Accidental Hero: The Rookie Who Outshines the Force - Chapter 96

Huiming’s real name was Wu Shenming, from Qingyuan in Guang Province.

His grandmother was a devout Buddhist, and he had grown up under her care, absorbing her beliefs.

But that didn’t make him a true believer. His very name said it all: Wu Shenming—“No Divine Light.”

Three years ago, the abbot of Qianfo Temple had grown old and developed high blood pressure. Unable to handle the duties, he took a bribe of 100,000 yuan from Wu Shenming and handed over the abbotship to “Huiming.”

Otherwise, who in their right mind would work as a temple abbot for 40,000 yuan a month plus extra income?

Times have changed. Don’t underestimate monks—even if you graduated from a top university, it’s no guarantee you could join the Buddhist order.

You laugh at monks for not having families. Monks laugh at you for not having an A8.

Wu Shenming forged a college degree and, combined with his talent for misleading people through scripture recitations and sermons, smoothly became the abbot.

On the surface, he appeared virtuous and upright; beneath, he was a beast in human skin.

“Huiming” was escorted into the police car, and the monks’ gazes followed him like they were staring at an arch-enemy.

This story would definitely make the news. Qianfo Temple would become deserted, forcing the monks to find a new home.

Amitabha—what a sin!

Lu Cheng, the hero of the case, trailed at the very end of the procession, keeping a low profile.

Both the criminal investigation team and the local station envied him deeply.

Chen Weimin’s eyebrows twitched. From start to finish, the case had been solved by the Sanliqiao Station. The criminal investigation team merely came in to clean up.

On the merit record, Sanliqiao Station deserved full credit.

Moreover, this case would be newsworthy, enhancing public trust in the police.

Su Qingwu slowed her pace and fell back to the rear of the group.

“The day before yesterday, after Mom came back from the temple, she was in a great mood. She said you drew a good fortune slip,” she said.

Her beautiful eyes flicked to Lu Cheng. “You drew a good fortune slip… so why is my mom happy?”

“Because the slip said: good things are coming, a Qilin brings a child—the best fortune.”

“… …”

The criminal investigation team took Wu Shenming and a vehicle full of adult toys and other evidence.

Sanliqiao Station helped coordinate the effort.

Preliminary inquiries revealed that Wu Shenming had targeted at least four girls in the Sanliqiao area.

He recorded videos of his crimes to intimidate the victims. Fearful that the scandal would ruin their reputations and bring shame to their families, they kept silent.

Once morning came, the station would send officers to take formal statements.

Lu Cheng couldn’t participate further—he was still on leave.

Seeing how he had stayed up two nights in a row, Chen Weimin extended his leave by two more days.

Chen Weimin thought skeptically—could this kid really solve another case while on leave?

Nope.

Even the “Child of Fortune” Lu Cheng wasn’t omnipotent.

For the next two days, Lu Cheng planned to stay home, be a good son, and help his mother with chores.

But He Xueting, ever critical, complained: “Why stay home all day? Go out for a walk.”

Lu Cheng was speechless. He remembered how, when he used to go out frequently, she’d scold him: “Always out, never at home, never a peaceful day.”

Fine, fine. Whatever she says goes.

That’s why growing up and moving out sounded so appealing—freedom, no mother’s nagging.

What? I’d have to cook for myself?

Find a nearby apartment—sneak meals from Mom’s house daily. Perfect.

But first, you need a partner!

If you move out alone and still rely on your family’s food, that’s audacious.

Suddenly, Lu Cheng pictured a happy life with Su Qingwu—a small, cozy home, occasional visits to their parents for meals.

Mom would open the door, see Su Qingwu, and her face would light up with joy.

Add a child, and her smile would bloom like a flower.

Then he’d never hear her nagging again. Why waste breath when she could dote on her grandson?

“What are you daydreaming about?”

He Xueting tapped the table. “Finish eating and take the meals to Qingwu.”

Two lunch boxes were set before Lu Cheng.

“The square one is food, the round one is soup.”

Lu Cheng frowned. “Mom, didn’t you say there’s no extra food? Why did you make noodles for me?”

“No, the dishes are for Qingwu. You already had a big bowl of noodles. Consider yourself lucky to have noodles. Don’t be picky—are my noodles not tasty?”

Lu Cheng, fighting for survival, said, “Delicious! Really delicious.”

Though the noodles were tasty, he preferred meat.

He Xueting returned to the kitchen. Lu Cheng peeked at Qingwu’s boxes.

Wow. First layer: scallion oil orchid crab. Second layer: garlic spare ribs. Third layer: stir-fried potato, eggplant, and green pepper.

The soup? Tender, silky crucian carp broth.

Lu Cheng’s stomach twisted with envy.

Wait, what?

Why her? Is she your real daughter, and I’m just a bonus?

Prompted by his mother, Lu Cheng obediently carried the boxes to deliver the food.

I’m the delivery man… proud of it.

Entering the Criminal Investigation Division building, the team’s faces were complicated.

Lu Cheng solved the case, but the messy follow-up work fell on them.

Unfair!

Wu Shenming’s case involved a massive investigation: over thirty victims, cross-referencing dozens of provinces and cities.

It would take at least two weeks to wrap up.

The best part? Lu Cheng did nothing, yet all credit went to him.

Like a juicy watermelon—he ate all the sweet, crisp flesh, leaving the rind for everyone else.

Xiao Zheng and Xiao Hu walked with Lu Cheng, grumbling.

“Uh… what do you need me to do?”

Though Lu Cheng wasn’t guilty, he wanted something to do—staying home invited his mother’s scolding.

“You want to help? This afternoon, come with me to—”

Xiao Hu hadn’t finished before a cold voice cut in.

“He’s not part of our team. Don’t assign him work; the chief might get mad.”

Su Qingwu walked over with files. Even at mealtime, she was busy.

Xiao Hu shrank back and exchanged a glance with Xiao Zheng. They wisely retreated.

Trying to assign him tasks? Not a chance.

“What’s this?”

Su Qingwu pointed at the lunch boxes.

“Food, made by Aunt He.”

Lu Cheng laid them on her desk atop some old newspaper.

Seeing the abundant dishes, her eyes lit up.

She hadn’t been hungry before, but the aroma awakened both hunger and appetite.

Lu Cheng pulled over a chair and sat beside her.

“What are you doing?”

“To eat together. There’s too much for you alone. Don’t think this is just for you. I haven’t eaten either!”

Lu Cheng looked pitiful. Smart as he was, he had brought an extra set of chopsticks.

No reward needed for a food delivery guy, right?

Su Qingwu showed him her phone—a WeChat message from He Xueting a few minutes ago.

“Qingwu, the food is just for you. Xiaocheng already had a big bowl of noodles before he came. He’s full. He’s just being greedy; you don’t need to share.”

Lu Cheng: “!!!!!!!”