Case 048: Deadline for Solving the Mystery

"Congratulations, Officer 577533, for solving your first extortion case," the badge notification sounded.

"Micro-expression Analysis Technique: Proficiency +3."

"Seven merit points awarded."

Last month, the Han family used up all their remaining merit points to exchange for knowledge from the Criminal Investigation Database, which played a significant role in solving the case.

This month, with three more points in Micro-expression Analysis proficiency and seven extra merit points, Han Bin could just pay off the installment for the micro-expression analysis skill.

In other words, if he solved another case this month, Han Bin would be free to use his merit points however he liked.

Han Bin already had a systematic understanding of micro-expression analysis.

Micro-expression Analysis Technique: A method for discerning a person's true emotions and feelings through subtle facial expressions and body movements.

Currently, Han Bin had only mastered the introductory level, still limited to interpreting body language.

The true essence of micro-expression analysis, however, is judging a person's genuine feelings and emotions through the slightest facial cues.

A "micro-expression" can last as little as 1/25 of a second. It is an instinctive reaction, not subject to conscious control, and is extremely difficult to capture accurately; Han Bin could only occasionally catch one.

Only upon reaching the 'advanced' level could one truly master it.

Unfortunately, Han Bin did not have enough merit points to study more advanced skills.

...

In the following days, no new cases came in.

Han Bin had no chance to earn more merit points.

The members of Team Two enjoyed a few relaxed days, stamping documents, running errands, and sorting files.

Tian Li was on duty Saturday, Li Hui on Sunday.

Everyone else had a two-day weekend.

On Saturday, Han Bin did absolutely nothing, slept in until he woke naturally, and lazed in bed for over an hour.

After eleven, he went downstairs right before lunchtime.

With nothing much to do in the afternoon, he played chess with his father while keeping his mother company watching the matchmaking show.

Han Bin was perfectly capable of multitasking, holding his own in chess against his father while chatting with his mother about the guests' personalities on the show.

Wang Huifang picked at an apple with a toothpick. "Look at this male guest—does he even know how to talk? Saying he likes women with dating experience, preferably three to five relationships. How do you think the women who've never dated feel about that?"

"Most people on these shows aren’t really looking for love, just watch for fun," Han Weidong snorted.

"I'm talking to my son, not you, why are you butting in?" Wang Huifang pursed her lips.

"This guy is a bit much," Han Bin agreed.

"I'm telling you, there's no way he'll get anyone to leave with him. No chance," Wang Huifang concluded halfway through.

"Son, stop trading pieces so much. Can’t you plan ahead? Use some tactics," Han Weidong complained.

"This is called the 'exchange flow' approach. It's a tactic too."

"What tactic? You’ve just traded a rook and two knights! At this rate, you’ll be left with an endgame in no time."

"Keep your voice down, you’re making it hard for me to watch TV." Wang Huifang picked up the remote and raised the volume.

"You watch this matchmaking show every day. It's mostly reruns. What's so interesting?" Han Weidong retorted.

"It's interesting! When our son finds a wife, I can be his strategist."

"If you really care, you'd ask some friends to introduce him to someone. That's more reliable."

Han Bin was half amused, half exasperated. How did the conversation end up about him again?

The lively banter made the day pass quickly...

Sunday.

Han Bin went to the beach to soak up the sun.

He went alone, not inviting any friends.

Given the nature of his work, if a case came up, Han Bin would have to rush to the scene immediately.

Standing friends up once or twice might be forgiven, but too many times and no one would want to hang out.

So Han Bin simply went to the beach by himself, drinking beer, sunbathing, reading a random book, admiring the beautiful women as they strolled by—a sea of fair skin.

It was blissful.

The summer breeze was pleasant, and in the distance, people were surfing.

Riding the wind and waves, they looked strikingly cool.

Their athleticism drew cheers and attention from many girls.

Back in school, Han Bin had wanted to learn surfing too, but it required talent. After a few tumbles and gulps of seawater, he had quietly given up.

Other than a swim, Han Bin did virtually nothing all day, just lazing about...

For him, this kind of peaceful, leisurely time was a rare enjoyment.

...

No urgent cases came in on Sunday, and Han Bin enjoyed a full, uninterrupted weekend.

Two days off left him feeling fully recharged—brimming with energy and motivation.

He now understood the value of balancing work and rest.

At the station, Han Bin tidied up his workspace. A clean environment made work more pleasant.

Zhao Ming, always the lively one, perched on the desk, bored out of his mind. "You know, when we have cases, I wish for a break. But when there’s nothing, I get so bored. Why is that?"

Li Hui held up two fingers. "Two words."

"What?"

"Self-inflicted."

Zhao Ming's face twitched. "Should’ve known better than to ask you."

"Hey, you two, cut it out. It's past nine already—why isn't Captain Zeng here yet?" Tian Li asked.

"No idea," Li Hui shrugged. "Anyone know?"

"Maybe a meeting?" Zhao Ming guessed.

"I was just washing rags—Captain Zheng was outside talking with someone. Where would Captain Zeng be having a meeting?" Han Bin countered.

"Then where is he?" Li Hui took out his phone. "Should I call him?"

"Don’t even think about it. Personal calls during work hours should be minimized," Zheng Kaixuan said, entering Team Two's office with his thermos.

"Captain Zheng, you’ve got it wrong. I was going to call Captain Zeng," Li Hui hurried to explain, worried the boss would take notice.

"No need. He took leave for something."

"Captain Zeng took leave? He’s never done that before," Tian Li sounded surprised.

"It’s a personal matter. I shouldn’t say more. Ask him when he’s back." Zheng Kaixuan twisted open his thermos and poured some water. "While he’s away, I’ll be leading your team."

"Captain Zheng, do we have a case?" Han Bin asked with interest.

After resting for days, he was ready for action.

"I like your enthusiasm, Han. That’s what a detective should be like," Zheng Kaixuan said, waving his hand. "Let’s get moving. I’ll explain on the way."

He strode out of the office ahead of them.

The others exchanged glances; they were used to Captain Zeng leading them, and it felt odd having Captain Zheng in charge.

"What are you waiting for? Move!" Zheng Kaixuan urged.

"Captain Zheng, what kind of case is so urgent?" Han Bin pressed.

Captain Zheng was usually laid-back, but today he seemed tense.

"Yeah, give us a hint," someone added.

Zheng Kaixuan stopped. "A burglary."

"With all your experience, Captain, is a burglary really so urgent?" Li Hui, the longest-serving member, knew Captain Zheng best.

"The victim’s father has a severe heart condition and needs surgery as soon as possible. The stolen money was meant for the operation. If we don’t solve the case quickly, there’ll be no money for surgery and the man could die," Zheng Kaixuan replied gravely.

"When is the operation scheduled?"

"The day after tomorrow."

"That’s way too tight!"

Everyone felt the sudden weight of responsibility.