This night was destined to be sleepless.
Many places were brightly lit all night, especially the police station's compound, which was overcrowded.
So many people were brought in this time that the police station couldn't accommodate them all. To resolve this situation, Zhou Congrong gave an order for those with minor offenses to be released upon payment of a fine.
For a time, many more people couldn't sleep. Members of many families got up in the middle of the night and rushed to the police station.
Upon arrival, it was inevitable that there was chaos and shouting, with a cacophony of scolding and crying. Many people were both angry and resentful to see their relatives being punished and standing against the wall, looking dishevelled.
And these people, upon seeing their relatives, were also full of guilt and trepidation, enduring their family's scolding and beatings…
The final outcome was that they had no choice but to pay the fine and settle accounts properly once they returned home.
As more and more gamblers paid their fines and left, the crowded police compound finally quieted down considerably, which made all the police officers breathe a sigh of relief.
However, on the third floor of the police station, in an office, the situation was completely different. A balding middle-aged man was confronting Zhou Congrong, and the air in the entire office was thick with tension.
This balding middle-aged man was none other than the director of the police station, Hong Xianghua.
Hong Xianghua was furious because, as the director, he had been completely unaware of the operation that night beforehand. By the time he received the news, it was already too late.
For him, the director, this was an absolute challenge and a significant blow to his authority.
Zhou Congrong dared to keep him in the dark and secretly carry out such a large-scale operation. It was unbearable and a very dangerous signal.
"Zhou Congrong, what exactly do you mean?"
Hong Xianghua roared loudly. Due to his anger, his bald forehead flushed red, and his veins bulged.
"It means nothing!"
Faced with Hong Xianghua's questioning, Zhou Congrong appeared very calm, like an old monk in meditation.
"Didn't I already explain to you? When I received the news, it was already past ten at night. I called you, but your phone was unreachable."
"There was nothing I could do but act first!"
"Nonsense!!"
Hearing this excuse, Hong Xianghua's face turned even redder with anger. Such a flimsy excuse was trying to fool a ghost!
He couldn't believe that this was just a sudden event. Looking at the scale of Zhou Congrong's operation that night, it was clearly planned long ago, and all communication devices of the operational personnel were confiscated before the action.
And his phone, which had always been fine, suddenly wouldn't turn on for some unknown reason…
"Director Hong, your scolding is a bit excessive!"
"I've given you the reason, and as the deputy director, don't I have the right to conduct a crackdown operation?"
Zhou Congrong's expression gradually turned cold, and a sharp glint flickered in the depths of his dark eyes.
"Isn't it a good thing for the country and the people to clear out such a tumor and seal it up permanently?"
"Director Hong, why are you so angry? Could it be…"
At this point, Zhou Congrong paused, a half-smile appearing on his cold face. His gaze and smile made Hong Xianghua's heart tremble.
However, Zhou Congrong didn't finish his sentence but left behind a meaningful expression and turned to leave the office.
CRASH!!
As soon as Zhou Congrong stepped out, the sound of smashing objects echoed from the office. Hong Xianghua was furious and swept everything off his desk onto the floor, scattering it everywhere.
Zhou Congrong heard it, his footsteps only paused slightly, and then the corners of his mouth curled up into a mocking arc.
That greedy and lecherous fellow, with his head full of fat, should have moved aside long ago. Just wait, once he found enough evidence, it would be time for that position to change hands.
A few minutes later, Zhou Congrong arrived at the interrogation room. The area was heavily guarded, with no unauthorized personnel allowed in. All those present were his confidants.
Faintly, the sound of painful screams could still be heard from inside, as if the people within were undergoing severe interrogation methods.
"How is it? Any results yet?"
Zhou Congrong asked in a low voice.
"Not yet. Those two fellows are tough. It will take some time."
The subordinate quickly replied.
"Intensify the methods. As long as no one dies and no significant traces are left, use whatever means necessary!"
"We must extract information from their mouths."
Zhou Congrong said coldly.
"Yes!!"
The subordinate stood at attention and saluted with awe, then quickly added, "Director Zhou, someone outside wants to see you, but our men have stopped them…"
"I'm not seeing anyone tonight!"
Zhou Congrong said indifferently, taking out a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it, and exuding a cold aura.
Just then, his phone rang. He took it out and immediately walked aside to answer.
"Director Zhou, you're not asleep yet?"
A voice came from the phone, sounding somewhat familiar.
"No, Secretary Wang. You're not asleep so late either!"
Zhou Congrong said with a smile.
"I was about to go to sleep, but when I heard about Director Zhou's impressive achievements tonight, I wanted to call and ask, and also pass on a message from the county magistrate. Well done!"
"Thank you! Please also convey a message to Secretary Wang for me: I, Zhou Congrong, will absolutely not let County Magistrate Ye down!"
Zhou Congrong said immediately.
"Alright, I will definitely relay it. It's getting late, so I won't disturb you any further!"
"Goodbye!"
After hanging up the phone, the cold aura around Zhou Congrong became even more intense, and a great ambition erupted in the depths of his eyes.
Night gradually gave way to dawn, and time flew by until morning.
At Yaoshi Real Estate, in a room on the second floor, a large group of people were gathered around a table, eating breakfast.
"Boss, our surveillance noticed that Han Shifei's people never saw Zhou Congrong last night."
"However, they did see Hong Xianghua."
Zheng Chengdao reported.
"Does this have any special meaning?"
Qin Er Ge couldn't help but ask.
"The meaning is boundless!"
Qin Chuan put down his chopsticks, a faint smile appearing on his handsome, angular face.
"If I'm not mistaken, the police station is not monolithic. It's a turbulent undercurrent. Zhou Congrong and Hong Xianghua are very likely not on the same side!"
Everyone looked surprised and thoughtful.
"It seems that's indeed the case!"
Bai Xiaoguang added, "According to the information we've obtained, Han Shifei's side clearly has a vested interest with Hong Xianghua, and last night Zhou Congrong led the team to arrest so many of Han Shifei's men and sealed off the South City casino!"
"This is a huge loss. If Zhou Congrong and Hong Xianghua were a united front, it would be impossible for things to escalate to this extent!"
At this point, everyone understood.
"Damn it, this is going to be quite a show!"
Qin Er Ge excitedly tapped his bowl and chopsticks.
"Eat! Eat!"
"Finish your meal quickly, and then you all go out and gather information. Don't miss any slightest movement!"
Qin Chuan said.
Everyone sped up their eating…