"Captain Zheng, now that we've got the evidence, should we strike while the iron is hot and interrogate Chen Kangning?" Han Bin asked.
"Exactly. This is no time to relax," Zheng Kaixuan replied, though something else was still on his mind. "The first person who reported the case, Xu Yan, is still waiting for her money back. We can only return it to her once the case is officially closed."
"I'd like to interrogate Chen Kangning again," Han Bin said.
"Go ahead."
Zheng Kaixuan nodded, then added, "I'll go get approval from the sub-bureau leaders. Xu Yan's family situation is special—once the suspect confesses, we'll start the paperwork so she can get her stolen savings back quickly."
"Understood."
Xu Yan's father was scheduled for surgery the next day, and any delay might put his life at risk. The stolen savings were meant to pay for that operation.
Back at the station, Han Bin immediately went in to question Chen Kangning.
With the stolen goods and fingerprints as hard evidence, Chen Kangning was no longer as calm as before.
After Han Bin's relentless questioning, Chen finally confessed.
The arrogance on his face vanished.
It was like he had become a completely different person—crying, calling Han Bin "Leader" over and over, begging him to help reduce his sentence.
He claimed it was just a momentary lapse in judgment and swore he'd never do it again.
Han Bin looked at him with disdain. He didn't believe a word of it.
Once everything at the station was wrapped up, Han Bin headed home from the sub-bureau. By the time he got back, it was already 1 a.m.
After a shower, he lay in bed, both tired and hungry. At that moment, a bowl of instant noodles would have been the finest delicacy on earth.
Unfortunately, he was too exhausted to get up. He yawned.
"Congratulations, Officer 577533, on successfully solving your first series theft case," a familiar voice rang out.
"Micro-expression analysis +4."
"Merit points awarded: 10."
Han Bin smiled. He was one step closer to paying off his installment "skill debt."
Once that debt was cleared, he could learn a new crime-solving skill.
With that thought, he fell asleep content and full of anticipation…
The next morning, Qindao Sub-bureau.
Criminal Investigation Team 3, Second Group office.
Li Hui yawned and lay on his desk, catching up on sleep.
Zhao Ming fetched some hot water, getting ready to make instant noodles.
Han Bin leaned back in his chair, playing on his phone.
Being a detective meant working around the clock when there was a case, with barely a moment to breathe.
When there wasn't a case, Han Bin enjoyed taking it easy.
He wasn't a machine—no one could work non-stop. Everyone had bad days, and only those who knew how to balance work and rest could last long in this line of work.
"Zhao Ming, instant noodles this early in the morning?" Han Bin asked.
"I had a late dinner after work last night, got home around 2 a.m., overslept this morning, so no time for breakfast." As he spoke, Zhao Ming tore open a sausage and took a big bite.
Tian Li walked into the office with a stack of files. "Has Captain Zeng come in yet?"
Han Bin glanced at the clock on the wall. "Not at this hour. I'd say he's not coming today either."
"Then who's going to sign these case files?" Tian Li sighed.
"Just give them to Captain Zheng," Zhao Ming suggested.
"Yesterday we were going to video call Captain Zeng to check on him, but work was too busy and we forgot. Should we video call him today, or pay him a visit?" Li Hui asked, looking for opinions.
"Have you ever been to Captain Zeng's house?" Han Bin asked.
"No."
"If you haven't, how would we know where he lives?" Tian Li shrugged.
"True," Li Hui admitted, embarrassed.
"Alright, let's just video call him while things are quiet. If something's wrong, we can help out," Han Bin said, glancing at the others. "Who's calling?"
"You just made the first big bust, and even Captain Zheng praised you. Who else should call if not you?" Li Hui said.
"Yeah, Captain Zeng will definitely ask about the case. You're the right choice," Zhao Ming added.
"Bin-ge, you should do it," Tian Li chimed in.
Han Bin didn't fuss. He opened WeChat and sent a video call request to Zeng Ping.
"Beep—"
After a moment, the call connected. Zeng Ping's face appeared on the screen.
"Morning, Captain Zeng," Han Bin greeted with a smile.
"Captain Zeng," the other three also poked their heads into view.
"You lot seem awfully free this morning, video calling me so early," Zeng Ping said with a faint smile.
"We just wrapped up a case yesterday, so things are slow today. We wanted to see what you were up to."
"Nothing much, just some personal matters."
"Need our help?" Han Bin asked after a pause.
"No need, I can handle it myself," Zeng waved them off.
"Captain Zeng, don't be polite with us," Li Hui said.
"Yeah, we're on call anytime," Zhao Ming added.
"We're not used to you being away these past few days," Tian Li laughed.
"Not used to it? Or just enjoying the lack of supervision?" Zeng Ping teased.
"Of course not."
"Definitely not," they all quickly denied.
"Alright, enjoy your freedom while it lasts. I'll be back in a couple of days, and then you'll be busy again," Zeng said.
"Then we'll be here, awaiting your grand return."
With no new cases for two days and Zeng Ping still absent, the four enjoyed their relaxed routine.
Especially Han Bin—sitting in the office with tea or coffee, playing on his phone, daydreaming—a pretty comfortable life.
After lunch, Han Bin returned to the office, feeling drowsy. He was just about to take a nap when—
Bang bang…
Boom boom… boom boom…
The sound of drums and gongs came from outside.
"What the heck is going on?" Li Hui asked curiously.
"Sounds like someone's playing instruments out there," Zhao Ming said, walking to the window to look.
"Who's bold enough to come to the police station beating drums?" Li Hui also went over to peek.
"Maybe it's a wedding procession passing by," Tian Li guessed.
Han Bin pointed at the clock on the wall. "Sis, look at the time—it's way past the wedding hour."
"Tian-jie, don't tell me you're thinking of getting married," Zhao Ming teased.
"Cut it out with your nonsense," Tian Li said, picking up a book from the desk and pretending to throw it at him.
Zhao Ming quickly ducked. "Mercy, Tian-jie! I know I was wrong!"
"Alright, enough fooling around. Hey—this drum-playing group just walked into our station courtyard," Li Hui shouted.
"They really did—and there's quite a few of them."
"This setup… looks like they're here to deliver a silk banner of thanks," Tian Li muttered.
"Did Team One or Team Two crack some big case recently?"
"Haven't heard anything."
"Hui-ge, you've got more contacts in the bureau. Any idea?" Zhao Ming asked.
Han Bin's sharp eyes spotted something. "Those people in the front… they look familiar."
"Funny, I was thinking the same," Li Hui said, then suddenly remembered. "Wait—that's the residents from Linfang Community!"
"Don't tell me… the banner is for us!"
(End of Chapter)