Noon. Xiao Tian drove straight to the West Bureau, flooring the accelerator all the way, not daring to delay for a single second. Throughout the journey, Xiao Tian’s mind was filled with thoughts of Yu Ningxue, along with deep self-reproach.

If only he had taken Yu Ningxue home back then, all this chaos wouldn’t have happened!

"If she gets hurt even a little, I’ll tear you apart!" Xiao Tian angrily slapped the steering wheel, seething with rage.

In less than half an hour, the car sped along the road. Finally, it arrived at the West Bureau, and Xiao Tian jumped out and ran straight into the lobby.

Upon entering, he saw that the lobby was already full. Bai Tao and Yang He sat at the front, while the rest wore solemn expressions. Yu Ningxue’s kidnapping was a matter of utmost gravity for them, akin to the sky falling!

At this moment, many of the newly recruited female officers at the West Bureau were already crying with worry. Everyone was waiting, waiting for Jin Feng to call.

This case of Yu Ningxue’s kidnapping shocked the Shanghai police force. As the famous police belle of Shanghai and Bai Tao’s capable assistant, Yu Ningxue was cherished like a family member by everyone.

Bai Tao had always regarded Yu Ningxue as his own daughter. With her kidnapping, he had no idea how many cigarettes he had smoked in half a day. He seemed to have aged significantly.

Bai Tao understood clearly. The audacity of the other party to even attack the police showed exceptional boldness. Yu Ningxue was now in grave danger. The greatest fear was that even after the Shanghai police agreed to Jin Feng’s demands, Jin Feng might still refuse to let Yu Ningxue go.

In an instant, all were overcome with anxiety, turning gray with worry.

"Xiao Tian, you’re here!"

Seeing Xiao Tian’s arrival, Bai Tao immediately stood up and spoke, countless gazes turning toward Xiao Tian. Xiao Tian only nodded slightly before taking a seat.

The current Xiao Tian was different from before. In the past, even when faced with life-and-death missions, he could always maintain a playful demeanor, appearing unruffled.

This time, however, Xiao Tian’s expression was intensely solemn. Everyone could feel the aura of aggression emanating from him.

The crowd knew about the bond between Xiao Tian and Yu Ningxue. They understood that Xiao Tian was undoubtedly the most worried and distressed among them. Hence, no one said much and simply waited quietly for further developments.

At this moment, language seemed too feeble and powerless.

All the officers in the lobby sat there, tense and alert, as time ticked away minute by minute.

After approximately an hour, just as the clock on the wall struck twelve, the red phone in the West Bureau’s lobby rang urgently.

"Beep beep beep, beep beep beep, beep beep beep."

As the ringing started, everyone held their breath. Xiao Tian’s gaze grew heavier.

Bai Tao stood up and answered the phone in front of everyone. He broadcasted the call over the hall’s speakers so all could hear.

"Hello? Is this Director Bai? It’s said that this cross-city joint anti-narcotics operation was under your leadership and very well commanded. Let me congratulate you on behalf of Jin...no need for introductions here, is there?"

Bai Tao sneered, "Jin Feng. Known as Feng in the underworld, no need for introductions."

"Hahahaha." Jin Feng’s laughter came from the other end, "Director Bai, you are indeed insightful. Let me continue with what I have to say...." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Bai Tao was covered with sweat, his brows furrowed tightly as he listened silently to Jin Feng’s words.

Jin Feng continued, "There’s an old Huaxia saying that cutting off someone’s source of livelihood is like killing their parents. Director Bai, you’ve not played fair. With your actions, how are my men supposed to make a living? So this time, don’t blame brothers for being unfair!"

"...." Bai Tao gripped the receiver, suppressing his anger as he gritted his teeth, "What do you want to do?"

As the chief director of the Shanghai Bureau, Bai Tao was known for his fiery temper. This was the first time he spoke in such a tone to a kidnapper who dared to push their insults too far. Very frustrated, but with Yu Ningxue in the kidnapper’s hands, Bai Tao dared not risk any neglect.

"Hahaha, didn’t I mention before? It’s simple, prepare thirty million US dollars for me. Not a penny less! And then arrange a plane for us to go to Vietnam. In this way, our beautiful police officer can safely return to your bureau! But..."

Switching his tone to chilling, Jin Feng continued, "I’ve been in Vietnam for many years, dealing with cops like you many times. Don’t play tricks on me, or I can’t guarantee the hostage’s safety. Haha, this chick’s looks aren’t bad..."

At that moment, Jin Feng intentionally placed the phone in front of Yu Ningxue, who was tied up on the other side. She hurriedly shouted into the phone, "Director Bai! Don’t worry about me!"

"Hehe, hear that? Our beautiful officer is quite spirited."

"You!!"

Hearing Jin Feng’s sinister laughter, Bai Tao’s face instantly turned pale, "No problem, we agree to all your demands." Speaking finally with a cold voice, Bai Tao warned, "But I must remind you of a Huaxia saying, ’If the fish dies, the net will tear!’ If you dare harm the hostage in any way, I, Bai Tao, swear to crush your military!"

"Hehe." Jin Feng’s mischievous laughter echoed over the phone, "Director Bai is indeed sensible. At the time, I naturally won’t harm the hostage... Won’t waste words. Let’s arrange the meeting at the lumberyard north of Shanghai! And let that officer, Xiao Tian, come alone. If more people come, my timid self might accidentally hurt our beautiful officer, hmm, hahahaha!"

Following a burst of laughter, Jin Feng hung up the phone.

After the call ended, silence enveloped the entire room. All eyes ultimately fell on Xiao Tian. The other party specifically requested Xiao Tian to come alone.

After all, it was Xiao Tian who captured Jin Zhan. This time, the demand for Xiao Tian to go was evidently for revenge.

In the tense atmosphere, Bai Tao pulled a bank card from his pocket and placed it in front of Xiao Tian, pausing for a long while before saying, "The money can be given, the person can be released. But you both must return alive! Do you hear me?"

Taking the bank card, a cold smile appeared on Xiao Tian’s face. He said calmly, "We live, they die!"

We live, they die! Xiao Tian’s tone carried an unmistakable arrogance.

Though it was just a simple statement, it stirred the blood of everyone present.

Finished speaking, Xiao Tian then walked out of the hall under everyone’s watchful eyes. He got into a police car and sped towards the agreed location.

It was noon, and the sun brightened the earth. Xiao Tian’s police car drove rapidly to an abandoned lumber mill on the northern outskirts of Shanghai.

The entire lumberyard spanned a large area, its atmosphere foreboding. As Xiao Tian’s car was about to enter, Jin Feng, who had been waiting in a discreet spot, chuckled, "Alright, our guest has arrived."

Within that laughter was an evident surge of murderous intent!