Chapter 48: The American-Style Interception

In front of the Northeastern restaurant, a figure came running after the car, leaning forward with hands on knees, standing amidst the swirling dust and gasping for breath. Clearly, he had chased out all the way from inside the restaurant and was thoroughly exhausted.

Moments later, several plainclothes officers appeared behind him, escorting Shen San and the others outside. Among those in custody were also Shen Dali and his companions. Their hands were restrained behind their backs, and under the streetlights, the silver gleam at their wrists revealed handcuffs.

Upon witnessing this scene, Shen He’s eyes widened instantly. What on earth was going on? Had gatherings now become a criminal offense?

Shen Dali, being escorted, also caught sight of Shen He not far away. He immediately turned his head, pretending not to see him. He too was utterly bewildered, having no idea why he’d been arrested. Shortly after Shen He left the private room, a group of plainclothes officers burst in, pinned them to the table, and slapped on the cuffs. The two unfamiliar men in suits smashed through the window and escaped, with several officers giving chase in an instant. It was as if a movie scene had unfolded in real life—everyone was left dumbfounded.

Especially those fellow villagers working in the county town; they were completely flabbergasted. When Shen San approached them before, he’d said he’d lead them to fortune. Instead, before they’d made a cent, each had been “gifted” a pair of rose gold handcuffs.

Shen He stepped forward, intending to retrieve the credentials provided by the Southern Sub-Bureau from the car and call Captain Chen to see if he could coordinate with the county bureau. But as soon as he opened the car door, the panting man from earlier hurried over, produced a badge from his chest, and flashed it at Shen He.

The badge read: “Lin San, County Bureau.”

“Comrade, I’m Lin San from the County Bureau. I need to requisition your vehicle,” he said.

Shen He paused for a moment, then replied, “Get in.”

He slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine, while Lin San circled quickly around the hood to the passenger side, buckled his seatbelt, and settled in.

Shen Dali and the others, watching from a distance, stared in disbelief. What was happening? Weren’t they all in this together? Why were their wrists aching from the rose gold handcuffs, while Brother Shen was getting into the car?

Lin San said urgently, “Comrade, take the next turn and get onto Longzhong Avenue to intercept them—hurry!”

Shen He shifted gears. “You’re the first person to ask me to drive fast.”

Lin San blinked and replied, “Just keep it steady, don’t blow the engine. I’ve seen the movies—go as fast as you can, run red lights if you have to. I’ll have the traffic bureau sort it out for you afterwards.”

“Alright,” Shen He answered.

With that, he floored the accelerator. The engine roared, tires screeched against the asphalt, and the car drifted out of the parking spot, surging onto the main road.

Lin San’s eyes lit up at the display. “You really know what you’re doing!”

Shen He chuckled. “More than a little, actually.”

With his mastery of vehicle handling, he drove at least at a professional racing driver’s level—how could he not have some skills?

Lin San relayed directions through his earpiece, coordinating with his colleagues as they sped through the streets. Suddenly, he glanced over and noticed a long alloy sword resting on the back seat, his face momentarily stunned. It was the first time he’d seen someone carry something like that in their car.

Shen He retrieved the credentials from the center console—the ones issued by the Southern Sub-Bureau. Not only did they certify the alloy sword, but they also included a page designating him as an auxiliary staff member, like a temp hired on a per-job basis.

He handed the credentials to Lin San. “Comrade, my name is Shen He. I’m a contract worker for the Xiangxiang City Southern Sub-Bureau. Do you know what those people just did?”

Lin San examined the credentials; sure enough, they bore the sub-bureau’s official stamp. He recalled that there had been a recent policy update regarding such temporary hires, so this one might actually be legitimate. He snapped a photo of the credentials and sent it to his colleagues for verification.

“The real culprits escaped,” Lin San replied. “As for whether the others have committed any crimes, we’ll need to check back at the station. At least Shen San is in trouble; the rest will just need to give statements. If there’s nothing wrong, they’ll be released.”

Shen He let out a long sigh of relief at Lin San’s words. If that was the case, things shouldn’t get too complicated. Still, could it be true what the village intelligence office said about Shen San running a gang in the county? Making thirty grand a day and promising to make his fellow villagers rich? It all sounded highly criminal. But it was already 2024—how could anyone still be involved in old-school organized crime?

As Lin San spoke, Shen He deftly spun the wheel, drifting the car onto a nearby street. During the maneuver, their car ended up face to face with another vehicle, and Shen He could see the shock on the other driver’s face.

In a matter of moments, Lin San spotted a Volkswagen ahead and brightened. “See that Volkswagen? Find a way to catch up—I’ve got people ready to intercept them up ahead,” he said, issuing orders through his earpiece.

Shen He glanced at the car ahead and replied, “No need to make it so complicated. Hold on tight.”

He floored the accelerator again, a powerful surge pinning Lin San to the seat. The Tank 700 roared down the main road, the engine howling as the speed climbed rapidly. Within seconds, they pulled up alongside the Volkswagen.

Inside, the two occupants stared at Shen He through the window, shock written all over their faces. They had shaken off the county police cars, only to be intercepted by this kid. Wasn’t he one of Shen San’s villagers? Was he chasing his own people?

Shen He’s gaze hardened; he yanked the steering wheel, causing the entire SUV to drift in front of the Volkswagen, nose to nose. The four men locked eyes. The SUV backed up, the Volkswagen edged forward, but then the Volkswagen slowed down—for all its reputation, it was no match for a Tank 700 in a collision.

From the rear, two police cars closed in, flanking the Volkswagen on both sides. Another patrol car moved up from behind, blocking the escape. In less than a minute, the Volkswagen was surrounded and completely immobilized in the middle of the main road.

Lin San patted his chest, catching his breath, then gave Shen He a thumbs-up. “You’re the real deal.”

He unbuckled his seatbelt and got out, only to see the Volkswagen’s windshield suddenly shatter as two figures tumbled out, rolling to either side and bolting away at extraordinary speed, giving the officers no chance to react.

Lin San recovered quickly and shouted, “After them! Don’t let them escape!”

Shen He watched the two flee, his eyes narrowing. Their speed and agility rivaled those of trained athletes—these were no ordinary men.