After my divorce at thirty, I developed an intelligence network.

If it's broken, it's a valuable asset that can be recorded in your file and carried with you for a lifetime.

Stability and trouble take a backseat to a genuine second-class merit award.

The duck in front of him was clearly cooked and smelled delicious, but Fu Mingde insisted on waving his hand.

It's not that I don't want it, it's that I desperately want it, but I'm afraid the duck might be poisonous, giving people something to gossip about.

"Director Fu's considerations are thorough," Gong Yuelong said slowly after he finished speaking.

"Stability is certainly important. However, letting such a ruthless bandit hide in our high-tech zone is like planting a time bomb."

If it doesn't explode today, what about tomorrow? If it detonates on its own, injuring people and causing trouble, that's the real problem.

He looked up, his gaze clear and focused on Fu Mingde:

"As for the source of the clues and the risks... I'm right here. I'm probably not the only one who knows about this right now."

Fu Mingde's face twitched slightly as he listened.

Gong Yuelong's words struck a chord with him. Yes, the longer the night, the more likely things are to go wrong!

The fire in his heart was stirred up even more by Gong Yuelong.

Second-class merit...removing Wu Jinshui's hidden blade...eliminating a major hidden danger...any one of these reasons would be enough to tempt him.

But his instincts as a government official still kept him on his toes with the last shred of caution.

His face still wore that conflicted expression, and he sighed.

"That's the logic... but procedures have to be followed. Here's what we'll do: I'll note down the information you provided, and later have the people below... um, start with the outer perimeter, don't rush, take it one step at a time..."

Before he could finish speaking, he caught a glimpse of a subtle "I knew it" expression on Gong Yuelong's face out of the corner of his eye.

Fu Mingde's heart skipped a beat.

Is Gong Yuelong testing me? Is he seeing if I dare to take on this hot potato? Is he seeing if I have the courage to accept this great task?

He suddenly realized that his high-sounding excuse might seem a little... ridiculous? Or even a little pathetic in the other person's eyes?

In that instant, the scales in Fu Mingde's mind tipped to one side.

Screw procedures! Screw deliberation!

If you don't even dare to seize an opportunity that's offered to you, what kind of position are you in?

Once others have reaped the rewards, or if that bomb actually explodes, you'll be left to regret it!

He suddenly couldn't continue with the official rhetoric he had used to lay the groundwork and provide a buffer.

Fu Mingde stopped looking at Gong Yuelong, and instead reached out and forcefully stubbed out the remaining cigarette in the ashtray.

Then, he raised his head, his voice without the slightest hesitation:

"Location. Be precise, down to the house number, or the most distinctive feature. Tell me now."

Gong Yuelong smiled inwardly as he watched Fu Mingde's expression and tone change instantly.

"Director Fu, I only heard a vague rumor about which door and which pane of glass it was, so I can't say for sure."

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "How about this? Could you... send two reliable brothers to accompany my men so we can go and explore together?"

I'll lead the way and point out the general location, while your people will confirm and keep watch. This way, it's both safe and ensures the information is actually received.

He paused, then added, "If we do find anything, since you're the one keeping an eye on the person, the credit will naturally go to you. We're just here to provide a clue."

Even if we come up empty-handed, it won't damage your prestige. The commotion will be minimal, leaving you room to maneuver.

Fu Mingde immediately understood the multiple implications behind Gong Yuelong's suggestion.

This is not just about confirming clues.

This is clearly an attempt to leverage the power of the Public Security Bureau and, by using Fu Mingde's name as a shield, to swagger around the High-tech Zone!

They led the police to search everywhere, especially around areas where Wu Jinshui might be hiding his core henchmen... This news would spread to every corner of the High-tech Zone in less than a day.

At that time, what everyone will see is not Fu Mingde investigating the case, but Gong Yuelong, who can mobilize the public security bureau's manpower at any time to work with him!

This is even more ruthless than breaking Wu San and Wang Biao's legs; it's openly reshaping the perception that everyone in the High-tech Zone is loyal to the top.

Wu Jinshui's carefully cultivated image of being associated with certain official forces will be directly shattered over the years.

Instead, everyone will realize that the newcomer, Gong Yuelong, is not only physically strong but also has more unscrupulous methods and can work in tandem with the Public Security Bureau!

What a brilliant move to use someone else's strength against them! What a clever strategy to establish authority!

Fu Mingde sneered inwardly, "You, Gong Yuelong, you've come to scheme against me, trying to use me as a pawn to gild your own reputation."

He almost blurted out a refusal.

However... Old Cat Chen Mao, a Class B wanted criminal, the massacre of his entire family, eight years of backlog... and a second-class merit award.

Refusing Gong Yuelong is tantamount to rejecting an opportunity that may be within reach.

Moreover, Gong Yuelong's words were perfectly reasonable on the surface, and the collaborative investigation was procedurally sound.

The pros and cons were rapidly weighed in Fu Mingde's mind.

In just a few seconds, Fu Mingde had already made his decision.

A slight smile appeared on his face.

"Hmm... now that you mention it, it is indeed a possible solution."

"Since you have leads, it's good that civilian forces are cooperating with our work. We can arrange for two people to join us."

Remember, safety is the top priority. Do not act without authorization, and report any incidents immediately.

He specifically emphasized reporting and cooperation, intending to show that the government still held the reins.

"Understood." Gong Yuelong replied readily, knowing that Fu Mingde understood and tacitly approved.

"Then I'll go back and prepare. Once the manpower is in place, we'll move in. Director Fu, could you designate a contact person?"

"Okay, I'll have Lao Wang contact you directly. You two can handle the details."

Fu Mingde waved his hand, adopting a businesslike demeanor, "Hurry up and keep it confidential."

"Alright." Gong Yuelong said no more and got up to take his leave.

As he walked out of the office, a slight smile curved his lips.

The net has already been woven.

Taking advantage of the Public Security Bureau's influence, they patrolled the streets of the High-tech Zone, making an example of them and following the clues... achieving multiple goals at once.

Now, let's see if Wu Jinshui and his hidden old cat can stay put.

Fu Mingde sat in the smoke, squinting at the empty doorway, then at the cigarette butt flickering between his fingers.

After a moment, he stubbed out his cigarette, picked up the internal phone on the table, and dialed a number:

"It's me. Notify Old Wang from the Criminal Investigation Division to bring his most trusted person to my office immediately. It's an urgent mission, top-secret."

He put down the phone, leaned back in his chair, and stared at the ceiling.

Second-class merit...

He pondered those three words, then laughed, a hearty laugh.

……

Around 4 PM, Fu Mingde called Gong Yuelong's mobile phone directly.

"Boss Gong, are you free tonight? I'd like to grab a quick meal at the cafeteria and chat for a bit."

They didn't specify a time, as if they assumed Gong Yuelong would be available at any time.

Gong Yuelong glanced at the sky: "Since Director Fu has invited me, I'm definitely free. You can set a time."

"Come over now," Fu Mingde said and then hung up the phone.

In the small canteen room in the backyard of the Public Security Bureau, the dishes were already laid out: two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, plus a bowl of soup—simple and hearty.

Fu Mingde sat alone, his food barely touched.

"Sit down." Fu Mingde cut to the chase. "Did you come all morning for nothing?"

"We didn't see anyone, nor did we find any obvious traces," Gong Yuelong said truthfully as he sat down.

Fu Mingde's expression darkened slightly: "So, you're just making that noise for fun?"