Chapter 7

The Phantom Flyer sounded an alarm, but this did not deter the woman outside the car; instead, it made her even more aggressive, delivering several heavy kicks in succession:

"What the hell do you mean by leaving me behind?"

Ronan glanced outside, his eyebrows arching.

He saw a snow-white thigh raised and the hem of a nearly torn tight skirt. His gaze moved upward, scanning the woman's face. After a moment of recollection, he recognized her.

It was "Long Legs"... Well, this woman's name was Lian Yu, and she had also participated in the club promotion event on the 24th, representing the school's student council.

In the early hours of the morning, it was she who had been embraced by Xie Junping, almost dragged into the car. However, when compared to Xie Junping's political life, she was discarded like a used rag.

Ronan was not a moral judge and didn't bother to make any judgments. He didn't want to get entangled with her and simply lowered the window, responding briefly:

"Xie Senior is not here. Is there anything you need, Lian Senior?"

Lian Yu stared at the empty driver's seat, then was startled by the call of "Lian Senior." Her still somewhat dazed eyes scanned Ronan's face twice before she suddenly moved away from the window.

A few seconds later, Ronan's window was forcefully knocked on.

Ronan shook his head and lowered the window. To his surprise, two hands with long nails reached in, grabbing his collar and trying to drag him out of the car:

"Thief, catch the thief!" Lian Yu's shrill voice echoed down the road.

The surrounding car owners, who had already been gossiping about the "long-legged beauty angrily kicking the luxury car," now saw an opportunity to join the commotion. Their hearts were racing, and they were eager to get involved.

However, more direct than them were a group of young people who were still somewhat drunk. They ignored the police's warning and rushed from the line of luxury cars, swarming over to the scene. Lian Yu had also come from that direction, likely having just finished a night of revelry at a club and been stuck in traffic on the way back.

Seeing this unruly group of young people take the lead, the surrounding car owners were hesitant to get closer.

What kind of people were these?

Amidst the sharp laughter, the young people first crowded around the car window, but finding the narrow space too crowded, they began to punch and kick the five-billion-yuan car, trying to leave marks or damage on it, completely ignoring the sharp alarm.

Some even used the car's hood as a drum, creating a chaotic rhythm reminiscent of a nightclub.

"Rabble, rabble, catch the thief!"

"Xie's magic is good, turning a pretty boy to scare me!"

"Lian Yu steals people, not cars; Xie loses both car and people!"

"Look, look, see if there's anything in the trunk..."

In the chaos, someone really tried to open the trunk, but it wouldn't budge. Instead, they were kicked in the buttocks by a companion and rolled under the car.

The chaotic and frenzied scene left the surrounding car owners in shock.

Inside the car, Ronan, caught off guard by Lian Yu's sudden grab, reacted quickly. As he pulled himself up from the seat, he caught Lian Yu's wrist, immediately neutralizing her strength.

Lian Yu, in pain, lost her balance and fell into the car, their faces suddenly very close.

At that moment, Lian Yu was still wearing heavy nightclub makeup, making her features even more striking and alluring.

However, Ronan's gaze, through the high-light powder, blush, and false eyelashes, saw the woman's swollen contours and the dense, abnormal blood vessels under her eyes. Combined with the physical reactions he felt under his fingertips, he could confirm:

Lian Yu, along with her frenzied companions, was not only still drunk but had also taken drugs during their revelry.

In the circle of rich kids, this was not unusual, but they hadn't considered the trouble their reckless behavior in public could cause, especially with an experienced police officer nearby!

Forget it... Expecting these people to think was too much.

Ronan did not want to be implicated by these fools. He pushed Lian Yu away, but before he could decide what to do next, the middle-aged police officer, who had been talking on the phone, walked back, his gaze becoming even more wary, and his hand resting on his weapon's trigger.

At the same time, the car's AI brain issued a new warning, different from the previous one: "Caution, multiple scanning methods detected, privacy exposure risk, recommend activation..."

Before the warning could finish, a buzzing sound rang out, and dozens of small police drones flew over the congested traffic, weaving through the area. A cold mechanical voice echoed down:

"All non-police personnel on the road, immediately put your hands on your head and lie down. You have violated Article 16, Section 5 of the Emergency Public Security Law and must be inspected; repeat..."

The young people, staring at the bat-like drones in the sky, quickly lost their enthusiasm.

However, not everyone could maintain basic composure. One "hero" raised his middle finger at the "swarm" in the sky:

"Police dogs, scram!"

His response was a burst of electric sparks.

The "hero" didn't even have time to groan before his face hit the ground with a thud that made everyone shudder.

The area around the Phantom Flyer immediately cleared. Anyone with a brain immediately lay down, and even those who were dazed were dragged down by their companions.

There was no point in arguing with the police drones, right?

Public opinion on the use of intelligent police equipment has always been mixed, with concerns about their lack of restraint and potential for accidents. However, in the face of chaos, the most efficient method is still "drone sweep," which minimizes human factors and provides a clear resolution for all parties involved.

These "well-trained" rich kids were well aware that their privileges only worked against "real people." A wise man doesn't seek trouble, and the worst that could happen was a trip to the station. Why else would they have lawyers?

Outside the car, Lian Yu also lay on the ground, and Ronan was finally left in peace, though this "peace" was not what he wanted.

The middle-aged police officer approached the car again. The young people on the ground were well-behaved, carefully moving to avoid being stepped on by the heavy exoskeletons.

However, some of them remembered the police officer's face, vowing to get back at him later.

The middle-aged police officer ignored their thoughts, standing by the window and staring at Ronan while scanning the car's interior.

The car's AI brain continued to issue "privacy exposure" warnings, and Ronan, finding it annoying, simply turned it off. He knew that the "multiple scanning methods" were likely initiated by the police officer.

Ronan, feeling calm, asked, "Officer, is there anything?"

Since Ronan was cooperative, the middle-aged police officer followed protocol, saluting and showing his badge. His name was Xue Weilun, and he was already in his fifties, though he didn't look it.

So far, their interaction had been quite peaceful. However, this changed when Xue asked Ronan to open the trunk.

In the trunk, Xue picked up a semi-transparent box and, without further words, began to open it. His armored fingers, surprisingly agile, quickly revealed the sealed vials inside.

He unscrewed one of the vials, took out a capsule, and gently crushed it, revealing white powder.

Xue's belt-mounted scanner flashed red, and he turned to stare at Ronan, his expression unfriendly.

Ronan's eyes twitched. His years of experimental experience made him particularly sensitive to certain drugs, and he instantly realized the trouble he was in:

Xie Junping, you troublemaker!

Then, a ridiculous thought popped into his head: Maybe, he could use Xie Junping as a source in the future?

Xie Junping sneezed again, his nose red.

He knew this was the result of many people's resentment. Colds and headaches were his own doing.

After barely settling things with Mangzhong, the incident in Xiaocheng almost scared him out of his wits: There was still a can of "True Life" in the car, and he had forgotten about it.

The one who informed Xie Junping of this was Miss Zhang Yingying from the Azure Blue Agency.

Now, there was no need to be secretive; they could communicate directly via virtual communication. With AR technology, it felt as if they were face-to-face in a meeting room.

Xie Junping had always secretly called Zhang Yingying a "switchboard operator," as her job at the Azure Blue Agency involved handling calls and requests. However, he had to admit that this "sharp-tongued switchboard operator" was indeed a very attractive woman.

Zhang Yingying looked about eighteen or nineteen, with short, casual hair, clear and bold features, and a somewhat boyish look, but her figure was anything but boyish.

It was already autumn, and she wore a sleeveless, strapless top, exposing her snow-white shoulders and neck. The thin straps crossed above her ample chest, drawing the attention of all the men.

Below the waist, she wore a denim mini skirt with multiple belt loops, giving her a cool and edgy look.

At that moment, her long, white legs were propped up on the desk, and her Roman-style flat sandals swung back and forth, very relaxed. The skirt had slipped down to her thighs, but the angle prevented any inappropriate views.

Xie Junping had no thoughts of taking advantage of the situation. He paced back and forth in the room, anxious and restless.

Everyone knew that "low-addictive psychoactive drugs" were rampant globally, and it was almost unimaginable for them not to appear at private parties in rich circles. However, public opinion didn't care; if you were stupid enough to be caught, you would be condemned without a chance to explain.

In a sense, this was even more serious than his sneaking off to the party. Adding the trouble caused by his "friends," the consequences were far more complex than a simple "1+1."

"Lian Yu, you bitch; Li Xuecheng, I'll remember you; Liu Tao, you bastard..."

Xie Junping felt like a trapped animal, making mournful sounds in an invisible iron cage. Of course, he was more anxious to know the situation in Xiaocheng... Had he been implicated?

"What do you need your lawyers for? Let them handle it!"

Zhang Yingying had a look of disdain, as if trying to distance herself from the troublemaker.

Xie Junping, knowing the situation, could only force a smile:

"In these critical times, it's better to rely on experts like you. Of course, the payment will be generous."

Zhang Yingying spread her hands: "So, what do you want me to do? Raid a military transport ship?"

"Military transport ship? Why military?"

Xie Junping's voice changed.

Zhang Yingying held up three fingers: "Government, military, and Quantum Corporation. This research base, at least nominally, is a joint project of the three. Now, a nuclear bomb has been detonated..."

"Nuclear bomb!" Xie Junping's face turned pale.

"Don't misunderstand, it's just a metaphor, but it's close enough. No one can accept this outcome. But what happened? Natural disaster? Terrorist attack?"

Zhang Yingying's foot swung back and forth, very relaxed: "Now, everyone wants an explanation, especially the government and the military, who have been enjoying the benefits from Quantum Corporation. Now that something has happened, they realize they know nothing about the lab. Who knows if it was an accident or a cover-up? Without deeper involvement, how can they explain it to their superiors?"

Xie Junping still couldn't understand: "But it's not necessary to send them to a military ship, right?"

"That's because you don't know the severity of the situation."

Zhang Yingying's words made Xie Junping's heart sink. She then spread her fingers: "This information is worth this much."

Xie Junping's face changed: "You're extorting me!"

Zhang Yingying laughed: "This is a discount because of our long-term cooperation. Otherwise, outside, I would..."

She flipped her white hand, looking very sincere.

"I... I agree!"

Xie Junping's face was ashen, but he swallowed his pride. If he was going to spend money, he might as well go all the way; half-hearted efforts were the most foolish way to die.

Zhang Yingying blew him a kiss: "Don't worry, it's worth it. Any information related to the 'Burners' is worth this much!"

"Burners?"

"Yes, from reliable sources, this is a high-end lab specializing in 'burning' mechanism research, with a focus on neuroanatomy..."

"Human? Live subjects?" No wonder Xie Junping was thinking wildly. The information about Luo Yuan had left a deep impression, leading to these associations.

Zhang Yingying didn't have a definitive answer: "The project proposal lists the subjects as 'mutants,' but who knows what else?"

After a pause, she continued: "But that's irrelevant now. The key is that the lab was conducting a large-scale experiment this morning when the power system was forcibly shut down, causing the experimental subjects to go out of control, resulting in a major accident with many casualties. The suspect took the opportunity to steal an important experimental prototype..."

Xie Junping blurted out: "Deep Blue Walker?"

Zhang Yingying rolled her eyes: "How could it be! It's said to be a new product developed by Quantum Corporation, in the form of a drug. The surrounding area is under lockdown and search. If there's no result, the entire Xiaocheng will be in chaos."

"Oh, wait... What does this have to do with them being taken to the transport ship?"

Zhang Yingying responded casually: "The suspect is still at large, and anyone causing trouble will not be spared. Besides, those troublemakers are all in the way. Who has the time to sort them out one by one? It's easier to arrest them under the military's name and deal with them later, saving the trouble of formal procedures."

"I see... Damn!" Xie Junping suddenly realized he was destined to be a scapegoat!

Zhang Yingying had gone through a long explanation, essentially saying that Ronan and the others were just caught in the crossfire of the government and military's overreaction, and the situation was not as serious as he thought!

Was the information worth five figures just for this?

Xie Junping wanted to slam the table but remembered it was a virtual meeting room. His face was still very grim.

Zhang Yingying, knowing his thoughts, shook her head and sighed: "You're beyond help. Your father would be grateful in this situation. The key is the drug, the drug! Do I need to spell it out for you?"