Insights Chapter 6: New Colleague

Chapter 6: New Colleague

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

The sky was a bit gloomy, indicating rain later that night. The meteorological department had issued an early warning. Shen Junci entered the room and sat on the sofa for a while before regaining composure. As a habit, he lit a stick of incense, enjoying the wisps of white smoke rising. Inhaling the scent of the incense, his heart gradually calmed. He recalled a saying he had read: a person experiences three deaths. The first death is the biological one, the second is the social death, and the third is the true death, forgotten by everyone.

Lin Xianglan had been the director of the City Bureau in Penang for almost a decade, during which the city underwent tremendous changes. This remarkable person suddenly passed away, dying while at work. Even now, long after Lin Xianglan’s death, there were still people in the city who remembered him.

Shen Junci packed his bag, which included his medical examiner identification. He remembered Lin Xianglan’s concern back when his high school exam results were out, and Lin Xianglan had just been discharged from the hospital.

“Son, what do you want to study in college?” Lin Xianglan asked.

At that time, he had already chosen his major. “I want to study communication at Penang Telecommunication University.”

Lin Xianglan was surprised by his answer. “I see you following the old medical examiner every day, dealing with all kinds of corpses. I thought you wanted to become a medical examiner.” Seeing him keep silent, Lin Xianglan continued regretfully, “Well, have you considered it? Zhao, the medical examiner, said you’re naturally suited for it. You’re not afraid of the bodies, and your bone identification skills are more accurate than experienced medical examiners.”

He lowered his head and whispered, “I don’t want to be a policeman. With you being a policeman, it’s enough for our family.”

Lin Xianglan said, “I really think it’s a pity.”

He didn’t explain further. Lin Xianglan only knew that he was excellent in forensic investigation, but he didn’t know his son’s greatest strength was a prediction. Since childhood, Shen Junci had a special ability: given the starting point and necessary conditions of an event, he could foresee its outcome. He assumed many people had this ability until he realized it was unique to him. He didn’t want to be a medical examiner because he could already foresee the life of a medical examiner. It was tiring, challenging, and the income wasn’t high. He could handle all that, but being raised in a police family, he felt lonely, especially during holidays.

Forensic investigators and police officers never truly belonged to themselves or their families; they belonged to their work and the bodies they dealt with. Moreover, the incident during his high school exam deeply saddened him. If he were to build a family and a career, he didn’t want to be burdened by his profession. Another reason he didn’t choose to be a medical examiner was that he knew Lin Xianglan wanted him to be a policeman, or at least a medical examiner, to carry on the family legacy.

Lin Xianglan had been telling him stories of his case-solving since he was a child and buying him related books. Old Lin emphasized the importance of truth and taught him what to remember as a policeman. With a bit of teenage rebellion, he wanted to see Lin Xianglan’s hope shattered, to experience disappointment.

Lin Xianglan touched his thinning hair, pondered for a moment, then accepted it with a smile. “Studying communication is good. Dad approves.”

After choosing his major, Lin Xianglan wasn’t too upset, but Shen Junci felt a bit lost, as if something was missing. It wasn’t until years later that he realized his predictive ability couldn’t foresee his own choices. Despite all the twists and turns, he ended up on this path. Being a medical examiner wasn’t as bad as he initially thought.

Recalling this, Shen Junci shifted his gaze. The scent of incense had filled the room like a veil. He picked up a large scripture, poured golden ink, and began transcribing the text. With focused concentration, he paused only when thunder rumbled outside.

Closing the scripture, he opened his laptop and logged into a software account. Shen Junci left messages for those who had messaged him first, and finally, he opened a chat box with the name Lin Xianglan. “Dad, I reported to the City Bureau today. Everything went smoothly, and I’ve joined the Special Criminal Division. Tomorrow, I’ll officially start working.”

The profile picture on the other side was naturally gray.

“Gu Yanchen is now the Captain of the Special Criminal Division. I’ve rented his house, and he’ll take care of me. Don’t worry.”

After finishing, he rested his chin on the back of his hand, deep in thought. Staring at the blinking symbols, he became absorbed, and his long eyelashes drooped, barely noticeable breaths. After a long while, he added, “Goodnight.”

The next morning, after Shen Junci woke up and washed up, he changed into his exercise clothes and went jogging, circling the yard twice. After a quick shower and change of clothes, he headed out and saw Gu Yanchen coming out from the opposite door. Facing each other, he greeted Gu Yanchen, “Captain Gu, good morning.”

Gu Yanchen jingled the car keys, “Morning. Need a ride?”

Shen Junci shook his head and declined, “I can walk there. There was flooding due to last night’s rain. If you drive, you might get stuck at the intersection, and it will be faster for me to walk.”

Gu Yanchen looked at him and said, “Come on, hop in. It’s on the way.”

Almost involuntarily, Shen Junci followed him into the car. During the ride, the two didn’t talk much. Gu Yanchen turned on the car’s stereo, playing music, while Shen Junci scrolled through short videos on his phone.

The water on the road had not receded yet, and the car got stuck at the intersection. The traffic light created a long queue that moved forward only a little after a while.

Gu Yanchen listened to the music, one hand on the steering wheel, seemingly unconcerned. Shen Junci leaned on the passenger seat, looking at his phone, and observing the slow-moving crowd outside. Pedestrians continuously surpassed the car’s pace.

Doctor Shen thought to himself that sometimes having too strong predictive abilities might not be a good thing. Just as he was getting bored, he stumbled upon a video. His hand accidentally hit the volume key, and a woman’s piercing scream suddenly filled the car.

Gu Yanchen looked at him with some surprise, turning his head. Shen Junci hurriedly turned off the sound, “Sorry, accidentally played a horror movie trailer I came across just now.”

Gu Yanchen responded with an “Oh,” and asked, “You like watching horror movies?”

Shen Junci replied, “Yes, but I’m a bit picky. I prefer the ones with a stronger taste.”

Gu Yanchen said, “Typical horror movies might not be enough for medical examiners like you.”

Shen Junci added, “I like ones such as ‘American Horror Story,’ ‘A Wicked Ghost,’ ‘Ju-On: The Grudge,’ or even zombie movies.”

Gu Yanchen saw that Shen Junci’s expression was calm, without many fluctuations. In his mind, he pictured Doctor Shen watching horror movies with a cold and clear gaze. He might even criticize the unrealistic aspects of the intestines and the lack of realistic brain matter.

They soon arrived at the City Bureau. Heading towards the meeting room, they could already hear people chatting inside. Gu Yanchen pushed open the door of the meeting room. Upon seeing them enter, the people inside hurriedly put away their phones and stood up.

Gu Yanchen then said, “I am Gu Yanchen, Captain of the Special Criminal Division. Introduce yourselves.” He pointed to a police officer and said, “Lu Ying, you go first.”

Lu Ying, a detective who looked around thirty-five years old, with a tall stature and considerable experience, said, “I’m Lu Ying, a detective for twelve years. People used to describe me as a ‘good person,’ so feel free to come to me for anything.”

Next was a fair-faced, short-haired female police officer wearing glasses who volunteered, “I’m Bai Meng. My family has three generations of police officers. I studied computer forensic investigation and surveillance in college.”

In establishing the Special Criminal Division, considering the convenience of some tasks, Gu Yanchen requested a female police officer. They were more suitable for questioning, searching, and monitoring female suspects. They could also console family members and handle detailed paperwork.

Qi Yi’an, who had been sitting in the corner, had been staring at Bai Meng and suddenly realized she was a girl. He blurted out, “So, you’re a girl.”

Bai Meng responded, “Here in the City Bureau, it’s always women doing men’s jobs, and men doing beastly jobs. Don’t worry; I won’t slow you down.”

Qi Yi’an, feeling a bit awkward after his comment, quickly waved his hands, saying, “I’m not sexist, it’s just… a bit surprising.”

Bai Meng laughed, rested her hand on the table, and softly said, “Little brother, I also provide a fake girlfriend service within the City Bureau, 50% off for your department.”

Qi Yi’an blushed, not used to being teased like this. It was only then that he noticed Gu Yanchen’s gaze on him. Nervously, Qi Yi’an stood up, bowed, and introduced himself, “I’m Qi Yi’an, a medical examiner assistant, a pure rookie. Please take care of me in the future.”

Lu Ying noticed his backpack and found it interesting, “What’s on your bag?”

At that moment, everyone’s attention focused on Qi Yi’an’s backpack. It had many badges, and there was even a layer of protective plastic on the outside.

Qi Yi’an proudly said, “This is an ita bag, ¹with all my favorite anime characters on it.” He explained further, “I’ve loved watching various cartoons and mystery TV shows since I was a child – Detective Conan, The Kindaichi Case Files, Sherlock Holmes, Criminal Minds, Bones. Occasionally, I get a bit chuunibyou. Originally, I wanted to join the criminal police, but my physical fitness wasn’t good enough, so I became a medical examiner.” Pausing for a moment, he continued, “After entering this profession, I found that being a medical examiner is a bit different from what I imagined, but I still love this job.”

Finally, it was Shen Junci’s turn. He introduced himself, “I’m Shen Junci. I used to work as a medical examiner in the City Bureau in Rui Cheng. I was transferred here this time.”

Just as it seemed like he was about to finish, Bai Meng said, “Doctor Shen, say a few more words.”

Shen Junci then added, “I’m not much of a talker. When a case comes in, I’ll give it my all. Please take care of me in the future.”

With the introductions done, the five members got to know each other. The team was small but leaned towards being youthful. It had a balance of skills, with both intellectual and physical capabilities, including a medical examiner and network support. Though small, the team was well-equipped, and Director Ding had spared no expense in setting it up.

The team had two police cars, one of which was a seven-seater business vehicle. Apart from the two medical examiners, everyone else had assigned firearms. The medical examiners had their own separate office, and in the Criminal Investigation Building, they also had a meeting room and offices.

Bai Meng assisted Gu Yanchen in setting up computer permissions, including several software programs that were undoubtedly ahead of other criminal investigation teams. Once installed, Bai Meng gave the team a briefing. Some software could directly access all public surveillance cameras in Penang City. Others could retrieve property and bank information by using an ID card number. The most powerful software could directly tap into the mobile communication system, retrieve call records, track locations, and even conduct monitoring.

Qi Yi’an exclaimed, “Doesn’t this mean we can find anything we want?”

Bai Meng replied, “The highest level of permission allows that. It can access all groups, mainstream chat apps, view all purchase records, and even… download records, browser history, software usage records…”

From payments to group chats, almost everything leaving a trace in modern society was available.

Qi Yi’an marveled, “So, ‘You’ ² is real! Does that mean watching a movie a thousand miles away can be discovered?”

Lu Ying patted him on the shoulder, saying, “In theory, yes. But don’t worry, who cares about you, if you’re not breaking the law?”

Qi Yi’an felt like he had just entered a new world, and looking at all this made him feel enlightened. After a moment of observation, he quietly asked Bai Meng, “Your computer skills are outstanding. Are you at the top level among cyber police?”

Bai Meng shook her head, “What I have is nothing. There’s a guy in the cyber police named Qi Shuo; he’s the real number one.”

Qi Yi’an looked around and turned to Bai Meng, “So with these permissions, solving cases should be much easier, right?”

Listening to their conversation, Gu Yanchen reminded, “While these tools can significantly aid investigations, we can’t rely on them entirely.”

Qi Yi’an looked a bit puzzled, showing his confusion.

Bai Meng explained, “These tools can only investigate law-abiding citizens; they won’t catch those who intentionally hide. Also, the authenticity of much of the information is questionable. They can only assist in solving cases. Moreover, these channels are all official, and in actual criminal activities, criminals always find ways to evade such surveillance. Sometimes, they even mislead the police.”

Lu Ying nodded, “For instance, with a mobile card registered under someone else’s ID, you won’t find anything.” He added with a touch of sarcasm, “You haven’t experienced it yet. When we’re not working on a case, we feel like surveillance is everywhere, but as soon as we start a case, we see those people entering blind spots.”

Shen Junci poured himself a glass of water, holding a disposable cup, and listened to their conversation from the side.

After a while, everyone became more acquainted. The entire Special Criminal Division team was well-equipped, and all the necessary office supplies were quickly arranged. Gu Yanchen had Lu Ying get a sofa that could be used as a bed when opened. Bai Meng even asked for a set of potted plants for decoration, making the Special Criminal Division’s meeting room exceptionally cozy.

Qi Yi’an and Shen Junci mainly stayed on the medical examiner floor in the morning, ready at all times. In the afternoon, if they had some free time, they would visit the Special Criminal Division. Everything was prepared; they just needed a case.