Chapter 119: Cooperation

Even Chief Li Zhengdao, a seasoned strategist known for his unflappable demeanor, couldn’t hide his astonishment. For a fleeting moment, he wondered if Lin Xiao was joking. However, the gravity of the situation clearly suggested otherwise.

“You’re saying that you can neutralize all the perpetrators single-handedly?” Before Chief Li Zhengdao could respond, an officer chimed in skeptically.

“Affirmative,” Lin Xiao replied calmly.

Before Chief Li Zhengdao could respond, Captain Li chimed in skeptically, “This isn’t a child’s game, nor an opportunity for theatrical heroics. We’re talking about dozens of lives here. How can we believe that you, unassisted, can neutralize the criminals and ensure the hostages’ safety?”

“The choice before you is simple; either place your faith in my capabilities or bow to the demands of the criminals.”

A palpable silence enveloped the police officers. Lin Xiao’s words, though blunt, resonated with the harsh reality of the situation. Their options were limited. To concede to the robbers was unthinkable, especially after they had already taken the lives of several officers and a civilian, showcasing their merciless intent.

The weight of the decision rested heavily on Chief Li Zhengdao’s shoulders as all eyes turned to him, anticipating a directive from the top brass of the Jinghai City Police Department.

“Mr. Lin, quantify your assurance,” Li Zhengdao inquired, with a stern tone.

“With impeccable cooperation on your part, an unequivocal hundred percent,” Lin Xiao responded confidently.

One hundred percent? Did he perceive himself as some infallible savior?

As Lin Xiao’s claims grew bolder, the officers’ patience began to wane.

“Chief Li, it may be counterproductive to indulge further in this dialogue. The individual on the line seems to lack an understanding of the gravity. Continuing with this will only waste our precious time and detract from the mission at hand,” Captain Li articulated with visible frustration.

“I concur,” another officer added.

“I’m inclined to side with Captain Li’s stance,” chimed in another.

Chief Li Zhengdao gestured for silence and composure.

While he too found Lin Xiao’s proclamations challenging to digest, he couldn’t dismiss a nagging thought. Wan Caixuan, the esteemed president of Brilliant Aya Limited, wouldn’t frivolously act as a conduit for an uninformed braggart. And if the rumors about her identity were true, her bodyguard had to be capable.

It was undeniable that Li Zhengdao, having risen to such a prominent position and standing firm as the head of the police station, possessed a distinct way of thinking. While most doubted Lin Xiao, Li Zhengdao was beginning to harbor some trust in him.

“Mr. Lin, how would you like us to assist?” Li Zhengdao inquired again.

Upon hearing this, the policemen around him grew restless.

“Chief Li, surely you don’t believe the lunatic on the other end of the line?” one remarked.

“The situation may be dire, but we can’t just act recklessly,” another added.

“Enough!” Chief Li commanded, overlooking the scene with a fierce glint in his eyes, exuding authority without displaying anger. “I am in command here, and I am the highest-ranking officer. If something goes wrong, I’ll shoulder the consequences. Instead of second-guessing, focus on the objective.”

Any officer who met Chief Li Zhengdao’s stern gaze promptly averted their eyes, filled with remorse.

Amidst this palpable tension, Lin Xiao’s voice echoed from the phone, “Whatever demands the criminals make, comply. Lull them into a false sense of security to lower their guard. Only then will I find an opportunity to intervene.”

“We’ll deliberate on it,” replied Chief Li, although wanting to trust in Lin Xiao, the gravity of the situation made him hesitant.

“Time is of the essence,” Li Xiao said dryly. “While I may be patient, the criminals surely won’t give you the luxury of time.”

With that, Lin Xiao disconnected the call as he observed a criminal dragging a hostage out of the mall. The criminal held a gun to the hostage’s neck with one hand while clutching a megaphone with the other. He then positioned himself in front of the mall’s glass window, standing firm.

The police outside the mall also saw this scene through binoculars, their hearts racing.

Lin Xiao had already surmised the intentions of the robber, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes. These criminals were even more ruthless than he had previously imagined.

Known among the robbers as Old Seventh, the criminal holding the hostage stepped up to the mall’s automatic doors. As he approached, the doors sensed his movement and slid open, granting him passage to the outside. Raising a megaphone, he shouted loudly for all to hear.

“Attention, all you police officers outside, listen closely,” the voice boomed. “Our boss has given his orders. You have ten minutes to send a helicopter to the roof of this mall. If you’re even a minute late, we’ll kill a hostage. We keep our word. If you don’t believe us,” he continued with a menacing tone, “This will serve as our proof.”

Without granting the hostage a moment to plead, the thug coldly aimed at the victim’s temple. His visage twisted into a sinister smirk as he pulled the trigger.

A deafening bang echoed.

The gunshot rang out, and the hostage’s body crumpled to the ground, blood pouring from the wound and staining the surrounding area a vivid red. Under the sunlight, the dark red blood appeared even more jarring.

Every police officer who witnessed the scene was consumed with rage, wishing they could storm in and tear the culprit to pieces.

They had never anticipated this group of criminals to be so cold-blooded and decisive. They bypassed negotiations with the police altogether, setting forth their terms and proving their resoluteness by taking the life of an innocent hostage.

From a concealed position, a sniper adjusted his sights, aiming squarely at the head and heart of the criminal. His finger rested on the trigger, ready to take the shot upon receiving orders.

But then, the Old Seventh spoke up, “I’m aware you want nothing more than to kill me. It doesn’t matter to me. I don’t fear death. But remember this: if I die, ten more hostages will meet their end alongside me. The choice is yours.”

After issuing his threat, the Old Seventh confidently retreated back into the mall. Until he vanished from sight, Li Zhengdao refrained from giving the shoot-to-kill order.

The sight of a dying hostage right before his eyes weighed heavily on him, the visceral impact far more intense than any second-hand account could ever convey. The surrounding officers were no different. Each one seethed with barely contained fury.

“We follow the criminals’ terms. No delays. Ensure we comply within their stipulated timeframe,” Li Zhengdao commanded, managing to keep his rage in check. “Also, I instructed you to look into someone named Lin Xiao. What have we found?”

“We’ve got the details,” a perspiring officer responded, rushing forward with a tablet.

Displayed on it were Lin Xiao’s details. But aside from the photo, name, and age, all other information was blanked out. A note at the bottom of the screen read, ‘This file is top secret. Unauthorized access is prohibited.’

Li Zhengdao’s eyes narrowed at the sight, drawing a sharp breath.

What information could be so classified that it couldn’t be accessed even within the police station’s internal database?

But this undeniably confirmed one thing. Lin Xiao wasn’t some arrogant upstart, but someone of genuine importance.

Without missing a beat, Li Zhengdao deleted Lin Xiao’s file, decisiveness overtaking him. “Get in touch with Mr. Lin at once. We’re accepting his terms and are prepared to cooperate fully.”