Chapter 85

Chapter 85

On the way back, Comrade Wu hitched a ride with Shi Pengfei.

In the car, Comrade Wu explained why she was there.

"Recently, there have been several cases of burglaries in our district. After comprehensive analysis, we believe these cases were committed by the same criminal. However, this criminal is very cunning. Despite spending a lot of time and effort investigating, we haven't cracked the case yet. So far, we've only obtained some footprints and have been looking for an expert to analyze them. That's why I came today. Comrade Tang, can you help take a look?"

Tang Qingqing readily agreed: "Comrade Wu, you can call me Qingqing or Little Tang. Do you have any photos or related materials?"

"I brought everything."

Comrade Wu was a doer. Although she wasn't sure if Tang Qingqing truly had the skills, she had prepared the materials just in case.

As soon as Tang Qingqing agreed, Comrade Wu pulled out a file bag from her bag, showing how eager she was to solve the case without wasting a second.

Burglaries are highly detrimental, leaving the public feeling insecure.

Moreover, if the public ever confronts the criminals, it could escalate the situation, endangering lives.

"I need to take them back to examine; reading in the car makes me feel sick."

Although Tang Qingqing doesn't get carsick, she either sleeps or looks out the window while in the car, otherwise, she feels uncomfortable.

Especially since the road is poorly maintained and very bumpy, making it even harder for her to read.

Comrade Wu said, "No rush, no rush. Take your time analyzing the materials. If you find anything, give me a call. The phone number is written on the file bag. Just call me directly when you have something. I'll send someone to pick you up at home."

"There's no need for that. I have plenty of free time during the summer break. I'll come over myself if I find anything."

"Alright, then I'll trouble you."

Comrade Wu didn't refuse, as their division didn't have many vehicles. Unlike Shi Pengfei, who could use a police car, they could barely manage a three-wheeled motorcycle, often resorting to bicycles, which were usually personal ones. She had taken the bus to get here today.

Their division was located in a remote area, at the outskirts of the city, where the population was complex after the opening up, making their work more challenging compared to Shi Pengfei's division, which had more resources.

Another old policeman who also hitched a ride saw how straightforward Comrade Wu was and how willing Tang Qingqing was to help. He thought to himself that he had lived so long but still couldn't handle things as well as the younger generation.

"In our jurisdiction, a theft occurred at the textile factory over a month ago. Eight hundred yuan kept in a safe was stolen. At the scene, we found only half a footprint left by a plastic sandal on a chair. We couldn't find any other clues, and there were no further incidents. This case has been pending. Comrade Tang, can you help identify the footprint?"

"The crime scene must have been compromised, right?"

The old policeman replied, "It's been so long, and the place is still operational, so the scene can't be preserved. But we took many photos."

"Please show me the photos first. I'll see if I can extract any useful information."

"Sure thing. I'll have someone bring them to you." The old policeman was delighted and asked for Tang Qingqing's address.

He didn't know much about Tang Qingqing's background, only that a young woman was skilled in footprint identification and had come for a test today.

He was nearing retirement and had suffered serious injuries while capturing criminals in his early years, leaving him in poor health. As he aged, his physical condition worsened, so the division rarely assigned him tasks.

They tried not to disturb him during his off-hours, allowing him to come and watch the proceedings.

Others who managed to attend were similarly situated, using their days off or working in administrative roles.

After the opening up, the number of crimes increased each year.

With the return of educated youths to the cities and insufficient job arrangements, many became idle, leading some to turn to crime under various influences.

The pressure on each division was immense, operating beyond capacity.

The old policeman was surprised to learn that Tang Qingqing was the daughter of a steel factory worker.

However, he tactfully refrained from asking why she grew up in the countryside despite having such good conditions.

Those years were filled with chaos, and some matters were best left unasked.

Su Rong looked anxiously at the door, glancing at her watch occasionally.

"Where did Qingqing go? Why hasn't she returned yet?"

It was already dinner time, and Tang Qingqing had been out all day without returning, causing Su Rong to worry.

Usually, Tang Qingqing stayed at home unless she went out to paint.

At noon, her room was empty, and she was nowhere to be seen.

Su Rong was somewhat upset that she hadn't mentioned where she was going.

Although Tang Qingqing had been living with them for several days, she hardly communicated with them, only sitting together during meals.

She had only requested to go painting and seemed detached from the family.

Today, she finally went out but hadn't returned, leaving Su Rong wondering where she had gone.

Unable to resist, Su Rong stepped out of the house and looked towards the entrance of the residential compound.

At this hour, some families had finished dinner and were sitting under trees to cool off.

Seeing her, the people relaxing exchanged glances silently.

Soon, an elderly lady approached and asked, "Chairwoman Su, I heard your biological daughter got into trouble and was taken away by the police?"

Hearing this, Su Rong frowned tightly.

"Who told you such nonsense!"

"Everyone saw it. Not long after you went to work, she was picked up by a police car. Didn't you know?"

Su Rong really didn't know about this.

Now the Machinery Plant is abuzz with rumors, but no one has told the Tang family.

After all, everyone thinks Tang Qingqing was arrested, and it's such an embarrassing matter.

Although Tang Qingqing just returned, if she did something wrong, it must be because her adoptive parents didn't raise her well; it has nothing to do with her biological parents. But since she is their daughter, it will still affect them.

What crime could such a pretty girl commit? Many people have already started thinking in a dirty direction.

Since the opening up, life has gotten better for everyone, but some shady dealings have also resurfaced.

While some find it absurd that Tang Qingqing could have done anything wrong so soon after arriving in Yang City,

some people are more than willing to believe these rumors. Negative news grabs attention more easily, and before long, the story spread everywhere, told with great detail.

Even if it's not true, Tang Qingqing used a government car; let's see how Factory Director Tang reacts.

The old lady who asked Su Rong had a son who was in charge of production at the factory, the deputy director of the Machinery Plant. He was once criticized in a public meeting and had his bonus deducted for using a government car to pick up his mother-in-law.

The old lady felt very resentful. Her son is a deputy director; what's wrong with using a factory car to give someone a ride? It's just an excuse!

Clearly, Tang Jianguo was worried about her son being too outstanding and feared he might replace him, so he deliberately retaliated against him.

During the public meeting, Tang Jianguo spoke with righteous indignation. Now, his own family member uses a government car, even though it's not from their factory, but the nature of the offense is the same. Let's see what he says now.

Though Su Rong didn't know the details, thinking of Tang Qingqing's abilities, she said, "She was invited by the Public Security Bureau to help solve a case."

"Ah, your daughter really did something wrong?! What did she do?!"

The old lady widened her eyes and exclaimed loudly, as if afraid others wouldn't hear.

Those who had been paying attention to the commotion here brightened their eyes and looked over quickly.

Su Rong frowned: "What nonsense are you spouting! She was invited to assist in the investigation..."

"If she hadn't gotten into trouble, why would they call her and not someone else?"

"It's really hard to explain. My daughter is skilled; the Public Security Bureau invited her as a consultant to help solve the case. It's not because she's involved in any case herself."

The old lady looked unconvinced: "How old is your daughter? She's not part of the police force, so why invite her?"

"She learned her skills from her master in the countryside. She was often invited by the Public Security Bureau there."

Su Rong was annoyed by the old lady's dismissive look, as if she were lying.

Though Tang Jianguo is the director of the Machinery Plant, he doesn't have absolute power, and internal conflicts have never ceased.

Especially the new political commissar, who isn't aligned with Tang Jianguo, has significant influence and has won over many people in the factory.

With the reforms following the opening up, some of Tang Jianguo's policies have been difficult to implement, and much of his energy has been spent on power struggles.

This old lady's son stands against Tang Jianguo.

So, without worrying about modesty, she raised her eyebrows and said:

"My daughter was born smart and can learn skills even in the countryside. We couldn't stop her even if we wanted to."

Without caring about the old lady's reaction, she turned and went inside.

When Tang Zhenzhen returned home, she was also questioned about this matter.

"What? I left early this morning to practice dancing. We have a big performance for National Day, and I'm the lead dancer in an important ballet. I've been extremely busy every day, so I really didn't know about this. I'll ask when I get back."

Tang Zhenzhen looked tense and worried but tried to remain calm:

"My sister just arrived and doesn't know anyone here yet. She only goes out every other day. What could happen? Maybe she just happened to be out when something occurred, so the police called her in for questioning. Don't overthink it."

"She hasn't come back all day? Perhaps the Public Security Bureau is busy, so it took longer. I trust my sister; she's not the type to cause trouble. If anything, it's probably a misunderstanding."

Tang Zhenzhen answered calmly, but as soon as she turned away, she ran home in panic.

People greeted her along the way, but she didn't notice, unlike her usual composed self.

"Look at her; does she seem fine?"

"It seems like it's a serious matter."

"I said before that bringing back the real daughter would cause trouble. I didn't expect the sisters to fight, but this one got into trouble."

"After all, she was raised in the countryside; who knows what kind of person she became. Once someone's character is set, it's hard to change."

Tang Zhenzhen rushed home, and as soon as she entered, she shouted, "Mom, did my sister get into trouble and get arrested by the police?!"