Li Chonglou was not interested in these matters; he only wanted to know what difficulties China was currently facing.
Da Bao also provided the answer: a blockade.
Both economically and militarily, the three superpowers had joined forces to suppress China. Regarding Da Bao's mention of the管理局 (Bureau), all of Shangjing's police force was currently engaged in drills and deployments, prepared to respond to a potential world war at any moment.
"No way, it's escalated to the point of world war?"
Ever since nuclear weapons emerged, humanity had subconsciously avoided these words. No matter how strong cultivators were, their battles only caused localized destruction, and it was temporary.
However, once nuclear weapons were used, entire regions would be devastated, taking decades, or even a century, to recover!
"It's not that they actually intend to fight, but if China can't withstand the pressure this time, do you think those profit-driven individuals will remain quiescent?"
Li Chonglou understood; the real concern was for their own people.
Still, Da Bao's point was valid. If China couldn't withstand the external pressure, those opportunists might stab them in the back at any moment.
"Wait, so the bankruptcies of the major families in Shangjing are also due to this?"
Da Bao nodded. "You could say that, but I think the 总局 (General Bureau) is also doing it intentionally."
"Some people want to seize power amidst the chaos, while others will restore order. Ultimately, those at the top decide the situation. Let the people below make a fuss if they want."
"In my opinion, the General Bureau's inaction this time might be intended to initiate a large-scale reshuffling."
Using the enemy's plan against them!
The four words flashed in Li Chonglou's mind.
That's right, a world war was highly unlikely to actually happen, but some people wanted China to decline. The best method was undoubtedly internal strife.
The General Bureau had also realized that the enemy had infiltrated too deeply. By seizing this opportunity, they could expose those who were lying in wait and eradicate them completely!
Moreover, this was an open ploy, with everything laid out in the open.
It all came down to a gamble. Such a prime opportunity presented to the opposition, with just a little push, Shangjing could descend into complete chaos. Who could resist making a move?
Even if they knew it was the superiors' objective, as long as they operated skillfully, they could achieve their own goals during this period. Even if Li Chonglou were the opponent, he would be unable to resist acting!
After Da Bao's explanation, Li Chonglou finally had a general understanding of the current situation in Shangjing. Before this, he only knew that Shangjing was a complex environment, but he had no idea about the specific reasons.
"I see, so these traffickers are also part of the foreign forces' infiltration?"
Da Bao nodded, a hint of hatred in his expression.
Li Chonglou noticed it but didn't ask further. Everyone had their secrets, and he didn't need to know everything about Da Bao. He just needed Da Bao to work for him during this time.
The two fell silent.
When the waiter brought the coffee, he stood a short distance away, chatting with another employee.
"Did you hear? Another child went missing in Xingfu Community yesterday."
"It's all over the group chat. What's happening to this world? Are traffickers really that brazen now? Why can't the Bureau catch a single person? They're so precise when it comes to checking my car's violations!"
"Don't say anymore. I just got two points deducted yesterday. Damn it, I only parked there for a few minutes, and they had already ticketed my license plate. Can't they use this energy to find the missing children?"
From their tone, it was clear they had developed considerable resentment towards Shangjing's police force.
Li Chonglou's heart stirred.
At first, he only thought it was a power struggle among major factions, but he hadn't expected the authorities to be affected. Yet, this could also be an opportunity for him!
"Following Sister Feng, I can only hide in the shadows. If there's a chance to cooperate with the police, my identity could be fully established."
Li Chonglou pondered. While hiding in the shadows made it easier to investigate the information he wanted, it also put him in a very passive position if anything went wrong.
Not to mention, the exposure of his identity was like a sharp knife hanging over his head, ready to fall at any moment.
If that happened, he would truly be powerless.
However, if he had an identity within the official system, he would be able to operate in both legitimate and illegitimate circles, making others hesitant. Moreover, based on Da Bao's description, as long as he didn't attract the attention of cultivators, the matter of his true identity would be relatively safe.
The most important thing was to leverage power.
When borrowing power from the underground forces, if something went wrong, others could easily find his information. But if he borrowed power from the official system, who would dare to openly confront the authorities?
Furthermore, China was his belief. At such a time, being able to contribute to China was something Li Chonglou was genuinely willing to do!
After a long while, Li Chonglou, having made his final decision, suddenly stood up.
"Where are you going?"
Li Chonglou rolled his eyes at Da Bao. "I didn't call you out just to give you the antidote and sit here enjoying yourself. You owe me an explanation for what you mentioned earlier, don't you?"
An explanation? What else needed to be explained? Haven't I already said everything I should have?
Da Bao was baffled. Seeing this, Li Chonglou reminded him, "That pervert you mentioned, you at least need to find him so I can confirm it."
Only then did Da Bao understand Li Chonglou's meaning and couldn't help but feel a little speechless. "You still don't believe me?"
"Are we that familiar?"
Da Bao's single sentence left Li Chonglou speechless.
Although it was the truth, must he say it so heartlessly? I've given you my life, and you still lack this much trust?
While he had his internal complaints, Da Bao wouldn't voice them. After all, they were both adults. From another perspective, he wouldn't rely solely on one person's one-sided account either.
"You want me to invite him out? But I don't have his contact information."
They were from different worlds. No matter how bad things were, Da Bao was still an assassin, one who had a certain reputation internationally, even if it wasn't a good reputation.
Li Chonglou wasn't surprised by this.
"I didn't expect you to be able to summon him. Just take me to where he might be."
Li Chonglou had some experience in the assassin profession and understood their habits to some extent. They would thoroughly investigate any target that could potentially expose them. Once they discovered that a target might reveal their identity, they would casually take on another free job to minimize risk.
As expected, after a moment of愣 (daze), Da Bao nodded directly.
However, on the way, Da Bao still felt confused. "Didn't he already leave Shangjing? Do you think he'll come back?"
"He will definitely come back."
Li Chonglou smiled confidently, which only made Da Bao more puzzled.
However, Li Chonglou didn't offer any further explanation.