If we don't stop it, the next second could be a tragedy that takes two lives.
We must interrupt him immediately! Buy some time!
Xia Zhining's mind raced, and she gleaned a few key words from Zhang Yucheng's distorted words.
Fame, fortune, profit, and art collections.
A person who desperately craves recognition, uses money to build a false sense of status, and is even willing to commit crimes for it...
"Zhang Yucheng is an art collector, right?"
Xia Zhining spoke as fast as a bullet, "Immediately check all the artworks and antiques he has registered or publicly disclosed under his name!"
"Immediately contact our people or a reliable intermediary, and call him as quickly as possible. Tell him that a mysterious buyer has taken a liking to his collection and is willing to pay a high price, and that you want to talk to him right away!"
The head of the Zhoucheng police force's eyes lit up: "A feint to the east while attacking the west, to distract him! A brilliant idea!"
"Hurry! Get it done right now! Make the most of every second!"
The instructions were transmitted rapidly through the encrypted channel.
On the screen, Zhang Yucheng's patience had clearly reached its limit.
His facial muscles twitched, his eyes filled with murderous intent, and his finger slowly pulled the trigger of the crossbow.
The arrow tip remained fixed on Mo Xiaohua's violently heaving neck.
In that critical moment—
Zhang Yucheng's phone, which was on the coffee table, suddenly started buzzing and vibrating, and the screen lit up with a glaring light.
He frowned and glanced at it impatiently. It was an unfamiliar number.
This sudden interruption caused his taut killing intent to loosen slightly.
Zhang Yucheng gave Mo Xiaohua a sinister look, gestured with his crossbow to make her "behave," and reached for the constantly vibrating phone with his other hand.
Slide to answer.
"Mr. Zhang? I apologize for bothering you."
"We heard that you have some nice collectibles. Our boss is very interested and is willing to pay three times the market price in cash."
"Would you be available now to discuss this in more detail?"
Upon hearing that a big business opportunity had arrived, Zhang Yucheng's expression immediately changed: "Convenient, of course convenient."
On the Zhoucheng police side, the officer posing as a collector's assistant spoke with just the right amount of urgency and sincerity: "Mr. Zhang, our boss is flying abroad tomorrow, and time is very tight. Would it be convenient for us to meet now to discuss this in detail?"
Xia Zhining held her breath, listening intently to the conversation coming from the monitor.
The police's aim was to lure Zhang Yucheng out, using a diversionary tactic to facilitate the rescue of the victims.
But it's uncertain whether Zhang Yucheng will agree easily.
Sure enough, Zhang Yucheng's voice was filled with suspicion and suppressed impatience: "Does it have to be today? It's the Lunar New Year, and I have things to do here. Are you really serious about buying?"
"Could they be playing a trick on me?"
Extremely cunning and cautious.
Xia Zhining's heart sank.
The Zhoucheng police responded extremely quickly. On the other end of the phone, the "collector" immediately adjusted his strategy.
His tone softened, but revealed a deeper interest: "I understand, I understand. It is indeed presumptuous of me to disturb you at such a time as New Year's Eve."
"Well then, since it's inconvenient for us to meet today, could you please introduce your collection to me first?"
“I am very curious about the stories and value behind them. If they are indeed as good as rumored, we can finalize the intention first, and discuss the specific details of the transaction after the new year.”
The suggestion sounded reasonable, satisfying the other party's desire to show off and boast, while temporarily bypassing the obstacle of having to go out.
Zhang Yucheng glanced at Mo Xiaohua and the woman on the ground, remained silent for a few seconds, seemingly considering how to arrange things.
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