Zhao Xiaoqing couldn't explain why, but the handwriting on the letter felt strangely familiar.
"Old Jiang, do you think... is there any way to contact your young friend again?"
Old Zhang from the Armed Forces Department, who was acquainted with Master Jiang, asked, seeing the grim expressions on Director Dai and the others.
Master Jiang shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "I don't even know this young friend's name. I haven't even seen his real face, nor do I know if he's male or female. How could I possibly have his contact information?"
Director Dai and the others were somewhat disbelieving and cast suspicious glances at Master Jiang.
Someone muttered, "How come you guys were cooperating so well before we arrived, and as soon as we show up, this happens?"
Hearing this, Master Jiang set down his teacup and asked sternly, "What? Are you suspecting that I, Jiang, staged this myself? In that case, fine! Arrest me and interrogate me with extreme measures!"
Old Zhang quickly tried to appease him and then busied himself scolding the person who had spoken, finally calming Master Jiang down.
Master Jiang had made significant contributions in the past and had connections with old leaders of A City from decades ago. He was not someone these juniors could easily offend.
"I genuinely do not have that person's contact information. If you wish to find him, I, Jiang, am powerless to assist."
With that, Master Jiang picked up his teacup to signal their departure.
Seeing this, and knowing they wouldn't get any further results by staying, everyone got up to leave.
Only the person from the Armed Forces Department who was acquainted with Master Jiang stood up but did not leave.
"Old Zhang, do you need something else?" Master Jiang asked impatiently.
Old Zhang walked over to Master Jiang and inquired, "Old Jiang, do you have that person's photo?"
Master Jiang frowned, "A photo? The surveillance at the entrance should have captured it. But he was in disguise, so even if you get the photo, it won't be useful."
Old Zhang said, "It's still a clue, isn't it? What if we find him?"
"Furthermore, according to this letter, this person is no longer just privately hoarding strategic materials; it also involves public security issues."
"Old Jiang, I know you value camaraderie. However, on matters of great importance and right and wrong, you mustn't be muddled!"
Under Old Zhang's persuasion, Master Jiang eventually handed over the surveillance screenshot of Tang Li's fierce, disguised male appearance.
After the officials left, Master Jiang angrily smashed his cup on the ground.
He roared, "These idiots! How many brothers' livelihoods have they ruined?"
"Where are they? Whether injured, disabled, alive, or dead, bring them in for me to see!"
At this moment, the person who had come in to report earlier walked in from outside and whispered a few words into Master Jiang's ear.
Upon hearing this, Master Jiang slumped onto his chair, shaking his head with a bitter smile. "I'm truly getting old! When did such a significant mysterious force emerge in A City that I'm unaware of!"
In Master Jiang's opinion, to resolve over a hundred people in such a short time, with no trace of them being seen or found dead, would require a considerable number of personnel.
He could never have imagined that the person opposite him was, all along, just one individual.
Unaware of what was happening at Master Jiang's place, Tang Li, after idly spending some time at the supermarket, returned home.
Tang Li knew that A City would experience its second snowfall that night, and it would continue for a full sixteen days!
After this snowfall, the coldest period of the extreme winter, the three-nine and four-nine days, would commence.
That morning, Tang Li had already restocked the supermarket's inventory.
For the next half a month, she would remain at home, not venturing out.
That very evening, at Director Dai's home...
Dai Fan, seeing his father staring at a photograph for a long time, asked curiously, "Old man, what are you doing?"
Director Dai glared at his good-for-nothing son and said, "This is a very important person. He has a lot of supplies, and the entire logistics department is looking for him."
Dai Fan asked with confusion, "Isn't it easy to find someone? Just use facial recognition in the civil registration system, and you'll find him."
Director Dai shook his head, "You don't understand, this person is in disguise."
"Disguised? Let me see."
Dai Fan took the photo with curiosity and exclaimed, "Huh? I think I've seen this person before."
"You've seen him? Really? Where did you see him? When did you see him?" Director Dai pressed repeatedly.
"Just at..."
Dai Fan was about to blurt out, "Just at the exchange."
Suddenly remembering something, he changed his tune, "Where did I see him? Oh dear! I can't recall!"
"You little rascal! You're playing tricks on me! Get out of here!"
Director Dai berated him angrily while making a move as if to kick Dai Fan.
Dai Fan naturally seized the opportunity to escape.
Returning to his room, he sneered, "Little boss Tang, it seems I've discovered a remarkable secret of yours!"
He then pulled out his phone and made a call...