Chapter Sixty-Nine: Fire Breaks Out

Chapter Sixty-Nine: A Fire Breaks Out

Gao Debiao, who had already been unwilling to be ordered around by the younger Bai Zeshou, now found his temper flaring uncontrollably, especially when he saw Bai Zeshou leisurely closing his eyes as if nothing concerned him. He almost wanted to kick him. Still, Gao Debiao managed to restrain his anger and, with a hint of schadenfreude, said, “Captain Bai, you certainly put on airs. You want our cooperation, yet you won’t even share the target’s profile with us. If anything goes wrong with the mission, we’re not taking any responsibility.”

Ye Mao, though silent, also looked at Bai Zeshou with a colder, sharper gaze.

“Oh, the target is from out of town. I don’t know any more details. All I know is he’s a member of the Red Party and likely has top secret information,” Bai Zeshou replied, opening his eyes and speaking languidly, having sensed their hostility.

He wasn’t withholding information on purpose; he genuinely didn’t know more about this special agent. Closing his eyes a moment ago wasn’t to rest, but to carefully consider the details of their operation.

Soon, the convoy stopped. When Bai Zeshou and the others got out of the jeep, the police were already in position, and Bai Zeshou spotted Sun Yanjie from afar.

“Well, what’s the big mission this time? Even three team leaders have been mobilized!” Sun Yanjie said with a smile as he walked over, handing each of them a cigarette.

“Captain Sun, you should ask Captain Bai here. We’re just here to assist, supporting Group Three’s operation,” Ye Mao joked, glancing at Bai Zeshou before adding calmly.

Bai Zeshou looked at Ye Mao deeply, then chuckled. “Ha, Sun, don’t listen to Ye. We’re cooperating, that’s all. To be precise, Captain Wu was worried I couldn’t handle the situation alone, so he sent them to help and advise.”

“Alright, enough. Let’s get to the task at hand,” Sun Yanjie said, sensing the underlying tension among the three but wisely choosing not to get involved. Such petty rivalries were everywhere. He changed the subject to the mission.

“I’ll get straight to it,” Bai Zeshou said, not shirking once the mission was mentioned. “Captain Ye, Captain Gao, this alley has only two exits. If we secure them, the target won’t escape no matter what. I’ll have to trouble you both.”

“Hmph,” Gao Debiao snorted and led his team away without another word.

Ye Mao simply nodded and also left with his team.

As the two departed, Sun Yanjie smiled and said, “Little brother, it seems you’re not on the best terms with them.”

Bai Zeshou grinned, “It’s nothing. If no one envies you, you’re probably useless. There are always obstacles when you want to climb higher, wouldn’t you agree, Sun?”

“Uh!” Sun Yanjie was momentarily taken aback, as if Bai Zeshou had seen straight through his thoughts.

Bai Zeshou had said that because he’d heard that Sun Yanjie was secretly maneuvering to unseat the current police chief.

“Let’s put that aside. Tell me about my assignment. I guarantee I won’t drag you down,” Sun Yanjie replied with a laugh, not wanting to linger on the previous topic.

“Your job is simple. Go door to door for me. If a resident is from out of town or has just moved in, detain them all,” Bai Zeshou said, taking a deep drag of his cigarette and flicking the butt to the ground, his tone suddenly grim.

“That’s easy enough,” Sun Yanjie replied, heading off to make the arrangements.

As the police and the Special Services agents sprang into action, An Guoming sat anxiously in a loft in the middle of the alley, watching as the police searched house by house below. His heart pounded with dread.

He regretted not leaving earlier with Mr. Li. Judging by the police’s posture and the forces assembled outside, An Guoming was certain he was doomed today. What puzzled him was why the Special Services were hunting him so aggressively. After all, he had already… Could the plan have changed? If so, why hadn’t he been notified?

Pacing restlessly in his room, An Guoming tried to devise a safe solution. Just then, the telephone rang.

The moment he heard it, he picked up without a word, silently listening for nearly a minute before hanging up. The anxiety and agitation that plagued him vanished completely.

Watching the police draw closer, An Guoming turned and opened the suitcase he kept by his side. Inside were several red books, some certificates, and a few old clothes.

Without hesitation, he took the matches beside him and set the books alight. Flames roared up inside the room. As the fire grew, An Guoming made no move to stop it. On the contrary, he grabbed the bedsheet and tossed it onto the blaze. The fire surged, flames licking high as the room’s contents caught. In the glow, An Guoming’s face looked even gloomier and more sinister.

The moment the loft caught fire, thick smoke began pouring from the windows. Suddenly, An Guoming burst out of the room and shouted, “Help! Fire! Somebody, help put out the fire!”

Neighbors, seeing the flames, rushed toward his home with buckets of water.

Not far off, Bai Zeshou and Sun Yanjie were standing together, awaiting the results of the search, when the shouts of alarm reached them, momentarily stunning them.

“Captain, the loft ahead is on fire. Everyone’s gone to put it out. We have to halt our search,” Monkey reported as he hurried over.

“What a coincidence,” Sun Yanjie muttered reflexively.

“Yes, very coincidental. Interesting, isn’t it? Of all times, the fire breaks out just as we’re about to search that spot. There’s definitely something fishy here. Tell the men to pause the search, but don’t lower your guard. Watch everyone in that building, block off the area, and don’t let anyone escape,” Bai Zeshou said, his face twisted in anger.

No one could say for sure what exactly fueled his rage.

“It seems our target is very likely inside,” Sun Yanjie murmured.

“Too bad he underestimated my resolve. I’ll just stand here and watch them put out the fire. When it’s over, the search resumes. Trying to slip away in the chaos? Clever, but…” Bai Zeshou sneered, his eyes cold.