Li Banfeng found it hard to believe what was happening.
The man with the large eyes, nicknamed Light Bulb, also found the order difficult to accept. "Chief Xiao, is it really necessary to eliminate him just for taking an item?"
"This is an official order, Light Bulb. You have no idea how crucial this item is, nor can you comprehend the potential death toll it could cause! Don't ever forget the reason your parents met their demise, and remember precisely what kind of adversary we are facing! For the greater good and the safety of the many, we must neutralize him without delay. It's our duty, our sworn mission."
"But, Chief Xiao..."
"No 'buts'. Carry out the task discreetly, away from prying eyes, and bring the item directly to me. Dispose of the body meticulously, and I will arrange for further handling."
The call abruptly ended.
Light Bulb, his large eyes wide with disbelief, remained rooted in a corner, appearing utterly lost.
After what felt like an eternity, he took a steadying breath. He then approached the entrance of the supermarket, peering inside.
Li Banfeng had procured a bottle of cola, two packages of potato chips, and two packs of devilishly spicy strips. He then casually ambled towards the checkout counter.
Having completed his payment, Li Banfeng departed from the campus supermarket. He was now traversing the path that meandered between the second teaching building and the library.
It was the lunch break, and with summer vacation fast approaching, the pathway was eerily devoid of any people.
A short distance along this path led to the school's east gate; the subway station was situated less than eight hundred meters further.
Li Banfeng proceeded briskly down the path when, without warning, Light Bulb materialized, blocking his way.
The distance between them narrowed to less than five meters, and their gazes met for a fleeting moment.
Light Bulb drew in a deep breath, mentally rehearsing the words he intended to speak.
However, when the words finally escaped his lips, they were unexpectedly different: "I truly do not wish to harm you, but if you refuse to comply with my instructions, you cannot fault me for showing no mercy."
These were not the typical words one would expect from an agent of the Dark Star Bureau, but under immense pressure, they slipped out.
Light Bulb genuinely abhorred the thought of taking a life. He continued, addressing Li Banfeng directly, "First, place your backpack on the ground and then extend your hands. Remain here with me, awaiting further instructions."
Following this, Light Bulb produced a pair of handcuffs.
His intention was to restrain Li Banfeng and await Chief Xiao's arrival. Should Chief Xiao still deem lethal force necessary, it would, in Light Bulb's mind, validate Li Banfeng's culpability.
Li Banfeng offered a nod, removed his backpack from his shoulder, and gently set it down on the ground.
Light Bulb’s attention remained fixated on the backpack. As it made contact with the ground, a measure of relief washed over him.
Clutching the handcuffs, Light Bulb moved to apprehend Li Banfeng. In that critical moment, he failed to observe Li Banfeng discreetly retrieving a devilishly spicy strip from his pocket.
With a swift motion, Li Banfeng flung the spicy strip directly at Light Bulb.
From a distance of less than five meters, his aim was unerring.
The spicy strip struck Light Bulb squarely in his left eye, unleashing an agonizing, searing pain. Instinctively, Light Bulb clutched his injured eye.
Simultaneously, Li Banfeng launched a second spicy strip, this one targeting Light Bulb’s right eye.
Both eyes now covered by his hands, Light Bulb was momentarily blinded. He was completely taken aback by Li Banfeng's sudden assault.
Li Banfeng had truly hoped to avoid any conflict.
Yet, finding himself embroiled, he was now resolute not to retreat.
A strange, viscous mucus began to ooze from Light Bulb's body as he braced himself for a severe confrontation with Li Banfeng. He felt a surge of nervousness; this was his inaugural real combat experience since joining the Dark Star Bureau. Faced with this unexpected turn of events, he instinctively activated a Dark Energy User's Skill.
After a prolonged silence, Li Banfeng had still not made his move.
Gritting his teeth against the blinding pain, Light Bulb forced his eyes open, only to discover Li Banfeng had vanished.
With his backpack slung over his shoulder, Li Banfeng had already sprinted towards the East Gate.
Light Bulb swiftly concentrated the mucus around his feet. He crouched low, bent his knees, and, mirroring the motion of a skater, propelled himself forward with alternating strides, rapidly pursuing Li Banfeng.
Li Banfeng, too, was running at an incredible pace. He covered the eight hundred meters in a flash and plunged into the entrance of the subway station.
As he neared the subway entrance, the density of pedestrians increased. Light Bulb retracted the mucus from his body, reverting to a conventional running posture.
He was determined not to attract undue attention or endanger any innocent bystanders.
Light Bulb entered the subway station, only to find that Li Banfeng had already boarded a departing train.
Light Bulb rushed towards the train doors, but just as he reached them, a series of insistent DING-DONG DING-DONG bells sounded, signaling the doors' closure.
Watching the train car carrying Li Banfeng slide away until it was completely swallowed by the tunnel, an increasingly anxious Light Bulb could do nothing but await the arrival of the next train.
In his mounting desperation, Light Bulb initiated a call to Xiao Zhenggong.
"Chief Xiao, I've lost him."
Xiao Zhenggong's voice boomed with barely concealed fury. "How could you possibly lose him? Did I not explicitly order you to neutralize him immediately?"
"I couldn't find a suitable moment to act," Light Bulb replied, deliberately omitting the fact that his underestimation of Li Banfeng had led to this escape.
Xiao Zhenggong's voice was sharp. "And where did he go?"
"He just got on the subway,"
"Which line did he take?"
"Line 4, the 11:45 AM train departing from University Town towards Meiyun Plaza," Light Bulb clearly recalled.
Xiao Zhenggong fell into silence.
Light Bulb grew quite anxious, knowing the Chief was extremely displeased. He quickly offered his suggestion: "Chief Xiao, if we just alert the relevant authorities and seal off all exits on Line 4's stations, we can certainly apprehend Li Banfeng."
Xiao Zhenggong bellowed, "Seal off the subway exits? What are you thinking! Do you want the entire Yuezhou City buzzing about this? Do you want everyone in Yuezhou to know you're an incompetent fool!"
Light Bulb clenched his jaw, daring not to utter another word.
After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Zhenggong stated, "Line 4 leads to Yuezhou East Station. If Li Banfeng intends to leave the city, proceed to Yuezhou East Station and intercept him."
Light Bulb quietly proposed, "We could inform the station to prevent Li Banfeng from boarding any train..."
Xiao Zhenggong thundered, "How many times must I tell you? This matter is of utmost importance! We cannot allow news of this to leak! We absolutely must not incite panic!"
"The train station is crowded and chaotic. If you spot him, do not act rashly. Await the opportune moment to eliminate him, ensuring that no one else takes notice!"
"Light Bulb, your parents were heroes. I firmly believe you are not entirely worthless. This task is straightforward—I am confident you can execute it properly. Do not further disgrace our Dark Star Bureau, and do not bring shame upon your parents!"
Xiao Zhenggong disconnected the call.
Light Bulb rushed back to the campus and started his vehicle.
En route to East Station, Light Bulb's grip tightened on the steering wheel.
Meanwhile, Xiao Zhenggong, clad in casual attire, descended from the second floor of his villa to the garage and also commenced his journey.
The subway reached Rock Wall Station; its next destination was Yuezhou East Station.
To Li Banfeng's left sat a muscular man, his deep blue attire speckled with whitish-gray mud stains.
Li Banfeng offered a smile to the burly individual.
To Li Banfeng's right was a striking woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing earphones.
Li Banfeng also smiled at the beautiful woman.
He then unzipped his backpack and proceeded to undress right then and there on the subway.
Within the already packed subway car, a space instantly formed around him. Passersby cast peculiar glances at Li Banfeng and rapidly retreated.
After shedding his shirt, Li Banfeng began to remove his trousers.
The woman with shoulder-length hair let out a scream.
The brawny man joined her in a startled cry.
Several elderly individuals instinctively covered the eyes of children.
A multitude of people stared at Li Banfeng, exclaiming in unison, "Pervert!"
Li Banfeng retrieved a long-sleeved white shirt and a pair of black trousers from his backpack, donning them.
Following that, he produced a mountaineering hat and placed it on his head.
The entire procedure took less than a minute. Before the carriage could descend into complete pandemonium, the subway arrived at East Station, and Li Banfeng promptly disembarked.
Upon exiting the subway and reaching the vicinity of the train station's ticket gates, Li Banfeng sent a message to He Jiaqing: "Did you secure the ticket?"
"It's done. You may proceed through the ticket check now."
Li Banfeng swiped his ID card to pass the turnstile and noticed Light Bulb standing guard, though he was not recognized.
Light Bulb was intensely focused and visibly agitated, meticulously scrutinizing every person passing through the ticket gates.
However, it proved a futile effort. The passenger volume at East Station was staggering. An overwhelming number of individuals were entering through the turnstiles, and he was only paying heed to those wearing T-shirts.
Having successfully navigated the ticket gates, Li Banfeng felt a significant sense of relief. He Jiaqing sent a message: "Why were so many people on the subway calling you a pervert earlier?"
Li Banfeng replied, "I was changing my clothes on the subway."
"Are you out of your mind?"
"I am not insane."
"Weren't you concerned about causing a disturbance?"
"It took less than a minute. It wasn't that significant."
He Jiaqing expressed disbelief: "You changed that quickly?"
Li Banfeng considered it quite normal. "How do you think I managed to escape the hospital that time?"
He Jiaqing messaged back: "You ran out that time? Weren't you apprehended and brought back?"
Li Banfeng found it beneath him to elaborate on that particular inquiry.
After waiting for close to half an hour near the ticket gates, Light Bulb had still not encountered Li Banfeng.
Light Bulb's anxiety intensified. Abruptly, he saw Deputy Team Leader Xiao Zhenggong approaching.
"Chief Xiao, what brings you here..."
"How long do you intend to linger here?" Xiao Zhenggong produced his ID, exchanged a few words with a staff member, and led Light Bulb directly through the ticket turnstiles.
After scanning the waiting hall, Xiao Zhenggong guided Light Bulb to the far end of the second waiting area, past the restrooms, and into an underground passage.