chapter 30 Policewoman’s persistence

“We do have a criminal case that requires your assistance in the investigation,” Tyler Luo said. However, Abigail Ning maintained a strictly professional demeanor, her tone revealing nothing of her thoughts. But Tyler Luo asked,"May I know what criminal case this is?” “Sorry, that's classified. I can't disclose it now,” Abigail Ning's voice still sounded a bit cold. Yet, Tyler Luo responded,"Then, I'm sorry, but I believe under the laws of Fenghuang City, citizens have the right to refuse cooperation with unidentified individuals.” “I am a police officer!” Abigail Ning's tone suddenly turned icy. Tyler Luo, unfazed, said,"Please show your police department credentials. Personal assurance is not enough. I assume Officer Ning wouldn't knowingly break the law, right?” A chill crossed Abigail Ning's face,"Whether you leave willingly or not, you’re leaving today!” “Well, I’d like to see how you plan to take me,” Tyler Luo said, still relaxed, as if not taking Abigail Ning seriously. Angered, Abigail Ning returned and immediately checked all nearby surveillance, though she didn’t find the likely member of the mercenary organization Invictus, No. 9. However, she did spot an Audi car parked a few streets away. The surveillance footage showed the driver was the same Tyler Luo she had encountered before! Honestly, ever since Abigail Ning saw him on the bus, she felt he looked familiar. Now, appearing near where the Invictus No. 9 was last seen, she couldn’t help but be suspicious. Knowing his identity, Abigail Ning was well-prepared this time. It might seem like she was alone, but at her command, the area would be swarmed by armed and skilled officers. “So, you’re planning to arrest me?” Abigail Ning narrowed her eyes. Tyler Luo appeared unconcerned,"What law have I broken for you to use the word ‘arrest’ with me?” Their eyes locked, even Elizabeth Zhuang standing nearby could sense the tension. Suddenly, Tyler Luo suggested,"Sister Elizabeth, maybe you should go back to your room?” Abigail Ning didn’t respond. Her focus was on Tyler Luo. She had investigated Elizabeth Zhuang beforehand and knew she had just met Tyler Luo and that her father was a military officer stationed in Fenghuang City – her background seemed clear. The more Tyler Luo insisted, the less Elizabeth Zhuang felt she could leave. It was unclear why he had provoked this policewoman. First, a dinner with Young Master of Luo had brought trouble, and now more complications arose. Realizing the situation might not end well, Elizabeth Zhuang considered contacting her father. “I want to see if your strength matches your temper,” Abigail Ning suddenly acted, using a police grappling technique. Tyler Luo’s eyes flickered, and he instinctively stepped back, stumbling. Surprisingly, he narrowly avoided her. Abigail Ning was surprised too. That move from Tyler Luo seemed unintentional, but it was too coincidental. She steadied herself, ready to act again, but was interrupted by approaching footsteps. The newcomers stopped at the door, except for one who entered. “Director Zhang? Why are you here?” Abigail Ning was astonished to see the head of their police department. Director Zhang nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Tyler Luo before shifting to Elizabeth Zhuang. Elizabeth Zhuang greeted him,"Uncle Zhang.” “Hehe, Elizabeth, this is your home. Sorry for the intrusion,” Director Zhang said, his face showing a hint of familial warmth. Tyler Luo was taken aback. Did they know each other? He was unaware of the old friendship between Elizabeth Zhuang’s father and Director Zhang. Interrupting, Abigail Ning started,"Director Zhang, this man…” But Director Zhang cut her off,"It’s a misunderstanding, Abigail, stand down.” “What?” Abigail Ning couldn’t believe it. “How can that be! We…” “Enough!” Director Zhang interrupted again,"It’s a misunderstanding. Stand down. That’s an order!” Biting back her frustration, Abigail Ning reluctantly left, full of questions. Even if Tyler Luo wasn’t the Invictus member, there must be some connection! Did it have to do with Elizabeth Zhuang? But she hadn’t had time to contact anyone since Abigail Ning entered. Even if she had called, Director Zhang couldn’t have arrived so quickly. Confused, Abigail Ning waited in the police car, eager to understand why the operation was abruptly called off. “Hehe, young man, sorry about this. Our intelligence was flawed,” Director Zhang apologized to Tyler Luo. Elizabeth Zhuang sighed in relief,"I was so scared just now!” “You rarely visit me these days,” Director Zhang chided gently. Elizabeth Zhuang playfully responded,"I’ve been busy with work. I’ll definitely come over to your place soon!” It was clear that Elizabeth Zhuang and Director Zhang had a good relationship, which Tyler Luo noted. After a brief chat, Director Zhang didn’t linger and expressed his apologies to Tyler Luo before leaving. “That really scared me,” Elizabeth Zhuang said, patting her chest. “Haha, but who knew Sister Elizabeth had such a good relationship with the police chief? Now I can strut around Fenghuang City,” Tyler Luo joked, but inside, he was puzzled. This was no mere misunderstanding; they had intentionally tested his identity. He later planned to erase the surveillance footage and cover his tracks. Why did Director Zhang intervene at the last moment? “Interesting times ahead in Fenghuang City,” Tyler Luo mused, unbothered by the challenges. Back in the police car, after waiting for ten minutes, Abigail Ning confronted Director Zhang as soon as he appeared,"Director Zhang…” Director Zhang gestured for her to get in the car,"I know what you want to ask. Get in.” On the drive, Abigail Ning couldn’t hold back,"Director Zhang, even if he’s not from Invictus, he must be connected!” “Do you know who Tyler Luo is?” Director Zhang asked with a wry smile. Abigail Ning blurted out,"Definitely related to Invictus!” “Foolish! He’s Tyler Luo. Do you understand?” “Tyler Luo?” Abigail Ning’s expression changed,"You mean he’s from the Luo family? Impossible, when did they have such a person?” Director Zhang shook his head,"It’s what the Old Master Luo himself told me.” “That’s impossible!” was Abigail Ning's immediate reaction. Director Zhang explained,"The Old Master Luo made it clear: leave him be. Whether he's part of the Luo family or not, it's not our concern. If he is and involved with Invictus, we can't act. If he's not, we can't offend the Luo family. Understand?” “I understand,” Abigail Ning replied, though internally she was far from giving up. If she proved Tyler Luo was Invictus No. 9, she'd pursue him relentlessly. Meanwhile, Tyler Luo lounged on the sofa,"All this fuss for a sudden work call.” Just as Elizabeth Zhuang left after receiving a call, Tyler Luo was left to clean up. He tidied up, took a bath, changed into casual clothes, and turned off the lights. Unseen, he climbed down from the balcony. Descending skillfully, he arrived outside the complex in ten minutes, evading the security cameras. “Looks like I need some reinforcements in Fenghuang City. It's tough going alone,” Tyler Luo thought, crossing several streets to board a bus. It was 9 PM, but city life was just beginning. Dressed in unfamiliar clothes and altering his facial muscles, Tyler Luo looked different. His destination was Fenghuang City’s famous nightlife haven, also known as the Bar Street.