Chapter 146: Unraveling the Mystery Layer by Layer

Chapter 146: Unraveling the Threads

(Thanks to 120^020 for the monthly and recommendation votes, and thanks to Wild Wolf, Scholar, South Tiger King, I Leave, and Ghostbrothe for their recommendation votes.)

“Although the Japanese have surfaced this time, it’s still very difficult for us to locate them within three days. After all, they are deeply hidden in Shanning. So, does anyone have any suggestions?” Deputy Captain Baize asked the group.

“Let’s start by checking the vehicles and weapons,” Liu Xiaobing suggested.

“That’s difficult,” Qin Shuai from the General Affairs Department responded. “The vehicles were blasted to pieces, barely recognizable. As for weapons, there’s no point investigating—anything can be bought on the black market if you have money.”

“No, weapons might be hard to trace in the short term, but there must be clues about the vehicles. Let’s immediately check the Shanning military camps and guard units to see if any trucks are missing, and when they went missing,” Baize insisted.

“Alright, leave that to me,” Qin Shuai took on the task.

Baize nodded, then walked straight to the Shanning map hanging on the wall, focusing on the alley where the explosion had occurred on Happiness Street.

“Doesn’t anyone find this place interesting?” Baize mused.

“What do you mean? Have you made a discovery?” Liu Xiaobing and the others stepped closer to inquire.

“Almost. After rescuing Tian Yaopeng, these people must have retreated to their hideout. I’m certain their hideout is near the explosion site,” Baize said confidently.

“Xiao Bai, your guess might not be accurate. Maybe initially they planned that way, but since we’ve been tailing them closely—engaging in firefights and evasions—they might not have followed their original route,” Ren Qiang expressed doubt, shaking his head.

“True, you have a point,” Baize chuckled softly, “but I still stand by my view.”

“Look, at the explosion site, when we were chasing them, the police who received the order had already begun taking action. By then, the streets of Shanning were already sealed off, right?”

“I’m not sure about other places, but on Happiness Street, the police blocked the roads very early on. When they escaped, they had to break through several roadblocks,” Liu Xiaobing, in charge of intelligence support, confirmed.

“This alley connects deep into Yihe Road, which should have been sealed off as well,” Baize said, posing it as a question but with considerable certainty.

“It was,” Liu Xiaobing confirmed.

“Just to arrest Tian Yaopeng, blocking off Happiness Street is understandable, but was it really necessary to seal off Yihe Road? That’s the main thoroughfare of Shanning. Closing it would require a huge police presence,” Qin Shuai expressed disbelief.

“Well, that road was definitely blocked,” Liu Xiaobing said firmly, without elaboration.

“I’ll explain. One of our government officials was supposed to have morning tea at a café on Yihe Road this morning to discuss some matters. For security reasons, the police station sealed off Yihe Road. Am I right?” Baize took over Liu Xiaobing’s point and clarified.

“Correct,” Liu Xiaobing nodded.

“Ha! Morning tea at a café to discuss business? That’s a lie! I bet they were meeting lovers. These policemen are just brown-nosers,” Qin Shuai said bluntly, tearing away Baize’s cover.

“Ahem, ahem, alright, let’s not talk about those government officials. Let’s get back to the previous topic,” Baize interrupted with a few coughs.

In fact, everyone was well aware of these matters, and even many Shanning locals knew the truth, so there was no need to dwell on it.

“Alright, precisely because Yihe Road was blocked, I can confidently say their hideout is near the explosion site,” Baize continued. “Tian Yaopeng’s one-eyed dragon feature is very distinctive, and there’s a wanted notice out for him, so the police wouldn’t let him go.”

“But we haven’t received any information about this,” Baize said, concluding, “so I’m sure their hideout must be nearby.”

“That’s your so-called central point logic again,” Liu Xiaobing smiled at Baize. Back in school, Baize often used this way of thinking to analyze tasks, and it usually worked well.

“If it works, that’s enough,” Baize replied casually.

The others found Baize’s analysis reasonable as well. After a brief logical deduction, the possibility seemed quite high.

However, they soon abandoned the idea again because Yihe Road was too long, with many shops and malls, making it difficult to check every place.

“But we still can’t track their whereabouts,” someone said.

“Of course it won’t be that simple. We need to do field investigations. Qin Shuai, you check clues about that military vehicle. Ren Qiang, head to the police station and see if there’s any new information,” Baize immediately assigned tasks.

Then he looked at Liu Xiaobing, but before he could speak, Liu said, “I’ll personally go and see if any locals nearby can provide clues.”

Baize snapped his fingers at Liu Xiaobing. “Exactly.”

“I’ll also check the actual road conditions on Yihe Road. After that, let’s meet here again at six this afternoon to summarize our findings. How does that sound?” Baize asked.

“Alright,” they agreed.

“Good, then you’re dismissed,” Baize said.

The group dispersed to their respective duties. Naturally, the police station was mobilized for this operation, since it was the main force compared to the number of personnel.

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Yihe Road.

Baize led the second team of the action squad, following from the explosion site through the alley to Yihe Road.

“Monkey, which way do you think they went?” Baize asked, standing at the alley’s exit and watching the bustling street.

“How should I know? Yihe Road is so long and crowded,” Monkey answered casually.

“Yeah, it’s tough. But no matter how hard it is, we have to find out. Otherwise, we’re just waiting to go to prison,” Baize sighed and stepped onto Yihe Road first.

In his mind, he was considering possible hideouts for the Japanese. The place couldn’t be too conspicuous, but also not too remote—too isolated would draw attention in such a busy area.

Moreover, transportation had to be convenient to allow quick escape in emergencies.

There seemed to be quite a few places on Yihe Road meeting these conditions, which made Baize’s head ache.

“Let’s go, just take a look around for now. By the way, have you all had breakfast?” Baize asked casually.

“No,” they replied.

“In that case, let’s find a place. I’ll treat you all to a meal. We’re not in a rush,” Baize said generously.

Monkey and the others smiled.

[End of the latest chapter of “My Spy Career”]