Solving the case: Wu Song travels back 97 years and becomes a detective

"Old Zhao, that's really unfair!" Xu Bin said. "How can you poach my talent right in front of me!"

"What's this about 'yours' and 'mine'? No matter where we are, aren't we all contributing to protecting the lives and property of the people? What do you say, Lao Xu?"

"I understand." These words left Xu Bin with no room to deny them, but he still wanted to try, so he said, "Comrade Wu Song has only been working on the front line for half a year. His ability to solve cases is indeed high, but it is basically based on talent, and his experience is not enough."

I think it would be better for him to continue working on the front line for another year or two. This would allow him to accumulate experience in the entire process of case investigation and become a capable detective more quickly.

"When you transfer him again, Lao Zhao, I'll welcome it with open arms!"

"Haha, look, this is the one who can call me Lao Zhao!" Zhao Xilai laughed and nodded at Wu Song. "I've seen the cases you solved, they were brilliant. In the words of your Captain Xu, you're extremely talented! But the experience and wisdom of our frontline comrades are also very important. Work hard and learn well, and I'll transfer you over in about two or three years."

"Hey, Lao Xu, you can't refuse this, can you?"

"Thank you!"

Xu Bin blinked, which was taken as agreement.

Of course, if Zhao Xilai wants to push this through, his disagreement is useless.

Even this matter today could have been pushed forward by force, but Zhao Xilai simply didn't do so.

"No need to thank me, we're classmates." Zhao Xilai's gaze fell on Wu Song again. "Don't be impatient. For us criminal investigators, frontline experience is extremely important. You should hone your skills."

"Yes, I will definitely keep it in mind!"

Wu Song didn't actually intend to go to the Municipal Bureau right now.

The number of cases handled by the municipal bureau may not actually be as many as those handled by the major crime squad of the branch bureau.

Furthermore, since both of his parents worked for the North City Branch of the Public Security Bureau, it would be better for him to stay there.

As for going to the municipal bureau, it's not too late to wait until you've achieved enough results and solved several major cases before going.

"Let's go to the awards ceremony!"

The three of them walked together toward the auditorium.

Upon entering, you'll see a large red banner hanging above the auditorium that reads, "1997 Annual Work Summary and Commendation Conference and Work Deployment Meeting."

The gold lettering stood out prominently.

Many of the nearly one thousand seats were already occupied, each person dressed in a neat uniform with a gleaming cap badge.

Wu Song subconsciously nodded and glanced at his top button to make sure there was no problem before following Xu Bin to the front left side.

"You can sit here, it's closer to the aisle, so you can move around more easily later!"

Xu Bin gave Wu Song a seat further out, and after they were both seated, Xu Bin patted Wu Song's knee and asked, "How are you? Nervous?"

"To be honest?"

"certainly."

"I'm not nervous." In Wu Song's eyes, this was just a small matter, not enough to make him nervous.

"..." Xu Bin didn't know what to say. He was a little nervous when he first attended such an awards ceremony. Back then, he had been a criminal police officer for three years. He couldn't help but turn to the side, slightly surprised, and asked, "Really?"

"It's fake." Wu Song ultimately didn't tell the truth.

"Heh, you little rascal!" Xu Bin chuckled slightly. "When you go up there later, stand up straight and outshine them all with your two-meter height!"

"Mission accomplished!"

Before long, everyone had arrived at their seats.

The last group of people to walk up onto the platform at the very top.

Sitting in the very center was a man wearing a dark blue tie, with a white shirt visible underneath, and an olive branch and a four-pointed star on his shoulder.

Third-level police supervisor.

If you don't get promoted and just rely on seniority, the highest rank an ordinary police officer can achieve is two bars and three stars, or a first-class police inspector, which is often referred to as the end of the blue shirt.

To reach that level, one must be promoted to a higher position.

And once you reach this point, you can change into a "white shirt".

"Our city bureau chief is Liu Zhengyi, the top official," Xu Bin introduced.

"Hmm." Wu Song nodded.

Soon, the program began on stage – speeches by leaders, annual work summaries, and commendations for outstanding teams.

As the names of each organization were read out, applause erupted one after another.

Until that voice reached Wu Song's ears.

"We will now begin awarding individual second-class merit citations!"

Wu Song immediately sat up straight.

I was already sitting very upright, but this time I sat even straighter.

"Comrade Hu Yong, in handling the 'May 6th major explosives case,' remained calm and fearless in the face of danger..."

"Comrade Wang Aimin, in the 'July 12th hostage situation'..."

"Comrade Wu Song, relying on his high level of professional acumen and excellent professional skills, accurately identified a fugitive wanted for murder for many years from subtle characteristics during a routine meal while he was not on duty."

Faced with the emergency, he remained calm and decisive, and successfully apprehended the suspect without causing social panic or casualties.

His deeds fully demonstrate the professional instinct of the people's police to be vigilant for 60 seconds while on duty and to shoulder the mission of ensuring safety. After organizational review, it was decided to award him a second-class merit.

"Please welcome our three comrades!"

"Clap clap clap!"

Thunderous applause resounded throughout the auditorium.

Wu Song and two other people walked to the side of the auditorium from different positions, lined up in the order in which their names and deeds had been read out, and marched onto the stage in neat steps.

Arrive at the podium and salute!

With a smile, Liu Zhengyi, the director of the municipal bureau, accepted the gold-embossed red velvet box from the ceremonial staff and presented it, along with the certificates, to the three individuals who received the "Second-Class Merit" honor.

After awarding the prize to each person, the presenter would shake hands with the recipient and offer a few words of encouragement.

"Comrade Wu Song, you are the youngest police officer I have ever seen to receive a second-class merit award. Keep up the good work and strive for even greater achievements."

"Thank you, boss. I will definitely work hard!"

After shaking hands with Director Liu, Wu Song opened the box, took out the certificate, and stood in a row with two other people, facing the nearly one thousand comrades from the police system below the stage, showing them the honor they had just received.

Another round of deafening applause followed.

Looking at the crowd below the stage, Wu Song was excited.

It made him feel as if he had returned to Jingyang Ridge to fight the tiger and become a tiger-fighting hero.

"Brother, I will see you again!"

After repeating it to himself again, Wu Song thought it would be best if his brother could also come to the modern world. This place was so much better than the Song Dynasty!

……

After standing for a short while, the three of them stepped off the stage and returned to their seats.

"Brother Bin, do you want to take a look?" Wu Song handed over the box containing the medal.

"Whoever wants to see it, I won't let them see it..." Xu Bin stopped mid-sentence.

Because he really didn't.

To date, he has only received three individual third-class merit awards.

I've never actually received a second-class merit award.

"I'll see, maybe I can get some benefit from it and maybe next time it'll be my turn."