Shen Lang's guess was correct; the bomb distribution map and demolition methods were all on Alice.
After finding the blueprints and demolition tutorials, Gu Qinghan immediately organized personnel to enter the Nanling Film and Television City to defuse the bombs and apprehended the eight members of the Killer's Path Society.
Simultaneously, Gu Qinghan also notified the fire department.
Over a dozen excavators rumbled in, and in less than fifteen minutes, all four access routes were cleared.
With the passages open, the fire rescue personnel rushed into the scene and began treating the hostages who had collapsed and were too weak to stand.
"Shen Lang, they were poisoned by you. Do you have an antidote?" Song Shaodao asked Shen Lang, looking at the hundreds of weakened hostages.
"Of course—"
Shen Lang produced a small, emerald green bottle. As he opened the cap, a refreshing fragrance wafted out.
Shen Lang looked at Xiong Zi, who was injured but still busily attending to matters, and said, "Have all the poisoned people sniff from the bottle opening; they'll regain their strength soon."
"Got it, Brother Shen."
Hearing Shen Lang's words, Xiong Zi took the bottle and began having all the poisoned individuals sniff from it.
In less than ten minutes, all the poisoned hostages had regained their strength.
However, despite regaining their strength, they were still shaken and terrified by the recent ordeal.
"I know you, you're Director Song."
While Song Shaodao was praising Shen Lang, a voice suddenly called out from among the hostages.
Hearing himself addressed, Song Shaodao's expression flickered with surprise, and he looked towards the crowd.
He saw a girl with delicate features and bangs looking at him.
"Who are you?" Song Shaodao asked, curious that someone recognized him.
"Director Song, I am Yuan Qingqiu from the Journalism School of Nanling University. You attended our freshman orientation and gave a speech titled 'Old Soldiers Never Die, They Just Fade Away'," the girl with bangs said excitedly.
"I do recall something like that, but it was so long ago, I'd almost forgotten."
Song Shaodao detested attending ceremonies, but the president of Nanling University was his comrade. It was only after repeated requests that he reluctantly agreed to attend and prepare a speech.
What Song Shaodao hadn't expected was that someone would remember something he himself had almost forgotten, three years later. This made him look upon Yuan Qingqiu with great respect.
"So, you're a student from Nanling University. What a coincidence." Song Shaodao smiled elegantly. "You must have been frightened today. Go home and rest well."
Yuan Qingqiu smiled slightly. "Thank you for your concern, Director Song. However, before I go home to rest, I need to report someone to you in person."
"Report someone?" Song Shaodao and Gu Qinghan exclaimed in surprise.
"The person next to you." Yuan Qingqiu pointed at Shen Lang, her voice filled with indignation. "When the incident happened, he watched a movie with us in the same screening hall. Afterwards, he killed two members of the Killer's Path Society and then left with his girlfriend, completely disregarding the lives of the rest of us."
"Is that true?" Hearing Yuan Qingqiu's words, Song Shaodao was startled and looked at Shen Lang beside him.
"Of course, what she said is true." Shen Lang's gaze did not waver; he was confident and composed. "In that situation, I could save one person. That was my limit. If I had been overconfident and tried to get everyone out at once, or tried to eliminate all the members of the Killer's Path Society single-handedly, I suspect most of the hostages would be dead by now."
Hearing Shen Lang's words, Song Shaodao chuckled and patted Shen Lang heavily on the shoulder. "Shen Lang, you did the right thing. I knew it, you've got the spirit of my younger days." He then turned to Yuan Qingqiu. "Did you hear what he said? The situation was not what you imagined. Moreover, he performed a great service during the rescue operation just now. Please don't misunderstand him."
While speaking, Song Shaodao felt no need to explain himself to Yuan Qingqiu. However, Yuan Qingqiu was a victim of the hostage situation, having just been through a terrifying experience, so Song Shaodao's tone was unintentionally gentler.
"Director Song, you are protecting him." Yuan Qingqiu was greatly displeased with Song Shaodao's attitude and said angrily, "The young man next to you regards the lives of all hostages as worthless. At the critical moment, he escaped with his girlfriend, leaving the other hostages to fend for themselves. His actions are more despicable and infuriating than those of the Killer's Path Society members."
"Director Song, I hope you will dismiss him immediately and remove this rotten apple from the Martial Guard."
Facing Yuan Qingqiu's relentless accusations, Song Shaodao's displeasure grew. "What will happen if I don't dismiss him from the Martial Guard?"
"The consequences will be very serious," Yuan Qingqiu stated. "I have already posted online about him fleeing with his girlfriend when faced with danger. This matter has already gone viral, and if you don't dismiss him from the Martial Guard, it will likely be detrimental to the Martial Guard, and to you as well."
"Young lady, the person you're referring to as fleeing with his girlfriend not only killed eight bandits and their leader, but also immediately informed the Martial Guard of the situation here, saving all of your lives." Song Shaodao looked at Yuan Qingqiu, suppressing his anger. "Isn't that enough?"
"It's not enough—" Yuan Qingqiu shouted. "He killed the eight bandits and their leader because he had to while escaping with his girlfriend, not to save us. As for informing the Martial Guard immediately, that was merely his duty. Why should I forgive him for that?"
"Alright..." Hearing Yuan Qingqiu's words, Song Shaodao sighed and said, "Since you've put it that way, I can only do as you wish and dismiss him from the Martial Guard." He then turned to Shen Lang and said sternly, "Shen Lang, from today onwards, you are removed from the Martial Guard, do you understand?"
"I understand," Shen Lang replied quietly, as if he had made a mistake.
"Are you satisfied?" Song Shaodao glanced at Shen Lang, then turned his gaze to Yuan Qingqiu and asked.
Yuan Qingqiu smiled. "Director Song is indeed just and impartial. I am impressed."
Song Shaodao smiled. "In that case, can you delete what you posted online?"
"Certainly—" Yuan Qingqiu took out her phone and said to Song Shaodao, "Old Song, please take a look. The pictures I posted online have over a million views and more than three hundred thousand comments. I will delete them now." With that, Yuan Qingqiu pressed a button and deleted her post.
"Old Song, I suddenly have a question. Can you answer it for me?" Qin Long's voice was weak as he spoke.
"What question?" Song Shaodao asked upon hearing Qin Long.
Qin Long whispered, "Brother Shen isn't even a Martial Guard. How did you dismiss him from the Martial Guard just now?"
"Oh, I see." Hearing Qin Long's words, Song Shaodao looked as if he had suddenly realized something. He turned to Yuan Qingqiu and said, "My apologies, he is not a Martial Guard, so I cannot dismiss him."
"Don't worry. I, Song Shaodao, always keep my word. Once he successfully becomes a Martial Guard, I will find a way to dismiss him."