern: "Xiao Ling, your mother said you've been staying up late a lot lately. Is work stressing you a lot?"
"It's alright, there are quite a few cases." Jiang Ling said vaguely, unable to explain the sense of urgency that stemmed from the gradual disappearance of her cheat ability.
Lin Weidong asked gently, "Do you have any thoughts about the future? Tell Dad about it."
Perhaps because they were both criminal investigators, Lin Weidong could sense Jiang Ling's confusion. Back then, he had worked his way up from the local police station to the provincial public security bureau, and then to the Kyoto Public Security Bureau, a journey filled with hardship. If someone had offered him some guidance back then, he might have avoided some of the detours he had taken.
Jiang Ling felt a warmth in her heart and carefully chose her words: "Dad, I've been thinking about a fundamental question lately. We've caught some criminals and solved many cases, but it always seems like we're just 'putting out fires.' Looking at those victims, and those criminals who are ruined by one wrong step... I'm wondering, is it possible to put out the fire before it even starts? Where exactly does the root of crime prevention lie?"
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone. Lin Weidong's voice became more serious, carrying the insight of someone with experience: "Xiao Ling, the fact that you can proactively think about this level shows that you are truly growing and beginning to understand the deeper meaning of police work. Crime prevention is never a solo effort by a single department or individual. It is a huge network that requires the cooperation of all aspects, including social education, family guidance, community care, and improvements in the economic environment. This takes time and requires the progress of the entire society's awareness."
He paused, then changed the subject, his tone full of encouragement and expectation: "However, for you personally, if you want to understand the source of evil more deeply, if you want to take greater initiative in future public security work, and if you want to influence and promote from a higher and more professional level, improving yourself is the only way."
"You've done a great job in accumulating rich experience for frontline criminal investigation. But Xiaoling, times are changing, and public security work is developing rapidly. The country is paying more and more attention to aligning with international standards. In the future, the public security system, especially core positions and leadership, will increasingly need well-rounded talents who possess solid grassroots practical experience, a strong theoretical foundation, a broad international perspective, and expertise in modern criminal investigation techniques. Academic qualifications will be an important stepping stone and a passport to advancement."
"Dad, you mean..." Jiang Ling's heart beat slightly faster.
"Continue your studies!" Lin Weidong said decisively. "Apply for postgraduate studies, learn systematically, and stand on the shoulders of giants. Especially in the field of criminal psychology, which you are interested in, the depth of theoretical research and the grasp of cutting-edge developments will give you insight and persuasiveness far beyond ordinary people in case analysis, suspect profiling, and even the formulation of crime prevention strategies. Your practical experience is a huge advantage, but only by combining it with top-notch theory can you truly achieve unity of knowledge and action and place your crime prevention ideas on a more solid foundation."
“Professor Ying Xuanji! I want to apply for her graduate program.” This name jumped out of Jiang Ling’s mind almost instantly.
Ying Xuanji, a leading figure in the Department of Criminal Psychology at the China Public Security University, has already earned a very high place in Jiang Ling's heart due to her rigorous academic attitude, sharp perspective on crime analysis, and profound insights into the psychodynamics of crime. Her research directions, especially on the formation of criminal personality, early intervention, and analysis of a series of criminal psychological characteristics, almost perfectly match Jiang Ling's current confusion and desire.
Upon hearing Ying Xuanji's name, Lin Weidong's voice revealed obvious satisfaction and praise: "Professor Ying? Excellent. She is undoubtedly the leading figure in criminal psychology in China, and enjoys a high reputation internationally as well. She has unique insights, rigorous scholarship, and extremely high standards. I'm proud of you for having the courage to challenge her standards. Okay, then set your application target as China Public Security University. The national postgraduate entrance examination is in December, time is running out, you must go all out!"
He then changed the subject, reminding his daughter: "However, you can't slack off on your work in the team. You're a key member now, so you need to handle the cases at hand well, and more importantly, you need to consider the handover and succession, so as not to leave any loose ends that people will criticize."
Jiang Ling felt a heavy weight lift from her heart, and the path ahead became clear in an instant, filling her with a long-lost sense of certainty.
“I understand. You’ve met Li Zhenliang in our group. He’s reliable and steady with solid basic skills, but he lacks a sense of the big picture and experience in independent command. I plan to focus on mentoring him and give him more practical experience in analyzing complex cases and coordinating command. When I’m pursuing my master’s degree while working, he should be able to take on the role of group leader.”
"Yes, Li Zhenliang is a good prospect. You have a good eye. Nurture him well." Lin Weidong's voice softened. "That's settled then. Make the most of your time to review. Call home anytime if you need anything."
After hanging up the receiver, the office returned to silence, with only the mournful sound of the wind rustling through the bare branches outside the window.
Jiang Ling leaned back in her chair and let out a long sigh of relief.
The decision to pursue further studies was like a ray of light, dispelling the fog that had permeated the world due to the fading of her "golden touch," and pointing her to a path to climb to the top through her own strength.
The news that Jiang Ling planned to apply for Professor Ying Xuanji's graduate program was like a pebble thrown into calm water, creating ripples in their close-knit circle.
The first to make a fuss was Liang Jiushan.
This energetic young man, who had an almost worshipful attitude towards Jiang Ling, had his eyes light up dramatically the moment he heard the words "Kyoto" and "Police University".
"Sister Ling is going to study in Kyoto?" Liang Jiushan jumped up excitedly. "That's great! I must get into a university in Kyoto too, and then I'll go see her on weekends and be her bodyguard!"
The youthful enthusiasm was boundless, as if Kyoto University were right before their eyes, within easy reach.
The strongest reaction came from Ying Songmao.
Although he was in Yuezhou, he had been corresponding with Jiang Ling and keeping an eye on her. Upon hearing the news, he was stunned for a moment, but after he reacted, an indescribable joy instantly swept over Ying Songmao, and the corners of his mouth uncontrollably turned upwards, almost to his ears.
Jiang Ling is going to study for my aunt's master's degree? That's... wonderful!
He couldn't quite describe the feeling; it was as if, as long as Jiang Ling pursued her aunt's graduate studies, his relationship with Jiang Ling would deepen.
After communicating for so long, Ying Songmao always felt that Jiang Ling respected him more than she was close to him. Now, this news gave Ying Songmao a glimmer of hope: from colleagues to junior sister, they had become closer, hadn't they?
Ying Songmao rubbed his hands and paced back and forth in his office a couple of times, then suddenly stopped, strode back to his seat, opened a drawer, and rummaged for letter paper and a pen. Spreading out the letter paper, which still carried a faint scent of ink, he picked up his pen and began to write, the nib scratching rapidly and forcefully across the paper. His handwriting was more flamboyant than usual, revealing an irrepressible excitement:
Dear Aunt:
Greetings. It's been a long time since we last met, and your nephew, Songmao, misses you dearly. I have some wonderful news to share with you. In the Criminal Investigation Division of the Yancheng City Public Security Bureau, where I used to work, there was a brilliant female detective named Jiang Ling. She was exceptionally capable, meticulous in her thinking, and solved numerous difficult cases. She possessed an astonishing talent and intuition, especially in her insightful analysis of criminal psychology. Her professional competence, integrity, and thirst for knowledge were truly unparalleled in my life!
Your nephew knows that you, Aunt, are eager to recruit talented individuals and are dedicated to promoting the integration of research and practice in criminal psychology in China. Now, Comrade Jiang Ling has decided to apply to be your graduate student, a truly perfect match. I earnestly request that you, Aunt, provide Jiang Ling with much guidance and instruction during his examination and future studies, generously sharing your knowledge and expertise. This would be a boon to the nation's public security cause and an honor for our family. Your nephew eagerly awaits your good news in Yuezhou!
Every word on the letter seemed to dance, its power penetrating the paper.
Ying Songmao read the letter twice, folded it with satisfaction, carefully stuffed it into the envelope, affixed a stamp, and mailed it.
He could almost see Jiang Ling shining brightly under her aunt's tutelage, and him, as her introducer and "one of their own," taking their relationship to the next level. The subtle sense of distance between Jiang Ling and him would gradually dissipate because of his aunt's presence.
Jiang Ling in Yancheng was unaware that Ying Songmao had written this letter.
Time slipped by quietly amidst the intense review sessions and daily case handling.
As the calendar turned to late November, a long-brewing cold front swept through Yancheng like a wild beast unleashed. Temperatures plummeted, and thick, leaden-gray clouds hung low over the city, brewing an unprecedented late autumn downpour.
November 23, late at night.
boom--
A pale, twisted bolt of lightning, resembling a tree root, suddenly tore through the dark, silent night sky north of Yancheng. This was followed by a deafening clap of thunder that seemed to split the heavens and earth apart, and the entire city seemed to tremble in the sound of the thunder.
Almost at the same instant the thunder roared, another, sharper, more piercing, and more penetrating sound tore through the dense rain curtain, approaching from afar and frantically assaulting people's eardrums.
—That's the siren of a fire truck! And there's more than one.
The piercing flute notes intertwined with the raging wind and rain, creating a chilling symphony of death.
Located on the edge of the northern industrial zone, near the old freight railway line, the "Xinglong Building Materials Warehouse" has now been transformed into a raging inferno.
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