Chapter 1041 - 1013: Strange Woman
Chapter 1041 - 1013: Strange Woman
Even in places filled with sunlight, there are areas that light cannot reach; even with the blazing heat appropriate for the season above, there are zones it cannot penetrate. These are the inexplicable yet vividly real laws of nature.
On the line between light and shadow, Director Mo Luo was fully prepared and on high alert. After learning his lesson from the previous evidence-less and baseless raids, he showed up this time with the police department’s publicity team to capture the best and clearest photos. Some thought he must be crazy, seizing a batch of gang members without gaining any benefit, turning this great director into the joke behind everyone’s back.
Sin City stood solitarily behind the line of light and shadow. The gap between it and Heaven remained untraversed, starkly contrasting with the usual scene. Could it be that just as the rumors suggested, this place had truly become an empty city? Mo Luo speculated in disbelief—could that person really have abandoned the city so easily? This was prime real estate that everyone had been eyeing!
"Is there still no movement inside?" Mo Luo took the binoculars from his subordinate and observed the gap.
"So far, there’s been no traffic. Outside, they’re all spreading rumors that the City Lord was defeated by Xiao Lin and overnight the control changed hands, with everyone driven out of the city. But as our colleagues stayed here a few days, with 24-hour monitoring, no one has exited from here, so the rumors might be misleading."
"No one slacked off?" There was only one exit, and no one had left from there—could it be he’d been deceived? Mo Luo, of course, wouldn’t voice such suspicions to his subordinates; he couldn’t determine the truth of his sources right now.
"Director, in a place like this, who would dare to slack off? We value our necks over our job." The subordinate mumbled, seemingly dissatisfied with Mo Luo’s skepticism.
"Get a few capable people to go in with me and take a look." Mo Luo finally decided. He pulled a gun from his car’s trunk, donned a bulletproof vest, and prepared to enter this empty city personally.
"Director, isn’t this too risky? Shouldn’t we mobilize the air division to scout first?" a subordinate kindly suggested.
"No need. We’ve overused external resources to catch these people in recent days; this time, we’ll go ourselves. You stay outside and request backup if necessary." With everything prepared, Mo Luo took three men into the gap.
He did consider air support, but out of self-interest, Mo Luo didn’t intend to do so. Observed from above, Sin City was the most conservative and secure, but it would expose them to many eyes, and he didn’t want that. If Sin City had truly become an empty city like the rumors stated, under local law procedures, without a predetermined owner, it would be auctioned. This would be good for him; if he could help Shao Weihua secure a top position, he’d hold ten percent equity, a great way to make money. But if the word got out, competitors would increase. Moreover, if Murong Lengyue was still in Palermo and wanted to buy it for Xiao Lin, it wasn’t impossible. That woman seemed quite fond of that young man, and with the mayor backing her, even Shao would stand no chance.
As these thoughts swirled, the four people had formally entered Sin City. Streets, houses, shops, vehicles, greenery, traffic lights—everything a city should have was here without a single omission. Mo Luo couldn’t pinpoint anything wrong about this place; yet stepping inside made him feel uneasy, as if countless eyes were watching him, giving him a sense of being surveilled.
"Director, this place feels eerie and scary. Look, the lights are on, but there’s absolutely no one here." The man on Mo Luo’s left who had been observing the surroundings intently exclaimed. Clearly, still a "living" city, yet no one was around.
"I can see that. Maybe people are hiding; none of us has ever been in here, right?" Mo Luo seemed to be comforting his subordinates but was himself highly on edge, his breathing becoming uneven and rapid.
"Sin City looks no different from outside, just that there’s no sunlight." The person on his right glanced at the murky gray sky, marveling at nature’s wonders.
"Michele, don’t forget, even the lowest rank residing here are first-level criminals." Mo Luo warned this seemingly young policeman, who was probably coerced to come; bullying newcomers was an unwritten rule at the police station. If those fattened pigs rush into danger, it’s sure because there are treasures there. Though thinking this, Mo Luo still played the role of an officer, leading these three men to search for traces of people.
"Look!" About half an hour later, after thoroughly exploring all of Sin City with no results, Michele shouted, pointing in one direction. "There’s someone—it’s a woman."
Like discovering a new continent, Michele excitedly cried out. Perhaps due to the distance, the person standing there hadn’t noticed them.
"Hold on!" Mo Luo grabbed Michele, considering how to keep these newcomers in line. "In such a vast place, a woman suddenly appears where we just passed. You rush over without thinking why—what if it’s a trap?"
"Oh, right, Director." Michele, chastised by Mo Luo, suddenly realized the severity of the situation.
"On duty, safety should always be your top priority; impulsiveness risk your lives." While relishing the thrill of teaching rookies, another officer whispered urgently.
"The woman is leaving, and she’s not alone—there are others." Indeed, where she’d stood, three or four more people now appeared, men and women, with flashes going off now and then. "It looks like they’re taking photos. What’s going on?"
"Michele, follow me. You two stay hidden for protection; request backup if anything happens." Mo Luo maintained a perfect posture of authority in front of rookies, thoughtfully considering their concerns, earning gratitude and admiration.
"Director, it’s too risky; let us go ahead while you stay back, this way securing a chance if things go south."
"Stop arguing; you haven’t learned the art of staying calm. Michele, keep up with me." Mo Luo’s unyielding command settled it as he strode forward.
Following the group through two more streets, they reached a more commercial building. More flashes illuminated the scene, capturing it in photographs. They didn’t seem like bad guys, more like real estate agents. Mo Luo speculated; he’d only just received the tip, and these people were already here—and from another province, no less. Who were they?
"Why are you here?" Mo Luo walked up confidently once ensuring they weren’t a threat. Seeing their sudden appearance, surprise registered on their faces. "I’m the police chief here. My name is Director Mo Luo, and this is my badge." He showed his credentials before scrutinizing the individuals.
"Director Mo Luo?" The first to speak was a woman they hadn’t seen before, beautiful yet approachable, exuding the charm of a mature woman. With slender waist and proportionately broad hips, appealing to Western tastes, though not quite as exceptional as Murong Lengyue’s ethereal beauty, she was still stunning.
"Yes, ma’am! Be aware, this area is highly dangerous and not open to the public. Without our special department’s permit, you can’t trespass. Though beautiful, caution overtook; Mo Luo felt past caring for such allure—certain bodily responses no longer held influence. "May I know your identities and reason for entering?" he inquired courteously, with a sincere smile.
"Ah, I’m—" Just as the woman was about to speak, someone beside her nudged her back.
"Director Mo Luo? Hello, I’m Eric Clompor, an attorney. You can address any questions to me." A tall, handsome man stepped into Mo Luo’s view. His name slightly surprised Mo Luo.
"Eric Clompor? What’s your relationship with the current Godfather?"
With such a question, Eric chuckled helplessly. "I’m sorry, I have no relation to the current Godfather; it’s just my surname."
"Oh, I see!" Mo Luo nodded; he saw no need to doubt this claim now.
"Indeed, sir! Now let me address those two questions you posed." Eric adjusted his glasses. "Firstly, I assert our legal ownership of this land. Secondly, as part of a business inspection project, my client’s presence here raises no issues; one doesn’t need police notification to be on their property."
Mo Luo’s mind faltered; did this man just say landholder? Then was this man Sin City’s owner? "Mr. Eric, are you or your client aware this is Sin City? Dangerous criminals inhabit it."
"That shouldn’t be a concern for you, Director."
An answer that left Mo Luo speechless; he eyed the woman suspiciously. "Just conducting my duties; however, Attorney Eric, have you seen any other people entering or exiting?"
"Sorry, I can’t assist with that; outside of us, no one is here."
"Ah, then that’s all, thank you. But still, stay safe. Michele, let’s go." Mo Luo smiled politely at the woman before heading toward the gap. (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote and support, as your greatest motivation.)
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