"First... First-class Merit!"
Qin Feng was really stunned. The word "Really?" was written all across his face.
He too had pondered on what his award this time would be. Seeing as it had attracted this much public attention, he felt that he would be awarded with a Second-class Merit for solving it. He did not think that his achievements thus far had warranted a First-class Merit Award.
"That's right. This was also decided by the Quartet after much discussion."
Chief Li Dahe nodded and answered Qin Feng.
Li Dahe was very satisfied with Qin Feng. Putting aside the two cases that he had solved quickly before, if it were not for Qin Feng, their police department might lose the trust of the citizens of Ocean City for this case. Li Dahe had served as a police officer throughout the entirety of his adult life. He did not want to lose his integrity near the very end of his career.
"Chief, while I'm grateful to the Quarter for placing their trust in me, I really can't accept this award. I'm not worthy of it."
Qin Feng shook his head and gave a bitter smile. He really felt that he was not worthy of the First-class Merit.
"Okay, this is the final decision that the Quarter has decided upon. Everyone thinks you're worthy, no need to shy away from your rightful reward."
The more Li Dahe interacted with Qin Feng, the more satisfied he became with him. After all, there were not many young'uns who were as humble as Qin Feng nowadays.
"Okay, I got it, Chief Li. Thank you."
Qin Feng did not know what else to say. If he were to speak his honest thoughts, he would seem pretentious, and thus, he decided to keep it to himself instead.
"Oh right, go back and make some preparations. The mayor said that he wants to meet our local Sherlock Holmes."
Just as he was about to send Qin Feng back, Li Dahe suddenly recalled the matter regarding the mayor and hurriedly added.
"What? The mayor wants to meet me?"
The mayor of the Magic Capital was a real big shot. Qin Feng did not expect the mayor to want to meet him. He felt that his luck was off the charts recently.
"Yes, the mayor wants to see you!"
Li Dahe looked at the stunned Qin Feng, shook his head, and smiled. "Don't just stand there, hurry back and tidy up yourself. Wait for me at the entrance in half an hour."
"Yes, chief, I'll go back and clean up immediately!"
Qin Feng chuckled, turned around and left the office. At the same time, he had gained a brand new understanding of the impact of the case.
In fact, since Qin Feng had nothing to tidy up, upon returning from the bureau chief's office, Qin Feng laid back in his seat in a daze.
"Qin Feng, you're really amazing!"
"Qin Feng, you've really made a great contribution to this case."
"Qin Feng, you're a celebrity now. Many netizens have become your fans. You're amazing."
A group of colleagues spotted Qin Feng and immediately came over to praise him.
"Guys, you're overexaggerating. I was lucky. It's just a coincidence."
Qin Feng laughed and waved his hand as he listened to everyone's praise. He did not become overly confident or arrogant because he was valued by the leaders or because he had become famous.
"Qin Feng, you're being modest again. How could anyone solve three cases in a row with luck alone? With that amount of luck, you should've purchased some lottery tickets instead!"
"That's right, Qin Feng. We've all watched your interview. I have to say that your thought process in solving the case was really fascinating."
Everyone stacked one praise after another. Their admiration of this humble little policeman, now turned celebrity, was off the charts.
"No, no. Hehe."
Qin Feng was too embarrassed to explain further and just smiled as he listened to everyone's praise.
"Qin Feng, Qin Feng!"
Mu Qianqian glanced at Qin Feng and walked to his desk.
Upon spotting Mu Qianqian, they recalled the rumors from a few days ago. They smiled tacitly and returned to their seats. Before they left, they did not forget to give Qin Feng a wink that said, "It seems that your luck with woman is equally good too."
Qin Feng smiled at his colleagues who had dispersed. Once they had left, he turned around and cupped his fists at Mu Qianqian. "I can't thank you enough for your kindness. If there's anything you need from me, just say the word."
It was not that Qin Feng had no desire to chat with his colleagues, rather it was due to the fact that his colleagues' praise were seemingly endless. Qin Feng was unable to handle it.
"Tis a trivial matter."
Mu Qianqian raised her eyebrows at Qin Feng and said with a smile.
Mu Qianqian looked around and lowered her head slightly. She then asked, "Are you free tonight? My parents previously told me to take you home for dinner, but they didn't insist due to the case that was ongoing back then. However, after seeing you on TV today, they told me to bring you home again."
Qin Feng remembered Mu Qianqian mentioning this before, but it had slipped his mind as he was busy for the past few days. After giving it some thought, he responded, "Dinner is fine, but Chief Li told me that he's bringing me to meet the mayor later. I don't know whether I'll be back by tonight."
"What?!"
Mu Qianqian's voice was slightly louder because of her surprise. She quickly looked around and found that she did not attract anyone's attention. She quickly approached Qin Feng and asked, "The mayor really wants to see you?"
Qin Feng looked at Mu Qianqian and leaned back in his chair. He smiled bitterly and said, "Why would I joke about such a matter?"
"You're really going places aren't you, Qin Feng? To think that you're about to meet the mayor!"
Mu Qianqian looked at Qin Feng's bitter face and teased him.
Qin Feng looked up at this girl who was genuinely happy for him. He then looked down at her long and straight legs that were leaning against his table. He suddenly became energetic and smiled sinisterly. "I don't know what places you're referring to, but I know that something good is about to happen to you. Your parents are repeatedly asking me to take dinner with them. I'm certain that they have a good impression of me. Perhaps they're planning to make me their son-in-law?"
"Qin Feng! Where do you think you looking at?!"
Qin Feng's gaze was too obvious this time. Mu Qianqian could not overlook it like the past.
"Blame yourself for having such gorgeous legs! What's wrong with taking a look? Besides, I'm about to become your parents' son-in-law. Can't I take a look at my future wife's legs?"
Qin Feng looked at Mu Qianqian in front of him. His smile became brighter and his words became even more casual.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Who agreed to be your girlfriend? My parents might be calling you over to tell you to stay away from me. Who cares if you go or not, hmph!"
Mu Qianqian's face turned redder and redder. She glared at Qin Feng, turned around, and returned to her seat. She wanted to start working, but her heart was still beating erratically.
Although Mu Qianqian denied it, the throbbing of her heart could not be deceived. It was just that she had yet to truly understand what this throbbing was. All she knew was that Qin Feng's words had made her feel warm, and she could not seem to get enough of Qin Feng. In truth, Qin Feng was slowly making his way into Mu Qianqian's heart, and Mu Qianqian was not yet aware of it.