Accidental Hero: The Rookie Who Outshines the Force - Chapter 98

When Qin Mian arrived at Sanliqiao Police Station with news that he was taking Lu Cheng to Sucheng for a case, the entire station erupted.

Envy, jealousy, pride—it was all over the faces of the officers.

Word had it that Qin Mian was going to assist on a major case in Sucheng, with a special task force already formed there.

He was only bringing one person. One. Out of all the skilled detectives in the criminal investigation team, someone experienced… yet he chose Lu Cheng.

Well, that was pretty much a public declaration.

Lu Cheng had essentially become a semi-member of the criminal investigation team.

And, of course, he had that special connection with Officer Su Qingwu.

Lin Wenbin exclaimed, “Damn, Lu Ge is being taken away—will he even come back to Sanliqiao?”

Zhao Han grumbled, “Of course he’ll come back! Everything has its rules. He hasn’t even finished his six-month probation. He can only stay here at Sanliqiao!”

Zhao Han’s presence as the nominal mentor was fading fast. But there was nothing he could do—his disciple’s brilliance outshone everything.

Lu Cheng had been on the job less than a month, and already the criminal investigation, economic crimes, anti-narcotics, and anti-pickpocket squads were all after Chen Weimin, offering any terms to get him. Like a hot commodity, only more precious.

Chen Weimin wasn’t about to let go. A golden asset had just arrived at the station; it wasn’t even settled in yet, and someone was already trying to take him? Not a chance.

Chen Weimin drew a hard line: no, was no. Even if it went up to the bureau leadership, no deal.

Everyone knew Chen Weimin’s notoriously stingy temperament. No one dared force the issue. So, they could only borrow Lu Cheng.

And Qin Mian came to “borrow” him.

Inside the station chief’s office, Chen Weimin and Qin Mian smoked in tandem, blowing smoke rings at each other.

Chen knew Qin Mian’s intentions. Eventually, Lu Cheng would be transferred to the criminal investigation team, so Qin Mian was here to cultivate him in advance.

Chen Weimin was also aware of Qin Mian training Lu Cheng in marksmanship.

Ambitious people naturally climb higher.

Lu Cheng’s abilities were gradually revealing themselves, and Sanliqiao Station was too small a cage to hold him.

Chen Weimin inhaled his smoke and momentarily zoned out.

Qin Mian smiled. “Old Chen, I’m taking Lu Cheng. Don’t worry; I’ll make sure he doesn’t get into trouble.”

In truth, Lu Cheng might be reckless, but he had never actually caused any problems. Despite appearances, he always had everything under control. In fact, having him around made things more reassuring.

Sure, he often put himself in danger, keeping everyone on edge—but who doesn’t take risks when young? Shoes flying off while chasing criminals? Safety comes second.

And so the decision was made.

The entire criminal investigation team hadn’t handpicked him. Qin Mian specifically came to Sanliqiao to borrow Lu Cheng.

That alone spoke volumes.

News spread to neighboring stations, and everyone was shocked.

Hao Jianping exclaimed, “Even Qin’s coming to City West to pick people? We’ve got plenty of elite officers here!”

No doubt, being chosen by Qin Mian to go to Sucheng meant a chance to shine even outside the province. Who wouldn’t be envious?

But envy aside, Qin Mian only wanted Lu Cheng.

Chen Weimin grinned. “Relax. With Lu Cheng at Sanliqiao, all the other stations can step aside.”

It was cocky, yes—but well-earned.

Among the younger generation in Jianghai City, how many had achievements like Lu Cheng? Even if some did, how many had his experience at such a young age?

In every comparison, they were no match.

The criminal investigation team knew the news too.

Each officer felt a mix of frustration and disbelief. Why?

They had worked with Qin Mian for years, and now this golden opportunity was given to an “outsider”? A serial murder case like this—some officers wouldn’t even encounter one in their entire career.

Qin Mian saw their displeased faces and asked lightly, “All of you want to go and learn?”

“Uh-huh!”

“Do you think I’m taking you there to learn? I want someone who can help solve the case.”

“We can help solve the case too!” Xiao Zheng and Xiao Hu puffed their chests in excitement.

“You’re no match for Lu Cheng.” Qin Mian’s words were blunt, but true.

During investigations, brainstorming ideas? Sure, they could contribute. But independent reasoning? They weren’t ready yet—especially Xiao Zheng and Xiao Hu.

Only Su Qingwu had real analytical skills. But taking her along would leave the team leaderless back home, with four or five cases piling up. She couldn’t go.

Taking her boyfriend, however, was fine.

Qin Mian chuckled and booked high-speed train tickets for that day, instructing Lu Cheng to pack lightly.

How long the trip would take was uncertain. A serial murder case wasn’t something simple; otherwise, Qin Mian wouldn’t have come from so far to assist.

Su Qingwu focused on her work. Admittedly, the Sucheng serial murder case was tempting—but she remained professional. Other cases were still pending, and she had a responsibility to stay and manage them.

Lu Cheng rummaged through his suitcase, packing a few clothes and toiletries.

His mother, He Xueting, was both worried and complaining—just like when Lu Cheng went to university.

She stuffed two vacuum-packed bags of beef jerky, homemade chili sauce, several boxes of milk, tea eggs…

“Mom! Stop! A roast chicken too? I’m going to work, not on vacation!”

The suitcase grew several kilograms heavier.

“Fine.”

He Xueting put the chicken back in the fridge. “Text Qingwu. Tonight, she and her mom are coming to our place. Dinner will have roast chicken; your uncle brought abalone and conch, plus some seafood dishes.”

Lu Cheng: …

“Mom, why does it feel like every time I leave, you cook a feast?”

“You child! Saying the plain truth again!”

“What?”

“The seafood isn’t enough for the whole family. Only you have a big appetite. Perfect—you’re out of town, we have enough for the rest.”

At this moment, Lu Cheng wanted to dramatically overturn the table.

Not enough? Forget it! No one eats!

“Fine, I’ll still take the roast chicken.” His last bit of stubbornness.

“You said you’re going to work, not vacation. Roast chicken? Instant noodles will do.”

Fine, fine.

He wasn’t wronged… but why were tears rolling down anyway?

After a sip of water, Qin Mian called.

“Packed?”

“Yes.”

“Come downstairs.”

An SUV waited at the gate. Lu Cheng loaded the suitcase into the trunk.

Su Qingwu drove, Qin Mian sat in the back. Naturally, Lu Cheng took the passenger seat.

Su Qingwu’s cool voice reminded him, “Seatbelt.”

“Oh.”

Just as they were about to leave, Qin Mian added, “I’m buying cigarettes—ten minutes. Wait for me.”

Ten minutes for cigarettes? Fine. A perfect window for the young couple to whisper secrets.

The car fell silent.

Lu Cheng didn’t know what to say, glancing at Su Qingwu’s delicate profile. Dark hair partially framing her face, willow-shaped brows, long curled lashes, soft red lips… the sunset cast a golden glow over her porcelain skin.

“Uh… my mom said you and Aunt Shen should come to our house for dinner tonight.”

“Got it. Go early, come back early.”

“Mm.”

Qin Mian returned after finishing his smoke, and the car headed to the high-speed train station.