Chapter 405: Surrender

Hong Kong Governor's Office, Governor's Office.

McRae sat at his desk, eyes closed, quietly listening to the latest updates from the Commissioner of Police, Shih Lirong.

"MI6 has received intelligence that the steward of the Kessick family, under John Kessick's orders, has put a $5 million bounty on the assassination of Xia Yu. It is confirmed that the man who accidentally died on the rooftop of a residential building near the Jiuding Press Building was indeed the hired killer.

Moreover, the Kessick family's three members were also targeted with a $5 million bounty on each of them. The analysis points to Xia Yu as the possible instigator, but unfortunately, up to now, we have not found any evidence proving Xia Yu's indirect involvement. We are still intensively investigating.

Regarding the assassin who carried out the attack last night, despite our city-wide lockdown and search, we have found no clues or traces at the ports and airports. It is certain that this assassin had accomplices, and our investigation is ongoing. That's the current situation."

After the report, Shih Lirong quietly sat down, his gaze fixed on McRae, who was deep in thought with his eyes closed.

"Last night, Xia Yu, Li Jiacheng, and Huo Yingdong secretly gathered at Bao Yugang's house. Early this morning, they jointly attacked the Yihe Consortium. Rational analysis suggests that these individuals might also be suspects. Have you investigated the activities of Huo Yingdong, Li Jiacheng, and their subordinate forces?"

McRae slowly opened his eyes, looking indifferently at Shih Lirong.

Since receiving the news last night, McRae had been contemplating the situation but had yet to make a decision. 

After all, Huo Yingdong, Li Jiacheng, and Bao Yugang were all influential figures with various forces supporting or controlling them. Their strength not only ensured their self-protection but also made them formidable attackers.

However, these were high-profile figures—presidents or pillars of various business associations—and investigating them was not straightforward.

Shih Lirong shook his head and said, "Governor, all the intelligence from our undercover sources shows that Bao Yugang and others did not issue such orders. However, we cannot prove they are entirely innocent. Compared to Xia Yu, their suspicion is significantly lower."

McRae slightly nodded, his gaze becoming distant as he seemed lost in thought.

After a while, Shih Lirong asked, "Governor, should we investigate Xia Yu?"

McRae frowned slightly, as if pondering the question. After a long moment, he said, "Just now, John Kessick and Henry Kessick died. The youngest, Charles Kessick, was saved, but he is incapacitated."

Shih Lirong was shocked, his brow furrowing deeply. He realized the Kessick family was finished, and the Yihe Consortium was in danger!

Since the incident last night, the entire police department had been working frantically, and he hadn't had time to follow up on the Kessick family's rescue situation. To his surprise, the rescue had been unsuccessful.

The fall of the Kessick family made the situation even more severe and complex. He had to consider more factors. 

No matter how powerful or valuable a person was, once dead, everything was gone.

The Kessick family was like this! The Kessick family's power came from controlling the Yihe Consortium. However, the Yihe Consortium was controlled by John Kessick, and the other Kessick family members couldn't manage it. When John Kessick and his successors died, the Kessick family would lose control over the Yihe Consortium and could become even weaker due to chaos.

On the other hand, Xia Yu, the suspect, was at the height of his power. Without evidence, antagonizing Xia Yu for the deceased Kessick family was clearly not worthwhile!

However, whether to investigate or how to handle the case depended mainly on the Governor's stance. 

Given the severe assassination incident in Hong Kong and John Kessick's role as the head of the Yihe Consortium, as Governor, McRae could not shirk responsibility and had to provide London with an explanation.

Shih Lirong decided to remain silent and quietly awaited McRae's instructions.

After a long pause, McRae, with a serious expression, said, "Investigate. Also, bring Xia Yu in for a statement and closely monitor the reactions of his subordinates. Focus on external factors and be cautious."

Shih Lirong's aged eyelids twitched, understanding McRae's intention. He nodded, saying, "Understood!"

Afterward, Shih Lirong took his leave and hurried to the police department.

Once Shih Lirong left, McRae sighed deeply, leaned back in his chair, and massaged his temples, his face showing a look of distress.

Since last night, he knew the trouble was significant. Indeed, the news quickly reached London, which demanded a thorough investigation and required MI6's cooperation.

He had barely slept all night, constantly receiving updates, but remained disappointed.

Although rational analysis suggested Xia Yu might be behind the bounty, decisions could not be made lightly, especially when the suspect was Xia Yu, a powerful Chinese tycoon. Any decision was not easy to make.

Investigating Xia Yu might be acceptable if problems were found, but if not, he would have to provide an explanation to Xia Yu and the public.

Not investigating would mean facing pressure from British interests and London. Investigating without results would mean he would have no way to explain to superiors and the public.

Thus, no matter what, the pressure on him was immense.

"Ah, I hope we can uncover something; otherwise…"

McRae sighed again, thought for a moment, and then decided to go to the hospital. Regardless of the outcome, he had to visit; it was unavoidable!

---

Upon returning to the police department, Shih Lirong gathered his subordinates to assign the task of investigating Xia Yu. Unexpectedly, a surprising report came in.

A killer had turned himself in, claiming responsibility for the Kessick family's deaths.

Immediately, Shih Lirong's mind buzzed. He knew it was too late; the scapegoat had arrived, and it was impossible for this to be the actual killer!

"Where is he? Take me to see him!"

Shih Lirong said as he followed his subordinates to the observation room next to the detention area, carefully watching the interrogation scene.

"He claims full responsibility for the act—how ridiculous!"

Shih Lirong first sneered, then slammed his palm on the table, feeling very displeased and his face flushed with anger.

Since the "killer" had arrived, the case could be closed according to procedure. If this news spread, how could he continue the investigation?

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Shih Lirong considered that although this result could only deceive the general public, it was not necessarily an unacceptable outcome.

For him, it might be the best outcome.

The Kessick family was finished. Although the backdoor dealings of the hidden hand were a slap in his face, it also provided him with a way out.

At least he could provide an explanation, even though everyone knew the truth. At times like this, playing dumb was essential. He had seen this kind of situation before.

There was no need to linger here. Shih Lirong returned to his office and summoned the Deputy Director of the Operations Division, Li Sita.

"You go arrange for Xia Yu of the Jiuding Consortium to be invited to the police department for a simple investigation. Remember, it is an invitation, not to offend him. Understand?"

Shih Lirong instructed Li Sita, emphasizing the point.

Li Sita's eyes flashed, and upon thinking of the surrendered "killer," he immediately responded, "Understood!"

"Go ahead!"

Shih Lirong waved his hand, dismissing him.

After Li Sita left Shih Lirong's office, his expression turned grim, reflecting his frustration.

"Ah, John Kessick caused me trouble. Now that he's dead, I'm in a mess. Having offended Xia Yu, I must find a way to make amends. Sigh…"

Thinking of this, Li Sita immediately returned to his office, called a subordinate, and instructed, "Immediately stop monitoring Xia Jun, do everything possible to comfort him, and then send him back properly."

"Understood!"

The subordinate, surprised, quickly agreed and began to implement Li Sita's orders.

"This time, I have to thank Han Yili for opposing me…"

Li Sita self-mockingly smiled, realizing that his old adversary's interference had ironically helped him out.