In the morning, at the police station's backyard!
A series of robust shouts could be heard as dozens of uniformed police officers underwent their daily training.
Some were doing pull-ups, others practicing climbing, some were lifting weights, and a few were sparring in hand-to-hand combat…
In short, a wide variety of exercises all aimed at strengthening their physiques.
As guardians of the region and pillars of public safety, a strong physique was always paramount.
"Haven't you guys eaten breakfast?"
"You're all as weak as women!"
"Pull yourselves together and train properly!"
"Anyone who doesn't meet the standard will face triple the penalty!"
In the center of the training ground, a middle-aged man in a black tank top and camouflage pants, revealing his well-built muscles, was fiercely reprimanding his subordinates.
This man was Xiao Guodong, the captain of the Criminal Investigation Division. He had the authority to train all the team members.
Suddenly, at this moment, the phone in his pocket vibrated. Xiao Guodong took out his phone, and seeing who was calling, he quickly answered.
"Captain Xiao, the fish has taken the bait!"
Xiao Guodong's eyes widened in surprise. "Are your people's sources accurate? My informants haven't sent any information yet!"
"One hundred percent accurate, I trust my people's abilities!"
Qin Chuan said with certainty.
"Then where are they?"
Xiao Guodong asked.
"The vegetable market in the east of the city and the newly opened Yongsheng Hotel!"
Qin Chuan said, "One group is collecting protection fees, and the other is for soliciting prostitutes!"
"Only these two locations? Is there no news about the casinos and loan sharking operations?"
"Not yet! Casinos usually start operating at night. I'm calling to ask for your opinion, should we take action now?"
Xiao Guodong pondered for a few seconds, then said, "If we act now, we'll definitely alert them, and we might not be able to catch the casino and loan sharking operations!"
Qin Chuan nodded. "But the problem is, it's unlikely they'll all be engaged in illegal activities simultaneously. The chances of us hitting all four targets are slim."
"How about this, I'll go and consult Director Zhou. Let's see what his thoughts are."
"Alright, send me a message when you take action on your end."
Qin Chuan hung up the phone and rubbed his forehead.
He knew Xiao Guodong's approach was all or nothing – either don't do it at all, or go big once and for all. This way, the credit would be substantial, and it would greatly boost everyone's confidence and drive.
But the problem was that Han Shifei was involved in many gray industries: protection fees, prostitution, gambling, and loan sharking. The probability of coordinating raids on all four fronts was very low.
Once the police moved in and apprehended one group, it would immediately tip off the others, and those hiding in the shadows would escape.
This was a dilemma with no perfect solution.
Qin Chuan was also troubled, unable to come up with a good strategy.
About fifteen minutes later, Xiao Guodong called back.
"How is it? Did Director Zhou give any instructions?"
"Yes!"
Xiao Guodong said, "Director Zhou told us that since we can't achieve a perfect outcome, we should aim to catch the most important ones among the flock!"
"Catching the small fries is useless. If we're going to catch anyone, we need to catch Han Shifei's key lieutenants!"
"Only then will it truly hurt Han Shifei!"
Qin Chuan, who had been anxious, his eyes suddenly lit up upon hearing Xiao Guodong's words, and he burst into laughter. "As expected of Director Zhou, he's truly experienced and to the point!"
"Qin Chuan, do you have any information on Han Shifei's key lieutenants?"
"I have some, but I'm not sure if my information is complete..."
"You little fox, even at this point, you're still looking to get ahead!"
Xiao Guodong chided with a smile. "How about this, I'll give you a few names, and you have your people keep a close eye on them. My informants also reported similar information just now, almost identical to yours! Let's both keep an eye on them!"
"Alright!!"
Qin Chuan responded heartily, picked up a pen and paper, and quickly jotted down the names Xiao Guodong mentioned.
The information was almost the same as what Qin Chuan knew, including Zhang Wenbo, Han Shihong, Black Bear, and Savage Bull. The only surprise was the addition of someone named Huang Lao San.
Qin Chuan asked who this Huang Lao San was. Xiao Guodong asked in surprise, "You don't even know Huang Lao San?"
Qin Chuan admitted he hadn't noticed this person at all. "Who is he?"
Xiao Guodong told Qin Chuan that Huang Lao San was Han Shihong's man and had always been responsible for the protection fee collection.
Qin Chuan's expression became enlightened. He had focused most of his attention on Han Shifei and knew very little about Han Shihong, only that he was Han Shifei's younger brother, in charge of the protection fee and grain businesses.
Xiao Guodong specifically mentioned that Zhang Wenbo and Han Shihong were the most cunning and treacherous, while Black Bear and Savage Bull were known for their gambling and womanizing habits, respectively. Huang Lao San was greedy for money, fond of women, and a gambler.
This time, if they could apprehend these three individuals, it would be a great accomplishment!
As for Zhang Wenbo and Han Shihong, it was unlikely they would appear in such public places, making the chances of catching them very slim.
After ending the call, Qin Chuan immediately called everyone and relayed Xiao Guodong's instructions.
Focus on the big fish; ignore the small fry and insignificant ones!
He specifically mentioned Black Bear, Savage Bull, and Huang Lao San.
However, to everyone's surprise, by noon, none of the three expected individuals had appeared, which made the surveillance teams anxious.
Brother Qin Er had called several times, saying they watched people soliciting prostitutes, changing wave after wave, nearly exhausting the ladies.
Bai Xiaoguang's side was also in a similar situation. The protection fee collectors at the vegetable market were almost done, and if they didn't act soon, these people would leave.
Listening to the anxious voices of his brothers on the phone, Qin Chuan was also impatient. But since Director Zhou Congrong had given the order, he also believed that targeting the big fish was the best strategy. He could only keep comforting Brother Qin Er and Bai Xiaoguang, urging them to be calm!
"But the problem is, protection fees aren't collected every day! If we miss today, who knows when the next opportunity will be!"
Bai Xiaoguang said urgently.
"Boss, you have no idea how despicable these people are!"
"I saw with my own eyes how many ordinary people who couldn't afford the protection fees had their stalls overturned by these scoundrels, their fruits and vegetables trampled all over the ground! They also grabbed those who couldn't pay and took them to a corner to be threatened and beaten. They treat ordinary people like dirt!"
Qin Chuan clenched his fists silently, a fierce anger burning within him, but he ultimately suppressed it.
"Catching small fish and shrimp won't hurt that old scoundrel Han Shifei. Impatience will ruin the grand plan. We can afford to forgo the protection fee operation!"
Qin Chuan gritted his teeth and said.
"Xiaoguang, follow those people and see if they go to Huang Lao San after collecting the protection fees. If they do, keep a close eye on him!"
"Also, I'll tell you something else. The police have also sent out informants to monitor the situation there."
Bai Xiaoguang immediately cursed, "Holy crap, no wonder I kept seeing a shady guy with a camera discreetly taking pictures. I was just about to report it to you!"