"Mayor Pei, may I ask why you summoned me at this late hour?" Tie Wan finally managed to calm her emotions, devouring the delicious meal on the table as if it were her target. Although she found it odd that her mother's cooking had improved so much, she didn't think much of it being someone else's handiwork. Having eaten her fill, she was just settling down to watch some television when an urgent call beckoned her to the police station.
"Director Tie, let me introduce you to someone." Pei Yanming gestured to a weathered-looking man in his forties standing beside him. "This is Director Wang Qingguo from the Tenth Bureau of National Security."
"Good evening, Chief!" Tie Wan saluted immediately. She had noticed the man's commanding presence even before she learned his identity, a bearing that compelled respect. Upon hearing that he represented the Tenth Bureau, her reverence only deepened.
The Tenth Bureau, also known as the Bureau of External Counterintelligence and Surveillance, is an intelligence division responsible for monitoring personnel at foreign stations and overseeing overseas anti-state organizations. Tie Wan couldn't help but wonder why they had come now—could a foreign terrorist operative have infiltrated the city?
"Thank you for your service," Director Wang Qingguo returned the salute, maintaining his composure, though the two young men behind him couldn't hide their glances of admiration as they looked at the capable and poised policewoman.
Pei Yanming then introduced the two young men. "This is Xiao Liu, and this is Xiao Li, both from the Tenth Bureau." Xiao Liu was tall and lean, exuding a sharp intelligence, while Xiao Li was stocky and solidly built, a man who looked strong and capable.
Tie Wan greeted them politely before turning her attention to the mayor, awaiting his next words.
"Ahem," Pei Yanming cleared his throat, "The reason I called you here is primarily due to this morning's case..."
"I understand!" Tie Wan interrupted him with a wave of her hand, "I'll work hard to solve the case as soon as possible."
"No, Director Tie, you misunderstood," Pei Yanming said, slightly annoyed by her interruption but concealing it quickly given her family background. "On the contrary, I am here to inform you that this case will now be transferred to Director Wang. From here on, you are no longer responsible for it."
"Why?" Tie Wan protested indignantly, "I'm confident I can handle this case."
"Indeed, I've never doubted your abilities. However, this case involves foreign armed groups, and it's no longer suitable for the police department to pursue," Pei Yanming stated firmly.
Unwilling to concede, Tie Wan pressed further, "But..."
"Director Tie," Wang Qingguo interjected at an opportune moment, "We would appreciate your cooperation with our investigation."
With no other choice, Tie Wan acquiesced, though reluctant. "Yes, I will cooperate with the Chief's investigation."
"Good." Wang Qingguo nodded approvingly, "Tell me your assessment of this case. I reviewed your report and it seems to suggest that this was the work of a single individual?"
"Yes, sir! Based on the traces at the scene and the coroner's report, we're certain there was only one perpetrator."
"In that case, this person must be highly skilled?"
"Indeed, not only that, but the suspect also possesses considerable knowledge of firearms," Tie Wan added. She had seen the bodies in the garage; not a single bullet had strayed, proving the assailant's exceptional control over their weapon.
"It appears this assailant is no ordinary figure," Wang Qingguo remarked, signaling to Xiao Liu and Xiao Li, who understood immediately. Under the guise of inquiring further about the case, they led Mayor Pei from the room.
Pei Yanming felt uneasy—wasn't there a more knowledgeable officer present to answer questions? Yet, he knew better than to linger, recognizing that the ensuing conversation would delve into classified information beyond his clearance level.
"How is Secretary Tie doing?" As the others left, a faint smile appeared on Wang Qingguo's face.
"You know my father?" Tie Wan asked, surprised to see a smile on the previously stern man's face.
"He was once my superior. Sigh, it's been over ten years since we last met." Wang Qingguo was lost in thought for a moment, then returned to the present. "Do you know why I asked you to stay?"
"Please, sir, go ahead." Although aware of the connection, Tie Wan kept her expression impassive.
"You are quite like your father—public matters are public, private matters are private. I almost expected you to call me 'uncle.'" Wang Qingguo's tone became serious. "Have you ever heard of the 'Saladin Sect'?"
"No, I haven't." Tie Wan's expression shifted slightly. "Does it relate to this case?"
"Exactly." Wang Qingguo confirmed. "The Saladin Sect is a terrorist organization active along Russia's northwest border, with rumored bases in Finland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Turkey, though exact locations remain unknown. Ten years ago, they attempted to assassinate the Turkish president, failing but causing the deaths of over 300 innocent civilians—a massacre that brought them into the global spotlight. The Turkish government destroyed one of their branches in retaliation, forcing them into deeper hiding. I never imagined they'd resurface, much less penetrate our country."
By this point, Tie Wan had a good idea of what was going on. "Are those robbers members of the Saladin Sect?"
"Yes." Wang Qingguo regarded her with approval. "Now you see why I had you step back. You've seen the firepower these terrorists wield, and you know the police force can't handle it."
Tie Wan's eyes dimmed as she thought of her fallen colleagues, but she raised her head stubbornly. "Sir, there's something I need to clarify."
"Oh? Go ahead."
"Why did such dangerous items have to pass through the city instead of a less populated area? If something went wrong, the entire city would be at risk!" Her voice grew more insistent as she finished.
"Are you referring to the nuclear warheads?" Wang Qingguo looked at her with a meaningful gaze. "I can assure you, they will not pass through Beihai City at all. They've long been delivered to a secure location. This was merely a decoy to ensure the real transport's safety."
"Then why use that as a cover?" Tie Wan grew even more agitated.
"That... I can't change." In truth, Wang Qingguo had once strongly opposed the idea, but his objections were overruled, as higher authorities had already decided that only such a ploy would convince certain interested nations and organizations.
"If there's nothing else, I'd like to take my leave." Tie Wan spoke dejectedly, her spirits low.
"Of course. I won't keep you; get some rest." Wang Qingguo knew tonight's conversation must have left her troubled. As she was almost out the door, he called after her, "Remember, we're all doing this for our country."
Tie Wan shuddered slightly but stepped out of the room.
---
It was the weekend, and Xiang Ri had every reason to sleep in. However, Miss Chu was not inclined to let him enjoy his lazy morning, urging him to get up every ten minutes. After a few rounds of this, Xiang Ri felt as though his head would burst, so he reluctantly dragged himself out of the bedroom and flopped onto the living room sofa, where he joined two energetic young ladies in watching a mindless, exaggerated Korean romantic comedy.
An unexpected call rescued him. Grabbing the phone as if it were a lifeline, he didn't even glance at the caller ID before pressing it to his ear.
"Boss, I'd like to meet with you." The voice on the other end was as soothing as fine wine.
Without a moment's hesitation, Xiang Ri agreed, quickly confirming the location. He dashed back to his room to change and was prepared to head out to meet his companion. However, upon returning to the living room, he found the two young ladies, who had been watching TV, now fully dressed for an outing, each with a stylish little purse slung over her shoulder.
"What's all this?" Xiang Ri was dumbfounded; the situation didn't seem quite right.
"We're going with you!" Chu Chu smiled innocently.
"Uh... I actually have things to do. It might not be suitable for you to come along."
"What's unsuitable about it? If you refuse to let us tag along, it must mean you're hiding something!" Miss Chu's skill in framing accusations had clearly improved.
"I'm not! I'm going to handle some important matters."
"Then let's go together!"