Chapter 60: Terrifying Sense of Smell, Assessment Terminated

“Qi Tian, did you call me just to ask about Li Hongfu? Don’t worry, all personnel related to Hongfu Pawnshop have been fully detained. The SWAT team was deployed immediately, and he has confessed without evasion to selling counterfeit goods and maliciously disrupting the market order!”

Cycling around a corner, Qi Tian did not continue southward but instead dialed Leng Qiangguo. This was the only phone stored in the communication equipment provided for this assessment. At this moment, Qi Tian had no choice but to rely on him to help resolve the doubts in his heart.

“Secretary Leng, I have other matters to report.”

Taking a deep breath, Qi Tian recounted in detail how Ouyang Nuanyu had narrowly escaped a car accident just moments ago.

“A van reeking of machine oil recklessly barreled through the morning rush hour, almost costing Ouyang her life right outside the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau? Could it be... you suspect this van is a retaliatory act by the spy organization against you?”

Leng Qiangguo’s tone on the other end grew serious.

Qi Tian glanced toward the direction the van had disappeared and replied, “I don’t think so. Our investigation of the spy leader has been conducted in secret, and we haven’t had direct contact yet. She couldn’t have uncovered our identities. As for that van… I think I detected a hint of firearm maintenance oil mixed in with the machine oil smell!”

“Firearm maintenance oil?!”

At this, Leng Qiangguo finally understood why Qi Tian had called. This type of oil is specially used for maintaining precision equipment, with firearms being a primary application. It’s expensive and has very limited sales channels. For ordinary civilians, obtaining such oil is extremely difficult. In other words, this van, already involved in illegal activities, might be linked to other criminal operations.

“I understand your point. The van traveled south from the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau along Renmin Road. I’ll have the SWAT team investigate nearby surveillance footage immediately to trace its path! As for you... Qi Tian, you’re already partnered with Ouyang Nuanyu. You’re at the final stage of the spy leader investigation. One more step, and you might enter the reconnaissance company as a member. If you switch now to a new mission, your assessment will likely fail. Have you really thought this through? Opportunities to join the reconnaissance company don’t come every year!”

Leng Qiangguo’s tone grew even more serious. Qi Tian, however, had already made up his mind. He answered with a double meaning, “Of course! I’ve decided to pursue the van. I’ve also assigned Ouyang Nuanyu to investigate the last two possible hideouts of Luo Mei.

I’ve considered that Luo Mei might like bathing centers. If she’s caught there, it would complicate things. Assigning the spy leader’s capture to Ouyang Nuanyu is the most reasonable division of labor. Entering the reconnaissance company is important, but I deeply understand that my goal is to better protect the people of our country.

There’s likely going to be a shooting incident in Jiangnan City, and the culprit passed right in front of me. If I turn a blind eye, even if I join the reconnaissance company, my conscience won’t be at peace.

Secretary Leng, let me investigate that van. I’m confident I didn’t misidentify the smell. That vehicle definitely has serious issues!”

Qi Tian’s words were not only a response to Leng Qiangguo but also a declaration to himself. As he had said, his constant growth was for the purpose of defending his country and fulfilling the soldier’s true value. Now, to protect the civilians, Qi Tian was forced to suspend the reconnaissance company assessment and abandon the task given by the strongest soldier system, which aligned perfectly with his principles.

What he lost was merely a higher platform and a reward. Though the reward was important, compared to the lives of the people, it was insignificant. If Qi Tian chose to ignore the van’s abnormality and pursued the selection for prestige and reward, he would be betraying his true self and inverting priorities.

“You’ve truly put the safety of the people’s lives and property first. Good kid, you’re exactly the soldier I value! Wait a moment, I’ll have someone check the surveillance now. Stay put and await further orders!”

As Leng Qiangguo finished speaking, rapid keyboard typing sounded from the other end.

After a short while, Leng Qiangguo’s tone turned grave as he ordered, “Qi Tian, I’ve confirmed the van’s route. It traveled south from the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau along Renmin Road, passing Fenghua Road and Xinjian Road, finally entering Songshan Road.

Strangely, the surveillance system did not capture any footage of the van leaving Songshan Road or turning onto other routes. Moreover, all surveillance cameras along Songshan Road were suddenly damaged last night. Such abnormal events always signal trouble. This lead you provided must be taken seriously.

Go to Songshan Road immediately to investigate. The SWAT team is already en route, but since it’s rush hour, it might take some time before they can meet you.

Your task is to observe the perimeter and confirm the situation. If things go south, remember to act cautiously and prioritize your safety!”

“Understood! I’ll report immediately if anything unusual occurs!”

Qi Tian acknowledged and pedaled hard southward toward Songshan Road.

Meanwhile, at the SWAT team’s information monitoring center, Jiangnan City SWAT Captain Yu Congrong was coordinating with Leng Qiangguo and Nie Feihong to dispatch personnel promptly near Songshan Road.

Nearby traffic police were fully mobilized to minimize the impact of rush hour on the SWAT convoy.

“Commander, Old Nie, to be honest, Qi Tian is really impressive. I quite like him!”

After arranging for the traffic police to assist, Yu Congrong looked at Leng Qiangguo and Nie Feihong, offering them two cigarettes.

“He hasn’t been swayed by right or wrong and is willing to reasonably yield the assessment opportunity to his teammate.

If your elite reconnaissance company is full, can you send this promising recruit to me? I promise to provide him with the best training!”

“Old Yu, why do you always want to get involved in everything?” Nie Feihong immediately stubbed out his cigarette and glared at him in irritation.

“My amphibious elite troops will serve with me even if they fail the assessment.

Besides, frontline reconnaissance companies suffer high casualties every year—who knows if reinforcements will be needed next year.

Qi Tian definitely won’t make it this year, but if there’s a chance next year, he’ll be the undisputed candidate.

If you want me to hand over such a good prospect to you, I think you’re really overstepping your bounds!”

“Commander, look at how Old Nie treats us SWAT. When he needs us, he’s friendly and kind. But now that I’m asking for help, he’s ignoring me. If it weren’t for Commander Leng here, I’d have to spar with Old Nie myself!”

“Bring it on! I’m not afraid of you. Once Qi Tian confirms the situation on Songshan Road, we’ll head out and stretch our legs outside!”

“Enough!”

Seeing these two lifelong rivals about to brawl again, Leng Qiangguo interrupted sharply, scolding:

“The situation on Songshan Road is still uncertain, and you two are already fighting over who gets this promising recruit!

I will decide Qi Tian’s future development. Neither of you has the right to interfere.

Old Yu, call the traffic police and have them clear a route immediately so the SWAT team can support Qi Tian at once.

If there really is an armed, numerous group, Qi Tian alone would be defenseless.

You can all see that this kid dares to risk anything to protect the people. We cannot stand by and watch something happen to him!”