Read Novel Full Chapter 146
Chapter 146 : Criminals
He ignored the stares of passersby, pulling Jiang Li into his arms and holding her tightly. “Lizi, I love you,” he said softly.
Jiang Li wriggled free from his embrace, her fluffy head emerging as her sparkling eyes met his. “I know,” she replied with a radiant smile. “I love you, too.”
Liu Chaoying, witnessing the scene, coughed loudly and averted his gaze, unsure where to look.
Qi Shaoqiang strode over, and Liu Chaoying lowered his voice. “Be mindful of the impact, man. There are a lot of bachelors here at the station.”
There was a tinge of jealousy in his tone. Not only was Qi Shaoqiang more skilled in martial arts, but he also had a stunning girlfriend. Why did he get all the luck? Life just wasn’t fair.
Qi Shaoqiang grinned and rolled up his sleeves. “Come on, let’s practice!”
Moments later, Liu Chaoying was hurled to the ground in a flawless shoulder throw, groaning in pain. “Brother, take it easy!”
Qi Shaoqiang chuckled, eased up on his movements, and started explaining and demonstrating techniques. Liu Chaoying paid close attention, and soon, other officers in the yard began gathering around to watch and learn.
Jiang Li, observing the lively scene, found a step to sit on. She spread out her handkerchief, settled down, and watched as Qi Shaoqiang led the impromptu training. His passion was evident in the sparkle in his eyes and the confident set of his expression.
Suddenly, two officers entered the yard, escorting a man in black. The prisoner was tall, heavyset, and hunched, with a fleshy face and deep furrows between his brows. His appearance radiated hostility.
Jiang Li recalled hearing that people with such features were often violent, the kind you should avoid.
The man spat as he entered, and when his eyes met Jiang Li’s, he brazenly scanned her from head to toe.
Qi Shaoqiang noticed immediately and stepped forward to block the man’s view.
“The suspect from the 318 case is in your hands now,” one officer said. “We’ll head back.”
The two officers looked relieved after transferring custody. The case had been a nightmare, on the way to the station, the suspect had attempted to escape multiple times. One officer had bruises and a torn uniform, while the other was caked in dirt from the scuffle.
Liu Chaoying leaned close to Qi Shaoqiang and whispered, “Don’t let his appearance fool you. He’s ruthless.
“He got into a land dispute with his neighbors and ended up killing 18 people with a knife. He fled after the massacre, and it took us over a month to track him down.”
The prisoner, as if sensing their discussion, let out a sharp whistle and smirked provocatively at Liu Chaoying.
“Behave yourself!” snapped an officer, shoving the man forward.
Suddenly, the prisoner’s handcuffs fell off. In one swift motion, he reached down, pulled a concealed wooden handle from his calf, and revealed a gun. He aimed and fired.
Blood sprayed as the bullet struck an officer’s shoulder. The man fell to his knees, clutching his wound.
Chaos erupted in the yard. Qi Shaoqiang immediately pushed Jiang Li into an unlocked room. “Lock the door and stay inside. Don’t come out. I’ll handle this.”
Jiang Li’s heart pounded as she stared at him, a sinking sense of dread in her chest. She wanted to plead with him to stay safe but knew he wouldn’t back down. Instead, she whispered, “Be careful.”
Qi Shaoqiang nodded solemnly, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he shut the door behind him. Jiang Li quickly locked it and leaned against the wall, hands clasped in silent prayer.
Outside, the yard was a tense battlefield. The prisoner now held Liu Chaoying hostage, the barrel of his gun pressed against Liu’s head.
Kneeling with his hands raised, Liu Chaoying didn’t dare to move.
“Prepare one hundred thousand dollars and a car for me within an hour!” the prisoner demanded, his voice cold and sharp. “If you don’t, I’ll kill him!”
He pushed the gun forward threateningly, but Liu Chaoying remained still, his obedience masking his fear.
“Ma Ji,” one officer called out firmly, “I advise you to surrender now. Cooperate, and you might get some leniency. Don’t make this any worse.”
“You must be joking! I’ve killed so many people. If I surrender, I’ll be executed. Do you think I’m stupid? Hurry up! If you don’t meet my demands, this man dies!”
Seeing Director Chen remain calm and unmoved, Ma Ji pulled the trigger, shooting Liu Chaoying in the thigh. Warm, salty blood sprayed onto Ma Ji’s face, heightening his excitement.
“Fine, I agree,” Director Chen finally said. “But one hundred thousand dollars is a lot, and finding a car right away is challenging. Can you give us some time?”
While Director Chen negotiated, Qi Shaoqiang quietly maneuvered closer to Ma Ji. Once in position, he signaled to Liu Chaoying with a gesture he had just taught him during their earlier training session.
Though in agony and drenched in sweat, Liu Chaoying caught on and gave a slow, deliberate nod.
Three… two… one.
Qi Shaoqiang struck with precision, sweeping his leg and kicking Ma Ji’s hand. The intense force made Ma Ji yelp in pain as the wooden handgun slipped from his grasp and landed near Liu Chaoying.
Seizing the moment, Liu Chaoying quickly tossed the wooden weapon away, where it was promptly stomped on and secured by Director Chen.
Chaos erupted as officers surged forward. Ma Ji was subdued, pinned to the ground, tightly restrained, and swiftly transferred to a cell.
The injured Liu Chaoying and another officer were rushed to the hospital. Despite being carried off on a stretcher, Liu Chaoying joked lightheartedly, “Qi Shaoqiang, you’re my big brother now!”
Director Chen clapped Qi Shaoqiang on the shoulder, his gratitude evident. “Shaoqiang, I can see your passion for this work, your eyes don’t lie. Don’t turn us down. Join our team and help us defend the country and protect the people’s safety.”
Jiang Li, standing nearby, quietly squeezed Qi Shaoqiang’s hand in encouragement.
Taking a deep breath, Qi Shaoqiang replied, “I will!”
“Good! A fine comrade indeed!” Director Chen exclaimed. “Tomorrow, you’ll take a written test. We’ve already witnessed your skills. If you pass, you’ll be hired immediately. We’re in desperate need of capable people like you.”
Director Chen patted him on the shoulder, admiration glowing in his eyes. “You saved us today, and I’ll personally recommend you for a bravery award.”
On the way home, Qi Shaoqiang couldn’t conceal his excitement as he and Jiang Li shared the good news with their family.
Chen Xianyun was delighted yet slightly worried. The rising crime rate made public security work both honorable and dangerous.
Seeing Qi Shaoqiang’s elation, however, she chose to hold back her concerns.
The elderly grandmother, always wise and kind, chimed in, “You were worried when Shaoqiang joined the army, but he did just fine, didn’t he? This boy is talented and loves this line of work. He’s been underappreciated at that farm machinery factory.”
“Mom, I know that,” Chen Xianyun replied, her voice tinged with unease. “I just can’t help worrying.”
“Of course you worry. They say children are like debts, we carry them until the day we die,” the old lady said with a chuckle.
Suddenly, the sound of a baby crying interrupted the conversation.
“Go check if he’s hungry,” someone said.
“Alright, I’m going…”