Chapter 342 - 342 309 Raise the Difficulty

Words : 1705 Updated : Oct 7th, 2025

342: Chapter 309: Raise the Difficulty 342: Chapter 309: Raise the Difficulty Discussing meritorious service and rewards in a restaurant without a logo might seem somewhat improper, but Yu Wenshu had no choice. If it were his own subordinates, he would have just given whatever awards were available. If the reward was generous, one could count oneself lucky; if it was measly, then it was all perceived as a form of grace. In Jiang Yuan’s case... Yu Wenshu was afraid of being too clever by half and ending up driving him away. There were just too many similar examples. Sharing adversity is easy; sharing prosperity is hard. Many could endure the hardships of struggle, but when it came time to reap the rewards, unfair treatment—or even the misperception of it—could make it unbearable. As someone put it, there are only two reasons to resign: not enough money or too much grievance. Yu Wenshu couldn’t offer money either, and if he allowed Jiang Yuan to feel aggrieved, then it would be much harder to work with him again. But how much would be enough, appropriate, and would leave a person feeling not just unaggrieved but even happy? Thus, Yu Wenshu had been pondering over this for several days, and now, he gave Wan Baoming a nod. It was better to have Wan Baoming speak; if anything was inappropriate, he could still remedy it. Wan Baoming coughed twice, poured Jiang Yuan some liquor, and said, “Jiang Yuan, since you came to Changyang City, you have solved numerous accumulated cases. Including the recent ones, that’s seven. Four of those were cold case homicides. Before, the Cold Case Squad we set up seems a bit too casual in hindsight, and on the other hand, it doesn’t fully demonstrate our capabilities...” After clinking glasses with Jiang Yuan, Wan Baoming continued, “The squad, after much reflection, has decided to upgrade the Cold Case Squad to Jiang Yuan’s Accumulated Case Team, Changyang City, and put you in charge. It will have a staffing of 18 people. How does that sound?” Jiang Yuan, who was about to take a drink, almost choked: “What name?” Wan Baoming replied, “It will be called Jiang Yuan’s Accumulated Case Team. In addition, we will hang up a sign reading Jiang Yuan Youth Commando Team. The Youth Commando Team is an old tradition of ours. Chief Yu himself emerged from the Yu Wenshu Youth Squad. It’s known for its resilience and willingness to fight...” Yu Wenshu let out a hearty laugh: “It’s an old story, but still, daring to take the lead is our style. When I was young, I didn’t overthink things—just charged ahead...” Jiang Yuan quickly said, “It’s not that exaggerated, and besides, 18 people for a Cold Case Squad is way too many. Every department is stretched thin now...” “We can’t have fewer people.” Yu Wenshu chuckled, “To get into Jiang Yuan’s Accumulated Case Team, people have already been seeking me out. We can’t reduce the 18-person roster anymore. If we do, the pressure on me would be too great, hahaha...” Everyone laughed along. Before, when forming a Cold Case Squad, people were reluctant. In the end, it usually consisted of a few young officers leading several middle-aged and senior detectives who were content with the status quo. Those content with the status quo didn’t mind the type of work—they would just stick to standard procedures. The young people were often full of passion, yet unaware of the complexity of the cases and the limits of their abilities, always believing they could handle it. However, a normal Cold Case Squad does need that sort of reckless vigor. Occasionally, such squads do manage to resolve a case through sheer audacity. More often, it’s considered an achievement if a Cold Case Squad can even come up with a lead. But such work can be extremely tedious and provide little sense of accomplishment without results. Most people can’t stick it out. Therefore, many departments’ Cold Case Squads, in name focused on ‘specialization,’ eventually fade into obscurity or switch to part-time status after a while. Treating human resources as an unlimited input might sound feasible, but it’s far from simple in practice. The Cold Case Squad that Jiang Yuan participated in was clearly a bit different. Not to mention solving seven homicides—even solving just one in such a short time changes everyone’s morale. Jiang Yuan hesitated slightly before saying, “Actually, for most cases, we don’t need as many as 18 people.” “Learning to manage people is also part of growth,” Wan Baoming knew the mentality of those in his technical field and immediately said, “Chief Yu has carefully selected the team members, so you don’t need to worry about nepotism. Furthermore, those related by connections can still be useful—let them write reports, liaise with different departments, and apply for resources. They all have their uses.” “If you’re unsure how to manage them, just come to me,” Yu Wenshu laughed, “Also, I’ve arranged for a few people you are familiar with to be on the team—Wang Chuanxing and Tang Jia are included. In short, you focus on the cases for now. If you do well with the cases, you can gradually learn the rest.” “Alright,” Jiang Yuan had no reason to refuse. Having a team would certainly be an advantage in solving cases. “This is a good thing,” Yu Wenshu smiled slightly, “After all, coming to Changyang and working for a while, it’s only normal for you to have your own team.” “Changyang is too bustling for my taste; I prefer my hometown,” Jiang Yuan was quite clear-headed about this. The human relations in Changyang City were on a whole different level compared to those in Ningtai County. Just look at this newly established Cold Case Squad: with 18 spots available, Yu Wenshu, as the squad leader, had to balance relationships. It was like touring hell with a seductress by one’s side. If you were really transferred to hell, you might have to become a seductress yourself. Yu Wenshu felt a bit of regret but was not surprised. Jiang Yuan’s attitude had always been like this, and Yu Wenshu couldn’t offer him any more assurances. In fact, when it came to changing jobs, working at the provincial office would be more leisurely and offer more freedom. Senior officers like Liu Jinghui, although they had to interact with criminal police teams from various places, their own involvement was minimal; the psychological burden was small, and their main job was to solve cases around the region, which was actually more suitable for Jiang Yuan. But now, aside from administrative benefits lagging behind, Jiang Yuan’s treatment and the extent to which he was valued had already equaled that of Liu Jinghui. Thinking this way, Yu Wenshu had no ground to change Jiang Yuan’s thinking. “Have some cold dishes; the husband and wife lung slices at this restaurant are exceptional. Moreover, the lung slices made by the husband differ in taste from those made by the wife,” Yu Wenshu said after finishing the serious talk and jovially launched into mealtime banter. Wan Baoming and others quickly followed, and within minutes, the atmosphere at the table became lively. ... The next day. Jiang Yuan’s Accumulated Case Team sign was hung up. The office was set up in a storage room on the fourth floor. Once the sign was changed and a dozen or so semi-new desks were piled in, the space was fully occupied. Jiang Yuan’s demanded high-performance computers, as well as the potted green plants placed around, enriched the atmosphere of the office. Tang Jia hummed a tune while organizing her desk. She was one of the officers who had watched Jiang Yuan solve numerous cases and had been involved in them. For those who had been part of the bureau, Jiang Yuan’s case-solving skills and efficiency were considered unbeatable, and there was no doubt about the future of Jiang Yuan’s Accumulated Case Team. In comparison, some of the newly joined officers, especially those with connections, were a bit doubtful. They had all heard and seen the legend of Jiang Yuan. But as for how the work was to be carried out next and what kind of person Jiang Yuan was, and his methods, they didn’t have much confidence. Of course, none of them were afraid either; if the squad faced trouble, they had ways to transfer elsewhere. A while later, Jiang Yuan and Yu Wenshu, among others, entered together. Yu Wenshu made some opening remarks, then added, “From now on, Jiang Yuan’s Accumulated Case Team will begin to enter into work mode. My requirement for everyone is one month of adjustment. Within this month, whatever problems, needs, or grievances anyone has, you can bring them up. After a month, I won’t be indulging you!” He was speaking to those with connections, who obediently nodded in agreement. Yu Wenshu then yielded the floor to Jiang Yuan. Jiang Yuan wasn’t actually skilled at making speeches or rallying people. When he was younger, living off food from various families in the village, he mostly just said thank you. Later, when his family had money from relocation, his father emphasized keeping a low profile in both actions and demeanor. Looking down at the eighteen young officers, including Wang Chuanxing and Tang Jia, all walking elite paths, with degrees from institutions like the Police University and the Criminal Police College, he saw their expressions were all very spirited. Jiang Yuan cleared his throat and said bluntly, “Let’s work on a case, shall we? Working on a case will help us get acquainted.” Yu Wenshu and Wan Baoming exchanged looks, both amused. Jiang Yuan’s opening gambit was predictable yet unexpected. “Right, I looked through some cases myself earlier, so let’s start with this one,” Jiang Yuan said as he took out a photo and waved it, “The 427 Intoxication Death Case. The determination of the time of death for this case is incorrect; let’s reconstruct it.” Yu Wenshu and the others were startled. Kicking off with a homicide case? Wasn’t that a bit too difficult?

Chapter 342 - 342 309 Raise the Difficulty

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