The country lane was rough and uneven, with weeds growing wild on either side, almost swallowing the concrete road. A white panel van crawled through the desolate greenery like a lost maggot before finally stopping at the end of the lane. Beyond it lay only a muddy mountain trail, worn by footsteps and barely wide enough for one person, winding away into the dense woods.
At a fork roughly five hundred meters from the van, the black Bentley Bentayga silently shut off its engine. Like a huge black beast lying in wait, it blended perfectly into the shadows of the woods.
"Stay in the car. I'll go take a look." Chen Lin unbuckled his seat belt, his expression turning serious.
"I'm the police officer here, remember? I'm coming with you." Qin Churan's voice was firm, leaving no room for negotiation. She had recovered from her initial shock, and as a top criminal investigator, her professional instincts had completely overridden her personal feelings.
Chen Lin glanced at her, knowing there was no point trying to persuade her. Without another word, he opened the door and slipped out as nimbly as a wildcat, landing without a sound.
Moving one behind the other, they used the dense roadside vegetation as cover and swiftly crept toward the van.
Qin Churan pushed her years of investigative stealth training to the limit. Every step landed on the quietest patches of soil, her breathing steady and her body crouched low. Yet when she looked at Chen Lin ahead of her, another wave of shock surged through her.
Chen Lin made no deliberate effort to conceal himself. He simply walked as though taking a leisurely stroll, yet his whole presence seemed to merge with his surroundings. His footsteps made not the slightest sound on the dry leaves, and