A Sharp Edge Emerges From The Mist Chapter 45

After the morning glow

Time is the most just magician and the gentlest healer.It flows quietly, taking away the smoke and tears, healing the scars and ravines, and unfolding a new picture for those who persevere and work hard.

Three years later.

It’s spring again, and the plane trees in Shuangcheng have once again sprouted green buds, and the air is filled with the fresh breath of resurrected flowers and plants.The city is still busy, but it seems a little more calm and orderly than before.

9 a.m., Financial Crimes and Cybersecurity Joint Investigation Section, Office of the Chief.

Sunlight shines through the spacious floor-to-ceiling windows and onto the smooth wooden floors.Lin Jianfeng was wearing a straight police uniform, with the police badge on his shoulder straps shining brightly.Sitting behind her desk, she was exchanging the details of a cross-border cryptocurrency money laundering investigation with her counterparts in neighboring provinces through a video conferencing system.Her voice is steady and powerful, and her thoughts are clear. She has long since lost the youthfulness and nervousness of three years ago, and has become more capable and calm as a commanding officer.

There was a gentle knock on the office door.

“Please come in.” Lin Jianfeng gestured to the screen to wait a moment and looked up at the door.

The door opened and Shen Qingwu walked in.She did not wear a formal suit today, but a well-tailored light gray casual suit. Her long hair was elegantly tied behind her head. She wore light makeup on her face, her complexion was rosy, her eyes were bright, and her whole person exuded a kind of calmness and confidence that had been washed away.

She is now a “senior special adviser” to the Joint Investigation Division, and her appointment has long been extended to a long-term term.After three years of strict supervision and impeccable work performance, her professional abilities and ethics have been unanimously recognized.The label of “probation officer” has long since faded away in daily work, replaced by the heartfelt respect and trust of colleagues – the title “Consultant Shen” now represents precise analysis, unique insights and the wisdom that can always point the way at critical moments.

“Did I disturb your meeting?” Shen Qingwu lowered his voice when he saw the screen.

“It will end soon.” Lin Jianfeng smiled at her, quickly ended the video call and closed his laptop.”What’s wrong? Is something wrong?”

Shen Qingwu walked to the desk and placed a document on the table.”There is a draft itinerary for going to Beijing to attend the International Anti-Money Laundering Seminar next month, and there are several technical exchange issues that need your final confirmation.” She paused, and the corners of her mouth curved in a gentle arc. “In addition, Qin Mo just called. Qingyuan Capital’s financial report for the last quarter came out, and the performance exceeded expectations. She asked if you are free tonight, let’s have dinner together to celebrate, at the newly opened private restaurant downstairs of the company.”

Lin Jianfeng picked up the draft itinerary, looked at it, and nodded: “There is no problem with the topic. You can check the details with the Foreign Affairs Office for the itinerary. Tonight…” She looked at the schedule, “It should be OK. I’ll say hello to Director Chen and leave early.”

“Okay.” Shen Qingwu agreed, but did not leave immediately.She walked to the window, stood side by side with Lin Jianfeng, and looked out the window at the spring-filled city.

The sun was shining just right, and the sky was as blue as blue.

“Time flies so fast.” Shen Qingwu sighed softly, “It seems like yesterday, we were huddled in the old apartment, losing sleep for the hearing the next day.”

Lin Jianfeng also looked out the window, his eyes distant.”Yes. But if you think about it carefully, it seems that a lot of things have happened.”

A lot did happen.

Shen Qingwu’s four-year probation was officially terminated by the court on an ordinary working day in the spring of two years ago.There was no ceremony, just a notice with a red seal.That night, they just cooked a few simple dishes at home, opened a bottle of ordinary red wine, and drank quietly.There were no tears of excitement, just looking at each other and smiling, and everything was filled with unspoken relief and ease.

Afterwards, Shen Qingwu officially accepted a long-term appointment with the Joint Investigation Section.She moved out of the tightly secured apartment, and with Lin Jianfeng’s help, bought a small but cozy house of her own in an elegant neighborhood not far from the city bureau.Lin Jianfeng also quit the dormitory in the bureau, and the two began a real cohabitation life.The house is decorated according to their preferences, with green plants and sports equipment that Lin Jianfeng likes, a wall full of books by Shen Qingwu and a comfortable reading corner. The balcony is small, but there is a double wicker chair. On nice nights, they often sit there side by side, watch the city lights, chat about work, or just stay quietly.

Lin Jianfeng’s parents have long regarded Shen Qingwu as an indispensable part of the family.Teacher Wang would call them every now and then to ask them to go home for dinner, or simply bring stewed soup and wrapped dumplings for “surprise inspections.”Father Lin is keen to ask Shen Qingwu for advice on various “high-tech” issues (such as new functions of smartphones). Although he often hears only half-understandings, he never tires of it.

In terms of work, under the leadership of Lin Jianfeng, the Joint Investigation Section has become a well-known sharp-edged force in the province and even the region in combating financial cybercrimes.Shen Qingwu became more and more skilled in her consulting work. She no longer just provided clues, but also began to participate in the research of some cutting-edge topics and the development of training courses.The two work together in a tacit understanding, with one taking charge of external tasks and the other providing internal support. They are nicknamed by colleagues as the “golden partner” and “Dinghaishenzhen” of the department.

The aftermath of the “Dark River” case is still continuing, but it is no longer a sword hanging over our heads.The relevant responsible persons have all been tried by law, and those who need to be cleaned up and those who need to be rectified are rectified.The business environment and social atmosphere in the twin cities have shown a clearer and healthier trend after experiencing pain.Occasionally, when investigating new cases, we will come across clues that are weakly related to the old case of “Underground River”, but they can no longer make too big a splash.Those dark years are gradually settling into thick files in the archives, and a deep scar deep in the memory of the parties involved, reminding them of the past, but also proving new life.

“By the way,” Lin Jianfeng suddenly remembered something, “Bureau Chen came to me this morning and mentioned the adjustment of cadres in the second half of the year. He intends to recommend me to the Provincial Criminal Investigation Corps to be responsible for the guidance of new crime investigations.”

Shen Qingwu turned his head and looked at her: “What do you think?”

Lin Jianfeng pondered for a moment: “The platform is bigger, and the challenges are also bigger. And…if I go to the provincial office, I may be stationed in the provincial capital, and it will not be so convenient to meet.” She looked at Shen Qingwu, with a trace of questioning in her eyes.

Shen Qingwu smiled and stretched out his hand to straighten her collar that was not messy: “You can go if you want. The provincial capital is not far away, only an hour by high-speed train. I can go there on the weekend, or you can come back. Besides,” she blinked, “I am also a consultant now, maybe the provincial government will also need my ‘special support’?”

Her tone was relaxed, full of unreserved support for Lin Jianfeng and confidence in her abilities.

Lin Jianfeng also smiled and held her hand: “Then I will express my stance to Director Chen?”

“Yeah.” Shen Qingwu nodded, “Do what you want. I’m at home.”

These six simple words made Lin Jianfeng feel warm in his heart.Home.This word was once distant and luxurious to both of them.Now, they have become each other’s strongest support and warmest home.

Outside the window, the sun shines brighter, and a few pigeons fly across the sky, leaving a long string of whistles.

“What are your plans for the afternoon?” Lin Jianfeng asked.

“Corey has a clue analysis meeting for a new case, and I want to attend. Then I made an appointment with Aunt Wang from the community service center. She recently thought about a new ‘investment opportunity,’ and I have to pour cold water on her.” Shen Qingwu said, and couldn’t help but laugh.The community service has ended long ago, but she and Aunt Wang have become close friends and are in constant contact.Aunt Wang no longer calls her “Teacher Shen” or “Mr. Shen”, but affectionately calls her “Xiaowu”.

“Don’t wait for me for dinner tonight. You and Qin Mo eat first, and I’ll come over when I’m done.” Lin Jianfeng said.

“Okay.”

The two stood for a while, enjoying the tranquility and understanding between work.

“Let’s go,” Shen Qingwu took one last look at the bright spring light outside the window, “it’s time to work.”

“Yeah.”

They walked out of the office together.In the corridor, a young police officer hurried past holding documents and greeted them respectfully: “Lin Ke, Consultant Shen!”

The two nodded in response and walked side by side in their respective busy directions.The figure was stretched very long in the sun-drenched corridor, firm and calm.

After the morning glow, it is not necessarily the scorching hot noon, but it may also be the best time like today, which is warm, bright, full of hope and vitality.

The darkness has faded and the scars are healing.

They used courage, trust and persistence to cross the longest night, and finally walked hand in hand to this open and bright world that belonged to them.

There may still be storms in the future, but they have nothing to fear.

Because they have each other, the home they created together, and the strength and determination to continue to move forward side by side and protect this hard-won light.

At this point, the story seems to come to a successful conclusion.

But life never really ends.

It just changed a way, and continued to unfold slowly under the sun, plain, real, and full of infinite possibilities.

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