Chapter 308: Emergency Warning Issued—Evacuation!

“Old Zhao, don’t believe him. He’s just a criminal! How could he know more than the experts at the meteorological station?” Wu Mingyu chimed in.

But Zhao Youcheng hesitated. He had meticulously reviewed all of Wang Yun’s records, including every escape attempt. Wang Yun struck him as both highly intelligent and deeply unpredictable, with a daring streak to match.

Every move Wang Yun made was calculated, each step part of a larger plan.

Given Wang Yun’s pride, it didn’t seem likely he’d stoop to making up some excuse to scare people off just so he could escape.

Yet the meteorological data showed no signs of an earthquake.

Zhao Youcheng felt torn. For decades, his commands had never been questioned. Every operation had been carried out according to his judgment, without interference. But now, for some reason, his instincts tipped the scales in Wang Yun’s favor.

The walkie-talkie crackled with voices, calling for him to respond.

After three long minutes, Zhao Youcheng picked it up again.

“Evacuate! Everyone, fall back!”

“What?! Old Zhao, you’re not seriously trusting a criminal, are you?” Bayim shouted in disbelief.

“If I’m the commander, then when I give the order to retreat, we retreat, no one is to question me. Anyone who disobeys is free to stay, but from this point forward, anyone who stays behind will no longer act under my command. Production team, notify the local police immediately and coordinate the evacuation of all residents on this island. Also, inform the tourism bureau to issue a public warning and direct all boats to gather at the docks. There are a lot of tourists here. Ensure the evacuation is completed within three hours.”

At that moment, Zhao Youcheng regained his usual commanding presence, issuing orders with precision and authority.

The helicopters halted their acid rain deployment and returned to the port to assist with the evacuation.

At the tent outside the mountain, the others furrowed their brows, their gazes turning toward Wu Mingyu. Only Ying Yuezi remained calm.

“Captain Wu, can’t you convince Captain Zhao? He’s new to this and doesn’t know Wang Yun like we do. We’ve studied him. He’s definitely playing a trick on us,” Hardy said anxiously. 

The acid rain operation had been so close to succeeding—this was their best shot yet.

How could they just call it off at the last minute, all because of something a criminal said?

Wu Mingyu sighed, pressing his hand to his forehead. He was still shaken by the events earlier.

Meanwhile, Ying Yuezi finally spoke, “Yes, we know Wang Yun. He wouldn’t stoop to using cheap tricks like this to escape. But, this earthquake claim does sound far-fetched.”

Ying Yuezi seemed skeptical. She relied on science and data as always.

Alfa, who had been glued to the monitor, added, “There’s still no indication of an earthquake on any of the readings. But,” he continued, “if Wang Yun wanted to wipe us out, he could do it easily. Just his immunity to the poison mist gives him a huge advantage. Even if we found him, the worst that would happen is catching his men while he gets away. There’s no reason for him to grab a walkie-talkie and deliberately create chaos. The information he shared could cause a citywide panic. If he’s lying, he’d know exactly how serious the consequences would be. I think he understands that.”

Werner, calm as ever despite yesterday’s events, nodded, “He has no reason to take this approach if he wanted to escape.”

After hearing this, Wu Mingyu stood up abruptly.

“Follow Captain Zhao’s orders. Retreat!” he said.

Ignoring further objections, Wu Mingyu firmly sided with Zhao Youcheng.

“Captain Zhao is the strategist we invited to lead this mission. His abilities far surpass anyone here. You say he doesn’t know Wang Yun, but his analysis was what led us to Wang Yun’s location in the first place. Without him, we’d still be searching aimlessly.”

Werner nodded in agreement, silencing many of the dissenters.

“Fine, retreat it is. We can regroup and try again later,” Hardy shouted begrudgingly, his tone dripping with frustration. “Not like we’re letting Wang Yun go if we catch him anyway. Let’s just call this a bonus for his ‘game experience!’”

His sudden change in tone left many captains speechless, but none dared argue further. No one wanted to be left behind to face Wang Yun alone—his strength was simply too overwhelming.

***

Meanwhile, the production team also chose to believe Wang Yun’s warning.

Even if Zhao Youcheng doubted him, the executive producer trusted Wang Yun unconditionally.

The production team had been monitoring Wang Yun’s every move. His detailed observation of the water level, combined with his serious demeanor, made it clear he wasn’t bluffing. Without waiting for further confirmation, the producer immediately notified local police and the tourism bureau to issue an emergency warning and evacuate the public.

Beep—

At the same time, the police received the message. Ten minutes into their meeting, they made a decisive call: to trust the production team.

Why?

Because the director had said one crucial thing, “This is Wang Yun’s prediction.”

Wang Yun’s prediction.

If it came from him, what was there to question?