Chapter 112 Friends: Be the Best Comrades-in-Arms
In August 1996, it was the height of summer.
Although Kyoto is in the north, its summers are no different from those of Yancheng—just as hot. The air is thick with the sticky smell of melted asphalt, and every breath feels like your lungs are burning.
Jiang Ling closed her thick notebook, "A Study on the Development Trajectory of a Criminal Career," and rubbed her throbbing temples. Outside the window, the plane trees at Huaxia Public Security University were lush and green, and cicadas chirped incessantly.
A year of full-time study took her from the fast-paced, bloody, and urgent work on the front lines of criminal investigation in Yancheng City to the tranquility of her school life.
Although Jiang Ling had learned a lot of theoretical knowledge on her own in her previous life, it lacked a systematic approach. Those once vague intuitions and unspeakable confusions during case handling gradually took on clear outlines and names under Professor Ying Xuanji's theoretical guidance.
Professor Ying Xuanji not only ignited her unwavering belief in crime prevention, but also, like a wise person with insight into the world, quietly smoothed out a ripple in her life.
Just yesterday, Ying Songmao, who had been in communication with her, arrived at the school after a long journey.
They sat in a quiet café next to the campus.
The café was decorated in a very charming style, with soft background music playing. If you listened carefully, you would hear a song sung by Paula Tsui, which was deep and melodious.
I want to secretly peek at him.
Pretend to admire a vase of flowers
I can only peek at him secretly.
It's like browsing a painting.
Ying Songmao looked at Jiang Ling, who was wearing a plain-colored dress, and his eyes shone brightly. Jiang Ling rarely showed such femininity; she was pure and beautiful.
However, thinking about what he was about to say, the light in Ying Songmao's eyes dimmed.
The singing from the coffee shop reached his ears, and Ying Songmao felt a pang of sadness in his heart—perhaps he wasn't brave enough, or perhaps he had too many concerns; it was clearly the girl he loved, but he never dared to confess his feelings.
At this moment, Jiang Ling, sitting opposite Ying Songmao, felt a lot of pressure.
She admitted that she had a bit of admiration, a bit of pity, and a bit of trust in Songmao, but really, that was all, no more.
However, Ying Songmao's feelings seemed to be much more intense than she had anticipated.
He even secretly wrote a letter of recommendation to their advisor, speaking well of her. Although the letter had little effect on the aloof and indifferent Ying Xuanji, Jiang Ling was still grateful for Ying Songmao's kindness.
Now that Ying Songmao has come to Kyoto from Yuezhou and asked her out for coffee, Jiang Ling doesn't know what he'll say, so she can only remain silent and try to be quick-witted.
“Jiang Ling.” Ying Songmao finally spoke, his voice a little hoarse: “I can see that the theories and ideas you mentioned in your letter have become ingrained in you, and you will never give them up, just like… I can’t live without my anti-drug work.”
He paused, a somewhat helpless yet relieved smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "A while ago, my aunt called me and said a lot. About our relationship..."
Jiang Ling was stunned for a moment.
Why would Professor Ying Xuanji be concerned about my relationship with Ying Songmao? I don't think I mentioned these things to my mentor. Where did she get this information from?
Despite having lived through a lifetime, Jiang Ling's emotional world has always been a blank.
When Ying Songmao suddenly mentioned "our relationship" so clearly, Jiang Ling's heart started racing, her hands clenched into fists, and her breathing became rapid.
Seeing Jiang Ling's reaction, Ying Songmao couldn't help but smile wryly.
She was clearly nervous, not shy. What had made him so insistent on believing that Jiang Ling had feelings for him before?
Just because she asked him for help? Just because she helped her sister? Just because she said "take care" when he joined the anti-drug squad?
Remembering what his aunt had told him, Ying Songmao's impulsive mind suddenly cleared up.
He saw through Jiang Ling's feelings and realized that the "love" he had once taken for granted was not what Jiang Ling needed.
There's a saying: "Letting go is also a form of love."
At that moment, Ying Songmao understood completely and felt deeply empathetic.
“My aunt said that we are too similar. We are both career-oriented and have clear goals. It’s like two running trains. If we try to merge, we will only crash and break apart. We are reluctant to give up the scenery on the track, and we would never give up the ideals we are pursuing.”
“I think my aunt is right, we are better suited to be friends than lovers.”
In fact, Ying Xuanji said much more than that.
Ying Xuanji knew her nephew well and greatly admired her disciple Jiang Ling. She said to Ying Songmao, "I know you have a good education, a stable job, and a strong sense of career. You are very outstanding. But like ordinary men, when you reach a certain age, you want to settle down, find a virtuous wife to manage the household, and have children."
Ying Songmao tried to defend himself: "Aunt, that's not how it is. I know Jiang Ling is very career-oriented. I admire her dedication and enthusiasm for her work, and I am impressed by her outstanding abilities. I have future plans. We work in the same system, so we can understand each other's work. I am also willing to take on housework and be her stable support."
Ying Xuanji was always sharp-tongued, and she didn't hold back even when it came to her beloved nephew: "That's what you think now, but it will change in the future. Maybe you still feel like you've made a sacrifice for Jiang Ling, and that you're very noble, just like when you wrote me the recommendation letter last time. It seems like you're thinking of Jiang Ling, but actually she doesn't need it!"
When the letter was mentioned, Ying Songmao blushed slightly and stammered without saying a word.
Ying Xuanji said, "Jiang Ling is so outstanding. She has a good family background, excellent learning ability, and a supportive workplace. It wouldn't be difficult for her to pass the entrance exam for a part-time postgraduate program on her own. Your letter of recommendation was completely unnecessary. I guess you felt that if she passed the entrance exam for my postgraduate program, your relationship with her would become closer, and you couldn't suppress your joy, so you wrote to me, right? Are you doing this for her or for yourself? Ask your own heart."
Ying Songmao felt a cold sweat trickle down his back, and after a long while, he remembered to apologize: "I'm sorry..."
Ying Xuanji interrupted his apology: "You don't need to apologize to me. Haven't you reflected on this incident? Jiang Ling's growth doesn't require your so-called sacrifices. She has her parents, me, and her colleagues; she already has a stable support system."
Ying Songmao was deeply shocked and remained silent.
After all, she was family, so Ying Xuanji softened her tone: "I know you love her and admire her, which is normal. Jiang Ling is worthy of love. You are my nephew, and Jiang Ling is my disciple. You are both outstanding talents in the public security system. If you love each other, I would certainly be happy to see it happen. However, after observing for a year, I regret to inform you that Jiang Ling does not have feelings for you. You are introverted, and Jiang Ling is quiet. It will be difficult for the two of you to spark a flame of love."
"Jiang Ling is still young. She deserves a beautiful and heartwarming love. Love is an irrepressible desire, and your love is just causing her trouble. I know Jiang Ling well. She may seem cold on the outside, but she is warm on the inside. She didn't reject you harshly because it wasn't out of love, but because she genuinely considers you a friend and doesn't want to upset you."
Ying Songmao felt a pang of sadness. After thinking for a long time, he said bitterly, "Aunt, am I really... that bad?"
“It’s not a matter of being good or bad.” Ying Xuanji said frankly, “You and Jiang Ling are not suitable for each other. It’s better for everyone to talk it out sooner rather than later.”
Ying Xuanji's words struck Ying Songmao's heart like a heavy hammer.
He finally began to reflect on whether his love was merely entanglement in Jiang Ling's eyes.
After figuring it out, Ying Songmao flew to Kyoto and, with great difficulty, spoke those words to Jiang Ling face to face.
Upon hearing Ying Songmao's words, the tension that had been building in Jiang Ling's heart suddenly eased.
A warm feeling welled up inside Jiang Ling. Looking at this outstanding comrade-in-arms with whom she had fought side by side and admired each other, she smiled brightly, her smile clear and frank: "Team Leader Ying, thank you, and thank you Professor Ying as well."
Seeing the relieved smile on the face of the man who was deeply in love with the girl, Ying Songmao felt a bitter taste in his mouth, but he did not express his feelings. Instead, he smiled and joked, "Since we are friends, why do you still call me Captain Ying?"
Feeling much more at ease knowing they were just friends, Jiang Ling readily changed her form of address to "Songmao".
After waiting silently behind Jiang Ling for three years, Ying Songmao finally received this warm call. He didn't know whether to be happy or sad. However, he was a man who could let go easily. Since they were friends, he would do his duty.
Ying Songmao said, "Jiang Ling, you are very capable and hardworking. You will definitely achieve great things in the future. If you need anything, feel free to contact me. Please remember, we are friends."
Jiang Ling nodded without hesitation: "No problem. Remember to contact me if you need anything."
After a brief pause, Jiang Ling still expressed his concerns: "The anti-drug cause needs capable technicians like you, but remember, don't rush to the front line. Make good use of your technical advantages, and don't lose sight of the bigger picture."
In his previous life, Ying Songmao sacrificed himself before the millennium. I hope he can heed my advice and not repeat the same mistake.
Ying Songmao sensed Jiang Ling's heartfelt concern: "Don't worry, I recently obtained a new patent for detecting new types of drugs. Drugs are constantly evolving, and the Yuezhou Municipal Bureau's technical capabilities are still insufficient. I have received a transfer order from the Provincial Department's Technical Center to form my own testing team, and I will focus most of my energy on technological research and development."
Jiang Ling finally felt relieved.
Very good. Because of Jiang Ling's intervention, Ying Yuhua did not commit suicide, and the fate of Ying Songmao's parents also changed. In this life, Ying Songmao has the ties of family and will not be as radical as in his previous life.
Ying Songmao has embarked on a different path from his previous life, and he will have a brighter and more splendid future.
Memories of my time with Ying Songmao flashed before my eyes—the tacit understanding, the support, the empathy, and the warm concern. Come to think of it, the first time in my life I'd ever received flowers was from him.
Jiang Ling extended her hand and said, "Then let's continue to work hard in our different positions, be the best comrades-in-arms, and be friends forever."
“Okay!” Ying Songmao reached out and shook her hand.
Two hands clasped together across the table.
The table was covered with a green and white checkered tablecloth, and a bright red rose sat in a small white porcelain vase, looking both elegant and passionate.
The two looked at each other and smiled.
There are no regrets, only heartfelt blessings and a promise to walk side by side.
After resolving this emotional relationship, Jiang Ling devoted all her energy to theoretical studies, absorbing the latest professional knowledge like a sponge.
This focus and tranquility were soon shattered by an urgent task.
An urgent official letter from the Qingyuan City Public Security Bureau in Linjiang Province landed on Professor Ying Xuanji's desk. A particularly heinous gang-related violent crime had recently occurred in Qingyuan City, causing extremely negative consequences. The local investigation had reached a bottleneck, and the bureau urgently needed the support of experts in criminal psychology.
Ying Xuanji decided to bring Jiang Ling along; after a year of study, it was time for her to participate in some practical experience.
Jiang Ling gladly went along. To be honest, after a year of being off work, she really missed the days of solving cases at the Municipal Public Security Bureau.
In the conference room of Qingyuan City Public Security Bureau, everyone sat solemnly at the conference table, looking up at the white screen in front of them.
Zhao Gang, the captain of the criminal investigation team, a dark-skinned man in his forties, pointed to the shocking crime scene photos on the projector with a hoarse voice.
"The incident happened five days ago, around 11 p.m., at Baita Park in the city center. Old Zhang, who was on duty at the park management office, heard a commotion and came out to investigate. He was then severely beaten with sticks by a group of masked thugs, suffering a fractured skull and several broken ribs. He is still in the ICU and in critical condition!"
Zhao Gang slammed his fist on the table, making the ashtray jump. "That's not all! The iconic white marble sculpture 'White Deer Gazing at the Moon' in the park is smashed to pieces. These bastards also sprayed filth and random symbols all over the benches, pavilions, and even the base of the white pagoda with red paint. The whole park looks like it's been ransacked by bandits!"
As Zhao Gang spoke, photos from the scene scrolled across the screen in a slideshow format.
Broken and scattered fragments of white marble, glaring scarlet graffiti, sticks scattered on the ground stained with mud and what appeared to be blood, deep dents on the pavilion pillars, and a heartbreaking drag mark left by Old Zhang's struggle on the ground, along with a large pool of dark brown congealed matter.
The graffiti was covered with crooked handwriting that read "Fuck!", "Garbage world!", and "Get lost, you rotten bitch!"
"In this sweltering heat, why are you wearing a mask?" Professor Ying Xuanji's calm voice broke the oppressive atmosphere as her sharp gaze swept over each photograph.
Zhao Gang's tone was disdainful: "Yes! Just like in Hong Kong and Taiwan TV dramas, they all wear those black stockings, only showing their eyes!"
Ying Xuanji asked again, "Is it an organization?"
Zhao Gang affirmed, "Judging from the methods used, the crimes were highly destructive, reckless, and brutal, like something an organized group of thugs would do! We initially focused our investigation on the 'Iron Head Gang' in the east of the city, as well as several petty thugs with prior convictions who frequented the park area. But these people either had clear alibis or their modus operandi didn't fit—they were after money, and wouldn't do something so purely destructive and dangerous that they even injured the gatekeeper; the risk was too high."
A buzzing sound filled the conference room.
The investigation has reached a stalemate.
If it's not one of those well-known gangs, then who could it be?
The mask signifies a concealed identity; the motive is not financial gain, making the profiling difficult; and the brutal methods indicate a significant potential threat.
Jiang Ling stared intently at the photo, her heart pounding.
The scene was filled with primal destructive urges and a distorted sense of catharsis, subtly echoing many of the cases of youth violence she analyzed in her classes.
However, Captain Zhao and his team's judgment was also based on experience—usually, this scale of malicious destruction and injury is indeed more like the work of adult thugs.
Professor Ying Xuanji continued calmly with her question: "Was any other special physical evidence found at the scene?"
The head of the technical squadron stood up: "The sticks and spray paint cans are cheap, common items on the market, making it difficult to trace their origin. However, near the smashed stone sculpture, we found several pieces of torn colored stickers, like fragments of cartoon stickers or some kind of logo. Also, under a bench sprayed with red paint, we found a flattened, very ordinary plastic lighter with a raccoon pattern printed on it, like the kind sold in convenience stores."
He paused, then pointed to several photos: "In addition, there are several spray-painted patterns with very childish lines, like a child's scribbles, and the spray height is generally too low."
"The paint is too low? Childish graffiti?" Professor Ying Xuanji's eyes instantly became focused, and she gestured for the technician to zoom in on close-up photos of the paint and sticker fragments.
Jiang Ling's heart also jumped.
These details point to a certain possibility.
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