Chapter 72: The Capture
Chapter 72: The Capture
After waiting for about five to six minutes, Wei Chang'an's Taku sedan arrived at the dormitory building. He pushed open the passenger door and called out to Chen Chuan, who was waiting on the steps, "Let's go, junior. Follow me."
Chen Chuan didn't hesitate and immediately descended the steps, getting into the car.
Wei Chang'an waited for him to fasten his seatbelt before starting the engine and saying, "After taking this guy back yesterday, he quickly confessed during the interrogation. Scarface is hiding out in the Gateway District."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and replied, "That place has a lot of people coming and going."
The Gateway District was located in the southwestern part of the city, surrounded by several counties and towns, and even people from other cities often passed through this area when entering Yangzhi City. Therefore, the flow of people was complex, and it was easy to leave the city from there.
Wei Chang'an said, "Previously, the Patrol Bureau searched the entire city, but the focus was on the areas under the influence of the Bloodstain Gang. That's why they couldn't find him."
Chen Chuan asked, "Could this be related to the Iron Chain Gang since it's close to their territory?"
Wei Chang'an replied, "It's hard to say. Scarface isn't Chou Huzi; he's an outsider who has only been in Yangzhi for about a year. Unlike Chou Huzi, who has connections in many places, Scarface often clashes with the Bloodstain Gang. As long as it causes trouble for them, they might do anything. But it's also possible that it has nothing to do with either gang, and someone else is helping them."
"But these aren't our concerns right now. The important thing is that we know where Scarface is hiding. Previously, Chou Huzi had been supplying drugs to Fang Dawei through Scarface. Now it seems that this connection hasn't been cut off. So, as long as we capture Scarface, we can use him to track down Fang Dawei's group!"
Chen Chuan asked, "Haven't you started the capture operation yet?"
Wei Chang'an said, "If the Patrol Bureau sends a large number of people, it will create too much noise and easily leak information. Moreover, we need to capture Scarface alive, which isn't the Bureau's specialty. So, the Bureau has already issued a commission."
Chen Chuan asked, "Is the Patrol Bureau really entrusting this to us?"
Wei Chang'an smiled and said, "This is because we were the ones who initially pursued this lead. Otherwise, we wouldn't even have a clue to follow. And... junior, both you and I are sons of Patrol Bureau officers. If the Bureau doesn't trust us, who else would they trust?"
Chen Chuan understood the situation. In this world, circles and cliques were distinct and exclusive, especially within the Patrol Bureau, which was now dominated by family succession. Even though he and Wei Chang'an were students of Wu Yi Academy, they were still considered insiders due to their family backgrounds, with relatives still serving in the Bureau.
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and asked, "Do you have a commission company above you, Wei Ge?"
Wei Chang'an nodded and said, "Although the specific assignment depends on the company, the client's opinion is also crucial. Rest assured, at least in the case of Scarface, it's in our hands. The current problem is how to capture him."
Chen Chuan asked, "Do you have specific information?"
Wei Chang'an replied, "I'm about to tell you about that. According to 'Brother Tian,' Scarface has a few people around him." He took out several documents, "Junior, take a look."
Chen Chuan flipped through the documents, pondering for a moment before asking, "How did 'Brother Tian' know all this? Isn't he just a small gang leader?"
Wei Chang'an explained, "Look at the back, yes, this one. He is Scarface's subordinate, 'Fast Legs' Tian Yaozu, who is a distant relative and fellow townsman. With this connection, he was sent out for this transaction.
'Brother Tian' should have returned to them this morning after the transaction. To avoid suspicion, the Patrol Bureau arranged for a street blockade and search operation yesterday. They also had 'Brother Tian' send a letter and say he would come over before noon. From our surveillance, Scarface and his gang are indeed there, and for now, they are temporarily restrained."
"This gives us some time, but only until noon. We need to capture all of them within this short time frame!"
Chen Chuan said, "Based on the information, Scarface has two capable assistants and has recruited a few others. It won't be enough with just the two of us. Have you arranged for additional personnel?"
Wei Chang'an smiled and said, "Since the company is entrusting this mission to you, Wei Ge, it's natural to utilize some resources. Later..."
He became more serious, "During the mission, anything can happen, and nothing is foolproof. Moreover, this is Wei Ge's first time leading such a commission, so there might be oversights. Therefore, junior, I'll position you in the rear, but rest assured, the main credit will still be yours."
Chen Chuan nodded in agreement with Wei Chang'an's words, indicating that he understood the plan. The Mutual Aid Society had assigned the task of apprehending a wanted fugitive, and Wei Chang'an had been briefed on the situation. They were now in the Shuoguan District, a bustling area with a similar layout to the Xigang District but with a higher population density. The streets were crowded with people and occasional tricycles and pedestrians darting across.
As they drove slowly through the area, Wei Chang'an honked the horn to navigate the busy streets. After twenty minutes, they arrived at a department store and parked the car. Wei Chang'an and Chen Chuan got out and walked into a narrow alley. After several turns, they reached a small building constructed of red bricks.
Wei Chang'an knocked on the door of the top-floor apartment and called out, "Fourth Brother, open the door."
A young man with long hair opened the door and greeted Wei Chang'an. He then turned to Chen Chuan and said with a smile, "So, you must be Chen Xuelang?"
Wei Chang'an introduced him, "This is Cai Si, also from Wu Yi Academy."
Chen Chuan responded politely, "Nice to meet you, Senior Cai."
Cai Si waved his hand dismissively, "No need for formalities, just call me 'Fourth Brother.'"
Wei Chang'an said, "Come in and talk."
Cai Si welcomed them inside and checked the surroundings before closing the door.
Wei Chang'an went straight to the window and looked outside. "What do you think?"
Cai Si joined him at the window, "There's no unusual activity. Even if they suspect the letter, they won't relocate without finding another hideout. Plus, Old Wu and the others are keeping an eye on them."
Wei Chang'an pointed out the window, "See that building over there, Chen Xuelang?"
Chen Chuan looked out the window. The building they were in was five stories tall, and the surrounding structures were slightly shorter. Across the street, about two hundred meters away, was a four-story building with a north-south orientation. It had old windows but no balconies.
Wei Chang'an explained, "According to 'Ge,' the scar-faced gang is holed up in the three connected rooms on the east side of the fourth floor. On the east and west sides are residential areas. To the northeast, about a few dozen meters away, there's an open-air market. The south side is an empty lot."
Cai Si added, "Capturing them isn't difficult, but we have to consider that if the scar-faced gang isn't stupid, they might have an informant in one of the residences near the street. If they notice a large number of unfamiliar faces, they might get suspicious and alert, which would complicate things."
Wei Chang'an said, "Fortunately, the tallest buildings in the area are this one and ours. Since they're on the top floor, we'll have someone climb up to the roof and we'll meet them there. That way, we can avoid being noticed."
Chen Chuan asked, "What about the Martial Arts Club? Will they cooperate with this plan?"
Wei Chang'an smiled, "The fugitive they're after is so close to this Martial Arts Club; if the Patrol Bureau sweeps the area after the capture, the club might be targeted as well. By cooperating with us, they're actually helping themselves avoid suspicion. They won't refuse."
Chen Chuan pondered this, understanding that the Martial Arts Club was a local power in itself. With the fugitive so close, the Patrol Bureau could easily suspect them of being involved. Therefore, they had no choice but to cooperate.
He asked, "What do you need me to do, Wei Chang'an?"
Wei Chang'an replied, "The Commission Company has sent several professionals to assist me. You don't need to participate in the actual capture, Chen Xuelang. Your task is to join Fourth Brother and the others in guarding the northeast corner, where the road leads to the market. That way, we can prevent any escapees."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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