Novice Forensic Doctor

Chapter 489: Chapter 460: A Newcomer Arrives_1

Zhou Ning smiled and quickly continued:

"As for the second point, it’s the weakest link in our technical department right now. In terms of inspections, although we have quite a bit of technical equipment, and the Bureau is willing to invest, we are still very short on some corresponding talents, such as experts in entomology and forensic botany."

Hu Guangjian paused, and even though he came from a criminal investigation background, he wasn’t very adept at some of the newer disciplines and technologies.

"Explain in detail, how exactly is the talent in these two disciplines applied? Give me a thorough explanation. I really have no idea, and such talent is rare in our country, right?"

Zhou Ning thought for a moment, took out his phone, and found an article.

"There aren’t many people in our country who study these two disciplines together. Most study them separately. Let me give you a case example. This one happened in Ohio where the victim was dismembered and discarded in several garbage bins throughout an urban area.

In the forensic team, a doctor of entomology and forensic botany found some unique plant seeds and a type of termite in the victim’s fingernails and hair. They were able to locate the range of the primary crime scene and, combined with some metal fragments found during the autopsy, they pinpointed a forest ranger’s house as the crime scene."

Hu Guangjian blinked and looked at Xu Dayuan, who understood that the leader was asking for his opinion.

"In our country, the technology in this area is very weak, but earlier, I had the fortune to attend Professor Li Chengbin’s lecture at Qin University with Zhou Ning, which was incredibly enlightening. He mentioned these disciplines. Our country has a vast territory with rich vegetation and many unique species, which indeed can be applied in forensic science."

Hu Guangjian nodded after listening and patting the arm of the couch, said:

"Then let’s recruit. If we need to bring in the talent, let’s do it. Open up the requirements and have your teacher keep an eye out. Anyway, I’ve already boasted, and I think that in the Peninsula Region’s cities, if there are any difficult cases, they’ll inevitably seek our help in the investigation.

To build the industry standing you’re talking about, we’ll unavoidably need to do more, and I’m happy to support it. Same as before, Mr. Pang is replacing this position to help lighten your load, and Mr. Pang has made the same statement. You go ahead and do what needs to be done. We fully support the cooperation with Qin University.

As for your first point, once there’s a direction, implement it in the report, then let Dayuan submit it. I’ll approve it here—investment where needed, support where due. For the second point, I might as well go find Professor Li Chengbin myself and ask for his help from an official perspective."

Zhou Ning smiled, and Xu Dayuan kicked his shoe.

"Alright, I see you came prepared. Other things aside, just taking out this report shows that you already knew Mr. Hu was going to talk to you. Mr. Hu is an old fox, being all mysterious with me and not saying anything. Talking to you two, I feel I’m in the fog."

Mr. Hu laughed, and Zhou Ning joined in the laughter. In fact, Hu Guangjian’s talk with him and promoting Mr. Pang to the chief of the technical department was something that had been decided a long time ago. But given Zhou Ning’s status as an award-winner, many felt he was more suited for the job.

It wasn’t a question of capability. Zhou Ning himself didn’t want to leave the front line, while Pang Xiaoyi was different—it was hard for him to handle on-site work due to his age. It was better for Mr. Hu to coordinate this matter, rather than doing it himself, which would just be awkward. Might as well go with the flow.

Zhou Ning stood up and smiled at the two of them.

"Leaders, I will prepare quickly and submit the report to you later. As for contacting the teacher, please arrange your own time. I’m going to see if Mr. Pang should be treated to a meal; we need to give him a good feast."

The two men laughed uncontrollably and waved their hands hurriedly; only then did Zhou Ning leave the room. Hu Guangjian sighed, and Xu Dayuan looked at him, puzzled.

"Mr. Hu, why the sigh? I can’t keep up with all of you with a mind like a maze. What’s with the regret?"

Hu Guangjian gave Xu Dayuan a look before saying:

"Regret my ass. Zhou Ning knew I was going to talk to him, so naturally, his argument was prepared. Of course, it might be what he truly thinks in his heart, but coming from him, I always feel like it’s a bit crafty, like using people subtly. It makes me lose face. freewёbnoνel.com

However, the two points Zhou Ning mentioned just now need to be implemented quickly. You’re not too busy lately, so go and supervise him while he writes the report. It needs to be comprehensive, specifying who is responsible for each step, what the direction is, and if we need the city bureau or to coordinate with any departments. I’ll contact Professor Li right now."

Xu Dayuan stood up and chuckled a couple of times.

"Don’t think too much, Mr. Hu. In your view, Zhou Xiaozhou’s behavior might be overly proper, but I believe that’s his genuine thought. This kid is addicted to cases; it’s not just other people—when Mr. Pang and others have sought his support, he has never refused."

"That goes without saying. When he wasn’t dealing with Mr. Xia, I saw him work even more fervently. For a while, I thought the kid was trying to keep busy to numb himself because of Wang Guanli’s case. But now it doesn’t seem so."

Seeing Hu Guangjian mention this, Xu Dayuan’s smile faded, and he leaned forward seriously and said:

"I know a bit about Zhou Ning’s parents’ situation. I also took the opportunity to thoroughly investigate it during Wang Guanli’s case. There are no surviving files or information, but I know his uncle. When the responsible people went to his house back then, I asked in detail, and it indeed happened.

What I don’t understand is, if they were from a special department and needed to hide their identities, after their sacrifice, shouldn’t such files be kept highly confidential? Shouldn’t even their family or we be able to know?"

Hu Guangjian frowned and moved closer to Xu Dayuan.

"Some files are indeed highly confidential. Tell me carefully."

...

March 4, 2013, 14:12

Mr. Zhao, standing at the window, seemed to have spotted something. He turned around and called out to Zhou Ning, who was writing a report at the computer:

"Zhou Xiaozhou, come quickly and look, Mrs. Fei is bringing that Fang Mu back, and you can’t deny this guy is handsome!"

Following this shout, everyone crowded to the window, and indeed Liu Yufei was with a tall and handsome man below, talking for a bit before the man reloaded a suitcase back into the car.

Mr. Zhao shook his head, unable to contain his emotions:

"Chen Cheng has met his match now. This Fang Mu isn’t just good-looking but is also not lacking in ability compared to Chen Cheng. Should we help and set up an assist?"

Zhou Ning glanced over and noticed Fang Mu’s straightforward and respectful look at Liu Yufei; his smile also looked quite pleasant. freeweɓnøvel.com

"Don’t meddle. Doctor Chen has his own way of doing things, but you can mention the situation here to him, tell him to step up his game and to avoid hesitation."

Mr. Zhao nodded and hurriedly left with his cell phone. As the onlookers saw Fang Mu leave, they dispersed from the window. Zhou Ning continued to work hard on the computer. In fact, the report was easy to write, there were just some difficulties in the attack direction assigned, but all he needed to do was to make some changes to the material he had already written.

Time passed, and with a knock on the door, Liu Yufei pushed the door open and entered, followed by the tall Fang Mu.

"Director Zhou, no, I should say Director Zhou now, let me introduce you to our First Squadron’s new deputy captain Fang Mu. I think you all are familiar with this name; we also worked together on that case before the new year," she said.

Zhou Ning quickly stood up and warmly shook hands with Fang Mu. Then Liu Yufei introduced everyone in the room to Fang Mu, who greeted them all with great ease.

"I’m new here, so if there’s anything wrong with what I do when we work together in the future, please tell me directly. After all, I haven’t handled many major criminal cases before, and I’m still in the process of learning," Fang Mu said.

This remark scored him points, and Mr. Zhao gave an "eh" and blinked, sneaking a glance at Zhou Ning.

"I say Zhou Xiaozhou, when did you become a director? How come we didn’t know?" he asked.

Liu Yufei patted Mr. Zhao on the shoulder, smiling as he said:

"There will be a notice internally tomorrow, but I’ll let you in on it beforehand. Mr. Liang officially retired today, and the bureau asked Mr. Pang to be the director. They created a deputy director position responsible for operations, which will be taken by Zhou Ning. As for the two forensic rooms, they will merge into one, and Zhou Ning will also serve as the director."

Everyone suddenly realized and then smiled, feeling happy. It was such a good thing that their own boss was getting promoted; their faces shined with pride as well.

Zhou Ning smiled.

"Mrs. Fei, just call me Zhou Ning. Hearing you say ’director’ this and ’director’ that makes me feel really uncomfortable. No matter the title, we’re all doers, right?" he said.

Fang Mu stared at Zhou Ning, taking a few extra looks at him.

"I like your straightforwardness, Director Zhou. I hold the same belief that one should just work diligently and honor their uniform," Fang Mu said.

Sun Gaotie came over, his face full of stars.

"Boss, does that mean you have to treat us to a meal? And since the two forensic rooms have merged, does that mean we need to regroup? Will you still personally lead our special team?" he asked.

This question caught everyone’s attention, especially the two interns, who looked worried as if they were about to be abandoned at any moment.

"I’ve already made a suggestion to the leadership. I recommended Zhu Xingxing as the acting head of the first criminal case team. We will supplement with suitable personnel later. Do your job well and achieve results," Zhou Ning stated.

Zhu Xingxing pursed her lips, not as excited as Sun Gaotie and the others.

"Boss, I’m used to working with you. Leading a team by myself, I can’t do it! What about when we go to the scene in the future, will it just be us going alone? I’m really not up for that!" Zhu Xingxing said.

Mr. Zhao gave her a disdainful look.

"Look at the ambition in you; just do whatever you’re asked to do. Can’t you just be a good brick wherever you’re placed? If Zhou Xiaozhou says you can do it, then you can. Isn’t Zhou Xiaozhou still in charge of the forensic rooms? Wouldn’t he still look after you in major cases?" he said.

Hearing this, Zhu Xingxing laughed and stopped talking, while Liu Yufei stood up.

"Let’s go. Director Zhou isn’t organizing a meal for us, so let’s leave early," she said.

At this, Zhou Ning blushed and quickly raised his hand, saying:

"Mrs. Fei, stop teasing me. With three pieces of good news coming today, of course, I’m going to treat everyone. Mr. Zhao, pick a place, send out the location in a bit, and I’ll go find Mr. Pang now, no, Mr. Pang the director."

Liu Yufei smiled.

"That’s more like it. We’ve known each other for so long, and you’ve never footed the bill. It’s your turn this time. We’ll wait for the announcement. It’s a good time for us to help Fang Mu move into his temporary residence and get settled."

Afterward, Liu Yufei left with Fang Mu, and Mr. Zhao was already on the phone with Liu Yongxin, quickly reporting the recent events in detail.

Of course, he ended with a message for Liu Yongxin to inform Mr. Qu and Mr. Xia about the time and place later.

Zhu Xingxing approached Zhou Ning with a happy smile.

"Boss, congratulations! But how are we going to regroup from now on?" she asked.

Everyone looked over, clearly concerned about this.

"Our team is one team, responsible for leading the criminal investigation. Zhu Zuozhang is team two, Feng Zhijian is team three, and as for those who were originally responsible for traffic, they become teams four, five, and six, without a change in their team leaders. Now, stop gossiping; I’m off to find Mr. Pang."

Mr. Zhao waved his hand behind him and quickly added.

"Zhou Xiaozhou, it’s not Mr. Pang anymore, you have to start calling him Director Pang."

Zhou Ning slapped his forehead. He had forgotten before he could even turn around, which really should not have happened.

"Quit your blabbering, go book a restaurant, and then make a list. Roughly estimate the number of people: both forensic rooms and the lab technicians should all be included. As for Director Xu’s side, find out who’s going and keep it to a maximum of four tables, with a standard of 100 per person. If you go over, you’re paying the extra!" he said.

Mr. Zhao was stunned, and then he let out a wail.

"Zhou Xiaozhou, wait a minute! That’s too much to ask. Being thrifty and getting more done is supposed to apply here—I can’t do it! I think we should let Director Pang foot the bill instead. You don’t even have to tell me; I will take care of it!" he protested.