"Comrade Police, I feel wronged here. My employees are acting this way because they see I'm about to be arrested. Doesn't that show how well I treat them? Otherwise, who would behave like this?" Chen Hu smiled as he watched Wang Baoguo's expression change, then added, "Of course, I am a law-abiding citizen and would never resort to violence against the law. Since your paperwork is in order, I will go with you."
With a wave of his hand, Chen Hu's subordinates immediately toned down their arrogance, though they still eyed the situation warily.
The police officer approached with handcuffs to put on Chen Hu. Chen Hu narrowed his eyes slightly, causing his subordinates to stir restlessly again. Wang Baoguo looked at Chen Hu and stopped his apprentice from putting the handcuffs on him, saying, "No need for that; just take him back to the station."
Wang Baoguo then asked Chen Hu, "Who called Mao Tong here?"
"He's not here."
"Where is he?"
"He's not working today."
Chen Hu intended to conceal Mao Tong's whereabouts. The sudden arrival of the police meant only one thing: someone had been caught and spilled everything. However, Chen Hu was not worried; he had not participated in anything. It was Mao Tong who would be in trouble if caught.
Wang Baoguo asked again, "Where does he live?"
"I don't know."
"You have an obligation to cooperate with the Public Security Bureau!" Wang Baoguo raised his voice and stared directly at Chen Hu. Chen Hu remained unfazed and said nothing.
"Take him away!"
With a wave of his hand, Wang Baoguo signaled for his team to take Chen Hu away. The Azure Blue Rose Brothers rushed out of the door, watching their leader being taken away in the police car. As the vehicle gradually disappeared from view, the crowd began to stir. Several subordinates who had just been scolded by Chen Hu stepped forward to calm everyone down while announcing a state of emergency and increasing training efforts.
Meanwhile, a team led by Captain Wang Hailong from the County Public Security Bureau Criminal Police Team headed straight to the city. According to the surveillance footage obtained, Lu Bin had hidden in the urban area after fleeing in his car. Two hours later, a blue Chevrolet sedan appeared on Xueyuan Avenue, and at an intersection, the electronic eye clearly captured Lu Bin in the driver's seat. Ultimately, Lu Bin drove onto the highway, heading directly into the city.
On the way, Wang Hailong contacted comrades from the Public Security Bureau. After thorough communication, the Public Security Bureau agreed to provide assistance. However, just as the comrades from the Public Security Bureau were dispatching police forces, a phone call was made to a villa by South Lake in the city.
At the entrance of the city highway, Wang Hailong met up with comrades from the Public Security Bureau. Eight police cars formed a long line winding into the distance.
The Goose Manor villa complex by South Lake is the most luxurious villa area in the city, complemented by a park built around South Lake covering thirty square kilometers. It is rumored that in a few years, this location will host the World Horticultural Expo, and part of Goose Manor will be designated to receive foreign guests from around the world. Those who can reside in Goose Manor are either wealthy or influential.
Wang Hailong's police cars were stopped at the entrance of the estate. A young man in a crisp black uniform stood at the gate, unfazed by the long line of police cars across from him. Wang Hailong personally got out of the first vehicle and said to several security guards blocking their way, "This is a police operation; open the gate."
An older security guard stepped forward and saluted, saying, "I am the security team leader here. May I ask what brings you to this place?"
"This is an internal police matter; I cannot disclose it."
"Then I cannot let you in." The security team leader hesitated as he spoke; when headquarters sent them over, they had been repeatedly instructed not to allow anyone inside without proper authorization. Those who could stay at Goose Manor were not ordinary people; if they upset any residents, it would be trouble for him. But these individuals were police officers—this was the first time Goose Manor had encountered law enforcement.
"What? Do you still want to block us? I warn you, interfering with a Public Security Bureau operation is a serious crime!"
Wang Hailong did not care where he was; he only knew that Lu Bin was here and he had to go in and apprehend him. On Republic soil, there was no place beyond the law.
Wang Hailong's tough attitude intimidated the security team leader, who stammered, "Then please allow me to consult with my superiors; is that alright?"
"One minute. After one minute, whether you open the door or not, my people will enter—even if we have to break down your gate!"
Wang Hailong finished speaking, turned around, and got into the police car. The engine roared to life, startling the security team leader, who quickly went to make a phone call. Wang Hailong kept a close eye on the time as it ticked away second by second. He fastened his seatbelt; there were only a few seconds left. If the gate did not open, he would ram through it.
With just five seconds remaining, the gate remained tightly closed. Wang Hailong commanded over the intercom, "All units, prepare..."
Before he could finish his sentence, the two large black iron gates with exquisite carvings slowly opened to the sides. Wang Hailong shouted, "Go!"
The first police car surged forward, followed by one police car after another. The security team leader stood at the entrance, wiping sweat from his brow, thinking that the police were indeed impressive with their imposing presence. If the gates hadn’t opened, he wouldn’t have doubted they would have forced their way in. Fortunately, permission was granted from above to open the gates, but he had received a scolding for it. The security team leader felt frustrated; he had repeatedly instructed not to let anyone who wasn't an owner in, but now he was blamed for not being flexible when it came to stopping the police. It was truly difficult to be at the bottom of the hierarchy.
Eight police cars turned off their sirens, leaving only the red and blue lights flashing in the darkness. Goose Manor was entirely designed in European style, with wide concrete roads lined with sycamore trees. Neatly trimmed shrubs grew beneath the trees, and beautifully carved patterns adorned the walls at every turn. Street lamps reminiscent of those found on European streets in the last century added an air of sophistication.
In front of a two-story villa with an attic, Wang Hailong parked his car while the other police vehicles moved aside to surround the villa. Wang Hailong got out and looked at the upscale villa before him; this was Lu Bin's father Lu Jinhao's private residence. According to leads, Lu Bin was hiding here.
Two officers remained in each police car to guard the perimeter while everyone else followed Wang Hailong straight to the front door. The well-manicured lawn appeared dark green in the night; suddenly, a grasshopper jumped up and landed on the doorknob. Wang Hailong pressed the doorbell, and after a moment, a woman in her fifties opened the door and leaned down to say, "Hello, may I ask if you are here to..."
Before she could finish her sentence, she saw what was outside—the flashing red and blue lights and a group of uniformed officers made her shudder slightly as panic flickered in her eyes while she sized up Wang Hailong. He could tell that she was likely a housekeeper or something similar; he didn't want to frighten her and asked gently, "Is this Mr. Lu Jinhao's home?"
The woman nodded and asked, "What do you need Mr. Lu for?"
"We need to speak with Mr. Lu about some matters; please let us in."
Having seen all kinds of people at Mr. Lu's house before, she could naturally tell that this situation was more than just a simple inquiry. The woman hesitated at the door when someone inside called out, "Aunt Liu, who is it?"
"Mr. Lu, it's... it's the police."
"Oh, then let them in."
"Aunt Liu, clear the way," Wang Hailong instructed as he led the group inside. What greeted them was a luxurious and splendid hall, with an elegant design and dazzling golden decorations that showcased the owner's prominent status. In the center of the living room sat a man around fifty years old on an expensive leather sofa, his hair slicked back and shining, his gaze revealing determination. The black Armani suit he wore fit him snugly.
"Please, have a seat," the man said, pointing to a corner of the sofa with a warm smile, remaining seated himself, exuding an air of authority.
Only Wang Hailong took a seat on the sofa. He looked at the man before him; who else could it be but Lu Jinhao? He had seen this billionaire's face more than once in local news. Wang Hailong never expected to find himself sitting in front of Lu Jinhao today, especially in such a capacity.
"Mr. Lu, we are here because we need to see your son. He is at home, right?" Wang Hailong had been waiting for Lu Jinhao to speak, but Lu Jinhao showed no urgency, so he had to take the initiative.
"You are looking for A Bin? What has he done?"
Lu Jinhao displayed a hint of tension, but to Wang Hailong, it seemed like mere pretense.
"Your son is suspected of being involved in a kidnapping case. We traced him here, so we hope you don't mind our late visit. At the same time, we hope Mr. Lu can cooperate with us from the Public Security Bureau and allow your son to come with us to assist in the investigation."
"Kidnapping? That’s impossible!" This time, Lu Jinhao's expression genuinely changed. "How could my Bin be involved in kidnapping? He has everything he wants; why would he resort to that? You must be mistaken!"
Wang Hailong replied, "Mr. Lu, if Lu Bin is wronged, we from the Public Security Bureau will certainly ensure justice for him." Wang Hailong had more to say but knew that if Lu Bin was indeed involved in planning the kidnapping, they would not show leniency.
"But Bin... he isn't here."
"What!" Wang Hailong locked eyes with Lu Jinhao and reiterated firmly, "Mr. Lu, we have received reliable information that Lu Bin was here. Moreover, surveillance footage confirms it; we are not mistaken."
"You are not mistaken; Bin did come here, but he has already left. You know how it is; children grow up and no longer listen to their parents. I can't interfere with what he does."
"When did he leave?"
"Has it been a while since he left?" Lu Jinhao pondered deeply. "That's right, it has been a while."
"Do you know where he went?"
Lu Jinhao shook his head. "I don't know."
Li stepped forward and said, "Captain, let's search this place."
Lu Jinhao replied, "If you comrades in the police don't believe me, you can search my home. I will cooperate fully."
Wang Hailong waved his hand. "No need, I trust Mr. Lu."
"If there's nothing else, you can all leave for now. I'm feeling a bit of a headache," Lu Jinhao said, leaning against the sofa, the wrinkles at the corners of his brows deeply furrowed.
Wang Hailong responded, "There is something!"
Comment 0 Comment Count