Chapter 311: Who is this old man?

The setting sun filtered through the gaps between the high-rises, dragging long shadows across the ground; the air was permeated with the scent of disinfectant.

An ambulance pulled up at the entrance, its red and blue lights spinning incessantly. With two "bang-bang" sounds, several Police officers jumped out of the vehicle, and following a burst of hurried footsteps, doctors pushed the wounded into the operating room.

No sooner had the first one driven away than another ambulance followed right behind.

Through the car window, Tang Ding'an counted silently: one, two, three... eight!

Among them, three had leg injuries, two had hand and shoulder injuries, and two had facial injuries. Every single one was a strike to a vital point, neutralizing the enemy in one move.

Steady, accurate, ruthless, and just right.

Only the last one had hands and feet as limp as noodles; his four limbs were clearly completely ruined.

Tang Ding'an took a look: "Is this the leader?"

Tang Nanyan and Jing Zeyang nodded in unison.

If he weren't the leader, he wouldn't be worth Lin Sicheng's special attention.

Tang Ding'an nodded: "Hmm, not bad!"

In the backseat, Jing Zeyang's eyes darted around.

He had thought Tang Dabo might be displeased, blaming Lin Sicheng for being too ruthless.

He hadn't expected such a remark.

Seeing what he was thinking at a glance, Tang Nanyan curled her lip.

"Jing the Third, get this straight: my uncle is a soldier."

"You can be weak, and you can endure, but you cannot be a coward, and you certainly cannot be stupid."

"When someone is trying to take your life, you talk to them about mercy? Was your brain kicked by a donkey?"

Just as he was turning this over, Tang Ding'an leaned back: "Tell me about it!"

The two exchanged a glance, then spoke one after another. From the moment they hit that woman to the point where Tang Ding'an and Tang Nanjin arrived at the scene, they recounted the whole thing.

Tang Ding'an remained expressionless, listening quietly.

This kid is not bad—clear-sighted and able to anticipate the enemy.

Just after hitting that woman and being blocked, the kid had already guessed the whole situation clearly. He had even calculated the backgrounds of both sides and the potential subsequent developments with fair accuracy.

His vision was nothing if not thorough, his analysis nothing if not clear, and his countermeasures were comprehensive enough, with remedies that were sufficient and timely.

It was a pity that human plans are no match for heaven's: his foresight was too advanced. As the saying goes, man proposes, God disposes; when luck is against you, what can you do?

The kid had anticipated everything, except for the fact that his teammates were all idiots: the Police Station was the first, and Yan Wenjing was the second.

But fortunately, although the incident happened suddenly, he did not panic in the face of danger; he remained composed and made prompt decisions.

Others saw that car, the knives on the ground, and those men. But what Tang Ding'an saw was that gun.

Among those who have never been on a battlefield, how many could have a gun pointed at their head and still remain unhurried, responding with composure?

Even among those who have, how many could be resolute and make a decision in an instant, finding a way to survive from a desperate situation?

Unless they were as calm as a machine.

So, seeing the leader who was carried in last, Tang Ding'an felt quite relieved: he was flesh and blood, capable of anger, and even more capable of impulse.

Subconsciously, as he recalled Lin Sicheng's face, his mind involuntarily conjured up those arduous years and the comrades who lay forever in the Laoshan mountains.

Shy, immature, sunny, and lively.

How could he be so similar?

Especially that scene he saw when he first arrived at the scene: although sweat was rolling down his forehead from the pain, Lin Sicheng's waist was still as straight as a blade.

He looked just like those comrades who, despite being shot, having broken legs, and being covered in blood, would still grin, show their teeth, give him a thumbs-up, and praise the Company Commander's marksmanship.

He was even more like those young lads with empty sleeves or pant legs who would still stand tall and salute him.

A person like this was actually someone who did Artifact Research?

Which person in Artifact Research could take on a dozen people, all of whom were carrying knives?

Which person in Artifact Research could face a gun pointed at their forehead and launch a desperate counterattack?

Isn't that ridiculous?

As he thought about it, Tang Ding'an smiled, but it vanished in an instant.

Jing Zeyang's eyes went blank, feeling as if he were seeing things: Tang Dabo actually smiled?

Just as he was stunned, an Audi stopped beside them, and a man and a woman got out of the backseat, rushing toward the hospital in a panic.

Tang Ding'an signaled, the driver honked the horn and lowered the window halfway.

Turning around, they saw Tang Nanyan, who had gotten out of the car, as the woman stumbled down the steps.

Tang Nanyan took two steps forward to meet her, and the woman grabbed her, checking her from her face down to her arms, hands, waist, and legs. She cried as she touched her, tears falling in torrents.

"Yan'er, you scared Mom to death!"

Tang Nanyan held back her tears: "Mom, I'm fine!"

"It's good that you're fine, it's good that you're fine..."

Having survived the ordeal, the woman's tears fell even faster, while the man let out a sharp sigh of relief.

What their daughter had said was too terrifying; hearing that she had been chased and hacked at by over a dozen people, and that there was even a gun involved, the couple had nearly lost their souls.

Later, when the eldest brother called to say they were at the hospital, the two of them thought their daughter was already doomed.

At that moment, Ji Yun had collapsed on the spot. Later, when the eldest brother said Yan'er was fine and that it was the kid who saved their daughter who was injured, the wife finally caught her breath. Otherwise, they would have had to send one more person to the hospital.

Fortunately, their daughter was fine, and it was all thanks to that kid...

Ji Yun wiped her tears and looked into the car with Tang Dingping: "Eldest Brother..."

Tang Ding'an nodded: "The person was just sent into the operating room and won't be out for a while. The Municipal Bureau and the General Team are all inside, and there are too many acquaintances, so you all get in the car first!"

As he spoke, he looked at Tang Nanyan and Jing Zeyang again: "You two go up first, and call us when the person comes out!"

Tang Nanyan was stunned for a moment.

Today she was purely crying wolf, thinking her eldest uncle would at least let her two aunts and her mother hang her up for a beating, but who would have thought it would just end like this?

Of course, it was also possible he would settle the score later, but escaping for a moment was better than nothing.

Tang Nanyan let out a sharp sigh of relief and hurriedly bowed: "Thank you, Uncle!"

Tang Ding'an waved his hand.

Tang's father and mother got into the back seat, and the driver closed the car window.

"The matter isn't complicated, it was purely an accident. But strictly speaking, it all started because of Nan Yan; that young man can be considered to have suffered an unprovoked disaster!"

Tang Ding'an pointed to his waist, "The Jing family kid and Nan Yan shouldn't be lying; if it weren't for that kid risking his life to save her, Nan Yan would have taken at least two stabs!"

The couple's expressions changed: "Is the young man's injury serious?"

"Not serious, just flesh wounds, but he's quite a handsome kid, delicate and tender, so he's considered disfigured."

With an "ah," Ji Yun looked at Tang Dingping.

"Treat the injuries first, we'll talk about the rest later!" Tang Ding'an waved his hand, "There are quite a few injured, eight of them, and at least four are crippled!"

Ji Yun was startled: "Nan Yan did it?"

"She was just a bystander, it was that kid who did it, but it was self-defense, reasonable and well-founded. What I want to say is that it might involve quite a few people, so this matter must be handled well."

No... just how good at fighting is this kid?

After a moment of thought, Tang Dingping nodded vigorously: "Don't worry, Big Brother!"

"Also, that kid is Wang Qi Zhi's student!"

The couple was stunned for a moment: Wang Qi Zhi, Old Third Wang?

"Big Brother, are they very close?"

"According to the Jing family kid, they should be!"

Tang Dingping finally understood why his big brother had specifically called him into the car to give him instructions: he not only had to keep an eye on handling the case well, but also had to guard against Wang Qi Zhi causing trouble.

Don't doubt it, if it comes to being a troublemaker, Jing Zeyang could only carry Wang Qi Zhi's shoes.

Although he was married and had children, as the old saying goes: it is easier to change rivers and mountains than a person's nature. Everyone who knows him understands just how much of a bastard Old Third Wang can be when his temper flares.

Of course, this was just a precaution; if it were merely a teacher-student relationship, it shouldn't be enough to make Wang Qi Zhi go berserk.

"Big Brother, I understand!"

"Also, ask that kid later if he wants to pick up his family. If he does, I'll arrange it, and when we meet the adults, we must thank them properly!"

The couple nodded vigorously.

For three whole generations, they were all monks, and she was their only precious girl. If anything were to happen to her, the Tang family's world would collapse.

A life-saving grace, no amount of gratitude would be too much.

Tang Ding'an nodded: "That's all, if you encounter any problems, call me anytime!"

"Alright, Big Brother!"

As soon as the words fell, another Leopard stopped nearby, and Tang Ding'an lowered the car window.

The person who arrived was in his thirties, dressed the same as him, capable and sharp. He didn't salute or offer greetings, just called out "Leader," then handed over a file bag.

Tang Ding'an opened it and scanned it at a glance.

Time was short, and not much was found: the leader is named Li Xing, nicknamed Jiu Gui, with a long history of evil deeds.

Organizing prostitution, running gambling dens, kidnapping, extortion, blackmail, assault... if verified, a bullet would be more than enough for him.

Such a person, having committed crimes for over a decade, yet his only criminal record was detention?

But Tang Ding'an was not surprised: there are always places the sunlight cannot reach.

He continued flipping down, the second part was information regarding Guyitang.

This was even less, just a thin four or five pages, all registration information and transaction records from the last two years. The shop had been open for quite a while, nearly seven years, and the traded items, quantities, and amounts were all quite normal.

But the strange thing was, whether it was the Police Station, the Administration for Industry and Commerce, or even the Quality Supervision Department, they hadn't received a single report or complaint?

What does that mean?

It means this antique shop had never sold fake goods or imitations, and there had never been any phenomenon of passing off inferior goods as superior. In the Antique Trade, in Panjiayuan, this is an incredibly inconceivable thing.

To give an analogy: a prostitute receives guests every day, has been doing it for seven or eight years, and is still a virgin?

Tang Ding'an gave a "heh": it was just as that kid guessed, on the surface it was just a law-abiding small business.

As for what it was like in the shadows, one would know after investigating.

He flipped further back, this time it was Lin Sicheng's file, and it was actually quite thick.

After reading a few pages, Tang Ding'an's expression became increasingly strange, increasingly strange.

He really was someone who did Artifact Research?

The problem was this kid, the things he had done...

But then he thought: no wonder?

After reading for a long while, he looked up: "Dingping, have you heard the name Lin Sicheng?"

Tang Dingping thought for a moment: "It sounds a bit familiar?"

He had been nervous about his daughter before, so he hadn't had time to think carefully. But once his big brother mentioned it, it really did feel very familiar.

"It's right that it sounds familiar." Tang Ding'an smiled: "Come, take a look!"

Tang Dingping took the file into his hands, and with just one glance, he was suddenly stunned.

Uranium Porcelain Fraud Case, Zhang Anshi Tomb Robbery Case?

No wonder it sounded so familiar!

Although he wasn't in charge of the local sector at the ministry, he had attended a few meetings about it. Such typical, such unique cases, of course he had an impression.

In this way, everything could be explained:

Why was Lin Sicheng able to guess the identities of that woman and the group that blocked them with near-certainty after just one encounter?

Moreover, as if he had the gift of prophecy, he predicted the subsequent plans and actions of this group with pinpoint accuracy. He even guessed their organizational structure and operational model with about seventy or eighty percent accuracy.

This is because it was not his first time dealing with these people: the Hangzhou "Xu Weili Documents" was the first time, the Zhang Anshi Tomb Robbery Case was the second, and the purchase of Jiaqing porcelain vases and ivory was the third (Miao Taiyue, see Chapter 188).

He had even pitted his wits and courage against these people.

Especially the Zhang Anshi Tomb Robbery Case, which had long since entered the internal training materials: The Assistance and Application of Professional Technical Personnel in Special Cases.

Why did he possess such extraordinary composure, even when someone pointed a gun at his head, still able to remain calm, respond coolly, and even find a way to survive in a desperate situation?

Compared to the ruthless thugs with guns and explosives, today's punks weren't even fit to carry his shoes.

What Tang Dingping found most incredible was his Research Center. He didn't understand what BTA was, but he at least knew what institutions the Cultural Relics Research Institute, the National Museum of China, and Peking University were.

These units had the backing of the state, the nation's top research teams, and the most advanced equipment and instruments, yet after studying for so many years, they couldn't beat the makeshift team he had pulled together in barely a year?

Then there were those kiln sites in Shanxi; the locals had searched for ten years, and he used half a year. And those famous porcelains, which other units treated like their lives were at stake when researching, were as simple as eating and drinking for him.

The more he looked, the more amazed he became. Tang Dingping muttered to himself, "Big Brother, this... what kind of background does this kid have?"

Tang Ding'an thought for a moment and said nothing.

He was indeed very talented, and the key was: his character and integrity were top-notch.

Ji Yun was also watching, and upon seeing the end, she looked astonished: "He donated over seven million... how is this kid so rich?"

The two brothers exchanged a glance.

Time was short, and some minor details weren't written in the information, which was why Ji Yun was surprised. But the two brothers knew very clearly: with Lin Sicheng's ability, making money was just one of his most unremarkable merits.

But to be able to donate so much without hesitation, his bearing and breadth of mind were evident.

Just as they were secretly feeling moved, their mobile phones buzzed, and a line of information appeared on the screen: Uncle, the person is coming out soon.

Tang Ding'an put away his phone: "Let's go, let's go up and see him!"

The couple followed closely behind.

Entering the elevator, Ji Yun looked suspicious: "Big Brother, why are we going to the tenth floor?"

"Emergency rooms are full of general practitioners; I had Tang Nanjin arrange for him to be in surgery. Besides, there are too many acquaintances downstairs!"

The couple suddenly realized.

The case was not small, and Big Brother had personally been to the scene, so the Municipal Bureau and the General Team would definitely have a Person in Charge coming over. It was hard for Big Brother to speak, but these people basically all knew Tang Dingping, and the formalities would be troublesome.

However, there were definitely some, but relatively fewer.

Thinking this over, the group arrived at the surgery department. Just as they reached the entrance, several people in police uniforms walked over to greet them.

First they saluted, then reached out their hands: "Director Tang, Tang Si, it is our work that was not done well!"

Tang Ding'an was expressionless, while Tang Dingping nodded faintly: "I will see Little Lin first!"

"Yes, yes... see Teacher Lin first!"

The few police officers stepped aside, and the three entered the treatment room.

Through a pane of glass, Lin Sicheng had already had his wounds stitched and was inside wrapping gauze. Tang Nanjin and Jing Zeyang stood in the outer room, staring intently inside.

Not knowing what they saw, both had pained expressions, looking as if they had a toothache.

Tang Nanyan was also there, motionless, tears swirling in her eyes. Seeing her mother, she could no longer hold back, and tears began to fall.

Ji Yun was startled: wasn't the injury not serious? Why cry?

Looking further inside, it was indeed not serious: Lin Sicheng was sitting on the bed, chatting and laughing with the doctor.

But not knowing if it was very hot inside, he was covered in sweat, and his face was somewhat pale.

Tang Dingping glanced at him: "What's going on?"

Jing Zeyang woke up as if from a dream, jolting.

Tang Nanjin bared his teeth: "He had over eighty stitches..."

Before he could finish speaking, Ji Yun exclaimed: "How could there be so many stitches?"

"Four wounds, the longest one is on his back, eighteen centimeters. The shortest one is on his left arm, six centimeters... the key is, he didn't take any anesthesia!"

"Why?"

Tang Nanjin pointed inside: "The doctor said the wounds were too scattered and required at least partial anesthesia. Then Lin Sicheng told the doctor he had to do research, and if he took anesthesia, his brain might not recover for several years..."

Tang Dingping was stunned for a moment.

Having to clean and disinfect—whoever has experienced that feeling knows what it's like.

And having to be pricked needle by needle, stitched needle by needle—the pain endured was simply incomparable to just getting stabbed twice.

Getting stabbed is at most just that one moment; the most painful part lasts only a short while. But iodine seeping into the wound, needles piercing the skin, and thread passing through flesh—the pain is uninterrupted and continuous.

Anyone who dares to call themselves a tough guy should try it and they will know.

It's no wonder Lin Sicheng was covered in sweat, no wonder Tang Nanjin and Jing Zeyang looked pained yet extremely impressed. And even less wonder that Tang Nanyan, who was naturally strong-willed and wouldn't make a sound even if her head were smashed, was crying like rain?

The "scraping bone to remove poison" in historical romances is about this level, but this kid could actually still laugh?

Just as they were secretly astonished, voices came from outside the door, and subsequently, Qin Ruozhi and Jing Suxin rushed in hurriedly.

Panting, looking flustered, their faces flushed.

One look and you knew that because they were in a hurry, they didn't take the elevator and had run up the stairs the whole way.

After entering, they first glanced inside and saw Lin Sicheng, who was covered in bandages but still in good spirits, and both let out a sharp sigh of relief.

As if they had survived a disaster and were still shaken, they kept stroking their chests with their hands.

After calming down, the two looked around everywhere.

Jing Zeyang saw it was bad and subconsciously shrank back, but the place was only so big; where could he hide?

Qin Ruozhi and Jing Suxin didn't care at all who was standing next to them; they rushed over in two or three steps, one grabbing Jing Zeyang by the collar and the other swinging a palm at his head.

"Jing Zeyang, you were told to protect Lin Sicheng, how did you protect him? And what did you promise back then?"

"First knives, then guns, why is Lin Sicheng covered in wounds while you didn't even lose a hair? You must have hidden behind him..."

"Jing the Third, has your conscience been eaten by dogs?"

Jing Zeyang looked aggrieved, yet he dared not argue, only able to keep winking incessantly.

"What are you blinking for? There are Police here, right? Can the Police even manage an older sister beating her younger brother?"

"They are so capable, why don't they manage it when people commit crimes in the street? Why don't they manage it when people carry guns in the street?"

"Besides, Lin Sicheng reported it to the Police in advance, and even warned Yan Wenjing earlier, yet they didn't take it seriously at all? It's a waste of Lin Sicheng being so busy and helping them with training! Their consciences have all been eaten by dogs..."

The two women's mouths were like machine guns, making insinuations, pointing at the mulberry tree to curse the locust tree, both hitting and scolding.

Several Police stood outside the door, their faces turning green and then red.

But fortunately, the two had climbed nine floors without a break and didn't have much strength left; after hitting for a while, they couldn't move anymore.

Letting go of Jing Zeyang, the two stood with hands on their hips panting, and before they had caught their breath, they both froze in unison.

The room was full of people.

The key was, they recognized so many of them?

Tang family eldest uncle, Tang family third uncle, Tang family third aunt, Tang Nanjin, Nan Yan... no, why did so many people from the Tang family come?

Looking further inside, that's right: besides the doctor, there was only Lin Sicheng inside?

But the one injured was Lin Sicheng, what were they here for... wait, no... Nan Yan, why are you crying?

Their minds were a total mess, and the two hurriedly offered their greetings.

Ji Yun smiled very gently, her gaze sweeping over the two women's faces, secretly guessing: being so anxious and so concerned, it's quite possible that the kid inside is the partner of one of these girls.

But why was Nan Yan's gaze so strange? Looking at these two girls, why was it like seeing a thief?

They used to be quite close, didn't they? Meeting today, they didn't even exchange a greeting?

Hiss, not good...

Suddenly, the smile on her face seemed to freeze. Ji Yun stared straight at Nan Yan for a long time, then turned her head back and glanced at Lin Sicheng inside.

She wished she could slap herself.

She should have thought of it just now: from childhood to adulthood, when had the girl ever cried like this?

Just as she was feeling suspicious and uncertain, voices came from outside the door: "Why are there so many Police?"

After saying a few words, Wu Hui, Lv Chenglong, and Dan Guoqiang walked in.

The three were stunned for a moment, seemingly wondering why there were so many people.

But after just a glance, the three looked inside again. Seeing Lin Sicheng, the three breathed a sigh of relief in unison.

Fortunately, he was fine, at least not crippled or disabled...

Immediately after, another old man and a middle-aged man arrived.

The old man entered the door, staring wide-eyed as he looked inside; seeing Lin Sicheng within, he let out a sharp sigh of relief and leaned against the door frame, panting.

Ma Qinglin supported him and also looked inside; seeing that Lin Sicheng had no major problems, his heart relaxed, and golden sparks danced before his eyes.

Then everything went black, and he slid downward like a noodle.

Lv Chenglong was quick-witted and fast-handed, catching him. Wu Hui and Dan Guoqiang rushed over, one pinching his tiger's mouth, the other pinching his philtrum.

Deputy Director Ma shuddered and opened his eyes.

"I told you not to stay up late; you agreed to it, but forgot the moment you turned around? Don't you dare lose half your life to exhaustion before the project is finished!"

The Dean was frustrated that he wouldn't live up to expectations, "Get up for me... you were the one who invited him here, settle the score with me first, and you can faint after it's clear..."

As he spoke, he scanned the room, his gaze landing on the faces of Tang Ding'an and Tang Dingping, who looked most like leaders.

"Leaders from the Public Security Bureau?"

Tang Ding'an didn't speak, while Tang Dingping hesitated for a moment and nodded.

"It's good that you're leaders!"

The Dean stared at Tang Dingping and sneered, "We lent you our perfectly fine child, and that's for him to help you take bullets and knives? If you have no damn ability, then don't you dare act all high and mighty..."

The foul language mixed with local dialect left everyone in the room stunned.

Wait... who is this old man?

(End of chapter)