"Bilateral" Action

Chen Nan wasn't particularly surprised by the child's performance, as it was an obvious outcome.

Since he could mentally control small creatures, he figured he could influence ordinary people too. However, he hadn't actively done so because it went against his principles.

While this wasn't a demonstration of equality for all beings, Chen Nan had never considered such a concept. He would absolutely not interfere with humans using his mental powers unless absolutely necessary; that was his bottom line.

This was also a rule within the supernatural community, which Chen Nan had thoroughly researched. He couldn't cross that line.

However, before that rule, there was a caveat: when a supernatural being was harmed by an ordinary person, and that harm could result in loss of life or property for the supernatural being, they were permitted to resist with their powers.

Supernatural beings would bear no responsibility for any consequences that arose from such resistance.

This was a much broader principle than self-defense in the legal system. Therefore, Chen Nan's actions just now were completely justified.

He returned to his bedroom and closed the door, a peculiar feeling settling in his heart. Harming the child wasn't something he found enjoyable; he simply felt it was unavoidable.

The small bedroom contained a wardrobe and a desk. After setting up all ten listening devices, Chen Nan began downloading the corresponding software system onto his phone.

This system could connect to numerous devices and display them all on his phone, which was quite convenient.

With the equipment in hand, he contemplated how to use it. Once he had a general plan, he would need to take the next step. He'd have to wait until tomorrow, as he needed to make a trip to the city hall.

Although Chen Nan could control small animals, his range of control was very limited, roughly confined to the entire residential complex.

Therefore, when Chen Nan had used mice before, he had them relay commands and remain on standby around him.

If he wanted to do something at the city hall, he would have to go there in person to ensure it was done correctly. This was undoubtedly a risky endeavor for him.

But there was no avoiding the risk. The longer he delayed, the more dangerous it would be for him. He had no idea what actions the orphanage had taken.

Meanwhile, the orphanage had been in an uproar the day Chen Nan escaped.

Little Black Ox was subjected to severe torture. Fortunately, he remembered Chen Nan's words and insisted he knew nothing. Because he was known for being a simple-minded child, he managed to get through it without losing his life.

Wang Yifu examined the holes dug by the mice, combined with the situation of his missing valuables, and recalled what Li Yu and Xun Xin had told him. A chill ran down his spine.

He understood that Chen Nan was a significant potential threat.

He was like a newly formed cancer cell; even if very weak and inconspicuous, a moment of carelessness could be a fatal blow.

Therefore, he knew he absolutely could not wait for this cancer cell to grow stronger.

He contacted his second brother, Wang Yide, and insisted that Chen Nan be found within Wu City.

He was aware of his second brother's methods and knew he had never disappointed him in such matters. Yet, even so, his plump face trembled, and he still felt uneasy.

Information and a photo of Chen Nan had been distributed, and Wang Yide began his operations.

First, he stationed people at all the stations, constantly watching for any sign of Chen Nan. Men were also posted at various intersections and checkpoints to ensure Chen Nan couldn't leave Wu City.

Next, he dispatched personnel to conduct a thorough search of Wu City.

Wang Yide even went to the police department, visiting daily to review surveillance footage from all districts in the city.

Gaining access to the police department to review surveillance footage was not something ordinary people could do. After all, Wang Yide was merely the owner of a club and held no official position.

With this series of actions, finding someone was only a matter of time.

Wang Yifu's order to his brother was: as soon as the child is found, kill him on the spot without any preparation. The life of an orphan could be easily managed later with some gifts and arrangements for a few girls.

Therefore, although Chen Nan seemed fine at the moment, his life was in constant peril.

There was also an element of luck involved, depending on his fate.

Chen Nan had planned for a long time, and it was nearly eleven o'clock. Feeling very hungry, he took out an electric pot and cooked a packet of instant noodles with an egg and a few slices of ham.

After eating, he found it incredibly delicious. Solving his hunger brought a sense of comfort and well-being. Just as he stood up to wash the pot, his vision suddenly darkened, and he passed out.

He regained consciousness just as he was about to hit the ground, feeling somewhat weak, as if his blood sugar was low.

"What's going on?" Chen Nan wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, muttering with concern.

Having been in a state of malnutrition for so long, he genuinely feared there might be something wrong with his body. As the saying goes, health is the foundation of everything; if your body isn't right, what's the point of all the struggle?

However, after getting up, there was no further abnormality, which somewhat reassured Chen Nan.

After washing the pot, Chen Nan concluded he must have been overthinking and not resting enough, so he went to bed.

The moment the light was turned off, he suddenly saw some patterns and colors appear before his eyes. The phenomenon was fleeting, almost like a hallucination. He sat up abruptly in shock.

He felt a sense of familiarity with what had just happened, but couldn't quite place it. Or rather, he wasn't even sure if he had seen anything at all.

"Am I seeing ghosts?" Chen Nan muttered to himself.

No matter how much he blinked or strained his eyes, the phenomenon did not reappear.

Ultimately, he could only assume he had experienced a momentary visual disturbance. He was truly tired, so he lay down and fell asleep.

He slept until morning and then went through his usual routine of washing his face and brushing his teeth, cooking noodles for breakfast again. An egg and ham were, of course, essential.

After breakfast, he grabbed an apple and left his room. He turned on his phone's mobile data, activated the map navigation, brought Da Huang along, and began his journey.

His destination was the city hall, but before heading there, he needed to change his clothes. Naturally, he had to buy a new set. After placing the new clothes in his backpack, he walked among the crowd of students.

Then, before reaching Taiping Elementary School, he ducked into an alley. In a secluded corner, he changed his clothes, packed them into his backpack, and handed it to a dog to watch. He then put on his new clothes and a baseball cap and, with Da Huang, turned onto another street.

On the other street, Chen Nan hailed a taxi and headed straight for the city hall. After getting out, Chen Nan noticed a prominent sign: "Surveillance here."

He quickly pulled down his baseball cap and avoided the camera. There was no surveillance in his immediate vicinity; the only one was at the entrance to Taiping Elementary School.

Chen Nan felt the surveillance wasn't safe. After all, he was a refugee and needed to be extremely cautious about everything. However, he had no other choice. The things that needed to be done had to be done, otherwise, there would be no hope of turning things around. He could only try his best to be careful.

Finding a relatively hidden spot that offered a good view of the municipal government's entrance, Chen Nan settled in to observe. While he watched the government building, he also told Da Huang to stay alert.

This continued until the end of the workday at noon. As government employees began to leave one after another, Chen Nan scrutinized them more carefully.

After some time, his target finally appeared in sight.

It was a middle-aged man with well-defined features, exuding no trace of sleaziness. He wore a perfectly tailored suit that was spotless. He appeared humble, yet his every move couldn't conceal a hint of arrogance.

Many people greeted him, and he responded warmly, demonstrating a high level of emotional intelligence.

Then, he saw the man get into his car and drive away.

"Da Huang, follow him!" he commanded. Da Huang immediately sprang into action. Chen Nan, meanwhile, continued to wait there.

Since the municipal government was located in the city center and it was the peak hour for people leaving work at noon, the vehicles weren't traveling fast. Coupled with the need to wait for traffic lights, Da Huang had no trouble tracking the car.

Chen Nan's only worry was whether Da Huang could get into the residential compound. Typically, the compounds where such important figures resided had strict security. Unauthorized personnel were not allowed to enter, and stray dogs certainly weren't.

Da Huang followed the car all the way to a compound called "Jiahao." At the main entrance, he slipped into the compound unnoticed by the security guard, right alongside the car.

The car entered the parking garage, and the man waited for the elevator at Building Nine. At this moment, a patrolling security guard spotted Da Huang and immediately moved to capture and drive him away. The man, however, quickly intervened, saying, "Hey, it's just a stray dog, no need to be so rough. We should all have some compassion, shouldn't we?"

The security guard said somewhat aggrievedly, "Secretary Huang, we know you're a good person. But the people in this compound have different standards. Some people really dislike stray dogs entering the compound and keep complaining."

Secretary Huang smiled and said, "Alright, just give the dog some food and shoo it away. It's not easy for you guys either."

The security guard immediately said gratefully, "Thank you for your understanding, Secretary Huang. If it weren't for you being the Prefecture Secretary, your level of understanding and perspective wouldn't be comparable to ordinary people."

If this Secretary Huang had a tail, he would have been wagging it. He comforted the security guard a few more words, the elevator arrived, and he stepped inside and left.