Chapter 589: Chapter 589: Ren Qiang’s Promotion

This isn’t the first time the special task force has gathered for a meal, but it’s the first time they’ve drunk so much.

Ever since Lu Chuan joined the police, he could count the times he’s drunk on his fingers.

This time, the cases handled by the serious crime unit were interconnected.

First, it was the family murder case in Tianzhou City, followed by the involvement in Qinzhou City’s three-year-old 116 case.

After both cases were solved, clues about the counterfeit money case were revealed from the suspect Sun Yu.

The serious crime unit moved from Tianzhou City and Qinzhou City to the provincial capital, not having a complete night’s rest for over ten days.

Fortunately, perseverance paid off.

After these days of intense struggle, the case concluded.

Although the entire counterfeit production chain wasn’t completely eradicated, it was mostly uprooted within the country.

As long as items can’t be smuggled in and no one distributes them domestically, printing more money outside is useless.

"This time, the provincial department will definitely issue commendations, let’s anticipate it, and have a toast!"

Everyone present raised their glasses, eager to hear this.

Actually, when Li Donglin formed this serious crime unit, he faced considerable resistance when selecting members.

Most of the people present didn’t hold any significant positions.

It wasn’t a matter of incompetence, but some people didn’t fit in socially.

By not fitting in, it meant they often clashed with leadership.

Even if they could solve cases and their abilities were top-notch, promotion would be extremely difficult.

Moreover, when the serious crime unit was first established, some people even tried to push their protégés and children in.

The task force only had over a dozen slots, and bringing in those with connections would jeopardize case-solving.

Therefore, Li Donglin strongly opposed this and personally selected every member of the serious crime unit.

Those seeking to bolster their resumes or garner accolades...

The youngest in the serious crime unit was Lu Chuan, who joined the force less than two years ago, at just twenty-three or four.

However, with fame comes reputation, and Lu Chuan’s record over the past two years was truly impressive.

Even among the talented in the serious crime unit, Lu Chuan stood out, discovering crucial clues at many critical moments.

Take, for instance, this family case.

If it weren’t for Lu Chuan’s major breakthrough in the 116 case, leading to the solving of the family case through it, the case might have dragged on for days.

Was the 116 case easier to solve than the family one?

Of course not.

If the 116 case were so easy to crack, why would it have left the entire provincial department at a loss, letting the case hang unresolved for three years?

"Come on, everyone raise a glass, let’s have a toast to Lu Chuan."

"For these three cases, Lu was the first to achieve merit!"

Li Donglin raised his glass again, suggesting everyone toast Lu Chuan.

This was met with everyone’s applause.

"Director Li is right, for these cases, Lu Chuan’s merit is the first!"

"Haha, thanks to you; otherwise, who knows how much more trouble we’d have run into."

"Hey... if I’d known, I would have gone to Qinzhou with you."

Wang Song was still regretting it.

Passing around the glasses, the gathering ended past eleven at night.

After having a meal together, there were naturally no other activities planned, and since everyone stayed together, they returned to the guesthouse after eating.

With the case solved, the serious crime unit dissolved on-site, and everyone would return to their respective units in the morning.

As for commendations or awards, those would follow later.

The Qiangsheng Group had a branch in the provincial capital, so although Lu Chuan didn’t drive there, a driver was available to take him back to Haizhou City.

By the time he arrived in Haizhou, it was already noon, and Lu Chuan first went home to assure his parents he was safe.

The old couple was used to Lu Chuan’s frequent travels and were not surprised anymore.

Their primary concern was when Lu Chuan and Forensic Doctor Shen would have children.

Initially, he intended to stay for lunch with his parents, but he couldn’t stand their nagging, so he drove to the Criminal Investigation Team.

Cafeteria.

Lu Chuan took a stainless-steel tray and sat across from Shen Yan.

Forensic Doctor Shen, who was eating, looked up and beamed with surprise.

"When did you get back?"

"Just arrived."

"Weren’t you going to rest at home? How come you didn’t?" 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"I missed you."

Shen Yan glanced at Lu Chuan: "Sweet talker."

However, judging by Forensic Doctor Shen’s delighted expression, she quite liked the answer.

"Hey? Chief Officer Lu is back?"

Lu Chuan didn’t need to turn around; he instantly recognized the voice as Zhang Hui’s.

"Group Leader Zhang, be careful, or I’ll tell Brother Qiang you’re eyeing his position."

"Hm? Who wants my position?"

Hm?

Lu Chuan turned around and saw Ren Qiang and Zhang Hui standing together.

"Brother Qiang? You’re back?"

"If I didn’t come back, I’d lose my place..."

Having rested for a while, Ren Qiang was almost fully recovered and started work two days ago.

"Brother Qiang, have a seat."

Inviting them to sit, Lu Chuan hadn’t expected Ren Qiang to return to work so soon.

He could have comfortably rested at home for three months with that kind of injury.

It’s only been two months or so.

"Why are you back at work so soon?"

"I’m fine, all healed. Went to the hospital a few days ago for a check-up, and everything’s okay."

Ren Qiang waved his hand: "I couldn’t stand staying home any longer."

"The doctor said as long as I don’t do vigorous exercise, I’ll be fine."

"However, you might be right; Zhang Hui’s indeed becoming a group leader."

Hm?

"What’s going on?"

Shen Yan smiled and explained it to Lu Chuan in his ear.

"Ah?"

As it turned out, Deputy Captain Wang of the Criminal Investigation Team was transferred to the county bureau as an instructor.

Thus, a deputy captain position opened up at the Criminal Investigation Team.

Ren Qiang, with his qualifications, accolades, and prowess, was more than suited for the deputy captain role.

"The city bureau had a meeting yesterday; the appointment will be made after the public announcement period."

"Action Group Two... during my absence, Zhang Hui performed exceptionally, leading the group to solve several cases, so it’s decided to appoint Zhang Hui as the leader of Action Group Two."

"Wow, Brother Hui, congrats, congrats. You must treat us!"

Lu Chuan didn’t expect such significant changes in the team in the half-month he was away.

Nonetheless, both were promoted, which was excellent news.

After lunch, Lu Chuan returned to the Crime Scene Investigation office.

Yang Sen and Old Bai were taking a nap.

According to them, they didn’t have the habit of napping before, but perhaps due to age, if they didn’t nap at noon, they’d have no energy in the afternoon.

Liu Guodong wasn’t in the office, having gone to the city bureau for training two days ago.

That was good, as it came with a lecturer fee.

Old Liu had an advanced technical title, earning 500 for an internal lecture session.

Unlike Old Yang and Old Bai, with intermediate titles, earning a 300 lecture fee.

As for Lu Chuan himself...

He hadn’t been evaluated for a junior title yet, so technically he wasn’t qualified to give lectures.