The Forensic Doctor Better Than a Detective

Chapter 886: Chapter 463: Cheers to Tomorrow! (Part 2)

"Political Commissioner Li and I have been studying the relevant application procedures and will ensure everyone’s hard work doesn’t go to waste."

"As the old saying goes, ’You can’t just make the horse run without feeding it!’"

"The successful resolution of this long-standing cold case is due to everyone’s persistence and dedication. Once the procedures are complete, I’ll make sure everyone receives a satisfactory answer— I promise, it will be a pleasant surprise worth looking forward to."

At this moment, as the night deepens and streetlights begin to illuminate one after another, Political Commissioner Li, Director Hou, Jiang An, and Qin Shuang make their way towards a lively barbecue restaurant across the street.

To avoid drawing attention, Mr. Li and the others had changed out of their uniforms, opting for casual clothes, and entered the reserved Room 1 in the restaurant.

Once seated around the table, Political Commissioner Li spoke first: "Director Hou, Mr. Jiang!"

"It’s Saturday today, technically a rest day, yet we are still on duty."

"However, with the case successfully resolved, a great weight has been lifted from my mind."

"According to regulations, having a drink on a non-working day is not a violation. I think we should indeed raise a glass to celebrate."

Upon hearing this, Director Hou gently waved his hand, "Technically speaking, we shouldn’t drink during a business trip."

"But today is Saturday and the case has been successfully resolved, so let’s make an exception and have a few drinks."

"However, let’s keep it moderate, and not overdo it."

"In case of any emergencies, we might still need Mr. Qin to be on standby."

With that, he looked at Mr. Qin across the table.

Mr. Qin immediately understood and offered a hearty laugh: "Rest assured, Director Hou, several deputy captains and criminal investigation members are on standby, ensuring everything is foolproof."

At this point, the waiter handed over the menu, and Mr. Qin ordered signature dishes such as grilled beef, grilled eel, and grilled chives.

Ten minutes later, the round table was filled with an array of delicious food— fragrant grilled meat, enticingly green vegetables, and golden crispy snacks. The inviting aroma filled the room, whetting everyone’s appetite.

Political Commissioner Li personally took up the wine jug and stood to pour wine for everyone present.

When he approached Mr. Qin, Mr. Qin quickly stood up, declining: "Mr. Li, how can I accept this? I can do it myself."

Political Commissioner Li insisted on filling his glass, sincerely saying, "Please, sit down."

"The smooth resolution of this case was greatly aided by the professional guidance of Director Hou and Mr. Jiang, but your criminal investigation team’s contribution was equally invaluable."

"As both a leader and someone who has worked on the frontline of criminal investigation, I deeply understand the hardships of solving a case."

"Seeing this case resolved perfectly in your hands brings me genuine comfort."

"I must pour this drink for you personally."

Once all the glasses were filled, Political Commissioner Li solemnly raised his glass and stood up: "Tonight, we gather in this modest restaurant. Although it’s a simple drink, it holds great significance."

"Firstly, to celebrate the successful resolution of the case, and secondly, to express our special thanks to the task force from the provincial department."

"Your innovative ideas and professional guidance were crucial in supporting the case investigation."

"Come, let’s raise our glasses together for this success and for the strong support of the provincial homicide supervision group!"

As his words finished, the crystalline clinking of glasses rang out, a pleasing sound.

After putting down the glasses, Political Commissioner Li warmly invited: "Director Hou, Mr. Jiang, please try our local specialty barbecue."

As soon as he finished speaking, Mr. Qin thoughtfully turned a plate of grilled kidney slices towards the two guests, humorously saying: "Here, try this, it’s perfectly grilled, tender, and fragrant."

"Handling cases takes a toll; it’s just right to replenish your energy this way."

Director Hou and Jiang An each took a slice to taste, and Jiang An repeatedly nodded in praise: "Indeed, excellent taste, fresh ingredients."

"The kidney slices are as thin as cicada wings, perfectly cooked, crispy outside and tender inside, truly a rare delicacy."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Political Commissioner Li and Qin Shuang nodded in agreement.

Political Commissioner Li was the first to speak, his voice steady and powerful: "That’s right, this inspection result has undergone the meticulous tasting and professional verification of forensic experts— the meat is very fresh, absolutely fine!"

Mr. Qin immediately added, with undeniable certainty in his tone: "Yes, we always trust the judgment of forensic experts; this freshness is beyond doubt."

Upon hearing this, Director Hou leaned slightly and turned his gaze to Jiang An sitting beside him, speaking loudly: "You see, if even our province’s top forensic team unanimously certifies it’s fresh, what is there to doubt? Hahaha..."

Before the laughter faded, Director Hou meaningfully looked around, continuing: "I must say, throughout our entire province, only Jiang An could have climbed from the forensic post to a leadership position and performed outstandingly as a criminal investigation captain."

Political Commissioner Li quickly picked up the thread of conversation, "Director Hou is absolutely right! Among the forensic peers I’ve met, many are highly skilled in professional techniques, and many are also outstanding in criminal investigation, but truly integrating and complementing both aspects is extremely rare."

"In my view, Mr. Jiang stands as the first in this regard."

Director Hou nodded frequently, his expression becoming more solemn as he raised his glass, looked around the group, and said loudly: "Well, let’s not say more about it; let’s drink this second glass together!"

"Celebrating our small gathering today, coinciding with the successful resolution of the case, I sincerely admire the superb skills demonstrated by Mr. Jiang in handling the investigation— starting with the examination of the body, combining site traces, and referring to the clues in the case details. The overall investigative approach was both practical and meticulous."

"In the past, I’ve heard of Mr. Jiang’s great reputation, but it was only through this collaboration that I truly experienced firsthand his outstanding talent in criminal investigation."

"To be honest with you all, even as an old investigator approaching retirement, I can’t help but admire, even find myself outclassed! Hahaha..."

Political Commissioner Li and Mr. Qin also hurriedly raised their glasses in agreement, their tone filled with admiration: "Indeed! We are both envious and respectful, but this skill isn’t something that can be acquired through mere envy?"

"If we could learn it through envy, we would gladly go for further studies immediately!"

In an instant, several glasses clinked together again, producing a crisp sound as the group drank to the last drop.

After putting down their glasses, they ate a few bites of food, and the atmosphere at the table was harmonious and lively.

At this time, Director Hou turned to Jiang An, speaking solemnly yet warmly: "Jiang An, the smooth resolution of this case was primarily due to your indispensable efforts."

"Come, you should say a few words with this glass of wine."

Upon hearing this, Jiang An calmly picked up the wine glass and stood up, his gaze sweeping over Director Hou, Political Commissioner Li, and Mr. Qin.

"Director Hou, Political Commissioner Li, Mr. Qin, our participation in the case solving in Qinzhou, for me personally, was more of a precious opportunity for learning and growth."

"I have always believed that criminal investigation work requires not only scientific analysis methods and clear investigative thinking but also an accumulation and sedimentation of extensive practical experience."

"And summarizing experience must be based on handling numerous cases."

"Cracking this long-pending major case was both a severe challenge and a mental expansion for me."

"But I have always believed that no crime can be flawless; as long as perpetrators commit a crime, they will inevitably leave traces."

"This is also the concept I have always adhered to—in criminal investigation, physical evidence is the most powerful weapon to uncover the truth."

After a brief pause, his tone became more resolute, "Traveling a thousand miles is to seek the truth."

"Verifying the world’s affairs is to uphold justice."

"I believe that as long as we work together and continue our efforts."

"This society will surely be more peaceful, and the people will lead a more prosperous and stable life."

"Come, let’s raise our glasses together—for a better tomorrow, cheers!"