Chapter 196: An Tan
Chapter 196: An Tan
The next day, Chen Chuan turned on the radio early in the morning. It was still reporting on yesterday's events and had opened an anonymous hotline for Yangzhi City citizens to call in and share stories of the powerful families' past misdeeds.
This tactic was incredibly effective in stirring up the emotions of many citizens, causing them to stand firmly on the side of justice.
However, not many in Yangzhi City dared to speak out, even anonymously. Despite the continuous stream of calls, many were prearranged, but the stories they told were likely true and detailed enough to withstand scrutiny.
At that moment, the phone in the living room suddenly rang. Chen Chuan answered it and had barely spoken a sentence when he held the receiver slightly away, and Ding Jiao's loud voice came through.
"I was saying, bro, you're on a roll! You don't know, but I was thinking of going yesterday. I even made it to the door, and man, it was packed with Wu Yi students. I wasn't afraid of embarrassment, but that atmosphere... my legs were trembling."
"But then I thought, what am I afraid of? My bro is Chen Chuan, the coolest guy. My back straightened, and my legs stopped trembling. Then..."
"Then you went home?"
"Yes... I mean, no!" Ding Jiao quickly corrected himself. "I didn't run away. You didn't see me because I had a friend who got scared by the atmosphere and peed on the spot. I wanted to do you a favor, and I didn't want to leave my friend hanging, so I took him home to change. But when I came back, you guys were already gone."
"You're not talking about yourself, are you?" Chen Chuan asked with a smile.
"How could it be me!" Ding Jiao's voice rose momentarily. "That friend is..." He suddenly paused, "I can't do something that would embarrass me. I can't just blurt out his name..."
Chen Chuan smiled as he listened to Ding Jiao rambling on. Finally, he found an opening and said, "How are things on your end?"
"It's fine. Why are you asking that?" Ding Jiao was a bit puzzled.
"It might not be peaceful lately," Chen Chuan said.
"Yeah, it's not peaceful. The Bloodstain Gang has been beaten down by the Iron Chain Gang and can't hold their heads up high. I heard many of them fled to the outskirts of the city. If we're talking about major gangs, only the Iron Chain Gang is left, but they can't take over the Bloodstain Gang's business. They don't stay in the city either, so there's not much to worry about."
"Still, be careful," Chen Chuan advised.
"Will do! You've seen more than me, bro. I'll listen to you."
Chen Chuan chatted with him for a while before hanging up the phone, feeling significantly more relaxed.
He glanced outside; he hadn't planned to go out these days. Despite Yangzhi appearing normal, the situation was tense, and anything could happen.
So, he practiced at home, focusing on his punches and breathing techniques since he couldn't practice his sword moves due to limited space.
At noon, after lunch, Chen Chuan was in his study reviewing materials when the phone in the living room suddenly rang. He answered it, and after confirming his identity, the caller recited a series of numbers from a conscription order, "Cadet Chen Chuan, please come to the alley. There's a task that requires your cooperation."
"I'll be right there," Chen Chuan replied, then hung up.
He had thought he would have to wait for a while, but to his surprise, the instructions came the very next day. He quickly changed into a new set of clothes, grabbed the Snow Lady Sword he had prepared earlier, picked up a case from the yard, and headed out.
Upon reaching the alley, he encountered a familiar face.
"Agent Feng?"
The middle-aged man across from him, wearing a trench coat and a fedora, was none other than Old Feng, whom he had met at the edge of the wilderness.
Agent Feng smiled, "Cadet Chen, you're joining us on this mission. Well, we can consider ourselves old partners."
Chen Chuan nodded with satisfaction. He was more welcoming to this arrangement, as Commissioner Cao was of a higher rank, and his attitude was hard to read, always giving the impression of being deeply mysterious.
He preferred dealing with the man before him, Agent Feng, who felt more like a friendly and experienced guide. The man exuded a stronger sense of camaraderie.
Chen Chuan walked up and shook hands with Old Feng, saying, "It's so hot, and you're wearing this?"
Old Feng smiled, "I'm used to it."
Chen Chuan didn't ask further. Agent Feng was also a fighter, probably not bothered by the heat. Moreover, that trench coat might conceal various weapons with special purposes.
After a brief exchange, Old Feng said, "Cadet Chen, let's find a place to talk."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and suggested, "There's a small park nearby. People go there to cool off in the evenings, but during the day, it's usually empty. Let's go there to chat."
Old Feng agreed, and the two walked for about ten minutes until they reached a park filled with lotus ponds. Several lotus flowers stood tall, and beneath them, golden-red fish occasionally swam by.
Old Feng glanced at the fish and remarked, "The Yangzhi City carp are indeed huge."
Chen Chuan looked down and saw that the carp was nearly a meter and a half long, which was typical for Yangzhi's carp. "Yes, the carp here are this big."
Old Feng commented, "The water quality here is indeed unique."
(End of Chapter)"His instincts kicked in as he surveyed the surroundings, and his expression turned serious. 'Chen Chuan,' he said, 'I need to brief you on this mission.'"
Chen Chuan's expression mirrored his mentor's seriousness.
"The operation to suppress the Mo Lan Corporation is underway, but our primary target isn't Mo Lan itself. First, we need to eliminate some other influential forces."
Chen Chuan's eyes narrowed thoughtfully at the mention of other powers.
Old Feng's voice took on a grave tone. "These forces are experts at taking advantage of chaos. If we don't clear them out in advance, they could cause significant unforeseen problems and losses. Especially since some foreign powers are involved, who won't care about the lives of civilians. They'll only make the situation more chaotic, and that's unacceptable."
Chen Chuan asked, "Are these resistance organizations?"
"Resistance organizations are also on our list, but there are others dealing with them. We're targeting an elite team sent by the Antan Corporation.
This company has its hands in many pies—arms, drugs, implants, and more. They also engage in mercenary work and smuggling, with branches all over the world. Wherever there's conflict, you'll find their shadow.
"I assume you've reviewed the intelligence," Old Feng continued. "Mo Lan Corporation ordered a large number of combat mantises, along with a substantial quantity of high-energy nutrients. Without these nutrients, the effectiveness of these bio-combat weapons is limited."
"We've blocked their official supply routes, so Mo Lan can only procure through the black market and smuggling channels. I've received word that Antan's team has taken on the delivery. They'll deliver the goods by the deadline, and the rendezvous point is in the wilderness. Our task is to intercept the shipment and, if possible, seize it."
Chen Chuan nodded. "Agent Feng, how should we students assist?"
Old Feng explained, "I have a tactical squad skilled in infiltration, assassination, eavesdropping, and communications. Although Agent Cao has provided additional personnel, I feel this mission might attract the attention of other companies. So, I need more support."
"Chen, since you're a local, if you know reliable people, bring them along. I'll ensure proper compensation and recognition for their efforts."
Chen Chuan considered this. "I know some people who could help, and they should meet your requirements."
"That's excellent."
Old Feng asked, "How quickly can you gather them? The sooner, the better. Time is of the essence. Once we deal with this, we can focus on Mo Lan."
"I'll make the calls right now," Chen Chuan assured him.
He found a public phone booth and started calling Ren Xiaotian, Wei Chang'an, and other classmates he'd worked with.
This team was practically ready-made, with each member experienced in infiltrating armed camps and trustworthy.
Moreover, this operation was a commissioned task, falling under a national mission, which would be a notable addition to their resumes.
As he called each person, they all eagerly agreed to join without hesitation.
Wei Chang'an, who had another commission, immediately dropped it upon hearing about this mission.
Not only was it because of Chen Chuan's relationship and favors, but the benefits from their previous mission had left his team satisfied. Although they didn't know the specific target this time, the mention of the wilderness hinted at a significant operation. They were all eager and energized.
Lu Kaiyuan, Feng Xiaoqi, Wu Han, Wei Dong, and others also readily agreed. It was summer vacation, so they were available to join quickly.
Given the circumstances and Chen Chuan's emphasis on the urgency of the commission, the team assembled in just one afternoon.
Old Feng, impressed, had only taken half a day to gather a team, mostly Wu Yi Academy students, with the remaining members having diverse skills.
He distributed a pre-prepared plan.
Chen Chuan skimmed it, noting the precision of the information, which was almost tailored to each Antan team member. The elite team seemed one-sidedly transparent to them, and he couldn't help but admire the Bureau of Operations' prowess.
If he'd had such a plan and information against the Rust Gang, he might have single-handedly taken down their entire camp.
Old Feng, noticing his thoughts, smiled. "It's not that complicated. Do you know where this information came from? Antan Corporation sold it to us."
Chen Chuan was surprised. "They sell their own secrets?"
Old Feng nodded matter-of-factly. "That's Antan for you. They'll sell anything for the right price. The informant could even be among the cargo team.
But they usually sell the information in batches, with variations each time. This information is from last week, so it might differ from the current situation. We still need to adapt."
...
...
End of Chapter.
Chapter end
Report
