Police officer Chen Shu

Chapter 286 We Should Go Further
Zhongshan Institute, first floor lobby

Zhang Yang, the dashing TV host, arrived in a flurry with her film crew, shouting loudly as she entered:

"Chen Shu! Chen Shu! Hey, brother, where is your deputy director Chen Shu?"

After receiving instructions, she waved to the film crew to wait in the lobby on the first floor, and then skipped upstairs.

There was a sense that this originally serious grassroots law enforcement unit of the public security agency was being treated like their own backyard, and they were extremely casual about it.

With a "snap," Zhang Yang opened the door and stepped inside. Inside, several police officers were sitting around discussing the case. Under their surprised gazes, Zhang Yang stuck out his tongue, then withdrew it and closed the door behind him, standing by the corridor waiting.

After a short while, Chen Shu opened the door and pulled Zhang Yang to the reception room at the end of the corridor.

"Why are you here?" Chen Shu asked, frowning.

Having worked outside for several years, Zhang Yang, the big reporter, is always treated with utmost respect by everyone in Dongzhou. When has he ever been treated like this? Before this person could even sit down or have a cup of tea made, he was cornered in a small corner of the corridor by a lowly policeman from the local police station who started berating him.

She came here to help promote the achievements!

Zhang Yang pouted and said in a low voice, looking aggrieved, "Your instructor asked me to come and film a promotional video."

Chen Shu, who was only responsive to gentle persuasion, was speechless for a moment and could only say helplessly, "I'm still busy and don't have time for this. Why don't you come over tomorrow?"

Suddenly, a gasp came from the other end of the corridor.

"Chief Chen! Dr. Li is banging his head in the cage! Go check on him right away!"

Chen Shu was startled, knowing that this scholar was thin-skinned and might have been contemplating suicide. He left after saying a few words.

"Zhang Yang, come back tomorrow!"

Zhang Yang, his cheeks flushed, was left standing alone, bewildered in the wind.

She stomped her high heels on the ground and said angrily:

"You've been so kind, yet you've treated me like dirt! Just wait until I start publicizing your story tomorrow!"

The following morning, on Baixiang Road, at the First Affiliated Hospital of Dongzhou Medical College.

The ward was filled with the solemn voice of Zhang Yang, a famous TV host from Dongzhou, broadcasting local news from Dongzhou.

"Recently, under the command of Deputy Director Wang He, and after nearly a month of investigation and surveillance, the Zhengming District Public Security Bureau successfully cracked the '7679 Major Armed Manufacturing and Trafficking of New Types of O Case'."
"It is understood that the gang had a clear division of labor. The ringleader, Luo, oversaw the overall operations; Li, who held a doctorate, was responsible for development; and Lin, who had been involved in the local drug scene for many years, was responsible for distribution channels. One replica Type 54 pistol was seized."

Li Da, leaning back on the hospital bed, munched on an apple while pointing at the television and sneered, "Director Zhang, our branch's propaganda department is really something. I've been listening intently for ages, but I haven't heard a single name mentioned in our special police brigade or the Zhongshan Police Station."

"Huh? I remember Chen Shu telling me they captured two weapons. One was a five-round burst, and the other was an American M1911. Where did this Type 54 imitation come from?"

Director Zhang, who came to express his condolences on behalf of the branch office leadership, patiently explained, "They're all from the same unit, they're all the same. That's how it is with the reporters; the larger ones are all called 'Imitation Type 54,' and the smaller ones are all called 'Imitation Type 64.'"

Li Da nodded, finished his apple, grabbed a tissue from the bedside table to wipe his mouth, and said casually, "Director Zhang, I'm fine here. The doctor said there was no damage to the bones or major blood vessels, and I can go back to work in a few days. By the way, this case should be eligible for a third-class merit award, right?"

Standing behind Director Zhang, Director Wu from the Political Department laughed and said, "Look at you, you're so ambitious. You're already forty, why are you still thinking about a third-class merit? You should just stay in the hospital and rest this time. After the city bureau leaders and the media have all come, I'll recommend you for a second-class merit!"

Zhang Da glanced at Ren Guoqing, the captain of the criminal investigation team of the branch bureau, who had been standing silently in the corner of the ward since following Director Zhang into the room, then turned to Director Wu and said righteously:
“Director Wu, that’s not what I meant. I know the rules of the bureau. I was the only one injured in this operation, so I’ll definitely get the credit. Actually, my son is in high school now, and we’re over forty, so we don’t need any more second or third-class merits. So how about the bureau makes an exception this time and gives the credit to the younger people?”

The second-class merit award for police officers is approved by the provincial government. The biggest benefit is that the children of the award-winning officers can choose to attend any school within the prefecture-level city where they are enrolled in kindergarten, primary school, and junior high school. Although Li Da didn't specifically name anyone when he said "young people," everyone present knew who he was referring to.

Director Zhang laughed and pointed at Li Da: "You've already given away the favor so early. Tell me, kid, do you have something on your mind?"

Li Da shrugged and glanced at Ren Guoqing: "Director Zhang, I don't have any ideas. I'll follow the leader's arrangements."

He emphasized the words "arranged by the leadership," making it clear that he hoped Director Zhang would not change Chen Shu's work arrangements after the New Year, and that everything would proceed as originally agreed.

Director Zhang nodded, preparing to say some words of comfort, after all, Li Da had also been shot in the line of duty.

At this moment, Ren Guoqing took a few steps forward and suddenly said, "Captain Li, I'd like to talk to you about something."

"Hey!"

Li Da, who had been secretly watching Ren Guoqing, immediately sat up straight and waved his hands excitedly: "Director Zhang, Director Wu, I suddenly feel a lot of pain in my thigh, it hurts so much I can't stand it. Should I go see a doctor first?"

Everyone present was a veteran police officer; who didn't know what the other was up to?

Director Zhang comforted him, "Li Da, just focus on recovering. You'll follow the team's arrangements."

After saying that, he led the group out of the ward.

In the hospital corridor, an enraged Ren Guoqing, disregarding everyone else present, complained directly, "This is all nonsensical command and arrangement. Do you think I don't know what our branch's SWAT officers do? Sending Chen Shu to the SWAT team would be a waste!"

Director Wu advised, "This is an arrangement made by the bureau, mainly because of Chen Shu's role in the last case."

Ren Guoqing waved his hand: "Isn't that perfect! Let him come to the Criminal Investigation Department to atone for his crimes and make amends!"

Ren Guoqing!

Director Zhang stopped and pointed at Ren Guoqing in the corridor, shouting, "Are you the director or am I? Do I know better than you whether Chen Shu is a promising talent? This matter is settled, don't argue anymore!"

The doctors, nurses, and patients in the corridor all looked over at the group of police officers in uniforms who were arguing about something, and began to whisper among themselves.

"Hey!" Ren Guoqing stomped his foot, angrily leaving everyone behind and walking away.

Director Wu, caught in the middle, sighed and returned to Director Zhang's side, suggesting, "Actually, Ren Guoqing is right. Our special police brigade usually just muddles through and gets used to being lazy. Every time the city's special police unit evaluation is held, we are ranked last."

Look at this operation; the police officers and special agents are all staying in the back, guarding the targets, while Li Da, a captain in his forties, is charging ahead. Sigh, given the current environment, Chen Shu might have been assimilated in the past.”

Director Zhang looked in the direction Ren Guoqing had left, pondered for a moment, and said, "Chen Shu is very much like me when I was young. He's energetic, courageous, and resourceful. He's always full of energy, looking for cases to work on, and he doesn't care whether it's a case from your Criminal Investigation Department or his drug enforcement case. Once it's in his hands, he won't let it go. He's also not very calculating; he's practically sleeping at the office."

If things had followed the normal procedure, he would have smoothly progressed through the ranks from deputy battalion commander, instructor, director, battalion commander, and so on, eventually becoming a deputy bureau chief. At best, he'd reach my position—his peak! By then, we'd be about the same age, and further advancement would have been impossible.

After saying this, the big shot who was the undisputed leader of Zhengming District, whose every word could shake the district, revealed an indescribable sense of desolation and regret in his eyes.

He waved his hand forcefully and laughed loudly:

"What's so great about being the executive deputy director of a branch office! Chen Shuli should go much further!"

(End of this chapter)