96: Chapter 96 Dragon's Den and Tiger's Lair

Not long ago, Shen Zhentao, Chief of the Tongan Municipal Public Security Bureau, died tragically at Platinum Night. That place was a veritable lion's den, where one wrong step meant total ruin.

Lu Zheng's expression was grave, his tone brooking no argument: "Protect Jiang Nan. The cause of Shen Zhentao's death is hidden at Platinum Night. Proceed with caution."

He was an old colleague and friend of Jiang Nan's father, Jiang Yunheng, and Jiang Nan's safety was his bottom line.

Luo Jinghui immediately stepped forward and handed a small electronic device to Jiang Nan: "This is an alarm transmitter. If there is an emergency, press the red dot, and we will receive the signal immediately."

"Thank you, Bureau Chief Luo." Jiang Nan took the transmitter and gripped it in her palm.

She turned to exchange a glance with Zhao Yang and said softly: "Let's go. Time to change."

As soon as the two walked out of the conference room, He Yunqiao immediately made a call, his tone resolute:

"Special Police detachment, assemble a squadron immediately and stand by. Await my orders to deploy at any moment." The response on the other end of the line was crisp and efficient: "Yes!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Luo Jinghui's phone suddenly rang. The moment he saw the caller ID, his expression tightened slightly. He answered it and said respectfully: "Secretary Ji."

"Comrade Jinghui, have you found any issues with those two trucks detained last time?" On the other end of the line, Ji Hongwen's voice sounded deliberately relaxed, though it actually concealed pressure.

Luo Jinghui's eyes flickered, his tone steady but firm:

"Secretary Ji, the exit permit provided by the driver is from the Die-Casting Machine Factory, but that factory has no registration for those two machining center units. It is suspected to be smuggling."

"Haha, Comrade Jinghui, don't be so suspicious."

Ji Hongwen's laughter carried a warning: "Those were temporarily stored by an enterprise brought in via investment promotion. Holding them without releasing them will affect the city's investment environment. You should know the consequences."

Luo Jinghui was silent for a second before responding in a low voice: "Rest assured, Secretary. Once we clarify the situation, we will release them as soon as possible."

"It had better be." Ji Hongwen hung up the phone, his expression instantly turning gloomy, and said coldly to Guo Mingkai beside him:

"Luo Jinghui is completely incorruptible. If we drag this out any longer, the smuggling matter will be exposed."

Guo Mingkai immediately fawned in agreement: "Secretary, why don't I have Xunmei try a honey trap? That will guarantee he listens."

Ji Hongwen shook his head decisively: "No. The timing is sensitive right now; being too clever will only backfire and cause more trouble."

Guo Mingkai awkwardly fell silent. Beside him, Lai Xunmei's expression darkened slightly. She tugged at his sleeve and said in a tone full of dissatisfaction:

"You're trying to use me again? We already failed when we dealt with Zhao Yang last time. Can't you think of some other way?"

Guo Mingkai waved his hand impatiently: "Enough nonsense. Just focus on the Secretary's business for now."

Their argument was fleeting, and no one noticed that the Zhao Yang they were speaking of was currently standing at the registration desk of Platinum Night with Jiang Nan.

The front desk attendant caught a glimpse of the Platinum membership card Zhao Yang handed over, eyes narrowing, and asked with hesitation:

"Sir, this card must be used by the cardholder in person."

Platinum membership cards were only issued to officials at the deputy department level or higher. Although the two in front were dressed luxuriously, they clearly did not reach that rank.

Zhao Yang slapped the card onto the table, fully playing the part of a wealthy playboy, and raised an eyebrow:

"It's my dad's card. You dare to question me? Do you not want this job anymore?"

As he spoke, his fingers unconsciously rubbed the micro-recorder in his pocket, and he shot a cold glance at the front desk, his eyes hiding a sense of vigilance.

Jiang Nan took the opportunity to link her arm through his, putting on a coquettish act, while the corner of her eye quietly swept across the front desk computer screen. Her heart skipped a beat when she caught sight of a string of suspicious equipment registration numbers.

The front desk attendant immediately cowered, hurriedly nodding and bowing as they quickly processed the paperwork, not daring to ask another question.

The two passed through the registration area and walked into the inner courtyard. The lighting here was dim and the environment quiet, with several buildings scattered about. Only faint lights illuminated the path.

Zhao Yang and Jiang Nan scanned their surroundings calmly, remaining vigilant of every figure that passed by.

After walking only a few steps, two bodyguards in black suits approached them, their sharp gazes sweeping over them.

Zhao Yang took the opportunity to shield Jiang Nan behind him and scolded them arrogantly:

"Are you blind? Can't you see I'm taking my girlfriend for a stroll?"

Intimidated by his aura, the bodyguards exchanged a glance before slinking aside to clear the way, not daring to say another word.

The two continued walking forward until, suddenly, they both stopped in their tracks at the same time.

In a parking space in the corner of the courtyard, a black Mercedes W210 was parked quietly, its dark paint glistening conspicuously under the dim lights.

It was none other than Guo Mingkai's car.