You went on a blind date and presented an A-level wanted criminal as a meeting gift?

a few days later.

The aftermath of the "dismemberment case of a prominent figure in Jiangcheng" continues to reverberate throughout society.

After Wang Defa's hypocritical mask was completely torn off, the intricate network of crimes he uncovered caused a major upheaval in the entire upper class of Jiangcheng.

Meanwhile, the municipal bureau, after days of intense work, finally got a much-needed respite.

To commend the Major Crimes Unit for its outstanding performance in this case, Director Lu Zhenhua generously booked the entire third floor of "Jingyuan," the most upscale private restaurant in Jiangcheng, for a celebratory banquet.

The atmosphere in the banquet hall was lively.

The detectives, who had survived the ordeal, took off their police uniforms, changed into civilian clothes, and their faces were filled with the joy of victory and complete relaxation.

"Well done! Bringing that old bastard Wang Defa down has completely restored the reputation of the Jiangcheng police!"

"It's all thanks to Consultant Lin! If it weren't for him, we'd still be stuck there staring blankly at the gardener's testimony!"

"That's right! I still get excited thinking about that slap from Consultant Lin! It was so damn satisfying!"

At the center of the discussion, Lin Chen was being personally seated in the center position at the main table by Lu Zhenhua.

"Kobayashi, you deserve the most credit this time!"

Lu Zhenhua, beaming, personally poured Lin Chen a glass of Moutai, his voice booming.

"On behalf of the Municipal Bureau and the millions of citizens of Jiangcheng, I raise a glass to you!"

"You not only solved the case, but you also removed the deepest-hidden cancer from our Jiangcheng!"

Lin Chen picked up his wine glass, clinked it with the bureau chief's, and drank it all in one gulp.

Even after swallowing the harsh liquor, he still maintained that lazy look on his face.

"Director, you flatter us. It's all thanks to everyone's concerted efforts."

His humble and composed attitude impressed Lu Zhenhua greatly, who nodded repeatedly and looked at him as if he were looking at his most promising nephew.

All eyes were on this table.

In the most inconspicuous corner of the banquet hall, Li Mingyu, the deputy captain of the criminal investigation team, was drinking alone in silence.

Jealousy, resentment, hatred... all sorts of emotions gnawed at his heart like venomous snakes.

On what grounds?

The person who used to sit in that spot and receive cheers was Li Mingyu.

He tilted his head back and downed another large glass of baijiu. The spicy liquid burned his esophagus, but it did nothing to extinguish the burning jealousy in his heart.

Instead, the alcohol made that ordinary face appear even more distorted and ferocious.

The atmosphere at the main table, however, was completely different.

To Lin Chen's left sat Su Ke'er, who had dressed up specially for the day.

This lovely music teacher wore a light yellow dress today, which made her baby face look even more charming and adorable.

She was like a cheerful little bee, chirping and buzzing around Lin Chen, picking up a piece of sweet and sour pork ribs for him one moment, and serving him a bowl of matsutake chicken soup the next.

"Brother Lin Chen, try this! It's this restaurant's signature dish!"

"Brother Lin Chen, drinking alcohol is bad for your stomach, drink more soup."

To Lin Chen's right was Su Qingge, the icy beauty from the Major Crimes Unit.

Today, she also took off her unchanging police uniform for the first time in ages, and put on a simple white shirt and black trousers, which made her look less sharp and more intellectual and aloof.

She wasn't as enthusiastic and proactive as Su Ke'er, but her movements were by no means slow.

Seeing Su Ke'er pick up a spare rib, she discreetly used the serving chopsticks to pick up a steamed prawn, peeled it, dipped it in sauce, and gently placed it into the bone dish in front of Lin Chen.

"Eat some seafood to replenish your protein."

Her voice was clear and cool, without a trace of extra emotion, yet it conveyed an indescribable concern.

Seeing this, Su Ke'er, not to be outdone, added another spoonful of crab roe tofu to Lin Chen's bowl.

"This is delicious too! It melts in your mouth!"

In no time, the small bowl in front of Lin Chen piled up into a small mountain at a visible speed.

On the left is a sweet and lovely little sun, and on the right is a cold and arrogant iceberg.

Undercurrents are swirling, and the air is thick with tension.

Lin Chen was caught in the middle, feeling this sweet burden, with only one thought in his mind: This damn charm value!

Just then.

A cool and unique fragrance wafted in without warning.

It wasn't the usual floral and fruity scent, but a unique aroma that blended a faint smell of disinfectant with the notes of high-grade fir wood, full of allure that was both ascetic and rational.

Everyone instinctively followed the scent.

Chief forensic pathologist Jiang Tingxue, holding a glass of red wine, walked slowly with elegant steps.

"hiss--"

A collective gasp filled the room.

All the male police officers had their eyes glued to her.

Today, Jiang Tingxue was not wearing that white coat that kept people at a distance.

She changed into a well-tailored black bodycon dress with a thigh-high slit, revealing glimpses of her long, straight legs as she walked.

The dress perfectly accentuated her S-cup hot figure, with a slender waist that could be encircled by one hand and breathtaking curves.

Her long, jet-black hair was casually tied into a loose bun, with a few stray strands falling across her smooth forehead and elegant swan neck. Her face was adorned with delicate makeup, and her red lips were like fire.

She was like a black tulip blooming on an ice field—noble, aloof, and with a fatal attraction.

Under the intense gazes of all the men in the room, Jiang Tingxue walked straight to the main table without glancing to the side.

Her goal was clear and singular—Lin Chen.

Those eyes, which were always as calm as a deep pool, were now gleaming with an undisguised, piercing light.

"Advisor Lin."

Jiang Tingxue raised her wine glass, the crimson liquid inside shimmering slightly under the light, reflecting her confident and sophisticated face.

"I have offended you in the past."

Her voice was as cool and clear as ever, yet it carried a hint of sincerity that was hard to detect.

"This cup is for my apology, and also a toast to your talent."

Lin Chen stood up and picked up his wine glass.

The moment he clinked glasses with Jiang Tingxue, he could clearly feel that his +10 charm value was like an invisible magnetic field, subtly influencing her.

Looking into Lin Chen's deep, starry eyes and feeling his unique aura—gentle and refined yet with a hint of languid danger—Jiang Tingxue's heart skipped a beat.

A faint blush crept onto her perpetually cold cheeks.

This scene was precisely captured by Su Qingge's eyes.

Her beautiful phoenix eyes narrowed instantly, alarm bells blaring.

Almost instinctively, Su Qingge reached out and gently took Lin Chen's arm under the table.

The movements were natural and intimate, as if they had been rehearsed a thousand times.

She didn't speak, but simply raised her eyes, her cold gaze sweeping over Jiang Tingxue, the meaning in her eyes self-evident.

—These are my men, stay away.

Su Ke'er, standing to the side, had a pastry stuffed in her mouth, her cheeks bulging like a hamster.

She glanced at Jiang Tingxue, who looked completely composed, then at her best friend who had suddenly become "petite and dependent," and then at Lin Chen, who looked completely innocent and as if nothing had happened. Her bright, lively eyes were filled with gossip and confusion.

What's going on?

Jiang Tingxue, being a remarkable person, instantly understood Su Qingge's actions.

She glanced at Su Qingge holding Lin Chen's arm, a knowing look flashing in her eyes, but without any intention of pestering him.

This aloof and sophisticated woman simply smiled slightly at Lin Chen, tilted her head back, downed the glass of red wine in one gulp, and then turned and left gracefully.

The black skirt drew an elegant arc, swaying gracefully, leaving everyone with a silhouette that invites endless imagination.

Lin Chen looked down and felt the soft and amazing touch on his arm, and couldn't help but feel a secret thrill.

This iceberg captain has quite the figure.

Seemingly noticing Lin Chen's improper gaze, Su Qingge's cheeks flushed red instantly, and she released her grip in a flash.

She picked up the teacup in front of her, took a sip, and tried to hide her loss of composure, but instead let out a haughty snort.

"snort."