Chapter 126: The Undercover Rookie
Xu Xiaodong asked, “Dongxue, why don’t you agree? Isn’t this a good idea?”
“I just… I just don’t agree,” Lin Dongxue stammered. After Xu Xiaodong’s previous mistake, she didn’t dare take another risk, especially since Chen Shi wasn’t a police officer. If discovered, the consequences would be far worse than just a bad haircut.
Officer Old Zhang said, “Going undercover is the most rewarding yet the riskiest move. I think Chen Shi is indeed a suitable candidate. How about we vote?”
Five votes in favor, six against, and two abstained.
The abstainers were Peng Siyue and Lin Dongxue. Peng Siyue said, “This vote is meaningless. The most important thing is his willingness. He’s not a police officer; we can’t force him.”
Lin Dongxue anxiously said, “Knowing his personality, if he learns our investigation is stuck, he’ll definitely volunteer!”
Peng Siyue looked at her, “Although I share your concern for his safety, with his abilities, he can handle it.”
“His abilities? He’s just good at solving cases. Going undercover is a different matter!”
“No, his abilities go beyond that.”
“You know him?”
“I do.”
Lin Dongxue’s voice grew louder, almost argumentative. Old Zhang intervened, “Stop arguing. We’ll inform Chen Shi tomorrow and make a decision then. Xiaolin, let’s call it a day.”
Lin Dongxue nodded weakly. That night, she tossed and turned, tempted countless times to call Chen Shi, but each time she dialed, she hung up immediately.
The next day, Chen Shi arrived at the bureau as usual. Seeing Lin Dongxue, he smiled, “Yesterday, Yue Yue kept watching the palace drama you recommended. I’m quite pleased. Recommend more mindless shows next time!”
“Are you mocking me?”
“No, I’m praising you. Yue Yue is too smart and loves studying. She never plays. I worry she’s over-nourished… Didn’t sleep well?”
“I slept late. Oh, there’s something I need to discuss with you.”
At the morning case meeting, after hearing everyone’s words, Chen Shi calmly said, “I can take on this task.”
His tone suggested a “but,” so everyone waited.
“But…” Chen Shi looked at Lin Dongxue, “You have to take care of my kid for a few days.”
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, offering, “We can take turns!” and “I have kids too, my wife can help.”
“No, no, only Lin Dongxue can,” Chen Shi insisted.
Lin Dongxue didn’t smile. “Are you sure you understand the situation?”
Chen Shi nodded, “Perfectly. The task force is out of options, and only I can do this.”
“If there’s any danger, you can withdraw or even provide information to the other side for self-preservation. Your safety comes first, understand?” This was Lin Dongxue’s carefully considered precaution from the night before.
“Thanks for your concern. I’ll keep it in mind.”
They decided that Chen Shi would go undercover in three days. Until then, he would stay away from the bureau to avoid any association with the police.
Moreover, Ah Meng, the only one who knew Chen Shi was a “cop,” must be strictly monitored to prevent any leaks.
Chen Shi had a leisurely day, cooking a big meal and picking up Tao Yueyue. After dinner, she asked, “Where’s my literary classic?”
“I bought it. Here it is.”
Chen Shi brought out a stack of books. Tao Yueyue looked through the titles: Our Eventually Lost Youth, You Are Still Here, Waiting for You in My Memories, The Heart Knows No Bounds…
Tao Yueyue scoffed, “Literary classics?”
Chen Shi raised his eyebrows, “Modern literary classics!”
“Come on, I need them for a writing contest. How are these books supposed to help?”
“You should have said earlier. I have the Four Great Classical Novels. Want to read them?”
“I’ve read them all. They’re useless. Journey to the West is full of plot holes, Water Margin has twisted morals, Romance of the Three Kingdoms is boring, and Dream of the Red Chamber is just a mess.”
“Don’t speak nonsense. Show some respect.”
“Take me to buy books.”
Chen Shi checked the time, “The bookstore should still be open. Let’s go!”
At a nearby bookstore, Tao Yueyue browsed the shelves while Chen Shi looked through new mystery novels. After reading all the synopses, he asked, “Have you chosen?”
Tao Yueyue was engrossed in a book titled Extraordinary Childhood. Chen Shi pulled it from her hands, “No, your childhood is already extraordinary enough!”
Tao Yueyue pouted.
“Weren’t you looking for literary classics?”
“They’re useless. Those authors probably weren’t good at essays.”
“Watch out, or they’ll come after you.”
“I’m just stating facts.”
Tao Yueyue moved to another shelf and picked several books: 100 Essay Techniques, How to Write Prompts, Making Middle School Students Love Writing. Seeing these, Chen Shi was taken aback, “These?”
“They’re useful. Essays are for teachers. They love seeing polished techniques.”
Chen Shi laughed at her precociousness, “You talk a big game. If you don’t win, you’ll have to live with it! Fine, I’ll buy them.”
“And that one!” Tao Yueyue pointed to Extraordinary Childhood.
“No, watch your palace dramas instead.”
Tao Yueyue made a funny face.
Carrying a big bag of books, Chen Shi took her to a fast-food restaurant. Tao Yueyue ordered ice cream, and the chocolate sundae quickly won her over. She smiled with contentment, her eyes turning into crescent moons.
Chen Shi said, “I’ll be on a business trip soon, away for a few days.”
“What about me?”
“You’ll stay at Lin’s house.”
Chen Shi expected her to cheer, but she didn’t. She looked up from her ice cream, biting the plastic spoon, “Going undercover?”
Chen Shi was shocked. This little girl was too smart!
But that wasn’t her intention. She asked, “Am I going undercover? Should I tell Lin you like her?”
“No, no. Just behave yourself.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“Do you want it to be long or short?”
Tao Yueyue tilted her head and smiled, “What do you want to hear?”
“The truth!”
“You two should just live together. I like Lin and you. Wouldn’t it be perfect if you moved in together? Don’t worry, I won’t be a third wheel. If you want privacy, I’ll just close the door and pretend I don’t know.”
Chen Shi laughed, poking her forehead, “You little rascal!”