Chapter 35：The Battle Against the Shadows

In the conference room of the Municipal Public Security Bureau, Zhang Xiaohua was presiding over a case briefing. The room was filled with smoke, indicating the meeting had been ongoing for quite some time.

Li Xinjian spoke up, "Since Director Zhang encourages open discussion, I'll reiterate my point. As we all know, ephedrine is the basic raw material for producing methamphetamine. The underground ephedrine processing factory we recently uncovered, although large, is merely a rudimentary workshop. I believe there is a more sophisticated methamphetamine manufacturing center in Haizhou."

"Why Haizhou specifically?" Zhang Xiaohua questioned.

"Ephedrine is a controlled substance, primarily produced in the northwest of our country. Transporting it in large quantities to Haizhou can be disguised by the legitimate needs of some major pharmaceutical companies there. These companies not only have the financial and technical capability to produce high-purity methamphetamine but can also manufacture it openly under the guise of legitimate activities. Imagine how terrifying that scenario is!" Li Xinjian's bold analysis caused a stir among the officers. Zhang Xiaohua, while maintaining a stern expression, had a glint of admiration in his eyes and said, "No need for euphemisms. Just say it's Haizhou Pharmaceutical Group. Your theory is creative, but speculation can't replace facts. If time proves you right, I'll personally commend you. What do you think, Qiang Min?"

Qiang Min, looking serious, replied, "Li's opinion is worth considering. Lu Hui's boss is a young, beautiful woman, and a mysterious woman in black was seen at the crime scene last night. Moreover, the person who attacked me at dusk was a young man who resembled Lin Xiaoliang from behind." He lit a cigarette, "With Yang Qiu, Lu An, and Lu Hui all murdered, and many suspicions surrounding Liu Mei and Lin Xiaoliang, I believe Haizhou Pharmaceutical Group might not be involved in drug crimes, but they are certainly connected to these murders. I suggest we immediately detain Liu Mei and Lin Xiaoliang on charges of intentional harm to crack this case open." He flicked his cigarette ash and added emphatically, "No one is above the law!"

Zhang Xiaohua smiled, "It seems the two captains have some issues with me. Of course, no one is above the law. But those in power are more entangled with others. A corrupt section chief being sentenced isn't as impactful as when top officials are involved. We must be cautious and rely on solid evidence."

Li Xinjian's frustration boiled over, and he blurted out, "If we don't root out this cancer in Haizhou, we are failing the people."

"Eradicating the cancer requires thorough action, but we can't harm the healthy parts," Zhang Xiaohua responded sternly, "I emphasize again, we must follow orders and operate under the unified command of the bureau's party committee." He looked at Li Xinjian, who was breathing heavily, and softened his tone, "Cracking the ephedrine factory is a significant victory. The bureau will commend those involved. As Chairman Mao said, this is just the first step of a long march. The timing for detaining Liu Mei and Lin Xiaoliang isn't right. Meeting adjourned!" Li Xinjian quickly raised his hand, "Director! I request to confront Guo Xiaopeng directly. Please instruct!" Zhang Xiaohua pondered briefly and said, "Granted."

In the Hong Kong Hall of the Jianqiao Cinema, a Hong Kong romantic comedy was playing. The vast hall had only a few scattered couples.

Liu Mei and Lin Xiaoliang were whispering intimately on a sofa in the back row, looking like a couple. Lin Xiaoliang, still shaken, said, "It was damn close. I was so scared I didn't dare drive today."

Liu Mei praised him, "You did well this time. Otherwise, we'd be caught by the police." Lin Xiaoliang, feeling proud, replied, "They say women have sharp intuition, but we men aren't too bad either. As soon as I heard about a tall guy, I thought of the task force captain. If it wasn't so dark, he'd be dead by now."

Liu Mei, deep in thought, murmured, "No insider, no help. The fortress is easiest to break from within…"

Startled, Lin Xiaoliang asked, "You mean there's a mole in our company?" Liu Mei, staring at the screen, said, "I suspect there's an undercover officer in our upper management." Lin Xiaoliang's face twisted in disbelief, "Higher than us?"

Liu Mei shook her head, "If that's true, Haizhou Pharmaceutical is doomed."

"You don't think it's the chairman, do you?" Lin Xiaoliang leaned in, whispering with a smile. Liu Mei pushed him away, "This is serious! No time for jokes." "Then who do you suspect?" Lin Xiaoliang scratched his head.

"Can't you think of anyone?" Liu Mei hinted, "Someone who joined recently with a complex background…" "You mean Wang Jingfei?" Lin Xiaoliang gasped.

Liu Mei touched his face, "You're not completely clueless after all." "But she's the Hong Kong boss's favorite!" Lin Xiaoliang couldn't believe it.

Liu Mei scoffed, "Who knows what she is to the boss. Who knows who her boss is."

"Even if she's undercover, she wouldn't know about the drugs!" Lin Xiaoliang was skeptical. At this moment, a man in a trench coat and mask quietly took a seat in the back row near them, remaining still.

Liu Mei waved her hand impatiently, "Forget her. The urgent matter is getting new supplies. Lei's mess wasted two months of hard work. We need to find raw materials!"

Lin Xiaoliang asked, "Back to Inner Mongolia?"

Liu Mei thought for a moment, "No, we can't go back there. I'm thinking of Xinjiang."

"Xinjiang? To find Tiez?" Lin Xiaoliang's eyes widened.

Liu Mei nodded, "He has semi-processed raw materials that we can use directly." Lin Xiaoliang, worried, asked, "Do you know Tiez? He's known to be greedy and ruthless. Can you handle him?"

"All men are greedy and lustful," Liu Mei said nonchalantly, "We can use that to our advantage."

"The police are watching you. You might be tailed as soon as you leave Haizhou!" Lin Xiaoliang was still concerned. Liu Mei confidently replied, "I have my ways. Let's go."

The two quietly stood up and, holding hands, stealthily made their way to the exit.

The man in the trench coat slowly removed his mask...