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墨書 Inktalez
I initially intended to scare the new intern girl, but I didn't expect that the case she was looking at was the first homicide I had ever encountered. Memories of that time flooded back, and I found myself unresponsive even as she waved her hand in front of me. Noticing my dazed expression, she cleared her throat loudly, which finally snapped me back to reality.
Seeing that I had returned to normal, she nodded and said, "Brother Shao, domestic violence is truly one of the worst things in this world. If it weren't for domestic violence, perhaps this incident wouldn't have happened." I nodded in agreement, but in my heart, I thought: perhaps everything in this world is not as simple as it seems. The complexity of this world far exceeds anyone's imagination, especially when it comes to human nature.
The girl noticed my agreement and continued to ask, "Brother Shao, how did you end up in the archives? I've never seen Captain Shi or Brother Wang Gang; have they been reassigned? Could they have retired already?"
Her mention of this topic struck a painful chord within me. It had been a source of torment for years, and just thinking about it gave me a headache. I didn't want to answer her; I simply shook my head lightly and said, "Hey, you little brat, with Brother Shao here keeping you company, isn't that enough? You should be content; having a handsome guy around is sufficient!"
"Full of yourself!" she shot me a glare before returning to organize the files.
Having deflected her question, she didn't press further. I lay back on the lounge chair and stared out the window in a daze. Just then, someone walked into the archives. Turning slightly to look, I saw Deputy Director Li—no, he should now be called Director Li. When I saw him, I felt at ease; after all, we had known each other for so many years. Director Li casually pulled up a chair and sat next to me as we both gazed out the window together. After a long silence, he finally spoke: "If it weren't for that incident, just by passing time alone, you'd at least be the Captain of the Criminal Investigation Team by now."
I let out a cold laugh and replied, "Director Li, is that why you came to see me today? I'm just a temporary worker now."
"I know you've been secretly investigating that matter all along," Director Li said. "But it's too complicated and involves too many things. You can't possibly investigate it thoroughly on your own." He patted my shoulder and continued, "And with so much time having passed without resolution, it's become a cold case."
Hearing Director Li's words made my anger rise. I retorted sternly, "Nonsense! Your previous words have gone to the dogs—what about not letting a bad person go free and not wronging an innocent one? If I remember correctly, those words came from your mouth!"
Although I had only worked with Captain Shi and Brother Wang Gang for three years, we had solved numerous cases together during that time and formed a solid partnership within the department. Two years ago, during a major case, Captain Shi and Brother Wang Gang went missing. I shot one of the suspects but ended up imprisoned due to lack of evidence. A year ago, after my release from prison, I began secretly investigating the case from two years ago but still had no leads or results.
My frustration boiled over while Director Li remained unfazed; instead, he smiled at me and said, "You little rascal! Your temper has really grown! Yes, those were indeed my words. But what can you do as an archive manager? You have no authority or resources; what can you uncover on your own? And even your temporary position—if it weren't for my help, would you have gotten it?"
Director Li added again: "Young comrade, I'm not criticizing you here; you really need to work on that temper of yours! If it were anyone else instead of me here talking to you right now, you'd have been dismissed long ago!"
I had to admit this point; Director Li was one of the most down-to-earth leaders I'd ever met—humble and approachable. That's why I felt comfortable joking with him. Deep down, I respected Director Li greatly. Over fifty years old now with thinning hair that could only be salvaged by “local support for central government,” he had gained some weight over the years. Yet many still viewed him as dignified and impressive.
"If you're an ungrateful person, I'd leave right now without looking back!" I said.
"Can we say I've achieved this position without half your credit?" Director Li replied. "Now let's get down to business: you've been working in the archives for a year now. I'm here today to tell you something important—this is something Juan Juan and I fought hard for on your behalf. You might not know yet that the Special Investigation Team is recruiting new members within the public security system starting this year. They’re only taking a few people from each area; don’t embarrass me!"
Upon hearing Director Li's words, it felt like a floodgate had opened inside me—my emotions were a mix of sweetness and bitterness as if I'd spilled a jar of spices without knowing what flavor was what. The name Special Investigation Team had floated through my mind countless times over the years; now that an opportunity had suddenly fallen into my lap like this—I could hardly believe my ears as I stammered out my question: "Are archive managers really eligible to participate in the selection for the Special Investigation Team now?"
Director Li gave me a meaningful glance before replying enigmatically, "Who knows?"
After Director Li left, the intern girl walked over to me. Looking at Director Li's retreating figure, she whispered, "He is the legendary Li the Tiger, right? You're the first person in our department who dares to speak to him like that." It suddenly struck me that Director Li's nickname was indeed Li the Tiger, but I had never thought he resembled a tiger.
After work, my phone rang; it was Juan Juan calling. As usual, I waited for her outside the police station. Over the years, Juan Juan had published numerous papers on forensic science and had gained quite a reputation in the field. She had bought a house and a car, and had become a strong woman, far surpassing me.
Juan Juan walked past me, dressed in professional attire that highlighted her figure. Her makeup was subtle yet perfect; to borrow a phrase from ancient literature, she could easily topple several cities with her beauty. Juan Juan drove while I sat in the passenger seat. Without looking at me, she calmly asked, "Did the director talk to you about the Special Investigation Team today?"
I nodded.
"Since that's the case, you're coming with me to meet my mom today. You have no excuses left. Before you said you were too busy with work and worried my mom would laugh at you; now you have no excuse!"
"Yang Xiaojuan!" I exclaimed loudly. "You can't just spring such a big thing on me without discussing it! Hey, where are you driving? This isn't your home or mine! Stop the car! If you don't stop, I'm going to scream! Are you trying to kidnap me?"
Yang Xiaojuan shot me an angry glare.
I cleared my throat and said, "I haven't even joined the Special Investigation Team yet! Can't we stop and talk about this? Marriage isn't something that can be decided overnight. As the saying goes, 'If you don't know love before marriage, you'll regret marrying early!'"
Yang Xiaojuan stopped the car and stared at me intensely, making me uncomfortable. She said, "Do you not want to marry me at all? We've known each other for six years and have been dating for five! Do you realize tomorrow is my thirtieth birthday? How long do you expect me to wait?"
I sighed as Yang Xiaojuan continued, "I know you've been struggling with the shadow of that case, but life has to go on. Can't you stop burying this in your heart? I've known them longer than you have; am I not hurt?"
Her aggressive demeanor left me no choice but to mumble, "I've already moved on!"
"Really?" Upon hearing my words, Yang Xiaojuan started driving again but turned in the opposite direction—straight toward the station. Confused, I watched as she parked and yanked me out of the passenger seat, pulling me forward with determination. The colleagues at the station saw me being dragged in by Yang Xiaojuan and thought I was in trouble. Ignoring their curious looks, she pulled me directly into the Major Crimes Unit. The detectives were startled and unsure of what was happening. I could only wave my hands and shake my head to signal that it was nothing serious.
I was familiar with everyone in Major Crimes Unit; even their team leader, Li Bo, was someone I had trained myself. This made me feel even more embarrassed—I wished I could disappear into a hole in the ground. Everyone was puzzled until Yang Xiaojuan grabbed a handgun from the table.
Everyone gasped; Li Bo subtly gestured for everyone not to act rashly.
Suddenly, Yang Xiaojuan pointed the gun at herself, aiming it at her temple. She said, "You claim you've moved on? Fine! I'll count to three and pull the trigger. If you don't want me to die, come take it from me! Come on!" Ever since I shot that suspect due to lack of evidence, I had developed a fear of guns; just thinking about holding one made my hands tremble uncontrollably. I simply didn't have the courage to grip a gun again.
Yang Xiaojuan was right; I hadn't moved on at all.
"Three."
"Two."
I remained unmoved as Yang Xiaojuan trembled and said, "One!"
She hadn't even engaged the safety, and in the office, the magazine wouldn't be loaded with bullets; that was basic common sense. She couldn't pull the trigger at all. Li Bo stepped forward and took the gun from her, saying to me, "Captain, I'll pretend I didn't see anything." With that, he led everyone out, understanding the situation.
The office was empty. I said, "I know you won't be in danger."
Tears streaming down her face, she replied, "I joined the Special Investigation Team as a forensic expert. What if I'm in danger next time?"
I lowered my head in thought, unable to answer that question. I couldn't hold a gun; it just wasn't possible for me. I knew it was a mental block, but I couldn't get past it or see things clearly. There are always hurdles in people's hearts; if everyone could overcome them and understand everything, there wouldn't be any crimes in this world.
"I know tomorrow is your birthday; I originally wanted to surprise you." With a flick of my wrist, a bright red and delicate rose appeared in my hand. "Turning thirty is just the beginning for me. I love you, and I will marry you. I won't let you be in danger."
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