Qindao Branch Bureau.
Bang bang…
Dong dong dong…
The sound of drums and gongs grew louder, enough to catch the attention of the bureau's leadership.
The branch bureau chief, Dai Minghan, personally came out to check.
From the Criminal Investigation Division, Team One's captain, Li Zhankun, and Team Two's captain, Sun Chengying, also stepped outside.
Several other officers ran out to watch the commotion.
"Zhankun, Old Sun, what's going on?" Dai Minghan asked.
"Chief Dai, I'm just as puzzled," Li Zhankun replied, shaking his head.
"Looks like someone's here to deliver a banner," Sun Chengying said.
"No kidding! You think I can't tell?" Dai Minghan snorted. What he really wanted to know was—who the banner was for.
The two captains exchanged an awkward look. Could it be for Team Three?
At the head of the noisy group was Xu Yan from Linfang Community. She was holding a large silk banner with two bold lines of gold characters:
"The People's Police Serve the People; Thunderous Action Warms the Heart."
In the upper right corner: "Presented to Qindao Yuhua Branch Bureau."
On the left: "From Xu Yan and Song Jinchang, Linfang Community, August 2019."
Xu Yan stepped forward, saw Dai Minghan surrounded in the middle, and walked toward him.
"Are you the head of the branch bureau?"
"This is Chief Dai," Li Zhankun said. "What's the matter?"
"Chief Dai, I'm a resident of Linfang Community. I'm here to present a banner to thank your bureau for catching the criminal in time and saving my father," Xu Yan said.
Dai Minghan looked momentarily confused—he hadn't connected the dots yet.
A man stepped up next, shaking Dai Minghan's hand.
"Chief Dai, I'm also a Linfang resident. Thank you for helping us catch the thief."
"You're welcome—it's our duty," Dai Minghan said, now recalling that just two days ago there had been a series of thefts. He had personally told Zheng Kaixuan to solve it quickly, reminding him that "there are no small matters for the people."
Two more residents came forward with additional banners. One read:
"Conscientious and Responsible, Solves Cases Swiftly."
The other:
"Wholeheartedly for the People, People's Police."
Seeing the three banners, Dai Minghan's mood lifted and he smiled in satisfaction.
"Chief Dai, I'd like to give this banner directly to Officer Zheng and Officer Han, and thank them in person," Xu Yan said sincerely. "If it weren't for them catching the thief and recovering my father's surgery money in time, he probably wouldn't…"
Her voice trembled and her eyes reddened.
"Don't worry, I'll call them right now," Dai Minghan reassured her. The case had been led by Zheng Kaixuan, but… Officer Han?
"Zheng Kaixuan," Dai Minghan called out.
"Chief Dai, you were looking for me?" Zheng squeezed through the crowd.
"Good work. The citizens are here to give you a banner," Dai Minghan said, patting him on the shoulder.
"Officer Zheng, thank you and Officer Han for saving my father," Xu Yan said, handing the banner to Zheng herself.
"Ms. Xu, this is what we police are here for," Zheng replied, turning to call out, "Han Bin, come over here!"
"Yes, sir."
Han Bin walked over from a distance.
"Ms. Xu, everyone's here…" he greeted.
"Thank you for catching the thief and finding the surgery money. I don't have anything valuable to offer, so I wanted to thank you in person," Xu Yan said.
"Has your father had the surgery?"
"Yes, and it was a success. He's recovering now."
"That's good," Han Bin smiled. At least their effort had been worth it.
Other theft victims also came forward to express their gratitude.
The bureau's publicity team had by now arrived with cameras and camcorders, capturing the lively scene.
Han Bin also received his own banner and took photos with the Linfang residents—definitely a moment in the spotlight.
At the publicity team's suggestion, Dai Minghan, Zheng Kaixuan, and Han Bin took a group photo with the residents.
Finally, the entire Criminal Investigation Team Three posed for a shot holding their three banners—Zheng in the center, Han Bin and Zhao Ying on either side, with the rest of the squad lined up.
Team Three had stolen the show, leaving Teams One and Two feeling a bit overshadowed; their captains quietly returned to the building.
When the crowd dispersed, Zheng, Han Bin, and Zhao Ying personally escorted the Linfang residents to the front gate.
Song Jinchang, walking a step behind, came up to Han Bin.
"Officer Han, thank you for catching the thief and clearing my name."
"No need to thank me—it's my job."
"I just wanted to say it to you directly."
Han Bin nodded, sensing something on the man's mind.
"About our earlier suspicion of you—that was raised by the police. I hope you and your wife don't hold a grudge."
Song hesitated, then gave a bitter smile.
"Xu Yan and I have already agreed to divorce."
"Because of the stolen money?" Han Bin asked in surprise.
"No. Our issues had been building for a long time. Even without the theft, we'd have fought over the surgery expenses anyway."
"It's gotten that bad?" Han Bin frowned.
"Officer Han, you're not married, right?"
"No."
"Compared to our own little family, Xu Yan cares more about her parents' side," Song sighed. "I'm a bit older than you—when you get married, you'll understand."
Han Bin opened his mouth to say something, but didn't. As Song had said, without marriage experience, what right did he have to advise?
Maybe Song just needed someone to listen. If a couple's conflicts run that deep, perhaps parting peacefully is better than constant fights and mutual harm.
Bureau Chief's Office
Dai Minghan sat at his desk, looking at his computer.
On the screen was the police intranet, with Han Bin's photo in the top left corner.
"Not bad," he muttered. "The kid just joined the criminal investigation unit and has already racked up several first-class merits… Ah, so he's Old Han's son. No wonder he looked familiar. Raised a fine boy."
Knock knock.
He closed the page.
"Come in."
The door creaked open and Zheng Kaixuan entered with Han Bin.
"Chief Dai," they greeted.
"Sit," he said, pointing to the chairs.
"Chief Dai, did you need something from me?" Zheng asked directly.
"Your Team Three's case-solving rate has been impressive lately. Stay humble in victory, resilient in defeat—keep it up."
"Yes, sir."
Dai turned to Han Bin.
"You're Han Bin?"
"Yes."
"Good young man. You've got what it takes to be a criminal investigator. I've got high hopes for you—keep working hard."
"Yes, sir. I won't let you down," Han Bin said seriously.
"Given your team's performance, I'll be recommending Team Three for this month's Star of the Police Force award," Dai announced.
The branch bureau had a Star of the Police Force program on both the intranet and the public notice board, highlighting exemplary officers and teams each month to serve as role models.
Each month, one outstanding individual and one outstanding team were selected.
"As for the individual award," Dai said, pointing to Zheng, "I'll let you, as team captain, make the recommendation."
(End of Chapter)