Part-Time Detective

Huo Xuan felt a slight sting on his arm where Shen Rong had pinched him. Meeting her concerned gaze, an odd warmth stirred in his chest. "My apologies," he said with a smile. "Let me treat everyone to dinner tonight as penance."

In the end, Zhang Wu and Li Yunfei tactfully excused themselves, leaving Huo Xuan to ride with Shen Rong. While he initially suggested returning to his hotel, Shen Rong revealed that Wei Rongguang, head of the Criminal Investigation Division, wished to meet him and had arranged a banquet at a five-star hotel in the capital.

Having spent over a month in Prison No. 4, Huo Xuan's perspective had shifted. He agreed immediately and invited Li Yunfei and Zhang Wu to join.

At the hotel, Huo Xuan recognized Qin Huo, the detective captain he'd met once before, alongside a commanding middle-aged man. Shen Rong introduced the latter: "This is Wei Rongguang, our division chief."

Wei Rongguang stood, his eyes appraising Huo Xuan with a smile. "Young Huo, I've been waiting. We owe you thanks—you've helped crack two major cases for us."

Huo Xuan demurred, "Just minor assistance. I hardly contributed."

"Sit, sit." Wei Rongguang gestured before eyeing Li Yunfei. "Yunfei, your nose is sharp. First time I host a dinner, and you sniff it out."

As a State Security officer, Li Yunfei frequently collaborated with the police and knew Wei well. Grinning at the tease, he retorted, "Wei Rongguang, the legendary iron rooster who never parts with a feather! I've waited a decade for this meal—finally my dream comes true."

Laughter filled the room.

Huo Xuan then introduced Zhang Wu. At the name, Wei Rongguang's expression sobered. "So this is Jiangzhou's Fifth Master Zhang. Last year, my team offended you during a case there. I owe you an apology."

Huo Xuan caught the undertones—clearly, past friction existed between the two men.

Zhang Wu, magnanimous, raised his glass. "Brother Wei, it was my fault for roughing up your men. The apology is mine." He stood to toast.

Recognizing Zhang Wu's influence and this conciliatory gesture, Wei Rongguang's face brightened. "You're too kind. Since we're all friends of Young Huo, consider us allies. My team may need your support during future operations in the east."

Zhang Wu chuckled. "Of course. Consider the Criminal Investigation Division's matters my own—I'll cooperate fully."

Since when are we friends? Huo Xuan mused inwardly, though he maintained a polite smile.

After the usual pleasantries, Wei Rongguang got to the point. "Young Huo, what do you do currently? Any interest in joining our division?"

Li Yunfei and Zhang Wu burst out laughing. "Old Wei," Li Yunfei said, "you're failing to recognize a towering figure. My brother here is a protégé of the renowned Physician Hua and a shareholder in a jewelry company worth hundreds of millions. Would someone like that join your police force?"

Wei Rongguang froze momentarily before smiling wryly. "My mistake, my mistake."

To everyone's surprise, Huo Xuan pondered for a moment and said, "To be honest, becoming a detective was my childhood dream—to punish evildoers. Even now, I'm still very interested, though I lack the time to be a full-time officer."

Wei Rongguang immediately grasped the situation—Huo Xuan wasn't unwilling; he simply couldn't commit fully. Unwilling to let such talent slip away, he had a sudden idea and turned to Qin Huo. "Qin Huo, didn't headquarters issue a directive about recruiting part-time consultants with investigative expertise?"

Qin Huo caught on instantly. "Exactly! We have two slots. These part-time consultants enjoy the same benefits and authority as regular officers but don't need to report daily—only assist during critical investigations."

Wei Rongguang nodded approvingly. "Young Huo, this seems perfect for you. Major cases are rare—maybe one or two a year. It wouldn't take much of your time."

Huo Xuan was tempted but hesitated. "If your team needs me urgently, I might not always be available. It still feels like a stretch."

"No problem!" Qin Huo interjected. "Come when you can, skip when you can't. We're all colleagues here—I can authorize this flexibility."

Wei Rongguang added, "Exactly. Participate at your convenience—it won't disrupt your life."

At this, Shen Rong's heart inexplicably tightened. She secretly watched Huo Xuan, willing him to accept, though she couldn't quite explain why the thought mattered so much.

On the other hand, Huo Xuan understood that with such lenient conditions, they were already offering him the utmost convenience. Refusing further would seem unreasonable. With a smile, he said, "Very well. I'll need guidance from Captain Wei and Captain Qin in the future."

Qin Huo was overjoyed—with someone like Huo Xuan joining the team, even the most perplexing cases would no longer be a challenge!

Wei Rongguang, equally pleased, raised his glass. "Excellent! This is a momentous occasion for our division. To celebrate—bottoms up!"

As they drank, Li Yunfei recounted in detail the jadeite robbery that had occurred over a month ago.

"After interrogation, we raided their hideout, confiscating thirty million in cash and a large quantity of raw jadeite. The two main suspects have also been apprehended."

Huo Xuan nodded. "They brought this on themselves. Throw the book at them—ten to fifteen years at least."

"I handled the case personally," Qin Huo interjected. "Rest assured, those two deserve execution twice over." He continued, "During questioning, we discovered they'd committed multiple murders and robberies before."

Huo Xuan raised an eyebrow. "Bold of them to resort to murder. What's their background?"

Qin Huo grew animated. "They're actually connected to the Xu family of the Jadeite Guild—the old man is Xu Zhong, the younger one Xu Shao'an. Both are from a disreputable branch of the family, specializing in shady dealings."

Huo Xuan was surprised—he hadn't expected the Xu family to be involved. After a moment's thought, he asked, "Didn't the Xu family intervene?"

Given the Xu family's wealth, even capital offenses could be mitigated—death sentences commuted to suspended death, then life imprisonment, eventually reduced to fixed terms with further parole. A few years later, they'd walk free.

Qin Huo confirmed, "They tried. But this case is under State Security supervision. No amount of influence will save them—they're done for."

Relieved, Huo Xuan joined the others in another round.

After the gathering, Qin Huo took him to complete the part-time formalities at the Criminal Investigation Division—a process that took barely half an hour. Once done, Shen Rong suggested an evening celebration, inviting the entire division.

Huo Xuan had no choice but to oblige, resigning himself to a long night. By the time he left the KTV and returned to his hotel, the clock had already struck 1 AM.

Returning to the hotel, Huo Xuan first called Lin Yue to reassure her. Hearing her voice after over a month apart stirred an unexpected warmth in his chest.

"Little brother, where have you been? Zhang Wu said you were somewhere 'special' with no outside contact!" Lin Yue fired off questions rapid-fire.

Huo Xuan chuckled. "Military confidentiality—no calls allowed."

Lin Yue sounded skeptical. "A military base? What were you doing there?"

"The medical corps had critical patients needing my help," he fabricated, unwilling to mention prison and worry her.

After thirty minutes of catching up, Lin Yue's tone brightened excitedly: "Do you know the last jadeite shipment contained a melon-sized imperial green specimen? Even the master cutters were stunned!"

"Keep it as our flagship treasure," Huo Xuan suggested. "Commission a master carver to transform it."

"My thoughts exactly! Such rarity deserves preservation," Lin Yue agreed before shifting topics. "Next month is Grandpa's 77th birthday. Will you come?"

"Of course—I've yet to formally visit your family," Huo Xuan said immediately. "What does he like? I'll prepare gifts."

"Grandpa's a jadeite connoisseur—just select premium rough," she said, then added, "While in the capital, you must visit Su Pingnan—the 'Northern Blade,' China's premier jade carver. Your stones and his skills would create magic! He's Grandpa's old friend—impress him, and you'll gain family favor."

Huo Xuan laughed. "Send his address. I'll find worthy stones, collaborate with Master Su, and dazzle your grandfather—maybe earn his future grandson-in-law's approval!"

Lin Yue's heart fluttered, though she retorted, "In your dreams!"