Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Retaliatory crime is often directed at Law Enforcement Officers and Witnesses, serving as a hallmark of Gang activity. One reason for retaliation is to intimidate other Law Enforcement Officers and Witnesses, while another is the importance of prestige within the Gang; a rat that dares to bite back earns respect among Gang members. "This is a typical Gang mentality," Cui Ming said. "It's a simplistic criminal logic. There will definitely be hints; they will surely idiotically show off to us."
Unfamiliar with this line of work, everyone began to search around after hearing Cui Ming's words. Before long, Beiyue came down from the second-floor bedroom with a letter in hand. The group gathered around as Beiyue opened the envelope and read aloud: "If you want to know the truth, tonight at eleven o'clock, a person named Cui with black short hair should come to Moyang Farm to meet me."
Upon hearing this, Cui Ming's expression shifted between uncertainty and concern. Noticing everyone looking at him, he frowned for a long time before saying, "It shouldn't be."
"What do you mean by 'it shouldn't be'?"
Cui Ming pondered for a moment before finally speaking up. "As you all know, I spent my childhood in the Thieves Guild, but there are a few things you might not know. First, I betrayed the Thieves Guild. Second, the Thieves Guild has a behind-the-scenes Boss known as the Doctor, whose influence spans the Western Continent, Eastern Continent, and Southern Continent. He controls dozens of Gangs and is involved in human trafficking and arms dealing. The Thieves Guild's Wandering routes were all planned by him, and he provided our batch of children to the Thieves Guild. I've never met the Doctor, but the leader of the Thieves Guild—my godfather—was terrified of him. He said he would rather die than betray the Doctor. I initially suspected that after more than ten years, the Doctor might have learned that I betrayed the Thieves Guild. But then I thought again; it’s unreasonable for him to remember such an old grudge against the Thieves Guild and seek justice for it after so many years. This letter indicates that this person likely wrote it with personal feelings involved. I've read letters from the Doctor to our leader, and the tone is completely different."
Li Qing responded, "It can't be the Doctor. Even if he knew you betrayed the Thieves Guild, he wouldn't be interested in settling scores with you. If he wanted to take action, he would have done so over a decade ago. I believe that even if you brought it up in front of him now, he would have long forgotten about the Thieves Guild."
Beiyue asked, "Why specifically name Cui Ming?"
Li Qing thought for a moment and suggested, "Could it be Eva's trap?"
This speculation aligned well with their goal: creating a chaotic scene to pique everyone's interest before inviting Cui Ming for a private meeting and then ambushing him.
Cui Ming stated firmly, "We must turn this around."
"Huh?"
Cui Ming explained, "If my guess is correct, he left behind this letter and then arranged a meeting. Clearly, emptying our house does not signify victory for him. Therefore, arranging a private meeting must be aimed at strengthening his own position. In other words, he has a strong desire to meet us. If I don't go, not only will he not give up, but he will also actively seek me out."
Ding Ze found it hard to believe: "Is that really possible?"
Cui Ming shrugged. "Perhaps they are the kind of criminals who lack brains. They are used to bullying the weak, always thinking they hold the upper hand, expecting others to obey their commands. If someone resists, they will make an example out of them, using a cost greater than any benefit to make that person regret it, in order to intimidate others. If I don’t listen to him, he will come looking for me instead. Boss, don’t worry; within three days, I’ll make him eat his words."
Li Qing asked, "What if it's Eva?"
Cui Ming studied the letter seriously. "I don't think Eva would speak like this; she is more elegant, while this person is more volatile. But we can't rule out the possibility that it could be Eva." When it comes to life and death, even a 1% chance must be considered.
Li Qing inquired, "How should we set this up?"
"Invite him into the trap and close the door behind him... However, before that, we should spend some money to buy new supplies. Boss, what do you think?"
Beiyue replied, "Since you are confident, go ahead and arrange it."
...
Having sufficient funds made things easier. Beiyue went to the bank to withdraw cash, and then everyone split up to buy items. By evening, a new set of household facilities was complete; each person had purchased a set of fresh clothes. They moved back in, and everything felt much like it did before the theft.
The next day at noon, while they were having lunch, a courier delivered an invitation from City Hall. It invited the four of them to a banquet starting at seven that evening to thank them for their contributions in transporting food. Additionally, the city lord would meet with them from eight to eight-thirty. As the city lord, he certainly knew about the existence of the Special Department 101 and practitioners.
Around six in the evening, the four casually dressed individuals took a taxi towards City Hall.
At seven o'clock in the evening, a police car and a truck stopped in front of a small villa. A female officer stepped out of the police car, her hat pulled low over her eyes as she stood off to one side, occasionally chatting with neighbors about official business. Eight burly men got out of the truck and began moving items into the villa.
One neighbor sensed something was off and called the police. Ten minutes later, a police car arrived. The female officer spoke briefly with two patrol officers before they all entered the villa. About two minutes later, the patrol officers exited the villa and shook hands with the female officer before leaving.
Half an hour later, the truck drove away. The female officer got back into her police car and asked over the radio, "Are they still there?"
"The one with the surname Cui disappeared at seven."
"I know. He's nearby, following me in a taxi," the female officer said. "Just keep an eye on the other three. Report any situation through the intercom."
"Understood."
The female officer drove at a steady pace towards the outskirts of the city, with a taxi trailing her at a distance. There were few cars on this stretch of road. Half an hour later, she turned, and the police car headed towards a Sugarcane Farm, where a main building stood alongside an old-fashioned windmill.
The police car parked at the farm's main building. The female officer got out, pushed open the door, and entered the living room, where four people were tied to chairs—two strong young men and a middle-aged couple, who were the owners of the farm. The young men were farm workers. They were tightly bound and had their mouths taped shut. Ignoring them, the female officer went to the kitchen cabinet, grabbed a bottle of liquor, and took two glasses outside to sit at a stone table beside a stone bench. She poured herself a drink and said, "No need to hide; come out."
Cui Ming emerged from behind the windmill and walked towards her, chuckling softly. "I never expected you to be a practitioner. You've got guts, coming here slowly recovering your Force while robbing."
"So you always thought I was just a small fry, right? Following me to find your boss?" The female officer removed her hat, revealing her red hair, with a fringe covering one eye. Below her exposed left eye was a distinctive mark. Coupled with her tight police uniform and her height of over five feet seven inches, she looked quite imposing. She downed her drink in one go, placed the glass on the stone table, and poured herself another drink. "Sit down; you have no chance. No need to overthink it."
Cui Ming sighed lightly, feeling overwhelmed by someone else's strength as he took a seat and asked, "Do I know you?"
"No, I don't know you either." The female officer pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and blew out smoke directly into Cui Ming's face.
Cui Ming chuckled again. "Then why... well, you understand?"
"Because you talk too much." The female officer stared at Cui Ming. "Trouble comes from your mouth; when you say certain things, you should think about what the consequences might be."
Comment 0 Comment Count