Chapter 98

“I can’t believe it, is this real? Making them confess their crimes live on air?”

“The girl looks so innocent, you can’t tell she’s like this at all.”

“There are countless rules on the road, safety comes first. Driving recklessly, loved ones shed tears.”

“No way, this is too intense… whose idea is this, Batman’s?”

“I don’t believe it, Liu Fang has also donated to support Hope Elementary School. There must be hidden motives here. She must have been coerced. If she was forced, blink your eyes…”

“I see, it’s a publicity stunt, it must be! Maybe they’re making a movie. Wait for the director to come out.”

Suddenly, someone noticed something, “That thing flashing on her waist… could it be a timed incendiary bomb?!”

Everyone’s attention suddenly focused on Zhao Liu’er’s waist, but unfortunately, the camera shook, and they couldn’t see clearly.

Someone realized, “Could this be… a live murder broadcast?!” This message caused the barrage to freeze momentarily. If things really developed to that point, nobody dared to imagine the outcome.

The livestream continued, and Zhao Liu’er cried as she took out a small piece of paper, trembling as she read, “Our fate is our own fault. I hope to serve as a warning to everyone… please take heed. Below, we will accept punishment for what we have done…”

Huo Shaoqing suddenly shouted to the driver in the front seat, “Let’s negotiate. Isn’t compensation enough? If you let me go, I’m willing to give you money…” His face was pale, sweat dripping, looking quite desperate.

From the front of the vehicle came Zhang Congyun’s hoarse and icy voice, “Can you use money to exchange for lives? Blood for blood, this is the price you should pay. Today’s livestream, I just want more people to see your crimes! This is the judgment you’ve been delayed from!”

Upon hearing this, Liu Fang instantly broke down, crying out ahead, “I was wrong, Uncle, please spare me… I wasn’t the one driving at the time, it was all Huo Shaoqing. I just followed your instructions for the livestream… please, please, where are you taking us? Please don’t kill me… help me…”

The screen suddenly stopped here, the livestream platform went offline directly, and the screen turned black.

Commissioner Gu asked nearby, “What’s going on?”

Cheng Mo also asked, “Did the livestream platform cut off the signal because they thought it was bad for their image?”

Zhu Xiao said, “Just now, the simultaneous viewers of the live broadcast exceeded 40 million, and the number of viewers was too high, causing the live platform to crash.” At this point, he glanced at the latest information that came in. “The technical staff says that it will take at least half an hour to restore the servers.”

Song Wen anxiously asked, “Have you found the location?”

The police in charge of technical queries replied, “We can only confirm a rough range. The car came out near Hongshan Road and entered the Yucheng District. Then the car circled around, so the route hasn’t been monitored yet.”

Commissioner Gu asked, “What about Team Two? Any updates from their side?”

The police in charge of communication shook his head, “The target vehicle has not been found yet.”

The entire Yucheng District is the most developed traffic area in the southern city. It serves as a hub for the entire southern city, with almost all roads leading to it. Finding a car in such an environment is akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Commissioner Gu’s eyes were red with urgency, “Activate the electronic eye system, check one intersection at a time. I refuse to believe we can’t find this car!”

Subordinates hurriedly went to make contacts. The electronic eye system was quickly activated and projected onto the large screen. This system has been set up in recent years in the southern city, allowing monitoring of the traffic at multiple intersections throughout the city. However, Zhang Congyun’s car has been intentionally circling, taking side roads, and the cameras have a delay. Even if the specific location is identified, it still takes time.

Song Wen closed his eyes for a moment, the image of Zhang Congyun appearing in his mind. He tried to analyze the killer’s motives, hesitated for a moment, and then said, “The killer’s live broadcast goal might be a public execution. Now that the live platform servers suddenly crashed, the killer is likely to change the original strategy and seek new methods, using a backup plan.” Then he turned and asked, “Did you record that segment of the livestream just now?”

“Yes.” Zhu Xiao quickly retrieved the recording from earlier and began replaying the content on his laptop.

“Pause.” Song Wen suddenly said.

On the paused screen, a gap appeared behind Liu Fang and Huo Shaoqing. The car’s windows were dark, allowing a view of the outside. Against the black car windows, there was a tall building that resembled a trophy.

Song Wen frowned, instantly locating in his mind, “If the location is in the Yucheng District… it can be basically confirmed as the Southwest Mobile Tower. They are heading towards the city center. If the livestream suddenly cuts off… the nearest place with significant broadcasting and influence is…”

“Nancheng Tower!” Almost everyone in the room said in unison.

Commissioner Gu made a quick decision, “Switch the cameras! Focus on monitoring the direction of the Nancheng Tower in the city center.”

Within half a minute, real-time road monitoring was displayed. The target vehicle was finally locked down, confirming Song Wen’s prediction. The car was indeed heading towards the Nancheng Tower.

Xu Yao, on the side, frowned and said urgently, “Commissioner Gu, based on the chemical analysis of the chemical agents we brought back from Zhang Congyun’s home, he might have made a high-explosive incendiary device. With just a few tens of grams, this incendiary device can cause a violent explosion. According to Zhang Lili’s confession, the amount prepared by Zhang Congyun indicates a considerable power…”

Nancheng Tower is the most prosperous place in the southern city and a landmark building. In the later stages of its construction, a live broadcast room was set up, and there would be live broadcasts during major festivals.

If the hostage is killed there, it will undoubtedly have the most significant impact. However, once Nancheng Tower explodes, the consequences are unimaginable! If the top part of the tower collapses, it would pose a threat to the lives of hundreds or thousands of people!

Upon hearing this news, Commissioner Gu felt as if a breath was stuck in his throat. He swayed for a moment, then began coughing violently.

“Commissioner Gu!” Song Wen quickly supported him.

After coughing for a while, Commissioner Gu stood up straight, forcing himself to calm down. He spoke, “Nancheng Tower… set up a temporary command center nearby in the Yucheng District, block relevant roads, and have the armed police prepare nearby. Ensure safety, and evacuate unrelated personnel…” Commissioner Gu turned to the people behind him.

Song Wen hurriedly said, “I’ll go over. If I had noticed the anomalies earlier, it’s my negligence.”

Commissioner Gu shook his head, “It’s not your fault. This plan has been in preparation for a long time. If it weren’t for your investigation, gaining some information, things would only be worse…”

Their actions were still too slow. If it weren’t for Chen Yanqiu’s death leading them to this point, everything might have been buried. Zhang Congyun’s crime was inevitable. He planned it for a whole half year. This justice… came too late.

Although Song Wen was Commissioner Gu’s capable subordinate, he was still young. Commissioner Gu pondered whom he should partner with. After thinking for a moment and not finding a suitable candidate, he could only say, “Song Wen, you’re in charge of overall coordination…”

Song Wen hurriedly said, “Everyone, listen to my command. You must rush to the scene at the fastest speed possible. Prepare three vehicles, with one serving as a temporary command center. Equip guns, handcuffs, bulletproof vests, monitoring equipment, and all emergency supplies. Communication tools, electronic maps, maintain contact. Those whose names I call, come with me.”

A series of decisive and clear commands were issued, and then Song Wen began to call out names, “Zhu Xiao, Shen Xiaowei, Zhang Ziqi…” At this moment, he called out the names of the elite members in the bureau who could handle things independently. Some excelled in marksmanship, some in electronic technology, and others in grappling techniques. Although the armed police had been notified, it would take time for them to arrive. They were much closer to Nancheng Tower, and they had to be prepared at this moment.

Everyone he called responded promptly and began preparing quickly.

Before Song Wen could finish calling out the names, he was suddenly interrupted by Xu Changying on the side. After finishing the call, he turned to Commissioner Gu and said, “Commissioner, I just communicated with the Provincial Bureau about the situation here. Commissioner Song’s suggestion is that I can assist in on-site coordination. Also, Commissioner Song wants to talk to you, he wants you to give him a call.”

With such a major incident happening in Nancheng City, Xu Changying had already been alerted. He had set aside the interrogation of Gu Zhibai halfway through and hurried over. Commissioner Gu and the others were discussing countermeasures earlier, while he was eager to report to the Provincial Bureau.

Commissioner Gu looked up at Xu Changying. He was sent by the Provincial Bureau. Although Song Wen was capable, he lacked experience in handling such sudden events. Commissioner Gu said, “Then, Captain Xu, you’ll take over. Go together, coordinate well, and stay safe. Additionally, Song Wen was in charge of the previous related cases, and he’s familiar with the personnel here. You must discuss and act after deliberation.”

Xu Changying looked at everyone and said, “Follow the preparations just mentioned by Captain Song. Additionally, add a few more personnel: Xu Youyou, Lu Xiao, Du Yong, and me.” He looked around the crowd, thinking about what else might be needed, and then continued, “And Lu Siyu…”

Upon hearing this, Song Wen helped answer, “He’s on sick leave.”

Xu Changying’s brow furrowed noticeably as he looked at Song Wen, skipping over that name.

With everyone prepared, Song Wen waved his hand and stepped out briskly, saying, “Let’s go!”