Chapter 66: Jiangnan

Yang Ju pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the conference room.

The air seemed to solidify, leaving only the faint sound of traffic outside the window.

"What Mr. Jiang says is absolutely correct; we cannot sit idly by and await death."

He spoke slowly, breaking the silence.

"However, these four locations are too vast; our Security Officers are limited, and we fear we cannot cover them all."

Yang Ju furrowed his brow, his fingertips lightly tapping the table, producing a dull thud.

"Moreover, judging from Black Shadow's previous actions, they always seem to be one step ahead of us; even if we prepare in advance, we're likely still unable to stop them."

He sighed, his voice tinged with helplessness.

Chen Ying stood nearby, biting her lip tightly, her eyes flashing with unease.

She recalled the previous operations; Black Shadow moved like a wraith, appearing without a shadow and vanishing without a trace, each time letting them miss.

"What shall we do? Should we just watch them run amok with our eyes wide open?"

Her voice trembled slightly, carrying a hint of resentment.

Jiangnan listened quietly, his gaze deep, as if contemplating something.

After a moment, he spoke, his voice calm and resolute.

"Yang Ju, I understand your concerns."

"Under normal circumstances, it should be Jinghai No. 3 Middle School."

He walked to the window, his eyes fixed on the school in the distance.

In the sunlight, flags atop the teaching building fluttered in the wind.

"Metal itself belongs to yin, and the school is full of students, whose yang is abundant, so it is very suitable for laying a formation."

Jiangnan's voice was low, as if imbued with a certain magic that made people unconsciously trust his judgment.

"However, this formation will inevitably damage the students' vital energy."

He turned, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.

Yang Ju sprang to his feet, his face showing shocked expression.

"What? Damaging the students' vital energy?"

His voice rose sharply, tinged with anger.

"These bastards, they even dare to harm students!"

He punched the table, producing a loud "Bang".

Chen Ying was also stunned; she could not imagine that if Jiangnan's words were true, those students would face what danger.

"No, absolutely not!"

Yang Ju declared resolutely.

"Regardless, we cannot let Black Shadow harm the students!"

His eyes burned with fury, as if to incinerate all evil.

"Mr. Jiang, how confident are you?"

Yang Ju looked at Jiangnan, his eyes full of expectation.

Jiangnan pondered for a moment, then spoke.

"Sixty percent."

His voice, though calm, carried an undeniable authority.

"Good! Then focus the effort on Jinghai No. 3 Middle School!"

Yang Ju made an immediate decision.

"Chen Ying, assist Mr. Jiang from the side, and be sure to ensure the students' safety!"

His gaze was steadfast as he looked at Chen Ying, his tone full of trust.

"Yes, Yang Ju!"

Chen Ying stood upright, saluting, her voice resonant and powerful.

She knew this would be a hard battle, but she would never retreat.

Jiangnan nodded, turning to look out the window.

The sunlight remained brilliant, yet over the city a layer of gloom seemed to hang.

A storm was about to unfold.

……

A muffled bell ripped through the afternoon's tranquility.

Jinghai No. 3 Middle School is a key secondary school in Jinghai City.

Jiangnan and Chen Ying walked slowly into the campus.

Sunlight filtered through the dense phoenix tree leaves, casting dappled shadows.

On the campus, small groups of students clutching books hurried by, their faces showing a hint of confusion and unease.

The air was filled with a faint anxiety, like the oppression before a storm.

"You must be Mr. Jiang, right?"

A resonant voice broke the campus's silence.

Principal Feng, a burly, kindly‑faced middle‑aged man, hurried forward.

His smile was warm and radiant, like a spring breeze on the face, making everyone feel extremely friendly.

"My surname is Feng, I am the principal here."

Jiangnan gave a slight nod, his tone calm.

"A pleasure to meet you."

Principal Feng nodded, and was not displeased by Jiangnan's coldness.

After all, he was a person sent by the Public Security Bureau, so he had to cooperate properly.

"Mr. Jiangnan, the safety of our school rests entirely on you! May I ask what arrangements you have?"

"Principal Feng, everything as usual tonight will suffice."

Jiangnan said in a calm tone.

"Everything as usual?"

Principal Feng was startled, a puzzled expression appearing on his face.

"Yes, hold the evening self‑study as scheduled."

Jiangnan's gaze swept across the campus, taking in the condition of every student.

"But…"

Principal Feng began to speak but stopped; he was worried about the students' safety.

"Rest assured, as long as the teachers come to me to collect a protective talisman, no teacher or student will be in any danger."

Jiangnan interrupted Principal Feng, his tone firm and unquestionable.

"Protective talisman?"

Principal Feng was even more puzzled; he did not understand what the talisman was for.

"This is a talisman I specially made; it can protect them from harm."

Jiangnan gave a brief explanation.

Principal Feng looked at Jiangnan, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes.

He did not know whether to trust the young man.

After all, it sounded too mystical.

"Principal Feng, rest assured; I guarantee that no incident will occur tonight."

Jiangnan seemed to see through Principal Feng's thoughts; he spoke again, his tone full of confidence.

Principal Feng looked into Jiangnan's deep eyes and finally nodded.

"Very well, I believe you, Mr. Jiangnan."

He inhaled deeply, as if making a significant decision.

At that moment, a discordant voice suddenly rang out.

"Principal Feng, how can you believe in such feudal superstition?"

Li Vice Principal, a tall, thin, bespectacled middle‑aged man, walked over from the side.

A trace of contempt was on his face, his eyes full of doubt.

"Li Vice Principal, what do you mean by this?"

Principal Feng furrowed his brows, an unhappy expression appearing on his face.

"Principal Feng, what era are we in now? Still dealing with these feudal superstitions—aren't you afraid of being ridiculed?"

Li Vice Principal sneered, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Li Vice Principal, you…"

Principal Feng turned pale with anger; he did not expect Li Vice Principal to publicly question his decision.

"Principal Feng, I'm doing this for the school's sake; you must not…"

Li Vice Principal continued, his gaze sweeping over Jiangnan, filled with contempt.

"Li Vice Principal, please…"

Principal Feng shouted angrily, his voice full of authority.

"Principal Feng, I'm only speaking the truth…"

Li Vice Principal shrugged, looking indifferent.

"You…"

Principal Feng trembled with anger; he really wanted to slap him.

Li Vice Principal, however, paid no heed to Principal Feng, and waved his hand toward Jiangnan, saying:

"Listen up, you kind of rogue swindler, the school is not a place for you to run wild!"

"I will personally contact Yang Ju; now both of you leave immediately!"

"Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite!"