Chapter 26: Coincidence?

The bright red notification appeared, and Lin Qing instantly felt as if he had been plunged into an ice cellar, snapping back to full awareness.

Order level decreased by 0.6?

And it was blood-red—meaning this danger was directed at him!

The amount the order level drops reflects the severity of the danger he faces.

For example, when the fugitive caught in the bar and the towering, iron-built man beside Luo Mo harbored murderous intent toward him, the order level dropped only 0.2 each time.

But now it dropped by 0.6! Could it be…

Someone has been secretly monitoring the patrol’s activities, saw him about to move the wardrobe, and immediately developed murderous intent? If so, there must truly be something hidden behind this row of wardrobes—mechanism? Secret door? This Red Oak Boxing Gym is definitely suspicious.

Perhaps there really is a great merit to be gained…

But—

“With my current strength, can I handle a 0.6-level danger?”

In that instant, the thought flashed through Lin Qing’s mind.

After a brief hesitation, he released his grip on the wardrobe, muttering, “Given its size, this wardrobe couldn’t possibly hold a person…”

Then, maintaining his composure, Lin Qing scanned the other corners of the locker room before turning and walking out.

【Current order level increased by 0.6】

The next moment, a line of small green text appeared before his eyes.

Lin Qing exhaled slightly in relief.

Indeed, someone was secretly observing him, and when they saw he had no intention of moving the wardrobe, they withdrew their murderous intent.

Although his current strength was adequate, he had no idea what a 0.6-level danger truly entailed.

Even with his gun, he had no confidence.

When the outcome was uncertain and the potential reward unclear, he couldn’t afford to take the risk.

“There’s great merit here, but also great danger—I’m not yet strong enough to claim it. I need more power…”

Lin Qing took a deep breath, glanced at Teng Feiyu still carefully searching nearby, and silently sighed: “They really overestimate me—daring to assign me such a dangerous mission? Or perhaps… he doesn’t fully understand either?”

“Group Leader.”

At that moment, Zhao Jiayi walked over, speaking timidly: “Have you found anything?”

“No.” Lin Qing shook his head.

“Oh, I’ve only got the locker room behind you left to check.” Zhao Jiayi said. “I’ll go take a look.”

Seeing her head toward the problematic locker room, Lin Qing frowned slightly and immediately placed a hand on her shoulder, shaking his head: “No need. I already checked it. Nothing wrong.”

Zhao Jiayi turned to look at him, opened her mouth as if to speak, then nodded: “Alright.”

“We’ve searched enough. Time to withdraw.”

Lin Qing immediately picked up his work phone and issued the order to recall the team.

Although he didn’t believe Zhao Jiayi’s slight frame could move that heavy wardrobe, better safe than sorry.

If they truly provoked the hidden enemy, things could turn disastrous.

Since he now knew the merit was hidden within this Red Oak Boxing Gym, he could return later when his strength was sufficient.

He still had considerable room for growth.

Soon, Team Two and Team Seven assembled.

“Group Leader, aren’t we continuing the search?” Teng Feiyu couldn’t help asking.

“It’s just an ordinary boxing gym—haven’t we already checked everything?”

Lin Qing said calmly: “No need to waste time. We still have enough time tonight—we can search near Zhao Jiayi’s residence.”

Before Teng Feiyu could say more, he led the team out of the gym.

The manager bowed politely, smiling: “Goodbye, everyone.”

Once the patrol officers had left, the manager turned and hurried into a rest room, closed the door, and then rhythmically tapped on one wall.

The wall slowly recessed, revealing a sleek, compact display screen showing a middle-aged man with a cold, icy demeanor.

“Mr. Qi, how’s it going below? I heard the entrance at Qingtai Hotel was also inspected.” The manager asked nervously.

“No problem.”

The cold-faced man said: “We received advance warning and were already prepared. Still… just now, I thought that young patrol officer had discovered the entrance—I nearly gave the order to eliminate him.”

“That entrance is so hidden, with perfect soundproofing and camouflage—how could he possibly have found it?” the manager shook his head.

“Exactly… probably just a coincidence.”

…………

Zhao Jiayi lived at Xinan Road Times Square, not far away.

Soon, two patrol vehicles arrived near Times Square and pulled over to the roadside.

“Where should we start?”

Lin Qing looked at Zhao Jiayi and asked: “I checked the bureau’s records—there’s nothing suspicious near your home. Where do you want to search?”

Zhao Jiayi thought for a moment and said: “Is there anywhere that might be illegal?”

“There is, but no need to search.” Lin Qing shook his head.

“Where?” Zhao Jiayi asked, puzzled.

“A bathhouse.” Lin Qing said. “Everything else is either a mall or a kindergarten—only the bathhouse is still open at night.”

“Uh…”

Zhao Jiayi hesitated: “Then let’s just check the bathhouse.”

Han Ying, sitting beside her, couldn’t help laughing: “Jiayi, you’re so naively sweet.”

Lin Qing slightly shook his head, sent a message to Group Leader Han, then entered the address into the patrol vehicle and headed toward the bathhouse.

……

Soon, the patrol team arrived near the bathhouse.

A colleague from Team Two, familiar with Lin Qing, couldn’t resist teasing: “Group Leader, planning to treat us to a foot massage?”

Lin Qing stood at the entrance of the bathhouse named Junlan, surveyed it, and asked: “Is this place legitimate?”

A male colleague from Team Two shook his head: “I’ve been here—it’s extremely legitimate.”

“Good, then.”

Lin Qing said casually: “Everyone, work hard—identify and verify every guest and employee, then we’re done.”

“Pfft… I thought we were getting a foot massage…”

“Boring, boring…”

“Let’s grab some late-night snacks after this.”

After a few light remarks, the patrol team walked toward the bathhouse.

The search task was too simple—the atmosphere was relaxed.

Just then—

“Hmm?”

For no apparent reason, Lin Qing suddenly felt an inexplicable heart-pounding unease. This seemingly ordinary bathhouse now felt to him like a den hiding a beast.

This feeling seemed to come from his subconscious—just like earlier at the Red Oak Boxing Gym, when he had inexplicably suspected the wardrobe.

Danger? Lin Qing found it odd, but had no time to dwell on it—he immediately said sternly: “Everyone, stay alert. Don’t let your guard down.”

……

The bathhouse wasn’t large. After questioning the front desk and manager, the patrol team divided into pairs as usual and began checking rooms one by one.

Since they were searching Zhao Jiayi’s residential area, Lin Qing paired with her to verify each guest together.

Even if a guest was asleep, they had to be woken for facial recognition.

“Group Leader, there’s another small room over there.”

Zhao Jiayi suddenly pointed to a narrow room around the corner.

“Go check it.”

Lin Qing nodded slightly, but his sense of unease grew stronger.

Pushing open the door, he saw two guests lying on the two sofas inside.

Both had their backs to him, seemingly asleep.

“Wake up.”

Lin Qing narrowed his eyes and said: “Patrol inspection. Stand up for facial recognition.”

The next moment—

【Current order level decreased by 0.2】

【Current order level decreased by 0.2】

Two consecutive lines of blood-red notifications appeared before his eyes.

(End of Chapter)