The vehicle entered the road out of the city and steadily headed toward the suburbs.
Suddenly, a figure rushed out from the roadside and blocked the vehicle's path!
Screech—!
The extended Lincoln braked sharply. Inertia made everyone inside sway, and they all looked up toward the windows. The instant they recognized the figure, everyone froze.
It was an elderly man, drenched in sweat, his back slightly bent. His wrinkled face was fixed on the vehicle before him, his eyes filled with determination.
"Director Liu?" Baili Pangpang exclaimed in surprise. "What's he doing here?"
"Looks like he came to chase after Wu Quan."
An Qingyu glanced back. Wu Quan was also sitting stunned in the car, staring blankly at the figure in front of it.
"But how did he know where we were going?"
"There's only one road out of Linjiang. He must have come here in advance to wait for us," Secretary Jin explained at just the right moment.
In front of the car, Old Man Liu stepped forward. Through the windshield, he saw Wu Quan, Li Xiaoyan, and Qian Cheng seated in the back. An expression of "just as I thought" appeared on his weathered face.
"You... really kept me in the dark." Old Man Liu gave a bitter laugh.
Above them, the dark clouds that had nearly dispersed began gathering once more.
Lin Qiye looked at the figure before the car. After a moment of silence, he turned to Wu Quan, whose lips were pressed tightly together.
"Looks like we can't avoid this this time..."
Wu Quan took a deep breath. "I'll get out."
He pushed open the door and stepped onto the road. Li Xiaoyan and Qian Cheng followed close behind, their previously stiff, blank expressions suddenly becoming lively, their eyes gleaming with spirit.
"Grandpa Liu!" Li