Zheng Kaixuan

The next morning, as soon as Han Bin arrived at the police station, he heard the familiar chime of the police badge.

“Ding dong. Officer 577533, you’ve solved a robbery case, ensuring peace in the community.”
“Skill proficiency +2, Merit points +6.”
“Criminal Investigation Knowledge Base unlocked.”

“What is the Criminal Investigation Knowledge Base?” Han Bin asked.

“The Criminal Investigation Knowledge Base contains a wealth of criminal investigation knowledge, which can assist officers in solving cases.”

“How can I acquire knowledge from the database?” Han Bin inquired.

“You can exchange merit points for knowledge—the more merit points you have, the more knowledge you can obtain.”

Han Bin’s micro-expression analysis skill was a learn-as-you-go skill, requiring ten merit points or proficiency to be repaid each month.

Currently, Han Bin had 22 merit points and a micro-expression proficiency of +4.

This month, Han Bin only needed to spend 6 merit points and 4 proficiency to pay his monthly dues, leaving him with 16 merit points.

“I’ll use sixteen merit points to exchange for knowledge from the Criminal Investigation Knowledge Base,” Han Bin said.

A low hum resonated in his mind, and a torrent of criminal investigation knowledge and data poured in.

This knowledge was different from the systematic skills like footprint identification or micro-expression analysis—it was a collection of scattered facts and insights, but if applied correctly, could play a critical role in solving cases.

Suddenly, the sound of applause echoed. Zeng Ping walked into the office. “Comrades, put aside your work for a moment—we’re having a meeting.”

“Captain Zeng, is there a new assignment?” Li Hui asked.

“Captain Zheng heard we solved the hospital robbery case. He publicly praised us and is coming to the team to offer his congratulations,” Zeng Ping replied.

“Really?” Tian Li asked, delighted.

“Why doubt it?” A middle-aged man entered the office.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a square face and a thermos in hand—the captain of the third criminal investigation team, Zheng Kaixuan.

“Captain Zheng,” everyone stood and greeted him.

Zheng Kaixuan waved his hand. “Sit.”

“Captain Zheng, I heard you went to the provincial department for training recently,” Li Hui remarked.

“Yes, and on the way back I learned you solved a major case. Even the captain of the first team was there—you made me look good,” Zheng Kaixuan said, smiling.

“Captain Zheng, though we’re few in number, every member of our team is an elite,” Zeng Ping said.

Zheng Kaixuan nodded, his gaze settling on Han Bin. “I’ve heard from Captain Zeng that you’ve done well—you’ve earned quite a few commendations.”

“All thanks to the guidance of Captain Zheng and Captain Zeng,” Han Bin replied modestly.

“Smooth talker,” Zheng Kaixuan scolded with a laugh. “Your team has cracked several cases recently. Tell me, how do you want to be rewarded?”

“Captain Zheng, though our team is made up of elites, there are only five of us—it’s still a bit thin. Is it possible to add some manpower?” Zeng Ping asked.

“No problem,” Zheng Kaixuan readily agreed. “Anything else?”

“Captain Zheng, we’ve been busy with cases lately and haven’t had a proper break in a while. Could we arrange for the team to take turns resting?” Zhao Ming suggested.

“As long as there’s no major case, you can rotate your rest days,” Zheng Kaixuan said.

“Captain Zheng is wise!” the team exclaimed joyfully.

To have a day of genuine rest was a rare privilege for detectives.

“The bureau just received a new case. Since your team is free, you’ll handle it—split into two groups,” Zheng Kaixuan instructed.

“Captain Zheng, you change so quickly! After two words of praise, you give us a new assignment,” Tian Li said with a bitter smile.

“You little chatterbox,” Zheng Kaixuan pointed at Tian Li, laughing. “It’s a theft case—a small matter for your team.”

“A burglary?” Han Bin asked.

“A man had his phone stolen,” Zheng Kaixuan replied.

“Such a minor theft—shouldn’t it be handled by the local station? Why bring it to the division?” Li Hui questioned.

“It’s a tourist new to Qindao. He’s unfamiliar with the area and came straight to the division. It’s not a major case, but it deserves careful attention,” Zheng Kaixuan replied.

“Yes, sir,” everyone responded.

Zheng Kaixuan nodded and left.

Qindao was a tourist city. In peak season, crowds flocked in, making public security and the environment especially crucial.

Poor security would affect visitor numbers and lead to a decline in tourism revenue. City leaders took this seriously.

No matter the issue, tourists mattered!

...

Han Bin and Li Hui were assigned to handle the case.

Tian Li brought in the complainant, while Han Bin and Li Hui took the statement.

The complainant was a tall, thin man in his twenties, wearing a pair of lensless glasses.

“Please, take a seat.”

“Officers, are you in charge of my case?” he asked.

“Yes. We’ll start with your statement,” Han Bin replied.

“Name?”

“Wang Haidong.”

“Time of report?”

“Three o’clock in the afternoon.”

“What are you reporting?”

“My phone was stolen. It’s the latest fruit brand, cost me over eight thousand,” Wang Haidong answered.

“Where did you lose it?”

“I’m not sure exactly. Twenty minutes ago, I realized it was gone and discovered it had been stolen,” Wang Haidong said.

“Are you sure you didn’t leave it somewhere and forget about it?” Han Bin asked.

“No, it was definitely stolen. I called my own number—a stranger answered,” Wang Haidong replied.

“What did he say?”

“I asked him to return the phone, but he refused and demanded money. When I wouldn’t pay, he hung up. That’s when I reported it,” Wang Haidong explained.

“How much did he want?”

“At first a few hundred, then a few thousand. He’s a real scoundrel,” Wang Haidong snorted.

“What’s your phone number?”

Wang Haidong gave his number.

Han Bin dialed it. After a moment, the call was answered.

“Hello.”

“Speak.”

“Is this your phone?”

“I found it. Who are you?”

“Qindao Division, Criminal Investigation Team.”

“Police?”

“Someone reported their phone stolen. Come to the station and clear this up,” Han Bin said.

“Officer, I’m innocent. I didn’t steal anything—I’m a ride-hailing driver. He left his phone in my car,” said the man who found the phone.

“What’s your name?”

“Lin Gang.”

“It’s no big deal—just come to the station and explain. If you don’t, I’ll have to file the case,” Han Bin said.

“No, no, I’ll come right away,” the driver replied.

...

Li Hui had been listening nearby. He raised his chin. “Wang Haidong, are you sure your phone was stolen?”

“Absolutely,” Wang Haidong insisted.

“I’ve never seen such a cooperative thief,” Li Hui remarked.

“Maybe he’s just stalling—pretending to be agreeable but too scared to come to the station. If you ask me, you should go arrest him,” Wang Haidong urged.

Han Bin frowned, sensing that Wang Haidong’s words lacked truth. “Police know how to handle cases—no need for your advice. Just wait.”