Shi Feng approached, his face full of apology, and said, "I'm sorry, I was in a rush to catch the criminal, and the situation was unclear. It was my fault for not giving clear instructions, and I've caused you trouble. Don't worry, though; we'll cover all the damages. Later, I'll apply for a Good Citizen Award for you. I am Shi Feng, the head of the Serious Cri Unit of the city bureau. Please trust ."
With a full na and a sincere attitude, the taxi drivers who had helped out heaved a sigh of relief and smiled. Luo Zheng reached into his pocket where he had two thousand in cash, which he handed to the taxi driver, saying, "Brother, split this among everyone as a little compensation from . You have good driving skills, passionate, brave, and you know the area well. Do you have the guts to co drive for for a few days? But let make it clear now; it's dangerous, as you've seen from what just happened."
"I've been a soldier and seen battle, what's there to fear? It's just that I have to feed my wife and kids at ho. I'm not being rcenary," the taxi driver said, a little embarrassed.
"I understand. You're getting paid for your work, which is only fair. I'll give you two thousand a day, and I'll take care of any other expenses. Is that enough?" Luo Zheng said with a smile. Having seen the taxi driver's skills, he thought recruiting soone familiar with the local terrain and traffic would be most suitable.
Upon hearing this, the taxi driver laughed and readily agreed, "Sure, with so much offered, how could I say no?"
Luo Zheng took the taxi driver's phone number and left the half-dead criminal in the back seat of his car. He then sat in the back and signaled the driver to go. The driver, being a forr soldier himself, knew the rules and discipline and didn't ask any questions. After Luo Zheng gave him an address, the driver quickly started the taxi and sped off.
About fifteen minutes later, the taxi stopped at the entrance of a residential community. Luo Zheng, carrying the criminal, got out of the car and signaled the driver to head back and wait for a call the next day. The driver agreed without further questions and left. At that mont, Lan Xue ca out from the community, glanced at the criminal, and asked with concern, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. This scumbag is a Japanese invader," Luo Zheng said in a low voice.
"A Japanese invader?" Lan Xue was startled, gave the man a cold look, and said softly, "Let's first go to Elder Lin's house."
Luo Zheng, having reviewed the personnel records from the Military Research Institute, naturally knew that this community was Elder Lin's residence. He agreed and, with the criminal slung over his shoulder, headed inside. The security guard at the gate glanced at them but didn't ask any questions and let them through. They arrived at a unit's door, walked up to the second floor, and knocked.
Snow Leopard answered the door, looked surprised for a second, and said in a low voice, "Elder Lin has already gone to rest. And who is this?"
"This is the suspect who was following us, a Japanese invader," Luo Zheng replied quietly, tossing the man onto a chair in the living room and taking a seat on a sofa. He briefly explained what had happened and then added, "That taxi driver is pretty good; he could co in handy for transporting Elder Lin. If he's mixed in with the car fleet, it's less likely to draw attention."
"That plan is feasible," Lan Xue pondered and agreed, "I didn't expect a Japanese invader. He must be either a Japanese Special Agent or a hired assassin. Let's not worry about him for now. I'll make a call." Saying that, she dialed a number, spoke briefly, and signaled for soone to co and pick up the criminal.
After hanging up, everyone silently watched the criminal. After a short wait, two sturdy n knocked and entered, saluted Lan Xue, who recognized them and returned the salute. She then pointed to the unconscious criminal, and the two n, understanding, carried him away. Seeing Luo Zheng's puzzled expression, Lan Xue explained, "Those are from the National Blade Intelligence Team. With their involvent and assistance, we'll soon be able to identify him."
"Oh," Luo Zheng casually responded. National Blade had an Operations Team, Equipnt Team, and Intelligence Team. Only team leaders were qualified to be in contact with the Intelligence and Equipnt Teams. Luo Zheng knew the rules, didn't ask further. Since it was one of their own, he believed there shouldn't be a big problem. His expression grim, he said, "These people actually made a move to silence us, first with a bomb, then with an assassination attempt. It seems soone is desperate to stop our country's research."
"As neighbors, Japan is the last country that wants to see our military technology develop and surpass theirs. It's within expectations that they would send soone to hinder us, but we can't be certain it's Japan yet. Let's wait for the Intelligence Team's final conclusion. It's getting late, everyone should take turns to rest to ensure we have enough energy. There might be a tough fight tomorrow. I'll get so sleep first; you two decide who takes the first shift," Lan Xue said coldly, glancing at the wall clock before standing up and leaving.
"You just fought a battle and must be tired. Go to sleep first," Snow Leopard suggested.
"Alright, wake up in three hours," Luo Zheng said as he lay down on the couch to rest. Elder Lin's wife had already left, and with their child having moved out, the large room was only occupied by him, providing plenty of space for everyone to rest. But Luo Zheng felt uncomfortable sleeping in soone else's bed, so he chose the couch instead.
In his sleep, Luo Zheng had a nightmare. He dreamt the room was filled with gas, then suddenly exploded, leveling the entire building. He too was blown to bits, his soul drifting mournfully through the air. He suddenly woke up, covered in cold sweat, sitting on the couch to find Snow Leopard looking at him with concern. Luo Zheng forced a bitter smile and asked, "How long was I out?"
"It's midnight. Are you alright?" Snow Leopard asked, still concerned.
"I'm fine. I just had a nightmare about a gas explosion in the house," Luo Zheng said offhandedly.
"Ah?" Snow Leopard's face changed slightly, and he imdiately got up, rushing to the kitchen.
Luo Zheng said with a bitter smile, "I already told you, it was just a dream."
"Better safe than sorry," Snow Leopard replied as he went into the kitchen to check. He found the windows ajar, directly above the stove and gas pipeline. The valve on the pipeline had been tampered with, slowly leaking gas. Shocked, Snow Leopard hurriedly followed the pipeline to the main valve in the corner and turned it off. Leaning by the window, he looked around and spotted an iron spatula hanging not far away, typically used for cooking. Snow Leopard picked up the spatula and forced the window open with it.
"Pop!" A bullet scread through the air, striking the spatula. The force of the impact nearly caused the spatula to fall to the floor, but Snow Leopard was prepared and managed to hold on to it. He took a glance at the spatula pierced by the bullet which struck the wall, leaving a bullet hole. His face turned pale; it was a sniper rifle, equipped with a suppressor.
With that in mind, Snow Leopard quickly ducked, hunched over and moved to the living room. He signaled Luo Zheng with several tactical hand gestures to explain the situation and pointed towards the room where Lan Xue was resting. Understanding, Luo Zheng crouched and quickly made his way to the door of Lan Xue's room, knocked, but there was no response. He presud she was sound asleep. After briefly considering, he gently turned the doorknob and pushed the door open.
At that mont, the door was pulled open from the inside. Lan Xue looked at Luo Zheng in surprise as he pushed the door, but seeing him lunge at her, she realized sothing was wrong. She cooperatively fell backward, her brows furrowing slightly as her expression turned solemn.
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