Volume 2 [310] Search
Zhao Qiang didn't even consider such a far-fetched idea. He replied directly, "Old Master Yang, I hope you will immediately order the nearby troops to use S Province as the first search line, Dongyang City as the second search line, and Hedian District as the third search line, and strive to find this group of people and rescue Yang Shiqi!"
Yang Zhaoxi seemed very calm: "Hehe, you still care about my grandson so much? Don't you hate her? Now that she's been arrested, you should be happy. No one will bother you anymore, and no one will force you to hand over high-tech products."
Zhao Qiang didn't hide anything: "I hate you, not him! He's not as heartless as you. We're friends. If you won't save him, I'll do it myself!"
After saying that, Zhao Qiang was about to put the phone away. This old man is a fool. It's really Yang Shiqi's tragedy.
Yang Zhaoxi suddenly said, "Wait a minute, I've already notified the nearby garrison to take action. Can't you talk to me first before we get any further information? This is our first conversation, isn't it?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I don't think there's anything to talk about between us. We have different paths, so we can't work together."
Yang Zhaoxi's steady voice suddenly turned amiable: "Shiqi is not an ordinary child. There are some things you may not know even now."
Zhao Qiang thought to himself, "Which of the children of high-ranking officials, the second and third generations of revolutionaries, are ordinary kids? I know that without you even having to tell me."
“She has been an outcast since childhood and has never listened to other people’s opinions. She always does things her own way, and I am very worried that she will continue like this.”
Zhao Qiang said, "This is your educational problem. I just want to know who the hell did this? A master from the South? If it was someone from the South, they should be targeting me, not him!"
Yang Zhaoxi said, "We've been monitoring people from the South, and it's impossible for them to have used such a large force, so we can rule them out. Besides people from the South, no one in the country would dare to target Shiqi, so these people must be from an overseas organization, and the kind that has been lurking in the country for many years. I think they targeted the 168 military factory and must have carefully planned for several months in the Hedian District. Shiqi's visit to you this time just helped them, even at the cost of exposing a large number of members, because they believed that Shiqi had advanced technology. In reality, she took the bullet for you."
Zhao Qiang heard the beep of his watch, knowing that Xiao Wei had used the internet to access satellite imagery of the area from a few minutes ago. He said to Yang Zhaoxi, "Don't worry, I don't care who they are, I will bring Yang Shiqi back! I hope you will protect my family and friends; I don't want any more accidents to happen!"
Yang Zhaoxi said, "Okay, you can keep this phone. I'll contact you as soon as I have any news."
Zhao Qiang opened his laptop. There were several photos on the screen. After zooming in, the figures of the people could be vaguely seen. They should be the two people who carried Yang Shiqi away. Judging from the photos, their landing point was in a grove of trees. There was a forest park nearby with a large daily flow of people, but it was already dusk, so the park must have closed long ago. Therefore, it shouldn't be hard to find.
Major Wang followed Zhao Qiang without saying a word. At this moment, he had to follow Zhao Qiang's orders. Zhao Qiang said to him, "Take Su Xiaosu and Gu Xuemei and find a place to stay first. Hand over the on-site handling here to the local police. I'm going to rescue Yang Shiqi. It's inconvenient for you to come with me."
Major Wang nodded. He knew that his strength was far inferior to Zhao Qiang's. Although they both had equipment, their utilization of the equipment was less than one-tenth of Zhao Qiang's. There was nothing he could do about it. It wasn't that they didn't train hard, but how could an ordinary person's brain compare to a super biochip? They were simply not in the same league.
Su Xiaosu trembled with fright at the sudden turn of events. Zhao Qiang went over and hugged her, saying, "It's all over now. Don't be afraid. I'm here. Everything will be alright. Go with Major Wang and the others in a bit. He will protect you. Go home when it's safe in Hedian District. Then wait for me to come back."
Su Xiaosu nodded, but finally couldn't help asking out of curiosity, "You...you can fly?" She had watched Zhao Qiang move freely up and down the stairs, even leaping more than ten meters into the air and hovering freely in the air. It was like a myth. Her boyfriend had such abilities. Su Xiaosu was amazed and her face was full of happiness. She wished he were Superman so that she wouldn't have to worry about her safety.
"I'll tell you about this later." Zhao Qiang didn't let Su Xiaosu ask any more questions; saving lives was the priority.
After giving a few instructions to the police at the scene, Major Wang was about to leave with Su Xiaosu and Gu Xuemei. As they parted, Gu Xuemei, with tears in her eyes, held onto Zhao Qiang's hand tightly, saying, "Junior brother, I'm sorry for causing you trouble. We...we didn't mean to."
Zhao Qiang chuckled and patted his senior sister's hand, saying, "What are you saying?"
"I... Shiqi and I have caused you trouble. I hope you won't be angry with her anymore. You must rescue her safely."
Zhao Qiang said, "Senior sister, actually it was me who harmed Yang Shiqi. Don't worry, I promise I'll bring him back safely, and we'll never fight again and be good friends. I promise you, okay?"
Gu Xuemei innocently replied, "Yes, I believe you. Let's pinky swear."
Zhao Qiang could only pinky swear with this junior sister. Her fingers were rather short and thin, and she was chubby, just like a little child. After they pinky swore, Gu Xuemei said, "Shiqi has changed a lot for you recently. If she gets angry at you, just bear with her, okay?"
Zhao Qiang nodded: "Okay, if he had stayed in the military camp instead of coming to apologize to me, this wouldn't have happened. I won't blame him if he loses his temper again. Don't worry, you guys go to a safe place with Major Wang. I'm going to rescue him."
Major Wang led the two women away. Zhao Qiang was filled with remorse and self-blame. The attackers had used overwhelming firepower, even sacrificing Su Xiaosu and Gu Xuemei's lives to prevent him from saving Yang Shiqi, demonstrating her importance to them. Although the incident wasn't Zhao Qiang's fault, as he had just said, Yang Shiqi had come to apologize, so Zhao Qiang still bore some responsibility. Moreover, while these people ostensibly targeted the high-tech products in Yang Shiqi's possession, Zhao Qiang was their true objective, though they hadn't realized it yet. Yang Shiqi had truly taken the bullet for him.
The area around the Golden Pavilion had already been sealed off, and those who were killed had been checked one by one. They had no ID cards and no information to prove their names or origins. So many people suddenly appeared in Hedian District, which shows that the security management in Hedian District is not very strong. In fact, which county-level city would monitor so many unfamiliar faces every day? With such developed transportation now, there are people doing business everywhere, and the floating population is huge. It is impossible to manage them all.
Seeing that he couldn't find any clues on the dead body, Zhao Qiang gave up. Finding Yang Shiqi was the most important thing. As for Wang Ergou and Fang Xuehui, Zhao Qiang didn't care. He hid in a secluded place, activated his anti-gravity belt, pushed off with his running shoes, and shot into the air. The monstrous screwdriver transformed into a steel cable, constantly looking for a foothold in the air, leaping and flying towards the forest park. This was China's Spider-Man! However, Zhao Qiang couldn't be proud at the moment. Yang Shiqi's capture was a major blow to him.
It was pitch black all around. Zhao Qiang activated the night vision function of his X-ray glasses. Since the forest park was full of trees, the satellite photos could not monitor the other party's movements any further. Zhao Qiang simply landed at the marked location and carefully searched for clues around him. However, the ground on the mountain road was dry and hard, and Zhao Qiang's nose was not that of a hunting dog. He only found a few steps before the clues disappeared, which made him anxious.
The longer it drags on, the less safe it becomes. Of course, Zhao Qiang doesn't believe that the group will do anything to Yang Shiqi. After all, their real target is the high technology that Yang Shiqi possesses, not his life. So they will only protect Yang Shiqi until they get him to his destination. So where is that destination? It's this forest park that's so close by.
Zhao Qiang stood on a hilltop, carefully observing everything under the cover of night. The mountain wind rustled the pine trees, and even wisps of mist rose from the valley. If the mist continued to rise and enveloped the entire mountain area, it would be impossible to find anyone. It seemed that the other party chose to land here only to evade satellite tracking, and now it seemed that they had succeeded.
Zhao Qiang's X-ray glasses had a limited range; he couldn't see through the entire mountain area. However, using the landing point as the center, he began to search outwards. Finally, in the middle of the night, he found the two abandoned missiles. Zhao Qiang simply scanned the structure of the equipment with his X-ray glasses and then blasted them to pieces with a single shot from his compression gun. Maintaining the advanced nature of his technology was Zhao Qiang's life-saving principle. This kind of thing couldn't be easily known by outsiders. It was best to find and destroy its source as well, and then build his own aircraft based on the characteristics of the scanned device.
Based on the location and landing direction, Zhao Qiang roughly deduced their route, so he continued forward. However, because his search area was much wider and more winding than the other party's route, he didn't find a second clue until dawn. By then, they had long left the forest park and were on a highway leading directly to a neighboring province. Zhao Qiang found one of Yang Shiqi's leather shoes. Because the shoe was very unique, completely resembling a woman's small foot, Zhao Qiang was able to recognize it. He didn't know if Yang Shiqi had already woken up and deliberately left a mark, or if it had fallen off while the other party was carrying him or transporting him with other means.
Zhao Qiang turned on the computer again. This time, there was no one else around, so Xiao Wei was naturally uninhibited. "Brother, according to satellite images from a few hours ago, a convoy stopped here. They traveled along the highway two hours ago, but because this area is a satellite blind spot during that time, we don't know where they are now."
Zhao Qiang called Grandpa Yang. Although it was just dawn, he believed that Grandpa Yang was definitely not resting and would not be worried about his grandson having such a big problem.
"Zhao Qiang? Any leads?" Old Master Yang's tone was much more urgent than last night, as if he was getting anxious because he hadn't made any progress.
Zhao Qiang said, "On the G1x expressway, the section from Hedian District to Y Province, find a convoy. I'll send you a photo. Yang Shiqi should be in that convoy. If you find her, don't alert them. Let me go and rescue her."
Volume 2 [311] Where Did They Go?
Grandpa Yang had no doubt about Zhao Qiang's abilities, because he had tested them with airplanes and cannons, and Zhao Qiang had passed his test. Therefore, he did not pay attention to Zhao Qiang speaking to him in a commanding tone, but immediately notified the nearby troops to monitor the entire G1x Expressway from Hedian to Y Province.
Using the advantages of the anti-gravity device, Zhao Qiang flew rapidly through the air. Every time he flew a certain distance, he had to land and accelerate again. This was because although his body was weightless in a state of weightlessness, air resistance and wind direction would still affect his flight. If the enemy's jet device could be improved, perhaps achieving flight would not be a dream.
It's unclear who designed it, but it's an extremely high-tech product. However, it's absolutely impossible for anyone without special training to operate it. Moreover, that thing consumes a lot of energy. Without the support of a super-powerful battery, it's like a short-lived firecracker. Otherwise, they should have taken Yang Shiqi and flown directly abroad. Low-altitude flight radars like this are very difficult to detect.
Xiao Wei kept comforting Zhao Qiang: "Brother, don't worry. Yang Shiqi is an important person that the other party needs, so she should be safe. We'll probably have to treat her well and make sure she's well-fed and cared for. Otherwise, what's the point of capturing her? We might as well have just shot her dead."
Zhao Qiang said, "I'm not only worried about him, but also about myself. Our development speed is still too slow. Outsiders are already taking notice of us, but our ability to protect ourselves is still insufficient. Am I not strong enough?"
Xiao Wei asked, "Brother, what level of strength do you think we need to be able to protect ourselves? Or what goals should we develop towards?"
Zhao Qiang thought for a moment and said, "Well, I think we must have a considerable number of troops that truly obey our orders, troops that can be summoned and dismissed at will."
Xiao Wei continued her conversation with Zhao Qiang through the digital watch: "This is very difficult." If Zhao Qiang had turned on the screen, he would have seen her touching her head. It was indeed a difficult problem because China's system does not allow the existence of private armies, and even security companies are subject to the supervision of the Public Security Bureau.
Zhao Qiang said, "If we can successfully rescue Yang Shiqi this time, we will help him become a regimental commander or division commander or something like that."
Xiao Wei chuckled: "Does he even need help? His grandfather is so powerful, he could easily push him up with just a word. I guess he doesn't want to do it, which is why he's always wandering around like this."
Zhao Qiang said, "His grandfather's promotion was useless. The key is that he himself has the ability. Otherwise, who will respect him in an army that values strength? If he can't win the respect of his soldiers, we won't be able to use him."
Xiao Wei thought about it and agreed. If the situation of Grandpa Yang sending planes and artillery to fight Zhao Qiang were to happen again, Yang Shiqi would have to have the strength to control her soldiers if she wanted to help. Otherwise, even Major Wang wouldn't listen to him and even helped Grandpa Yang put him under house arrest for a period of time, preventing him from helping at all.
Xiao Wei said, "Okay, we'll only be busy for a few days. As long as we have enough 'G' materials, making some equipment is a piece of cake."
Zhao Qiang said, "But let's wait until we rescue him before discussing this matter. I also need to have a good talk with him. If he doesn't have this intention, I'll give up the idea as soon as possible, so I don't end up pleasing neither side."
Along the way, Zhao Qiang spotted many military vehicles and spoke with Grandpa Yang again. However, the search results were disappointing. They searched more than 200 kilometers into Y Province but couldn't find any trace of the convoy. If that was the case, they must have exited the highway at some exit, otherwise they would have been able to find them.
Zhao Qiang immediately called Grandpa Yang again, "Have you checked the highway exits along the way?"
Grandpa Yang said, "Although there are no specific license plate numbers, the photos have been distributed to the search team. The surveillance footage at every entrance and exit has been carefully reviewed, and there isn't a single vehicle that matches the photo you provided!"
Zhao Qiang was completely baffled; the chip's processing power was overheating. He said, "They're not there in front, we've searched behind, and we haven't found them at the entrances or exits either. Could they have sprouted wings and flown away?"
Grandpa Yang said, "I think we shouldn't just focus on the highway."
Zhao Qiang said, "But I'm sure they definitely got on the highway. It's just that the satellite wasn't flying over that area at the time, which is why I couldn't detect them."
Old Master Yang said, "You bastard, you actually hacked into the satellite system?"
Zhao Qiang said, "There's nothing to be nervous about with civilian-grade photos; otherwise, the photos I sent you would be even clearer."
Grandpa Yang said, "Even if we investigate thoroughly, it won't help. I think we should analyze their route instead of just focusing on the highway. Even if they did get on the highway, do you think they just want to retreat to Y Province? That's our territory too. They can't just do whatever they want openly. They can't hide."
Zhao Qiang sat on a rock by the roadside. He turned on his computer screen and pulled up a map to check. Y Province was just beyond the border, and it wasn't just one country's border; it bordered four countries. Although they weren't any major powers, even the smallest country has the shadow of a major power behind it.
Zhao Qiang said, "You mean their destination isn't Y Province at all, but the border?"
Grandpa Yang said, "That's right. They can't stay in the country with Shiqi. And China has air traffic control. If they travel by air, they are easily attacked by missiles. So, sneaking out of the country by ground is the best option. Given the long border, this route is the most difficult for us to guard, and the success rate is extremely high."
Zhao Qiang quickly began calculating, and the time it took startled him: "If they did indeed have this plan, and successfully disappeared from the highway, then they should be at the edge of the border by now!"
Grandpa Yang said, "Yes, I have notified the border troops to strengthen patrols, but the terrain along these borders is complex, with dense primeval forests and many rivers, making it impossible to defend against them."
Zhao Qiang closed the screen and said, "I'll go after them, but I'm aimlessly chasing them and don't know where to start. I can't just run around the border like that; I'd be exhausted and still not run into them."
Grandpa Yang said, "From the perspective of smugglers, Xiahe Village is the most likely route they have to take. It is the last village on the frontier, where three countries meet. Moreover, beyond here lies dense forest, and the terrain is so complex that it is impossible to send troops to defend it. It has always been a paradise for smugglers and drug traffickers. There is a border post ahead of Xiahe Village, but the troops are limited and cannot do anything. The road to Xiahe Village is long and the mountain road is difficult to travel. Helicopters cannot take off and land there at will, so reinforcements are impossible. More importantly, there is no communication signal there, so contacting the border post is a big problem."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, I'll be there right away." After hanging up the phone, Zhao Qiang said, "Xiao Wei, navigate immediately. We need to get there before them, otherwise it will be difficult to rescue Yang Shiqi in China."
Xiao Wei said, "I've already located them on the map, but brother, are you sure they're really no longer on the highway?"
Zhao Qiang scratched his head, finding it difficult to make a decision. What if this group was still hiding somewhere on the highway, and he gave up the search, allowing them to escape? Zhao Qiang spun around twice, then gritted his teeth and said, "Old Master Yang is, after all, a man of military experience. Since he made this suggestion, I think it's better to accept it. Besides, he didn't mention withdrawing the patrol troops on the highway. Our chances of successfully reaching Xiahe Village are greater than staying here. If the highway discovers any enemy activity, Old Master Yang will handle it."
Xiao Wei said, "Okay, brother, let's go there. This Yang freak is really a handful. Can't he leave some more marks or something?"
Yang Shiqi didn't want to, but the problem was that when she woke up, she was no longer on the highway. As for the shoe, it fell off without her even knowing. At that time, she was busy changing buses and no one noticed. Otherwise, Zhao Qiang would still be wandering around outside Hedian District. How could he know that the group of attackers had led their men through the mountains overnight and then onto the highway?
Even if Zhao Qiang knew that this group had gotten on the highway, it was useless, because they had already gotten off. They drove on the highway for less than an hour before using a large crane to lift the car off the highway in front of a rural culvert. Then they changed the license plate and some external features and continued along the provincial road. They didn't stop to eat lunch, and they worked in shifts. The scenery on both sides of the road became more and more desolate as they drove. Finally, after driving for a day and a night, they abandoned the car and went up the mountain and through the forest. This was extremely tiring for Yang Shiqi. It wasn't that she didn't want to resist, but the problem was that her hands and feet were tied up, and she couldn't even walk. She was carried like a pig in the countryside all the way. It was as miserable as it could be. Yang Shiqi finally experienced what it meant to suffer.
"Put me down! Put me down!" To be fair, these people didn't gag Yang Shiqi, otherwise it would have been even worse. She wouldn't have been able to shout to go to the toilet, and she would have had to urinate in her pants. That would have made Yang Shiqi suffer terribly, and she would have bitten her tongue and committed suicide. A scholar can be killed but not humiliated.
There were eighteen people escorting Yang Shiqi. The leader was a bearded man, and there were two deputies. One had long hair dyed yellow, and the other always had a Hongtashan cigarette in his mouth. The bearded man led the way, and the two deputies brought up the rear. When they heard Yang Shiqi's shouts, the long-haired man caught up from behind and said irritably, "What are you doing now?"
Yang Shiqi said, "If you don't let people release water, it won't do you any good if I suffocate."
In fact, Yang Shiqi had already figured it out. These people had their own agenda in capturing her. Otherwise, how could she have been so 'arrogant' and wouldn't have been shot dead? Because when they abandoned their vehicle in the mountains, they took out a large number of weapons and ammunition, which were not just for show.
These people, relying on their weapons and numbers, made no attempt to avoid encountering mountain people. In their eyes, the border was just around the corner, so what was there to be afraid of? If they were truly afraid, they wouldn't have risked their lives to wreak havoc in S Province, which was far more dangerous than this place. To put it bluntly, those who participated in the battle in the city were all 'heroes,' because by now most of them would either have died in battle or been found in a massive manhunt, awaiting execution.
Volume 2 [312] There's No Escape
Longhair cursed, "You son of a bitch, you're such a lazy bum! Put him down!" So far, this group of people hadn't realized that Yang Shiqi was a woman. If it were that easy to discover, Yang Shiqi would have been recognized by Zhao Qiang long ago. She's been pretending to be a man her whole life, so she has this much experience. Most of the time, she doesn't even consider herself a woman.
"Let go." Yang Shiqi raised the rope in her hand.
Longhair nodded to his two men, who then untied the ropes binding Yang Shiqi's hands. Yang Shiqi bent down to untie the ropes binding her legs, but Longhair poked her in the buttocks with his rifle. "Are you looking for death? Peeing like that! What if you run away after untying the ropes on your feet?"
Yang Shiqi said, "Where can I run to? There's no one around here, and I don't even remember which way is north or south."
Longhair chuckled: "Don't worry, you'll soon be able to enjoy life abroad. You'll just have to suffer a bit these next few days, the roads are tough. But you're still lucky, someone's carrying you. We're exhausted, our butts are soaked in sweat."
Yang Shiqi said, "Why are you talking so much nonsense? Hurry up and untie the ropes on my feet, otherwise I won't be able to pee."
Longhair said, "Those first few pees didn't kill you!"
Yang Shiqi sat down on the ground and said, "If you don't untie me, I won't pee or walk anymore. You can beat me to death."
The bearded man leading the way turned around and shouted, "What's wrong? Hurry up and get going. Don't waste time here. We must reach Xiahe Village tonight, otherwise we won't be able to enter the old forest tomorrow, and we'll miss our contact. I don't want to go to America to make money anymore!"
Longhair said impatiently to Yang Shiqi, "Untie it, untie it, hurry up and pee, don't try anything funny, or I'll shoot you."
Yang Shiqi untied the rope herself; it was tied too tightly and her feet were swollen. What was even more infuriating was that one of her leather shoes had been missing. Normally, a leather shoe wouldn't be a big deal; she could just buy a new one. But it was a running shoe that Zhao Qiang had modified. Outsiders wouldn't notice anything amiss, but it was very useful. If Yang Shiqi was given a chance, she could successfully escape from these people!
Yang Shiqi got up from the ground and turned behind the trees. Changmao fired a shot, the bullet grazing Yang Shiqi's chest: "What are you doing? Come back!" Changmao roared.