Wrong Interrogation Room, The First Cracked Case Shocked the World

Chapter 81: Heroes have no regrets, Ning Cheng shot!

The robber Liu Hailong's ferocity shocked Ning Cheng, exceeding the expectations of every officer at the scene. Over a dozen robbers held more than thirty hostages. A rescue attempt was incredibly dangerous, a high-stakes gamble with potentially fatal consequences. One misstep could trigger a massacre. Liu Hailong, a cunning fugitive at large for seven years, was the mastermind.

Ning Cheng finished Liu Hailong's file, handing it back. "Captain Li, what's the plan?"

Li Gang surveyed the bank's sealed doors. "For now, we need to assess the situation inside. Sending anyone in rashly would be irresponsible."

Zhou Ziyan's curiosity was evident. "Then what?"

"We have the bank's blueprints," Li Gang said grimly. "I'll send a team to try the back entrances, to gather intel and see if there's a chance for a rescue."

Ning Cheng's brow furrowed. "What if they've secured all exits?" Liu Hailong wasn't the type to leave anything to chance. His gut churned.

Li Gang pointed to the blueprints. "Two back doors, one on each floor. The second-floor door is practically secret. They may not expect that."

He briefed five officers, who vanished immediately.

"This is risky," Ning Cheng muttered to Zhou Ziyan.

"Effective, though," she replied. "We know nothing about them. Even if this fails, we'll get intel."

"Liu Hailong isn't simple," Ning Cheng countered. "A rash move could provoke them, endangering the hostages." He felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his chest.

Zhou Ziyan took a deep breath. "Captain Li's experienced. He's weighed the risks." She glanced at Ning Cheng, a flicker of concern in her eyes. She knew his instincts were sharp.

The ensuing gunshots shattered the tense silence, a cacophony of violence that sent a wave of fear through the onlookers. Two officers were soon carried out, bleeding.

Shen Qiang, one of the survivors, gasped out the details: They'd used the secret back door, bypassed the first-floor guards, only to encounter Liu Hailong and his men on the second floor. A fierce firefight ensued. Two officers were wounded; one robber was dead.

Li Gang's face was ashen. His plan had failed, his judgment flawed.

Zhou Ziyan clenched her fists, watching the ambulances speed away. "What about the two officers?"

"Liu was hit in the thigh, Da Jiang in the lung..." Shen Qiang's voice choked.

Li Gang took responsibility, his shoulders slumping. "The plan failed. I underestimated Liu Hailong."

Ning Cheng interjected, "Team Li, now's not the time for blame. We have crucial information!"

"What information?" Li Gang asked, his gaze desperate.

"Liu Hailong's men are guarding all exits. He's likely controlling everything from a central location."

Ning Cheng's eyes flashed with determination. "I propose a new plan: I'll go in, negotiate with Liu Hailong. Meanwhile, you hit their positions simultaneously."

Li Gang and Zhou Ziyan stared, stunned.

"I'm not letting you court death," Zhou Ziyan protested immediately. "They'll kill you!"

"I'm sure I won't die," Ning Cheng said, his voice unwavering. "And if it works, we rescue the hostages and eliminate the threat."

Li Gang hesitated. The risk was immense, but Ning Cheng's confidence was unsettlingly persuasive.

Suddenly, another gunshot rang out. A yellow-haired robber emerged from the bank, a sneer on his face, holding hostages.

"Make your choice," he taunted. "Negotiate, or more people die."

The tense standoff began. Several officers volunteered to negotiate, but Ning Cheng stepped forward. "I'll do it. It's my plan. I can make this work."

Li Gang looked at Ning Cheng, a mixture of apprehension and grudging respect in his eyes. He knew the odds were stacked against them, but in that moment, Ning Cheng's unwavering resolve was their only hope.

This edit streamlines the narrative, focuses on key actions and dialogue, and builds suspense more effectively. The pacing is quicker, and the characters' motivations are more clearly defined.