Chapter 124: Chapter 98: Diametrically Opposed Commands

Vice Director Ruan, Ruan Hui’s father.

The implication was self-evident.

As they spoke, an order was suddenly given from inside the command vehicle. Soon, several drones closed in on the factory, while two squads used the cover of darkness to creep forward.

But—

RATATATATATAT!!

Intense gunfire erupted again, tearing through the factory’s windows and firing ports. It kicked up a chain of sparks on the concrete outside, driving back the approaching patrol officers.

In addition, the distinct cracks of several sniper rifles rang out, accurately striking the drones and sending them tumbling from the sky in bursts of fire and shrapnel.

"Something’s not right!"

The development made everyone’s expression turn grim. Inside the command vehicle, Yang Wangtao’s eyes narrowed, sensing that something was wrong.

"That gunfire... it sounds like a third-generation ’Outlaw’ machine gun and a Thunder Shock sniper rifle."

"But that hardware is tightly controlled. Lianwei Heavy Industry keeps detailed registries. How could Qiu Shan’s crew possibly have them?"

He looked at everyone present, voicing the crucial question.

Seven or eight squad leaders had gathered in a circle inside the command vehicle. In the center, a holographic projection displayed a three-dimensional image of the factory, like a virtual sand table.

The three captains at the front frowned at his words. A moment later, a calm voice came over the comms channel.

"Captain Wang, look into it."

"Yes, sir!"

The only Elite Level captain, a tall and thin man, nodded quickly and contacted the investigation team.

A moment later.

"The investigation confirms that Lianwei Heavy Industry reported a batch of weapons missing last September."

"According to the ’Prism’ AI’s analysis, it’s highly likely that the weapons held by Qiu Shan’s crew are from that shipment."

The investigator’s voice echoed over the command vehicle’s shared comms channel. The news made everyone’s stomach drop. Some looked unsettled, sensing something was off, while others simply frowned, feeling the pressure mount.

"Weapons from Lianwei Heavy Industry... that certainly complicates things."

Chen Xiao’s uncle-in-law, Yu Yong, said in a somber tone, his expression grim.

The coordinated fire of machine guns and sniper rifles, supplemented by grenades, was enough to threaten even an Elite Level operative. It could pin down multiple combatant squads, which meant storming the building had just become significantly more difficult.

"I can’t agree with that, Captain Yu."

However, the tall, thin captain from before suddenly retorted, "Our Patrol Department’s weapons are nothing to scoff at. Why are you building them up and tearing us down?"

"Don’t forget, Director Ruan is commanding us personally. Taking down Qiu Shan’s crew is only a matter of time."

Anyone could hear the blatant sycophancy in his tone. Yu Yong frowned and shot back, "It sounds like Captain Wang is confident he has a plan?"

"That’s right."

To everyone’s surprise, the man simply gave a smug smile.

He then gestured for someone to bring over a set of blueprints.

Once they were scanned and uploaded, the holographic projection of the factory in front of them changed.

"According to our investigation, the factory’s owner provided a crucial piece of information."

The tall, thin man known as Captain Wang pointed at the projection. A new feature appeared at the base of the factory: a hidden tunnel, seven to eight meters deep, that ran beneath the entire structure and connected to the underground waterway of the Seventh Street district.

"Back in the day, the Red River would overflow, and torrential rains caused frequent flooding."

"This factory later built a special drainage culvert to deal with it. Unfortunately, not long after it was finished, the city upgraded its waterway system, so the culvert was hardly ever used."

Standing beside Ruan Hui, he looked directly at Yu Yong, Yang Wangtao, and the others. "This factory was abandoned seventeen years ago. Even the old security guards didn’t know about this. I’m willing to bet that Qiu Shan’s crew has no idea this tunnel exists either."

"So..."

He didn’t need to finish. A flash of understanding passed through the eyes of everyone present.

If they entered from the Seventh Street waterway and used the tunnel to infiltrate the factory, they could catch Qiu Shan and his people completely by surprise.

The key, however, was who would risk creating a diversion from the front to draw their attention?

A tense silence fell over the vehicle.

"Excellent. Captain Wang has planned this out well."

The voice on the comms channel spoke again. It was Vice Director Ruan, commanding the operation remotely.

Yang Wangtao and the others felt a chill, while across from them, Captain Wang immediately resumed his flattery.

"I never would have found this information without Director Ruan’s guidance."

"No need to be so modest, Captain Wang. If this mission is a success, I’ll be sure to put you in for a commendation."

Vice Director Ruan’s voice on the comms was deep and authoritative. "Furthermore, it’s not just you. I will report the contributions of every other captain and team member involved in this mission to Director Yuan and Speaker Chen afterward."

"Rest assured, everyone. The Patrol Department will not let the efforts of any dedicated member go unrecognized."

His tone was noble and inspiring, prompting Captain Wang and several squad leaders to voice their eager agreement.

And just as quickly,

"However..." Vice Director Ruan’s tone shifted. "This has dragged on long enough. It’s time to bring it to an end, lest people start to underestimate our Patrol Department."

"Here is the plan. Captain Wang, you will take the second and fifth squads and infiltrate through the tunnel."

"Captain Yu, you will take the remaining squads and engage Qiu Shan’s men from the front. Push inward as much as possible to provide support and cover..."

As the orders were given, everything seemed perfectly organized. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

But...

Yang Wangtao’s heart sank, and beside him, Captain Yu’s eyelid twitched.

Anyone could see how risky the frontal assault would be, facing a crew of well-trained, ruthless combatants armed with machine guns.

By contrast...