Insights Chapter 146: Epilogue

Chapter 146: Epilogue

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

After the trial of Zhen Jiaxu’s case, it was immediately followed by the Spring Festival. On the morning of the thirtieth day of the lunar month, at the Penang southwest detention center, Huo Lei carried a backpack and changed back into civilian clothes, finally walking out of here. Because of her previous status as a victim, combined with lack of criminal evidence, as well as her voluntary surrender and commendable reporting, she was sentenced to probation, and she could spend this year outside.

Just out of the detention center, Huo Lei was in a good mood. Her steps were brisk, and she felt even more that her decision to surrender in time was wise. The agitation and madness that had entangled her mind seemed to have disappeared, replaced by a calmness.

In the past, Huo Lei thought she had long walked out of that shadow, but in fact, that shadow had always been there. Until now, she had washed away the impurities on herself, although she had paid some price, but from now on, she could live like a normal person, without any worries.

There was already a car parked not far from the entrance, and she walked over and got in. The driver was Lu Xin, and sitting behind was Ya Zheng. These two girls, one was placed by her side next to Cheng Qiancheng, and the other was placed by Mu Yuwei’s side in the early years. Now that those men had been arrested, the girls had long regained their freedom.

Huo Lei greeted them, then asked, “Is everyone else okay?”

Lu Xin replied, “They’re all fine. Everyone has already arranged the New Year’s Eve dinner; we’re just waiting for you to join.”

These people, including Huo Lei, were the least affected by the recent earthquake in Penang. They had been questioned by the police, submitted their testimonies as witnesses, and hadn’t been greatly affected.

Feeling relieved, Huo Lei said, “I’ll go home first and take a hot shower.”

Lu Xin asked again, “You didn’t suffer anything in there, did you?”

Huo Lei rubbed her temples with her fingers. “No, it was fine in there. Life was very regular. It’s just that I often think about what to do in the future.”

Zhen Jiaxu had fallen, but there were still quite a few resources and assets that fell into her hands. They inherited the remnants of the Hetu Trading Association. If those connections and assets were well utilized, they could still accomplish a lot. However, they couldn’t go down the old path of illegal activities anymore; they had to adapt to the new rules.

After chatting in the car for a while, Huo Lei took out a lipstick from her backpack. She wasn’t used to going without makeup for the past few months. Taking out a small mirror, Huo Lei applied a deep red lipstick to herself, and her whole aura changed. Then she took out a pair of earrings and put them on, thinking that after she got home and took a shower, she would go get her nails done.

Ya Zheng handed her a file bag. “Huo Jie, this is what you asked me to bring over…”

Huo Lei took it, opened the sealed bag, and carefully looked at the contents inside. They were several DNA comparison certificates. When Zhen Jiaxu was still around, she didn’t dare to investigate her son’s whereabouts. Now that those people were either in prison or sentenced, she was no longer afraid. Regarding her son’s whereabouts, Huo Lei had long instructed Ya Zheng to hire a detective agency for investigation, and then obtain DNA testing.

As she looked at it, Huo Lei couldn’t help but chuckle softly. The result was indeed as she expected.

Curious, Ya Zheng asked, “Huo Jie, did you find your son?”

Huo Lei’s face lit up. “Of course.”

Lu Xin asked, “Who is it?”

Huo Lei smiled, “It’s a secret. My son is very outstanding. If I tell you, wouldn’t it be giving you foxes an advantage?”

She put the stack of test results back into the sealed bag and carefully put it away.

Lu Xin asked, “Then… aren’t you going to acknowledge him?”

Huo Lei opened a crack in the window, letting the breeze blow through her hair freely. She squinted at the blue sky, white clouds, and the people coming and going outside. She smiled, “No need. As long as I know he’s living well, I’m satisfied.”

.

On the thirtieth day of the lunar month, at Penang City’s First Prison, the guard opened the door of a solitary cell, “Ding Yueran, you have a visitor.”

Ding Yueran, dressed in prison uniform, emerged from inside and entered the visiting room, sitting at one end of the table. His visitor was Li Zhongnan. Li Zhongnan looked at Ding Yueran, who had cut his hair. He had previously recovered from serious injuries, and he seemed even thinner now, with the prison uniform hanging loosely on him.

Ding Yueran smiled, “Captain Li, I knew you would think of me.”

Ding Yueran had a youthful air, but it was only on the surface. His eyes had long lost the innocence of youth. Even when he smiled, there was always a sense of loneliness, making people feel sorry for him.

Li Zhongnan said, “I thought of you because of the New Year. Since we can’t bring food here, I’ve brought you five hundred ringgit as pocket money. You can use it to buy something later. Also, I talked to some old friends and they’ll add two dumplings for you tonight.”

Ding Yueran smiled again, “Thank you, Captain Li. I knew you were good to me.”

Then, Li Zhongnan asked him if he was accustomed to being inside.

Ding Yueran joked, “Captain Li, I’ve spent several years in juvenile detention. Coming here feels like going home. Don’t worry about me.”

Li Zhongnan said, “Don’t talk nonsense. Where would anyone consider a prison cell as home?”

Ding Yueran asked, “Then do I have any other home?” As he said this, he reached out habitually to touch his hair, but then his fingers paused for a moment. Ding Yueran touched his buzz cut and pouted, feeling a bit aggrieved, “My long, shiny black hair…”

Li Zhongnan actually didn’t think Ding Yueran looked bad with short hair. It removed some softness and added some handsomeness. He comforted him, “You’ll have it back in the future. Your life is still long.”

Ding Yueran asked, “Are you talking about hair or home?”

Li Zhongnan replied, “Both will come back.”

Ding Yueran’s eyes reddened slightly, and he smiled bitterly, “Captain Li, when you say it like that, I believe you.”

Li Zhongnan didn’t elaborate further. Due to his meritorious service, coupled with the fact that he was coerced by Mu Yuwei, Ding Yueran’s sentence wasn’t too long. Recently, he had been cooperating with the police in prison investigations, helping them find several suspicious cases, which might help him apply for a reduced sentence.

Li Zhongnan cleared his throat and changed the subject, “There are two other things I want to tell you. First, I might be going back to the City Bureau.”

This time it was Director Ding who approached him. The City Bureau was undergoing restructuring and needed some righteous and experienced officers. Director Ding asked him if he was willing to return to work at the City Bureau, and Li Zhongnan agreed.

Ding Yueran said, “That’s great! I’ve always thought you were particularly suited to be a policeman, Captain Li.”

“Furthermore,” Li Zhongnan continued, “the supervisory team and the City Bureau believe that you have a good understanding of modern crime and can provide a lot of useful information. Therefore, they are considering making you a police informant, but it can only be implemented after you have completed your sentence. Are you willing?”

This was something the leadership had noticed long ago. Regardless of whether Ding Yueran was involved in the cases or not, he could quickly identify suspicious points. His criminal mindset was completely different from that of the police investigation, which could complement each other. If used properly, it might assist the police in solving cases faster.

“Of course, I’m willing!” Ding Yueran smiled at Li Zhongnan, “Captain Li, can I work with you in the future?”

Li Zhongnan reminded him seriously, “That depends on whether you reform well. Let’s talk about working together after you complete your sentence.”

He had come to see Ding Yueran today and brought him this news to give him hope, after all, there were still many days ahead.

In the afternoon of the thirtieth day of the lunar month, the City Bureau was still bustling with activity. Today is the day when the supervisory team is preparing to leave Penang. During the past few months when the supervisory team was here, they swiftly resolved several major cases, giving Penang a thorough overhaul from top to bottom.

The successful completion of this supervisory mission couldn’t have been achieved without the full cooperation of the City Bureau. In order to commend the outstanding police officers who performed exceptionally well during the operation, the supervisory team specially applied for a bonus from the provincial authorities. Secretary Cui and Deputy Director Liu called the officers into the office one by one, encouraged them with a few words, and handed them a large bonus package.

Everyone came out of the office with smiles on their faces, especially the officers from the Special Criminal Division. The thickness of their red envelopes was noticeably greater than those of other departments.

Lu Ying said, “This is the first time I’ve received so much bonus money.”

Qi Yi’an kissed his red envelope, “I can finally buy the concert tickets I’ve been eyeing for a long time.”

Yu Shen took the initiative to invite, “I’m planning to buy a Nintendo Switch. How about playing games together later?”

As they were planning how to spend their bonuses, Bai Meng stepped in to reap some benefits, “It’s Chinese New Year! Afraid of relatives pestering you about marriage? Do you need a fake girlfriend service? Prices are fair.”

She even provided a price list.

Qi Yi’an was taken aback, “So expensive? Didn’t you say colleagues get a discount?”

Bai Meng shrugged, “I already gave you a discount. Prices rise with demand, you know. My schedule is booked until the third day of the Lunar New Year, and I still have to work on the fourth. If you don’t book now, my Lunar New Year holiday will be fully booked.”

Lu Ying remarked, “Didn’t you used to take just one or two clients? Now, besides shared power banks and shared bikes, you’re also doing shared girlfriends?”

Bai Meng said, “Can’t help it, it’s in high demand. That’s business. Think it over. I provide couple rings for taking couple photos, provide chat companions for elders during New Year visits. Avoid these few days, and you’ll have a peaceful and comfortable year ahead.”

With that statement, several single men began sobbing while clutching their red envelopes.

Later, they negotiated a price and placed their orders one by one.

After receiving their red envelopes, Gu Yanchen and Shen Junci bid farewell to the leaders of the supervisory team. They had already made plans to have dinner together at Gu Yanchen’s house in the evening.

Leaving the office, Gu Yanchen took Shen Junci home. After settling their dog and cat, they hurried out again. They arrived at Gu’s house at four in the afternoon. Shen Junci prepared New Year gifts for Gu Wenbin and Mo Xueqing, and also prepared a red envelope for Gu Yanxiang.

Mo Xueqing took it and said, “You brought so many things. Don’t be polite, just treat it as your own home.”

As she said this, she also handed Shen Junci a large red envelope.

Touching the red envelope, Shen Junci found it even thicker than the one given by the supervisory team today. He wanted to decline, but Gu Yanchen whispered softly, “Take it, it’s once in a blue moon.”

Only then did Shen Junci accept it.

Mo Xueqing smiled and said, “Red envelopes aren’t given for nothing. You two need to help me out. I recently bought some new flower seedlings and need to tidy up the garden. Your dad and I will cook, and you two can help me with the gardening.”

The Gu family’s garden was about two hundred square meters in size and was meticulously arranged. Some gardening tasks required physical strength, so they needed boys to do them. Gu Yanchen often helped Mo Xueqing with gardening, and whenever Mo Xueqing mentioned something, he knew exactly what to do.

After Mo Xueqing made arrangements, she went back to prepare the New Year’s Eve dinner. Gu Yanchen and Shen Junci first tidied up the trellises in the yard and then planted trees together. This winter was relatively warm, with temperatures not too low. After watering and covering them with a layer of plastic insulation film, it wouldn’t be difficult for them to survive the winter.

While Shen Junci was helping, he watched Gu Yanchen planting trees skillfully and couldn’t help but ask, “What kind of trees are these?”

Gu Yanchen paused and said, “Guess? It’s quite meaningful.”

Shen Junci looked at the bare little sapling and observed, “An apple tree?” He knew a bit about flowers but nothing about trees.

Gu Yanchen didn’t tease him and smiled, “It’s an acacia tree.”

Shen Junci just acknowledged without any change in expression, but his ears turned red.

Gu Yanchen continued, “It’s quite meaningful. In the future, when you come over, you can think of the first Spring Festival we officially spent together, planting an acacia tree together on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve.”

Shen Junci said, “Then you should take good care of it.”

Gu Yanchen nodded, “Of course, may our love last a hundred years.”

Shen Junci changed the subject, pointing to another plant nearby, “And what’s this?”

Gu Yanchen replied, “Mistletoe, symbolizing hope, peace, happiness, and even love. Legend has it that kissing under the mistletoe brings blessings.”

Medical examiner Shen’s ears turned even redder. What kind of garden was this?

Seeing him pretending to be indifferent but blushing, Gu Yanchen wanted to tease him. He walked over and kissed Shen Junci, taking his time before pulling away. Whispering in his ear, Gu Yanchen said, “Tonight, for New Year’s, let’s try something new when we go back.”

Shen Junci replied, “Let’s plant flowers first. We might get too busy later.”

Gu Yanchen stopped what he was doing and squatted down again to fill the soil.

“Oh, by the way,” Shen Junci remembered and asked, “Did Secretary Cui look for you today?”

Gu Yanchen replied, “Yes, he did. He asked if I wanted to go to the Provincial Hall.”

After this trip, Secretary Cui and Deputy Director Liu were very satisfied with Gu Yanchen’s work. They asked if he was willing to work at the Provincial Hall, where he could have better personal development.

Shen Junci asked, “What did you answer?”

“I said that being a detective is important to me, and it’s crucial to have a compatible medical examiner. I finally found someone I work well with, so I don’t want to be separated. I’m sticking with you.” Gu Yanchen watered the newly planted acacia tree a little and asked Shen Junci, “What about you?”

Shen Junci was also asked the same question today. He originally came from the Provincial Hall, and Deputy Director Liu’s suggestion was that his work was done excellently, and if he returned to the Provincial Hall, he would not only return to his original position but also get a raise and a transfer.

But Shen Junci expressed his desire to stay. He lowered his head to shovel the soil, “I refused. I want to stay in Penang for now.” Shen Junci paused for a moment before continuing, “I want to watch over this city for Old Lin.”

Penang had just experienced an earthquake and was undergoing a transformation. This city needed them more than ever.

Looking at Shen Junci’s handsome profile, Gu Yanchen said, “Alright, wherever you are, I’ll be there.”

If Shen Junci wanted to dispel the darkness, he would be the most accurate gun in his hands.

After the two finished their tasks, Gu Yanxiang’s brother came to call them, “Brother, Medical Examiner Shen, it’s time for dinner.”

Shen Junci went to wash his hands first, followed by Gu Yanchen. Gu Yanxiang smirked at him, “Brother, Medical Examiner Shen, did you two do something naughty outside?”

Gu Yanchen replied, “What are you talking about? Study hard, little kid.”

Gu Yanxiang rolled her eyes, “I saw it at the window on the second floor. Kissing under the mistletoe, how romantic…” As he spoke, he reached out his hand.

Gu Yanchen understood and took out the prepared red envelope, “Hold onto this properly, and eat more tonight.”

Gu Yanxiang took the red envelope and squeezed it, “Thank you, and I promise not to tell anyone.”

In the evening, the New Year’s Eve dinner began on time, the house was warm and cozy, with soft lighting and fragrant dishes filling the air. The whole family sat around the table, raising their glasses, “Wishing for a smooth year ahead, good health, and everything to go smoothly.”

Outside the window, fireworks lit up the city sky. The brilliant display illuminated the entire night. After the New Year, as soon as everyone returned to the City Bureau, they began to review the achievements of the past year.

With the supervisory team still present from before the New Year, the entire Penang City Bureau had been busy with the case involving the Hetu Trading Association, keeping each department occupied. After discussions between Director Ding and the supervisory team, it was decided to extend leniency to the officers. The year-end summaries and annual commendation ceremony were postponed until after the New Year. Furthermore, the City Bureau had initiated a series of personnel transfers recently.

Firstly, Captain Xing Yun was transferred, and Gu Yanchen was promoted to become the head of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Penang City Bureau. The Special Criminal Division merged with the original Serious Crime Division, with Li Zhongnan returning to the police force as the head of the Special Serious Crime Unit.

Even the medical examiner’s office saw changes, as Director Lu was nearing retirement and a new director for the Criminal Investigation Medical Examiner Department needed to be selected.

Liu Shurong, who had been eyeing the Director position, had already inquired in advance. Seeing his name among the promotion candidates made him feel much more at ease, boosting his confidence. In anticipation of the official announcement, Liu Shurong dressed smartly in a suit, hiding his slightly protruding beer belly, and prepared an eight-hundred-word acceptance speech.

Before the formal announcement, Director Lu called Shen Junci into the office.

Ten minutes later, Shen Junci emerged with a calm expression and informed Liu Shurong, “Dr. Liu, Director Lu is calling for you.”

Observing Shen Junci’s expression, Liu Shurong thought to himself, “Indeed, a young person, not much of a poker face. Judging from his emotionless expression, he’s probably not pleased. I guess Shen Junci didn’t get promoted this time and is a bit upset.”

After all, although Liu Shurong’s work ability was slightly inferior to Shen Junci’s, he had several more years of experience. Coupled with his doctoral degree, he believed himself to be the perfect candidate for the director position.

Entering the office, Director Lu looked up with a smile, “Dr. Liu, first of all, congratulations on your promotion and pay raise.”

Feeling more assured, Liu Shurong controlled his expression to avoid bursting into laughter. “Director Lu, as you know, I’ve always held myself to high standards in my daily life. I thank the leadership for their trust in me.”

Director Lu said, “I just finished talking with Dr. Shen. Although Dr. Shen is experienced, he’s a bit young. As you’ve been promoted to Vice Director, you must assist him more in his work.”

Puffing out his chest, Liu Shurong replied, “Naturally, it’s what I should do.”

Director Lu said, “Then I can rest assured. I was worried you might feel uneasy, but it seems you were prepared.”

“Of course, I’m always prepared…” Liu Shurong finally sensed something amiss and furrowed his brow. “Director Lu, wait… what’s this about Vice Director?”

Director Lu patted Dr. Liu’s shoulder, “Exactly! Dr. Shen is now the Director, taking over my position. As Vice Director, you must assist him, and together, you two must lead our Criminal Investigation Medical Examiner Department forward!”

Liu Shurong was stunned. His efforts to suck in his belly failed, and it popped out again. After adjusting himself for a while, Dr. Liu forced a smile, “I will definitely live up to the leadership’s expectations…”

Feeling uncomfortable for a moment, he comforted himself. After all, being Vice Director was also a promotion. He vowed to drop the “Vice” title in the future.

In the blink of an eye, it was the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. The commendation ceremony was scheduled for this day. It was a day when all departments in the police station wore their uniforms.

In the morning, before heading out, Gu Yanchen changed into his police uniform. Seeing Shen Junci also dressed up, he greeted him, “Good morning, Director Shen.”

Shen Junci returned the greeting, “Good morning, Captain Gu.” He reached out to adjust Gu Yanchen’s tie, “You look handsome in your uniform.”

With a quick adjustment of his belt, Gu Yanchen’s slender waist and long legs accentuated the allure of his uniform.

Gu Yanchen joked, “Medical Examiner Shen, you’re not bad yourself.”

With a shirt and tie underneath and a dark outer jacket, Shen Junci looked elegant and handsome. Gu Yanchen gazed at him, his eyes filled with affection. Both of them would be honored today and awarded medals. They couldn’t afford to be late, so after a quick breakfast, they hurried to the City Bureau auditorium.

The auditorium quickly filled up with people. Today’s commendation ceremony was presided over by Director Ding. Director Ding first reviewed all the achievements of the Penang City Bureau from the past year, delivering his opening remarks, “As you all know, last year was a very important year. We made significant progress in combating crime…”

Next came the departmental summaries, announcements of organizational changes, and awards for outstanding officers. Each department took its turn, and finally, it was time for the Medical Examiner’s Division.

Shen Junci took the stage, and Director Ding pinned a shiny medal on his chest, right over his heart. Shen Junci gave a brief speech, “My father once hoped that I would become a medical examiner. Today, standing here, receiving this medal, I believe he would be proud of me.”

Shortly after, medals were awarded to outstanding police leaders and excellent teams.

Gu Yanchen effortlessly won the Outstanding Police Leadership Award and also accepted the second award on behalf of his team. He also gave a brief speech, “Being a police officer is a lifelong commitment for me. My mentor, Lin Xianglan, taught me many truths, one of which is that justice is passed down through generations. Today, as I receive these honors, I pledge to pass them on tomorrow.”

One by one, medals were continued to be awarded, and the young officers stood in rows with medals on their chests.

Director Ding concluded his speech, “Today, let us remember our fallen comrades and predecessors. It is their sacrifices that have brought us the happiness we enjoy today. Here, I also want to thank all frontline officers. Honor is never the achievement of one person alone. It belongs to every diligent detective, riot police, narcotics officer, and patrol officer… We also want to thank those who work behind the scenes. Thank you to the medical examiners, evidence technicians, forensic investigators, and even the police dogs, archive managers, and Logistics Department… It is their silent dedication that brings us victory. This year, let us continue to work together, hoping for a better future for Penang.”

With that, Director Ding bowed deeply.

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Gu Yanchen and Shen Junci exchanged glances across the crowd. With bloodshed and battles, comes honor. As the new year begins, they will continue to face more difficulties and dangers in their work, punishing evil and upholding justice. There may be darkness in life, but there is always hope, with thousands of officers like them, passionate and sincere. Like stars, they dispel darkness and bring light.

Goodness persists, justice remains, guarding every ordinary person.

 

 

This isn’t the end! There are still extras!