Era: Starting from the local police station

We arrived outside the compound.

Jin Hong looked at a patch of land next to him and pointed to the leaves that covered the entire area: "Wow, these potatoes are growing really well. It looks like this year will be another bumper harvest."

A hint of unease flashed across Hou Yongshou's face, but he quickly put on a smile and said, "Sir, this is a piece of land that we've been carefully tending to this year, and we're preparing to report it as a model case."

Jin Hong gave a soft "Oh," and said with a smile, "Looks like you guys are also planning to launch a big 'satellite'."

Jiang Zhenghua understood immediately.

On October 4, 1957, Big Brother launched Sputnik 10, the first artificial satellite, causing a sensation around the world. "Satellite" became one of the most fashionable scientific terms at the time.

"Distinguished leaders, shall I take you to see our 'fields'?"

Upon hearing Hou Yongshou's suggestion, Jin Hong said, "I often see it in the newspaper, but I've never actually seen it in person. Let's broaden our horizons today."

Liao Baohua chimed in, "It's time to broaden our horizons and share in the fruits of our peasant brothers' revolution."

Hou Yongshou pointed ahead and said, "Let's go this way. There's a path here that leads straight into the fields."

Led by Hou Yongshou, the group proceeded along a small path.

After walking about 100 meters, the group arrived at the edge of the field.

The field was planted with dense potato stalks, and many leaves were beginning to wither and turn yellow, with only the top or edge leaves still retaining some green.

Hou Yongshou pointed to the potato stalks on the ground: "Leaders, look here. This bunch of potatoes all have two seedlings, and the stalks are thicker and stronger than before, with an extra stalk. They will definitely produce more potatoes."

As Liao Baohua observed, he asked, "How much could one mu (unit of land area) yield in previous years?"

"It's about 400 to 600 jin, but this year there are many more plants and they've been planted densely, so the production capacity is estimated to be even greater."

However, Hou Yongshou failed to notice that Jin Hong, Zhang Chongguang, and Jiang Zhenghua all looked extremely grim at that moment.

Others might not notice, but we are the police.

Jin Hong was not giving up. He walked forward and saw that the situation was the same everywhere. He then turned back to look at Zhang Chongguang and Jiang Zhenghua.

Upon noticing Jiang Zhenghua lighting a cigarette and smoking it while standing at the edge of the plot, he forced an awkward smile after catching her gaze.

When Jin Hong saw Jiang Zhenghua's smile, he sensed a sadness, a sense of powerlessness, and even felt a chill run down his spine in the sweltering summer heat.

Turning his head to look at Zhang Chongguang not far away, he found him staring blankly at the potato seedlings, his face full of disbelief.

Perhaps sensing his gaze, Zhang Chongguang suddenly looked up in this direction, then his lips twitched before he finally turned his head away.

Jin Hong's heart skipped a beat. He glanced at Hou Yongshou, who was giving a long and detailed introduction, and saw a hint of unease on Hou's face. Jin Hong was secretly alarmed.

He straightened up and said, "Secretary Hou, it's getting late. We've seen the 'field,' and there are still many details of the case that need to be investigated, so we won't disturb you any longer."

Hou Yongshou was naturally eager for them to leave: "Actually, you can't really see anything now. It will look much better when the whole field is covered with potatoes after the harvest in a few days. We welcome leaders to come and inspect the land and have a meal of the new potatoes."

"Definitely, definitely."

On his way back to the team headquarters, Jin Hong's steps were noticeably heavier than before, but quicker.

Just as the car started to leave, Hou Yongshou suddenly asked, "Deputy Director Jiang, when can I pick up Sanwazi and take him home?"

Jiang Zhenghua pondered for a moment and said, "I can't say for sure right now. How about this, I'll send you a telegram or send someone to notify you when there's progress in the case."

Hou Yongshou's face contorted in pain: "The weather is so hot right now..."

Jiang Zhenghua interrupted him, saying, "Don't worry, we have a special preservation room; it won't rot."

Hou Yongshou nodded and said, "I'll leave it to Deputy Director Jiang."

Jiang Zhenghua jumped into the car: "Secretary Hou, solving cases is my duty."

"Thanks."

My condolences.

The motorcycle continued along the same route it had come from.

As they passed a cornfield, Zhang Chongguang glanced at it, then turned and shouted, "Zhenghua, that field..."

Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Zhenghua immediately interrupted him loudly: "Instructor, watch out for the turn ahead."

Zhang Chongguang turned around and looked ahead.

Jiang Zhenghua's voice came from beside him: "Instructor, do you think our subdistrict office should also build a makeshift blast furnace? Isn't it being promoted by the higher-ups?"

Zhang Chongguang was jolted, and even the three men in the carriage lost their balance and veered sharply.

Sitting in the back of the truck, Zhang Youming asked, "Coach Zhang, are you alright?"

"It's nothing, there was a pebble there, and the front wheel swerved a little."

In fact, Zhang Chongguang was in a state of utter confusion at that moment, thinking to himself, "Zheng Hua also noticed; he was reminding me."

Recalling Jin Hong's expression and that glance he gave him at the edge of the field, Zhang Chongguang immediately understood. Deputy Director Jin was an experienced investigator and must have noticed the clues, but he just didn't say anything.

This is what most people would like to see, except for Director Liao and Zhang Youming, who genuinely didn't see it.

Lost in their own thoughts, the group arrived at the courtyard of the Taotiao Hutong Police Station.

As the three-wheeled vehicle drove in, they saw Jin Hong and Liao Baohua standing on the steps smoking.

Director Liao smiled and said, "Deputy Director Jin, Zhang Youming and I will head back now. If needed, just send someone to let us know."

Jin Hong shook hands with Director Liao: "Thank you both for your cooperation today."

Liao Baohua waved his hand and left with Zhang Youming.

Seeing the somber expressions on the faces of the two people beside him, Jin Hong sighed, "There are some things you should understand, but it's better to keep them to yourselves. Our job is to safeguard the peace of this area and ensure social security."

The two agreed in unison.

"I just asked, and Director Qiao hasn't returned yet. Let's go over there and take a look. Take my car."

With that, Jin Hong strode toward the jeep.