Perhaps Xu Qigang wouldnât need to go to the Southern District to catch the real killer behind Meng Fanâs death. So far, it could be determined with absolute certainty that scarface was the actual perpetrator who caused Meng Fanâs demise.
This conjecture made the usually composed Xu Qigang unable to maintain his calm. He could finally understand why Chen Yingjie had chosen to pursue despite knowing he was outmatchedâknowing that the murderer was right before his eyes, no one would miss the chance.
"Shangguan Tao, you go back! Following along wonât be of any use for what comes next." Xu Qigang removed all his equipment, organizing and checking each item, "Give me all your gear."
Shangguan Tao silently took off all his equipment, not keeping a single piece for himself.
"Go back and get the message to the President and Chairman Meng, have them lead a raid on Shen Yuâs courtyard, and take down his lair."
"Okay!" Shangguan Tao clenched his teeth, "What are you going to do then? Itâs too dangerous to follow them on your own, we should call in more people."
"Itâs no use!" Xu Qigang frowned as he watched the Black River violently crash against the bizarre rocks on both shores, a resolute look in his eyes, "I must bring back the killer, I must bring Chen Yingjie back alive."
"But..." Shangguan Tao adamantly refused to leave, unable to accept the idea of letting his superior go into danger alone. "Xu Qigang, your life is also important, itâs really too dangerous for you to follow alone."
"Chen Yingjie is in more danger than I am right now." He quietly surveyed his surroundings for any movements, after organizing his gear, he lowered his head to check again. "You go back! Sending more people on the path ahead is pointless."
"Xu Qigang, what about your wife? Youâre married now, youâre not alone."
At these words, Xu Qigangâs raised right foot paused five centimeters above the ground. It took a while before he put it down, but he didnât turn back. "If I canât return..."
He left the last of his words unsaid, instead resolutely setting his sights toward the Black River. Xu Qigang had never considered what Xiao Ning would do if he couldnât return. Should he have a good brother look after Xiao Ning for a lifetime?
No... He wasnât that generous. Even in death, he hoped Xiao Ning would remember him for a lifetime. In this life, he had entrusted his only love and all his deep emotions to Xiao Ning. How could he allow her to smile at another man, to cook and wash for another man?
Even if he turned into a malicious ghost, he would never let go.
Therefore, he wouldnât answer Shangguan Taoâs question.
He couldnât give up on Chen Yingjie, but even less so on Xiao Ning.
Would he die? Xu Qigang gazed at the ominous waters of the Black River, his heart undisturbed.
*****
Shangguan Tao watched Xu Qigangâs figure disappear by the riverside of Heihe, feeling a frustration in his heart that he could hardly vent. He wanted to scream at the heavens, but it was as though something was lodged in his throat, leaving him voiceless.
From the perspective of the rescue team, the Captainâs safety was of paramount importance, but from the Captainâs perspective, Chen Yingjie couldnât be abandoned.
Venturing alone into danger was far too risky.
Shangguan Tao waited on the spot for a long time until those left behind finally caught up. Third Rescue Team Captain Kong Jie was leading, with War Wolf Rescue Teamâs Captain Wu Houhai also arriving. When they only saw Shangguan Tao alone, their expressions changed drastically.
Kong Jie was the first to explode, "Whereâs the Living Yama? Where is he?"
Shangguan Tao hung his head, dispirited. "Heâs already crossed over."
"Dammit!" Kong Jie punched Shangguan Tao in the stomach, and he didnât dodge, taking the blow squarely.
"How could you let him go alone? How the hell did he cross?" Kong Jie flew into a rage, ordering his men to carry out a thorough search of the area.
While Kong Jie was busy searching for people, Wu Houhai quietly approached Shangguan Tao, asking anxiously, "How could you let the Captain chase after them alone?"
"Could I have stopped him?" Shangguan Tao asked back coldly with a sneer, "If the Captain didnât go, Chen Yingjie would be dead for sure. Do you think he wouldnât go? Can you tell him to give up on Chen Yingjie?"
His series of questions left Wu Houhai speechless, "Is Chen Yingjie really in danger?"
"Not only is Chen Yingjie in danger, but the Captain himself is at risk." Shangguan Taoâs mood was poor, and his tone sharp, "Scarface is not easy to deal with, and although it seems like heâs alone, heâs really not."
This conclusion was deduced by the Captain. At the place where Chen Yingjieâs trail was lost, traces of a third person appeared, and even though it was cleaned up, some remnants were left behind.
The two adversaries worked seamlessly together; one acted as a lure in the front while the other ambushed from behind.
Now, Chen Yingjie must have been captured by scarface. If the Captain wanted to save him, he would inevitably face restrictions. Thinking about the high degree of difficulty inside and scarfaceâs ruthlessness, he really didnât dare to imagine the outcome.
"What exactly do you mean by that?" Wu Houhai was clearly incredulous, "Are you saying the other side has a lot of people? If their numbers arenât overwhelmingly disproportionate, the Captain wouldnât lose."
Thus, Shangguan Tao relayed Xu Qigangâs analysis and his own thoughts to Wu Houhai. Just then, Kong Jie finished his search and returned empty-handed and was filled in on the conversation.
"Stop looking, he would have reached the other shore by now."
"Letâs go back!" Kong Jie said dejectedly, "If we donât bring the Living Yama back, weâll all be in trouble."
Wu Houhai looked puzzled at Shangguan Tao, who whispered an explanation, "A call came straight to the Rescue Association from above, chewing out the President, ordering the immediate recall of the Captain, and making it clear that any future missions without approval are not to involve our Captain."
Upon hearing this, Shangguan Tao understood immediately. As the administrative officer, he could see through the intricate details better than most. The higher-ups intended to promote the Captain, hence the restrictions on his involvement in missions. It was out of fear of repeating the tragedy of the Young Chairmanâraising a suitable successor wasnât easy, and the actions from above were correct.