Vol. 5 Chapter 9: The Agents of the Countermeasures Bureau

Chapter 9: The Agents of the Countermeasures Bureau

Driving a specially modified car disguised as a regular vehicle, the Countermeasures Bureau's "Mad Dog" trio slowly entered Le Ping City. Although nothing unusual happened upon entry, none of them dared to relax, continuously checking various instruments in the car.

"The air indeed contains trace amounts of supernal factors, likely to induce fear," said a young man wearing a backward baseball cap. Dressed in a dark red T-shirt and baggy pants, he looked like a sporty, sunny youth, fiddling with some instruments in his hands.

"We expected this. Fear King Dark River? This new guy sure is arrogant. Outside, someone like him would have been detained long ago," remarked a girl beside him, tapping away on a keyboard to retrieve information. Despite the heat, she wore a light blue hoodie, a scarf around her neck, and held a warm pack in her arms.

"Alright, alright, thank you. We have about ten minutes to go, almost there. Thanks for your help." The team leader, a middle-aged man with a scruffy beard, dressed in a white shirt, tie, and trousers, was driving and talking on the phone with the local police.

"Captain, why are you being so polite? We're just here to gather information and leave; we don't need their help," the girl grumbled.

"It's nothing, just being kind. It's not easy for them either," the middle-aged man replied while driving. "Remember our code names for this mission? Don't slip up and reveal your real names; we need to minimize any potential losses."

"You've reminded us so many times, like a nagging mother. You're Lao Hu, he's Xiao Mi, and I'm Bing Bing," the girl said irritably, still typing away. "These code names are so lame; even elementary school kids could come up with better ones."

"It's for safety. Considering the dangers here, if something happens, it won't just affect us but everyone behind us. The chief had to make a tough decision to send us here," Lao Hu, the middle-aged team leader, lectured. "You should appreciate our efforts to prevent unnecessary losses."

"What's wrong with these code names? They're simple and representative. I've had worse ones, like Teletubby, Old Fox, and Black-White Dog. This time, the codes are pretty decent."

"You're young; you haven't faced the same level of danger yet..." As Lao Hu droned on with his lecture, Bing Bing rolled her eyes, wrapping her scarf around her head to block her ears, while Xiao Mi despairingly adjusted his hat and covered his ears, keeping an eye on the instruments.

"So, remember, everything we do is for prevention, to avoid unnecessary losses. Learn from our experience," Lao Hu concluded as they arrived at the police station, turning to see his team's exasperated expressions. He shook his head with a wry smile. "Alright, alright, I'll stop. We're here, let's get out."

At the front desk, Lao Hu leaned in, his voice full of charm. "I'm Mr. Hu, with an appointment. Could you notify Director Zhao, please?"

The receptionist brightened instantly, smiling warmly. "Mr. Hu, right? I'll notify Director Zhao immediately. Please wait in the conference room; he'll be right with you. Would you like some water while you wait?"

"Captain's charm is... terrifying," Xiao Mi muttered enviously, watching the receptionist's reaction. Lao Hu's charisma seemed like a magic spell, instantly raising her goodwill.

"Thank you. I noticed you haven't been feeling well lately. Make sure to rest and eat properly," Lao Hu said kindly, making the receptionist blush and sit back down quietly.

"Will you be here next week?" she asked shyly.

"Perhaps," Lao Hu replied, his eyes flickering with understanding. "I'm just a passerby; don't dwell on me too much."

"Xiao Mi, go get some water," Lao Hu ordered as he walked to the conference room. Xiao Mi grumbled, "Why me?"

Soon, Director Zhao, with a beer belly, arrived with some evidence and files. He frowned at the trio's odd appearances but coughed and introduced himself. "Mr. Hu, I'm Director Zhao. As per orders, we'll hand over the evidence and files you requested. We've also rented and modified a warehouse for your use, which I'll show you shortly."

"Thank you, Director Zhao. Let's complete the handover of the evidence and files, then you can show us the office," Lao Hu replied, shaking hands. "But, Director Zhao, it's best to keep things confidential, sharing information only with those who need to know."

"And your hobbies are quite... unique," Lao Hu added cryptically, making Zhao break out in a cold sweat.

After the handover, a policeman escorted them to a warehouse. Inside was a well-equipped office space. Once alone, Lao Hu quickly gathered his team and left, avoiding surveillance and renting a nearby house using his charm.

"Is there something wrong with Director Zhao?" Bing Bing asked.

"Obviously, there were many surveillance devices in that office," Xiao Mi replied.

"Indeed. People's tastes are strange these days," Lao Hu sighed. "But at least we have a lead."