Chapter 678 - A Little Too Late
Chapter 678: A Little Too Late
At the same time, Xu Zhenyu was on the way to the remote mountain area in the West Region with his army of elites and rescue team. Along the way, he analyzed the map and deduced that there were a few possible hiding spots for the abductors. He then made further arrangements.
When they arrived at the remote mountains, they received some news from the Wen Family home and found that the abductors had already greedily asked for a ransom of 100 million US dollars. However, the Wen Family knew that they were ruthless terrorists and hence, dared not delay in accepting the demand. They were afraid of provoking the abductors and causing them to kill Wen Xinya.
The abductors were extremely careful and kept phone calls to a duration of below a minute each. It was difficult to obtain a reception signal.
However, the abductors did not expect that the military would begin the hostage rescue so soon and deploy all the necessary manpower and equipment. Even the police’s devices could not compare to the cutting-edge technology that the military possessed.
Hence, the rescue team soon obtained the signal from the abductors’ mobile phone and traced their exact location using the satellite system.
Xu Zhenyu immediately checked the map for their exact geographical location as well as the information of the environment within the vicinity before heading to the bomb shelter.
The man raised his head and said, “Major, the results of the interrogation and lie detector test are out. The woman’s previous statement was true.”
He could not understand why Xu Zhenyu was so certain that Ning Yuya had something to do with the abduction, so much that he decided to use advanced technological gadgets to interrogate her.
Xu Zhenyu was still analyzing the map while discussing their strategy with the other soldiers. “Let’s just control them first and release them after we rescue the hostage.”
He frowned, clueless as to what went wrong. He had a strong hunch that Ning Yuya asking to meet Wen Xinya at the bar definitely had something to do with the kidnapping incident.
Xu Zhenyu asked, “Have you checked Ning Yuya’s call history?”
“We’ve already checked it. There are no calls from strangers, and we didn’t find anything unusual either.”
Xu Zhenyu nodded with a frown.
Soon, they arrived at the destination and Xu Zhenyu led the rescue team to the cave opening.
Xu Zhenyu’s heart pounded rapidly.
Wen Xinya, I’m here to save you!
Don’t worry, I’ll do everything I can to save you.
Xu Zhenyu reconnoitered around the cave, only to realize that there was no sound at all.
Xu Zhenyu seemed to have realized something. In the pitch darkness, he turned as pale as a sheet and his hand began to tremble while holding onto the gun. As a brilliant soldier, he ought not to make the mistake of holding a gun with wobbly hands. Not only would it cause fatal errors, but it would also pose a threat to the person holding the gun as well as his comrades, thus resulting in mission failure.
Xu Zhenyu made a hand gesture.
Everyone then dashed into the cave.
Xu Zhenyu almost couldn’t believe his eyes at the instant that he saw the empty cave. He felt that the ray of light was so glaring that he felt blinded.
He subconsciously rubbed his eyes before darting his eyes around the cave. His heart began to sink and his mind went blank. The pain and agony in his heart made him feel an urge to cry.
He was a little too late.
It was the same as when Wen Xinya was abducted two years ago.
“Major, there’s no one inside.”
Xu Zhenyu slapped the soldier on his head and said, “I have eyes to see for myself.”
The soldier shuddered in pain, not sure how he had even offended Xu Zhenyu. He thought to himself, I’m just going by the book and reporting to you! I didn’t do anything wrong.
Xu Zhenyu immediately ordered: “Contact the Wen Family now and find out about the latest news.”
Soon, there were updates. “Major, the Wen Family has already begun raising funds for the ransom. They’re planning to pay the ransom to the abductors before daybreak.”
Xu Zhenyu’s heart began to sink. Although the ransom had yet to be paid, the abductors had already brought Wen Xinya away. The only possibility for their decision was that an unexpected situation cropped up at the last minute. Not only was Wen Xinya’s life in danger, but there was also a great hindrance to their rescue.
They had again lost the lead to Wen Xinya’s whereabouts.
Xu Zhenyu said, “Do a ground check and find out if there are any more leads!”
“Major, we found out that there were other people here twenty minutes ago. Those people have undergone professional training and they’re comparable to special ops soldiers. They also have a ton of manpower, and I’m guessing… there’s another party involved in the rescue.”
A sullen expression formed on Xu Zhenyu’s face as he thought about the time when Wen Xinya was abducted by Fu Tianyang two years ago, during which a mysterious power rescued Wen Xinya as well. The mysterious man claimed to be Old Mr. Mo’s student.
Could it be him again?
His heart sank deeper at this thought. Even after two years, he still did not manage to take action before that man did.
Xu Zhenyu immediately said, “Team No. 1, split up and conduct searches in the vicinity. Those abductors should still be nearby. It’s definitely been less than twenty minutes since they left.”
“Understood!”
Xu Zhenyu continued, “Report the situation to the higher-ups and request for them to cooperate with us for the screening of suspicious persons.”
“Understood!”
“Two of you, set off immediately and find out more from the villagers nearby. Report to me at once.”
“Understood!”
“Get the intelligence agency to assist us in investigations. Find out if the hostage has been moved because the abductors were alarmed.
“Pay attention to the Wen Family in secret. Get them to stall as much time as they can. Ensure the safety of the hostage.
“Bring me the map and inform the ones waiting in the car to connect to the satellite system. I must be in control of all the details.”
After giving out orders, Xu Zhenyu seemed to have been drained out of his energy. The nights were cold in March. However, his singlet was already drenched in sweat even though he was only wearing a thin, black shirt. At this moment, his shirt was stuck to his sweaty body, making him feel extremely chilly.
Fear and horror began to erode his composure and rationality. He had never been so afraid before. He could not stop feeling upset until Wen Xinya was confirmed to be safe.
Fearlessness was a soldier’s best quality. However, he had indirectly committed a grave mistake. At this moment, he was no longer qualified to be a soldier.