It wasn't easy for Ghost Hand to utter the word "complex." Luo Zheng felt a chill in his heart, shot a glance at Ghost Hand, and hurriedly walked inside. He quickly arrived at the living room, where a person lay on the sofa, body stiff and unmoving, eyes wide open with endless resentnt and anger. A bullet had entered through the back of the head and lodged into the backrest, blood splattered everywhere, its stench lingering heavily in the air.
Luo Zheng looked at the deceased in bewildernt, his expression growing solemn. From the look in their eyes before death, it seed they didn't want to die at all but were forced by so command to do so, wearing ho attire and slippers, indicating the order ca suddenly and forcefully—not even giving them ti to change into formal clothing before dying.
"This is his phone. I've checked it. The last number is from Yin Country. I had Lan Xing help investigate; it's a secret military line from Yin Country," Ghost Hand said in a low, grave tone. "Things have gotten complicated. It seems like this person chose to commit suicide after receiving the call from the Yin Country military."
"With his death, all clues are severed, and his son must be released due to a lack of sufficient evidence, making this matter difficult to pursue further. Sacrificing oneself to save the entire situation reflects a brilliant setup and ruthless asures. This opponent is very determined, well-aware of the benefits of self-sacrifice for the greater good," Luo Zheng pondered aloud.
"Indeed, this way, we're in a tough spot," Ghost Hand murmured.
"It's truly complex. For them to set such a large sche and go to such lengths, there must be follow-up asures, and with this person's death, we have no idea what those asures are now. My biggest worry is that there are still controlled individuals on the list," Luo Zheng quietly said, looking toward Shi Feng, who was examining the surroundings not far away.
"How about we report this first and let the higher-ups decide?" Ghost Hand suggested.
"Alright," Luo Zheng considered and promptly called out, "Director Shi, at this point, all lead lines are severed. Compile the recent occurrences into a brief and report it up. Besides, I'm worried there are still their people on the list, but it's just a concern without enough evidence. Let the higher-ups decide what to do."
"Okay," Shi Feng readily agreed, recognizing the gravity of the situation, sothing beyond their decision-making capacity.
After a brief coordination about safety, they turned the scene over to the police. Luo Zheng, with Lan Xue and others, left, taking a police ride arranged by Shi Feng back to his ho. Upon seeing her future daughter-in-law and others, including Ghost Hand, arriving, Mrs. Luo was overjoyed and imdiately began to prepare.
Luo Hu, surprised by the gathering, glanced quizzically at Luo Zheng, suspecting the mission didn't go smoothly, knowing otherwise it wouldn't have concluded so swiftly. He didn't probe further, instead signaling everyone to sit down; being old acquaintances, formality was unnecessary, and Lan Xue went to help in the kitchen while small talk ensued among them.
An hour later, a sumptuous al was laid out. Just as everyone sat down to eat, the doorbell rang. Luo Zheng, puzzled, looked at his parents, wondering who could be visiting at this ti. Mr. and Mrs. Luo were equally unsure. Being nearby, Mountain Eagle gestured and said, "I'll get it."
The door opened, and the visitors surprised and delighted Luo Zheng and the others—it was Hong ihua and Lan Xing. The Luo couple recognized Lan Xing, having t before, and looked with curiosity at Hong ihua. Slightly older, in her early thirties, she bore the elegance and chicness of a blooming chrysanthemum, her casual attire adding a touch of competence to her deanor.
"Who is this?" Mrs. Luo, surprised, glanced at Luo Zheng, suspecting a romantic entanglent, but seeing Lan Xue's indifferent deanor, she discreetly sighed in relief.
"What? No one's happy to see ?" Hong ihua cheerfully remarked.
As the host, Luo Zheng naturally stepped forward to welco her warmly, saying, "Didn't expect you to co. First-ti visitors shouldn't co empty-handed." Considering everyone's special identities and to spare Hong ihua any awkwardness, he refrained from addressing her officially.
Hong ihua, pleased, responded with a smile, "I knew you'd be greedy. Just a token, don't despise it."
"Would he dare? It's worth over ten thousand, enough to buy a nice bag," Lan Xing quipped beside them, subtly emphasizing Hong ihua's kind gesture to everyone.
"Having you here is enough, no need to go overboard," Luo Zheng humorously replied, accepting the gift, and called out to his parents, "Dad, Mom, my colleague, little sister, set two more places."
"Co, co, quickly sit down," Mrs. Luo, hearing they were colleagues, briskly prepared, without further questioning, understanding much about the discipline issues in a military family.
Luo Hu, noticing the leadership aura radiating from Hong ihua and estimating her age, inferred she was a superior and arranged for her to sit beside him to show respect. Hong ihua, without pretense, warmly greeted everyone. Seeing her visit, deviating from standard procedures, even Lan Xing with a large, equipnt-laden bag, they realized sothing was amiss, nodding in silent understanding but refraining from imdiate inquiries.
After a satisfying al, Hong ihua exchanged a look with Luo Zheng, who, understanding, nodded and told his parents, "Dad, Mom, we have a matter to attend to briefly."
"Go on, bring everyone over for als whenever free," Mrs. Luo warmly replied.
With few formalities, they exited the apartnt, descending by elevator in silence. Exiting the community, they boarded a van parked outside, where Hong ihua instructed Ghost Hand to drive, stating an address.
Upon hearing 'Zhongnanhai,' everyone looked at Hong ihua in astonishnt. She didn't offer an explanation, and no one asked, patiently waiting in the car. Over twenty minutes later, the van arrived at Zhongnanhai. Along the way, Luo Zheng sensed nurous hidden sentries, a heavily guarded environnt.
Outside, many black-suited guards patrolled, bulging waists clearly gun-holstered, casting wary glances. As Zhongnanhai bodyguards, they possessed acute alertness and proficiency in defense, allowing no room for error on their reputed duty.
Once the van stopped, everyone disembarked. Led by Hong ihua, they approached the door of a mottled villa. Guards in suits ca forward to inquire, but upon Hong ihua presenting her credentials, they promptly communicated with inside personnel and permitted entry upon confirmation. Hong ihua gave everyone a glance as she said, "The Chairman wants to see us—stay sharp."
"Understood," everyone responded solemnly, realizing their expectations were aligned with reality, nodding seriously while curiosity brimd within—why would the Chairman summon them? Could it not have been resolved with a phone call, necessitating such complication?
Falling in behind Hong ihua, they held their breaths, advancing—soon they'd et their superior's superior. Nervous excitent mingled with curiosity within them.
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