Chapter 14: The Man I Admire

After eating spicy hot pot, Chen Shi’s lips were bright red from the heat. Lin Dongxue, looking displeased, watched him. Chen Shi said, “I know I’m handsome, but you don’t have to stare.”

Lin Dongxue smacked him lightly. “Do you know how worried I was in the restaurant? Afraid she…” she glanced at the back seat where Gao Xiaohui was sitting, “afraid the suspect would run away!”

“Alright, alright, I’ll be more careful next time.”

During the drive, Lin Dongxue received three calls from Lin Qiupu, anxious about any changes in their situation.

Half an hour later, the three arrived at the police station. Lin Qiupu and a few officers, who hadn’t eaten yet, were waiting anxiously at the entrance. Lin Dongxue suddenly realized that Chen Shi had deliberately delayed to get back at her brother for past grievances.

When Lin Dongxue and Chen Shi got out of the car, Lin Qiupu’s eyes widened, then he sneered. “Well, well, Mr. Chen, let’s talk about your second visit to the interrogation room.”

Chen Shi laughed and pointed to the car. “Captain Lin, do you need glasses? There’s someone else in the car you might want to see.”

Lin Qiupu looked and saw Gao Xiaohui. Confused, he turned to Lin Dongxue, who said, “Captain Lin, she’s the real suspect. She’s confessed everything!”

“But… how come it’s a woman? Did you record the statement?”

“Uh, no…” Lin Dongxue stuck out her tongue.

Chen Shi took out his phone. “I recorded it. I’ll send it to you.”

“How thoughtful!” Lin Dongxue admired.

Lin Qiupu, eyeing Chen Shi suspiciously, asked, “You two investigated this together? Are you and Dongxue…”

Chen Shi ignored the hostility in Lin Qiupu’s eyes and said nonchalantly, “This case was solved entirely by Miss Lin. I just helped a bit. Captain Lin, you underestimate your sister’s abilities. Her intuition is impressive. You’ll be amazed once you hear the interrogation recording.”

Lin Dongxue blushed from the praise, while Lin Qiupu was shocked. He turned to Lin Dongxue. “How could you act on your own without orders?”

“Just this once, it won’t happen again!” Lin Dongxue laughed.

“Once is enough. Expect a disciplinary action!” Lin Qiupu said sternly.

“Alright, you handle the rest. Take the suspect; I need to get back to work,” Chen Shi said, opening the car door. “By the way, let me know if I’m needed in court. I’m quite busy.”

After Chen Shi left, Lin Qiupu listened to the recording, completely surprised by the case’s details. However, something puzzled him. He asked Lin Dongxue, “Didn’t that guy say he only helped a bit? Why is he doing most of the talking in the recording? Who was helping whom?”

Lin Dongxue couldn’t hide it any longer. “You wouldn’t believe it, but he basically solved the case on his own.”

“Him? A taxi driver?” Lin Qiupu was stunned for a long time.

Gao Xiaohui confessed to everything, and with solid evidence, the case quickly proceeded to the legal process. The media reported the case with sensational headlines like “Love Rivalry Turns Deadly: Friend Murders Friend.” Chen Shi’s name wasn’t mentioned, only referring to “a helpful citizen.”

Lin Dongxue received an award from the bureau for her significant contribution, but holding the award, she felt unworthy.

After the award ceremony, Lin Qiupu called her to his office. Lin Dongxue saluted, “Captain, are you going to reprimand me for acting on my own?”

“Reprimand? You achieved such a big accomplishment. The chief commended you. People would say I’m petty if I punished you.”

“Then why did you call me?”

“I want to know who that guy really is. How can a taxi driver, without professional training, solve a case so well? And…” Lin Qiupu hesitated to say that Chen Shi outperformed the task force.

“Actually, I think he’s very professional. He knows forensic science inside out. I even suspect he might be an undercover agent.”

“Nonsense! Have you ever seen an undercover agent working as a taxi driver? Check his background. As both your brother and superior, I can’t allow you to be involved with someone suspicious.”

“Don’t worry, Captain. We’re just working on the case together, nothing more.”

Lin Qiupu glared at her, and Lin Dongxue quickly saluted, “I’ll check it right away!”

“Also…” Lin Qiupu softened his tone. “I’m setting you up with a date this Sunday.”

“What?” Lin Dongxue’s mouth dropped open. “A blind date?”

“Yes, what else? Your aunt arranged it, and I couldn’t refuse.”

“So you’re just selling me out?”

“Watch your words. You’re an adult, time to settle down. It’s just a formality.”

“Why don’t you go yourself?” Lin Dongxue said reluctantly.

“Sister, please cooperate.”

“Really? Does Aunt think I can’t get married?”

“People are just being kind. You can’t just refuse.”

“Fine!” Lin Dongxue agreed. “Who’s the guy? Did you ask?”

Lin Qiupu picked up a photo, wiping it as he said, “A software engineer, educated abroad, quite accomplished. I saw the picture. He’s decent.”

“Is he as handsome as you?”

Lin Qiupu laughed. “Different style.”

Lin Dongxue also laughed. Looking at the photo in Lin Qiupu’s hand, she asked, “By the way, I’ve always wanted to ask, why do you have a man’s photo on your desk? You’re not…”

“Nonsense!” Lin Qiupu clicked his tongue. “This is someone I greatly admire, a police officer.”

“Really?” Lin Dongxue glanced at the photo of a man in his twenties or thirties, wearing a trench coat, hands on his hips, smiling confidently. “Who is he?”

“This is Song Lang, a mentor when I first became a police officer. You were still in middle school then. He was incredible, solved every case, known as a super detective. Every officer with more than five years in Long’an knows him. Many universities wanted him as a guest professor, but he always refused.”

“Why haven’t I seen him around Long’an? Was he promoted?”

Lin Qiupu shook his head. “No, he disappeared.”

“Was he retaliated against?”

“It’s complicated. They say he committed murder. I was part of the task force looking for him. I never believed it. I keep his photo here to inspire myself, hoping one day I can be like him.”

As Lin Qiupu rubbed the photo frame, a hint of sadness appeared in his eyes.

Looking at the photo of the legendary detective’s smile, Lin Dongxue had a strange feeling. Why did that expression seem so familiar?