After confirming the suspects, the arrest operation was swift and precise, leaving no room for the criminals to resist or escape.
Especially when dealing with such ruthless fugitives, the various criminal investigation teams wouldn't blindly attempt solo captures; they usually had fully armed SWAT teams assist in the apprehension.
The bullet from the sniper rifle that precisely struck the bald fugitive's arm further illustrates this point. It's preferable to leave these fugitives with just enough breath to avoid a fierce resistance that could lead to unnecessary casualties during the arrest.
...
At midnight, dozens of police cars orderly returned to the Huaihai Criminal Investigation Brigade. Aside from the bald fugitive who was hit by the sniper bullet and was undergoing emergency surgery in the hospital, several officers were assigned to control the situation there.
The other two fugitives, who were not seriously injured, were immediately subjected to urgent interrogations to extract specific details of the case.
Inside the office of the criminal investigation brigade, Wang Hu held two bowls of freshly made instant noodles and looked at Su Ming, who was sitting in thought, with a hint of excitement.
"Brother Ming, what are you Skinnyking about?"
"Are you still pondering over the arrest operation? Honestly, who would believe that on your first day at work, you'd be involved in such an operation?"
"However," he continued, "it's really surprising that these three fugitives from Jisheng would run to Shanghai. It seems they'd have been better off hiding in a smaller city; maybe it would be easier to conceal themselves."
Su Ming casually took a bowl of noodles, skillfully stirred the strands with a fork, and shook his head in disagreement.
"Tiger, you're thinking too simplistically. In smaller cities, the population is less complex, making the fugitives' targets even larger. At least they wouldn't have the same level of anonymity as in Shanghai."
"Of course, the key reason they didn't choose smaller cities is... they originally aimed to make a big score by committing black-market crime to fund their continued escape. Smaller cities probably don't have a 'Skinny dog' as a major supplier."
"Actually," he added, "their initial choice was wrong. They were fugitives who would be caught sooner or later, yet they sought to engage in black-market dealings with the very people that the police heavily monitor."
"They probably thought that black-market dealings wouldn't attract our attention and that they could easily grab a large sum of money to continue their flight."
"Little did they know..."
"Forget it; there's no need to dwell on this matter. There are too many issues and inconsistencies to even consider revisiting it!"
Clearly, Su Ming found it hard to evaluate and analyze the blunders made by the three fugitives in their escape choices; it was just too painful to watch.
If it were him, he would have had dozens of ways to easily evade this pursuit.
...
Meanwhile, sitting next to Wang Hu, after listening to Su Ming's analysis and explanation, he gaped in shock, so much so that he didn't even notice the noodles slipping from his fork.
Taking a deep breath, just as he was about to say something, Xu Changsheng walked out of the interrogation room, having changed into civilian clothes, and casually tossed his police uniform onto his seat. He looked at Su Ming and Wang Hu with a smile.
"Quickly throw those instant noodles away. What kind of first day at the criminal investigation brigade is it if you're eating instant noodles while working overtime? You'll have plenty of opportunities to eat later on."
"Come on, let me treat you to a late-night snack."
...
In a night market less than three kilometers from the brigade, Xu Changsheng found a wall-side spot to sit down, expertly pulled out the menu, and casually said, "So, how is it? Do you have any dietary restrictions?"
"If not, let's order according to our brigade's old habit?"
"After finishing a mission, everyone likes to come here for late-night snacks to relax. After all, in our profession..."
"When things get busy, there's really no time to eat."
Across from him, Wang Hu was opening a beer and curiously asked, "Brother Sheng, I'm a bit curious. Logically speaking, whether it's Skinny Dog or the three fugitives, the crimes they committed are quite serious, and they'll likely be in for a long haul."
"But why is it... the interrogation was so quick? It felt like it was over in just a few minutes."
As the nominal mentor to the two, Xu Changsheng wouldn't hide any relevant information regarding criminal investigations. He placed the filled menu on the table and shook his head.
"Tiger, you're mistaken here. It's precisely because they committed serious crimes, and their guilt is evident, that the interrogation went so quickly."
"Except for the bald fugitive who's currently receiving treatment, the other two have already confessed without hesitation, or rather..."
"There's irrefutable evidence; they have no way to argue against it."
"The criminal police from Jisheng received the news immediately and have set out. They should arrive by morning."
"When they do, we'll hand these three over to Jisheng."
"As for Skinny Dog..."
"Though he looks like he's scared stiff now, digging out the big fish behind him won't be so simple; it's going to take a lot of effort."
At this point, Su Ming, who had been deep in thought, took the opportunity to continue the conversation.
"I think..."
"Most likely, it's not that the Skinny Dog doesn't want to talk, but rather that he really doesn't know any important information, not even who his superior is."
"After all,"
"Anyone who dares to sell so much Class 4 drugs to Skinny Dog in a place like Magic City must have made all sorts of preparations; having a single line of contact is basic."
"If the higher-ups can't dig anything out, they can only go after the small fries below, probably just some minor junkies, so there's really no need to rush."
This remark made Xu Changsheng nod slightly, picking up the beer in front of him and taking a big swig, praising him with satisfaction.
"Xiao Ming."
"I really don't know how to compliment you. Whether it's today's operation or just now with your review of the case, your terrifying thought process."
"You're truly... cut out for our line of work!"
"By the way,"
"Director Lin just mentioned to me that you two need to see him first thing tomorrow morning; he probably wants to talk about your formal employment."
"Achieving a full-time position on the first day of your internship? That's truly a record!"