The interrogation lasted another two hours before Frank Thompson finally buckled under the pressure and confessed to all his crimes.

At the same time, he revealed the location where he had hidden the tools used in the crime, and admitted to picking up white genetic material from the foot massage parlor to frame John Brooks.

Upon learning that the case had been solved and the suspect apprehended,

the victim, Wendy Harris, made a special trip to the police station to thank Brian Hall and the members of Team Two.

……

Criminal Investigation Team Three, Team Two’s office.

“Brian Hall, you’re something else. You cracked another tough case.” Paul Bennett reached out and patted Brian Hall on the shoulder.

“It was a team effort.”

“Don’t be so modest. As a reward, you get a day off tomorrow. Go home and get some rest.”

“Really?” Brian Hall asked.

“When have I ever gone back on my word?” Paul Bennett said sternly.

The other team members looked on with envy.

Detectives are always busy—when there’s a case, they’re busy solving it.

Even after a case is closed, there’s still no downtime.

Getting signatures and stamps from the leadership, the team stamp, the bureau stamp, all kinds of stamps, constant reminders from the forensics and legal departments…

Printing and filling out monthly reports, the prosecutor’s office returning files for further investigation or for arrest (or non-arrest) warrants, issuing transfer certificates…

Going to court to pick up verdicts…

With Brian Hall on break, these tasks fell to the other team members.

There’s nothing to be done—he’s just that good at solving cases.

……

That evening, after returning home, Brian Hall turned on the TV and cast a movie to the screen. On the table were a plate of peanuts, a plate of pig’s ear, a plate of cucumber, and two bottles of beer.

Brian Hall thoroughly enjoyed this leisurely time.

No work tomorrow, so tonight he could have a few drinks and get a good night’s sleep.

“Ding dong, congratulations to officer 577533 for successfully solving the case.” In Brian Hall’s mind, the police badge notification sounded.

“Skill proficiency +2, merit points +7.”

“You have received the victim’s gratitude and earned an extra grand prize package.”

“What’s in the grand prize package?”

Life Skill: Culinary Arts

Category: Shandong Cuisine

Level: Intermediate

A buzzing filled Brian Hall’s mind as a wealth of culinary knowledge and experience flooded in.

“Wow, I’ve actually become a chef.” Brian Hall exclaimed in surprise.

Chef levels are divided into five: junior, intermediate, senior, technician, and senior technician. Generally, students graduating from culinary school are at about the intermediate level and hold an intermediate certificate.

With intermediate chef skills, Brian Hall was quite pleased. From now on, he could cook for his family when he had time, and show off his skills when guests came over.

……

The next morning, Brian Hall went out early to shop for groceries, planning to cook a big meal for his parents at noon.

Brian Hall had always been busy with work and didn’t have much time to spend with his parents. Now, with a day off and new cooking skills, it was the perfect chance to show his filial piety.

Shandong cuisine is one of the eight major Chinese cuisines, known for its long history, rich techniques, and being the most skill-intensive.

There are many classic Shandong dishes, such as Mu Shu Pork, Sweet and Sour Carp, Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallion, and Vinegar Sautéed Cabbage. For today’s lunch, Brian Hall chose these four dishes.

Carrying the groceries he’d bought, Brian Hall went straight to his parents’ house.

Brian Hall’s mother, Grace Morgan, looked surprised. “Son, why did you bring so many groceries?”

“I have the day off today, so I thought I’d cook something nice for you.”

It was the weekend, and Edward Hall was also home resting. He asked curiously, “When did you learn to cook?”

“Back in school, when I rented an apartment, I often cooked for myself.”

“You mean you cooked for that little girlfriend you used to have.” Edward Hall teased.

Brian Hall put on a stern face. “Dad, why do you always bring that up?”

“Exactly. Our son is so handsome, he’ll definitely find someone even better in the future.” Grace Morgan shot him a look.

“I’m going to start cooking.” Brian Hall tied on an apron.

“Son, do you want Mom to help?”

“No need.” Brian Hall went straight into the kitchen.

“Well, I guess we’ll just wait for a ready-made meal today.” Grace Morgan was in a great mood.

As for their son’s cooking skills, Edward Hall was still a bit skeptical. He gave his wife a look: “Are you sure you don’t want to go in and check?”

Chapter 0010: The Scene

In the kitchen.

Brian Hall first washed and cut the vegetables, prepped all the ingredients, removed the fishy veins, and marinated the meat and fish in advance.

Then, he scrubbed the wok, turned on the heat, and added cold oil to the hot pan, starting with Mu Shu Pork.

Next came Sweet and Sour Carp, Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallion, and Vinegar Sautéed Cabbage.

Each time a dish came out of the kitchen, Edward Hall would have a taste.

At first, he was skeptical, but after tasting the food, he looked surprised.

“Wow, this Mu Shu Pork is actually pretty good.” Edward Hall said, a bit surprised.

“Really, your cooking is almost as good as mine.” Grace Morgan praised.

“This kid’s been hiding his skills all this time—I, his own father, didn’t even know.”

When the Sweet and Sour Carp was served, just the presentation and aroma made it look promising.

“You’ve got some of the flair of a restaurant chef.” Edward Hall smiled, picked up a piece with his chopsticks, and said, “You know, this sauce is really flavorful.”

“Let me try.” Grace Morgan also picked up a piece of fish.

“So, is our son’s cooking better than yours?” Edward Hall laughed.