Chapter 6: As If Nothing Ever Happened

After finishing her portion of the eel rice as quickly as she could, Shuyan set the lunchbox down. Rising, she said to Taozi, "I'm going to the restroom."

With that, she returned to her office, grabbed her toiletries, and went to brush her teeth. This was a habit ingrained since childhood—whenever she finished eating, she would brush her teeth to prevent cavities. This habit came from her father, so every time she brushed, thoughts of him filled her mind.

Today was no exception. After brushing in the restroom, Shuyan gazed at her toothbrush, lost in a moment of reverie, missing her father. It was because of him that she had chosen this line of work.

Lost in thought as she stepped out of the restroom, her foot suddenly slipped, and her body tilted backward from the momentum. She let out a startled cry, just as she feared she would fall, but was caught mid-fall by someone’s arms wrapped around her waist.

Regaining her senses, Shuyan found herself face-to-face with Lu Chengfeng’s resolute, commanding expression. He asked anxiously, "Are you hurt?"

Quickly withdrawing from his embrace, Shuyan took a step aside, still shaken. "No, thank you," she replied.

Lu Chengfeng’s brow furrowed slightly at the formal tone of “you.” Was she pretending not to know him? He deliberately took a step closer and asked, "Director Shu, were you dissatisfied with my performance last night?"

"Shut up," Shuyan said in panic, covering Lu Chengfeng’s mouth with her hand.

She hadn’t expected him to be so blunt. The fierce words that escaped his lips were so at odds with his image.

"Do you want everyone at the bureau to know about our reckless behavior last night? It was an accident caused by the influence of alcohol—you should understand that well."

"Anyway, let’s just pretend nothing happened. You’re not to mention it to anyone. Got it?"

Only then did Shuyan realize her gesture had been somewhat intimate. She quickly withdrew her hand and put some distance between them.

Lu Chengfeng scrutinized her with a frown. "Is this what you want?"

Shuyan hesitated, then replied insincerely, "Of course. Isn’t that what you want too? Don’t forget, you’re the new captain of the criminal police, and the bureau holds you in high regard."

"If something like this gets out, it will definitely damage your image. It will be hard to regain your authority then."

Lu Chengfeng sneered, "You really are considerate, always thinking of others. I should thank you. Very well, we’ll do it your way, Director Shu."

"Let’s just act as if nothing happened last night, as if we never met at that bar, and certainly never spent that night together in the hotel..."

Shuyan’s lips twitched involuntarily—there was no need to be so explicit.

Without another word, Lu Chengfeng turned and strode away. Biting her lip and furrowing her brows, Shuyan stood rooted to the spot, lost in thought.

Something so outrageous must never be known by anyone at the bureau. If it reached Zhao Jianguo, how could she explain herself?

This was no ordinary workplace—it was the Public Security Bureau!

If it got out, it would spark a cascade of disastrous consequences.

She felt like she was going mad, muttering to herself as she walked, wondering why it had to be this new colleague.

Dragging her heavy steps back to the office doorway, Taozi hurried over to her, breathless.

"Yan-jie, everyone’s already in the conference room. Director Zhao has arrived."

Shuyan snapped into work mode immediately.

"Got it," she nodded.

Leaving behind her toiletries, she picked up the autopsy report and headed to the conference room.

Everyone else was already there.

Lu Chengfeng sat expressionless to the right of Deputy Director Zhao Jianguo, who oversaw criminal cases.

To Zhao’s left sat Liu Xun.

The remaining attendees were divided into two groups: the investigative team sat beside Lu Chengfeng, while the technical department was on Liu Xun’s side.

Shuyan took a seat next to Zhang Yong, head of the trace inspection unit, and apologized, "Sorry I’m late."

Zhao Jianguo smiled warmly. "You’re not late. I arrived early because I wanted to introduce our new colleague before the meeting. This is our criminal police captain."

"You all met him at the scene earlier today, but I want to say a few more words. Chengfeng was previously the captain of the criminal police in Hongcheng. He has a 100% case-solving rate and has been commended by provincial leaders."

"It’s truly an honor to have such an outstanding captain join us. Let’s give Captain Lu a warm round of applause as he joins our family."

As Zhao Jianguo finished speaking, enthusiastic applause filled the room.

Lu Chengfeng stood and bowed to everyone.

Zhao Jianguo gestured for silence. "Now, Captain Lu, please say a few words."

In a deep, steady voice, Lu Chengfeng said, "Hello everyone, a brief introduction: I’m Lu Chengfeng, thirty-two years old, graduated from Hongcheng Police Academy."

"I’m very glad and honored to join this family and fight alongside you all. I won’t take up much time—let’s begin today’s special case meeting."

He sat down, and Zhao Jianguo immediately turned to Shuyan. "Director Shu, please begin."

Shuyan exchanged a glance with Zhang Yong, who nodded and opened the slide presentation.

The projector screen displayed several photos of the deceased from different angles.

With a firm and clear voice, Shuyan began, "The deceased is Zhang Ruilin, thirty-five years old, CEO of Ocean Technology Co., Ltd. Based on rigor mortis, lividity, and body temperature, the estimated time of death is around 1 a.m. today."

"There were no signs of resistance on the body. The ropes binding the hands and feet were examined by the trace unit and confirmed to have been tied by the deceased himself. From these two close-up photos, you can clearly see..."

"The knots are loose, not tied tightly, and only the deceased could have bound himself this way. Also, no evidence of other people at the scene was found. Our autopsy confirms that Zhang Ruilin died of accidental asphyxiation."

As her words fell, the room collectively exhaled in relief.

An accident meant no need for overtime tonight.

Tomorrow was Sunday—a day to rest properly.

Zhao Jianguo nodded repeatedly. "Thank you for your hard work. It looks like we can close the case. Captain Lu, any questions from your side?"

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Lu Chengfeng.

Everyone was anxious to see if the new captain would raise objections.

It’s said that new leaders often like to make a splash, stirring trouble to assert their presence.

Lu Chengfeng paused for a few seconds before replying, "None for now. My investigation findings align with Director Shu’s examination results."

Shuyan breathed a sigh of relief.

She didn’t know why, but she always felt an inexplicable pressure when facing Lu Chengfeng. Perhaps it was his stern, unsmiling face.

After all teams reported their findings, Zhao Jianguo adjourned the meeting, telling everyone to return and finish up their work.

Those who finished early could go home and rest.

Shuyan tidied up her materials and was about to head back to her office when Zhao Jianguo called her name.

"Yan-yan, wait a moment."

She turned to see Lu Chengfeng standing beside Zhao Jianguo, both looking at her.

Grimacing, she forced herself to approach them.

Misfortune or blessing, since it had come to this, she had to face it calmly.