Chapter 1194: One Wave Settles, Another Rises

Chapter 1194: Chapter 610: One Wave Settles, Another Rises

Director Hou and Jiang An had been resting in the hotel until 12:30 pm.

The continuous, high-intensity investigative work over several days had left them very exhausted.

Even for them, who have long fought on the front lines of criminal investigation, it was overwhelming.

When they finished freshening up and were waiting for the elevator at the corridor entrance, Director Hou turned to Jiang An and casually remarked, “Mr. Jiang, you’ve worked hard this time.”

“We have to leave Guangling today; this place isn’t suitable for long stays. The longer we stay, the higher the chance of a case happening.”

After Director Hou finished speaking, Jiang An burst into laughter like a blooming flower: “Director Hou, it feels like we’re the Grim Reaper; wherever we go, cases happen.”

“You’re right. I used to think Conan was far from us, but since we got involved in this Montai case, I realized Conan is actually quite close to us.”

“You’re a true Conan!”

Jiang An waved his hand and said, “You’re too kind.”

Director Hou continued, “Have you considered developing your career at our provincial department? I feel your skills are underutilized as a criminal investigation captain in a prefecture-level city.”

Just as Jiang An was about to answer, the elevator doors suddenly opened, and three people walked out.

Chen Guan, Qin Feng, and a middle-aged man with glasses stood in between them.

Upon seeing Director Hou and Jiang An, Chen Guan quickly introduced them, “Director Hou, Mr. Jiang, this is our Police Chief Yang Tao. These two are the criminal investigation experts sent from the provincial department.”

Yang Tao immediately displayed a joyful expression, stepped out of the elevator, and quickly extended his hand for a handshake, saying, “You’ve worked hard!”

“Without your strong support, we wouldn’t have been able to succeed in such a short time.”

“Before, when you came here to solve the case, I didn’t properly host you well, and I’m truly ashamed.”

Yang Tao’s words left Director Hou and Jiang An a bit unsure of how to respond.

They had guided case-solving processes in various places before, but never had any case resolution gained such high recognition from the head of a city bureau.

At most, the city bureau head would come and emphasize a bit during the analysis of violent cases.

They might accompany them occasionally during meals, but never like this, where they would come directly to their accommodation to interact and express gratitude.

In fact, there was even a hint of remorse for not understanding them earlier.

Upon hearing this, Director Hou stepped forward and quickly said, “Director Yang, you’re attending to endless affairs. This small case shouldn’t trouble you to provide guidance.”

“Vice Director Chen Guan and Mr. Qin are your elite forces, and they cooperated seamlessly during our investigation process.”

“The case could be solved in such a short period, thanks to the significant contributions made by Chen Guan and Qin Feng.”

As they say, mutual support leads to success!

Especially in front of their city bureau leader, they must fully highlight this achievement.

Upon hearing this, Vice Director Chen Guan quickly said, “It’s all thanks to Director Hou’s excellent guidance.”

“If it weren’t for the crucial guidance you provided at the key moments, we wouldn’t have been able to solve the case so quickly.”

Yang Tao laughed and said, “Indeed! Chen Guan already told me about the guidance you gave at the early stages of the case. We’re very grateful!”

“On behalf of the entire city bureau leadership team, I sincerely thank you both, and you’re always welcome to continue supporting and caring for our Guangling, further advancing our criminal investigation branch to new heights.”

After a brief convivial chat, Chen Guan, Qin Feng, and Yang Tao accompanied Jiang An and Director Hou to a uniquely styled local restaurant in Guangling for some local specialties.

At 2 pm, Jiang An and Director Hou packed their bags, ready to head back to the provincial department.

Standing at the hotel entrance, Director Hou turned around, waved at Vice Director Chen Guan and Qin Feng who came to see them off, and said in a relaxed tone, “Director Chen, Mr. Qin, we’ll part ways here, leaving early to avoid delays on the road.”

Vice Director Chen Guan chuckled confidently, saying, “Director Hou, don’t worry. With today’s case resolved, everything will remain peaceful and uneventful, travel safe.”

Before he finished speaking, Director Hou quickly waved his hand, half-jokingly, half-seriously responding, “I’ll take your good words, and we’ll part ways here. Hopefully, next time we meet, it won’t be at, you know… a crime scene with casualties.”

“Absolutely. Next time you visit, I’ll report to you in a different setting.” Chen Guan replied with a smile.

Then, Director Hou stepped forward to shake hands with each colleague present earnestly saying, “You’ve worked hard, thanks to everyone’s effort.”

Amid waves and farewells, Zhang An and Director Hou got into the car heading towards the provincial department.

As the car slowly started, passing through the city until they merged onto the highway after passing the toll station, Director Hou finally breathed a sigh of relief, a knowing smile appearing on his face.

Leaning back into the seat, he softly said, “Mr. Jiang, this trip to Guangling has finally concluded.”

“Strangely enough,” he paused, “we’ve ‘left’ several times, but now that we’re actually leaving, I feel a bit reluctant.”

He deliberately emphasized the word “reluctant,” as if savoring the complex taste.

“It really is. Originally, we thought we’d wrap up in Guangling in two or three days, but we ended up staying for over two weeks. Although the case was tough, we developed feelings for the place.”

As he spoke, suddenly, Director Hou’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen displaying “Mr. Zhang,” immediately sat up straight, and answered the call.