Speeding all the way, the road ahead was under lockdown with traffic control. Luo Zheng accelerated, his earpiece constantly relaying ssages from all sides. To capture Charlie, the Ministry of Public Security ford a temporary task force to cooperate in the operation, with the state machinery in full swing—its power was terrifying. The propaganda departnt also set up a temporary group, swiftly gathering major dia outlets. There was only one main the: Charlie not only raped won in our country but is also a spy who kidnapped the General's family, and the Sam Embassy intended to shelter him. This string of explosive information sent the reporters into a frenzy.
Television quickly broadcast the news and capture operation, and citizens throughout the city rapidly learned the truth and began heated discussions. So even rushed to the capture site but were persuaded away by the police enforcing the lockdown. The Sam Country promptly issued a statent, claiming that relations between the two countries had been long-standing, with the friendship sacred and solid, asserting Charlie's actions were purely personal and had no relation to the governnt, and stating the embassy was unaware beforehand, but protecting their nationals was their responsibility.
Citizens were accustod to such rhetoric and brushed it off, focusing intently on the capture operation, struggling to find out who was in charge of directing the operation. Unfortunately, everyone remained tight-lipped. Luo Zheng found this amusing upon hearing all this over the earpiece and did not pay it much mind, his thoughts consud with contingency plans for the capture.
"Not good, the target indeed entered the underground pipeline," Lan Xing's warning ca through the earpiece.
Luo Zheng was already ntally prepared and remained calm, looking at Hong ihua with admiration. After a mont's thought, Hong ihua said, "The distance to the underground passage the target entered is about five kiloters. Set up a periter with a five-kiloter radius around the entrance, remain on the defensive, and trap him without making a direct attack."
"That's a good idea." Luo Zheng paused, then smiled, considering Charlie's skills. A proactive attack could lead to a passive position and expose vulnerabilities. If Charlie managed to break out, the density and vastness of Beijing's underground network would be terrifying—escaping it would be like a fish in water. The best strategy was to defend strictly.
"Understood," Lan Xing quickly responded.
"Is there enough manpower?" Luo Zheng asked worriedly.
"I've calculated it; there are roughly three hundred entrances nearby. Teams of three will be ford, and there is still manpower to spare. The Ministry of Public Security has mobilized police, ard police, and special police to assist—nearly a thousand personnel," Lan Xing said hurriedly.
"Good, any remaining personnel will form the reserve team. Once the target is detected, imdiately establish a new encirclent and deploy manpower," Luo Zheng answered swiftly, feeling relieved and driving seriously.
After another ten minutes, Luo Zheng and his team arrived at an intersection, which was under lockdown. Luo Zheng showed his credentials, and having seen his photo beforehand, the commanding officer allowed passage upon confirming his identity. Luo Zheng and his team crossed the security line, moved forward a bit, and saw a manhole cover opened, with a small vehicle parked nearby.
"The suspect went down from here," ntioned the police officer in charge of the scene.
"Thanks for your hard work," Luo Zheng answered casually, looking at Hong ihua, who quickly drew her sidearm with a determined expression. Luo Zheng sent a glance to Mountain Eagle and Snow Leopard, who nodded in unison. Just as Luo Zheng was about to jump down, Snow Leopard stepped in ahead, climbing down along the ladder bolted into the sewage pipe.
The police officer in charge quickly provided flashlights and simple anti-poison masks. Luo Zheng noted their thoroughness, expressed his gratitude, distributed the flashlights, and everyone descended into the underground passage. It was watery, the air foul, and dimly lit. They switched on their flashlights, diligently inspecting the ground for traces.
Traces of human activity were not evident in the underground pipeline, and after a thorough inspection, they stepped a few more paces in both directions but still found no traces. This result left everyone frustrated, as pursuing in the wrong direction would be futile. Snow Leopard irritably remarked, "This bastard is rather skilled, leaving no clues behind. Which way do we pursue?"
Luo Zheng looked at Hong ihua, who maintained a cool composure, her eyes gleaming with wisdom, saying, "Charlie returned from the south, possibly laying a false trail. Continuing south is one option; he might also be hiding in a nearby corner, intending to re-erge once our search slackens in a few days. He's difficult to handle, but we can dispatch more personnel to investigate further."
This proposal from Hong ihua seed prudent. Snow Leopard and Mountain Eagle found it reasonable but habitually looked to Luo Zheng for direction, who did not imdiately agree but fell into contemplation. In this situation, if it were him, which way would he flee?
"Charlie surely knows our resolve to achieve our goal at any cost, and he won't be able to hide for long nearby. As long as we maintain the blockade and have logistical support, trapping him is the most reliable thod. If he attacks a specific position, we'll know where he is and can deploy more personnel for targeted pursuit. Hence, Charlie won't act rashly but will try to quietly escape or hide and wait for an opportunity. Any new thoughts?" Hong ihua asked.
"Based on the current situation, Charlie's best approach is indeed to remain hidden and wait. No matter which route he takes, he will encounter our people and expose himself, which is detrintal for him. However, I'm considering another issue: As you ntioned, if he doesn't act, he'll be trapped by us, which is also disadvantageous," Luo Zheng answered sincerely.
"Indeed, running is not possible, hiding won't last long. That's the reason for my indecision, but I feel he will flee. However, pinpointing where is difficult, considering the area is surrounded by our people, and he'll be discovered regardless of his direction. We could wait on the surface for an opportunity," Hong ihua proposed.
"No, given Charlie's abilities, our personnel might not be able to guard effectively. If he eliminates the guard at a passage and dons a police uniform, he can achieve deception," Luo Zheng dismissed Hong ihua's suggestion, contemplating before saying, "North—he'll head north."
"Oh? Reason?" Hong ihua, intrigued by Luo Zheng's certainty, pressed for an explanation.
"If it were , unable to stay hidden or run, I might as well take a chance. The south is plains, the east is plains, the west has mountains, and so does the north. However, heading north offers an advantage—you can use the mountains as cover to cross the border, not possible in the west. Therefore, Charlie only has a slim chance heading north, while the other three directions, even if breaking free, offer no prospects," Luo Zheng analyzed confidently.
"Makes sense." Hong ihua paused, then reacted and agreed, "With Charlie's abilities, exposure isn't terrifying, but lack of hope is. The east, south, and west are like dead ends within the country—escaping only temporarily. But the north is different; it offers a slim chance and a possibility of crossing the border."
"It makes sense, then what are we waiting for?" Mountain Eagle agreed, asking.
"Let's go." Luo Zheng's expression turned serious, choosing to charge north with resolute and vigorous steps.
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