Wrong Interrogation Room, The First Cracked Case Shocked the World

Chapter 82: Professional negotiation skills, the power of criminal psychology!

Ning Cheng finally persuaded Li Gang, along with the armed police captains and team members. Watching him walk toward the bank, unwavering and fearless, their hearts filled with awe and respect. This wasn't just another "respect" moment; this was different. Years later, no one would forget this image seared into their memories. Entering the bank was practically a death sentence, yet Ning Cheng went.

Compared to many seasoned armed police officers, Ning Cheng was young, still experiencing life's youthful exuberance. Yet, he didn't hesitate, stepping into the lion's den to negotiate with the ruthless robbers. Zhou Ziyan's eyes welled with tears, remembering that moment. As his teammate, colleague, and friend, she couldn't stop him. Now, remorse gnawed at her; regret for making the call that brought Ning Cheng to this.

This wasn't like previous cases, solvable with intelligence alone. This was pure, brutal robbery—over a dozen violent criminals holding a bank hostage. One wrong move, and Ning Cheng would be dead. These weren't just criminals; they were beasts—merciless, reckless, devoid of reason.

"Ning Cheng—" Ye Wanzhou gasped, trembling as she watched him go. She wanted to stop him, but couldn't. His decision was unshakeable. Her pleas were futile. But why? This rescue didn't need him. He wasn't necessary.

This bank robbery was unlike the previous incident at the National Financial Center, with only one robber. This was a chaotic situation—more than ten robbers, over thirty hostages. Negotiation was a gamble, a single gunshot could kill Ning Cheng.

"Why?" she whispered, tears blurring her vision. "Why be so reckless?" She sank to the ground, sobbing.

The Armed Police vehicles were only a few hundred steps from the bank. Ning Cheng reached the main gate, a closed door. He stood motionless, knowing Liu Hailong was watching.

Soon, the door opened, and Huang Mao, the same man who'd been issuing threats, emerged. "You the negotiator?" he sneered, sizing Ning Cheng up.

"Yes," Ning Cheng replied calmly.

"You're pretty calm for cannon fodder," Huang Mao sneered, glancing behind Ning Cheng. "What good are you?"

"I'm not cannon fodder," Ning Cheng retorted, "Your boss knows my value. He'll judge."

"You think you're a cop? You dare provoke me?" Huang Mao, angered by Ning Cheng's calm demeanor, raised his pistol.

"Killing me won't help," Ning Cheng said evenly. "My colleagues surround the bank. You can't escape. Killing me only guarantees your capture."

"You dare?" Huang Mao tightened his grip on the pistol. "We have hostages! We can use them to force you to send another negotiator."

"Childish," Ning Cheng said, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Think—countries at war don't kill negotiators! Killing me will only escalate things. The police will assume you're irrational and will resort to force."

"I'm the only negotiator. Kill me, and you get no more negotiations. Only force."

"You're outnumbered. Hundreds of police officers, military, and snipers are ready. Where will you run?"

"Recognize the situation. You have no leverage. Your only bargaining chip is the hostages."

Huang Mao hesitated, his anger warring with a chilling fear. Ning Cheng's words were cutting through his bravado, exposing his weakness.

"Don't kill me," Ning Cheng continued. "Let your boss come. I believe Liu Hailong is listening."

A cold voice crackled from Huang Mao's walkie-talkie. "Huang Mao, bring him in. I want to talk."

Huang Mao, glancing at the dark muzzles outside, remembered Ning Cheng's words and trembled. Were there really snipers? He swallowed hard, closed the bank door, and led Ning Cheng inside.

Back at the Armed Police Center, Li Gang, Zhou Ziyan, and the others watched, hearts pounding. Ning Cheng's confidence, his almost defiant calm, left them breathless. His negotiation skills were masterful, showcasing his profound understanding of criminal psychology.