Sun Police Officer laughed loudly on the phone, "After enduring for so many years, I should be a bureau chief based on my seniority! To be honest, if it wasn't for your grandfather's help, I wouldn't have gotten to this position today. I owe your Song family a favor, so feel free to ask if you need anything."
"Uncle Sun, you're being too modest. I'll come visit you when I have the chance." I said.
"Sounds good. By the way, my precious daughter often asks about you, wondering why you don't come over anymore. Let me know in advance next time, and I'll pick you up from school."
After chatting with Officer Sun for a while, I handed the phone back to Captain Lin. He spoke briefly and hung up.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly changed. Captain Lin, Huang Xiaotao, and Forensic Doctor Qin were all looking at me differently. Qin stammered, "Young...young man, you know Chief Sun?"
I laughed to myself. Just a moment ago I was "boy", now he's suddenly polite.
I calmly said, "Yes, I knew him before he became Chief Sun."
Captain Lin coughed and smoothed things over, "Alright, Old Qin, you can go back first."
"Wait!" I shouted. After bullying me like that, it would be too rude not to return the favor. "Doctor Qin, what about our bet?"
Qin was drenched in sweat, stammering, "This...this...young man, I'm already over 50, and have worked hard as a forensic doctor for many years. Can you please be more understanding?"
"How dare you say that!" I scolded, "As a law enforcement officer, what does no achievements mean? You almost let a criminal get away today. Maybe in five or ten years, someone else could die because of this. Could you take responsibility?"
Qin's old face turned purple and beads of sweat covered his forehead.
I continued scolding, "Do whatever you want, but don't bother me again next time. I'm just an ordinary person. Why do I have to be prosecuted for assisting the police? My personal gains and losses don't matter, but if this spreads, who would dare cooperate with the police in the future? Think about how many unjust cases that could cause. Just imagining it is terrifying."
Qin looked at Captain Lin with a worried frown, "Captain Lin, I'll submit my resignation letter right away."
I sneered, "Captain Lin, I'm leaving first."
"Have a safe trip!"
After leaving the office, Huang Xiaotao slapped me heavily on the shoulder, almost dislocating it. She rattled off, "That scene just now was so dramatic! Song Yang, you were so cool! Did you see Qin's face? It was about to turn into an eggplant. You're so sly, knowing Chief Sun but not telling me. I was worried for nothing about you! What a waste of feelings."
"Hey, you didn't ask!" I complained, rubbing my shoulder.
"What? Do I have to ask you about this kind of thing?" She said excitedly, "Today was such a relief. I've never liked how Qin always relied on his seniority and was arrogant. You really did our criminal investigation team a favor by getting rid of that harm."
I laughed, "Looks like I did a good thing after all."
"Not just good, great! Come on, let me treat you to a nice meal!"
"Forget it, you always treat me. Is your salary enough? Next time." I waved my hand.
"Then next time, bring Wang Dali too." Huang Xiaotao said.
We walked out of the police station. Huang Xiaotao was going to give me a ride back to school, but I said the bus would be faster. Curious, she asked, "By the way, answer me honestly about something."
"Go ahead." I replied.
"I feel like you're hiding something. You can solve cases and know Chief Sun. Come clean and tell me the truth - what's your background?" Huang Xiaotao pressed.
I said helplessly, "I really am just a student."
Huang Xiaotao looked at me distrustfully. I could only reveal a little, "I got to know Chief Sun a long time ago...actually he had some connection with my grandfather..."
"Your grandfather?" Huang Xiaotao thought for a moment, "Who is he?"
"Just an ordinary person."
"You're lying to me!"
"Why would I lie to you? Alright, I'm going." I smiled slightly.
"Wait!" Huang Xiaotao suddenly held out a hand. I was surprised and shook it. She said solemnly, "Thank you for your great assistance to the police this time. I hope we have the chance to cooperate again in the future."
"I hope so too!" I laughed.
For me, this case was an important first step, with extraordinary significance.
But I never could have imagined that my second cooperation with Huang Xiaotao would come so soon!