"All three major forces have entered the fray?" It was only now that Yang Xiao realized the extent of the situation. It seed that Yiling Academy had gone to great lengths to capture this person.
"Yes, but we’re just going through the motions. If we can catch him, that’s great; if not, we still owe a favor. Although Yiling Academy ranks among the Upper Three Bookshops, they’ve been declining day by day since their headmaster disappeared," Nalan Shuo stated bluntly.
Then, turning to Yang Xiao, Nalan Shuo’s tone beca more solemn, "Little Yang, this is an opportunity for you. I’ve just received news that there’s a plan to establish a specialized United Federation office in Rongcheng to coordinate, in ergency situations, the cooperative efforts of the Patrol Defense Office, the Apostles Union, and the Chamber of Comrce."
"The new institution’s rank will be comparable to that of a Deputy Director. Transferred to the Apostles Union and the Chamber of Comrce, it would be equivalent to a deputy position. This institution will have a commissioner who will also be the highest leader of the new institution."
"Us old-tirs can’t take on this role due to our status and age. The selection for the new commissioner will be from the younger generation. In theory, each of the three forces should nominate one candidate. Candidates from the Apostles Union and Chamber of Comrce are almost confird, all familiar faces to you."
"The Chamber of Comrce has chosen the newly appointed Deputy Chairman Fu Qingzhu, and their candidate is Chi Dan, the current Secretary General of the Chamber of Comrce. However, there’s controversy over our Patrol Defense Office’s nomination; Chief Huang is recomnding Qu Muzhi, while I strongly support you."
"Little Yang, you have an excellent record, a clean background, and your past performance has been exemplary, seen by all. Captain Yang Lao of the Provincial Office and your Uncle Cui have spoken highly of you. But you lack one thing—a rank."
Nalan Shuo guided him step by step, strategizing on behalf of Yang Xiao, "If you can handle this well, catch or kill this person, I will imdiately file a report to the Provincial Office to credit your achievents. With your past successes and a bit of maneuvering, a Deputy Director Level Captain position will not be out of reach. By then, you’ll be on equal footing with Qu Muzhi. Securing the position of commissioner for the specialized United Federation office will be a new starting point in your career."
"Thank you, Director, for your ntorship!" Yang Xiao was genuinely grateful to have such a considerate leader.
"Don’t celebrate too early. This person is strong. However, due to the continuous fleeing and fighting, he has exhausted his strength. Just be cautious, and I believe capturing him won’t be a problem."
Nalan Shuo unfolded a map, revealing another beneath it—a map of Rongcheng. The entire city was divided into three parts with colored markers, annotated with the symbols ’Union,’ ’Patrol,’ and ’Comrce.’
"Does this represent the defense zones of the three forces?" Yang Xiao surveyed the map; it was straightforward.
"Yes." Nalan Shuo moved his finger to the center of the zone marked ’Patrol,’ "This is where Beibei and the others were attacked. I estimate that the person is wounded and couldn’t have gone far. Currently, he must still be within our defense zone, waiting for nightfall to continue his escape." Nalan Shuo emphasized a red circle on the map, "You must act fast. Go here and intercept him. Make it swift and decisive. If he gets away, he’ll flee into the Apostles Union’s defense zone, and at that point, it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to enter their area to pursue."
The leadership had paved the way for him, and Yang Xiao knew well that once an opportunity slipped by, it wouldn’t co again. "Don’t worry, Director. I won’t let you down!"
After finishing, Yang Xiao prepared to leave. Ti was of the essence. Even though nightfall was not yet upon them, he wanted to scout the vicinity, find an excellent ambush spot, and wait for the prey to co to him.
"Wait!"
Before he could leave, Nalan Shuo called out to him. Surprised, Yang Xiao turned around to see Nalan Shuo stand up, roll up the map on the table, and approach to tuck it into his chest, "Take it with you. It’s always better to be prepared."
Leaving the Director’s office, Yang Xiao took the elevator down. However, upon reaching the first floor, as the doors opened, he saw Yu Shu standing outside with his arm in a sling, clearly waiting for him.
"What’s up?" Yang Xiao was curious. "Why aren’t you resting in the hospital?"
Yu Shu raised a notebook, on which he had written a single line: Ms. Bei and I will take you, the car’s in the underground garage.
Following Yang Xiao to the underground garage, they found a black SUV waiting. Opening the car door, Beibei was sitting in the backseat with a pair of crutches by her side, Yu Shu headed for the passenger seat, and Da Xiong sat in the driver’s seat wearing sunglasses.
Once Yang Xiao was in the car, he initially thought Beibei and Tong Han were too disgusted to stand by and wanted to see him avenge them in person. But before he could say much, he sensed sothing was off. After a mont’s hesitation, Beibei spoke, "Captain, may I ask you a favor?"
"Go ahead," Yang Xiao nodded.
"Could you not kill this person?" Beibei asked, and then added, "I an... try not to harm him critically, if possible, capture him alive."
"Why?" Yang Xiao was taken aback; he rembered that Nalan Shuo’s orders were indifferent to whether the target was dead or alive, and clearly, a dead person would be more cost-effective in such a situation.
Scribble, scribble, scribble—
Yu Shu started writing in the passenger seat. After putting down his pen, he lifted his writing board with his remaining right hand: The man was far stronger than us, but he only shot to wound and Beibei. When I had a gun, it was in my left hand, and Beibei was about to use a scissor takedown on him.
"So you’re saying he didn’t intend to kill, just to injure you minimally to make his escape," Yang Xiao roughly understood.
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