The group’s movements were swift, and after formulating a plan, they began to take action.
Lin Yi and Gu Yiran were in one team.
Su Ying and another colleague named Chen Hao were in another team.
They entered the Nanmao Mountain Scenic Area from different directions to first survey the situation and then develop a capture plan.
Over an hour later, the group arrived at the foot of the mountain and set up a perimeter around the area.
Although an important branch of Daoism, the grandeur of Nanmao Mountain couldn’t compare to Longhu Mountain.
Nonetheless, as a scenic area, it was very successful. From a distance, it seemed even more bustling than Shangqing Palace.
This was understandable, given that Pingjiang City wasn’t lacking in funds.
"Once we get through the village ahead, we’ll reach Nanmao Mountain," Su Ying said.
"Is there no other route? Why do we have to go through a village to get there?"
"There is, but this road is the easiest to traverse," Su Ying replied:
"I heard the village chief actively built this road just to bring tourists through here and stimulate the economy."
"A clever person," Lin Yi said. "Let’s go down and take a look first, but be careful not to give anything away."
"Don’t worry, we’re experienced police officers. We’re not likely to make such mistakes," said Chen Hao, who was accompanying them.
Chen Hao’s attitude towards Lin Yi wasn’t exactly friendly.
Because when formulating the plan, Liu Qingming said that he should be responsible for the team’s actions.
This birthed a bit of resentment in his heart.
Lin Yi glanced at him, while Gu Yiran nudged him from the side and said:
"Let’s start now."
Chen Hao didn’t say anything else and got out of the car first, followed closely by Su Ying.
Lin Yi and Gu Yiran didn’t rush since they came in the same car; getting out together wouldn’t be convenient for their mission.
"You stole the spotlight from him, so it’s normal he has some feelings about it," Gu Yiran said.
"This isn’t about stealing the spotlight; Liu Qingming was just giving Brother Zhu face. Even if I didn’t come, you would be the one responsible for this group."
"He’s young after all. It’s understandable he doesn’t grasp these subtleties," Gu Yiran said:
"Don’t think about them, focus on the case instead."
"Be careful when we enter the village later," Lin Yi said:
"I feel this case is very similar to last year’s."
"Understood."
About ten minutes later, Lin Yi and Gu Yiran also got out of the car.
They were faced with a distance of about 100 meters that they needed to walk across.
The village at the foot of the mountain wasn’t big, but it gave off a generally clean and pleasant vibe.
Instead of seeing people bustling about, there were many people chatting and talking in small groups.
When they saw Lin Yi and Gu Yiran, the villagers cast scrutinizing and somewhat wary glances.
The two didn’t mind this. Gu Yiran wrapped her arm around Lin Yi’s, appearing like an ordinary couple.
"Look at the entrance of the scenic area; cars are leaving one after another."
Gu Yiran was not focused on the villagers but gazed towards a side entrance to the scenic area.
Lin Yi followed her gaze and noticed two box trucks over four meters long driving out from inside.
"Let’s go and see what’s going on."
Gu Yiran nodded, and the two headed towards the entrance of the scenic area.
But as they got closer, they found that the main gate of the scenic area was locked.
"What’s going on? Are they not open for business?"
Lin Yi asked the security guard inside.
"Maintenance work, come back in a few days," the security guard said with a cigarette dangling from his mouth.
Lin Yi and Gu Yiran exchanged a glance, sensing something was off.
But they didn’t say much, just nodded and turned back.
"Isn’t it a bit too coincidental?" Gu Yiran asked.
"It’s possible, but the likelihood is low. During such a sensitive time, closing the gate probably means something’s fishy inside," Lin Yi said:
"Ask Su Ying to see how their group is doing."
Gu Yiran nodded and spoke into a small microphone attached to her collar:
"How’s it going on your end?"