Time flew by and it was five o'clock.

Jiang Zhenghua contacted the police station by phone from a joint venture store, but the various teams still hadn't obtained any useful clues.

As he left the joint venture store, he asked Instructor Zhang, who was waiting nearby, "Did we make a mistake somewhere? Reports from various locations indicate there's no information about this person."

Seeing the slight anxiety on his face, Instructor Zhang pulled out a pack of Daqianmen cigarettes from his pocket, took out two, and handed one to him: "You, who seem quite composed, why are you getting a little impatient?"

Jiang Zhenghua paused abruptly as he lit the cigarette, then continued lighting it.

Instructor Zhang said softly, "From the time we received the report until now, it's only been eight hours, but we've already determined the murder, the approximate location of the crime scene, and other clues. This is already very fast in a homicide case."

Jiang Zhenghua exhaled a deep puff of smoke and said with a wry smile, "I was too impatient. I was thinking of winning the case on my first try."

It's all because of those TV dramas from past lives that people are being harmed.

In the past, it seemed like solving cases in TV dramas was very simple; they could be solved in about two episodes.

But we forget the passage of time within that timeframe, and that there was no surveillance in that era; all information had to be obtained through human investigation, which would have taken even longer.

Seeing that he looked relaxed, Instructor Zhang nodded with satisfaction: "Actually, it's not your fault. You only reported for duty this morning and immediately took over the case without any guidance from above. In addition, the military emphasizes swift and decisive action, so it's normal that you couldn't adapt immediately."

He took a drag of his cigarette and continued, "When I first left the military, I was in a similar situation to you, thinking about getting everything done quickly. But I gradually realized that our police work isn't about speed, but about meticulousness and caution. Solving cases requires patience and forbearance, and we have to consider many more things."

After listening, Jiang Zhenghua said solemnly, "Thank you, Uncle Zhang, I understand."

"Don't be so polite. You should know that the three of us are in this together, sharing both the good and the bad. This case isn't just yours; it's also a matter for both of our firms."

Instructor Zhang waved his hand and looked up at the setting sun.

After a moment of contemplation, he suddenly said, "There's something you're not entirely clear about since you're new here."

"Uncle Zhang, what's up?"

Instructor Zhang said in a low voice, "According to the original plan, our station and Yu'er Hutong Police Station were to merge this year to form a new police station. This process actually started last year, but it was delayed due to some other issues. The two subdistrict offices are now confirmed to merge next month, so we should be close to that as well. You should understand what that means, right?"

Jiang Zhenghua nodded slightly: "Those key positions?"

Instructor Zhang said solemnly, "That's right. After the upgrade, the unit's level will be raised, and who will fill the key positions will be closely related to us. So how will the superiors choose?"

"Merit and seniority?"

"That's right. If it were last year, we wouldn't have been able to compete with Chief Yu of Yu'er Police Station at all."

Why?

"Remember when I told you about the legendary figure from Yu'er Police Station?"

Jiang Zhenghua remembered Instructor Zhang mentioning it briefly, and nodded: "That person is now..."

"Don't ask, I can't tell you even if you ask. All you need to know is that last year, Yu'er Police Station had one person with independent criminal investigation powers, and according to the superior's plan, the new police station was named Jiaodaokou Police Station, and even the location of the new station was decided at that time."

"At that time, Director Yu was appointed as the director of the institute, with the rank of section chief. However, he was later transferred to carry out a secret mission, taking a large number of personnel with him, including our institute's previous director and instructor, and a large number of other personnel."

"Considering stability, the merger was suspended, and our station and Yu'er Police Station were restored to their original state. Of the old staff, only Chief Yu remained, and his rank was retained. If it weren't for the changes at the beginning of the year, I wouldn't have been able to come to Taotiao Hutong Police Station."

After listening, Jiang Zhenghua finally understood why Director Qiao was a step behind Director Yu.

So it turns out it was due to the difference in levels and this reason.

Then another question popped into his head: "What about solving this case independently?"

Instructor Zhang smiled mysteriously: "I reckon you're right. The branch bureau's investigation section not being available is one reason, but it's also a test for us. The new police station will definitely have an investigation section, and who will be the section chief and the person in charge is also a problem."

Then, his expression turned serious: "I'm telling you this not to put pressure on you, but just to let you know that this case is an opportunity for all of us. Of course, we can't rush it; we need to proceed steadily and thoroughly while handling the case well."

Jiang Zhenghua nodded.

Now that he had calmed down, he pointed ahead and said, "I understand, let's continue our visits."

Instructor Zhang threw away his cigarette butt and pointed to a courtyard ahead, saying, "This is a three-courtyard siheyuan (traditional courtyard house). The liaison officer inside is surnamed Liang. He stays at home all day now. His son works at a steel factory. He's fair and everyone respects him."

As time passed and the sun began to set, there were still no leads to report.

The two went straight to a courtyard house, where they saw a pavilion bathed in the glow of the setting sun, where many people were gathered. Women were busy with various needlework tasks; men were sitting together smoking and playing chess; an old man was fanning himself with a palm-leaf fan and humming a tune; and a group of teenagers were playing wildly in the courtyard.

Instructor Zhang asked a woman, "Sister Zhou, is Uncle Guan home?"

A white-haired woman holding a child replied, "It's Officer Zhang. Uncle Guan is home. I just saw him come back from outside."

At this moment, a door on the side of the east wing opened.

An elderly man, hunched over but dressed neatly, leaned out and said cheerfully, "Oh, it's Officer Zhang! Come in and sit down."

Instructor Zhang said with a smile, "I won't go in. I came here mainly to ask you about something."

Everyone looked at him curiously.

Jiang Zhenghua took out a photo from his canvas bag: "I just wanted to ask if anyone recognizes this person?"

Grandpa Guan quickly stepped forward, took the photo from his hand, examined it carefully, and then shook his head, saying, "I don't recognize it, I've never seen it before."

He addressed the crowd in the pavilion, "Everyone, come and see if you've seen this before?"

Sister-in-law Zhou was the most enthusiastic. She quickly walked over from the pavilion, took the photo, and looked at it: "I don't recognize this person. I guess he's not from around here."

As the women passed around the photos, Jiang Zhenghua took out a cigarette and offered one to Grandpa Guan: "Between nine and eleven-thirty last night, did you notice any suspicious people passing through the alley?"

Grandpa Guan lit a cigarette: "No, I usually go to bed around eight o'clock."

He turned to you and asked, "Did anyone else notice?"

Many people shook their heads.

Only one middle-aged woman looked somewhat hesitant.

Jiang Zhenghua immediately smiled and asked, "Comrade, have you discovered something?"

"This is Guo Caiju, the daughter-in-law of the Li family in the front yard."

Grandpa Guan introduced them first, then chimed in, "Caiju, just say what's on your mind."

Guo Caiju then said hesitantly, "I did encounter two people when I got up last night, but I'm not sure if they are the people you are looking for."

Instructor Zhang hurriedly said, "Comrade, it's alright if you're wrong, we'll investigate. If it's helpful to us, I'll definitely write a letter of commendation to the street office."

Guo Caiju said, "Last night, after everyone was asleep, I got up in the middle of the night and encountered two people pulling a cart at the door. The cart was tightly wrapped in tarpaulin. I vaguely smelled a faint smell of blood. At the time, I thought they were country folk bringing wild animals to sell, so I asked them about it."

Jiang Zhenghua and Instructor Zhang's eyes lit up.

Jiang Zhenghua said to Grandpa Guan, "Let's find a quiet place to talk."

Grandpa Guan said, "Come to my house. My wife has taken our grandson for a walk, so no one is home."

The four of them then headed towards the east wing.

Grandpa Guan waved to his neighbors behind him and said, "Don't crowd around, there's nothing to see."

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