Accidental Hero: The Rookie Who Outshines the Force - Chapter 15

When it comes to lost pets, unless there’s a threat to public safety—like a large dog running loose—the police usually don’t directly intervene. After all, law enforcement resources are prioritized for criminal cases and public security.

But out of humanitarian concern, if the one reporting is an elderly person who lives alone, has mobility issues, or is emotionally distressed, officers might lend a hand—checking surveillance, giving advice, that sort of thing.

Lu Cheng and Lin Wenbin rode their electric bikes, one in front and one behind, and arrived at the reporting elder’s residence in ten minutes.

“Grandma, you called the police?”

“Yes, yes! Officer, my son is gone! He’s missing! You must help me find him—without him, I can’t live another moment!”

The old woman looked grief-stricken, her emotions surging as she clutched Lu Cheng’s hand, trembling and unwilling to let go.

“Do you… have a photo of your son?”

“Yes, yes!”

She hurried back into the room and came out with a framed photo. In it was not a man, but a fluffy white toy poodle, with a red-and-white striped bow around its neck.

“Come, officers, have some water.”

She poured two cups. Lin Wenbin was about to drink when Lu Cheng stopped him with a sharp look.

The next second, Lin saw it: floating inside the teapot of boiled water on the living room table… was the old lady’s dentures.

Holy crap!

Lin’s face went pale. Thank heavens he hadn’t taken a sip.

“Grandma, when did your… son go missing?”

“Around seven. We went for a walk, came back home, and while I went inside to change, he disappeared.”

“Got it.”

Lu Cheng thought for a moment, then turned to Lin. “Brother Lin, the time and description are clear. There are cameras in and around the community. Shouldn’t be hard to track. Why don’t we spend a little time helping her out?”

“There are cameras around here?” Lin asked in surprise.

“Mm. I noticed on the way in.” Lu Cheng nodded.

Good grief… this kid’s powers of observation were impressive.

“Alright, Grandma. We’ll help you look.”

“Thank you, thank you!!”

With a clear timeframe and surveillance footage, the search went quickly.

In just ten minutes, the two were in the security office with the guards, reviewing footage.

This was an old neighbourhood, mostly retirees, with plenty of pets around.

The little poodle had gotten excited in the park when it saw other dogs. Though pulled home, its mind clearly lingered. The moment the old lady looked away, and with the front door not fully latched, it dashed out again—straight to its canine companions.

Sure enough, they soon found it in a grove, happily tangled up with a female toy poodle.

Lu Cheng and Lin exchanged a look, speechless and amused.

The old lady hadn’t wanted to neuter her “son.” Now that he was in heat, of course he’d be out raising havoc.

Lin had to ruin the dogs’ little moment, hauling the poodle away by the scruff.

“Time to go home! Been over an hour already careful you don’t exhaust yourself to death!”

The dog looked reluctant, eyes still fixed on the female behind them.

Lu Cheng couldn’t help but chuckle.

As they prepared to return the dog, Lu Cheng suddenly said, “Brother Lin, wait a couple minutes.” He jogged out of the complex, and when he came back, he held a brand-new leash.

“Huh? Why’d you buy that?”

“I noticed the old lady’s leash by the door was frayed, about to snap. If it breaks again, she’ll just call us for another missing pet. Better to prevent it.”

“…You really do think things through,” Lin muttered, secretly impressed.

The leash hadn’t cost much—barely a couple dozen yuan—but it showed Lu Cheng’s thoughtfulness.

Soon, the old woman saw them carrying her “son” back. Overjoyed, she thanked them over and over.

Lu Cheng quietly hung the new leash on the wall hook by the door.

“Come, have some apples! Some tangerines!”

She pressed fruit into their hands.

“Grandma, one is enough. We’re still on duty—we can’t carry all this.”

The two hastily put the fruit back. Just then, the radio crackled—new case!

They quickly set everything down and hurried out.

As they descended the stairs, a familiar voice echoed in Lu Cheng’s mind.

【Congratulations, Host. Case completed. Reward: Strength +1, Speed +1.】

【Current stats: Strength 17, Speed 18 (average healthy adult male: ~15).】

A rush swept through him. He could feel the difference immediately—muscles tighter, steps lighter.

By the time they reached the ground floor, Lu Cheng’s pace had doubled, leaving Lin trailing behind.

The new case was close by. Zhao Han’s voice crackled over the radio: Lu Cheng and Lin were to rush to the scene first to maintain order—but under no circumstances were they to act rashly.

That warning alone meant trouble.

At the intersection of Guanghui Road and Majia Bridge, during a drunk-driving checkpoint, a black Cadillac SUV had smashed through, plowed into a flowerbed, then darted into oncoming traffic before fleeing.

Fortunately, no casualties. Traffic police were in pursuit, but the driver—drunk and wild—was flooring it. Near Kongque Street Overpass, he’d rammed into a bun shop.

The shop’s owner was slightly injured, and bystanders had already called the police and an ambulance.

Zhao Han ordered Lu Cheng and Lin to rush over first, secure the scene, and wait for reinforcements.

This was no small matter. A drunk driver barrelling around like this was a road killer.

The two officers were only five minutes away on their electric bikes.

The scene was chaos. Fruit and snacks littered the street, stalls overturned.

Up ahead, the black SUV was jammed into the bun shop, glass everywhere.

“Brother Lin, set up a cordon!”

“…Hold up. Kid, isn’t that my line? Who’s the rookie here—you or me?”

Lin swore it felt like he was being led by Lu Cheng, not the other way around.

Still, the kid worked like a pro.

They strung up tape, cleared the bystanders, and secured the perimeter.

Then they crept closer to check the vehicle.

At seven or eight meters away, the SUV suddenly roared to life.

The wheels spun furiously, but the crumpled doorway held it in place.

Seconds later, the driver slammed it into reverse—shooting the car back out into the street.

Drunk and delirious, he cranked the wheel hard, the SUV fishtailing as it smashed into the glass storefront next door.

Crash!

Shards rained down. Onlookers screamed.

Even with the hood mangled, the drunk still tried to flee—his mind in full madness.

Then the headlights swung around—straight toward Lu Cheng and Lin Wenbin.

The SUV came barreling at them like a beast unleashed—

…