Criminal Investigation Team.

Private cars gradually entered the courtyard as a new day began, and everything seemed just like usual.

Recently, many people have been on leave. The successful resolution of the Song Kun case helped the team return to its previous atmosphere.

With the year-end approaching, many haven't taken their annual leave. During the case, even those on leave were called back, and now they can finally take a break.

When Shen Yan got out of Lu Chuan's car, several young single female detectives, just starting their shift, looked slightly disappointed.

Even outside the detective circle, Lu Chuan is considered a prime catch in Haizhou City's big pond.

Handsome, wealthy, good-tempered, and most importantly, highly skilled.

He played a critical role in successive cases within just half a year of joining.

This time, he was recommended by Qin Yong to join the provincial task force and made significant contributions.

This bodes well for Lu Chuan's future career development.

Of course, many single male officers were also a bit disappointed seeing Shen Yan get out of Lu Chuan's car.

Would someone like Lu Chuan ever lack female attention?

Why settle when you have the ability and potential to explore more?

Marriage for detectives is generally challenging.

Most of the time, it's resolved through arranged dates.

Yet there's a fascinating pattern where many potential partners are initially thrilled to date a police officer.

However, over time, many relationships end.

Mostly because they can't handle the long hours at work.

Even worse, the overtime is consistent.

And the salary is low despite the overtime.

Moreover, they aren't very romantic or humorous.

Plus, the uniform, though nice at first glance, becomes tiresome over time.

Still, female detectives remain popular, both internally and externally.

Yet, there are few women in the force, and even fewer are considered attractive.

Greeting each other on the way, they each returned to their offices.

Crime Scene Investigation office.

The flamingo-lilies grew proudly, stretching towards the warm sun.

This beautiful sight reminded Lu Chuan of the sudden brake he just experienced.

Seatbelts are great; they tighten just right.

Whistling twice, Lu Chuan began watering and fertilizing the lilies, clearly in a good mood.

Indeed, with a female detective in the passenger seat and a second-class merit award coming his way.

Life's like this; hard work pays off.

After nearly a month's effort, the reward has finally arrived.

Liu Guodong continued with the morning briefing.

Yang Sen and Old Bai came in just on time as always.

"It's so cold today. Was the bus air-conditioning off?"

Old Bai picked up his enamel cup and shouted out joyfully.

Yang Sen took out a soft-pack of China cigarettes from his desk, lit one, and enjoyed it thoroughly.

It's his morning ritual since smoking at home is a no-go. Here, it's a must: "It was on, but it was blowing cool air, and the driver turned it off."

The team's bus is twelve years old; these large buses are usually retired after ten years per standard procedures.

The team's vehicle got a four-year extension due to low mileage and tight budgets.

It's got two years left before retirement; the hardware's still okay, but the software has issues.

Not heating in winter, not cooling in summer are typical problems.

Lu Chuan, tending to the flamingo-lilies, found it odd: "Is it cold today?"

The underground garage at Lu Chuan's house stays above twenty degrees in winter. Chatting and laughing with Shen Yan, and with the car's air-conditioning working hard, he genuinely didn't feel cold.

Even after getting out of the car at Shen's place to open the door for her and after parking at the team office, Lu Chuan didn't feel cold either.

With joy in your heart, how can you feel cold?

"You're in a Cayenne, we're in the bus, how could it compare?"

Lu Chuan shook his head and offered Old Bai a cigarette: "Have you considered maybe it's just your age?"

Old Bai: "…What, my age? Ask Old Yang if he's cold?"

"I'm not that old, not cold!"

A day of idling officially began.

Bam.

At ten-thirty in the morning, the office door opened, and Liu Guodong returned excitedly.

Yang Sen lit another cigarette: "Is there something going on today? The meeting lasted so long?"

Liu Guodong nodded: "Yes, and it's good news."

Saying that, Old Liu looked at Lu Chuan, beaming with a pleasant smile: "Lu, congratulations are in order this time!"

Lu Chuan knew exactly what Liu Guodong meant.

He was surprised on his way here this morning.

"Master, are you talking about the second-class merit award?"

Hmm?

Liu Guodong was momentarily stunned: "You already know?"

Lu Chuan nodded: "Shen Yan told me this morning."

Shen Yan?

Liu Guodong understood and nodded: "The meeting at the City Bureau yesterday, Shen's father definitely participated. You're getting a second-class merit while Shen will receive a city-wide commendation."

"What second-class merit?"

Yang Sen put down the enamel cup and joined Old Bai, curious: "What are you guys talking about?"

"Lu, last time's skin case, Captain Qin sought a third-class merit for him at the City Bureau."

Yang Sen and Old Bai nodded; they knew about this.

Qin Yong is truly considerate; he went to the City Bureau two or three times for Lu Chuan's sake.

Don't underestimate those visits; each one required favors and pleasing people.

Not all leaders would help subordinates like that.

Moreover, Liu Guodong also mentioned it to Wang Kai, it was a concerted effort.

As for Song Jiangguo, he too knew Lu Chuan, since it was Lu Chuan who solved the case of his father-in-law's robbery.

But grants of merit aren't decided by just one or a few people.

After more than half a month with no third-class merit, a second-class one suddenly appeared?!

"Song Kun was murdered, and in the provincial task force, Lu Chuan made a major contribution. If you consider it carefully, a second-class merit is justified."

Liu Guodong was truthful. In the investigation of the case following Song Kun's murder, Lu Chuan played a pivotal role.

The disappearance of Gao Sheng and information about Wang Manli were first noticed by Lu Chuan.

Of course, Liu Guodong was part of this lead too, so he also received commendation.

It was this breakthrough that propelled the case forward.

And during his involvement in the provincial task force in Binzhou, he identified the suspect through fingerprint analysis, providing robust technical support for the investigation.

Playing such a crucial role in a case of provincial importance, earning a second-class individual merit was fitting recognition.

"Congratulations, Lu!"

Yang Sen and Old Bai were genuinely happy for Lu Chuan.

"I'm treating everyone tonight!"

Lu Chuan didn't hesitate; a second-class merit is a milestone in his career.

Bam!

The office door swung open with gleeful laughter: "Lu, congratulations!"

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