At this mont, the nanny on the street saw the back of her mistress.
Wasn’t the mistress at ho with the master? Why did she go out? Could it be that she wanted to personally pick sothing for him?
The security guard also noticed the always dignified Li Qiong’er, gracefully walking out.
Thus, today’s log recorded an additional note: Mrs. Lu left the house at 10:20 a.m., while Mr. Lu remained at ho.
In the evening, Lu Chi’s house was flooded with police officers.
It was reported that Li Qiong’er left the house after 10 a.m. and hadn’t returned by nightfall. Her husband, Lu Chi, was deeply concerned and took the initiative to contact the police. He even cooperated with them in their investigation, assisting in searching the house for clues.
The police concluded their preliminary findings: Li Qiong’er was missing.
The team handling Li Qiong’er’s disappearance was not Captain Xu’s.
Because Xu Zhengyang and Jiang Jinghuai had more pressing matters to attend to.
**
The Hua Family’s annual gathering took place at their courtyard house.
Many relatives and colleagues of the Hua Family gathered in the courtyard.
Hua Jun and Jiang Jinghuai stood at the entrance, greeting the guests.
In fact, all the guests had arrived, except for Jiang Jinghuai’s colleagues from the Public Security Bureau. These individuals were invited to maintain order and handle ergencies.
Hua Jun glanced at Jiang Jinghuai, her palms sweaty: "I heard that one of the criminals I sent in before, nad Ji Qin, hasn’t been behaving in prison. You went to see her last ti."
Jiang Jinghuai gave a faint acknowledgnt, "She told she’s being deliberately retaliated against in prison."
Hua Jun’s face subtly shifted.
"However," Jiang Jinghuai paused, his cold eyes locking onto hers as he said in a deep voice: "When one commits too many unjust deeds, retaliation is inevitable. Her claims may just be a ploy to seek police protection and improve her prison conditions."
"I’ve encountered many people like her; I usually don’t take them seriously. Besides, the case of Director Lu is far more significant."
"Indeed, Ji Qin is exceptionally cunning," Hua Jun chuckled softly, relieved. "The Director Lu case is of utmost importance. With a breakthrough, it’ll be beneficial for your career. Recently, the Lu Family hasn’t been at peace—the Director being attacked, and Major Lu’s wife missing."
Jiang Jinghuai pressed his thin lips tightly together.
Hua Zifeng approached with a wine glass, laughing and interjecting, "Sis, Mom’s looking for your help. You and brother-in-law are really inseparable, huh?"
Hua Jun smiled awkwardly, "I’ll go over first."
Hua Zifeng clinked glasses in a mock toast, "Brother-in-law, everyone’s here today."
"We’re fully prepared as well." Jiang Jinghuai added with a cryptic tone, then suddenly stepped forward, "Captain Xu has arrived."
Xu Zhengyang stepped out of the police car, the two sides eting face to face.
Jiang Jinghuai shifted from his previous nonchalant deanor, his expression now solemn and firm: "Everyone’s here. It’s ti to take action." The trap was set; it was ti to catch them all in one net.
Xu Zhengyang nodded seriously: "I’ve stationed personnel outside; the place is sealed off tightly—not even a fly could get in." Jiang Jinghuai added, "I’ve placed operatives inside as well."
Jiang Jinghuai and Xu Zhengyang stood outside the door while countless police officers silently infiltrated the interior. In an instant, the laughter and chatter turned into panicked screams. The Hua Family, notorious in Beijing, crumbled in re monts.
Jiang Jinghuai hadn’t wasted his ti embedded in the Hua Family. While he hadn’t uncovered everything, he had pieced together much of the puzzle. This was a golden opportunity—with the Hua Family gathered, delaying action would only make things harder later.
Hua Father had severe addiction issues. Years ago, he had beco addicted to drugs. Whether willingly or coerced no longer mattered. Leveraging his position, he had bypassed customs to export goods to Europe and Arica, profiting extensively. These goods, however, were imported from the border regions. At the border, they maintained a network of interests. Completing the smuggling chain required cooperation from multiple sides—they had accomplices.
Even more chilling was the fact that drug cartel mbers had infiltrated the military. Who the accomplices and mbers were would only beco clearer once Hua Father was apprehended.
"I should’ve figured out your identity sooner," Xu Zhengyang said, sowhat sentintally.
Jiang Jinghuai opened his mouth to respond when suddenly a police officer rushed out from inside:
"Hua Lin and Hua Zifeng have escaped!"
"What happened?" Xu Zhengyang asked urgently.
"When we entered, Hua Zifeng had already disappeared. Hua Lin, however, took a hostage into his study. By the ti we entered, he was gone, and there was a secret passage in the study! Our n are pursuing him through the passage!"
"They won’t get far. Chase them." Jiang Jinghuai’s stern expression remained unchanged.
Indeed, the area was locked down, and their chances of escape were slim.
On the street, Jiang Jinghuai and his team encountered Hua Father fleeing. Despite being middle-aged, Hua Father still exhibited impressive agility and strength. The crowded street posed great danger, raising alarm among the officers.
"Keep a close eye on him. Don’t let him seize a hostage," Jiang Jinghuai commanded through the walkie-talkie.
Hua Father ran swiftly, darting through the crowd. But faced with the sheer number of pursuers, his movents began to falter and slow. He lost his steady pace and agility. At this rate, capture was inevitable. In a mont of desperation, he charged into a shop and snatched a baby standing at the doorway.
"Ah!" The shop’s patrons panicked.
ng Shuyan hadn’t yet reacted before his younger brother was snatched away.
Facing an ard suspect, Tian Sangsang froze montarily, soothing the custors while pulling ng Shuyan aside.
The well-fed Little Tangyuan neither cried nor fussed. Hua Father glanced at Tian Sangsang, then at the adorable child in his arms. Such a spirited child—one pull of the trigger would send a bloom of blood from this child’s forehead. If he were to die, everyone would perish together. But he wasn’t ready to die just yet.
Others had sons; he had a son too.
The worst-case scenario had arrived.
Jiang Jinghuai raised both hands, signaling his team to step back and stay calm.
Hua Father felt emboldened, "Jiang Jinghuai, you’re truly remarkable, even deceiving . Is this your son? I’m exhausted today and don’t feel like wielding knives or guns. Let leave, and I’ll release your son. The score between us—we can settle it later."
"Alright." Jiang Jinghuai agreed on thin ice, almost without hesitation.
He had made countless mistakes regarding his family. Suspects could still be captured, but children could not endure further harm. He couldn’t bear to hurt his family even a shred more. "Let him go. Don’t shoot."
He instructed.
Hua Father, satisfied, tossed the baby toward him and swiftly vanished into the crowd. Jiang Jinghuai caught the child, but before he could look at him for long, ng Shuyan ran up to him on little legs.
The little boy raised his head and scrutinized Jiang Jinghuai for a mont before decisively speaking: "Uncle Ye, give back my brother." His voice, as always, was soft and delicate, his little face determined.
Jiang Jinghuai felt both amused and exasperated. He slowly squatted down and placed Little Tangyuan into his arms.
ng Shuyan pursed his lips tightly, his arms filled to the brim. Little Tangyuan tilted his head and nestled into ng Shuyan’s embrace, utterly ignoring the police uncle standing nearby.
Jiang Jinghuai placed his broad palm on ng Shuyan’s head, curling a lock of his soft hair around his finger.
ng Shuyan pouted angrily.
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