Xia Liang had no patience for the balding man he was holding. The man didn't want to go in? Then he'd be dragged! Xia Liang forcefully hauled him up the seven or eight steps. The man, despite being a full size larger than Xia Liang, was completely powerless to resist.
With such a major incident unfolding, it was only natural for reporters and television stations to be broadcasting live. Unlike the familiar world, journalists in this time and place held a high status, always keen on exposing society's darkness and scars.
"This is Qingyun Television Station. After the Protectors' pleas failed, a concerned citizen has bravely stepped forward..."
"He is facing the threat of death with incredible audacity. Whether he succeeds or not, let us pray for his safe return home."
「An online celebrity Anchor.」
"Fam, don't panic, okay? They've put up a police cordon, but don't you worry. Just ten rockets, and I'll charge in there without a second thought. For my family, what's the big deal? But before I do, let me recommend a shampoo. Just one course of treatment can make even a bald man grow hair. That guy who just went in? He's a childhood friend of mine. You guys wanna know why he dared to go in? Just get me into the city's top ten ranking, and I'll spill all the juicy details."
In the midst of a sensational event, chaos reigned. In today's restless world, people desperate for fame were a dime a dozen. In their eyes, Xia Liang was nothing more than an opportunity to chase clout.
Pushing open the heavy glass door, Xia Liang saw about twenty people lying on the floor, their faces etched with terror. There were ordinary people and bank employees among them. The security guard, who usually strutted around with an electric baton, was now playing dead.
"Hey man, remember me? I brought the person you wanted. How about we talk?" Xia Liang greeted with a smile, still holding the balding man.
The man in glasses was stunned to hear the familiar voice. If he, in his utter despair, still held any goodwill toward this restless world, it might have been solely for Xia Liang.
"Did the police let you in? Brother, you're a good man, so I don't want to drag you down with me."
Xia Liang just smiled. "Don't get me wrong, I volunteered. Take a look. Is this the manager you were looking for?"
The man with glasses didn't dare show his face, of course. He used a small mirror to peek and saw that it was, indeed, the detestable bank manager.
"What happened to his face?"
"Oh, nothing much. He insisted on a 'friendly' sparring session with me before we came in. He must have lost his footing and smacked his own head on a windshield."
The balding man was crying silent tears. I must have been out of my mind to want to 'spar' with a monster like you. His grip was like a vise, both hard and unforgiving.
"Hahaha! He values his life more than anything and is obsessed with his health. I know you did that to get back at him for me. Thanks, bro." The bespectacled man's voice was tinged with emotion. "If I had met you earlier, maybe I wouldn't have gone down this path. At least I would've known there are still good-hearted people in this world. But it's too late now. Brother, just throw him over the counter and get out of here. I don't want to involve you."
"Anything can be negotiated," Xia Liang stated, his grip on the man unwavering. "Director Yun is already aware of the situation. He promises to immediately investigate the misappropriation of your funds. If the evidence is solid, the money can definitely be recovered. Then your wife might come back, and you can buy another house. There's no need for all this violence, right?"
Fortunately, the man with the glasses still had some kindness left in his heart; he didn't immediately lunge for mutual destruction upon seeing his enemy. They were all pitiful souls. Who would try to blow up a bank if they weren't pushed to the brink?
"Really? The money can really be recovered?" The man's voice trembled slightly.
Under normal circumstances, his actions were tantamount to a terrorist attack involving dozens of innocent lives. Life in prison was a near certainty, so who would bother trying to recover his money? But Yun Long, despite his rough and imposing appearance, had a pure heart and despised evil. When Xia Liang proposed the idea before entering, Yun Long had agreed without hesitation. Had it been anyone else, things would have been different.
"Is this really the time for jokes? Believe me, we will absolutely get your money back. You should back down now before this gets any bigger. If you push that detonator, you won't see a cent of that money, even if it's recovered. You'll just be sending yourself to the afterlife."
The man with the glasses was silent for a moment. "Then what about the manager? That bastard ruined my life. I can't rest until he's dead."
"You might not believe me, but killing him is the lightest punishment he could get," Xia Liang said with a smile. "You said he lives a life of luxury, right? We just investigate him. If he's broken the law, he'll lose his manager position for good, and no other bank will ever hire him. Isn't that more satisfying than just killing him?"
If any reporters had been close enough to hear that, they would have cut the live feed immediately. Good heavens, were those the words of a concerned citizen? After all, death was the easy way out!
"That... seems to make sense..."
"Right? Don't think I'm less experienced just because I'm younger. Listen to me on this. Let's walk out of here peacefully. It's your chance to turn back from the brink. Leniency isn't out of the question."
After a long silence, the man with the glasses finally let out a soft sigh.
"Alright. I'll trust this world one more time."
Seeing that his talk therapy had succeeded, Xia Liang quickly shouted to the people outside. "Don't shoot! Snipers, safeties on! We're coming out!"
A wave of disbelief washed over the surrounding officers and reporters. Wasn't he a violent criminal? Wasn't he bent on revenge against society? How did he come out so easily? Could it be that the concerned citizen was also a negotiation expert?
Yun Long was beaming from ear to ear as he barked out orders. "All personnel, lower your weapons! And keep them out of sight!"
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