"People inside, listen up, do not resist, release all the hostages, we, the police, assure your safety."
The megaphone outside continued blaring incessantly, and at this moment, on this not-so-wide road, everywhere was flashing police lights, with police officers rushing back and forth like ants on a hot pan.
As for the large crowd of onlookers cordoned off by the police, curiosity kept them from leaving; after all, such a spectacle was only seen on television, and never before experienced in real life. They stood on tiptoes to peer inside, with many using their mobile phones to take photos, simultaneously posting and sharing them on chat apps.
Near the main entrance, a small squad of elite officers donning bulletproof vests, fully armed with submachine guns in hand, were ready to rush in on command.
A bit further away, in several positions atop distant buildings, dark gun barrels aimed in this direction could be faintly seen, almost imperceptible unless one looked closely.
