Chapter 250: Li Mingsheng's Decision

In Dragon City's government building command center headquarters.

The Garrison Corps Commander held a microphone in his right hand, asking with furrowed brows: "Is there still chance to organize a second rescue?"

The special forces commander replied without hesitation: "Commander, the other side is already alerted - if we want to protect hostages, we can't organize another attack. Breaking in is possible, but afterward, they'll have enough time to kill all hostages."

"Damn it!" The Garrison Corps Commander directly hung up the microphone, cursing through gritted teeth: "After this matter, I'll definitely annihilate the Chi Army!"

At the conference table, Li Mingsheng took up his cigarette pack with slightly trembling hands, lowering his head to light one. He understood very clearly that the chance for armed rescue was now gone, and no more hostages could die.

If following conventional negotiation with the bandits until the matter ended, Li Mingsheng would be the first responsible person for this incident. He had just taken office not long ago - if his political career had such a record, his official path would end here.

Zone One's political environment was special - Chinese top political officials' main stage was Dragon City. If defeated here, he wouldn't even have a chance to lie low somewhere else for a while, because Chinese officials rarely occupied key positions in Zone One's various states and cities.

What to do? Risk everything, or safely ensure his own security first then step down afterward?

Li Mingsheng fell into brief hesitation and struggle.

Just then, the newly released Secretary-General Lu rushed to the command center by car, immediately calling upon entering: "Mayor!"

Li Mingsheng slowly looked up, gazing somewhat gloomily at him, also feeling some regret in his heart. If not for Secretary-General Lu proposing to the Supervision Assembly to strike the Chi Army on Xinaluo's coast initially, this wouldn't have happened now.

"Good you're back," Li Mingsheng nodded to Secretary-General Lu, his attitude far from enthusiastic.

Secretary-General Lu immediately said looking at everyone: "I heard about the rescue plan from Director Lin - I personally feel that Su Tianyu, who superficially agreed to cooperate with our operation, might have private connections with the Chi Army."

Hearing this, the Garrison Corps Commander asked frowning: "What's your judgment based on?"

"When he was taken away by Chi Army people, I was in the first floor hostage area," Secretary-General Lu said frowning. "They took him up alone to talk, and the Chi Army people's attitude toward him was very friendly - his boss Yu Mingyuan was also called up at least twice - all very abnormal."

"This doesn't prove Su Tianyu is suspected of betraying Political Assistance?"

"The Yu family's relationship with the garrison troops is very close, and the garrison's relationship with the Chi Army is also very ambiguous - them being able to communicate and talk isn't strange," Secretary-General Lu insisted. "It would be stranger if they pretended not to know each other!"

The Garrison Corps Commander looked at Secretary-General Lu, replying with furrowed brows: "I've managed the garrison troops so long and never heard of any unit daring to be ambiguous with bandit armies! Do you have evidence? If you do, I'll order arrests immediately for direct confrontation!"

At these words, Secretary-General Lu realized his slip in the urgency, but quickly tried to remedy: "Commander, I don't mean all garrison members have connections with bandit armies, but that a small portion of corrupt elements with unstable positions might have under-the-table contact. The situation is very urgent - we must ensure no external forces can affect the rescue plan."

The Garrison Corps Commander glanced at him without speaking.

"The garrison has contributed much to Dragon City's military defense - our government departments recognize some sacrifices made by the troops," Secretary-General Lu remedied again before turning to look at Li Mingsheng: "Mayor, I personally suggest controlling the Su family people - if Su Tianyu and Yu Mingyuan have private contact with them, we can use this to restrain the latter, even coerce Su Tianyu to reveal many inside details; if not, this is still a stable defensive strategy."

Li Mingsheng looked deeply at Secretary-General Lu, replying hoarsely: "Permit control of Su Tianyu's family members. They're all unclean - when necessary, can implement forceful control."

"Yes!" Secretary-General Lu immediately nodded.

Li Mingsheng slowly stood up, turning to look at everyone saying: "I've decided - agree to the Chi Army's demands - I'll personally serve as hostage, enter the reception building to negotiate face-to-face with the bandits."

Everyone rushed over hearing this.

"Old Li, this won't do - you're the political chief, can't risk yourself!"

"Old Li, this matter must be careful - if you're taken hostage, we'll be constrained in following actions."

"Mayor Li, we must be cautious...!" Secretary-General Lu also advised.

Li Mingsheng looked at him, asking expressionlessly: "Then are you willing to go back as hostage to negotiate with the Chi Army?"

Secretary-General Lu was left speechless by this question.

"What's left to be cautious about?! Forced armed rescue can't be done; dragging on, they kill people every so often. Continuing like this, the incident can only worsen!" Li Mingsheng said frowning: "I am mayor - I have responsibility to ensure Dragon City citizens' and civil servants' life safety. I'm willing to go in!"

Hearing this, no one tried to dissuade him further.

"According to their demands, notify the media," Li Mingsheng said pointing to his secretary. "I won't bring any equipment - just go in alone."

......

Twenty minutes later.

Multiple media outlets in Zone One and Dragon City simultaneously broadcast breaking news.

"About two hours ago, a group of bandits claiming to be the Xinaluo Chi Army took over Dragon City's Supervision Assembly, holding over 300 hostages. They demanded ransom and release of nearly 100 Chi Army members arrested days ago on Xinaluo's coast for planning terrorist activities... Currently after several rounds of negotiation, basic consensus has been reached. Dragon City Mayor Li Mingsheng has decided to use himself as hostage to ensure citizens' and civil servants' safety. More information to follow..."

Outside the Supervision Assembly compound, Li Mingsheng got out of his car, walking toward the compound escorted by special forces members.

Around him, media who had been restrained for long frantically photographed Li Mingsheng with their cameras.

Li Mingsheng was someone with courage at critical moments and had ambition and vision for his political career, so he decided to risk everything.

......

Inside the Supervision Assembly building.

Su Tianyu lay on the ground sweating profusely as Zhu Bajie personally bandaged his wound.

"You're quite ruthless!" Zhu Bajie looked at Su Tianyu somewhat surprised: "You could even think of such a move?"

"They would still suspect I leaked information - taking a bullet can only reduce their suspicion," Su Tianyu said looking at him. "I have another request."

"Speak."

"If the mayor comes in..." Su Tianyu began discussing with him.