Just then, Li Zhemíng rushed in, his expression flustered, saying, "The people arrested are not just Chen Lishū, but also Wan'ér. Those people deliberately took both of them away when we weren't paying attention. According to my subordinates, the professional thugs deliberately delayed us today!
Did your woman stir up trouble with someone she shouldn't have here? Wan'ér was implicated by her. Quickly recall who you offended here?!"
Hearing Li Zhemíng's words, Gu Xīngdōng's face immediately darkened. He then said with great pressure, "What do you mean implicated by us? My woman never intended to be with Zhāng Wan'ér. If Zhāng Wan'ér hadn't provoked trouble repeatedly, why would she have been captured today?"
Li Zhemíng couldn't stand Gu Xīngdōng slandering Zhāng Wan'ér. He widened his eyes and roared, "Wan'ér has never been that kind of person. Gu Xīngdōng, we've lived together for so long, you should know whether Wan'ér is scheming or not! I think you've been blinded by that woman!
I treated you as a brother, which is why I've been mediating between you two all these days, constantly speaking well of you. Today, I finally see clearly. You are the one truly ruining our relationship, and you don't deserve our forgiveness!"
Just as the two were about to argue, Xiǎo Hēi saw that the situation was not right and stepped forward to intervene, "Commanders, please stop arguing. The priority now is to find Miss Chen and Miss Zhāng as soon as possible!
In just a few days, I'd say Miss Chen couldn't have offended anyone. The only argument she's had all these days was related to Qín Tài. Brother Gu, according to my investigation, this Qín Tài used to be a bandit. Later, because of reforms, Huáxià prohibited bandits, so he switched to doing some small businesses.
However, after so many years, this person's opportunistic nature hasn't changed at all. He's still forming gangs, and he's heard to have connections with his former associates. He often resorts to unscrupulous tactics when doing business! So, I'd say the people who kidnapped Miss Chen and Miss Zhāng are very likely him!"
With a target identified, Li Zhemíng's resentment subsided considerably. He propped his chin with one hand, thought carefully, hesitated for a moment, then looked up and said leisurely, "We'll settle our grievances and enmities later. The immediate priority is to rescue them quickly. The longer we delay, the greater the threat to their safety!
How about this, I'll take my men to investigate Qín Tài's whereabouts. You send people to scout around and see if there's anything suspicious. No one can guarantee it was Qín Tài, and as far as I know, your woman has offended quite a few people, making anyone a potential kidnapper. To narrow down the scope and save time, let's split up!"
Gu Xīngdōng coldly glanced at the other man, then reached out and grabbed Li Zhemíng's collar, threatening, "I advise you to be careful with your words and learn how to respect people! If you have issues with me and Lishū, then from now on, you go your way and I'll go mine. Let's not interfere with each other, otherwise, don't blame me for what I'll do to you, disregarding our years of friendship!"
With his words, Gu Xīngdōng looked at Xiǎo Hēi and instructed, "Take our men to scout around and see if there are any suspicious individuals appearing nearby. Also, send a few capable people to interrogate the perpetrators and find out who the mastermind is!"
After speaking, Gu Xīngdōng and Xiǎo Hēi prepared to turn and leave. When they reached a corner, Gu Xīngdōng turned back to look at Li Zhemíng and said, "Once there's any news of Chen Lishū, you must inform me immediately. Otherwise, if anything happens to her, you care most about Zhāng Wan'ér, right? Zhāng Wan'ér won't have an easy time either!"
A threat! This was an undisguised threat!
Li Zhemíng couldn't have imagined that the three people who were once best friends would end up like this. He clenched his fists tightly, gritting his teeth, and said:
"In your heart, am I just a despicable and shameless person? Don't worry, although I'm not satisfied with Chen Lishū, I wouldn't stoop to pettiness with a woman!
If there's any news, I'll inform you immediately. Remember to bring people over then. I'm not sure about the situation on the scene, so I might need your help!"
After saying this, the two walked in opposite directions.
----
"Commander Li, I've investigated everything you asked me to. Qín Tài was indeed a bandit in the past, and he also kept a group of people who have been acting arrogantly in Módū for decades!
We went to Qín Tài's house and found that he wasn't home at all, and neither were his henchmen. Therefore, the person who kidnapped Miss Zhāng is very likely him!"
Li Zhemíng's expression was indescribable as he listened to his subordinate's report. He suppressed his anger and gritted his teeth, saying, "You idiot, didn't you hear what Xiǎo Hēi just said? I know he's a bandit. Since the people aren't home, didn't you think to quickly investigate Qín Tài's current location?"
Facing Li Zhemíng's reprimand, the subordinate scratched his head with some grievance, "I've also investigated, but the results are not very clear. Someone is deliberately obstructing our investigation, but I've inferred some possible locations where he might be!"
Li Zhemíng, exasperated, reached out and firmly tapped his subordinate's head a few times, "Are your inferences accurate? Do you know that time is of the essence? If your deductions are wrong and we waste a few hours, it will be too late!"
The young comrade's head hurt from being hit. He covered his head and moved aside, saying, "Commander Li, please don't be anxious. Don't we have other options now? Why don't you send some people to investigate that location according to my deductions! As for the rest, we can all go and investigate Qín Tài's whereabouts together. It's better than doing nothing and worrying here!"
After hearing the young comrade's analysis, Li Zhemíng sighed helplessly, "What other way is there besides doing this? Alright, everyone, let's assign tasks as Liáng Chāo suggested!"
Liáng Chāo, having received Li Zhemíng's approval, slightly curved his lips upwards, puffed out his chest proudly, and then analyzed, "Commander, as far as I know, Qín Tài had his own stronghold when he was a bandit. This place is quite far from the city, reaching the outskirts!"