Chapter 1022 - 524: Is This a Hongmen Banquet?

At exactly nine o’clock the next morning, a black seven-seater business vehicle was parked at the entrance of the Provincial Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Director Hou and Jiang An were already waiting by the car, accompanied by two young officers—Li Yan and Zhang Lei, who appeared vibrant and spirited.

Mr. Wang and Political Commissioner Li came forward to see them off, each shaking hands sincerely with Director Hou and Jiang An, saying, "This mission will be another demanding task for both of you."

Director Hou smiled slightly in response: "Mr. Wang, you’re too kind. Our goal is the same—to get to the bottom of this case."

"However, although the incident occurred not long ago, there are complications in the determination of the death’s nature, with significant disagreements from the family."

Mr. Wang nodded, his expression grave, as he continued: "Yes, the initial conclusion leans towards death by illness, but the family staunchly believes it was homicide."

"This time, your task is to carefully verify whether the existing conclusion is solid and look for any oversight."

"On the other hand, if the conclusion is indeed accurate, try to gather more supporting material to make the evidence chain sturdier and more complete."

"This is not only for the case itself but also to provide a basis for the subsequent handling of family requests with the petition department."

Jiang An and Director Hou exchanged glances and nodded solemnly.

Jiang An spoke: "Don’t worry, Mr. Wang. We will give our all, work diligently, and never betray the trust of the organization."

Hearing this reply, Mr. Wang extended a hand, patting the shoulders of Director Hou and Jiang An, his gaze full of trust and encouragement: "The two of you always work seamlessly together."

"I believe this time will be no exception; you will resolve the case appropriately."

Saying this, Mr. Wang turned his head, his eyes landing on the faces of the two young officers beside him, speaking earnestly: "This time, being able to join the task force heading to Guangling is a rare opportunity for you two."

"The task force has gathered elites from various units; the practical atmosphere is rich, and the learning space is broad. You must be fully committed, observe more, think more, and consult more at every stage of the case investigation."

"Strive Through this exercise not only to enhance your technical skills but also to make a significant leap in case analysis and logical reasoning, these core competencies."

Li Yan smiled upon hearing this, the corners of his mouth revealing two clear tiger teeth, his expression both respectful and full of energy: "Thank you for your trust, Chief!"

"I understand this opportunity is hard-earned, and I will do my utmost to learn and practice in real-world fieldwork."

"Once there, I will definitely support Jiang and Director Hou’s work, carefully completing every task, providing assistance and coverage, ensuring I won’t disappoint your expectations."

"Hahaha, service support is secondary," Mr. Wang waved a hand, "The most important thing is to observe and learn more once you’re out there. Be proactive and don’t cause trouble for the task force colleagues."

At this moment, Zhang Lei, unable to contain his excitement, quickly chimed in: "Mr. Wang, Mr. Jiang is the province’s renowned Scene Investigation expert, and Director Hou is a master of investigation and case-solving."

"Being able to join them and partake in the case this time had me so excited I hardly slept last night—I’m even happier than winning the lottery; it’s truly a long-awaited practical learning opportunity!"

Director Hou couldn’t help but smile, gesturing playfully at Zhang Lei: "You’re really laying it on thick with the compliments."

Then he composed his expression, looking at the two young men: "But to be honest, this time we’re going to Guangling, a case that occurred at a construction site; the working and living conditions might be tough, and the task will be intense."

"You need to be mentally prepared, overcome difficulties, and concentrate on the case."

"Rest assured, Director!"

Zhang Lei patted his chest in a determined tone, "Although most of my time at the department has been spent processing paperwork, the police academy taught me hands-on Scene Investigation—field simulations, dirt roads, mountain ditches—it’s just that I’ve been lacking real-world experience."

"This time, I will seize the opportunity, no matter how challenging conditions get, I won’t back down an inch."

Mr. Wang nodded with satisfaction, checking his watch: "Alright, sending you off a thousand miles still comes to farewell."

"I have a meeting soon, so I won’t keep you any longer."

"You should set off for Guangling now, travel safely."

"Once you’re there, if you encounter anything in the case needing departmental coordination or support issues, give me or Political Commissioner Li a call anytime. The department will always be your backing."

"Yes!"

Director Hou, Jiang An, Zhang Lei, and Li Yan responded in unison, raising their hands in salute, their expressions resolute, their demeanor solemn.

Immediately, the four decisively turned, boarding the business vehicle parked at the entrance one by one.

On the road to Guangling City, Li Yan and Zhang Lei, in high spirits, kept chatting almost non-stop along the way.

Their questions came one after another, voices filled with uncontainable anticipation and nervousness.

The two clutched notebooks tightly in their hands, occasionally lowering their heads to jot down notes—throughout the journey, they continually sought guidance: when guiding cases at the grassroots, what methods and approaches should be prioritized?

How to reflect the professional standards of the Provincial Criminal Investigation Department while genuinely grasping grassroots experience?

After all, arriving at the scene with scattered and unfocused questioning can easily make local colleagues feel that department personnel are all theory and lack practical grounding.

Moreover, once stepping out of the department doors, personal conduct represents the unit’s image, maintaining collective honor and dignity, which is no trifling matter.

The two went back and forth asking questions for quite some time before Director Hou, seated in the front, slowly turned his head, glanced at them, a reassuring smile appearing on his face: "You two, don’t be too nervous."