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Chapter 173 - 172: An Unexpected Discovery
"Listen carefully." Honglian was giving the final instructions to the agents. "This operation involves a secret apprehension, so timing is crucial. If you spot the suspect, you must not act on your own. Inform me first, and act only when I give the approval. Understood?"
The logic of apprehension by the Mechanism differs from that of the police. They can’t activate sirens to block off the park nor force the park’s management to cooperate with the investigation. Even after narrowing the search area, the final step depends on the agents squatting or patrolling to achieve success.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"We’ll split up next. Jiang Siqi, Elorie, you three will search the southeast with me. Wang Baihu, you take Han Yuhao and Li Xing to search the northwest. Little Pigeon, you stay in the car and keep an eye on the main entrance."
"Got it, Little Pigeon!" the girl replied nervously.
"Okay, let’s move out."
They filed out orderly and split into two teams, heading in different directions to begin their search. To outsiders, they seemed just like wandering passersby. Even if they paused occasionally, no one would pay attention.
Because the High-tech Zone is far from the city center and it’s work time, the street alongside the park is somewhat deserted.
"Um... Can I use my phone?" Jiang Siqi asked.
"During missions, it’s best not to use phones unless there’s an urgent matter." Honglian glanced at her, surprised... This new recruit’s composure exceeded her expectations. Usually, newcomers in a first real-world mission wish they had an extra pair of eyes. Yet Jiang Siqi could even spare the mind to ask this question.
"Oh." Jiang Siqi touched her head and withdrew her hand from her pocket.
In such a serious setting, live streaming was definitely out of the question. She just wanted to report to her sponsor about what she was doing since this first mission after joining the Dimensional Limit Mechanism was a significant moment worth commemorating.
Since the leader said no phones, she decided to be obedient. Her sponsor didn’t stress urgency, so reporting after work would be fine.
"Speaking of which, it’s almost Christmas."
Jiang Siqi noticed some stores already set up Christmas trees in front. The shopkeepers were using the sparse crowds to hang light decorations on their shop signs.
"Yeah... Didn’t expect they celebrate Christmas here too," Elorie said, staring blankly at the holiday decorations.
This girl is a genius, Jiang Siqi thought.
Many foreigners study in Jiang City, but few speak such fluent Chinese.
After a few days together, she had learned a lot about Elorie and occasionally brought her on camera while live streaming. Whenever she appeared, the live chat comments soared to a peak.
Incidentally, Wang Baihu’s being the second-highest.
"Here it’s just an excuse to drink, eat, and give gifts; every holiday’s the same." Jiang Siqi laughed. "Why don’t we have a dinner meeting at the Mechanism for Christmas?"
Elorie was silent for a moment.
Honglian also did not respond.
How awkward! Jiang Siqi curled her toes in embarrassment, hoping they’d casually acknowledge.
"Elorie, tell me honestly, why were you so surprised when Captain Xiao assigned the task?" Honglian suddenly stopped walking. "Do you know this suspect?"
"Eh?" Elorie was stunned. "I..."
"Seems so." Honglian saw her expression and confirmed her suspicion. "I don’t know why you know someone suspected as the Wanderer, but you didn’t refuse the mission or plead for him, meaning capturing him isn’t bad for you. So I’m even more curious, what did you want to say to Captain Xiao back then?"
Jiang Siqi found herself utterly lost.
Honglian suddenly switched from an imposing tone to a gentle one, saying, "If you feel uncomfortable sharing in front of everyone, you can chat with me alone. If it’s a secret... I’ll keep it confidential. As the group leader, I must ensure the safety of all team members."
"Then, should I... step aside?" Jiang Siqi asked cautiously.
"Sorry, I can’t speak about his origins, but as far as I know, this person is extremely dangerous and cunning," Elorie suddenly spoke. "He might be the Wanderer you’ve repeatedly emphasized, for in emergencies, he can use demonic powers to open portals and escape to different worlds. Capture him with one blow causing paralysis or kill him directly!"
Jiang Siqi took a cold breath.
What is this French person planning?
Could she openly discuss murder on Jiang City’s land?
Leader, please stop her!
Unexpectedly, Honglian wore a pensive expression. "Demonic powers? That’s the name of his ability... I see, if necessary, we won’t hold back. Your intel is crucial, thank you for trusting me."
It’s over.
Jiang Siqi felt a chill within; her colleagues are abnormal as she suspected.
Perhaps... They might just be speaking figuratively.
After all, this is the age of the rule of law.
The three walked around the southeast streets of the park but found nothing. The next place to examine was the Five Rings Mechanical Garden’s interior.
Through the iron railings, the peripheral areas of the factory were mostly visible.
"So many excavators," Jiang Siqi murmured.
These brand-new heavy machinery were neatly arranged around the parking area, many of the excavator’s iron buckets adorned with large red flowers.
From time to time, groups paused before them, pointing at the machinery, likely customers inspecting the products.
"Let’s pretend to be customers and go inside for a look," Honglian said.
"Us?" Jiang Siqi pointed at the three of them.
A trio of girls purchasing excavators? Would the salespeople believe this?
"What does it matter? They wouldn’t kick us out." Honglian said confidently, "If we don’t find anyone outside the factory perimeter, we’ll think of other ways."
Is your implied plan to continue intruding into their production workshop?
Jiang Siqi finally discovered why the Dimensional Limit Mechanism had always been hidden below the iceberg. Crossing legal boundaries isn’t a big deal to them!
"Okay." Elorie immediately agreed, "Don’t worry, the demon carries a special scent. Once I get within 200 meters, I can pinpoint his location. But remember my words, the enemy is very cunning. Without absolute certainty, do not act."
No, really, are we entering a life-and-death battle? Jiang Siqi screamed internally. She wanted to be a hero, but the situation changed too rapidly. She’s only been with the Dimensional Limit Mechanism for five days and doesn’t want to kill or be killed now!
Nevertheless, her face remained emotionless.
Honglian thought, this new agent... truly brave.
Just then, Jiang Siqi’s expression suddenly changed. Her brow raised slightly as she let out a "Ah."
Is there a situation?
Honglian instantly became tense, preparing for a fight.
"What did you discover?" Her right hand rested on the gun at her waist, scanning the surroundings.
"That person... is my idol!" Jiang Siqi’s tone grew increasingly excited.
Honglian was stunned, "What?"
"Which one?" Elorie came closer.
"That one, that one! The beautiful lady in the gray down jacket and blue jeans!" Jiang Siqi shouted through the iron railings, pointing at a cluster of people. "Do you see her?"
Honglian squinted for a moment, "Another internet celebrity?"
"A super internet celebrity!" Jiang Siqi said solemnly. "Although she never actively marketed herself, there’s only a video of her jumping from Jiang City’s Sha River Bridge online, her fans exceed tens of millions worldwide!"
Sha River Bridge?
Honglian was taken aback, immediately observing more closely. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." Jiang Siqi replied without hesitation. "I watched that video of hers hundreds of times. Every detail is etched in my mind! My goodness, she was already fitting in ancient style robes, and I didn’t expect she’d look this good in casual wear! I never thought I’d bump into her in real life... Luck is too great today! No way, let’s rush over and take a photo!"
But Honglian suddenly grabbed her hand, "No, this person might be very dangerous, I must immediately call for reinforcements!"