Another person retorted.

"So what now? Wait for the next one or move to another place?"

Yet another person asked.

"No way, we can’t just let this go. I’m not letting them get away with it."

Big Worm said bitterly.

"You don’t mean to chase them, do you? With that beat-up car of ours? We couldn’t catch up even if their tires were smoking."

Another person said.

"If I can’t catch up to him, can’t I just report him for driving while high?"

Big Worm said, pulling out a small phone from his pocket.

"666, you really are devious."

The group of robbers gave him a thumbs-up.

After Liu Zheng drove two blocks, he saw the barricade ahead and a group in green vests.

"What’s going on?"

He was momentarily stunned, then lightly stepped on the brakes to slow the car down.

"Citizen, please stop for inspection."

The familiar loudspeaker blared.

Soon, several police motorcycles roared over, surrounding the car.

"Open the door!"

A green vest barked sternly.

Liu Zheng obediently opened the car door, even putting his hands on his head and showing a friendly smile to the green vests.

"Driver’s license and vehicle registration, please."

Seeing his cooperative demeanor, the green vest’s tone softened a bit.

"I’m sorry, sir, we weren’t asked to prepare those by our unit."

Liu Zheng shifted the blame to Bloody Restaurant.

"Tsk, you guys from Bloody Restaurant are always like this, rolling in money but unwilling to pay the smallest fee for paperwork."

The green vest complained.

"Yes, that’s indeed our mistake. I will certainly report this to my superiors once I return."

He said respectfully.

"Your attitude is much better than your colleagues. But still, procedures have to be followed. Here, just blow into this."

The green vest handed him a stick, red on top and black on the bottom.

Liu Zheng blew into the end, and the stick quickly turned from red to green.

"Oh? No DUI or drug influence, surprising."

The green vest said, a bit taken aback.

"Don’t worry, sir, I’m always careful with safe driving. No drinking and driving, and I never touch illegal substances."

He said, patting his chest.

"Damn it, another wasted trip. Next time, we should arrest those who make false reports."

The green vest said, frustrated.

"Why would it be a wasted trip?"

Liu Zheng’s eyes glinted as he pulled out a wad of cash.

"I’m good friends with your department’s JJ577 and have a life-or-death friendship with Bill from logistics. Here’s a little token for tea."

He whispered, slipping the cash into the green vest’s pocket.

"Oh, you’re one of us. Why didn’t you say so earlier? Made you blow into that thing for nothing."

The green vest’s tone became warm.

"It’s only fair to cooperate with you, after all."

Liu Zheng laughed.

"What a mess. Alright, brother, you’re free to go. I’ll have them clear the way."

The green vest said.

"Wait, sir, you mentioned a false report. Someone accused me of drunk driving?"

He asked. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"You’re pretty sharp. Yes, we got a call."

The green vest hesitated but then told him.

"Could you let me know when it was made?"

Liu Zheng slipped a few more bills over.

"About ten minutes ago."

The green vest glanced at his watch.

"I think I know who made the false report."

He sneered.

"Oh? Who was it?"

"While driving, I suddenly hit something. I suspected it was a trap and didn’t stop. Now it seems someone intended to rob me, failed, and made a false report in revenge."

He said.

"How are you sure it was a trap, not an actual collision?"

The green vest questioned.

Liu Zheng didn’t answer, only passing over more cash.

"Your judgment was correct; it could indeed be a criminal trap. Where did it happen?"

The green vest said seriously.

"Right around here."

He took out a map, pointing to where he hit something.

"We’ll go investigate immediately, thank you for your cooperation, citizen."

The green vest said.

"It’s my duty. Also, if there’s any result, could you let me know?"

Liu Zheng asked.

"That’s... not really appropriate."

"At least inform Bill."

He amended.

"Oh, that can be arranged."

"Thank you, sir, take care."

Watching the green vests head back in the direction they came from, Liu Zheng’s lips curled in a cold smile.

Daring to set a trap for him and then falsely accuse him; those guys were asking for it.

He had other priorities, or he’d chase them down and deal with them himself.

Liu Zheng noted the grudge; when they got caught, he’d ensure they understood what "life in prison is so painful, walking step by step" meant.

The rest of the drive was uneventful, and Liu Zheng arrived near Shangpin Mansion on time.

"Where are you guys?"

He called Niu Daji.

"Boss, we’re right behind you."

Niu Daji responded.

Liu Zheng checked the rear-view mirror and saw them sneaking over.

Niu Daji, Panda, Bai Tianshi, Luo Ping, all present members of the Delivery Gang.

"Good."

He said, satisfied.

"This must be Mr. Stim, right?"

He turned to the extra bug-man in a suit.

"Just call me Little Si. It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Liu Zheng."

The bug-man said humbly, slightly bowing and extending a limb.

"Little Si, are you okay being out here alone?"

Liu Zheng asked, glancing at the sky.

In just a bit, the moon had risen, and with nightfall, Metropolis’s danger index would spike.

They might rescue the hostage, but it’d be a joke if the client died due to some unknown AOE.

"Rest assured, as an assistant to the chairman, I have some means of self-protection."

The bug-man understood what he was concerned about.

"Alright then, I’m relieved."

Liu Zheng nodded.

An assistant to the chairman, no wonder he could afford and had the incentive to order a one-and-a-half-hour delivery.

"Follow me."

Liu Zheng gathered everyone aside to discuss tactics.

"In a bit, Niu Daji and I will handle the frontal assault. Ah Bao will support with firepower and spellcasting, and Tianshi will flank and cover. Once we locate the hostage, I’ll lead the breakthrough, Niu Daji will cover the hostage, Ah Bao will provide magical protection, and Tianshi will handle healing. Understood?"

He said in a low voice.

"Understood!"

The three murmured in response.

"As for Luo Ping, can your body handle it?"

Liu Zheng looked at Luo Ping.

"Rest assured, no problem at all."

Luo Ping replied.

"Alright, then you’re in charge of the most crucial task: using your ability to locate the hostage."

He said.

"Mission will be accomplished."

Luo Ping said firmly.

Having laid out the strategy, the group began their preparations.

"Silence Talisman!"

Panda brought out five talismans and stuck one on each of them.

The effect of this talisman was to silence their movements, reducing the chance of being discovered.

It then placed a heap of "Six Ding and Six Jia Protection Talisman," "Fire Avoidance Talisman," "Water Avoidance Talisman," "Heavenly Eye Talisman," "Divine Ear Talisman" on everyone.

Though all standard items, in quantity, their effects couldn’t be ignored.

Meanwhile, Bai Tianshi inserted several silver needles into key points on their bodies, temporarily sealing their injuries to keep them alive until the mission ended.

"Uh... I can also help everyone in my way."

Niu Daji raised a hand.

"Oh? You’ve awakened a new ability?"

Liu Zheng looked at him with interest.

"Hehe, I only discovered it yesterday, and didn’t get a chance to report it to you."

Niu Daji said, a bit embarrassed.

"Tell me, what is it?"

He asked.