Chapter 6, He is not an agent

Bao Longtao released the baton in his hand and called out to the boy's back: "If there is a chance, we will meet again"

Xu Le vigorously splashed hot water on his face until his youthful complexion turned slightly red. Only then did he regain his composure, glaring at his reflection in the mirror, and muttered in a low voice: "Feng Yu, you bastard, who exactly are you!"

A tremendous electric current suddenly engulfed his entire body, causing him to convulse, endure excruciating pain, and tremble uncontrollably, collapsing to the ground as if experiencing an epileptic seizure, with white foam beginning to emerge from the corners of his lips

... ...

Is that young man a member of the management committee or an associate of the president? Regardless of which side he belongs to, he is part of an unattainable echelon. Baolong Tao, filled with fear, propped himself against the wall to rise, realizing that he had made a grave mistake today, and that this matter could no longer be touched.

Deputy Director Bao, dressed in a black police uniform, emerged from the shadows, his smile somewhat gloomy yet triumphant. The baton at his waist had already been drawn, its diamond-shaped metallic tip gleaming with a fearsome blue arc of electricity, faint yet powerful.

Uncertain whether Bao Longtao would continue his investigation, Xu Le felt somewhat uneasy

... ...

This electric shock baton is only the length of a finger, yet the current it emits far exceeds that of the one previously given to Li Wei, not to mention the one held by Bao Longtao.

He is not a spy, nor does he have any connection to those prominent figures in the distant capital star circle; he is merely an ordinary person with some talent in mechanics, just a young boy

Viewership surveyor? How could anyone believe that? The Federal Television Station is under the dual control of the management committee and the president. A flicker of fear and apprehension flashed in Bao Longtao's eyes. Could it be that the person secretly inciting the orphans to cause trouble is an agent sent by the capital's star? Especially the electric baton that Xu Le silently extended at the end further reinforced Bao Longtao's judgment in this regard

No opportunity was given to Xu Le to escape, nor was he allowed to confess in advance. Bao Longtao habitually prepared to incapacitate the young man, using sudden pain to soften his resolve, compelling him to reveal the name of the individual who could infiltrate the police department's internal procedures and who was behind the power struggles in Hexi Prefecture.

His residence is certainly not a green garden and books

Bao Longtao pretended to let him go, but intended to conduct a cruel interrogation in a dark corner. Little did he expect that this frail youth could easily overpower him.

The tip of the baton was about to jab into Xu Le's waist, when Deputy Director Bao suddenly felt a surge of unexpected pain

In the darkness by the side gate of the Qingse Garden community, Xu Le looked up in surprise, her bright eyes narrowing into crescent shapes as she incredulously gazed at Bao Longtao, who was casually leaning against the wall, trying to project an image of being in control of everything. Xu Le seemed astonished at how this person had managed to follow her to such a remote place without her noticing.

... ...

... ...

... ...

Having confirmed that Bao Longtao no longer had the strength to resist, Xu Le carefully put the electric baton back into his pocket

I have said that we will meet again... Moreover, I am very pleased that the location of this meeting will no longer have any surveillance devices or inattentive passersby to interfere with our communication

The faint smell of burnt air appeared and vanished, yet left behind some traces of electrical burns on the wall

After a long while, Deputy Director Bao, who was leaning against the wall, slowly opened his eyes. Confirming that the mysterious boy had vanished, he dared to struggle to sit up, wiping away the white foam at the corner of his lips, his expression fluctuating as he gazed in the direction where the boy had disappeared.

His hand, gripping the white ceramic washbasin, seemed to exert force in secret; his fingers were somewhat pale and trembled slightly, for he was very afraid

Xu Le approached Bao Longtao, crouched down to assess his condition, inserted a metallic object into his ear, and spoke in a lowered voice: "Surveyor No. 78 reports that the situation has changed. Should we eliminate the witness?"

Bao Longtao always believed that there was some force hidden behind him, but only Xu Le knew the truth: behind him was only that damned guy. If it weren't for that guy pleading with him in tears, he would never have allowed those orphans and himself to fall into such an absurd situation.

The aching pain in the muscles and nerves within his body persisted, yet it could not quell Deputy Director Bao's shock. After being struck down by the electric baton, he did not truly lose consciousness; instead, he clearly heard the boy's final plea. He was greatly frightened by the words about being silenced and the investigator, and he dared not open his eyes.

... ...

The faucet was gushing hot water, and the benefits of the alliance were always well reflected in these details. The rising steam filled the entire bathroom with a mesmerizing aroma. Xu Le stood in front of the bathroom mirror, gazing at his face gradually becoming blurred by the steam, standing in a daze for a long time before finally exhaling heavily.

Xu Le lowered his head, breathing heavily, trying to expel all the fear within him. He had managed to deceive the terrifying Bao Longtao, who instilled fear in countless orphans, with just two metal buttons, yet he felt no sense of accomplishment. If it were not for the concern that Bao Longtao might harm Li Wei, he would never have done such a thing.

A federal official must confront the forces lurking in the darkness of the streets, much like a zookeeper dealing with unruly beasts. Whether it be a whip or fresh meat, there are always countless methods to employ. At this moment, Bao Longtao mentioning Li Wei's name is naturally a threat to Xu Le— even if he does not take action himself, Xu Le should not expect to conceal his identity.

The length of the fingers may vary, yet the arc can penetrate a space of fifty centimeters. Such a delicate yet powerful weapon is certainly not something that civilian gangs can replicate. Bao Longtao had only heard that the military could be equipped with such gear, specifically designed for agents.

However, Xu Le was not concerned about this. In his view, Li Wei's orphans had their own ways to survive. He subtly avoided Deputy Director Bao's affectionate gestures, lowering his head and humbly making his way into the darkness

Previously, Bao Longtao had not clearly seen what was happening under the green tree, but this did not prevent him from casting a sufficient amount of vigilance towards the boy in front of him, whose face was obscured by a hat. Taking two steps forward, he lowered his head and, through the hat, whispered in Xu Le's ear: "Perhaps I should not ask you; I should ask Li Wei."

He took out a metallic object from his ear and another metallic object used to alter his voice from under his tongue. Xu Le tossed them above the washbasin, producing two crisp sounds—these were merely two metal buttons from his casual shirt

Xu Le crouched beside the unconscious body of Bao Longtao, seemingly waiting for instructions from the communicating party. After a moment, he received a clear command, no longer paying attention to Deputy Director Bao at his feet. He straightened his clothes, concealing his face more thoroughly, and disappeared into the darkness beside the green garden

The time for the two people to meet again was very brief, brief enough to be somewhat thrilling, brief enough to feel a bit absurd