Chapter 162: Yes Sir

Chapter 162: Yes, Sir

Zhang Xingzong was about to rise when Jian Ruochen called out, "Wait!"

He lowered his gaze, carefully observing the expression on Zhang Qingzhe's face.

Zhang Qingzhe's eyelids drooped, his back barely leaning against the chair, his posture hunched. Gone was the confidence and ease he'd had when he arrived, yet there was no sign of guilt after having done something wrong.

He didn’t seem like someone who could play mind games with the police.

Zhang Xingzong grew anxious, unsure of what to do. "Wait for what?"

Jian Ruochen took a deep breath. "Have you considered that the Police Tactical Unit’s operation might be too conspicuous? It could alert the British Hong Kong intelligence department and tip them off."

Zhang Xingzong’s face turned pale.

Thankfully, Jian Ruochen had realized it in time!

Once the intelligence department became alert, they might resort to desperate measures, ultimately using the students in the elementary schools as leverage.

"What should we do then?" Zhang Xingzong asked in a low voice.

Jian Ruochen said, "Process the detention paperwork for Zhang Qingzhe and hold him in separate custody from Qiu Jiawen. I’ll go find Superintendent Guan."

He paused, then added in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Drag out the detention process. Delay it for a full eight hours to prevent them from contacting a lawyer and avoid any leaks from the police station that might alert British Hong Kong intelligence personnel."

Zhang Xingzong nodded, handcuffed the suspect, and escorted him out.

Just as they left the interrogation room, the door next to them clicked open.

Guan Yingjun stepped out with a file tucked under his arm. Meeting Jian Ruochen’s serious gaze, he paused for a moment. After the two suspects were taken away separately, he asked, "Did you get the same information from him? The underground garage at the elementary school?"

Jian Ruochen replied, "Yes."

It was a position easy to defend but hard to attack. The elementary school served as a natural barrier, and the children could be taken hostage at any moment.

"The Police Tactical Unit can’t be used."

The Hong Kong Police Force’s Police Tactical Unit primarily patrols on motorcycles, arriving quickly on the scene. Their usual duties involved maintaining public order or responding to emergencies like shootouts and robberies.

Their advantage was speed, but the downside was the noise they make. Moreover, Hong Kong’s counter-terrorism department wasn’t formally established until 2009—it didn’t exist at this time.

Guan Yingjun said, "Get the Police Force’s Special Duties Unit."

The Special Duties Unit was the Special Duties Unit of the Hong Kong Police Force. Although they hadn’t fired a single shot during the old gold shop robbery case, they were still the best of the best.

Though they belonged to the Police Tactical Unit, they were more specialized and served as the forerunner to the counter-terrorism department.

Guan Yingjun picked up his phone to call Lei Jinwen and handed the file to Jian Ruochen. "This is Qiu Jiawen’s statement. Check for any inconsistencies with Zhang Qingzhe’s account. Give me the details you got from your interrogation—I’ll report to Madam."

The two exchanged their records.

Jian Ruochen walked toward the A Team office while reading.

Qiu Jiawen’s statement was not as complete as Zhang Qingzhe’s.

He only told Guan Yingjun that the headquarters was in the underground garage, without specifying the exact location. Clearly, he was still holding back.

If Zhang Qingzhe hadn’t spoken up, who would've known that the underground garages of the two elementary schools were connected through a shared space?

If they had acted rashly, not only would they have tipped off the targets, but what would've happened to the students still in the schools?

Jian Ruochen placed the file on the desk, stood quietly for a moment, then called the STN headquarters. "Chen Zhuyao… There might be an incident at Mingren Primary and Decheng Primary later. Send reporters to shoot footage discreetly. Focus on the school buildings and keep an eye on the students inside. If anything unusual happens, call me immediately. These suspects are armed with guns—do not approach recklessly. Only record, do not broadcast live!"

He didn’t have an actual network of informants, but upon reflection, all field-capable STN reporters could serve as his informants.

A short while later, Guan Yingjun returned after finishing his call and brought the A Team into the locker room to gear up. Jian Ruochen informed him about the media surveillance plan, and Guan Yingjun made another call to report it. After confirming everything was in order, the two loaded their magazines, the clicks echoing in sequence.

The entire Major Crimes Unit mobilized quickly.

Jian Ruochen put on his bulletproof vest, tightened the tactical belt around his waist with a pull and a click, securing it snugly. His waist appeared lean and powerful.

Guan Yingjun reached out and measured it with his handspan. Even after a month of recovery and having put on some weight, Jian Ruochen’s waist was still only as wide as his handspan. Spreading his fingers, he could span it completely. Grabbing the belt, he could lift him with one hand from the living room to the bedroom.

He lowered his gaze and said, "We’ll have roast goose tonight, one portion each."

Jian Ruochen inserted spare magazines, a walkie-talkie, handcuffs, and a pistol into his equipment belt. "So now you’re agreeing to it?"

Guan Yingjun grunted in agreement. "Putting on weight will help with muscle building. Being too thin puts you at a disadvantage in a fight."

Once fully equipped, Guan Yingjun led the team to the southeast corner of the Major Crimes Unit’s hall, where a shrine dedicated to Guan Yu stood.

The Major Crimes Unit, all 105 members, assembled in formation before the green-robed Guan Yu, as if ready for inspection.

Guan Yingjun lit incense with a lighter, shook off the flame, gave a single bow to Guan Yu, who held the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, and then inserted the incense into the burner.

Time was short, mission critical.

There was no time for three bows.

Surely Guan Yu would understand.

Lin Yazhi said, "Move out!"

The officers didn’t shout prayers to Guan Yu for protection, only silently muttered a few prayers in their hearts before turning and heading out of the police station, straight to the parking lot.

Liang Xinyue scratched his neck. "Wonder how many perps are in that underground garage."

"Yeah, the last time we had such a big operation was during the Kowloon Walled City incident. Hey, I heard you cried that time?"

"Ah! I heard you were so scared you drove away with that candy vendor!"

Liang Xinyue’s ears turned red. "Who said that?"

Looking at his colleagues’ smiling faces, he added softly, "I won’t run this time."

Laughter erupted from C Team's vehicles.

The police convoy moved out together, but the movement would be too conspicuous, so they had to travel in separate groups using different routes.

The A Team led the way.

As soon as Jian Ruochen fastened his seatbelt, Guan Yingjun stomped on the gas, speeding off.

The gate patrol officer on duty had already received the message and moved the dilapidated wooden barrier aside.

The white Toyota raced forward unimpeded toward Mingren Primary.

***

Minren Primary, foreign teachers' office.

Two foreign teachers were whispering to each other, "I heard the principal of Decheng Primary didn't show up today either?"

"Not sure."

They exchanged a glance, stood up, and looked out the window. Outside Minren and Decheng Primary was a wide main road with no obstructions, making the traffic and pedestrians clearly visible.

"Nothing unusual," scoffed a stocky man with brown hair. "These foolish Hong Kong people could never discover this place. We've been posted here under orders for 20 years—we've seen everything."

"Better to be cautious," said the other. "West Kowloon isn't what it used to be..."

They looked at each other and snickered. "That Consultant Jian is lucky. With a rare blood type and losing so much blood from a gunshot, he still survived."

They fell silent for a moment.

"If only Jian Ruochen had died."

If Jian Ruochen were dead, West Kowloon, which had been inexplicably united by a sudden force, would surely be severely weakened.

Connat would also withdraw from Hong Kong, and British Hong Kong could gain at least three times more leverage.

What a pity...

"Better get the guns ready, just in case something happens."

***

Near the shopping mall one street away from Minren Primary, Group A and the Special Duties Unit arrived together.

Fang Kaichang and Guan Yingjun exchanged a glance, and a hint of envy welled up in Fang Kaichang's heart. "Since Consultant Jian joined, your pace of evidence collection has more than doubled."

They even found the spies' hideout.

It made their Special Duties Unit seem like they were just dead weight.

At this rate, they might as well rename themselves the Special Freeloading Unit.

Guan Yingjun said, "He's got brains and guts."

Not a word of modesty.

Fang Kaichang was speechless, surprised that Guan Yingjun's abrasiveness hadn't changed at all. He was at a loss for words for a moment.

Jian Ruochen quickly interjected, "Superintendent Fang, evidence and operations are different. I just got lucky with the evidence. Now, we still need your leadership to catch the perps and rescue people."

"This is the Special Duties Unit's expertise. Specialized tasks for specialized teams. Our criminal investigation department naturally has a higher chance of encountering evidence."

Fang Kaichang felt pretty pleased hearing this and smiled, patting Jian Ruochen on the right shoulder. "Has your injury healed?"

With the Security Bureau undergoing a major reshuffle and the Director of the Security Bureau and the Commissioner of the Police Department united, everyone knew Jian Ruochen had close ties to the mainland. The Security Bureau involved mainland "national security," and its positions were tightly controlled and unlikely to change.

But the Police Department was different. Who was favored by the higher-ups could be somewhat inferred.

No wonder the higher-ups liked him. If such a well-spoken junior were from his own team, he'd be thrilled to bits even in his dreams.

As they spoke, members of the Special Duties Unit and the West Kowloon Regional Crime Unit gradually gathered.

Fang Kaichang pressed the radio on his neck. "Boss, everyone's here."

Jian Ruochen pondered who could be called "Boss" by someone of Fang Kaichang's rank. Just as he was running through the possibilities in his mind, a person emerged from a restaurant on the first floor of the mall behind them.

Lei Jinwen!

The Police Commissioner himself had come to personally command the operation!

Lei Jinwen wore a bulletproof vest, with a gun on each side of his waist and two long ammo clips strapped to his chest.

He moved with vigor, his figure robust and formidable, an old pro.

With an intense soundtrack, it would be just like the entrance of a big shot in a Hong Kong police film!

Lei Jinwen pulled out some tissues and wiped the corner of his mouth. "This pork knuckle over rice still tastes about the same as when I was young."

Jian Ruochen was stunned, the soundtrack in his head abruptly stopping.

Fang Kaichang said, "The owner's son took over the business."

Lei Jinwen took two maps handed to him by Guan Yingjun, glanced at them, and suddenly raised his hand, beckoning to Jian Ruochen. "Come here."

Jian Ruochen immediately walked over. "Director Lei."

He suddenly understood why everyone referred to Lei Jinwen as "Boss" or "Director Lei."

Because "Superintendent Lei" sounded too much like an insult.

Lei Jinwen acknowledged him and pointed at the map. "The headquarters is between two basements. It would be best to send someone to scope out how to get in and how many people are inside. Consultant Jian, do you have any recommendations?"

Instantly, all the officers' eyes were on Jian Ruochen.

This was a real opportunity for him to choose who would get the credit!

Jian Ruochen's mind raced.

He understood why Lei Jinwen had called him over!

Was this... was this teaching him how to be a leader?

Jian Ruochen's heart beat faster and faster. He looked at the two thin sheets of paper in front of him, then scanned the people around him, finally settling on Guan Yingjun.

This was an opportunity.

But he couldn't give it to Guan Yingjun.

Although Guan Yingjun had worked undercover, since regaining his identity, he had often been in the spotlight. His background had surely been profiled by intelligence agencies.

Sending him would be no different from sending him to his death.

As for the others in the Major Crimes Unit, many were also high-profile and had appeared on television.

Jian Ruochen's thoughts raced, and he finally looked at Fang Kaichang. "Director Lei, this task isn't suitable for the Major Crimes Unit. Please have Superintendent Fang pick a few new faces to scout it out."

Lei Jinwen's lips curved into a smile. "I was thinking the same thing."

He could avoid playing favorites. Jian Ruochen, though young, was very capable.

The higher-ups valued him not because he was well-spoken.

He truly knew his stuff.

Lei Jinwen commanded, "Fang Kaichang, select one man and one woman from your team to take off their outer gear and pose as parents to check things out."

He issued instructions methodically and sternly, one after another: "The rest of you, enter through the back entrances of the shops along this commercial street and hide inside. The road in front of Mingren and Decheng Primary Schools has no cover, so make sure to stay deep inside the shops and avoid exposing yourselves."

"Lin Yazhi, contact the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and police emergency medics to be on standby."

"Special Duties Unit, stand by!"

"West Kowloon Major Crimes Unit Teams B, C, and D, remove your external gear, coordinate with security, infiltrate the primary school, detain all adults, and confiscate their phones and pagers to prevent them from contacting spies or attempting to kidnap students."

"Team E, contact the Transport Department to restrict and block off traffic. To maintain normalcy, the remaining officers from the Major Crimes Unit will patrol around both schools in plainclothes and unmarked vehicles, posing as routine patrols to avoid alerting the intelligence agencies."

"Guan Yingjun, take Team A and the sniper from the Special Duties Unit to set up a sniper position inside the shopping mall. Sweep for bugs—the sniper rifle is in the vehicle, go retrieve one. If anyone attempts to take a student hostage, take them out if needed."

Lei Jinwen paused, stopped Jian Ruochen, who was about to follow Guan Yingjun. "Stay by my side. If the sniper’s angle is insufficient... negotiations will be up to you."

Although the headquarters was located in the garage, not all the spies would be there.

If anyone tried to take students hostage while fleeing, negotiations would be necessary.

As the leader, you’ve got to cover all your bases.

And always prepare for the worst-case scenario.

In Lei Jinwen’s mind, Jian Ruochen was the final safeguard.

Some people, despite their youth, are natural stabilizers.

Lei Jinwen patted Jian Ruochen’s shoulder. "Everyone trusts you. With you here, the others can act without hesitation."

Because they knew that even if someone escaped, Jian Ruochen could use his smooth talking to persuade the hostage-taker to release the captives.

Everything over the past year had proven that Jian Ruochen had what it took to be the Police Force’s trump card.

Jian Ruochen felt the pressure.

He stood firm, glanced at Guan Yingjun, then turned back to Lei Jinwen and said solemnly:

"Yes, sir!"

Inside Minren Primary School.

A portly, brown-haired foreign teacher with a gut stared at the traffic outside for a moment and suddenly got a bad feeling.

Something wasn’t right!

He turned and called out, "Greyman, come take a look. The traffic downstairs is unusual!"

It seemed like someone was deliberately circling the area!

Could it be... the police had actually found this place?

Greyman came over and glanced down. "If you’re really worried, go check from the sniper position we prepared. If you’re that scared, have a few students brought to the office."

"From top to bottom, this place is full of hostages. What are you afraid of?"