Chapter 954 - 493: Cheers to the Honor on Our Shoulders! (Part 2)

Shortly after. The office remained suffused with smoke in the silence between the two.

After a long time, Director Zhao listened, a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth revealing a hint of disdain.

"A young brat, even if he solved a few cases in Jiangcheng, how capable can he be?"

"After all, Jiangcheng is just Jiangcheng, that doesn’t mean he can handle all the cases in the province."

His fingers tapped lightly on the table, then his gaze fell on the stack of already yellowed and curled case files, "Look at this, the files are nearly worn out from being flipped."

"Our people have repeatedly researched them, even experts from the provincial department have been called in for consultation, yet it’s still a mystery."

"I just don’t believe that randomly bringing in external aid this time will solve this case."

Li Ming sighed as well, with a hint of helplessness in his tone: "Director Zhao, you’re absolutely right."

"Many times, the initiatives pushed from above are just a flash in the pan."

"After the commotion passes, it’s just a formality, and the case stays unsolved as it is."

"The provincial department is probably trying to ’cast a wide net’ this time, to see if they can catch anything by chance."

Director Zhao was silent for a moment, picked up his teacup, and put it down again, "However, that being said, we cannot slack off either."

"Guests are guests, and the respect they deserve must be given, and we must let them see our serious attitude towards the case."

"Speaking of which, when this case happened, I was still the lead investigator in the criminal investigation team."

"The family annihilation case... the most heart-wrenching thing was that unborn child who ended up in such a situation..."

"That scene, once seen, is never forgotten for a lifetime."

As the words fell, the office fell into silence.

Neither spoke again, only the smoke slowly swirling in the air, coil after coil, as if it entwined time itself.

A moment later, Director Zhao said in a calm and slow tone, "The colleagues from the provincial department are expected to arrive by noon tomorrow."

"So, tomorrow morning, we must sort out all preliminary work clearly and prepare everything."

"When they arrive, we first gather together to report the overall situation of the case and the current progress."

"Remember to arrange the reporting process and related personnel in advance."

He paused slightly, his gaze turning to the towering pile of case files on the desk, and continued instructing: "All case file materials — including original records, lists of evidence, investigation reports, and visual materials — must be categorized and neatly placed in the meeting room."

"The leaders from the provincial department are experienced and have come specifically to guide us; we need to let them conduct on-site reviews and provide on-site guidance."

Director Zhao leaned slightly back in his chair, his tone carried a complex solemnity: "Although we ourselves know that this case is old, with scant clues, the hope of solving it seems minuscule... but since the provincial department attaches high importance and has come personally, our attitude must be correct, maintaining humility and cooperation throughout. No matter the result, procedurally and ceremonially, we must not fail."

Upon hearing this, Li Ming nodded in agreement, saying: "Rest assured, Director, I understand all this."

"I will implement the arrangements for both the reception and reporting stages, especially for Director Hou — I heard he usually has strict requirements and a rather serious style; I will pay particular attention to propriety and ensure the etiquette is well conducted."

Director Zhao nodded, stood up, and casually brushed off a bit of ash from his coat: "Then it’s decided, it’s late, you should go home early to rest. We will handle everything specifically after they arrive tomorrow."

Meanwhile, in compartment 888 at the Jiangnan Waterside Restaurant.

Director Hou and Jiang An raised their glasses together, toasting the others at the table.

A young criminal investigator couldn’t contain his curiosity, looking at General Director Yang seated at the main seat: "General Director Yang, the cold case you mentioned earlier, I seem to have read some fragments in internal reports, I heard the case was particularly convoluted."

"If a task force is set up this time for a reinvestigation... do I have a chance to participate and learn?"

The entire compartment gradually quieted down, with everyone’s gaze unanimously turning to General Director Yang.

General Director Yang slowly shook his head and said: "I understand your intentions, but this case’s investigation involves complex professional judgment and risk control, so it is more prudent for a dedicated team to handle it at this stage."

"As the core technical force, the burden you shoulder is not light either, so let’s focus on doing the current work thoroughly and diligently first."

One of the officers said: "Sir, I want to take this opportunity to broaden my case-solving ideas..."

"Is it to gain experience, or are you hoping to make new achievements in your heart?"

General Director Yang suddenly smiled, "The commendation for the previous stage of the special case work has already been officially approved by the department. Director Hou and Jiang An demonstrated outstanding performance in this joint operation, each earning a second-class merit award, the documents will be issued in the next couple of days. I’d like to congratulate the two of them in advance here!"

Instantly, everyone’s eyes swept towards Director Hou and Jiang An, full of surprise and envy — only two days into the special operation, and they’ve already brought back a second-class merit award? This efficiency might be unprecedented in the history of the unit!

Several young detectives couldn’t contain themselves, rushing to speak:

"General Director, no matter what, count me in for the next frontline assignment! I promise to follow arrangements and do whatever’s needed!"

"Yes, yes, I also apply to go!"

"Even if I’m responsible for logistical support and organizing materials, it’s fine! I don’t seek great achievements, just the opportunity to learn and train in practical situations is worth it!"

"Sir, I volunteer! Achievements aren’t the main concern; the key is to contribute to the casework!"

The compartment filled with enthusiasm, with everyone speaking eagerly one after another.

General Director Yang raised his hand to lightly suppress them, a smile on his face: "Your enthusiasm is commendable, rest assured, there will be no shortage of major cases in the future."

"But for now, let’s finish the tasks at hand well. Opportunities will always be available to those who are prepared."

Seeing this harmonious yet passionate scene, a gratified smile couldn’t help but surface on General Director Yang’s face.

He raised his cup to stand, his voice gentle yet with an unyielding determination:

"Seeing everyone’s spirit so high today makes me very happy, it shows that the spirit of not giving up, of being willing to fight, still runs in the blood of our team! However—"

He shifted his tone slightly, his voice gradually becoming solemn, "Case-solving strategies also need to keep pace with the times."

"Now, as we face the assault stage of cold homicide cases, foundational investigations and evidence stabilization — these ’hard work’ — have been done to the utmost; the real challenge going forward often lies in breakthroughs in thinking and direction judgment."

"What we need is not merely adding manpower into the existing framework, but finding that key ’key’ in the depths of details."

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping the whole scene: "Precisely because of this, the homicide cold case task force formed this time includes only two carefully selected members."

"No longer is it the grand army of a dozen people, but a road of ’precision force, professional tackling’."

Then, his tone became spirited again: "Of course, public security work never lacks a stage to showcase talent."

"Solving difficult homicides is in the frontline, racking up achievements, while coordinating and analyzing, providing technical support within the department, can also shine brightly."

"What’s important is everyone can find their rightful place, settle down and gather experience."

"As long as you work diligently, the recognition and honor you deserve will come to you one day."

With that, he raised his cup again, a solemn look on his face: "Come, let us drink this cup together."

"Honestly, as the Chief of the Criminal Investigation Team, seeing everyone’s energy and spirit today, I feel both moved and proud."

"Our team, everyone is driven with a fighting spirit, especially those like Director Hou and Jiang An who have been fighting on the frontline for years — behind their honor, there are countless instances of crossing mountains and rivers, going through storms and traveling together through difficulties."

"Their contributions, we all see, and we all remember."

"So today, through this cup of wine, I entrust everyone: no matter your post, always remember our original intention and mission when we joined the police."

"Guard your position well, do the work at hand excellently."

"Only with our continual struggle and relentless fight against crime, can we exchange for societal tranquility, protecting the lights in thousands of households."

Finally, he held his cup high, eyes glistening with firm expectation: "Come on, let us raise our glasses together — for a better tomorrow, for every case soon to be cracked, for the shared responsibility and honor on our shoulders, cheers!"