Chapter 13: Routine Patrol

Han Ling and Zhang Silei left the police station. Both were dressed in police uniforms, fully equipped with individual gear. This was Han Ling’s first time out on duty, and the novelty of it all lingered. Compared to his previous life, he felt his demeanor had undergone a profound transformation.

Yet, after inverting the Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branches, there was still a slight awkwardness, even moments when, upon seeing the police car, a deep-seated impulse to flee would surface—an ingrained stress reflex from years past.

Their task of gathering information was straightforward: primarily visiting key locations and individuals within their jurisdiction. These key locations included rental homes, internet cafes, construction sites, and entertainment venues. The individuals of interest were those with criminal records, drug involvement, or new residents from other regions.

Throughout, they were to maintain a keen sensitivity to any signs of potential criminal activity. Such incidents might never occur, but prevention was a cornerstone of detective work.

“Where should we head first?” Zhang Silei asked.

Han Ling replied, “Let’s keep it nearby and follow a logical order.”

Zhang Silei had no objections, leaving the decision to Han Ling.

They first visited a newly opened foot massage parlor nearby, checking the staff’s names and identification, with particular attention to the surveillance system’s installation. The manager was present and courteously hospitable. Given the shop’s proximity to the police station, the likelihood of any trouble was low under normal circumstances.

After carefully recording their findings, they departed for the next location.

By midday, their visits concluded, and they grabbed a quick meal before continuing their afternoon duties.

At three o’clock, Han Ling returned to a familiar internet café, where he had previously encountered a “suspicious” beautiful doctor.

Upon entering, the café owner was already waiting at the counter, greeting them with a smile—likely having seen the police visit through surveillance.

“Hello, officers,” the owner said, shaking their hands and offering cigarettes.

Han Ling declined with a wave, explaining they were just there to collect information and would be leaving soon.

Relieved that it wasn’t an inspection, the owner became even more welcoming and cooperative. Though the air smelled faintly of smoke, no one inside was smoking, indicating the owner likely gave a heads-up.

Smoking in internet cafés was a nuanced issue; generally overlooked unless explicit orders mandated strict enforcement. Banning smoking would deter many male patrons and hurt business.

Han Ling had no intention of causing trouble and prepared to leave after completing the information gathering.

“Hey, man, you’re a cop?” a voice called out.

Han Ling turned to see a blond young man who had sat to his right before. He seemed a regular at this café.

Out of courtesy, Han Ling nodded slightly, “Yes.”

The blond guy rose and said as he walked away, “Never thought I’d meet a police officer.”

“Meet?” Han Ling echoed, surprised.

The young man grinned. “Yeah, sort of. Hey, I have an important question—remember that beautiful girl? The one who sat to your left?”

“I remember. What about her?”

“I’m just curious—no offense—why didn’t you go when she invited you to dinner? Got a girlfriend?”

“No girlfriend,” Han Ling answered. “As for why I didn’t go...” He patted the young man’s shoulder, “Buddy, the prettier the girl, the more dangerous she is.”

With that, Han Ling left, leaving the blond guy scratching his head in confusion before his expression hardened with resolve.

“More dangerous? What nonsense. I’d rather face danger head-on!”

The owner saw them off as they exited, and Zhang Silei couldn’t help but ask, “So, what’s the deal with that beautiful girl the blond guy mentioned?”

Han Ling didn’t hide anything, explaining briefly but omitting the later minor collision incident.

“Really beautiful?” Zhang Silei asked, understanding the gist.

Han Ling gave an honest assessment: “Very beautiful.”

At that moment, Zhang Silei shared the blond guy’s puzzlement. “If fate brought you together and you’re single, why not get to know her?”

Han Ling repeated his earlier reply: “The prettier the girl, the more dangerous.”

Zhang Silei chuckled, finding the answer odd and difficult to comprehend, and chose not to press the matter further—everyone had their own way of thinking.

The information-gathering phase lasted over twenty days. Ultimately, the two collaborated to complete and submit a prevention and control strategy.

Zhu Yue did not comment on the results; for a new officer, outcomes were less important than the process itself—becoming familiar with procedures and honing skills.

After assigning new tasks, Zhu Yue hurried off to personally oversee a recent fraud case involving multiple victims within the jurisdiction.

Having eaten lunch at the station, Han Ling and Zhang Silei headed to the parking lot. Their upcoming assignment was routine patrol.

Routine patrols were usually handled by the community policing team and the patrol and control group, but occasionally, the detective unit would provide support in phases.

For new officers, this was an essential stage to quickly familiarize themselves with the local geography and security characteristics, laying groundwork for future detective work.

Patrols might also involve handling minor incidents, further developing the new officers’ capabilities.

Zhu Yue was a good mentor, guiding Han Ling step by step. There was no rush with a long probation ahead.

“Bicycles? Fine,” Han Ling accepted the reality.

Police vehicles were out of the question, and the station didn’t even provide electric bikes—they were reserved for the patrol and community policing teams.

The two pedaled away from the station, their figures reminiscent of the 1960s and ’70s—a somewhat shabby sight.

Since the 1970s, police vehicles had gradually transitioned from bicycles to motorcycles, but bicycles had not been fully phased out, retained for specific needs.

Daily patrols were dull—exposed to wind and sun. After several weeks, Han Ling slowly grew accustomed to his identity and profession.

During this time, following Zhu Yue’s advice, Han Ling prepared in advance and, without formal training, passed the mid-year law enforcement qualification exam, earning his certificate.

Zhu Yue was pleasantly surprised; he had merely suggested it and hadn’t expected Han Ling to succeed.

Obtaining the certificate early meant Han Ling met the basic requirements for early formal appointment. With notable performance, he could be confirmed in less than a year.

Achieving early confirmation marked him as an outstanding rookie. Normally, with such qualifications, he could have tried for a district or municipal bureau post, but for unknown reasons, he chose the police station instead.

Perhaps it was a matter of personal preference, given the heavy pressures faced by frontline officers at district and municipal levels.

After Han Ling earned his law enforcement certificate, Zhu Yue reported it to the command center. The duty dispatch added him to the roster, so when routine calls came in, Han Ling would be prioritized if he was nearby.

During this period, Han Ling and Zhang Silei handled numerous disputes, mostly minor and resolved through mediation.

One noon, while eating at a noodle shop and chatting, their months of camaraderie had turned them from colleagues into friends. Han Ling had learned about Zhang Silei’s family: married with a daughter, a two-and-a-half-year-old soon to enter kindergarten next year. His wife worked as an accountant. With a combined income of 1,500 yuan for the auxiliary police salary, their daily life was comfortable.

As they talked, their radios suddenly crackled to life. Han Ling froze mid-bite.

“Attention, Patrol Team 03 on Yuhu Road: a dispute has occurred in the northern midsection of Yuhu Road involving a man and a woman, with the woman showing physical aggression. Please proceed immediately to handle the situation. Upon arrival, control the scene and calm both parties. Contact us immediately if the situation escalates.”

Before the message ended, Han Ling set down his chopsticks and rose along with Zhang Silei, leaving two bowls of half-eaten noodles behind.

They had already paid for their meal.