Chapter 2

In spring, when everything comes back to life, those cases emerged like maggots constantly crawling out from the thawing ice and snow.

For several consecutive months, Song Wen was entangled in these matters, and he didn’t even get a break during the May Day holiday. After continuous 48 hours of investigation, arrest, and interrogation, enduring mutual torment with the suspects, he finally squeezed out a confession and found crucial evidence. Having just led the whole team to solve the 418 major case, this morning, he willingly helped the second team draw a portrait, thereby assisting in solving another case.

May is the season of flowers, and in front of the Nancheng City Public Security Bureau, the flowers were blooming brilliantly, signaling the imminent arrival of summer.

In the intervals of writing the case closing report, Song Wen came out to breathe some fresh air. His eyes were bright, and his observational skills were excellent. With a sweep, he immediately noticed something different—there were not only a few more flowers in the courtyard, but also a brand-new Lamborghini.

Seeing such a luxury car early in the morning was quite refreshing. Song Wen entered the office, smiling and gossiping with his deputy: “Hey, Linjiang, whose luxury car is in the courtyard?”

His deputy, Fu Linjiang, came over and said, “Captain Song, that car belongs to the new guy in our team.”

“Our team? A newcomer?” Song Wen seized the key points.

Fu Linjiang nodded slightly, smiling with a twinkle in his eyes.

Different from Song Wen’s youthful arrogance and sharpness, this deputy was a well-known good guy in the police station, with a gentle temperament like a spring breeze. Whenever Song Wen got angry, and storms raged with thunder and lightning, this deputy could calmly dispel his anger with just a few words.

Therefore, this deputy had a very good reputation in the bureau, and his popularity even surpassed that of Song Wen.

As a 28-year-old energetic young policeman, Fu Linjiang was too easy going and humble. With above-average abilities, meticulous patience, and a mild and non-competitive personality, he was content to remain in a subordinate position. In the words of the bureau Commissioner, Fu Linjiang’s good temper was like a bodhisattva, but unfortunately, it couldn’t convert those black-hearted criminals. Therefore, Fu Linjiang saw off two old Captains and partnered with Song Wen.

People in the team often joked about a *running water captain and the steel strong deputy captain. Having such a deputy around saved Song Wen a lot of mental energy. He habitually asked Fu Linjiang about all the news and the progress of cases, avoiding unnecessary trouble.
*流水 – running water. It also means turnover. So this could be referring to how the captain is always changing while the deputy has remained the same one.

“A newcomer? Driving this car? So wealthy, what is he doing as a police officer?” Song Wen frowned slightly and asked Fu Linjiang. He had submitted an application to bring in new personnel with the bureau Commissioner a long time ago. However, the fact that someone had arrived without going through the proper channels and procedures made him uncomfortable. This bypassing of the usual process didn’t sit well with him.

Fu Linjiang nodded, “Yes, the newcomer arrived this morning and went to report and receive his uniform.”

Then he handed a folder to Song Wen, saying, “This is his file; it was just delivered this morning.”

Song Wen took the file, which didn’t have a photo attached. He casually flipped through it and asked Fu Linjiang, “Have you seen him? How is he?”

Fu Linjiang recalled and managed to say a few words, “Quite good-looking…”

Song Wen lifted his gaze from the file, “I’m asking about his character…”

Fu Linjiang thought for a moment but couldn’t come up with any other evaluation. He repeated, “He’s really good-looking. In this world, there are people who can commit crimes relying on their beauty.”

It was quite a high praise, and Song Wen had never heard Fu Linjiang describe someone this way. He teased, “Why is Commissioner Gu so considerate this time, assigning a beauty to us? You can handle the personnel matters later.”

Fu Linjiang knew that Song Wen misunderstood, and he chuckled while quietly explaining, “It’s a man.”

Hearing this, Song Wen’s expression stiffened, and his brows furrowed. He closed the file with a snap and said somewhat displeased, “Good-looking doesn’t put food on the table. What is Commissioner Gu doing? I need people who can work here.”

“In modern society, there are plenty of people who make a living with their looks, right?” Fu Linjiang chuckled, “Captain Song, you’re being sexist.”

Upon hearing this, Song Wen couldn’t hold back any longer. He went upstairs and knocked on the door of Commissioner Gu’s office.

Commissioner Gu is the head of the Nancheng City Public Security Bureau, over fifty years old, and has three more years until retirement. When not in police uniform, he seems like a little old man doing tai chi in the nearby small park. Despite Commissioner Gu’s age, he remains sharp and experienced, having solved numerous major cases. He has been the director of the bureau for over a decade, treating it almost like his home. Subordinates often say that as long as Commissioner Gu is around, the city bureau remains stable.

At this moment, Commissioner Gu had already prepared a cup of chrysanthemum tea, and the whole room was filled with the fragrance of chrysanthemums. Upon hearing the knock on the door, he raised his head, and upon seeing Song Wen, he smiled with delight, “Xiao Song, that quota of yours has finally come down. I was just about to tell you…”

“I just heard about it. As the captain, I might be the last one to know that our team is getting a new member,” Song Wen interrupted, placing the files on the table. Then he propped up his long legs, getting straight to the point, “Commissioner Gu, can I refuse this person?”

Upon hearing this, Commissioner Gu’s brows furrowed slightly, looking at Song Wen with some curiosity. Song Wen’s eyes were not large, but they were long and bright, with sharp eyebrows. Commissioner Gu recruited him and had him under his command for several years. He was Song Wen’s capable and favored subordinate. People in the bureau joked that Song Wen was Commissioner Gu’s exclusive disciple. Commissioner Gu usually had no airs, and Song Wen, relying on the leader’s appreciation, always spoke frankly. It was unclear why this newcomer had touched a nerve with Song Wen, but given his understanding of Song Wen, there must be a reason.

Song Wen explained, “Have you seen the requirements I mentioned before? Our team needs an ordinary grassroots criminal investigator. Although the work is similar, I need someone meticulous, good with words, courageous, hardworking, capable of going to the crime scene, and able to write summary reports.”

Amidst the steam of chrysanthemum tea, Commissioner Gu smiled faintly and asked, “Which requirement doesn’t he meet?”

Leaning slightly forward, Song Wen’s expression turned unpleasant, “This person is here to be a criminal investigator, going to the crime scene every day. Do I need someone like *Lin Daiyu? It’s not like we’re performing in ‘The Romance of the West Chamber.'”
*Lin Daiyu – a female character in “The Red Mansions”

Not matching his words, Commissioner Gu raised his eyebrows, “Pei, ‘The Romance of the West Chamber’ is sung by *Cui Yingying”
*character in The Romance of the West Chamber, a Chine play by Wang Shifu

Song Wen shrugged, “It’s the same meaning anyway.”

Commissioner Gu opened the file, “Xiao Song, did you not read the file carefully? This kid has a dual degree, can be a forensic scientist and a criminal investigator. I consulted his opinion; he wants to gain experience in the criminal investigation team, so I assigned him to you.”

Song Wen frowned as he glanced over the file. He had initially applied for the forensic medicine program, then later switched to the investigation program for his postgraduate studies. Objectively speaking, the file looked impressive—neatly written, good grades, flawless physical tests, and a beautifully written self-assessment, elegant yet forceful. However, despite these outward achievements, Song Wen detected many differing viewpoints within the words. Pointing at the age, he remarked, “Didn’t you often teach us that police academy education is not everything, and good exam results are just paper generals? He’s already twenty-six; does he still want to work as a grassroots criminal investigator?”

Twenty-six, half a year older than Song Wen himself, and this fact bothered him a lot.

“I’ve also taught you that being a detective is not just a physical job but also a mental one. Although he’s a bit older, he’s not as impulsive and fidgety as the younger lads. Isn’t having such a subordinate a good thing? Why are you trying to push him away?” Commissioner Gu threatened, “You brat, do you think recruiting people is like buying from Taobao, and you want a seven-day unconditional return? If you don’t want him, I’ll give him to *Lao Lin.”
Lao – old

Lao Lin, full name Lin Xiuran, is the head of the Identification Bureau at the city bureau, overseeing forensic and technical investigations. Currently, there are only four forensic experts in the forensic science department, serving three teams, and manpower is tight. During busy times, they are often working tirelessly.

Although Song Wen usually has a good relationship with Lin Xiuran and calls him “Brother Lin,” this time, he was reluctant to give up the slot. “Don’t, Brother Lin can still hold on, and you know the situation in our team. Old Qin just retired due to injury in March, considering other teams, we are short of two people. Even so, our team has the highest clearance rate and crime-solving speed. If you assign me a capable person, won’t your face shine even more?” After shedding a few crocodile tears about his team’s hardships, Song Wen continued to flatter Commissioner Gu, asking, “If I give this slot to Brother Lin, will there be any other openings?”

Commissioner Gu remained unmoved, shaking his head, “Stop beating around the bush. I want to hear your specific reasons for not wanting him.”

After organizing his thoughts, Song Wen earnestly said, “Commissioner Gu, firstly, did you see the car that kid drove here? A Lamborghini, a car that could bankrupt our entire police force. Besides, he looks good; taking him out to investigate cases would be too conspicuous. A pampered rich kid like him, sent over to us – being a detective is a high-risk profession. Even if nothing happens, we can’t afford the potential risks. Someone with his good family background, excellent academic performance, and a cold, arrogant attitude, I’m afraid he won’t get along with the rest of the team. It may hinder our work.”

Commissioner Gu listened to his words, took a sip of chrysanthemum tea, and said, “Let me analyze your mindset. Either you’re worried about someone older, more educated, and wealthier than you, fearing you won’t be able to control him. Or you’re afraid that a rookie will solve a case before you, damaging your pride. Or maybe you just don’t want to be a babysitter, mentoring a disciple.” The three possibilities were intentionally provoking Song Wen.

Not falling for the provocation, Song Wen went straight to the point, “No, Commissioner Gu. Let me ask you, we’ve been applying for half a year without getting approval. Why did this kid sort out the formalities within a few days? His household registration is in Jincheng, and considering his grades, he could easily get into the provincial bureau. Why did he come to the city bureau in Nancheng? Our conditions here are tough; he probably can’t even buy a pair of shoes with a month’s salary…”

When things deviate from the norm, there must be something unusual. This person’s arrival was not only untimely but also highly irregular.

Looking at Song Wen, Commissioner Gu knew that his subordinate was an outstanding detective with keen observational skills. He couldn’t be easily fooled. With a cold snort, he explained, “I’ve already informed the provincial bureau, and my old partner also called me. But, it’s not as complicated as you think. His mentor is a criminal investigation expert who wrote him a recommendation to gain experience here. He grew up here, likes the environment of Nancheng, and even though his official assignment is in June, he passed all his exams, got an excellent rating on his thesis, so he came early.”

Song Wen responded, “His mentor’s face is quite big.”

“En, an old detective from the Nancheng City Public Security, the former partner of the provincial bureau director. With this recommendation letter, it holds weight wherever you go,” Commissioner Gu said, losing patience and waving his hand. “Song Wen, aren’t you too paranoid? Anyway, there’s only him. If you want him, take him; if not, I’ll give him to Lao Lin.”

Commissioner Gu didn’t mention who the recommender was, but Song Wen’s mind was already working. The former partner of the provincial bureau director? Could it be… a figure appeared in his mind. Considering it, Song Wen hadn’t seen that person for over ten years. In case it was him vouching for this matter, maybe it wasn’t that bad.

However, Song Wen dismissed this thought. There were many former partners in Nancheng. Who knows which one took charge of this matter. Seeing Commissioner Gu finished speaking, Song Wen compromised, “If there’s really no other choice, I’ll make do with it.” As he spoke, he made up his mind to first investigate this person’s background. If necessary, he would let this rich second-generation guy undergo a good training and make him realize the difficulties.

Seemingly understanding what Song Wen was thinking, Commissioner Gu snorted again, leaned back in his chair, and said, “Indeed, it’s not an arranged marriage. Why are you making it sound like I’m forcing a sale? Anyway, he’s just a probationary officer now. The probation period is one year. I estimate that once he’s confirmed, the provincial bureau will want to transfer him. Later, don’t come crying to me to keep him.”

Commissioner Gu had a near-pathological persistence in the matters he deemed certain. No matter who tried to persuade him, it was useless. Just like when he was certain that Song Wen could be a good captain for the Nancheng City Criminal Investigation Division. At that time, Commissioner Gu faced pressure, promoting Song Wen from a young detective who had just graduated for over two years, breaking the norm. Numerous people were skeptical at that time.

Song Wen, not playing by the rules, often used various unconventional methods during investigations. Luckily, he was fortunate and possessed superb skills in composite sketching, consistently solving cases at the city bureau. Even so, Commissioner Gu had to help him fend off numerous complaints because this kid was too reckless and stubborn, always doing things his own way without compromising with the rules.

Fortunately, his skills were outstanding. In November of last year, during a major arrest operation, Commissioner Gu appointed Song Wen as the on-site commander. With more than twenty people on-site, divided into five small teams, coordinating with the armed police to rescue hostages. Song Wen clearly arranged each route, and the entire task was executed cleanly and efficiently, achieving complete success. It silenced all the criticisms and gave Commissioner Gu a good reputation. Song Wen became the unquestionable top detective in the Nancheng City Bureau.

Now, Commissioner Gu seemed to have decided on this person, insisting on pushing him. Both of them were stubborn landlords, and after arguing for a while, neither could convince the other.

Seeing that he couldn’t get through, Song Wen didn’t bring up the matter again, changing the subject, “Commissioner Gu, don’t forget about the bonuses for our team.”

“You’ll get your share.” Commissioner Gu then crushed Song Wen’s will with one sentence, “Make sure your case summary is submitted on time.”

Song Wen instantly turned into a frostbitten eggplant, lifting the corners of his mouth and smiling wryly at Commissioner Gu. Unafraid of anything else, Song Wen’s tasks were carried out cleanly and efficiently. However, when it came to writing case summaries, he was reluctant. If he wrote poorly, the others in the team were even worse, yet every time he had to take on the role of the leader. Colleagues in the bureau joked that his case summaries were the last barrier on his path to becoming a deputy director.

In other teams, if they achieve a 6 based on solving cases, they polish up the report to make it an 8. However, for him, with achievements equivalent to an 8, he downplays it to a 6 with his reports. All those meticulous analyses, Song Wen wished he could exchange them for a portrait. Therefore, whenever the closing report was mentioned, he would get a headache and consider resigning. Then, he thought about having to write a resignation report and managed to endure it.

As he was about to leave, Commissioner Gu remembered something and said to Song Wen, “Oh, by the way, Zhou Yining asked you to come over after work to pick up the new recruit’s psychological assessment results.”

Zhou Yining is a psychologist. Since the provincial bureau emphasized the mental health of police officers, the Nancheng city bureau had this consultant responsible for police psychology. Everyone entering the team had to pass through Dr. Zhou, with regular assessments every six months. For issues like murder, psychological trauma, or teammate sacrifices, reporting was necessary.

“Surely, he has passed. If not, why would they let him into the team?” Song Wen remembered the last time he chose a police officer, but Dr. Zhou dismissed him to logistics, claiming his psychological stress resistance was insufficient and unsuitable for a police officer. He shrugged, saying, “We’re so busy, and now they want me to run errands.”

Commissioner Gu responded, “What are you saying? Dr. Zhou is someone we’ve managed to get. Don’t anger him and make him leave. Moreover, Dr. Zhou said he wants to have a chat with you.”

“Got it,” Song Wen replied.

The negotiation results weren’t ideal. Song Wen left Commissioner Gu’s office, holding the dossier, thinking about how to give the new recruit his first lesson, asserting dominance properly. Walking back to the office area, he turned to Fu Linjiang beside him and asked, “Hey, where’s our new recruit? Why hasn’t he come over yet? So slow.”

Several team members in the vicinity all buried their heads in office files. Everyone in the team knew that Captain Song was always swift and impatient, intolerant of delays and distractions.

“Of course, not everyone is as fast as Captain Song,” Fu Linjiang pointed to the entrance. “He went to get something from the car.”

Song Wen walked to the entrance of the police station, looking at the Lamborghini. Coincidentally, the driver of that car had just retrieved something and was about to get out, closing the car door with a distinctively jointed hand.

In the morning light, the person raised their eyes to look at him.

At this moment, Song Wen finally understood the meaning behind Fu Linjiang’s “committing crimes with beauty.”

This person had an unforgettable face, fair and almost transparent skin. The jawline was pronounced, and the person exuded youthful vigor, yet there was a calmness that didn’t match their age. Especially those eyes, with a faintly downward tilt at the outer corners, resembling ink beads on rice paper, carrying a sense of refinement and restraint. When the collar moved, a red mole, like a drop of blood, was visible on the well-defined Adam’s apple.

Looking at this person, Song Wen instantly forgot the bellyful of prepared reprimands.

TN:
So he would have been okay with a beautiful woman getting in through the back-door but if it’s a man he suddenly has a sense of righteous indignation? Not cool Captain Song. Not cool.