Gao Jian, forty-two years old this year, is the biological younger brother of the God of Gamblers, Gao Yao, and the number two figure in the Gao family.
As Gao Yao's most capable assistant and closest brother, Gao Jian single-handedly controls two of the family's gambling ships, as well as the security operations of the Gao family.
Su Ning Shuang rapidly perused Gao Jian's profile in her office at the Serious Crimes Unit.
Just behind her, on a whiteboard, Gao Jian's photograph had already been pinned up, second in line right below their boss, Gao Yao.
Liang Han Xing propped his chin on his hand and asked, "Junior Sister, can you tell me where you got this information? Is there truly evidence to prove that Gao Jian ordered this attack?"
Su Ning Shuang immediately opened her phone and played the assassin's recording.
Liang Han Xing raised an eyebrow, "Where did this recording come from?"
"Someone just sent it to me."
Hearing her say that, Liang Han Xing was a little surprised, "Not bad, Junior Sister. You've only been in Hong Kong for a few days, and you already have your own informant."
"You jest, Senior Brother. It was an anonymous message; I'm baffled myself."
Liang Han Xing was even more shocked. He downloaded the audio and immediately instructed the technical department to investigate it.
"The recording is confirmed to be authentic, and we've identified the voice. This individual is a professional assassin, belonging to a Southeast Asian assassin syndicate. Currently, the body has been discovered in Victoria Harbour."
Su Ning Shuang clenched her fist, "We must immediately trace the origin of this anonymous informant. On the other hand, we take the evidence to the Gao family, at least detain Gao Jian, and lure the snake out of its hole."
Liang Han Xing, however, remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.
The anonymous message was sent to the technical department, and this time a mainland Chinese number was traced.
Then, something unexpected happened to both Su Ning Shuang and Liang Han Xing.
"Apologies, this number is confidential!"
"Why?" Liang Han Xing frowned. "Can't the technical department trace its background?"
"Reporting, Officer, it's because this number has an extremely high security clearance, which we do not have access to."
"What level?" Su Ning Shuang asked anxiously. "It's no use; I'll contact the bureau chief in Jiangcheng."
"It's futile..." Liang Han Xing glanced at the file and gasped, "Highest security level! A top-level official's clearance."
The two exchanged glances, both looking bewildered.
"Then let's go to the Gao family first!" Su Ning Shuang decided decisively. "We can't let Gao Jian escape."
Liang Han Xing fell silent again.
"Senior Brother, what is wrong with you?" Su Ning Shuang asked, displeased.
Just then, the office door swung open, and a middle-aged man appeared with his subordinates.
Liang Han Xing immediately stood at attention and saluted, "Officer Chen!"
Senior Superintendent Chen Yong Xing, the third-highest-ranking officer in the Hong Kong Police Department!
Officer Chen swept his gaze around, his expression unfriendly as he looked at Su Ning Shuang, "Because of you, my subordinate almost died in the street!"
Liang Han Xing's expression changed, "Officer Chen, you can't say that."
"Silence! It has been confirmed that those assassins were targeting Su Ning Shuang! They are her enemies, and this woman has brought her enemies to our Hong Kong." Officer Chen spoke with his hands behind his back. "You know, I was vehemently against cooperating with the Jiangcheng Police Department. We don't need anyone to solve our cases!"
Su Ning Shuang stifled her anger, "Officer Chen, I have obtained crucial evidence now..."
Before she could finish, Officer Chen sneered, "A recording? That kind of recording is too easy to forge. I can produce hundreds of pieces of evidence for you at will."
Su Ning Shuang retorted, "But..."
"There's no 'but.' The recording has been deleted; it's invalid evidence. Also, Su Ning Shuang, you need to behave yourself in Hong Kong. I will contact your superior and arrange for your prompt departure. This is not a place for you to operate."
Su Ning Shuang stepped forward coldly, "Clarify yourself. I represent the Jiangcheng Police Department and have independent authority. You cannot order me around."
Officer Chen began to put his hands on his hips, his expression utterly disdainful, "I warn you, this is Hong Kong. You can investigate, but we will not provide you with any assistance. If you dare to speak to me like that again, it's insubordination. I will report you to your superior."
Everyone in the Hong Kong Police Department was watching, but their eyes all held a hostile glint.
Aside from Liang Han Xing, Su Ning Shuang was completely isolated.
She took a deep breath, "Fine, I'll leave now. But I won't leave Hong Kong. I will handle this case myself!"
With that, she turned and walked away.
Along the way, those police officers were chuckling, with a hint of contempt.
They had long felt that this girl was too beautiful, like a celebrity, and certainly not like a police officer.
Su Ning Shuang's nose stung. This feeling of being wronged, helpless, and lonely was something she had never imagined.
Far from home, with no friends or family, and being looked down upon.
She stumbled out of the Hong Kong Headquarters building. The city lights blazed around her, yet she felt increasingly cold and indifferent.
Su Ning Shuang rubbed her eyes and clenched her small fists, encouraging herself.
But what should she do next?
She didn't even know the location of the Gao Yao family.
As she stood there, lost and helpless, a hoarse yet gentle voice spoke, "Don't worry, I will help you."
Su Ning Shuang turned around in shock and saw the masked figure standing under the streetlamp. Sū Dān Xiǎo Shuō Wǎng
A black trench coat, a black mask, like a phantom in the dim light.
Su Ning Shuang reached for her waist, "You!"
"I was the one who sent you the recording, and I also happened to be monitoring your phone. I know about what happened to you at the police station," the masked man said slowly.
"Who are you?!" Su Ning Shuang didn't back down, "I will not cooperate with a criminal."
The masked man paused, then slowly walked forward, "Your brother-in-law sent me. Is that enough?"