Chapter 53 Father: The Lion Protecting His Cubs
Jiang Ling had once imagined what she would say if she met her biological parents.
But now that his father was standing right in front of him, with his calm and composed demeanor, so imposing and awe-inspiring that Jiang Ling suddenly didn't know what to say.
Countless emotions surged within me, yet I could find no outlet to vent them.
A dark light flickered in Jiang Ling's eyes, a mixture of grievance and joy.
Jiang Ling is now standing on the podium, with a large team of criminal police officers waiting for her to analyze the case. She suppresses the urge to walk over, calmly puts down her pointer and chalk, but her eyes remain focused on Lin Weidong.
Lin Weidong was actually a little panicked.
He felt his heart pounding wildly.
He rushed here as soon as possible because he wanted to see his biological daughter, the one who was switched at birth, raised in an orphanage, but who, with her tenacious will, passed the police academy entrance exam and became a police officer.
Lin Weidong saw the hurt in his daughter's eyes.
Yes, after 21 years of separation, my daughter must have felt very wronged.
He didn't know his eldest daughter was still alive. Although he was grieving at the time, his heart was quickly filled with work, family, and his newborn daughter.
But Jiang Ling is different.
She must have lived a strong life on her own until the age of twenty-one. She must have searched for her relatives and experienced the pain of going from longing to disappointment to despair.
Cutting flesh with a dull knife, that's when it really hurts.
Lin Weidong has handled many cases of child abduction.
Children who are abandoned by their parents at a young age cry softly and mournfully because they lack confidence and dare not cry out loud.
Does Jiang Ling feel abandoned by her parents and harbor resentment and hatred?
Lin Weidong knew that he owed Jiang Ling.
From the moment he learned that his eldest daughter was still alive, he felt joy and relief, but also guilt and self-blame.
When he heard that his daughter had followed in his footsteps, donned a police uniform, and become a proud police officer, he felt a surge of pride and honor.
A mix of emotions welled up within Lin Weidong, who was eager to see Jiang Ling.
Ignoring Interpol's attempts to persuade him to stay, Lin Weidong immediately submitted a report and applied to return to China. After a long and arduous journey, he finally made it to meet Jiang Ling, who was giving a lecture at the Municipal Public Security Bureau, today.
The tall, spirited, beautiful, and serene Jiang Ling in front of him is his daughter!
She's really good-looking.
It was much, much better than he had imagined.
The father and daughter met across the podium, their eyes meeting as if a thousand words were flowing between them.
Director Zhong glanced at Lin Weidong, then at Jiang Ling, and said with a smile to Jiang Ling, "Teacher Jiang, did I disturb your class?"
If Lin Weidong hadn't specifically instructed him not to reveal his relationship with Jiang Ling, Director Zhong would have really wanted to ask Jiang Ling: "You met your biological father, were you surprised? Were you pleasantly surprised?"
Although the Yan City Public Security Bureau had put in a lot of effort to help Jiang Ling find her family, the news that Lin Weidong was Jiang Ling's father was only circulating within a small circle, and not many people knew it. Since Lin Weidong had given such a heads-up, Director Zhong naturally wouldn't say anything more.
Before Jiang Ling could speak, Lei Xiao stood up and walked to the door to greet her with a smile: "Director Zhong, your willingness to attend our lecture is a sign of support and recognition for the work of the First Brigade. I am more than happy to do so. I won't disturb you at all."
Lei Xiao looked at Lin Weidong and the handsome young man standing behind him: "Who are these two?"
Director Zhong first introduced Lin Weidong: "Lin Weidong is a criminal investigation portrait expert from the Ministry of Public Security."
He then pointed to the young man standing next to him: "Luo Yunchen."
Lin Weidong added, "My assistant."
After learning the identities of the two men, Lei Xiao turned around and announced loudly to the crowd: "A warm welcome to Officer Lin Weidong, a criminal investigation portrait expert from the Ministry of Public Security, and his assistant Luo Yunchen!"
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
The applause was so loud it seemed to overturn the conference room.
Excitement shone in everyone's eyes.
—Experts from the Ministry of Public Security! These are all big shots that we've only ever seen in newspapers and on television. I never expected to meet them here today.
—A criminal sketch artist! The ability to draw a suspect's portrait with just a paintbrush is something that has always existed only in legends. I never thought I would see a living criminal sketch artist today.
Amidst enthusiastic applause, Lin Weidong slowly walked forward, stepped onto the stage, and stood in front of Jiang Ling.
Fine lines have appeared at the corners of his eyes, but they remain bright and piercing.
Looking up, excited, joyful...
Jiang Ling's heart was filled with surging emotions, and she didn't know what to do with her hands and feet.
Jiang Ling quickly raised his right hand, palm down, wrist straight, arm in a straight line with his body, eyes focused, and gave Lin Weidong a very handsome salute.
Jiang Ling had practiced this move countless times, and she would never make a mistake even in a panic.
Lin Weidong returned the gift solemnly.
His gaze was stern and serious.
Two generations of police officers, in this salute, completed their reunion, which was 21 years overdue.
Lin Weidong wanted to say a few words, but his throat tightened and he couldn't utter a single word.
Finally, he reached out his trembling right hand, placed it on Jiang Ling's left shoulder, and gently patted it.
Jiang Ling hates physical contact, especially with men.
But when Lin Weidong placed his hand on her shoulder, Jiang Ling didn't feel uncomfortable at all.
The warm touch and pressure from her left shoulder caused Jiang Ling's lips to involuntarily curve into a pleasant upward arc.
The person in front of me is my father.
He was someone Jiang Ling had always looked up to.
He personally attended his own lecture and even said he would try to create accurate portraits, which was clearly an attempt to promote himself.
For the first time, Jiang Ling deeply felt the confidence that came from having someone supporting her.
Although she believes in walking her own path and doesn't want to rely on her father for her future, knowing that there will always be someone behind her encouraging and supporting her makes her feel both fresh and happy.
The thought of work calmed Jiang Ling down.
She asked, "You just said you could create accurate portraits?"
Lin Weidong raised his hand, gesturing for Luo Yunchen to take out paper and pen: "I listened outside for a while. Your psychological profile is very good. If it can be combined with the criminal investigation profile, we can find the murderer more accurately."
Jiang Ling's eyes shone brightly: "Good!"
The man in front of me is a criminal investigation portrait expert registered with the Ministry of Public Security. He has drawn thousands of portraits and can accurately grasp every detail.
Jiang Ling has a picture of the murderer in her mind. As long as she can deduce the appearance from the murderer's behavior and personality, she can draw the murderer's appearance on paper!
In this way, the large team no longer needs to conduct arduous investigations; they can simply arrest people based on the map.
The most excited person was Fan Wei.
He jumped up and rushed to the front row, his eyes wide as he watched Luo Yunchen take out a piece of sketch paper, a sharpened charcoal pencil, clip the sketch paper to the drawing board, and then hand it to Lin Weidong.
Lin Weidong remained standing on the podium, showing no intention of sitting down.
Lei Xiao quickly brought over a chair and placed it next to the podium.
Lin Weidong then sat down, placed the drawing board on his lap, and looked up at Jiang Ling: "We can begin now."
Everyone held their breath.
Jiang Ling's clear, melodious voice echoed in the quiet conference room.
Lin Weidong's brushstrokes made a "rustling" sound on the paper, like silkworms nibbling on mulberry leaves, or like fine rain pattering on a windowpane.
Jiang Ling: "The murderer had long been dissatisfied with life, and after being laid off, he developed a hatred for society and killed to vent his anger."
Lin Weidong didn't even look up, continuing her sentence: "Years of clenching your teeth have caused sunken cheek muscles, making your face look like a 'carved' rock from the side. Your face shape is square. Your cheekbones are prominent, and your jaw is square. Long-term tension in your facial muscles has caused your temples to bulge, and when you're excited, your veins bulge like twisted earthworms."
Jiang Ling was pleasantly surprised.
My father is indeed quite capable.
She cheated, having a mental database of criminals, which is why she could describe things so accurately. But the father relied genuinely on experience and ability; the moment the father described the killer's personality, the father was able to translate it into facial features—it was incredible!
Jiang Ling steadied herself and continued, "The murderer had been engaged in manual labor for a long time, so his complexion was dull and his cheeks had textures similar to tea tree bark from long-term sun exposure, making him look older than people of the same age."
Lin Weidong looked up at Jiang Ling, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration.
His daughter is indeed intelligent!
This description of the criminal's appearance is better than that of the apprentices he personally trained.
Encouragement from her father made Jiang Ling's voice a little louder.
"The murderer was paranoid and had obsessive-compulsive disorder. He was a hard worker and liked to keep old objects."
Lin Weidong said, "Paranoid personalities usually have sharp brow peaks, slanted brow tails, and thick brows like a broom."
As he spoke, his hands didn't stop; he continued drawing on the paper.
Lei Xiao and Fan Wei didn't dare to disturb Lin Weidong, but they squeezed next to Luo Yunchen and asked him all sorts of questions in low voices.
"Is everything Officer Lin said true?"
"Your master is that amazing? He can draw whatever he says?"
Luo Yunchen did not reply, but smiled slightly and put a finger to his lips, signaling them to be quiet.
Seeing Luo Yunchen's cautiousness, Lei Xiao and Fan Wei exchanged a secret glance.
Saying a few words won't disturb Lin Weidong's painting. This guy is too timid and boring!
—So stingy, won't even reply to a word, humph!
Luo Yunchen paid no attention to Lei Xiao and Fan Wei's reactions; his gaze remained fixed on Jiang Ling's face.
As Lin Weidong's personal disciple, Luo Yunchen naturally knew that she was his master's biological daughter.
Genetics is truly amazing. Although we haven't seen each other for 21 years, Jiang Ling and Lin Weidong look five or six parts alike.
Especially when he saluted just now, he was momentarily dazed, as if he saw two masters standing on the platform.
Although they are both Lin Weidong's daughters, the eldest and youngest daughters have completely different personalities.
Luo Yunchen had met Lin Nianxiao before; she was charming, cheerful, lively, and agile—completely the opposite of the calm, composed, and steady Jiang Ling before him.
Lin Weidong once lamented that it was a pity Lin Nianxiao didn't want to be a policeman; otherwise, it would have been wonderful if she had followed in her father's footsteps.
Now things are much better; Master has Jiang Ling.
He must have no regrets left, right?
Luo Yunchen had been hesitant about Lin Weidong's suggestion. But after seeing Jiang Ling today, he had made up his mind.
The joint portrait painting project between Jiang Ling and Lin Weidong is still ongoing.
Jiang Ling: "The murderer's eyelids droop, and his pupils involuntarily shrink to pinpoints when he looks at people. This is an over-focusing caused by obsessive-compulsive disorder."
Lin Weidong nodded.
Jiang Ling: "The murderer has a military or sports background. This may be reflected in his physical characteristics as: a rigid hairstyle, neat but worn clothing, and repetitive movement habits."
As Lin Weidong drew, he spoke: "Yes, the deltoid muscles are well-developed. Due to long-term training in carrying guns, the shoulders have become angular. This, combined with the tea factory packer's habit of carrying heavy loads on one shoulder, results in the right shoulder being wider and possibly habitually tilting to the left. The calf muscles are prominent. The muscle memory left over from long-term military training, combined with the tiptoeing and binding movements in the tea factory, creates a compensatory force."
Fan Wei listened intently, then suddenly slapped his thigh: "That's right! Footprints!"
He turned his gaze to Li Zhenliang: "You have photos of the footprints at the scene, right? Release them, release them."
Li Zhenliang and Liu Haoran collaborated to quickly find slides with footprints from the scene and projected them onto a white screen.
Fan Wei pointed to the footprint image and said, "Look! The left heel is abnormally worn, which matches what Officer Lin just said about carrying goods on the right shoulder and habitually leaning to the left. And here, the forefoot is deeper, indicating that the murderer deliberately used the toes to exert force, which is exactly the same as what Officer Lin said about tying the shoes on tiptoe!"
Jiang Ling did not criticize Fan Wei for disturbing her; instead, she nodded at him.
Fan Wei was very excited after receiving affirmation, and pointed to the footprints again, saying, "Teacher Jiang, look, there's a dragging indentation on the inner edge of the left footprint, this..."
Lin Weidong glanced at the picture and continued Fan Wei's question: "Hmm, an old injury to the left knee causes the knee to buckle inward when walking. What do you estimate the killer's height and weight to be?"
While Fan Wei was still recalling, Jiang Ling had already answered: "Weight around 75 kilograms, height around 176 cm."
“No,” Fan Wei said. “Judging from the stride, the murderer was between 178 and 182 centimeters tall.”
Jiang Ling shook her head: "You just said that the murderer has a habit of standing on tiptoe, with his right heel rising 2 centimeters when standing, which would cause his stride to be too long. So, I lowered it a bit based on your deduction."
Lin Weidong said, "Yes, by increasing stride length and gait, one can compensate for insufficient height and develop a giant-like self-perception."
Jiang Ling quickly added, "It's a compensatory psychology."
The father and daughter smiled at each other.
There's a tacit understanding between them, a mutual appreciation.
Time flies.
Jiang Ling said that Lin Weidong was drawing, and the father and daughter talked back and forth, with Fan Wei occasionally providing information. Half an hour later, the portrait of the murderer was completed.
Lin Weidong didn't immediately show it to everyone, but turned to Jiang Ling and asked, "Take a look, is there anything that needs to be changed?"
Jiang Ling walked behind Lin Weidong and leaned down to look.
He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a slightly wider right shoulder and a body leaning to the left. He had a square face, thick lips, a high nose, and scattered eyebrows. His eyes were deep-set, with more white than black in them, and he was slightly squinting, his gaze flashing with a dark and fierce aura.
It really does look like it!
It was almost identical to the photo Jiang Ling had seen in the file.
Only Lin Weidong has the ability to turn psychological profiles into portraits.
Jiang Ling smiled.
She no longer needed to hold back in front of her father.
Her smile was bright and radiant, like the blazing sun in May outside the window.
Jiang Ling said softly, "Dad, you drew very well."
Upon hearing the sound from above his shoulder, Lin Weidong felt a tingling sensation on half of his body.
my daughter!
He finally called me "Dad".
Lin Weidong took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement and joy welling up inside him, picked up the drawing board, turned it around, and faced Fan Wei, Lei Xiao, and the others.
"ah--"
A collective gasp of surprise erupted from the crowd below.
Then came a buzz of discussion.
"It's so vividly drawn!"
"Just like a real person."
"So this is what criminal investigation sketches are? That's amazing."
Suddenly, a detective in the back row stood up, his eyes wide open and his mouth agape, his eyes filled with excitement and agitation.
"I've seen this person before! I've seen him before!"
Upon hearing this, Fan Wei immediately rushed to his side, reached out, and pulled him out from behind his seat: "Look carefully, have you really seen him before?"
The detective didn't mind Fan Wei's rough behavior and went straight to the bottom of the podium, craning his neck to carefully look at the portrait.
Lin Weidong and Jiang Ling waited quietly.
At this moment, Lin Weidong discovered another similarity between himself and his eldest daughter.
Both of them were very patient.
Previously, Lin Weidong had already discovered many similarities between Jiang Ling and Jiang Ling.
—Both of them were very focused and dedicated when working;
Both of them were quite tall and thin;
—Both of them had bright eyes.
I love my daughter more and more every time I look at her.
It was a rare occasion for Lin Weidong to lose focus at work.
He only snapped out of his reverie when the detective looking at the painting shouted loudly.
"It's him! It's him!"
The detective turned to Fan Wei and said, "Old Fan, Xiao Qi and I saw this person when we were investigating. He's divorced and lives alone. He doesn't like to talk to people, walks on tiptoe, and looks honest and unassuming."
"Xiao Qi," whose name he had mentioned, suddenly stood up and exclaimed, "Yes, yes, yes! That's the guy! He lives in a self-built farmhouse at the foot of the mountain. His surname is Zhou, and the neighbors all call him Old Zhou!"
Fan Wei immediately waved his hand: "Then what are we waiting for? Let's arrest them right now!"
Lei Xiao grabbed him: "The arrest needs to be planned. This guy is strong, might have been in the military, and has some counter-surveillance capabilities. What are you panicking about?"
Fan Wei gritted his teeth: "Captain Lei, I can't wait any longer. I've been investigating for two months, and we finally got some news today. How can I hold back?"
Lei Xiao shouted, "You have to endure it, whether you like it or not! We've endured it for two months, can't we endure it for this moment? Get back to your office now and come up with an arrest plan before you take action."
Fan Wei's ears were ringing from Lei Xiao's shout. He rubbed his ears and wilted like a dried-out pickled vegetable, replying listlessly, "Yes."
Lin Weidong looked up and said to Lei Xiao, "Captain Lei, you guys go ahead with your work. Officer Jiang and I will head out first."
Lei Xiao quickly stepped forward and shook hands with Lin Weidong: "Thank you! I'm really grateful for Officer Lin's strong support. We're in a hurry to solve the case, so we won't keep you any longer."
He then turned to Jiang Ling: "Teacher Jiang, thank you! If it weren't for your three-point investigation method, we wouldn't have been able to find the suspect so quickly. Once we catch this old bastard and confirm the case, I'll come back to recommend you for credit!"
Jiang Ling waved her hand: "It's good that I can help you."
They initially thought it would take a while to find the culprit, but then the father appeared, doing the work of two men and completing the sketch of the killer in no time. Although Jiang Ling's memories from her past life provided guidance, it was undeniably satisfying to have someone help draw the image in her mind.
It would be wonderful if we could solve cases like this in the future.
Lin Weidong seemed to hear Jiang Ling's thoughts. He led her off the stage and introduced her to Luo Yunchen, saying, "This is my apprentice, Luo Yunchen. You can call him senior brother. I brought him here this time so he could go to the grassroots level for some training. He can stay and help you. If your psychological profile can be combined with the criminal investigation profile, it can greatly improve the efficiency of solving cases."
As expected of an expert from the Ministry of Public Security, all he could think about was solving cases.
Luo Yunchen smiled slightly at Jiang Ling, extended his hand, and said sincerely, "Hello, junior sister, I am Luo Yunchen, and I hope to work with you."
Jiang Ling glanced at him.
Tall and slender with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, her eyes shone like stars. She was fair-skinned and clean-cut, and her voice and tone clearly indicated that she was a native of Kyoto. She must have come from a well-educated family and had never suffered any hardship growing up.
Jiang Ling did not reach out to shake hands with Luo Yunchen. Instead, she took half a step back and stood shoulder to shoulder with Lin Weidong, her attitude polite but distant: "Senior Brother Luo has a bright future ahead of him, why stay in Yan City?"
Luo Yunchen is a core member of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau's Technical Center. He studied under Lin Weidong and mastered about 70-80% of the criminal investigation sketching skills. Lin Weidong often took him along when he went out to give lectures.
Luo Yunchen's parents were both police officers, with impeccable family backgrounds, and his ambition since childhood was to become a policeman. He was handsome and capable, and popular wherever he went. He thought that if he was willing to team up with Jiang Ling, she would gladly accept, but he was unexpectedly rejected.
Luo Yunchen felt somewhat frustrated, but asked with a smile, "Jiang Ling, teaming up with you is both my choice and my master's wish. You don't need to worry about my future. I'm just asking you, do you want me to stay?"
Jiang Ling looked at her father helplessly: "Dad."
Lin Weidong's heart melted at that "Dad." He patted her shoulder and said, "Alright, alright, I'll listen to you." He wanted to leave his daughter a support, but he wouldn't force her to accept Luo Yunchen.
To be honest, having my daughter, dressed in a police uniform, standing right next to me, within arm's reach, and occasionally being patted on the shoulder, is a truly wonderful feeling.
Director Zhong offered a suggestion: "If Officer Luo really wants to stay, she doesn't necessarily have to team up with Jiang Ling. Our technical team is short of a criminal investigation sketching team. Wouldn't it be great if Officer Luo stayed and mentored two apprentices?"
Lin Weidong looked at Luo Yunchen.
Luo Yunchen pondered for a moment: "Alright! Then I'll stay."
Throughout the journey, he heard his master talk about Jiang Ling, and the proud tone he used was quite different from usual, which successfully aroused Luo Yunchen's curiosity and competitive spirit.
Luo Yunchen wanted to see clearly what kind of person Jiang Ling really was.
He also wanted to see whether he was stronger or Jiang Ling was more capable if they were in the same position.
Lin Weidong turned to look at Jiang Ling again, a faint smile on his lips: "I heard you formed a four-person psychological profiling team?"
Jiang Ling nodded: "Yes."
Lin Weidong said, "I also found some information for you abroad. The FBI's Criminal Behavior Division in the United States has a dedicated profiling team, usually consisting of five people: a psychologist, an informant, a geographic profiler, an evidence collector, and a logic analyst. Do you have any ideas for forming this team now?"
He's really my dad.
They immediately asked about their career plans upon arrival.
Jiang Ling didn't stand on ceremony and took the opportunity to make a request: "I also want to establish a dedicated psychological profiling team to provide technical support for case investigation."
Director Zhong immediately made the decision: "No problem, your group will be transferred to the Technical Brigade to form a psychological profiling team."
Director Zhong was extremely excited at the thought of the two new technical teams that were about to be established under his command.
Although these two technical teams are based in Yanshi, they have the backing of Lin Weidong.
It's good to rest in the shade of a big tree, isn't it?
We can invite criminal investigation experts to give lectures and train newcomers from time to time. Even if Jiang Ling and Luo Yunchen are promoted and leave in the future, the group of people they have trained will be the technical backbone.
Director Zhong became happier and happier, and almost burst out laughing. He said to Lin Weidong, "Come on! It's rare for you to come, so I'll treat everyone to a meal."
Lin Weidong waved his hand: "Let's skip it today. My wife is still waiting to see our daughter at the hotel."
The couple came together today, and only after contacting each other by phone did they learn that Jiang Ling was giving a lecture at the Municipal Public Security Bureau.
Out of professional habit, Lin Weidong asked his wife to wait at the hotel while he brought Luo Yunchen with him.
Having been a police officer's wife for many years, Xiao Wenjuan had developed a strong sense of confidentiality. Although she desperately wanted to see her daughter as soon as possible, she agreed without hesitation. After all, her daughter was at work, and she wasn't a police officer; it wouldn't be appropriate to disturb her without permission.
Jiang Ling didn't speak, but her slightly heavy breathing betrayed her inner tension.
Mother?
Her mother was waiting for her at the hotel.
Lin Weidong liked to pat his daughter's shoulder, and then reached out and gently patted Jiang Ling's shoulder again: "It's okay, it's okay. Your mother misses you very much. She has changed her clothes several times in order to see you."
Jiang Ling forced a smile, but found it was all in vain.
Okay, she admits, she was nervous.
I saw my father while he was working.
After a moment of surprise, she quickly recovered.
Through work, she and her father cooperated seamlessly without any awkwardness.
But should I go to the hotel to see my mother?
The thought of being in such a private place made Jiang Ling's scalp tingle.
Following Lin Weidong blankly, Jiang Ling suddenly remembered that there was something she hadn't done yet.
She turned to Li Zhenliang and the other two who were packing their things and said, "You guys go back to the station first, and we'll talk when I get back."
Li Zhenliang quickly replied, "Okay."
Lin Weidong smiled gently and said, "You must be Jiang Ling's partners?"
Li Zhenliang, Liu Haoran, and Zhou Wei quickly stood up and respectfully saluted, saying, "Yes, sir!"
Lin Weidong's gaze swept quickly over the three of them, and he nodded: "Thank you for taking care of Jiang Ling."
Li Zhenliang chuckled: "It was Jiang Jiang who took care of us."
Lin Weidong raised an eyebrow: "Jiang Jiang?"
I don't know why, but the way I address my father, which is perfectly fine, feels so cheesy and embarrassing when he says it.
Jiang Ling spoke a little hurriedly: "Well, it was just a joke."
Lin Weidong smiled and said, "From now on, you will be a team under the Technical Brigade of the Criminal Investigation Detachment. You can still call Jiang Ling Team Leader Jiang."
Li Zhenliang and the other two immediately stood at attention: "Yes, sir!"
Jiang Ling said to Li Zhenliang, "Before you leave, find Su Xinwan and tell her that I have something to do today and have to leave first. If she has time, she can come to the police station tonight or tomorrow to find me."
Li Zhenliang responded and, along with Liu Haoran and Zhou Wei, packed their things and left.
Jiang Ling walked beside Lin Weidong, listening to her father's earnest (and rambling) admonition: "When leading a team, you need to establish authority. The way you address someone is very important; it's best to use their job title..."
Having lived two lives, this was the first time Jiang Ling had received such detailed instruction, and for a moment she didn't know whether to be happy or worried.
However, even if parents nag a little, it's for her own good, and that feeling seems pretty good.
As soon as the group stepped out of the conference room, Jiang Ling saw a tall figure waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
That was Ying Songmao.
Ying Songmao only wanted to say a few words to Jiang Ling, but he didn't expect her to be surrounded by several people, one of whom was his boss, Director Zhong. He was a little embarrassed and didn't know whether to step forward or step back.
Finally, Ying Songmao mustered his courage, stepped forward, and called out, "Jiang Ling."
Lin Weidong's gaze sharpened as he sized Ying Songmao up and down, then turned to Jiang Ling and asked, "Who is he?"
Jiang Ling thought her father looked just like a lion protecting its cubs. She glanced at him sideways and replied indifferently, "Colleague."
After a pause, she added, "Friends."
Lin Weidong narrowed his eyes, his thoughts unreadable.
Jiang Ling noticed a hint of anxiety in Ying Songmao's expression and knew he was genuinely in trouble. She stepped forward, stood in front of him, and whispered, "He's my father. What do you need?"
Ying Songmao exclaimed "Ah!" and quickly saluted Lin Weidong, saying, "Officer Lin, hello."
Lin Weidong waved his hand without saying a word.
Ying Songmao looked at Jiang Ling and said in a low voice, "I... I'm leaving."
Jiang Ling was startled: "Where are we going?"
Ying Songmao's eyes held a deep sense of reluctance: "Zhang Yuanqiang's supplier is in Yuezhou. The Yuezhou Public Security Bureau has established a narcotics squad and needs technical support, so I signed up to join."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com