Lei Li then took off his jacket, changed into his swimsuit, and entered the water.
Ma Xiangjun smiled and said, "Lei Li, Zhang Dong and I are actually partners. When we first met, he was just an unknown nobody. But with my support, he has grown into the biggest drug lord in the southern region in just seven or eight years."
Lei Li frowned, "Why would you do that?"
Ma Xiangjun chuckled, "For money, of course. I have a fifty percent stake in Zhang Dong's operations. For every ten dollars he earns, five go to me. If you're willing to work for me, to be my man, I can give you twenty million a year. Lei Li, do you know what twenty million can do? Your two-bedroom apartment can be replaced by a large villa. Your beat-up SUV can be traded in for a luxury car worth millions. And, of course, there are all sorts of young and beautiful women."
Lei Li said calmly, "Deputy Commander Ma, I have my principles. Even if you offered me two hundred million, I wouldn't cross that line!"
Ma Xiangjun sighed lightly, "Are you willing to give up your wife and daughter?"
Lei Li replied calmly, "You can't threaten me now."
Ma Xiangjun was taken aback. He immediately ordered his subordinates to call and inquire about the hostages. However, when the call went through, no one answered.
Ma Xiangjun's face darkened. He said coldly, "Lei Li, you're quite capable, managing to rescue them. But what of it? Duanmu Qing is in a mental hospital and won't survive today. And you, you won't make it back alive either. Once you're dead, I won't have to worry about you threatening me, nor will I have to pay you!"
"Plop, plop!"
Suddenly, several people on the shore fell into the water. Ma Xiangjun was startled and quickly swam towards the shore.
At this moment, Ye Tian appeared. He said, "Captain Lei, I've recorded the conversation just now. Shall I help you apprehend him?"
Lei Li nodded, "Deputy Minister Ye, thank you!"
Half an hour later, a convoy of police cars arrived. Ma Xiangjun and his subordinates were taken away for interrogation, and several important figures from the provincial government were dispatched to investigate the matter.
Duanmu Qing also returned from the mental hospital. Upon seeing Ye Tian again, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Deputy Minister Ye, you're like a divine being, truly remarkable!"
It was already dark. Ye Tian smiled and said, "I used to be in criminal investigation, so I have some experience."
Duanmu Qing said, "Deputy Minister Ye, Captain Lei and the others are still interrogating Ma Xiangjun and don't have time to come. So, I'd like to invite Deputy Minister Ye to dinner tonight. Would you do me the honor?"
Ye Tian smiled, "It's this late, and there are no more train services. I'll have to trouble you then."
Duanmu Qing's injuries were healing well, and the medicine Ye Tian applied was remarkably effective. The two then drove to a restaurant.
Halfway to their destination, Ye Tian received a call from Lin Ziyi.
"Brother Tian, are you still in Biannan?"
Ye Tian replied, "Yes, I can only return tomorrow. What's up, Ziyi?"
Lin Ziyi smiled and said, "The company is having a team-building event, and we'll be landing in Biannan tomorrow. I thought, if you're still there, you could join us."
Ye Tian also smiled, "Really? What made you think of coming to Biannan?"
Lin Ziyi explained, "Biannan has beautiful scenery, and it was the location chosen by everyone's vote."
Ye Tian nodded, "Alright then, I'll stay here for now and wait for you. Send me the flight details when you have them."
After chatting with Lin Ziyi for a few minutes, he hung up the phone.
Duanmu Qing had been listening intently. She smiled and asked, "Deputy Minister Ye, is that your girlfriend?"
Ye Tian replied, "Yes. The company is having a team-building event tomorrow, so it looks like I'll have to stay a few more days."
Duanmu Qing's beautiful eyes lit up, "Really? Then I'll be your free tour guide."
Ye Tian smiled, "That would be great. We don't know Biannan very well, so we'll be relying on Officer Duanmu."
Duanmu Qing smiled and said, "Deputy Minister Ye, you can just call me Xiao Qing."
Ye Tian responded, "Then you don't have to call me Deputy Minister anymore."
Duanmu Qing blinked her beautiful eyes and said, "Then, I'll call you Brother Ye."
The two arrived at a restaurant. The place was bustling with business, and a crowd of people were waiting outside. Duanmu Qing said with a hint of helplessness, "Brother Ye, the food here is delicious, but the business is also very good, so we might have to wait for a while."
Ye Tian smiled, "It's fine, good food is worth waiting for."
They chatted while waiting in line.
At that moment, a couple suddenly cut in front of them, pushing Duanmu Qing back a step.
Duanmu Qing angrily exclaimed, "Why are you cutting in line?"