Beating Drums and Clanging Gongs

"Captain Zheng, now that we have the evidence, shouldn't we strike while the iron is hot and interrogate Chen Koning?" Han Bin asked.

"Exactly. Now is not the time to relax," Zheng Kaixuan replied, his mind still preoccupied. "The first person who reported the case, Xu Yan, is still waiting to get her money back. Only by closing the case quickly can that money be returned to her."

"I'd like to interrogate Chen Koning again," Han Bin said.

"Go ahead," Zheng Kaixuan nodded, then added, "I'll report to the precinct leadership. Xu Yan's family is in a special situation. As soon as the suspect confesses, I'll process the paperwork so she can reclaim her lost savings as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir."

Xu Yan's father was scheduled for surgery the next day. Any delay could put his life at risk, and the lost money was meant to cover the operation fee.

...

After returning to the station, Han Bin immediately interrogated Chen Koning.

With the stolen goods and fingerprints as evidence, Chen Koning was no longer as composed as before.

Under Han Bin's relentless questioning, Chen Koning finally broke down and confessed. The arrogance he had shown earlier vanished without a trace.

He seemed like a different person, sobbing uncontrollably, calling Han Bin "sir" every other word, begging for leniency.

He insisted it was just a moment of weakness and promised never to do it again.

Han Bin looked at him with disdain. He didn't buy a word of it.

...

After finishing up at the station, Han Bin returned home from the precinct. By then, it was already 1am.

He took a shower and lay down on his bed, exhausted and hungry. At that moment, he thought that a bowl of instant noodles would taste like the greatest delicacy in the world.

But he was simply too tired to move, so he yawned.

"Congratulations, Officer 577533, on successfully solving your first series of theft cases," a familiar voice chimed in his mind.

"Micro-expression analysis +4."

"Merit points rewarded: ten."

A smile appeared on Han Bin's face. He was now one step closer to clearing his skill debt.

Once the skill debt was paid off, he could learn new case-solving skills.

With anticipation in his heart and contentment on his face, Han Bin fell into a peaceful sleep...

The following morning, at Qindao Precinct.

Criminal Investigation Team Three, Second Squad Office.

Li Hui yawned, resting his head on the table to catch up on sleep.

Zhao Ming fetched hot water, preparing to eat instant noodles.

Han Bin leaned back in his chair, playing on his phone. As a detective, work could be relentless when cases came in, leaving them busy around the clock.

When there were no cases, Han Bin was more than happy to steal a moment of leisure.

He wasn't a machine, after all—no one could work non-stop.

Everyone has negative emotions; only those who know how to balance work and rest can endure the intensity of detective work in the long term.

"Zhao Ming, why are you eating instant noodles so early in the morning?" Han Bin asked.

"I ate a little after work last night, but it was nearly two by the time I got home. I overslept this morning and didn't have time for breakfast." As he spoke, Zhao Ming tore open a sausage and took a big bite.

Tian Li walked into the office, holding a stack of documents. "Is Captain Zeng not here yet?"

Han Bin glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's pretty late already. Doesn't look like he's coming in today either."

"Then who should sign off on these files and reports?" Tian Li asked helplessly.

"Just give them to Captain Zheng," Zhao Ming suggested.

"Yesterday, we were going to video call Captain Zeng to check in on him, but we got too busy. What about today—should we call him, or go visit?" Li Hui looked up, asking everyone's opinion.

"Have you ever been to Captain Zeng's house?" Han Bin asked.

"No."

"Well, if even you haven't, how would we know where he lives?" Tian Li shrugged.

"True," Li Hui said, a little embarrassed.

"Alright, since things are quiet, let's just video call Captain Zeng. If anything comes up, we can lend a hand," Han Bin said, glancing at the other three. "Who’s going to call?"

"You’re the one who cracked the last case. Even Captain Zheng praised you. If you don’t call, who will?" Li Hui said.

"Yeah, Captain Zeng will definitely ask about the case. It makes sense for you to call," Zhao Ming chimed in.

"Come on, Han. You're the best choice," Tian Li added.

Not making a fuss, Han Bin opened WeChat and requested a video call with Zeng Ping.

Beep.

A moment later, the call connected, and Zeng Ping appeared on the screen.

"Good morning, Captain Zeng," Han Bin greeted with a smile.

"Captain Zeng," the other three greeted, poking their heads into view.

"You four seem awfully relaxed today, calling me first thing in the morning," Zeng Ping said, forcing a smile.

"We just wrapped up a case yesterday, so things are slow today. We wanted to check in and see how you’re doing," Han Bin replied.

"Nothing special, just some personal matters," Zeng Ping said.

Han Bin hesitated. "Captain, do you need any help?"

"No, I’ll handle it myself," Zeng Ping waved them off.

"Captain, please don’t be so polite with us," Li Hui said.

"Yeah, we’re ready to help anytime," Zhao Ming added.

"Captain, it’s felt a bit strange without you around these past few days," Tian Li smiled.

"Strange? Or just easier, since no one’s here to keep you on your toes?" Zeng Ping joked.

"Come on, now," Han Bin protested.

"Of course not," the others quickly denied.

"Alright, enjoy your free time while it lasts. I’ll be back in a couple days, and you’ll have plenty to keep you busy," Zeng Ping said.

"We’ll be here in the office, awaiting your return," Han Bin replied.

...

With no cases for two days, and Zeng Ping absent, the four of them enjoyed their newfound freedom.

Han Bin, especially, found peace in the office, sipping tea or coffee, playing on his phone, or simply daydreaming—a pleasant, laid-back routine.

After lunch, Han Bin returned to the office, feeling a little sleepy and ready for a nap.

Suddenly, the sound of drums and gongs echoed from outside.

"What the... What's going on?" Li Hui wondered aloud.

"Sounds like someone’s beating drums and gongs outside," Zhao Ming said, moving to the window to look out.

"Who has the nerve to play drums right outside the police station?" Li Hui joined him at the window.

"Maybe it's a wedding procession passing by," Tian Li guessed.

Han Bin pointed at the clock on the wall. "Come on, it’s way too late in the day for a wedding. Any new bride is already home by now."

"Tian, are you thinking about getting married yourself?" Zhao Ming teased.

"Oh, cut it out with your nonsense," Tian Li threatened, grabbing a book and pretending to throw it at him.

Zhao Ming ducked quickly. "Mercy, Tian! I admit my mistake!"

"Enough, you two. Hey, the drummers are coming into our precinct courtyard," Li Hui called out.

"They really are. And there are quite a few of them," Zhao Ming said.

"This setup looks a lot like someone coming to present a silk banner," Tian Li mused.

"Did Team One or Team Two solve any big cases lately?"

"Not that I’ve heard of."

"Li Hui, you know a lot of people in the precinct. Any idea?" Zhao Ming asked.

Han Bin, eyes sharp, pointed outside. "Those people leading the group look familiar."

"Now that you mention it, I think so too..." Li Hui paused, suddenly remembering. "Aren’t those owners from Linfang Community?"

"Could it be... the banner is meant for us?"