Chapter 75.2: Recruiting ‘Artisans’ Through a Special Process?
“Here comes the mung bean soup!”
Just as she was thinking about that, Xiao Zhou from the Personnel Department walked in carrying a stainless steel bucket.
He set it down on a stool in the corner, wiped the sweat from his face, and said, “The cafeteria specially made this for you. They even added rock sugar. It’s great for beating the heat, so help yourselves whenever you get the chance.”
With everyone working so much overtime, the cafeteria’s treatment of them had improved considerably. Not only did they now get late-night snacks, but they also had mung bean soup during the day to help them beat the heat.
It was practically as if they were afraid the cattle might not be fed well, lose their strength, and be unable to plow the fields.
“We could’ve carried it over ourselves. Why go to the trouble of bringing it all the way here?”
Zhao helped steady the bucket. Looking at the person who’d brought it, he asked in surprise, “Huh? Xiao Zhou, why are you the one delivering it? Isn’t the Logistics Department busy with this?”
“I was passing by, so I figured I’d bring it along.”
Xiao Zhou took a couple of steps back and caught his breath. He wiped his hands on his clothes, making sure they were dry, then pulled a rolled-up sheet of paper from his pocket. As he handed it over, he said,
“There’s been a notice from above. They want to compile a record of the individual skills of the criminal investigators at the municipal bureau, so you’ll need to fill out this form.”
“I knew it! Your Personnel Department never comes around unless there’s something you need from us.”
Zhao took the form. “So that’s what this is about. You want us to fill out paperwork.”
He unfolded the sheet and distributed copies to the others in the section.
Jiang Xia took one and looked at it with some confusion.
“Why are they suddenly collecting information about everyone’s individual abilities?”
“They do this every year,” Xiao Zhou explained. “It’s basically an assessment to get a clearer picture of everyone’s skills. That way, if any relevant activities come up in the future, they’ll know who to call. It can also help with future promotions. Oh, right! We can also make recommendations to the higher-ups. If someone has developed a new skill, they might even consider establishing a new position for it.”
“Come on, it’s not that easy to create new positions these days!”
Zhao shook his head and said, “This is mostly just a formality. We fill it out and submit it so the higher-ups can see that our people are well-rounded, capable of both intellectual and practical work.
Still, if you can think of more skills to list, go ahead and write them down. You never know when they might actually come in handy. Take Liu Jinghong from their Personnel Department, for example. She’s good at playing table tennis, so every year she goes to compete in the provincial police force’s table tennis tournament. Last year, she came back with first place in the province and even received an official commendation for it.”
Got it.
This was basically like those forms schools used to encourage students to develop in all areas—morality, intelligence, physical fitness, aesthetics, and labor—by listing their hobbies and interests. Ordinary students would make things up to make their records look better, but those who genuinely had the skills could really make something of themselves.
Should she list a few extra skills too?
Her personnel file was definitely already on record anyway. Leaving too many blanks wouldn’t look good.
With that in mind, Jiang Xia opened her system panel and stared at the skills listed there, falling silent.
Writing down some of these skills would be a little too incriminating.
Hmm… She’d just have to pick a few suitable ones and give them more respectable-sounding descriptions.
Besides the usual composite sketching, forensic trace examination, footprint identification, and lock-mark analysis, Jiang Xia changed counterfeit currency production to familiarity with currency production techniques and processes. She also added lock-picking, along with a basic understanding of feng shui, geomancy, and tomb site selection.
After finishing the form, she placed it on top of Zhao’s.
Before setting it down, she couldn’t help glancing at what he’d written.
Main Skills: Proficient in operating various types of cameras, rapid photo development, basic chemistry, conventional explosives preparation, common toxicology…
Um…
Those last two skills of Brother Zhao’s sounded pretty incriminating too.
Well, that made Jiang Xia feel perfectly comfortable submitting her own form.
After filling out the paperwork and waiting for Xiao Zhou to collect it, Jiang Xia leisurely finished the mung bean soup that had cooled in her cup.
Finally, Section Chief Liao arrived, albeit rather late, and announced the holiday arrangements.
Since Jiang Xia had been working for three weeks without going home, her holiday had been extended to four days. What’s more, she would be taking her leave first, together with Trace Examiner Li and Forensic Doctor Sun.
Now that was something to be happy about!
Jiang Xia first called home to let her family know she’d be returning that afternoon. Then she grabbed a document and slipped over to the entrance of the First Squad’s office. Peering inside and spotting Lu Yixing, she cleared her throat and called out,
“Comrade Lu, could you step outside for a moment? There’s a document I need to check with you.”
Lu Yixing looked up, put down his pen, and walked out.
The three squads had been just as busy lately, either interrogating suspects at the detention center or gathering and securing evidence. They’d all been worked to the bone. And as a young man, Lu Yixing was expected to shoulder even more of the workload. As a result, he now had faint dark circles under his eyes and a little stubble on his chin. Still, his hair and face were reasonably clean and presentable, leaving him in much better shape than Yang Lihua.
When they reached the end of the corridor, Jiang Xia lowered her voice and asked, “Has your squad announced its holiday schedule yet?”
“They just did. Everyone’s rushing to finish their work now so they can get home and rest as soon as possible.”
Lu Yixing quickly figured out why she’d come looking for him.
“The squad needs me on duty, so I’ll have next Monday off. After that, I’ll come back and work two days on duty before taking another two days off.”
“Perfect! I’ll have next Monday off too.”
Jiang Xia smiled.
“This time, we’ll definitely get to have lunch together. Eleven thirty, at the place we talked about before. How does that sound?”
“I’ll be there right on time.”
＊
The sun slowly sank toward the horizon.
The sky had been set ablaze with orange-red, like molten copper spread across the heavens. Higher up, the colors gradually shifted through rose pink, rouge purple, pale yellow, and azure blue. Wisps of clouds drifted by, their edges glowing with light. The whole scene was as beautiful as a painting.
It had been a long time since Jiang Xia had seen such a lovely sunset.
Riding her bicycle home in high spirits, she passed houses where wisps of cooking smoke were rising, carrying the smell of burning firewood.
The moment she reached the foot of her apartment building, an irresistible aroma hit her.
The fragrances of Sichuan peppercorns, hot oil, minced garlic, and cumin mingled together, crashing over her like waves. The smell was so delicious that her mouth began watering.
There was absolutely no way her mother had cooked this.
Her big sister must be home!
Looks like she was in for a real treat today!
Jiang Xia immediately dashed up the stairs.
The moment she opened the door, an even stronger wave of delicious aromas rushed out to greet her. She could also hear people arguing on the balcony.
“If you ask me, lamb should be simmered into soup. Just look at all that lamb fat dripping into the charcoal while you’re grilling it… And what’s with these crayfish? Who even eats those things? They’re not even worth the money spent on the seasonings.”
“Come on, Mom, you just don’t get it. This is what makes summer eating so enjoyable!”
“It’s way too hot out here. Yingzi, why don’t you stop grilling and let me take over?”
“Forget it, Dad. I’ve got premium fresh lamb and lamb chops here. You’ll only ruin them if I let you handle the grill.”
“Hey! Isn’t it just flipping the meat and sprinkling on some seasoning? You think I can’t manage that?”
“You can’t.”
“…Then I’ll go find another fan and help keep you cool.”
…
Crayfish?
At the mention of that keyword, Jiang Xia instinctively looked toward the kitchen. Sure enough, a stainless steel basin was filled with a heap of bright red crustaceans. Judging by their shape, they were unmistakably crayfish. A large watermelon was soaking nearby.
Crayfish, lamb chops, lamb skewers, watermelon…
Holy cow! This meal was going to be legendary!
“Oh! Sweetie, you’re home?”
Jiang Weiguo came over to get a fan, his face lighting up with delight. He gave her a mildly reproachful look.
“Why didn’t you call out when you got home?”
“I was completely overwhelmed by the delicious smells.”
Jiang Xia sniffed appreciatively. “When did Big Sis get back?”
“She came home twice already!”
Jiang Weiguo shook his head.
“Have you even realized how long it’s been since you last came home? It’s been almost a whole month!”
As he spoke, he looked Jiang Xia up and down, his eyes filling with concern.
“You must have been exhausted lately. Your face looks thinner, and you’ve got a little darkness under your eyes. Haven’t you been sleeping well in the dormitory at work?”
“Ahem.”
This was entirely Jiang Xia’s own fault. She cleared her throat and said, “Well, we arrested so many people, and we’ve been working overtime constantly to write up case files and all that.”
“That’s true.”
Jiang Weiguo said, “A while back, when your mother went out, she saw the police arresting people every day. There are a lot fewer street hooligans around now, and it’s much safer than before. It’s just that those officers still have to run around all over the place in this scorching summer heat. It’s exhausting and dangerous work. Thankfully, you don’t have to do any of that.”
Jiang Xia smiled but didn’t respond.
It was true that she hadn’t been involved in making arrests, but she’d gone undercover at a gambling den herself!
If her parents ever found out about that—
Yikes.
Best to keep her mouth shut.
“Xiaoxia, you’re home?”
Hearing the commotion, Zhou Mei hurried over, her face beaming with delight. She immediately reached out and touched Jiang Xia’s face.
“You’ve lost weight.”
Zhou Mei said, “Just like your sister. You’ve both been working yourselves to the bone and not eating properly. You’ll have to eat a few extra lamb chops later to make up for it.”
Uh…
Jiang Xia really wanted to explain that the food at the cafeteria was actually quite good. They’d been getting meat with every meal during their overtime these past few weeks, and she suspected she’d even put on a little weight. Unfortunately, there was a certain kind of weight loss that existed purely in the eyes of one’s parents. No matter what she said, they wouldn’t believe her.
“Now that you’re home, come cut up the watermelon!”
Jiang Ying shouted from the balcony.
“The lamb skewers are almost ready! Jiang Xia, hurry over and take them!”
“Coming, coming!”
Jiang Xia immediately ran over. She had no idea how her big sister had managed to arrange the charcoal, but somehow there was hardly any smoke on the balcony.
She picked up a small pinch of cumin and sprinkled it lightly over the meat.
That aroma! It was enough to make anyone’s mouth water uncontrollably.
It wasn’t long before a big handful of lamb skewers landed in Jiang Xia’s hands.
She kept five skewers for herself and placed the rest on an empty plate on the dining table. Then she picked up another plate containing the sliced watermelon and returned to Jiang Ying.
“Here, Sis. Have some watermelon.”
As she spoke, Jiang Xia took a big bite, devouring half a lamb skewer in one go.
The crispy outer layer, grilled over charcoal, shattered with a satisfying crunch. Inside, the tender lamb and rendered fat burst with flavor. The smoky fragrance of the meat, its salty and mildly spicy seasoning, and the rich aroma of lamb fat all blended together. Paired with the cool, sweet, refreshing watermelon, the combination was absolutely heavenly!
“This is so good! Sis, what made you decide to make barbecue?”
“I was craving barbecue.”
Jiang Ying was also happily alternating between bites of grilled skewers and watermelon.
Normally, eating something like this would be rather extravagant. But if she used the excuse of improving the diet of her little sister, who’d worked so hard and was finally home from all that overtime, then it was perfectly justifiable.
Oh, so she was just an excuse, after all?
Well, as long as she got to eat barbecue, there was no need to worry about such minor details.
Jiang Xia took another bite of lamb and asked, her mouth still full, “Sis, have you finished inspecting the workshops?”
“The first batch of products has already been manufactured.”
Jiang Xia looked surprised. “That fast?”
It hadn’t even been two months since her sister went to the countryside. Her efficiency was incredible!
Jiang Ying shrugged. “What else did you think I came back for? To sell the products, of course!”
“Oh.”
Jiang Xia blinked a couple of times. “So does that mean you’ll be staying at home for a while?”
“Yep.”
Jiang Ying vaguely sensed that something was off about Jiang Xia’s tone. She turned her head and asked, “Do you need something?”
“Ahem.”
Jiang Xia glanced through the doorway into the living room. Seeing that their parents were busy eating crayfish and hadn’t come over, she lowered her voice.
“Well, there’s a little something I need you to help me persuade Mom and Dad about when the time comes.”
A little something? And she needed her help persuading their parents?
Jiang Ying immediately had a bad feeling.
As the saying went, the bigger the trouble, the smaller people made it sound. Her heart tightened, and she hurriedly pressed, “What on earth did you do?!”
“I ran into some robbers on a train during a work trip.”
Jiang Xia gave a slightly sheepish smile, her tone remarkably calm.
“I killed one of them, and my colleagues and I captured the rest. In a few days, I’ll probably be going to collect a Third-Class Merit. The leaders might even come to our house to present it…”
“Oh, my goodness!”
Jiang Ying’s eyes widened instantly. She even stopped waving the fan in her hand. Pointing at Jiang Xia, she was speechless for quite a while.
What kind of little thing was running into robbers?!
And she’d killed one, captured the rest, and was getting a Third-Class Merit…
Good grief! My little sister is actually that fierce!
Well, come to think of it, she’d always been that fierce.
Jiang Ying took a deep breath and lowered her voice too. “Are you trying to scare Mom and Dad to death?”
“Come on, help me out, Sis. I’m already having a headache trying to figure out how to tell them.”
“All right, all right. I’ll prepare them for it.”
Jiang Ying agreed readily enough. In fact, she was a little excited to have someone share the burden with her.
Compared to her own plans to open a factory and become its director, her little sister’s situation was on a whole other level! Without making a peep, she’d already gotten herself caught up in something this huge. From now on, their parents would definitely stop nagging her about finding a partner and start nagging her little sister about her job instead. Hahaha!
＊
Provincial Public Security Department, Criminal Investigation Corps Commander’s Office
As requested, the Personnel Division had sent over the latest skills survey forms.
“Commander Meng, here are the personal skills statistics for ordinary criminal investigators in Changning City. Please take a look.”
“Mm. Hand them over.”
Meng Tiefeng raised his head from the case files and accepted the dozens of forms. However, rather than looking through them like everyone else, he held the entire stack in his left hand and flipped through the pages one by one with his right, searching for Jiang Xia’s name in the name field at the top.
After flipping through a dozen or so sheets, he spotted her name.
One look at her age was enough to confirm she was the person he’d been looking for.
Even with the sheets in front partially obscuring it, Meng Tiefeng could make out that the personal skills section below was absolutely packed with writing.
The corners of his mouth curled up.
Some people made a show of advancing along one path while secretly taking another. Well, his little feint had worked out pretty nicely too! Just look at this—she’d written down everything this time!
Even if some of it was a little exaggerated, he’d still get a pretty complete picture of what she could do!
Pinching one corner, Meng Tiefeng pulled the sheet free.
Let’s see what other tricks this Jiang Xia had up her sleeve.
The words in the personal skills section immediately caught his eye.
Proficient in sketching and quick drawing, woodblock printing, and engraving printing plates. Able to draw suspects’ likenesses based on eyewitness descriptions. Capable of using a specially designed mimeograph machine to make rapid copies. Familiar with the techniques and processes involved in currency production. Skilled in footprint identification, forensic trace examination, lock-mark analysis, and lock-picking. Some knowledge of feng shui, geomancy, and tomb site selection…
Meng Tiefeng watched intently, but as he kept looking, his expression began to stiffen.
Wait a minute—this ability seemed perfectly normal at first, but the more he watched, the more… criminal it started to look.
Is this really a talent cultivated by our police academy? To him, the girl looked more like some “specialist” with a shady skill set, recruited straight off the streets!
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