Chapter 433: Pact of Suicide

While Chief Yan was still in a standoff with the man holding the gun, Zhang ran over and whispered to Lin Qiupu, “The security check initially reported no gun, but then a captain came and said he wasn’t sure.”

Lin Qiupu nodded, deducing that it was likely a fake gun, but the security team didn’t want to take responsibility, hence the uncertainty.

The negotiation principle was to treat even a fake gun as real, just in case, especially with the unresolved issue of missing guns.

Chief Yan said to the man, “Okay, I’ll have the police withdraw. Lin, you and the others go back.”

Lin Qiupu understood but pretended to argue, “How can we leave without any police presence?”

“Just go. Am I not a police officer?” Chief Yan gave him a meaningful look.

Lin Qiupu signaled the team to retreat, then borrowed coats, hats, and backpacks from some bystanders. Disguised, he blended into the crowd. Chief Yan had earned the gunman’s trust, and the man’s agitation had lessened.

“You see, it’s rush hour now. You’re affecting everyone here. Why don’t we move to a quieter place to talk?” Chief Yan suggested.

“No tricks!” the gunman growled.

“Look, everyone’s got their phones out. If they upload this, it won’t be good for your reputation. If your boss sees it, it might get serious. Let’s go somewhere else and talk quietly, okay?”

This struck a chord with the gunman, who nervously eyed the phones around him. “Tell them to stop filming.”

Chief Yan turned to the crowd, “Stop filming, there’s nothing to see here.”

The gunman, pushing the hostage, moved forward slowly. Chief Yan cleared the way, noticing undercover officers in the crowd. At the critical moment, Lin Qiupu sprang out, twisting the gunman’s arm, while other officers pulled the hostage away and subdued the gunman.

“You tricked me!” the gunman screamed.

Chief Yan said sincerely, “I did it for everyone’s safety. I hope you understand.”

“You tricked me! You tricked me!” The gunman struggled hysterically but was finally handcuffed.

Lin Qiupu grabbed the gun and could tell by its weight it was fake. He handed it to Chief Yan, who said, “Lin, you haven’t forgotten what you learned in class.”

Lin Qiupu saluted, “Chief Yan, long time no see!”

The crowd applauded. Lin Qiupu scanned the area, noticing the bald man was gone. He asked the rescued woman about the situation and learned that the bald man had been pursuing her obsessively. She never agreed to his advances, but he told everyone she was his girlfriend and followed her to work every day, causing her great distress.

Today, on the train, a pervert had groped her, and the bald man had beaten him up. The pervert then pulled out a gun and took her hostage.

The woman cried, “I’m so unlucky, first stalked by this bald guy, then harassed on the train. You have to help me!”

Chief Yan said, “Why don’t you leave your contact details? I’ll file a report at the police station. Tell the bald guy you’ve reported him. If he harasses you again, the police will come to him.”

“Thank you so much!”

“No problem.”

After she left her details and departed, Chief Yan remarked, “I bet she’s got her own issues, to attract so much trouble.”

Lin Qiupu thought this was narrow-minded but didn’t argue out of respect for his former teacher. “Chief Yan, what brings you here?”

“The director asked me to help. With so many guns loose in the city, it’s a serious matter. Time for this negotiation expert to shine.”

“The negotiation was brilliant!”

“Thanks, thanks.” Chief Yan waved it off. “No casualties is the best result. Lin, how’s it going with you? Married yet?”

They chatted as they left the subway station. Just as they got into the car, the station called about another report involving a gun.

Lin Qiupu sighed, “These days have been nonstop.”

Chief Yan said, “That’s a good thing. Let’s handle this, then we can catch up over lunch.”

The next incident was at a hospital’s inpatient center, where two patients were on the rooftop, threatening to shoot themselves. The situation was critical. As they approached the hospital, Lin Qiupu radioed, “Turn off the sirens!”

“No, keep them on,” Chief Yan instructed. “Even criminals want the police to come so they can negotiate.”

“Do as Chief Yan says.”

Police cars lined up in front of the hospital. A nurse ran out, “Thank goodness you’re here. Those two patients are still on the roof, and no one can talk them down. We don’t know what happened or where the gun came from.”

“Do they have any grievances?” Chief Yan asked.

“No, they usually get along well. One has lung cancer, the other leukemia. They share a room and often go for walks together. Today, something must have triggered them.”

“Lead the way. Let’s go check it out.”

Lin Qiupu stopped him, “Chief Yan, bulletproof vest!”

Chief Yan laughed, “Ever seen a negotiator in a bulletproof vest?” He tossed a small device to Lin Qiupu. “Wear this radio. We’ll stay in contact.”

They went up to the roof. Chief Yan quietly opened the door to see two elderly men sitting face-to-face. One was holding a trembling gun aimed at the other’s forehead. It didn’t look like a hostage situation at all.

Chief Yan motioned Lin Qiupu over. “I bet this is over medical expenses.”

“Should we call in the SWAT team?”

“No need. I’ve got this.”

Chief Yan pushed the door open and stepped into the windy rooftop. The two old men looked up, one of them shouting, “Stay back, or I’ll shoot!”

Strangely, it was the man with the gun to his head who spoke.

The gunman added, “Don’t come any closer!”

Chief Yan showed his badge, “I’m Deputy Chief Yan from the Public Security Bureau. I’m here to negotiate.”

“No need. Liu isn’t a bad person, and I’m not being held hostage. You can go.”

“Yes, this is between us. Outsiders should stay out.”

Chief Yan smiled, “What are your names?”

“I’m Liu,” said the gunman.

“I’m Wang,” said the man being threatened.

Chief Yan noticed a half-empty bottle of strong liquor between them. Their faces were slightly flushed, and Liu’s hands were shaking badly, suggesting the gun might be real.