Chapter 93: Conditions
Chapter 93: Conditions
As Guan Yuming was on the phone with the Bureau, three armored transport vehicles were making their way towards Caijiashai, each bearing the emblem of a blooming Ink Orchid with deep purple petals, a stunning sight.
Inside one of the armored vehicles sat He Yaoxian, the newly appointed External Affairs Director of Ink Orchid Corporation, and Wan Poming, the leader of the Third Field Security Team.
He Yaoxian, in his mid-twenties, always wore a smile. Despite his slightly plump build, he exuded vitality and energy. His thick hair and toned muscles made him appear youthful, and his bright eyes were full of life. With only three hours of sleep each day, he maintained his energy and focus throughout the day.
This was the power of technical drugs. Each rank within the company had access to different medications, and the higher the position, the more potent the drugs. However, the benefits were contingent on their performance. Should they fail to meet the company's expectations, these privileges would be revoked.
But how could they possibly fail?
In the highly competitive Central City, he might feel inadequate, but in Yangzhi City, the company's regional branch primarily dealt with local matters. There was no reason they couldn't handle these smaller issues.
He glanced at Wan Poming, the typically taciturn leader of the Third Team. He had been silent throughout the journey, which was precisely what He Yaoxian preferred. Such individuals made the ideal tools, requiring no questions and only obedience.
He Yaoxian asked with satisfaction, "Captain Wan, are you confident about this mission?"
Wan Poming replied calmly, "Director He, I've reviewed the files on Fang Dawei and his group. They use outdated, defective, and experimental products with side effects. Even with their advantageous terrain, my team can apprehend them within five to ten minutes."
He Yaoxian asked curiously, "Why five to ten minutes? If you're confident, shouldn't it be done in the shortest time possible?"
Wan Poming explained, "Some individuals may experience abnormal metamorphic changes due to the implanted stimulants, and the extent varies. This might complicate things, but it's not necessarily bad. The company sometimes welcomes such occurrences as they provide new ideas and materials for the laboratory."
"Indeed, a veteran of the company," He Yaoxian praised. As the new External Affairs Director, he was unfamiliar with these details, having previously focused on communications with subsidiary companies and government departments, rarely dealing with such matters.
In Yangzhi City, certain matters didn't require direct handling; the subordinates could manage them, and they rarely escalated to the top.
"Director He, we're almost there," the female assistant whispered.
He Yaoxian looked outside and saw patrol officers stationed along the road, with patrol vehicles coming and going. He couldn't help but smile, finding the scene amusing.
The three Ink Orchid armored transport vehicles turned onto an uphill slope and, after a short distance, arrived at a larger open space directly below the Outpost Command Center. Several Patrol Bureau vehicles were already parked there.
Once the vehicles stopped, fully armed security personnel with custom firearms, full-face helmets, and double-layered protective suits disembarked and set up a perimeter. Only then did He Yaoxian step out, glancing at the sun above and commenting, "It's a hot day today."
The female assistant quickly produced a fan to cool him down.
He Yaoxian pointed towards the Outpost Command Center with his finger, and immediately, an attendant went to negotiate with the patrol officers, informing them of their arrival and requesting a meeting with Deputy Director Guan.
The attendant soon returned, reporting, "Director, they said Deputy Director Guan is not here. He's gone to the village ahead to pacify the villagers."
"Pacifying villagers?"
He Yaoxian scoffed, not believing a word of it. In his mind, he thought, "Delaying tactics? That's useless. If the Patrol Bureau could apprehend Fang Dawei's group, they would have done so already. Delaying won't help."
He headed towards the vehicle, saying, "In that case, since Director Guan is busy and can't meet us, we'll take the trouble to go and see him."
Just as he spoke, a Patrol Bureau open-top off-road vehicle approached. The female assistant observed, "Director, it's Guan Yuming, but he doesn't seem to be in his dedicated vehicle."
He Yaoxian halted in his tracks as the open-top vehicle drew near. When it came to a stop, the surrounding patrol officers snapped to attention and saluted.
Guan Yuming returned the salute from the vehicle before stepping out.
He Yaoxian approached with a smile, saying, "Director Guan, I heard you went to the village ahead to handle matters. Are they resolved?"
Guan Yuming replied, "Yes, we're about to withdraw."
He Yaoxian was pleased. With Guan Yuming's cooperation, many issues would be resolved more smoothly. Ink Orchid Corporation had influence over some decisions of the Government Hall, but they had no control over the Patrol Bureau, which was under direct supervision from above.
The Patrol Bureau's primary targets for surveillance in the city were not the bandits and criminals, but rather the Ink Orchid Corporation, a fact well understood by both the Bureau and the company itself.
He said, "Director Guan, in that case, let's expedite the handover. We must capture Fang Dawei's gang as soon as possible and provide a satisfactory report to the Government Hall. It's beneficial for both of us, isn't it?"
Guan Yuming replied, "Fang Dawei's gang has caused quite a stir. It's been a long time since they were wanted, and it's embarrassing that the Patrol Bureau has only now located them, allowing them to create such a commotion in the city."
He Yaoqian sighed and said, "Director Guan, you're being too hard on yourself. With over six million people in Yangzhi City, it's inevitable for the Patrol Bureau to have some oversight in managing such a vast area."
Guan Yuming said, "That's why we must make up for these oversights. It's difficult to prevent problems before they occur, but we can still try to rectify the situation."
He Yaoqian raised an eyebrow and chuckled, saying, "Director Guan, this isn't your fault. Look, the Government Hall doesn't intend to pursue the matter, and our Ink Orchid Corporation is willing to help resolve the issue. We'll also give the Patrol Bureau some positive coverage in the subsequent publications. Everyone will be happy, how about it?"
He thought that Guan Yuming wanted to negotiate terms, something he was familiar with. He could arrange for some favorable mentions of the Patrol Bureau in the publications, but that was as far as he could go.
"In that case, thank you, Director He," Guan Yuming paused briefly before continuing, "This matter has already been resolved. We've dealt with all the bandits and captured them without any escapes."
He Yaoqian was taken aback by his words. Instinctively, he glanced around and then at Guan Yuming, saying, "Director Guan, resolved? You're not joking, are you?"
Guan Yuming replied, "The prisoners and corpses are there. We'll announce it in the newspaper today. The Patrol Bureau never goes easy on those who cross the line." He glanced at He Yaoqian again, "Well, Director He, I need to quickly send the remaining prisoners back. There's a pile of work waiting for me at the Bureau, so please excuse me."
After saying this, he returned to the off-road vehicle. Suddenly, he turned back, "Oh, right, the content in your company's publications might need some adjustments. It'll be a bother for Director He to oversee this." He signaled, and the vehicle started, driving off.
With a whistle, the surrounding patrol officers slung their guns and turned towards the armored transport vehicle below, running in formation.
He Yaoqian's face turned grim. Had the Patrol Bureau actually resolved the matter? Damn it!
Even if he failed to complete the company's task, it was not the main concern. The bigger issue was that Fang Dawei's gang was involved in numerous secrets, and there were survivors among them. Now that the Patrol Bureau had captured them, who knew what they would uncover?
Ink Orchid Corporation might not collapse, and the losses might not be significant, but someone would have to take the fall afterward, and the most suitable person for that...
His face turned pale, and his body trembled. The female assistant hurried to wipe the sweat from his brow, but she couldn't stop it.
Wan Poming watched silently, without a word.
Over the years, he had seen too many company employees like this. They were glorious during their tenure, but one wrong step could lead to a pitiful fate, a fate too cruel to witness.
He Yaoqian's thoughts raced, and he felt the need to save himself. He grabbed the female assistant's collar, and despite her terrified expression, he said with a sinister look, "Go find Director Guan, or even someone close to him. Tell him that I'll do my best to meet his demands, and if I can't, I'll convey his wishes to the higher-ups!"
Meanwhile, the Patrol Bureau Director's dedicated vehicle was heading towards the city. The interior was not lavish, but it was spacious and comfortable. The driver's skills were impressive, ensuring a smooth and steady ride even on the city's outskirts.
Wu Xuelang lay on the reclined sofa, looking out the window at the scenery with Chen Chuan. "It's a privilege to ride in this car, thanks to you, Chen Chuan."
Chen Chuan said, "Compared to what you've done for Liu, this is nothing."
Wu Xuelang gave a hearty laugh and sat up. "I did it to avenge Liu. I don't care about the rest. Chen Chuan, from now on, if you need anything, just ask. I'll be there, even if it means turning my frown upside down."
Chen Chuan said, "Wu Xuelang, if you were in Liu's position today, would you have gone to rescue someone?"
Wu Xuelang thought for a moment. "Maybe not before, but from now on..." He affirmed, "I would!"
Chen Chuan nodded. He extended his hand and introduced himself, "Chen Chuan, first-year student at Wu Yi Academy."
Wu Xuelang was taken aback, and his eyes lit up with determination. He shook Chen Chuan's hand firmly, saying seriously, "Wu Han, second-year student at Wu Yi Academy!"
As the car turned, Chen Chuan tapped the partition and asked through the open window, "Chief Bai, where are we headed?"
The director's deputy, sitting in the passenger seat, smiled and said, "Chen, Director Guan has arranged for you to first visit Captain Bai's home to inform your family of your safety, and then we'll take you back to school."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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