Mobile reading: With the Minister of Public Security making a clear statement, the police indeed cooperated well, remaining at a distance outside and avoiding any conflict with the military. Eighty Electronic Book: Several identical black executive vehicles were parked along the roadside. From the second vehicle, a middle-aged man in a suit and tie stepped down, followed by six individuals in identical attire stepping down from each vehicle. These individuals all wore sunglasses, resembling the legendary "black society." The badges on their chests clearly indicated that they belonged to the State Security Bureau—the highest-level intelligence agency in the country, engaged in the legendary work of espionage. The middle-aged man was the Director of the Anti-Terrorism Department, named Fan Changming. Within the State Security Bureau, he was a prominent third-tier figure, a loyal follower of the Minister. In internet-speak, he could be described as the Minister's "zombie fan." His directive was to rigorously prosecute the suspects, ensuring that neither the military nor the internal security forces would show favor to them.
Although he certainly held the "imperial decree" in hand, Fan Changming was still quite startled by what he saw. Good heavens! Two full reinforced battalions, all of them elite special forces. There were infantry combat vehicles at the entrance and armed helicopters overhead—without a full brigade's worth of troops, it would be impossible to make any headway. At first, even if it meant facing flames and boiling water, they'd have to push through. If they simply withdrew now, he'd be finished as deputy director. Under orders from Wei Qingtian, the special forces had specifically instructed that no personnel from the Ministry of State Security be allowed inside. Thus, these impressive-looking black-suited officials were blocked outside the perimeter, with no chance even to approach the main entrance, let alone conduct interviews with the suspects.
"What exactly do you want?" Fan Changming shouted, holding out his identification. "Are you illiterate? I'm from the Ministry of State Security. This case is now jointly managed by our department and the Ministry of Public Security. Clear the way for us!"
"Sorry, our orders are clear—we won't allow any outsiders to enter," said the platoon leader evenly. "You said this was a joint operation with the Ministry of Public Security, but the Ministry people didn't say that at all!" He gestured toward the area where the police were gathering. "They're standing far away, never coming forward. If you're truly working together with them, then go find them—don't just stand here!" Fan Changming was so frustrated he felt like he had gone from one world to another. How could a mere platoon leader dare to speak so disrespectfully? You soldiers really must be impressive. Yet, no matter what, the black-suited officers couldn't get through—Fan Changming was truly at a loss, feeling like a scholar facing soldiers, with all his arguments going unheard. He had no choice but to call his superior and give a detailed account of the situation.
Just a few words, and the furrows on his brow smoothed out, a smile spreading across his face: "I see now, I see now. It really is the leadership's strength. Don't worry—everything that comes next, I'll handle with care and precision!" After hanging up, he waved his hand and pointed toward the intersection ahead. "Everyone, follow me. Take a moment to tidy up your appearance—we're about to make an impression!" Though the others were puzzled, they complied and soon secured control of the intersection. At the window of the police building, He Muqing held the telescope, observing and commenting, "Why have all those dark-skinned people gone? They should still be arguing with the soldiers!" Qin Feng analyzed, "The unusual always holds a secret. Watch closely—they're going to make a move soon!" The old Mr. Wei personally called to inform them to keep a sharp eye out for the State Security officers, saying those people certainly didn't have good intentions. If they ended up in their hands, things would surely become complicated.
So the two of them kept closely observing the unfolding situation below. Several vehicles drove in from a distance. Qin Dashi focused intently and said, "It's bad—those people intend to block the media, spin the story in a way unfavorable to us, and steer public opinion!" If they firmly assert to reporters that the terrorists have been captured and are being held inside the police station, while simultaneously revealing personal details about Qin Feng and He Muqing, the general public, unaware of the full context, will surely be deceived into believing that the explosion was caused by these two. "What should we do?" asked He Leader, his tone urgent—this was indeed a sharp move. "Call the old man and have him upload the analyzed surveillance footage to the web, specifically highlighting the three-minute gap with no activity, so that the online audience can make their own judgment." He spoke calmly. "Good, I'll make the call right away," He Leader nodded.
At the intersection, Fan Changming temporarily assumed the role of the Public Information Spokesperson for the Ministry of State Security. With strong presence, he addressed dozens of microphones: "Right now, the police have taken control of the suspects in the explosion case. They are the owners of the vehicle involved in the explosion. They are currently undergoing interrogation, and we expect results soon!" A journalist asked: "Mr. Fan, since these suspects were apprehended by the police and brought to the police station, why are special forces now responsible for security? This seems unusual." Fan Changming's eyes sparkled with a subtle glow as he smiled and replied: "This is entirely normal. The suspects are identified as high-risk individuals, so assigning special forces ensures greater security and reliability." "Mr. Fan, I heard the suspects have military affiliations, is that correct?" another journalist inquired. This journalist had learned the details from someone who had previously informed him. Fan Changming replied seriously: "This remains confidential—details are not available at this time."
The reporter immediately added, "General Fan didn't deny it—this clearly shows the suspect has a military background, and that background must be substantial. Otherwise, how could there be so many special forces personnel? I simply can't understand whether these soldiers are there to protect the executives, or to assist the police with security duties!" The reporters were now in a frenzy—this was truly a breaking news story. Many of them had already brainstormed bold headlines: "Senior military officers involved in terrorist activities—military protecting its own." Fan Changming pretended to be very upset: "Do you have any evidence for what you've just said? Until the full truth is revealed, every detail of the case remains confidential. You claim the suspect has a military background—what's the proof?"
"The reporter immediately countered: 'Fang Director, you must know that besides these government departments, we ordinary citizens also have our own investigative tools—such as grassroots online searches. I can confidently tell you that we’ve already identified the owners of the vehicles involved in the explosion. They are indeed officers. Is it possible that Director Fang is deliberately concealing this information from the media? According to the Constitution, citizens have the right to be informed!' One plays the positive role while the other takes the negative one. On the surface, Fang Changming appears to be defending the suspect, but his real intention is to create conflict with the reporter and draw greater public attention. He gives a visibly irritated expression, while inside, he is already delighted."