Special Forces Medic-Chapter 716 - 683: Lao Xu

"I've taken over a case involving the murder of a woman at the Phoenix Tail Entertainment City, and the death of Zhang Qiang, an officer from the original North District Police Station. There's been some progress on the mastermind behind these two cases. Additionally, Deputy Police Chief Wu Shuang from the City Police Department was unfortunately killed while investigating Zhang Qiang's cause of death, it's a matter of life or death, so..."

"Wait!" Yao Zheng jumped up from his chair, unable to sit still anymore. He hadn't been paying attention until Xu Ming dropped the bombshell, and his eyes widened. "Repeat the last sentence you just said, who was killed?"

"Deputy Police Chief Wu Shuang!" Xu Ming loudly repeated.

"Secretary Hua, what, what's going on here?" The sudden mention of a person made Yao Zheng brace his hands on the table. Since when was there another deputy chief?

"This matter is related to my last visit to the North District. In fact, when Dragon Soul got involved in dealing with Han Fei, the City Police Department was already investigating several violent murder cases in the North District. These are linked with the illegal drug incidents. Upon discovering Zhang Qiang was murdered, framed by someone, initial investigations suggest these cases revolve around a full service of illegal drugs manufacturing and distribution. Several months ago, Dragon Soul was already pursuing a terrorist named 'Master Four' in the Middle East. We suspect that the cases in the North District are related to this person."

Yao Zheng collapsed back into his office chair, one hand supporting his forehead and the other clutching his heart. "Sorry, District Chief Yao's health hasn't been well recently. I think you all should leave first!" Secretary Li quickly apologized to Hua Qingyi, fetching a bottle of medicine from Yao Zheng's drawer.

"In that case, District Chief Yao, please take care of yourself. I'll take my leave now."

"Secretary Li, please see Secretary Hua out for me. I apologize for the inconvenience." Yao Zheng covered his heart, weakly putting the medicine into his mouth.

"Don't mention it!"

"It's alright, this way please." Secretary Li guided Hua Qingyi and the others to the elevator.

"District Chief Yao's health seems quite poor!"

"He's been troubled by the case, unable to sleep well for several days." Secretary Li sighed. "We had contacted a doctor for a full check-up at the end of the month, but it seems this will have to be postponed again."

"Heh!" Hua Qingyi made no particular response to Secretary Li's words, just showed some courtesy and then fell into silence.

"I don't know where Secretary Hua is staying; how should I find you?" As the elevator was about to arrive, Secretary Li suddenly asked.

"A small hotel near the police station, closer to where I work."

"Ah, got it!" The elevator happened to arrive, and Secretary Li left only after seeing Hua Qingyi and the others enter.

"Have they left?" Seeing that it took Secretary Li a while to come in, Yao Zheng stood at the floor-to-ceiling window.

"Just left, staying at the guesthouse."

"Contact Master Four, I want to see her." Yao Zheng pondered for a moment. "Wait, I'll contact her myself."

"Mr. Yao! It's not a good time to meet my master now!" Secretary Li, in an unusual manner, stood straight behind Yao Zheng, not showing any servile attitude at all.

Yao Zheng put down the phone, looking at Secretary Li with ill intentions. "You can leave now!"

"Yes!"

Xu Ming finally exhaled the breath he had been holding ever since he sat in the car. Such a scene was a first for him, and he couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable. "How was it? Officer Xu, any thoughts?" Hua Qingyi asked from the passenger seat as Xiao Lin started the car.

"It was too thrilling, too tense." Xu Ming patted his chest while shaking his head, genuinely worried he might misspeak and ruin things. He let out a long breath to relax his body and leaned back. "I didn't say anything wrong just now, right?"

"No, you did very well, but this is just the beginning." Hua Qingyi glanced at Xiao Lin. Today was an interesting start, deliberately opening up their intentions, letting the other party understand the significance of their visit. Although risky, it also effectively halted some of their actions, and with the backing of the City Council, Yao Zheng wouldn't dare to make a move for now. It's Master Four's move next, let's see what approach she will take."

"So what should I do next?" Although Xu Ming was somehow involved, he still didn't quite know what he was supposed to do in the North District.

"Do what you just said. You're not here to act, you're really here to solve the case."

"I'll drop you off at the police station. I'll be out for a bit," Xiao Lin parked the car at the police station and got out. "See you at the guesthouse tonight."

"Are you going to find Wu Shuang?" Ever since using Fourth Master's potion, Xiao Lin hadn't seen Wu Shuang. Although the City Police Department had suppressed the matter, the disappearance of two people would still arouse suspicion among others.

"Yeah, I'm going over to check the situation. Let Xu Ming know about the issues here so he's prepared. We'll plan the next steps when I get back."

"Got it!" Xu Ming glanced at Xiao Lin, whose cold demeanor was like a block of ice.

"No need to look for her," Hua Qingyi, facing the door, gestured with his chin at the people behind Xiao Lin, smiling mischievously.

"What?" Just as Xiao Lin turned around, he saw Mu Rongyun already in the courtyard of the police station, with Wu Shuang following behind him, smiling broadly. She looked fine, though much thinner.

"Your intel is really quick!" Hua Qingyi was still hostile towards Mu Rongyun. Among the five, only Xu Ming was unaware of the circumstances, while the other four kept their thoughts hidden.

"Are you alright?" Xiao Lin addressed Wu Shuang; her pale face lacked any color. Though she was energetic, there was still a hint of illness.

"Of course, you see I'm alive and kicking, ready to spar with you again!" Wu Shuang leaped in front of Xiao Lin, hooking her arm around his. Behind her, Mu Rongyun moved his lips but remained silent.

"Since we're all here, let's go inside and talk!"

The North District Police Station felt an uneasy atmosphere for the first time in years; those coming in and out were jittery and restless.

Xu Ming was the first to enter the station. His transfer orders had arrived the day before yesterday, but he hadn't shown up yet. This morning, several colleagues transferred with him had gradually reported for duty. The mix of new and old faces made it hard to tell who was who.

"Lao Xu!" A young officer ran out of the station, whom Xiao Lin recognized as the one who had vomited on the side that day.

"Everyone here?" When Xu Ming received the official notice, he had already briefed those under him about the situation. Those volunteering to follow him were brought along, while others stayed for various reasons without bias. Eventually, four or five followed Xu Ming to the North District.

"One's on shift today, so they'll arrive tomorrow," the young officer hooked his arm around Xu Ming's shoulder, pushing him inside. "This place is way bigger than our little spot! Lao Xu, you've got your own desk. I just scoped it out; there's a huge dormitory out back with cooking and bathing facilities. I thought I was lost!" The young officer enthusiastically shared what he'd discovered. "I've secured your room for you alone. The other two belong to our brothers. You're the boss, so you get a room by yourself. Damn, this dorm is better than the apartment I rent."

Xu Ming knocked the young officer on the head with a flick. "Watch what you're saying. Can't you see we have company?"

Hua Qingyi gave the young officer a long look. Xu Ming was a stable and deep person, bringing people over for personal use, indirectly showcasing his personal charm. The officer's warm gestures weren't out of insincere flattery but genuine thoughtfulness, showing that Xu Ming hadn't chosen poorly.

"Uhh…" The young officer, giddy with excitement, hadn't paid attention to those who came in with him. Turning to face them, he was stunned. "You, you are..." He hadn't expected to see his idols here, unable to speak a word.

"Apologies!" Xu Ming quickly intervened to greet Hua Qingyi. "These two are his idols. I'm embarrassed. You'll be punished to guard the gate with the others. No one is allowed in, nor eavesdropping."

"Yes!" The young officer chuckled while rubbing the back of his head. "Don't go! I still have lots of questions to ask," he said, passing by Xiao Lin.

"Off you go!" Xu Ming shouted from behind, and the young officer dashed away. Though he seemed unreliable, the tasks Xu Ming assigned were well-executed.

The entrance was under his watch; two others Xu Ming brought stood below the windows, and another was on the roof of the dorm across the way; intriguing indeed. "What does this young officer usually do under you?" Xiao Lin noted that his setup seemed quite legitimate.

"He's the sly one in our area, full of tricks. Sometimes in tricky cases, his ideas actually help solve them. He's particularly good at catching thieves, and hardly any manage to escape from him," Xu Ming spoke fondly of the young officer. "Though young, he's a graduate from the SWAT team. However, lacking background, he was replaced during selection, causing a ruckus and being demoted to my small precinct."

"What selection?" This clearly implied bribery.

"I dare not say," Xu Ming glanced at Xiao Lin.

"He has potential to join the special forces, though Dragon Soul is still a distant goal," Xiao Lin answered Hua Qingyi's question for Xu Ming, noting that entry into special units had become much easier now. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote and support the author. Your support is my greatest motivation.)