Chapter 943: Splitting Into Two Groups

Old Knife considered his operation in Haizhou City to be rather cautious this time.

But in reality, when the police had already taken notice of them, this caution had become somewhat laughable.

What Old Knife didn’t expect was that he was already being targeted by Lu Chuan and his team after merely showing his face in a restaurant.

For people like Old Knife, the domestic territory has always been forbidden; they wouldn’t come unless there’s a particular reason.

But the same dangerous territory also holds a surprising element of safety.

The reason Smiling Tiger chose to meet for negotiations in the country this time was because neither party trusted each other.

Only in a place like Haizhou City could both sides be assured neither will act to undermine each other while ensuring their own safety.

This maximizes the prevention of possible betrayals.

"This guy is quite adept at anti-surveillance!"

Departing from the restaurant where Wang Zhaokai had set up last night, there were many monitors around.

Lu Chuan, along with Sun Biao, Wang Zhaokai, and Chen Jiang, personally pursued this lead.

At the surveillance near the entrance of Half Past Eight Supermarket, Wang Zhaokai spotted Old Knife’s figure.

However, it seems Old Knife realized he was being monitored from a distance and deliberately lowered his head when passing, effectively obscuring his face.

"These guys lick blood from the knife’s edge; after years outside, other skills might lack, but escaping is top-notch, otherwise they would’ve been caught long ago."

Sun Biao continued, "But it doesn’t matter, the target’s clothes haven’t changed, what we need is to locate where he’s staying exactly, once we find where he resides, handling the rest will be easy."

This is why they were efficient in pursuing Old Knife.

Old Knife’s anti-surveillance awareness was strong, leaving nearly no frontal images in many surveillances.

There aren’t even many side images left.

But for Lu Chuan and his team, this was irrelevant.

His clothes haven’t changed, avoiding surveillance only keeps his image data out.

What Lu Chuan wants is not the image data but to find where the opponent is staying in Haizhou City.

As the sun just set for the evening, the group finally arrived near Bright Road.

"Most places around Bright Road are upscale residential complexes. If the target lives in this area, there must be some clues left, though discreetly investigating without alerting is quite challenging."

Sun Biao is fairly familiar with this area.

Lu Chuan nodded: "There are many residential complexes around here, investigating surveillance requires going into the compounds, but we can prioritize."

"I think we should start with investigating the densely populated high-rises."

Wang Zhaokai suggested: "High-rise residential areas have a higher population density, which means more foot traffic; the chance of the target being suspected while residing here as a stranger is less, and it facilitates an escape, so I believe the target is likely residing in such an area."

After all, Old Knife isn’t a local in Haizhou City, choosing a place to settle is significant for them.

"I don’t necessarily agree."

Chen Jiang shook his head: "Old Knife isn’t just any fugitive; he’s a significant figure wanted for 10 years by the International Criminal Police Organization."

"Moreover, their crime syndicate overseas is financially strong, fully capable of supporting their hiding anywhere in Haizhou."

Chen Jiang pointed to some villa areas in the distance: "Bright Road has not only high-rise residential areas but also several villa zones."

"These villas are more private, outsiders typically can’t enter."

"I actually think it’s quite possible the target lives in a villa area."

Lu Chuan found both analyses reasonable.

Living in densely populated areas has advantages; a chaotic population makes detection difficult.

However, villa zones also have benefits; security is relatively good, making stranger entry less likely.

Not to mention, it’s not like villas are few, each household isn’t necessarily familiar.

Quite the contrary, villa zones have villas spaced widely apart, making even noise detection hard for neighbors.

The City Public Security Bureau’s security team has destroyed quite a few so-called private clubs in recent years, these offering illegal services mostly inside upscale villa zones.

Just last month, Haizhou City Public Security Bureau’s security brigade broke a major prostitution ring.

Their base was in a villa area.

The reason is these villas are private, outsiders usually can’t enter, only regulars can, and exposure occurred because a villa area’s security reported them.

Generally, villas have fixed luxury vehicles, but the involved villa was different; there were many luxury cars frequently replaced.

Sometimes even three to five or dozens of luxury cars appeared in a day.

While plausible over a day or two, over time it aroused suspicion, leading to a successful raid.

That’s why it’s called a major prostitution ring; not due to high numbers, but the organization numbers were few, just about a dozen people.

But their managed girls were beautiful and highly educated.

This caused high single transaction prices.

The cases involved had astonishing amounts exceeding hundreds of millions!

"Let’s split up."

Lu Chuan finally decided to divide forces.

"We four will pair, Old Wang and Sun Biao, you’ll check these high-rise residential areas."

Lu Chuan gestured to himself and Chen Jiang: "Old Chen and I will investigate the upscale villa zones, but be sure not to alert them."

"Rest assured, that’s no problem."

Wang Zhaokai nodded.

Entering the area surrounding Bright Road, there wasn’t much commercial activity, so roadside surveillance was sparse, complicating the investigation.

"You two must not be careless; the opponents are ruthless desperados; what they might do is unknown. If clues arise, call me immediately, don’t engage directly."

Lu Chuan still felt uneasy, instructing the other two.

As for him and Chen Jiang’s team, it’s inconsequential.

Given Lu Chuan’s close combat skills, even ten Old Knives couldn’t pose a threat.

By the time Lu Chuan and his team tracked back to Bright Road, Old Knife returned to the villa holding Zhao Kai.

"Brother Knife, come, try this."

There was nothing unusual about Zhao Kai detained here; instead, during Old Knife’s absence, he brewed tea inside the villa.

Ten years of undercover life taught Tabby Cat a principle.

Never panic, irrespective of what happens.

And, especially in crises, staying calm is crucial.

Because he knows these ruthless drug traffickers well.

These guys may not trust evidence but are always suspicious.

So, to survive, even if the opponent sends photos of a meet-up, one shouldn’t panic!