Accidental Hero: The Rookie Who Outshines the Force - Chapter 69

Third-class merit?

The officers at Shuangqiao Police Station nearly jumped out of their skins. Lu Cheng was still just a trainee!

None of them had ever seen a probationary officer awarded a third-class merit—it was absurd, almost unbelievable.

But thinking of Lu Cheng’s recent performance in anti-pickpocket operations, even a third-class merit seemed like an understatement.

Chen Weimin couldn’t hide his delight. Sure, it was a personal third-class merit, but it was still from their own Shiliqiao Station.

Lu Cheng had only been here a few days, and already earned such recognition. The days ahead promised even more glory.

Chen Weimin imagined the endless bragging he could do in the future, and his grin practically lifted his eyebrows off his face.

Last year, when someone at Chengxi Station received a third-class merit, Hao Jianping had flaunted it endlessly in front of him.

This time, the tables had turned. Chen Weimin already began planning in his mind how he’d boast to Hao Jianping the next time they met.

Meanwhile, Criminal Investigation had only taken two gang leaders. The remaining six thieves were loaded onto a bus.

A whole bus of petty thieves, escorted to Shuangqiao Station.

Curious residents nearby were stunned. Who would have thought that this residential complex was so unsafe, with gangs operating in packs?

But the police had handled it all, straight-up.

Lü Zhengbo and Luo Yong were seeing this for the first time—escorting so many criminals at once, even in a bus. Ridiculous.

This operation would definitely be remembered as a landmark anti-pickpocket action in Shuangqiao Station’s history.

Chen Weimin followed them back to the station. Tonight, no grilled fish—let Old Lü spend a little.

He’d heard of a seafood restaurant, Shipu, famous in Shuangqiao, where the seafood was so fresh it could still jump in the pot after three minutes.

Perfect choice.

Lü Zhengbo glanced at Chen Weimin, noticing a strange expression on his face that made him uneasy.

…

Economic Crimes Unit.

Lu Cheng said he was here to assist, but in reality, there was nothing urgent. He sat in the reception room, relaxing with a cup of surprisingly good coffee.

The Economic Crimes Unit and Criminal Investigation were in the same sub-bureau building, east and west wings respectively.

Looking out the window, Lu Cheng thought of Su Qingwu. Wondered what case she was working on.

He pulled up her WeChat on his phone, but decided not to disturb her during work hours.

A few minutes later, Fan Wanqing entered and sat down across from him, legs crossed.

“So? Not bad, right? Our Economic Crimes Unit?”

Lu Cheng nodded. Honestly, it reeked of money—not in a bad way—but the unit certainly carried weight when it came to financial cases.

Even minor financial cases could secure a hefty budget.

Chen Weimin had struggled for a year just to get a single patrol car. It was only after Lu Cheng’s recent exploits went on TV that leadership finally loosened the purse strings.

Outside the Economic Crimes Unit office, three luxury SUVs were parked—just the vehicles.

“Want to join our Economic Crimes Unit?”

Fan Wanqing smiled, tossing an olive branch. Was she joking? Or serious?

Lu Cheng froze. The offer sounded oddly familiar.

The Economic Crimes Unit, though dubbed the “white-collar police,” handled financial crimes, tax fraud, commercial cases… complex, long-term investigations, frequent trips—earning them the nickname “King of Business Trips.”

It also required expertise in accounting and finance, certifications like CPA or financial analyst.

Could a trainee like him join so casually?

Lu Cheng knew his limits.

“Team Leader Fan, I’m still inexperienced—I need more training.”

A polite refusal. Fan Wanqing only smiled; she hadn’t said it had to be now. Assignments like this weren’t instantaneous decisions.

“We found crucial clues in two old phones from that counterfeiting gang.”

“They’d met a guy called Wang Xiaolong, a subordinate from Fujian. The modified printer came from him.”

“We posed as buyers from another gang and arranged to trade for two counterfeit machines in three days. I want you to join the operation and assist.”

Fan Wanqing didn’t hesitate to extend a direct invitation.

She had checked Lu Cheng’s records: his police academy performance was mediocre, but at the station, he stood out repeatedly.

From wanted criminals to pickpockets.

Then drug transport operations, anti-pickpocket operations, and now raiding a gang’s hideout to uncover counterfeit printers—Lu Cheng had played a key role in every action.

Fan Wanqing had been a police officer for years. She had never seen a young officer with such capability and courage.

She also had a gut feeling—Lu Cheng would be invaluable for the operation.

Lu Cheng blinked in surprise. “Joining an Economic Crimes operation? Team Leader Fan, I don’t have much experience!”

Fan Wanqing said, “Yesterday, the homicide case—your first operation. Wasn’t it your efforts that helped us catch the real culprit so quickly?”

Lu Cheng paused. True. If there was a case, why skip participation? There were rewards to gain.

Fan Wanqing didn’t wait for an answer and finalized it.

“Done. I’ll inform your station chief. In two days, I’ll send a car to pick you up.”

Leaving the Economic Crimes Unit building, Fan Wanqing arranged for a female officer to escort Lu Cheng back.

But at the gate, Xiao Zheng and Xiao Hu stopped the car.

They’d seen Lu Cheng in the Economic Crimes vehicle earlier and had to confirm it.

So, the Criminal Investigation team “forcibly” took over his escort, leaving the female officer a bit annoyed.

The two stared at Lu Cheng, expression strange.

“You’re going to the Economic Crimes Unit?”

At first, seeing the young woman in uniform, they had suspected something. Then realized—no way. She couldn’t compare to their goddess, Su.

Lu Cheng quickly explained the counterfeit printer discovery during the anti-pickpocket operation.

Xiao Zheng and Xiao Hu finally understood.

They weren’t fazed by Lu Cheng’s over-the-top feats anymore.

From solving a homicide one moment to raiding two major thief dens the next—they couldn’t help but admire him.

Once upstairs, Lu Cheng saw Su Qingwu in uniform, reviewing case files.

Her flawless side profile, red lips slightly pressed, long curled lashes—every inch exquisite.

Xiao Zheng nudged him. “Look at what? Your own girlfriend! Go greet her!”

Lu Cheng shuffled up, grinning awkwardly.

“Hi… uh, hello…”

Xiao Zheng and Xiao Hu gaped, thinking—such an official greeting? You’re proposing or what?

Su Qingwu looked up, her sharp, beautiful eyes landing on him. Seeing his goofy smile, she said coolly, “What are you doing here?”

Xiao Zheng and Xiao Hu grinned mischievously.

“Knowing you were busy, we brought your boyfriend over.”

Xiao Zheng patted Lu Cheng’s shoulder. “Don’t forget to treat her later!”

With that, the two went on their way.

Lu Cheng explained, “I was at Economic Crimes handling a matter, ran into Xiao Zheng and Xiao Hu at the gate, so I came up to check in.”

Su Qingwu glanced at him, set the case file down, and poured a glass of water.

“Sit for a bit, then head back. I don’t have time to entertain you.”

Lu Cheng smiled, nodding. A glass of water was enough.

“You don’t have time to entertain, but I do!”

Then, Qin Mian’s cheerful voice called out. He had just stepped out of the office and saw Lu Cheng—the same man who had solved yesterday’s homicide case and shattered the entire Criminal Investigation team’s aura.