Chapter 189: Capturing the Enemy at the Abandoned Brick Factory

On the third day after being captured, the Steel Rolling Mill's security became even tighter. Li Ping'an's shoulder injury hadn't healed properly, yet he again led his team on day‑and‑night patrols.

Chief, your injury still isn't fully healed. Wang Dahu, seeing Li Ping'an's trembling right hand, suggested, "Let me lead the night patrol tonight?"

Li Ping'an shook his head, his gaze sweeping over the factory in the night: Nightingale had been caught, but his comrades were still hidden. At this moment, I must not let my guard down.

Just then, a young squad member jogged over: "Chief, Captain Wang, the Public Security Bureau is on the line—urgent situation!"

The three rushed back to the Security Department. The red hotline phone was still on the desk; Li Ping'an grabbed the receiver: "This is Li Ping'an."

Comrade Ping'an, Liu, the Deputy Director, said gravely, Nightingale had a breakthrough. He reported that Zhu Jiguān has a secret base in Four Nine City, possibly near your plant.

Specific location?

He only said it's somewhere visible from the Steel Rolling Mill's chimney. Liu paused, then added that they may be targeting you personally soon.

After hanging up, Li Ping'an fell into thought. A place visible from the chimney… that's not a small area.

Dahu, tomorrow morning take a team to sweep all buildings around the plant that can see the chimney.

Early the next morning the sweep began. Li Ping'an stayed in the plant to study the files, and at noon Lin Xueqing arrived carrying a thermos.

I brought you some stewed chicken soup. She set the bucket on the table, "Don't overexert yourself before the injury heals."

Li Ping'an felt a warmth inside: "Why did you come?"

Heard you were busy till midnight last night. Lin Xueqing glanced at the bandage on his shoulder, "Does it still hurt?"

Much better. Li Ping'an opened the thermos, the aroma hit his nose, "Your cooking has improved."

Stop the teasing. Lin Xueqing sat down, "Any progress on the case?"

Li Ping'an explained the situation. Lin Xueqing, after listening, thought, "Visible from the chimney… the scope is indeed huge."

Just then, Wang Dahu returned, his face dejected: "Chief, we swept all structures within three hundred meters around, found nothing abnormal."

Expand the range further. Li Ping'an stood up, "I don't believe they can hide that deep."

In the afternoon he deliberately climbed the tallest water tower in the plant. From the top, the entire Steel Rolling Mill lay beneath his gaze. Divine Perception unfurled slowly, and suddenly he smelled gunpowder from a courtyard to the southeast.

Found it. A sharp glint flashed in Li Ping'an's eyes.

He immediately led a team to that courtyard. The gate was tightly shut, silent.

Encircle this place. Li Ping'an whispered orders, "Watch safety; they may be armed."

The squad dispersed quickly. Li Ping'an kicked the gate open and rushed in first.

The courtyard was empty, but on a table inside lay unfinished dishes.

Soon a hidden compartment under a bed was found, containing a Radio Station and a Code Book. From the kitchen stove he retrieved a small Iron Box holding several photos and a list—all mid‑level Steel Rolling Mill officials' data, even their family information.

How vicious, Wang Dahu gasped, "They're going to use the families as leverage."

Li Ping'an's face turned ashen. On the list, Lin Xueqing and Li Pingle's information appeared prominently.

Immediately notify everyone on the list and tighten security. Especially the families; they must be protected.

After reporting back to the Steel Rolling Mill, the plant Party Committee decided to implement protective measures for all mid‑level cadres and their families.

That evening Li Ping'an purposely went to pick up Lin Xueqing after work.

Why so attentive today?

Just wanted to spend more time with you. Li Ping'an didn't tell the truth, only stayed wary.

Friday night, the duty room received a strange call: they told Li Ping'an their sister was in their hands. To keep him safe, come alone to the West Suburb Abandoned Brick Factory.

Li Ping'an's heart tightened upon hearing the news, but he quickly calmed—Li Pingle was working overtime at the plant today. He called the Workshop, and the person who answered was his sister.

Brother? I'm still rushing the work; this batch needs delivery tomorrow.

No problem, just wanted to know when you finish. Li Ping'an exhaled, "I'll pick you up in a bit."

He hung up, his gaze icy. The caller was bluffing, indicating they were desperate.

Dahu, take a few people and come with me to the West Suburb Abandoned Brick Factory.

Chief, this is clearly a trap!

Understood. Li Ping'an sneered, but it's also an opportunity. Since they've shown themselves, they can't retreat now.

The West Suburb Abandoned Brick Factory had been deserted for years; its ruined walls loomed eerily in the moonlight. Li Ping'an ordered his squad to stand guard outside and entered the largest brick kiln alone.

Divine Perception swept the kiln, revealing three people inside.

Stop hiding. He stood outside the kiln, coldly saying, "I know you're inside."

A clatter echoed from the kiln chamber, and three masked men emerged. The one with the gun spoke, "Chief Li, bold move."

Where's my sister?

Relax, we haven't touched her yet. The masked man sneered, "But if you don't…"

Cooperate with what?

The Steel Rolling Mill's defense layout and work schedule.

Li Ping'an suddenly laughed: "My sister is working overtime at the plant today, and you dare bluff me without even checking that?"

The three were visibly stunned.

Move! Li Ping'an ordered.

The ambushed squad surged in. As the masked men raised their guns, Li Ping'an's silver needle was already there, the handgun fell with a click. In a few exchanges, all three were subdued.

Take them away!

Back at the Public Security Bureau, they were interrogated through the night; the three were peripheral members of Zhu Jiguān, never having met the core figures.

Another dead end, Wang Dahu muttered dejectedly.

Not necessarily. Li Ping'an remained calm; at least he figured out their game. Next time, it won't be so cheap.

The next day Li Ping'an took leave on purpose, accompanying Lin Xueqing and Li Pingle for a stroll in the park. The sun shone brightly, the lake glittered, and the three temporarily forgot their worries.

Brother, you've been especially tense lately, Li Pingle asked sensitively.

Is that so? Li Ping'an smiled, "Maybe it's just the workload."

Lin Xueqing glanced at him, but didn't expose it.

On the way home with them, Li Ping'an secretly made a resolution. No matter what tricks Zhu Jiguān still has, he will protect those around him.

This covert struggle is far from over, but he is prepared. Clues will eventually connect, and the truth will eventually come to light.