Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales

Chapter 1653: Safe Return

The speedboat finally docked in Bianhai City at around six in the morning. Pu Daniu had received the news and was waiting quietly at the dock for Yang Ming’s return.

Yang Ming had already reverted to Li Muyi’s appearance. Chen Mengyan and Victoria were curious about how he could change his face so quickly. They wanted to ask but remained silent for now since they thought it wasn’t the right time.

“Mr. Li, congratulations on your safe return!” Pu Daniu saw Yang Ming ashore and rushed over immediately to greet him. Of course, this was partly because Yang Ming had helped him to capture the spy who had been lurking around for many years. However, it was even more so because Yang Ming was able to bring the spy back without any injuries!

Pu Daniu was clear about the Blackhawk Gang’s might. On this dock, he couldn’t even rival the Blackhawk Gang’s branch, the Goldenhawk Gang. How could he compete with the Blackhawk Gang’s main forces!

Yang Ming had retrieved two weak women from other’s territory without any injuries. What kind of strength did he have! So, when Pu Daniu thought of this, he got more and more respectful toward Yang Ming.

“Didn’t we agree for you to call me Old Li? And I to call you Daniu?” Yang Ming naturally understood why Pu Daniu was like this. He smiled, “Daniu, rest assured that from now on, the Blackhawk Gang will not send anyone over again…”

“Really? Brother Old Li, this is excellent news! I, Daniu, thank you!” Pu Daniu had always been worried. Although the Goldenhawk Gang was destroyed, the Blackhawk Gang’s core forces would certainly not let such a strategic location like Bianhai City go. They would probably send some people to take over the business here again. So, although Pu Daniu was happy after seeing the Goldenhawk Gang’s destruction, he quickly returned to his previous mood. But when he heard Yang Ming’s news, he suddenly became thrilled.

“Of course, this is true.” Yang Ming nodded, but then turned the thread of discussion. “However, you and I are considered fated. As a brother, I would like to give you advice. It is up to you whether or not you want to listen. But I will still say this.”

” Oh? Brother Li, please go ahead!” Pu Daniu’s expression turned serious after hearing Yang Ming’s words. He proceeded to ask carefully.

“Daniu, it’s better for you to stop smuggling.” Yang Ming hesitated a little before he continued, “Of course, I’m not telling you to completely stop it. You should understand what I’m saying, right?”

Pu Daniu’s expression changed a little; he lowered his head. How could he not understand Yang Ming’s words? As the local underworld boss, he definitely wouldn’t go target people to smuggle himself. Many of these potential illegal immigrants were sourced by his men, the so-called “helper” or “UFO”. They tried their best to maximize their commissions. They bamboozled some people who had difficult lives and described the world beyond illegal immigration as a place filled with dreams and multiple job opportunities. Once these people were tempted, they would take out all their savings for these helpers to smuggle them illegally.

As a result, most of them discovered that the place they had been brought to was miserable and it was difficult to find jobs. However, it was too late to regret their actions. The local underworld boss and the helpers had long disappeared.

Moreover, they also had to be wary of the local police who could capture and deport them back to their country. Their dream to get rich elsewhere had been destroyed just like that. Even so, they could only accept their bad luck. How could they still have the guts to look for trouble with the local underworld boss?

Hence, people like this came one after another, batch after batch. Although Pu Daniu knew that many people were tricked by the helpers, he pretended to not know as long as his helpers paid the full fees.

Of course, Yang Ming had discovered this. He only said this to Daniu after thinking about it.

“Mr. Li… We survive on this…” Pu Daniu said awkwardly.

“Daniu, I’m only telling you this because of our relationship. If you were the Goldenhawk Gang, hehe…” Yang Ming sneered. “As for your survival, the Goldenhawk Logistics company has fallen. They will never return. I believe you know that logistics is a very profitable industry without me having to say it. Although the profits are not comparable to drug dealing, it wouldn’t differ too greatly as you are now the local underworld boss.”

After listening to Yang Ming, Pu Daniu’s expression was dull initially, but his eyes lit up afterward! There was no doubt that Pu Daniu could hear the subtle threat before this. Although he was a little unhappy, he also knew that he was no match for Yang Ming!

He could destroy the Goldenhawk Gang easily, and he could even bring back hostages from the Blackhawk Gang! A power like this could destroy him as easily as lifting a finger. Pu Daniu didn’t think that he had a deep relationship with Yang Ming. He had not even known Yang Ming for a whole day and had only gotten to know him through Uncle Sun San.

Therefore, Pu Daniu was afraid to speak out. Although he thought that Yang Ming was trying to destroy his source of income, he was helpless. However, Pu Daniu was happy the moment he heard Yang Ming’s last sentence!

If the Goldenhawk Gang’s former logistics business could be transferred to him, Pu Daniu would no longer have to bring in illegal immigrants. He could depend completely on the logistics industry to make a fortune.

“Is Mr. Li serious?” Although Pu Daniu was pleased, he also knew that he was not the only one who had eyes on the logistics business. Besides him, many other people were thirsty for the Goldenhawk Gang’s logistics business.

“I’ll talk to Uncle Sun San and ask him to help you out,” Yang Ming said calmly.

“That’s good. Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Li!” Pu Daniu was relieved when he heard that Uncle Sun San would personally help him.

Yang Ming didn’t stay long in Bianhai City. Instead, he went to the place where he kept his car previously and drove Chen Mengyan and Victoria back to Song Jiang.

The words that Yang Ming said to Pu Daniu came from his heart. Yang Ming wasn’t sure if his mentality had changed, or if nothing had really changed at all.

It was a conscience and kindness that came from his heart. Although Yang Ming felt that his mind had been trained to be merciless and decisive, it was only toward his enemies. He still had a little conscience to hold back on innocent ordinary people. So, it was natural for Yang Ming to lend a hand in matters that weren’t a big deal for him.

Yang Ming’s words were said behind Chen Mengyan and Victoria. They didn’t know what Yang Ming and Pu Daniu were talking about and just thought that Pu Daniu was just a friend of Yang Ming’s.

It was already noon when the car stopped at the downstairs of Chen Mengyan’s house. There were still many police cars stopped nearby Chen Mengyan’s house entrance, and a few undercover policemen were walking around.

The incident this time had caused Song Jiang’s police’s vigilance to be at its peak. They were afraid that the Blackhawk Gang would attack the families of other policemen, so they stationed police forces besides their family households.

This was especially true for the families of several bureau leaders and members of the anti-drug team.

Yang Ming’s BMW number plate had already been registered in the hearts of these people, which was why the car was not blocked when it entered the community. However, when Yang Ming got out of the car with Chen Mengyan and Victoria, several undercover policemen were in shock!

This was not surprising as there had been rumors that the bureau was having meetings since last night to discuss rescuing the hostages. These people who were on shifts had also just come in for duty, and they obviously knew that the discussions had yielded no results.

However, the hostage they had discussed at the meeting had actually appeared safely at her house. How could these people not be shocked?

The undercover policeman rubbed his eyes hard, thinking that he had visual fatigue and hallucinations from being on duty for too long. However, when he looked intently, there was no doubt that it was really Chen Mengyan. He couldn’t help but drop his jaw. “Mengyan… how did you come back?”

“Why, Uncle Li. Are we not allowed to come back?” Yang Ming smiled and greeted. This person used to be Chen Fei’s subordinate, the deputy captain of the Criminal Investigation Team. He was now Xia Xue’s subordinate. Yang Ming had met him multiple times. Yang Ming had made contact with him during Chen Fei’s previous car accident.

Later, Yang Ming had also interacted with him during Wang Xifan’s series of events. Hence, they were very familiar with each other.

“Little Yang, how did you get back? Does Chief Chen know?” Deputy Captain Li asked with joy after confirming that it really was Yang Ming and Chen Mengyan.

“Not yet…” Yang Ming shook his head with a bitter smile. His phone had become waterlogged when he swam. It could still be used when he sent a video to Pu Daniu through MMS. However, it wouldn’t turn on anymore a while after. It was obvious that the circuit board had been corroded by seawater and could no longer be used at all.

The phones on Chen Mengyan and Victoria had already been taken away by the Blackhawk Gang. Yang Ming did not plan to use someone else’s phone since it could leave some clues and cause unnecessary troubles. So, he simply drove back all the way and headed straight to Chen Mengyan’s house without contacting Uncle Chen and the others.

Chapter 1654: Wrong Person

At this moment, the conference room of the Song Jiang police station was embroiled in a fierce debate. It was divided into for and against parties.

“Chief Chen, I think the most important thing at this moment is the safety of Chen Mengyan. Everything else should be pushed back…”

On one hand, people felt that the hostages’ safety was more important than anything else. Since the other party had requested for an exchange, there was no harm in meeting their requirements first. Extraditing the offenders to their country to be dealt with could also save a lot of trouble.

But on the other hand, people also felt that letting the offenders go so easily was basically submitting to their opponent’s evil ways.

Chen Fei was also torn. Although he was worried about Chen Mengyan’s safety, he couldn’t neglect the overall situation just for his daughter. The people under him also had a heart for the people, and a heart to please him. How could Chen Fei not see this?

Some of the people who wanted to exchange the offenders for Chen Mengyan were genuinely concerned about the hostages’ safety. They felt that the hostages’ safety was the most important. However, some of them only agreed strongly to please Chen Fei.

Chen Fei sighed. It was a little hard for him to choose. After all, he only had this one daughter. Although Xue Xia said that Yang Ming had gone to rescue Chen Mengyan on his own, Chen Fei still didn’t know how strong Yang Ming really was. He only knew that Yang Ming was someone from the Supernatural Investigation Bureau and that he was definitely better in some roles compared to other people. However, even if he had his strengths, he might only be able to retreat in the face of the other party’s power.

Just as he was in distress, Chen Fei’s ringtone rang. Chen Fei glanced at the caller ID. It was Deputy Captain Li from the Criminal Investigation Team. He gestured for the others to be quiet and answered the phone. “Old Li, what’s the matter?”

In order not to ensure that the meetings were conducted properly, Chen Fei had already instructed his subordinates to not call if there was nothing urgent. So, Deputy Captain Li had obviously called him about an urgent matter.

“Chief Chen, Mengyan is back. Little Yang has brought her back. They came back together. The girl named Chen Mengxi who was also kidnapped is here as well.” Deputy Captain Li’s voice was joyful.

“What? Old Li, you’re saying that Yang Ming brought Mengyan back? Where?” Chen Fei froze, then asked with disbelief. “Old Li, are you sure?”

“Chief Chen, they’re right next to me. Hold on, I’ll get Mengyan on the phone for you!” Deputy Captain Li also found it a little hard to believe when he first saw Yang Ming return with Chen Mengyan. So how could Chen Fei believe it when he had only heard it over the phone! So, Deputy Captain Li might as well not explain and let Chen Mengyan talk to him directly. That way, everything would be clear.

“Father, I’m in the housing complex… I’m fine.” Chen Mengyan answered the phone. She had long wanted to call her father, but she just didn’t get a chance throughout the journey.

“Mengyan! It really is you!” Chen Fei was so excited that he got up all of a sudden. The others who were at the meeting looked at Chen Fei astounded. They didn’t know what happened when they heard him shout Mengyan’s name. However, his expression was joyful. There was no hint of anxiety and worry, so it must be good news.

“Father, Yang Ming brought Mengxi and me back safely. You don’t have to worry anymore.” Chen Mengyan’s heart moved when she heard her father’s excitement. It seemed that her father had been constantly worried about her safety.

Thinking about it, it would definitely be difficult to choose between family and justice with her father’s position and responsibilities. He was already incredibly strong to hold on until now.

“It’s good you’re back, it’s good you’re back…” The big rock in Chen Fei’s heart had finally been lifted. He just didn’t expect that Yang Ming had really done it! Besides joy, there was also shock. It was no wonder that the people there valued Yang Ming so highly. It seemed that Yang Ming had an extraordinary capability. As he thought about how Yang Ming was first discovered by him, Chen Fei smiled attentively. He said, “Mengyan, pass the phone to Yang Ming. I want to talk to him.”

“Oh, okay…” Chen Mengyan still wanted to complain and whine to her father. She didn’t expect that her father would look for Yang Ming directly. She passed the phone to Yang Ming reluctantly. “Yang Ming, my father is looking for you.”

“Hello, Uncle Chen!” Yang Ming took the phone and smiled as he spoke.

“Little Yang, Uncle Chen really didn’t expect this!” Chen Fei didn’t even care about his colleagues’ strange gazes. “Uncle Chen has long said that he is optimistic about you! You really didn’t let Uncle Chen down! It’s all thanks to you this time. It seems that Uncle Chen had a keen vision from the start!”

Chen Fei was a little incoherent due to his sudden joy. It had been hard for him. His daughter was caught, yet he still had to harden his heart and ignore the kidnappers’ demands. This gave him a lot of pressure. His daughter’s sudden return had caused him to break down all of a sudden, and start chattering like a child.

“…” Yang Ming didn’t know whether to laugh or cry upon hearing Chen Fei’s words. Yet he also felt a little nostalgic! It was around this time last year, the night before his college entrance examination. He and Chen Mengyan had just returned from their date when they bumped into her father in the compound of his own home… Of course, he didn’t know that Chen Fei was Chen Mengyan’s father at that time, and he had foolishly told Chen Fei about how he adored Chen Mengyan.

He never expected Chen Fei to say ‘Uncle Chen is optimistic toward you’…

Thinking of the past, Yang Ming touched his nose.

“Yang Ming, wait for me with Mengyan. I’ll return now.” Perhaps Chen Fei had also thought of Yang Ming’s initial embarrassment. He immediately felt a little embarrassed and answered with a laugh.

“Okay, Mengyan and I will head upstairs first.” Yang Ming responded. He ended the call and returned the phone to Deputy Captain Li who was next to him. “Uncle Li, Mengyan and I will be heading upstairs. Uncle Chen will be here in a minute. Would you like to head up with us to rest?”

“I’m not going. Although you guys are alright, I’m still on duty. How can I simply head upstairs to rest?” Deputy Captain Li said with a smile.

Yang Ming nodded and went upstairs with Chen Mengyan. There were no longer police guarding the door to Chen Mengyan’s apartment. It had become completely sealed instead.

Yang Ming had the key to Chen Mengyan’s house. He inserted it into the keyhole to open the security door. Just as the door opened, he heard Mother Chen’s roar. “You still dare return? Didn’t I tell you? If you can’t save our daughter, don’t come back!”

Along with the roar, a sofa cushion flew toward Yang Ming’s head. Yang Ming was startled. He stretched out his hand to grab the sofa cushion and said, “Aunty Chen, it’s me, Yang Ming…”

” Ah, Yang Ming!” Mother Chen felt apologetic as soon as she heard Yang Ming’s voice. She immediately stood up from the living room sofa and walked toward the door.

Ever since Chen Mengyan had been kidnapped, Mother Chen and Chen Fei had quarreled a lot. Mother Chen had even given Chen Fei an ultimatum where, he must definitely bring their daughter home safely, even if he had to give up his position as bureau chief!

Mother Chen thought that Chen Fei had returned when she heard the sound of the door opening. She was immediately annoyed at the thought and didn’t think twice before throwing the sofa cushion!

After all, only Chen Mengyan and Yang Ming had the key to the house beside Chen Fei. Chen Mengyan was kidnapped, leaving just Yang Ming. Although Mother Chen didn’t know that Yang Ming had rescued Chen Mengyan, Yang Ming wouldn’t just open the door without knocking. That would be impolite!

So, Mother Chen didn’t think much at all. After hearing Yang Ming’s voice, she knew that she had hit the wrong person.