Chapter 1087 - 556: Determination to Solve the Case

Director Hou waved his hand modestly, saying, "How can that be, Mr. Chen, you are the host, the main seat should be yours."

Chen Guan’s smile deepened the lines around his eyes, and he sincerely said, "Today’s meal, the rules have to change a bit. It’s our honor in Guangling to have you two put so much effort into this case."

"Not only might the case have a breakthrough, but even as an old criminal investigator, I’ve benefited greatly from listening to your analysis."

"So these two main seats must be given to Director Hou and Mr. Jiang — you two mustn’t decline, otherwise we won’t be at ease during this meal."

Seeing this, Qin Feng let out a hearty laugh, waving his big hand in the air and raising his voice, "Director Hou, Mr. Jiang, if you keep being so courteous, this group of ours won’t dare to sit down!"

As he finished speaking, Mr. Chen’s face also broke into a smile, nodding repeatedly, "Yes, yes, Qin Feng is right, everyone sit down and chat. Today’s meal, firstly is to show gratitude, and secondly to welcome you, and when we formally start work tomorrow, we hope you’ll provide Director Hou and Mr. Jiang with more guidance!"

Seeing everyone’s enthusiastic gestures, Director Hou nodded with a smile and took the lead seat.

Jiang An then sat on his right side, Mr. Chen accompanying on the left, Qin Feng sat next to Jiang An, and following that, several key members of the Guangling Criminal Investigation team took their seats around.

Before long, the waiter began to serve the dishes one after another.

Each dish was a local specialty: tender and springy river fish, firewood-braised free-range chicken, red-glazed braised pig trotters, stir-fried willow shoots by the river... The dishes were steaming, aroma wafting, and the colorful arrangements were alluring.

Two young officers sitting a bit further exchanged glances quietly, with hints of amazement and anticipation in their eyes.

Following Director Hou and Jiang An on this trip, they not only witnessed the rigorous and meticulous nature of cross-regional case collaboration but deeply felt the genuine respect and warm hospitality from their peers.

The sumptuous local flavors on the table made them feel that this arduous trip was exceptionally worthwhile.

Both of them silently turned their gaze to Jiang An — the young yet composed captain was engaging in low conversation with the person beside him, his profile serious and calm under the light.

In their hearts, they understood that this kind of reception wasn’t just because of the status of the superior unit, but also stemmed from Jiang An’s solid professional ability and case-solving wisdom.

Had he not provided sharp insights and breakthrough directions at the key points of the case, the folks in Guangling wouldn’t have been so genuinely grateful.

Looking at Jiang An, a strong aspiration quietly rose in the hearts of the two young men: One day, they too would become excellent criminal investigators like Mr. Jiang, standing firm in the fight against crime and for peace, and honing skills to aid and support their fellow units.

Once the dishes were served, Mr. Chen personally got up, picked up a bottle of locally brewed grain liquor from the table, and filled everyone’s glasses one by one.

"Director Hou, Mr. Jiang, fellow comrades," he raised his glass, saying, "This is the grain liquor brewed by a local distillery here in Guangling New City over the past few years. While it can’t compare to famous brands like Wuliangye and Moutai, I guarantee it’s pure grain brewed, smooth to drink with a slightly sweet aftertaste, and the alcohol level isn’t high. Please have a taste."

"Director Hou, Mr. Jiang, and our two young comrades, today on behalf of the Guangling New District Public Security Bureau, I sincerely toast to you all.

This case has dragged on for six months, to be honest, as the deputy director in charge of criminal investigation, I’ve felt ashamed.

But in this joint case work, I’ve truly experienced Director Hou’s skillful coordination and Mr. Jiang’s professional excellence. Especially Mr. Jiang’s analysis of the crime scene and grasp of clues have left us old investigators convinced... Thank you all for your dedicated assistance, and I hope you will continue to support Guangling Criminal Investigation’s growth, offer guidance, and provide valuable advice. I’ll finish this drink, and you all as you please!"

...

The next morning at ten o’clock, sunlight had already filtered through the half-drawn curtains, flooding the entire windowsill with brightness.

Jiang An forced his eyes open amidst the dull ache of a hangover, feeling a tightness in his forehead as if something heavy had been repeatedly hammering it.

He reached up to rub his temples, involuntarily taking a gentle gasp.

He was never good with alcohol, but last night the Guangling Criminal Investigation team in Jiangcheng was especially enthusiastic.

Surrounded by that hearty group of officers, each raising "Mr. Jiang, you’ve worked hard" and "We must toast to you," amidst clinking glasses and high spirits, it was almost impossible for him to refuse.

Though the hospitality was irresistible, waking up now, his body felt as if it had been dismantled, particularly the heavy and aching forehead.

Just as he was resting against the headboard, collecting himself, his phone near the pillow suddenly rang.

He groped to pick it up, squinting to see that it was Qin Feng — the captain of the Guangling Criminal Investigation team.

"Hello." Jiang An answered the call, his voice still somewhat hoarse.

"Mr. Qin."

On the other end, Qin Feng’s hearty laughter came through, "Mr. Jiang, are you awake? How was last night’s drinking?"

"Just woke up," Jiang An replied with a wry smile, "You all were too enthusiastic, my head’s still foggy now."

"That’s how it should be!" Qin Feng said sincerely, "You and Director Hou have helped us in Jiangcheng immensely this time, what’s a few drinks? Without you, who knows how long this case would have dragged on."

"Hahaha, you’re making me feel embarrassed now. But my body really can’t handle such drinking, I still haven’t quite recovered."