Blessing in Disguise
When the underworld and law enforcement in Beijing truly set their minds to investigating something, their efficiency is absolutely astounding!
While Tan Wen and Ah Dong were still dreaming of extorting hundreds of millions from Murong Feng and then fleeing, both the police and Guo Guodong had already uncovered their identities.
In the large conference room of the special task force, Lei Tian was giving a case briefing: "Based on the confession from the suspect Liu Kui, we have determined that the main suspects in this kidnapping case are two men from Hong Kong." At this point, large photos were displayed on the projector.
Lei Tian pointed at the photos with a highlighter and said: "According to information provided by the Hong Kong Organized Crime and Triad Bureau, this man is called Tan Wen, a Hong Kong citizen and member of the triad society 'Tung Sing'. Known as the 'Smiling Tiger', he's one of the strategists and leaders of Tung Sing, cunning and treacherous. This man is called Liu Dong, also from Hong Kong and a Tung Sing member. He's their top enforcer, brutal and vicious. Airport records show the two flew from Hong Kong to Beijing a week ago. Their whereabouts have been unknown since."
Lei Tian continued: "I've investigated and found that about a year and a half ago, Murong Feng went to Hong Kong with Tang Qing and stayed for 8 days. After questioning Tang Qing, we learned that during their stay, they had a conflict with Long Yi, who was the boss of Tung Sing at the time. Later, Long Yi was killed by the Hong Kong garrison's special forces during a drug raid, and Tung Sing's influence in Hong Kong plummeted, facing the danger of being absorbed by other gangs. Therefore, we suspect these two kidnapped Murong Feng for revenge and to extort money..."
At this point, Director Gao impatiently interrupted him: "Lei Tian, just tell me how we can catch them and when you'll have this case resolved!"
Lei Tian quickly replied: "Director Gao, we've investigated Tung Sing's companies in Hong Kong and found two trading companies that have set up branches in Beijing. We suspect they're hiding there. Barring any unexpected issues, I guarantee we'll resolve the case today!"
Director Gao liked hearing this and waved his hand, smiling: "Then get moving quickly!...And make sure to guarantee Murong Feng's safety!"
"Yes, sir!"
...
"Boss Guo, we've found out that the only recent arrivals from Hong Kong's underworld are Tung Sing's Smiling Tiger, Tan Wen and the enforcer Ah Dong. They're now hiding in the Tianzhu Airport Industrial Zone in Shunyi District. Tung Sing has a trading company there." Guo Yong had his capabilities, finding accurate leads in no time.
Guo Guodong said happily: "Well done, Yong-zi. Let's go right away!" He stood up and walked towards the door.
"Boss Guo, you're going personally?..."
Guo Guodong glared and scolded: "Nonsense! I need to rescue Mr. Murong personally and return this favor to him!"
...
After more than two hours of effort, a sweating Murong Feng finally managed to cut through the polypropylene straps binding his wrists using the sharp edges of the warehouse's steel racks. Ignoring the blood dripping from his scraped wrists, he hurried to untie the straps on his legs. Once free, he felt a wave of relief, knowing he now had a chance to fight back.
Half of the warehouse was filled with large cardboard boxes, which Murong Feng identified as various brands of cosmetics from the stamps on them. After searching the warehouse thoroughly, he couldn't dismantle the steel racks holding the goods but eventually found a piece of plastic rod, less than a meter long and a finger-width wide, in a corner. Holding the rod, Murong Feng felt a surge of confidence. He planned to try and pry open the warehouse lock.
Just as he reached the door, he heard voices outside. Startled, he quickly returned to his previous position, lying down and loosely wrapping the polypropylene tape around his ankles, pretending to still be tied up. He hid the plastic rod under him.
The small iron door on the warehouse's main door opened, and Tan Wen and Ah Dong walked in.
Tan Wen still wore a false smile on his face as he looked at Murong Feng and asked: "Mr. Murong, have you thought it over?" Murong Feng intentionally replied in a low, gloomy tone: "Didn't you say you'd give me half a day? The time shouldn't be up yet."
Tan Wen smiled slyly and said: "True, but as they say, the longer the night, the more dreams. I've been thinking, Mr. Murong, for a small sum like 500 million, you shouldn't need so much time to consider. So... how about it, Mr. Murong? Can you give us an answer now?"
Murong Feng was silent for a moment, his mind racing to think of a countermeasure, while his mouth stalled for time: "500 million isn't a small sum for me either. Could you give me a bit more time?"
Tan Wen's expression changed, suddenly exuding an indescribable sense of ferocity: "Mr. Murong, it seems you won't shed tears until you see your coffin! Ah Dong, give Mr. Murong a little deeper impression." Hearing this, Ah Dong swiftly drew a dagger from the sheath at his waist. He weighed it in his hand a few times, then walked forward with a fierce grin, a blood-red glint flashing in his eyes. He loved nothing more than torturing his enemies, especially chopping off their fingers.
Watching Ah Dong approach step by step with his vicious grin, Murong Feng's heart suddenly felt like dozens of large drums beating at once, tense to the point of near breakdown. What to do? What to do! His mind screamed frantically, his grip on the plastic rod tightening.
"Ah Dong, wait a moment!" Tan Wen suddenly called out. Seeing Murong Feng's terrified face, he was quite satisfied. Scaring him a bit was enough for now. As long as he transferred the money first, they could take their time torturing him later. So he stopped Ah Dong.
"Mr. Murong, have you made up your mind yet? Do you really not want your fingers anymore?" Tan Wen asked leisurely.
Murong Feng hesitated for a moment, then asked: "How do I transfer the money?"
Tan Wen was overjoyed and said with a smile: "Nowadays banks all have telephone transfers. You just need to call the bank and transfer the money to the Swiss bank account I'll give you. Isn't global financial integration convenient, haha!" He felt success was near and couldn't help his wild joy.
Suddenly, Murong Feng noticed the gun on Ah Dong's waist not far from him. An idea struck him. He asked in a low voice: "Alright, should I transfer 250 million to each of you?" Both men were stunned, and Ah Dong instinctively looked towards Tan Wen.
Now!
Murong Feng suddenly leaped up, performing a perfect forward lunge, thrusting the plastic rod towards Ah Dong's neck with lightning speed!
At this moment, his nearly two years of fencing practice paid off, his speed and power reached their peak. Even with Ah Dong's skills as a top level enforcer, by the time he realized something was amiss and raised his arm to block with the dagger, Murong Feng had already used all his strength to pierce his neck! Blood splattered!
Murong Feng had already planned his next move in that split second. Ignoring the blood splattering on him, he let go of the plastic rod and in one step snatched the gun from Ah Dong's waist. He pushed Ah Dong aside and quickly aimed the gun at Tan Wen.
By this time, Tan Wen had drawn the gun from his holster and was pointing it at Murong Feng.
His eyes flashed with utter terror as he watched Ah Dong's eyes bulge out of their sockets, falling to the ground in agony, clutching his neck which was gushing blood, twitching repeatedly. It was clear he wouldn't survive.
"You... Murong Feng.... how did you untie yourself?!" Tan Wen couldn't help but ask in shock.
Having successfully struck first and eliminated one opponent, Murong Feng now felt much more confident. He smiled and said: "It seems you didn't tie it securely enough!"
Tan Wen, initially terrified by Ah Dong's death, suddenly had an idea and sneered, "This works too. I would've killed him anyway after getting the money. You've done me a favor... Mr. Murong, I, Tan Wen, am just a worthless low life with no family or friends. You're a wealthy tycoon, delicate and precious. Why stoop to my level? Why clash fine china with a broken tile? I only want 500 million. Once I get it, we can go our separate ways! Otherwise, if shots are fired, and we both die. Wouldn't that be too much of a loss for you? You can't take your billions to the grave!"
Tan Wen, true to his reputation as an underworld strategist, had quickly gained the psychological upper hand. Murong Feng couldn't help but hesitate. His hard-earned new life, Ye Zi, Tang Qing, and many others were waiting for him. His career had just begun.
Tan Wen immediately sensed Murong Feng's hesitation and felt more confident. He continued with a smile, "How about this, Mr. Murong? Let's both put down our guns and talk things over."
Murong Feng suddenly had a realization. He smiled slightly and said calmly, "Mr. Wen. Now, we both have guns. If you kill me, you'll end up with nothing and all your efforts will be in vain. Even if you get the money, you won't be able to kill me. Because if you fail to kill me, you'll be in for some trouble... You know I'm a very wealthy man. Just imagine, if I go back and offer a bounty of 100 million HKD for your head, do you think anyone in the underworld would help me?"
His tone was calm, but the content terrified Tan Wen. Suddenly, he realized the person before him wasn't the timid, cowardly rich kid he had imagined. Instead, he had the demeanor and mindset of a formidable leader. Tan Wen felt a flicker of fear.
Murong Feng smiled and continued, "I don't want to make things difficult for you. How about this? I'll show you another way out. Leave here now and let me go. Give me your account number, and after I'm safe, I'll transfer 10 million HKD to your account. Consider it compensation for this brother's life. We'll be even, and I won't pursue the kidnapping matter further. Clean slate."
Seeing Tan Wen still hesitating, Murong Feng felt anxious inside but steadied himself. He smiled again and said, "Let me tell you something else. I left clues at the previous warehouse. I believe Beijing police will find this place soon. By then, you won't be able to escape even if you want to."
Tan Wen was shocked. They had been so careful; how could Murong Feng have left clues?
Being quick-witted himself, Tan Wen thought for a moment and realized that at this point, neither of them could really harm the other. If they lingered too long, and the police really found this place, it would be trouble for him on enemy territory.
Though he had mentally yielded, his words remained tough: "Mr. Murong, what you say makes sense. But you're a big shot, surely you wouldn't be so stingy? 100 million, and I trust you. You promise, and I'll leave immediately. Everything will be settled. However... Mr. Murong, if you deceive me, believe me, someone like me can still make sure you don't sleep peacefully!"
Murong Feng agreed without hesitation: "Alright, it's settled then."
Tan Wen smiled wickedly, his eyes sweeping over the motionless Ah Dong at Murong Feng's feet. A fleeting sadness in his heart quickly dissipated. Living in the underworld meant living on the edge of death; a violent end was commonplace. The key was money.
Tan Wen slowly backed away, gun raised, smiling as he said, "I'll find a way to notify you of the account number later. If you don't pay, you'll bear the consequences yourself." With that, he retreated out of the warehouse door, suddenly darting sideways and disappearing behind it.
Murong Feng still didn't dare relax his guard. He continued holding the gun, also moving behind the warehouse door, quietly listening to the sounds outside. Footsteps faded into the distance; it seemed Tan Wen had really left.
Only then did Murong Feng begin to calm down, his body relaxing. Suddenly, everything that had just happened felt like a dream.
How had he managed to negotiate so calmly with the kidnappers? That thrust earlier had been so smooth, he barely felt it. When had he become so hardened and cold-blooded? Looking at Ah Dong's motionless body in the dim warehouse light, blood splattered everywhere, Murong Feng suddenly felt nauseous. His limbs went weak, and he vomited with a "Wah!"
Suddenly, footsteps sounded outside the door. Murong Feng was startled and quickly raised his gun, aiming at the slightly open small door of the warehouse.
With a loud "Bang!", the entire small door was kicked in, falling into the warehouse. Several muscular men wearing black T-shirts rushed in, holding guns. Seeing they weren't police, Murong Feng was terrified. He swung his gun between them, shouting, "Who are you?!"
The black-clad men seemed surprised to see him holding a gun. They glanced at Ah Dong lying in the pool of blood, and all lowered their weapons. Then, an excited voice came from the doorway: "Mr. Murong!"
Murong Feng looked over in astonishment to see a square-faced, excited, burly middle-aged man striding in. The face seemed familiar.
Murong Feng thought for a moment, then realized, "Mr. Guo, is it?" He was immediately embraced by Guo Guodong. "Mr. Murong, are you alright?!" Guo Guodong asked, surveying the surroundings with curiosity.
Murong Feng now sensed something odd about the situation. Who were all these people?
Just as he was about to ask, a tall, muscular man in black dragged in Tan Wen, who had just left. Tan Wen's hand was bleeding, and he looked at Guo Guodong in terror. The man threw Tan Wen to the ground, saying, "Boss Guo, this guy tried to run. I ran into him. He had a gun, so I threw a knife at him."
Guo Guodong excitedly patted Murong Feng's shoulder: "Mr. Murong, I'm glad you're okay. I'll avenge you."
He then walked over to Tan Wen, his eyes fixed on him like a hawk: "Brother Wen, coming to Beijing without paying me a visit?" Tan Wen glanced at Murong Feng, then at the men in black around him, and sighed. He was straightforward: "I've long heard of Beijing's Brother Guo. Since I've fallen into your hands today, I admit defeat. Brother Guo, just give me a quick end."
Guo Guodong was taken aback; this guy had some underworld spirit after all. He stepped on Tan Wen's bleeding hand, grinding it a few times, and smiled: "You must be blind to dare mess with Mr. Murong." He turned to Murong Feng with a smile: "Mr. Murong, how would you like to deal with him?"
Murong Feng was at a loss for how to respond to this question. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I was originally planning to let him go, but since he's been caught now, let's hand him over to the police."
He wasn't a fool. From their brief exchange, he had already guessed these men's identities. Recalling the business card Guo Guodong had given him at his home, he remembered it was for some entertainment company, he was CEO of. So he was actually a big shot in Beijing's underworld. Murong Feng didn't want the underworld settling this matter for him; handing it over to the police was the best option.
Guo Guodong smiled, seeming to understand his thoughts. He was about to speak when one of his men came in from outside: "Boss Guo, Little Four called, the police are on their way, they'll be here soon."
Guo Guodong was surprised. He shook his head and said, "This Lei Tian is quite capable. He found us quickly!" He turned back to Murong Feng with a smile: "Mr. Murong, I never expected you to be so skilled. I came intending to rescue you, but it turns out I'm just cleaning up. Haha, impressive, very impressive! Well, the police will be here soon, and it's not convenient for me to stay. Another day, let's have a proper get-together. Big brother here will help you calm your nerves."
From his words, Murong Feng understood that Guo must have been busy these past two days because of his situation. He quickly expressed his thanks: "Brother... Big Brother Guo, thank you so much! I won't say more now, but another day I'll treat you all to drinks."
Hearing Murong Feng's generous words, Guo Guodong laughed heartily. The others also smiled, clearly appreciating Murong Feng's attitude. They then said their goodbyes and left.
All men have an innate sense of honor and brotherhood. Murong Feng had read many stories of ancient chivalrous heroes, and the behavior of Guo Guodong and his men since breaking down the door had stirred a sense of boldness in his chest.
When Lei Tian arrived with the criminal police squad and armed police support team in over a dozen police cars, they were all stunned by what they found.
Murong Feng was sitting alone, calm-faced, on a chair in the middle of the warehouse. Nearby on the ground, one man lay in a pool of blood with a plastic rod through his neck, while another was tied up like a pig, looking dejected but at least still alive.
The police were dumbfounded. Was this rescuing a kidnapping victim? No matter how you looked at it, it looked like a master had caught a thief and was waiting for the police to arrive...
...
The shocking kidnapping case of Murong Feng that had stunned the entire city was thus solved the very next day.
The police quickly released a report on the case.
And another piece of news astonished the public: When the police arrived, Murong Feng had already freed himself. Of the two kidnappers with Hong Kong triad backgrounds, one was killed by Murong Feng in self-defense (for which Murong Feng was not charged), and the other was captured.
Murong Feng had actually escaped on his own! And killed a kidnapper!
Typically, when wealthy people were kidnapped, they either end up killed or pay the ransom and are released, often developing psychological issues like fear of strangers afterwards. So in people's minds, once a tycoon has been kidnapped, their reputation usually takes a hit.
Murong Feng was an exception!
His kidnapping and escape were like a movie about a lone hero. As soon as the police report came out, Murong Feng's public image skyrocketed once again.
When he attended meetings at the Federation of Industry and Commerce or the China Young Entrepreneurs Association, other members treated him with even more respect than before.
No joke - before, they just thought Murong Feng was a rich young man. Now this guy had taken a life! And not just any life, but that of a fierce criminal! People who dare to kill, who are capable of killing, always inspire a subconscious fear or respect in others!
This was human society. It always respects the strong!
When Murong Feng returned home, he saw Ye Zi rushing into his arms with tears of joy and excitement, and Tang Qing standing gracefully nearby with tears in her eyes and a smile.
The feeling of happiness at escaping death and having a new lease on life was especially intense.
Real life was incredibly exciting, and his life was just getting better.
Murong Feng silently vowed: He would do everything in his power to protect this beautiful life of his and would never let anything like the events of the previous two days happen again to worry them!
Ye Zi and Tang Qing had been together constantly these past two days. As Tang Qing comforted Ye Zi, she herself seemed to feel much better. Supporting and comforting each other, they had become as close as sisters. Seeing the two women holding hands on the sofa, listening to him recount his kidnapping experience, their beautiful and distinct faces showing various expressions of joy and alarm that intoxicated Murong Feng, he couldn't help but reflect:
This truly was a blessing in disguise!