178: Sent to prison
The two men were dumbfounded, never expecting things to take such a turn.
They were being linked to the assault without having done anything; this was a blame they couldn't possibly shoulder.
The key point is,
In official circles, few people are truly indispensable.
Especially for someone like the Captain of the Inspection Team at Customs, a lucrative position, and for a congressman who needs funds for his campaign.
If you look, you're bound to find countless problems on them.
What's more critical is that they had entered a federal intelligence agency.
No matter what secrets they had, no matter how deeply hidden, this group would dig them all out, every last detail.
"I'm innocent! How could a congressman like me possibly be involved in the assault on Qin Yun's shop? I would never participate in such a thing."
"Qin Yun's affairs have nothing to do with me. I need to get to work; there's a lot waiting for me to handle in Congress."
The congressman found an excuse for himself and started walking towards the exit.
FBI Agents had arrested people of all kinds; a small-town congressman was nothing to them.
They glanced inquiringly at their superior, Robert, and after receiving an affirmative nod,
two Agents blocked the congressman's path and said coldly, "Take one more step, and you'll be charged with endangering national security!"
The congressman's heart was already in his throat.
Hearing the Agents' cold, merciless words,
his raised right foot simply couldn't come down.
He looked at Qin Yun and Robert, then retreated into the room with a bitter expression.
With the congressman's attempt serving as a precedent, the Captain of the Inspection Team knew that forcing his way out was not an option.
"I... I admit my mistake. I shouldn't have given Qin Yun a hard time!"
"I'm innocent; I would never associate with criminals. I was blinded, I listened to others' slander..."
The Captain of the Inspection Team offered a weak defense for himself.
He was truly panicked, unsure of what to do!
"Where did you get the notification that I was returning to Xia?"
Qin Yun suddenly interjected from the side.
He was ninety-nine percent certain it was Kelly's doing.
Qin Yun asked this question to confirm it definitively!
Someone had provoked him, and it concerned Xia's national treasure; he would not easily forgive that scoundrel.
Only now did the Captain of the Inspection Team truly panic.
The most hidden motive behind this operation had been laid bare by Qin Yun's words.
He hung his head, wrestling internally over whether to admit it.
Kelly had inherited her deceased husband's wealth and connections; she was someone he couldn't afford to offend.
Yet the threat from Qin Yun's side was immediate and potentially fatal.
If he didn't resolve this, he would surely be sent to prison by the Agents!
Gritting his teeth, he finally made a decision.
"It... it was Kelly who notified me. She said you were taking many treasures back to Xia."
The Captain of the Inspection Team looked up at Robert and Qin Yun, and ultimately revealed the motive behind his actions.
It was indeed that bitch!
A coldness settled in Qin Yun's heart, and a faint killing intent emanated from him.
He had asked Leon to spare Kelly's family, but Kelly showed no remorse.
She still sought to cause him trouble.
She truly deserved to die!
Robert nodded, having pieced together most of the story from scattered clues.
Qin Yun and Leon had very publicly taken out the arms dealer Haishizi in Belgium.
Kelly's revenge likely stemmed from that grudge.
He was the one who had told Qin Yun about Haishizi's identity; he bore some responsibility in this matter as well.
Thinking this,
he waved a hand. "Take these two back for a thorough investigation. The assault on Qin Yun's shop must be clarified!"
After speaking, Robert had everyone else withdraw.
Only Qin Yun, Julia, and Robert remained in the VIP room.
"Long time no see. After spending so long in the chaotic environment of Belgium, are you adjusting well back in the U.S.?"
Robert stepped forward and hugged Qin Yun. After separating, he said with a smile.
"Not bad. Participating in those semi-military Warehouse Auctions in Belgium was quite thrilling!"
Qin Yun didn't complain about being threatened by Haishizi in Belgium. Instead, he answered with a calm expression.
Robert knew the feeling of insecurity when dealing with a violent arms dealer like Haishizi.
He shook his head and very relaxedly sat down on the sofa.
Crossing his legs and looking up at the ceiling, he assumed a casual, almost sloppy posture.
It was a stark contrast to the stern and cold demeanor he had when he first entered.
Qin Yun marveled inwardly; Robert was quite a character.
Such starkly different faces on one person, yet without a hint of incongruity.
Truly a skilled Agent.
"It's not impossible for you to take all those things back to Xia, but be careful. Don't let anyone find out. Otherwise, if troublesome politicians latch onto it and start making a fuss, I won't be able to do much to help."
His right fingers tapped rhythmically on his leg. Robert's expression gradually grew serious as he solemnly warned Qin Yun.
"Mm, I understand. I'll be careful."
Qin Yun nodded and replied slowly.
He had underestimated Kelly's shamelessness, never expecting to be backstabbed by her.
His plan was discovered by villains, forcing a hasty action that gave others a handle against him.
Qin Yun didn't blame Robert in the slightest.
Only someone who speaks frankly like this is a true friend who genuinely wants to help.
He felt nothing but gratitude.
This friend made at the auction was definitely worth it.
Otherwise, he truly wouldn't know what to do.
Seeing that Qin Yun took his words to heart, Robert was quite satisfied.
If Qin Yun didn't know his limits and kept repeating mistakes, Robert wouldn't help him again either.
He was from the intelligence system; too many actions domestically would arouse suspicion.
"I've brought back the treasure you bought. It's with me. You have good luck and a good eye; that thing is worth at least eight million. When do you want to take it back?"
Robert asked casually.
He looked completely relaxed, as if eight million meant nothing to him.
Qin Yun thought for a moment before replying, "Leave it with you for now. I'll pick it up when I return from Xia?"
Getting these rare treasures in his hands back to Xia was the most important thing.
As for an eight-million-dollar Belgian treasure, compared to Xia's antiques that could be passed down for generations, it wasn't worth a damn.
Besides, he trusted Robert's character.
Since this man had rushed to the airport today to help him, he would definitely not covet that treasure.
Even if it got lost, it wouldn't be a big deal.
It was a good way to gauge Robert's true nature.
Qin Yun firmly believed he could earn more money. Using eight million to test a friend in such a crucial position,
in his eyes, was completely worth it.
"Alright. The flight you booked should be boarding soon. Let me see you off."
Robert seemed to have anticipated Qin Yun's response. He smiled faintly.
Bypassing security checks, he escorted Julia and Qin Yun onto the plane!
Given his status, no one dared to inspect Qin Yun and Julia's luggage.
The incident with the Captain of the Customs Inspection Team was still fresh.
No Customs officer with any sense would dare provoke such an Agent.
Moreover, someone who could lead so many Agents held a status far beyond their right to question.
So, the Customs Staff Member let them pass very politely, showing exceptional respect to Robert.
Robert remained aloof the entire time.
He showed no reaction to the Customs personnel's attempts to curry favor.
Ahead of other passengers, Robert escorted the two directly onto the plane.
He waved goodbye to Qin Yun and then left.
Apprehension grows as one nears home. On the plane, Qin Yun felt quite anxious.
In just over ten hours, he would be on his native soil.
And in Jingdu, the economic and cultural heart of Xia.
He wondered what good things and interesting experiences awaited him there.