Chapter 513: Chapter 292: Solved 1 Cold Case, 9 More to Go!

Mr. Ma’s gaze swept over every detective present.

The faces of these comrades, who worked day and night together, were filled with exhaustion. Many had bloodshot eyes, and some were even swaying while standing—this was the result of continuous fighting over many days.

His Adam’s apple bobbed, and his voice trembled slightly, “Brothers of the Criminal Investigation Team…”

He took a deep breath, “Many of you have struggled alongside me from the grassroots level.”

“I’m too familiar with this job—facing ruthless criminals requires courage, examining bloody crime scenes requires meticulousness, and staying up late to analyze clues requires endurance…”

His gaze turned gentle, “You are using your lives to guard the peace of this city.”

He turned to Mr. Li, patting him on the shoulder, “You are not the only one who thought of this.”

“This noon, I’ve already phoned Mr. Wang from the Provincial Department Political Office and detailed your efforts and the significant importance of this case.”

Mr. Ma furrowed his brow slightly, “Mr. Wang promised to try his best to recommend us, but the outcome is still uncertain.”

“As soon as there is news, I will inform everyone at once.”

“Comrades!” Mr. Li suddenly raised his voice, a brilliant smile on his face, “For such good news, shouldn’t there be a round of applause?”

In an instant, thunderous applause erupted in front of the Criminal Investigation Building.

Every detective’s face was filled with weary yet happy smiles, joy gained through hardship.

The applause had barely subsided when Mr. Ma’s phone suddenly rang.

He made a quiet gesture and glanced at the caller ID—it was indeed Mr. Wang from the Political Office of the Provincial Department.

His fingers trembled slightly as he gently slid to answer, “Mr. Wang, hello.”

“Mr. Ma, congratulations to all of you!”

A cheerful voice came from the other end of the line, “The Department attaches great importance to Jiangcheng Criminal Investigation’s solving of this serial murder case.”

“The Department leaders specifically mentioned that the team spirit and tenacity you all demonstrated is commendable, especially the young officer Jiang An, who left a deep impression on the Department leaders.”

Mr. Wang’s voice suddenly became serious, “After research by the Department, it has been decided to formally recommend your Criminal Investigation Team for a collective first-class merit award! It should also not be a problem to report it to the Department.”

Mr. Ma involuntarily tightened his grip on the phone, his voice trembling slightly, “Thank you so much! Mr. Wang, we are truly grateful!”

“No need to thank me,” Mr. Wang replied with a laugh, “We are just doing our duty.”

“This cold case you solved involving seven lives is the first in the province and ranks highly nationwide.”

“This first-class merit award is well-deserved!”

After hanging up the phone, Mr. Ma’s eyes were already moist.

He took a deep breath, his heart surging.

After more than three decades of struggle in the Jiangcheng police system, he was well aware of the weight of this honor.

In Mr. Ma’s memory, Jiangcheng had never had a unit win such an honor.

And now, this dream had actually come true!

Then, he announced loudly, “Comrades! Good news! The Provincial Department has approved recommending us for a collective first-class merit award!”

The place erupted instantly.

Applause and cheers echoed, with many veteran detectives discreetly wiping their eyes.

Everyone present understood the significance of this collective first-class merit award—not only as recognition of their hard work in solving the case but also as a tribute to Jiangcheng Criminal Investigation’s decades-long dedication.

Mr. Li was flushed with excitement, his applauding hands slightly tingling.

Those senior detectives with graying temples, those comrades who had fallen ill from years of late nights, were all immersed in immense joy at this moment.

The last time they won a collective second-class merit award, it still felt like a dream, ’

And now, they were actually going to receive a first-class merit award!

Amid long-lasting applause, everyone’s eyes coincidentally turned to Jiang An.

The tall figure of this young man stood out prominently.

The name Mr. Wang specifically mentioned in the phone call had become the focus of everyone’s attention.

Everyone understood that behind this heavy first-class merit award, this young officer’s contributions were indispensable.

In the minds of the Department leaders, Jiang An had already become a shining card of Jiangcheng Criminal Investigation.

After the applause subsided, Mr. Ma looked at Jiang An and said, “Gaining this merit was not easy.”

“I think aside from everyone’s collective effort, Jiang An’s contribution is inseparable.”

“Next, let’s leave the floor to Jiang An—Deputy Captain of Jiangcheng Criminal Investigation Team, to say a few words.”

At this moment, Jiang An was bearing the gaze of so many people, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Being asked to give a public speech at this moment truly felt like happiness had come too abruptly.

Having been reborn, he found the work of a detective incredibly tough, but the sense of accomplishment was full—as at least after solving a case, not only could crime be combated and social peace maintained, but he also received recognition and rewards from leaders, a truly fulfilled feeling.

Then, Jiang An stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the entire Criminal Investigation Team.

At this moment, he was no longer an ordinary officer in the Criminal Investigation Team; he stood in a leadership position.

All these colleagues in front of him were somewhat older than him; some were of the age of his uncles or fathers, yet they were now under his command.

In the future, he must transition into a leadership role, to lead all teammates in fighting crime and solving more cases.

After slightly organizing his thoughts, Jiang An began speaking, “Thank you, Mr. Ma, and Mr. Li, for your constant care and support.”

“From the day I reported in, I became a part of Jiangcheng Criminal Investigation Team.”

“One could say, living as Jiangcheng Criminal Investigation’s person, dying as Jiangcheng Criminal Investigation’s spirit.”

“In this vibrant team of Jiangcheng Criminal Investigation, I’ve experienced what it truly means to be a detective.”

“A true detective should be able to unravel intricate cases.”

“Should show their skills in moments of peril.”

“Should battle wits with criminals.”

“Should fight in every corner, in every angle, striving to maintain the city’s safety”

“This successful resolution of the case, from a murder cold case to discovering a case where one person killed seven, was beyond my expectations.”

“However, the result this time was also inevitable, as we are a united, progressive collective, a team with fighting power.”

“Though obtaining this success wasn’t easy, we ultimately reached the shores of victory.”

“In the future, we must continue adhering to Jiangcheng Criminal Investigation Team’s consistent work style, maintaining the development thinking and direction given by Mr. Ma and Mr. Li, and tirelessly moving forward, striving to contribute more to Jiangcheng’s social peace.”

“Of course, I also hope to gain the support of all the older and younger brothers and sisters in the Criminal Investigation Team.”

Let’s unite as one, with collective strength, and shine brightly for Jiangcheng’s detective career.”

“Thank you, everyone. I’ll keep it brief.”

As soon as the words fell, thunderous applause erupted again in the plaza.

Everyone looked at Jiang An—this young-looking officer did not mention a word about his own achievements but attributed all the merit to the collective.

The applause continued for a long time, eventually interrupted by a piercing ringtone—it was Mr. Li’s phone.

He took out his phone and glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing.

Seeing everyone’s enthusiastic applause and smiling faces, he suddenly felt this ringtone was quite out of tune.

Because he understood deeply that there was certainly something behind this phone call.

To be precise, there was a case.

Subsequently, he stepped out with the phone a few steps and answered, “Hello?”

“Mr. Li, it’s Zhang Kun, Director of Dongjiang Police Station.”

“Mr. Zhang, what’s the matter?”

“A female body was discovered under the Dongjiang River bridge in our jurisdiction.”

“Has the identity been verified? It’s a female body?”

“Very confirmed, she’s from our village.”

“The body was in the river—but the river water has dried up.”

“Is the nature of the case clear?”

“It seems pretty clear, as her electric scooter was found on the bridge, initially suspected to be a suicide by jumping.”

“Protect the scene, we will come over immediately.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep