199: Shooting police officers, angry Donghai citizens

“Taking on the mission to investigate in Su City?”

Hearing Gao Ze’s response, the Police Officers at the Police Operations Center and Wei Haoran’s eyes widened.

It had to be admitted.

This question was quite a test.

A complex expression flashed across Wei Haoran’s face, and after a moment of thought, he said in a deep voice, “I deeply regret Captain Shen Gang’s sacrifice, but my capabilities are limited when it comes to investigating in Su City, and I’m afraid I’m not up to the task.”

A faint smile appeared on Gao Ze’s lips as he said, “So, Deputy Captain Wei is unwilling to go to Su City for the investigation?”

“No, if my capabilities were sufficient, I would be willing to lead a team to Su City.”

Wei Haoran said, “But the situation in Su City is complex. I know my own limitations, and I can’t handle the situation there. Rushing in blindly would only betray the expectations of the Municipal Bureau and the citizens.”

“Is that all?”

Gao Ze continued to smile and said, “While capability is indeed important in many situations, sometimes an unyielding resolve and courage can have a decisive effect.”

“Deputy Captain Wei, you feel your capabilities are insufficient, but I believe that if you dare to go to Su City, with an unyielding confidence and a fearless drive, you will definitely achieve something.”

“Even if you truly feel incapable, you can still come to Su City with me. Will you go?”

Wei Haoran fell silent.

A strong urge to go to Su City surged within him, but instantly another thought poured over him like ice water.

What good would it do him to go?

Gao Ze was the Team Leader, and all the credit would go to him. Going to Su City would not only mean facing the hostility and risks from various forces in Su City, but even if the case yielded results, he wouldn’t get any of the credit.

The surge of hot-blooded impulse gradually extinguished, turning into silence.

“Then, Deputy Captain Wei, you may go back!”

If Wei Haoran had truly dared to go to Su City, Gao Ze would have been willing to retract his previous opinion, but now Wei Haoran’s silence had already expressed his attitude.

“I—”

Wei Haoran’s face quickly flushed red, glaring angrily at Gao Ze, but as his gaze swept over the grassroots and mid-level Police Officers in the Police Operations Center who were looking at him, his flushed, liver-colored face instantly turned pale.

Soon after.

Wei Haoran still chose to leave.

His attempt to demand an explanation from Gao Ze had turned into a joke.

Even those who had initially felt sympathy for Wei Haoran immediately lost that sliver of goodwill.

“Brother Gao, don’t blame Old Wei. He’s not a bad person, he’s just been in the Deputy Captain position for too long.”

Liu Wenzhong looked at Wei Haoran’s retreating back and sighed softly. Fortunately, Gao Ze hadn’t gone for the kill; otherwise, using such provocation could have left him suspended in mid-air, suffering immensely.

But even now, Wei Haoran’s outcome wasn’t much better.

He would definitely face significant criticism in the future, and any hope of promotion would likely be gone.

“I understand!”

Going to Su City for investigation was not something everyone wanted to do; Liu Wenzhong himself was not very willing.

But as long as the appointment was issued, Liu Wenzhong would absolutely not refuse.

“Team Leader Liu, let’s gather again at two in the afternoon!”

Gao Ze and Liu Wenzhong parted ways at the Municipal Bureau entrance, each preparing for their trip to Su City.

Liu Wenzhong had to arrange police work in Huangpu District and say goodbye to his subordinates and family. Gao Ze also had to arrange work for the Pudong Traffic Police Brigade, say goodbye to his younger siblings, and also to his wife, Li Qingyan.

Originally, Li Qingyan wanted to travel to Su City with him by car.

However, the Municipal Bureau had established a Special Task Force for the series of incidents in Su City, assigning team members and dedicated vehicles, so Gao Ze had no choice but to go with the team.

“Husband, you’ve become the Team Leader of the Special Task Force going to Su City for investigation, and you’ll personally lead the team?”

After going to Lanan Community to inform his younger brother Gao Sheng and younger sister Gao Xiaohui, Gao Ze was about to go see Li Qingyan when her call came in unexpectedly.

“Qing Yan, how did you know the city established a Special Task Force for Su City, and that I’m the Team Leader of the Special Task Force?”

Director Zhao had given him the appointment notice less than an hour ago. Where did Li Qingyan get the information? Could it be his mother-in-law, Shen Xiuyan, who leaked it?

“I saw it on Donghai City’s midday news. The TV station reported on Shen Gang’s sacrifice and your appointment by Donghai City.”

Li Qingyan said, “Moreover, these matters have surged onto the hot search, and many citizens with Donghai City IPs are intensely discussing and venting their anger.”

“Captain Shen Gang’s investigation in Su City was the result of the collective will of Donghai City, and his sacrifice will indeed provoke the anger of countless citizens.”

Gao Ze could anticipate the angry sentiments of citizens under the hot search, but when he opened the hot search comments, the countless angry posts still surprised him somewhat.

Among them were comments about him.

“Shooting a Police Officer, the criminal forces in Su City are simply audacious and lawless!”

“They even dare to commit acts like killing police officers; I can’t even imagine how many shocking incidents those people have committed in the dark!”

“The waters of Su City are too deep; there are probably too many hidden truths behind it.”

“Captain Shen Gang was a very good Police Officer. When I was victimized at my company, it was Captain Shen Gang who protected me and sent the boss who bullied me to prison. He is a good person, and the murderer who killed him must be arrested.”

“It’s so heartbreaking. Our Donghai City has lost a good Police Officer. This matter absolutely cannot be easily condoned; it must be thoroughly investigated, and all relevant personnel must pay a blood price.”

“Our Donghai City must demand an explanation from Su City. Donghai City’s establishment of a Special Task Force is very right, but the appointment of Officer Gao surprised me, as well as the temporary deputy-level position as Su City Police Inspector.”

“I think appointing Officer Gao as the Team Leader of the Special Task Force to investigate in Su City is very well done. Officer Gao has solved so many major cases and is exceptionally capable; he will definitely uncover the hidden truth behind the series of incidents in Su City.”

“I’m not worried about Officer Gao’s ability; with his ability, he can definitely investigate clearly. But the problem lies in the darkness and pressure behind these truths. Can Officer Gao bear it? Will he encounter the same fate as Captain Shen Gang?”

“This outcome is very possible. Officer Gao is in great danger!”

“Perhaps when Officer Gao uncovers the truth of the case, his life will be in danger!”

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Gao Ze scanned the dense discussions under the hot search, and once he had a grasp of the situation, he put down his phone.

He had just made arrangements with his wife, Li Qingyan.

He would lead the team by car to Su City first, and after Li Qingyan finished her company affairs, she would drive to their home in Su City.

Su Province was the family stronghold of Li Qingyan’s family, and Li Qingyan also owned property in Su City.

After replying to greetings from friends and colleagues on WeChat, Gao Ze went to the Municipal Party Committee Compound to meet Liu Wenzhong. Beside a gray Coaster official vehicle, seven Police Officers arranged by the Municipal Bureau were already waiting.

“Xu Sicheng!”

Among the seven, there were four men and three women. One of them was a bright and lively female Police Officer whom Gao Ze recognized at a glance.

It was Xu Sicheng from the Pudong Bureau’s Propaganda Department, who was excellent at propaganda documents.

It was she who had helped Gao Ze contact the “Voice of Political Enlightenment” official account, allowing him to enter the sight of Donghai City’s institutional personnel for the first time.

“Team Leader Gao, long time no see!”

Xu Sicheng smiled charmingly at Gao Ze, her infectiousness like the morning sun illuminating the sky, and she said spiritedly, “Now your position and rank are much higher than mine. It’s hard for me to even see you.”

“How can that be? You always have my contact information. If you want to see me, just make an appointment anytime.”

“Besides, how could I forget you? You helped me a great deal back then!”

Besides Xu Sicheng, there were two other Police Officers from the Pudong Bureau. They were not just criminal investigation police but also handled office processing and police affairs. Clearly, in the Donghai City Bureau’s view, the series of incidents in Su City could not be solved by criminal investigation alone.

“Everyone has been transferred from different units, let’s introduce ourselves and get to know each other.”

Sitting on the Coaster bus heading to Su City, Liu Wenzhong was indeed an old hand at building relationships. Through introductions, he fostered mutual understanding and livened up the atmosphere.

Gao Ze participated, learning the names and capabilities of each Police Officer.

An hour and a half later.

The police bus drove into the core urban area of Su City.

The distance between Donghai City and Su City was indeed short, only about ninety kilometers apart. It took an hour and a half by car, and if one took the high-speed rail, it would only take about half an hour, which was even shorter than the travel time within Donghai City itself.

“Get ready. We’ll be reporting to the Su City Bureau soon. We’ll meet with the high-ranking officials of the Su City Bureau and the top leaders of Su City.”

As they were about to arrive at the Su City Bureau, Liu Wenzhong reminded the Police Officers to pay attention to their appearance and morale.

Gao Ze secretly felt that the Municipal Bureau was indeed right to assign Liu Wenzhong as Deputy Team Leader; it would save him a lot of energy.

But just then.

The bus suddenly braked, causing Gao Ze, Liu Wenzhong, and others to lurch forward.

“Driver, what happened?”

“Someone is blocking the road, crying out for justice!”

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