Chapter Six: The Special Task Force Assembles

Haifeng sat in the room, gazing at Zhao Zhijie and Zhang Mufeng at his side, feeling the rush of youth envelop him. Being with these young people, he seemed to see his own university days again, sitting in classrooms, laughing and chatting with Liu Zhiyang and Qiu Zhiyong. Back then, the three of them were just as young and full of vigor.

“There’s still one person who hasn’t arrived. He should be here soon, right?” Haifeng murmured to himself.

No sooner had he spoken than he saw Li Mengyang walk into the room. He wore a blue shirt and black trousers, just as he had when Haifeng met him for the first time years ago.

Haifeng nodded to Li Mengyang, indicating he should find a seat. Without a word, Li Mengyang walked over and sat beside Haifeng, quietly waiting with him. For a moment, the room was enveloped in silence.

A few minutes later, Qiu Zhiyong and Liu Zhiyang entered the room one after the other. Haifeng introduced the three young men beside him to Qiu Zhiyong and Liu Zhiyang.

After Haifeng finished the introductions, Liu Zhiyang told the three young men to go for a walk, saying he had something to discuss with Haifeng. Once they left, Liu Zhiyang couldn't hold back and began to confront Haifeng: “Ghostbane, if you want to die, don’t drag others with you, alright? Are you so obsessed that you can’t live without chaos? The operation hasn’t even started and you’re already making trouble!”

“I don’t know those two kids, and if you think they're good material for the special unit, I won’t object. But Li Mengyang—do you really not know who he is? Is there anyone in Ming City who doesn't know him? He’s not a police officer, and as far as I know, he just finished serving a sentence. Do you realize the kind of mess you'll create by bringing him in?”

Liu Zhiyang continued, “Are you pretending to be ignorant, or are you truly clueless? Recruiting someone with a criminal record for the unit—how many people would seize on that to attack the group? You’re not building a team, you’re tearing it apart. If you die alone, that’s your business, but do you know how many will use this to attack Director Qiu?”

“Recruiting an ordinary person would already invite criticism. Both Director Qiu and I would have to clean up your mess. But you want someone with a criminal record? And not just any ex-convict, but one notorious for violence in Ming City? Are you here to enforce the law or break it? Do you think you’re a mountain king, gathering outlaws for a heroic assembly? Are you so irresponsible that you just want to watch the drama unfold, thinking the more chaos, the merrier? Or do you think the special unit isn’t special enough, the covert operation not flashy enough, so you must stir up trouble?”

“Even if you’re ignorant of the law, after so many years on the job, you must know the basic recruitment requirements for police: people with criminal records cannot be hired. When the time comes for action, how will you work with Li Mengyang? Tell criminals not to move because his crimes are heavier than theirs?”

“No wonder they call you 'Ghostbane.' You refuse to use police officers, insisting on people without official status—and not just civilians, but those with criminal records. You think that's not enough, so you want someone infamous. You’re not asking me to take the blame, you’re asking me to shield you from a nuclear blast.”

Haifeng listened in silence, waiting for Liu Zhiyang to finish before calmly asking, “You know how capable Li Mengyang is. Do you really think there’s anyone more suitable for the unit? You know what happened—do you think, from his perspective, he was in the wrong?”

Liu Zhiyang waved his hand, cutting him off: “Of course I know how capable he is, but he has serious violent tendencies and a criminal record. Talent without virtue brings disaster, don't you understand? He’s brilliant, but he assaulted someone in front of police, causing injury. Do you know the trouble that brings?”

“A PhD trained for years, yet utterly ignorant of the law—using violence to fight violence, acting recklessly. What’s the point of the law then? What’s the point of police? Might as well all become bandits. Actually, that suits you; you could be the bandit chief, a promotion of sorts.”

“There’s no one more suitable? Have all the police in Ming City died? With so many people, can’t you find someone better than Li Mengyang? Even if someone is less capable, at least they’re a police officer, not an ex-convict. At least they won’t bring disaster. With so many options, you insist on Li Mengyang—are you playing the Seven Wounds Fist, hurting yourself as much as the enemy?”

Liu Zhiyang shook his head and continued, “No, that’s not accurate. You’re actually hurting yourself more than the enemy. You’re not targeting cybercrime—you’re targeting Director Qiu and me. Do we have a grudge?”

“You ask if, from Li Mengyang’s perspective, he was wrong. Of course he was. When did breaking the law become acceptable? If he acted during the continuation of the crime, I wouldn’t object—kill that bastard, and I’d defend him, ensure his acquittal.”

“But he struck after the criminal was subdued, in front of teachers and students, in front of police. Several officers couldn’t restrain him. Isn’t that a blatant disregard for the law? Even the underworld isn’t so brazen.”

“If you let him into the unit, what if he loses control again? But you and he are a perfect match: Ghostbane and Madman, a TV drama pairing. You have children, you’re in your forties—can’t you grow up a little? Stop causing trouble like a child.”

Haifeng looked at Liu Zhiyang and said, “He was protecting his family. Law exists to punish evil and promote good. If a man cannot defend his family, what use is the law? Such unjust laws should be abandoned. I don’t think he was wrong—I believe he was upholding justice and the law.”

He paused and continued, “This isn’t just my opinion; it’s shared by teachers, students, and the public alike. The special unit is special precisely because it breaks the mold to recruit talent. If we cling to tradition, we’ll never make progress. Li Mengyang’s talent is unmatched, his kindness undeniable—he’s irreplaceable.”

His tone softened a little as he addressed Liu Zhiyang: “You know how many cases he’s helped solve in Ming City. He’s a good man, not a bad one. Criminal records don’t concern me, and shouldn’t concern you. Not everyone can be defined by their record—Li Mengyang is an exception.”

Liu Zhiyang retorted, “So by your logic, Li Mengyang’s conviction was a mistake? He deserves a first-class merit instead? Upholding justice and the law? I think you’re twisting justice, ignoring the law. Was it self-defense? The crime was already stopped, yet he used violence—how is that upholding the law?”

“By your reasoning, the judiciary can retire. Everyone gets a gun, and when someone does wrong, you shoot them. Why bother forming a special unit? We three could go sell sweet potatoes and make a fortune.”

“Criminal records can’t be used for judgment? Then, by your logic, records shouldn’t exist? Heroes unbound by origin, names unimportant? Shall we abolish repeat offenses and recidivism? You write the laws? You decide the rules? Who do you think you are—Emperor? Years of legal study wasted, decades as a police officer and you lack basic legal awareness?”

“Do you see yourself as a wandering hero or a crime boss? Crime is crime, black can never be white. No amount of eloquence can reverse that. We’re a disciplined force, not a force of disorder. No matter how talented Li Mengyang is, if he rises from the ashes, that’s his ability. But I disagree with letting him join the unit—it’s reckless.”

Qiu Zhiyong raised his hand, telling them to stop arguing. He addressed both: “No need to debate. I agreed to break conventional recruitment standards for the special unit. Let Haifeng decide personnel—if problems arise, I’ll take responsibility. Your only task is to do your job well. I’m old, not looking for promotion; I just want to shine once more before I leave, kindle a fire, contribute some warmth, do some real work. Call the young comrades back, let’s have a meeting. The rest is up to you.”

Liu Zhiyang, hearing Qiu Zhiyong’s words, stopped arguing with Haifeng. He nudged Haifeng with his elbow: “Call them, Leader Hai. Director Qiu agrees, so I won’t object.”

Qiu Zhiyong watched his two juniors and smiled again.

Haifeng called Zhao Zhijie and the others to return. But only Zhao Zhijie and Zhang Mufeng came back—Li Mengyang was absent.

Haifeng asked, “Where’s Li Mengyang? Why are only you two back?”

Zhao Zhijie and Zhang Mufeng exchanged glances, and after a moment, Zhao Zhijie said, “He didn’t leave with us. He said his phone was in the room and came back to get it, then we didn’t see him again.”

Haifeng searched the room but saw no sign of Li Mengyang’s phone. He dialed Li Mengyang’s number, but no one answered. Shortly after, he received a text: “Leader Hai, thank you for giving me the chance to work with you. I heard your conversation earlier, and I apologize for causing the dispute. I’m leaving—please don’t feel troubled because of me. Thank you for your care.”

Haifeng read the message and handed his phone to Liu Zhiyang: “See what you’ve done—Li Mengyang’s gone. Go find me another Li Mengyang. I carefully selected the team, and you chased one away with a few words. I only picked three, and you drove one off as soon as you arrived. If you don’t bring him back, I won’t let you off.”

With a hint of annoyance, Haifeng added, “I’m used to sabotaging others, but I’ve never seen anyone dare sabotage me. Do you really take me for a pushover? If you don’t bring him back, I won’t rest until you do.”

Seeing Haifeng angry, Liu Zhiyang protested, “Don’t blame me—I didn’t say anything outrageous. I was just being honest and objective. Besides, I already agreed to let Li Mengyang join. As a member of the unit, I should have the right to speak—democracy means criticism and self-criticism.”

“Besides, his legs are his own—if he wants to leave, I can’t stop him. Even if I could, I’d have to see him first. He didn’t tell me he was leaving before he went. Why are you so anxious? It’s not like I stole your grain. Why are you so mad at me, Ghostbane? If you’re angry, jump over the wall. Why bite me?” Liu Zhiyang sounded flustered and turned to Qiu Zhiyong: “Senior, say something—don’t just sit and watch.”

Qiu Zhiyong sat there, playing with his fingers, then looked up at Liu Zhiyang and smiled: “King of Curses hits a wall! Don’t ask me—solve it yourself.”

Seeing both Qiu Zhiyong hands-off and Haifeng furious, Liu Zhiyang panicked. He said, “Fine, fine, I’ll go find him, alright? I’ll bring him back for you, right now, you ancestor.”

He hurried out, then turned back at the door: “Wait, where do I look? Ming City is huge—I’ll die searching. Give me a clue, at least!”

Haifeng, seeing Liu Zhiyang’s aggrieved face, felt both annoyed and amused. After a moment’s thought, he said, “I’ll go. I’ll bring him back—just don’t chase him away again.” With that, Haifeng left the room.

At that moment, Li Mengyang lay on the rooftop of the First Teaching Building at Mingzhou University, staring at the clouds, lost in thought. Suddenly, a shadow appeared, blocking his view.

“How did you find me?” Li Mengyang asked the shadow.

Haifeng sat beside him and said, “I heard from your mentor. You used to come here to watch the sky, and whenever he couldn’t find you, he’d look for you up here—always found you. Back then, there were always two of you together.”

He paused, then continued, “It was your girlfriend, wasn’t it? Your mentor told me she was his most admired student, along with you, but I’ve never heard you mention her. Would you like to talk?”

Li Mengyang gazed at the sky and said, “There’s not much to say—just a difference in values. We were close in school, both loved watching the sky, coming here to unwind. Same mentor, same field, just different research. I focused on criminal psychology, she on social psychology. We often discussed academics, gradually developed feelings.”

“When we graduated, she wanted to go south, to the big cities and make her own mark. I had family to care for and didn't want to leave home, plus I landed the only lecturer position in the department—I didn’t want to waste it. So we broke up. Later, I was imprisoned and lost all contact with her.”

He paused again. “You didn’t need to come find me. I’m an adult—I won’t do anything foolish. My criminal record is a fact. I broke the law, so I must bear the consequences. You don’t need to argue on my behalf. I know clearly—I can’t help the police as before, joining the force is a pipe dream. Everyone knows my record; no one would want me. I can’t be a university lecturer anymore. But it’s fine—I’ll find work somehow. Heaven never seals all roads.”

Haifeng turned to look at Li Mengyang and said, “I’m not worried you can’t find work, nor am I here to help you. I want you to help me. I’m old, and there’s much I can’t understand or learn anymore. Without you young people, I can’t do it alone.”

He shifted his tone. “I’ve known Liu Zhiyang for over twenty years; I know his character well. He’s sharp-tongued but soft-hearted, loves to complain but is kind at heart. Regarding your joining, he’s just being objective, not targeting you personally. We’re not young anymore. We’re familiar with traditional crime and can handle it, but this time we’re facing new forms of crime in unfamiliar territory. Your expertise is exactly what I need.”

Haifeng continued, “No one is perfect. You made mistakes, but your intent to protect your family is clear, and everyone understands—no one will judge you for that, nor do they have the right. I’ve seen your dedication to work; I know you love this field. Give me another chance, give yourself another chance—join us!” With that, Haifeng stood up and extended his hand.

Li Mengyang looked at Haifeng’s figure, bathed in sunlight, and felt the warmth radiating from his outstretched hand. He thought of his sister describing how Haifeng had cared for their family these past years, helping with her college and tending to his ailing mother. He felt that the man before him was like a father, filling him with warmth. Unable to resist, he reached out his hand.

Returning to the room, Haifeng found Liu Zhiyang pacing restlessly, like a caged bear. Zhao Zhijie and Zhang Mufeng wore expressions of deep concern, while Qiu Zhiyong sat calmly, sipping tea.

Upon seeing Haifeng return, Liu Zhiyang rushed over, grabbing Haifeng’s arms urgently: “Well? Did you find him? He’s not thinking of doing anything foolish, is he? Say something! You’re Ghostbane, not Silent Hai—did you find him or not?”

Haifeng gave Liu Zhiyang a calm smile and gestured behind him. Liu Zhiyang craned his neck to look past Haifeng, peering towards the door.

When he saw Li Mengyang standing behind Haifeng with a composed expression, the weight in his heart lifted. He pulled Haifeng aside and welcomed Li Mengyang back. Just as Liu Zhiyang was about to apologize, Qiu Zhiyong spoke first: “Alright, now that everyone’s here, let’s begin the meeting.”

Qiu Zhiyong had Haifeng distribute his research report to the three young men. “Read through the report,” he said, “your Leader Hai wrote it.”

Zhao Zhijie and Li Mengyang lowered their heads and read intently. Only Zhang Mufeng glanced at the cover and placed the report on the table.

Qiu Zhiyong looked at Zhang Mufeng, who smiled at him: “Director Qiu, I’ve already read this report.”

Qiu Zhiyong studied Zhang Mufeng’s eyes and saw he was telling the truth. He turned to Haifeng, who nodded, confirming Zhang Mufeng’s words. Qiu Zhiyong nodded to him and resumed sipping his tea.

When the two young men finished reading and looked up, Qiu Zhiyong began: “The reasons, purpose, and significance of forming this special unit are clearly written in Leader Hai’s report. Everyone here has read it, so I won’t repeat. I’ve dealt with countless crimes and am familiar and capable of tackling them, but with cybercrime, I admit I’m unfamiliar and inexperienced.”

He continued, “But I know that cybercrime is becoming rampant—its threat even exceeds traditional crime. It’s reached a point where we must act. The internet is not a lawless realm; we can’t let this trend continue. If we don’t change the situation, it will eventually ruin the country. Therefore, we must intervene. I may not know how, but Haifeng does—his report makes that clear.”

Qiu Zhiyong sipped his tea and went on: “Everyone here has been carefully selected according to Haifeng’s report. Haifeng told me you include an expert in social work, a legal specialist, a psychologist, and a computer whiz. Each of you is indispensable to the unit. Some are police, some are not, but your identity doesn’t matter here—what matters is your talent and your dedication to serving the nation and protecting the people.”

He paused, then added: “I’m old, and can’t offer much help with your upcoming work. I don’t understand the internet or cybercrime, so the details are up to you. What I can do is give you the greatest support within my power. Be bold, fight with all your heart, focus on your work. For everything else, I’ll handle it. Though I’m just an old man, as a deputy director, there’s still plenty I can do.”

He smiled: “As the report says, break through regional and organizational boundaries—use a special talent system to build a powerful cyber team, strike at cybercrime across regions and borders, along the full chain. Your task is to break all the rules and face new forms of crime with a fresh approach.”

With resolve, Qiu Zhiyong said: “I trust you all—I believe you have tremendous ability, and with it comes great responsibility. I pass this responsibility to you, hoping you’ll fulfill your mission, carry your duty with honor, and work together to achieve results, eliminate cybercrime, and contribute to the nation’s future.”

He paused once more: “Does anyone have questions or issues needing my help? If not, let Leader Hai brief you on the case details.”

Zhao Zhijie raised his hand. Qiu Zhiyong signaled for him to speak.

Zhao Zhijie looked around and said, “The unit is still missing one person—a skill none of us possess but essential for the group.”

Qiu Zhiyong said, “Go on.”

Zhao Zhijie turned to Haifeng: “Leader Hai, you chose me for my computer skills, but I specialize in tracing, not attack. According to your report, the unit needs a hacker—someone skilled in offensive operations.”

Qiu Zhiyong asked, “Can you find this hacker?”

Zhao Zhijie glanced at Qiu Zhiyong, then at Haifeng, and said, “I do know a hacker—very skilled—but I’m not confident I can recruit him.”

Qiu Zhiyong asked, “What’s his name?”

Zhao Zhijie replied, “I don’t know his real name. He calls himself 'Black Widow.' We’ve only interacted online, but we often compete, so I know him well and am familiar with his skills.”

Qiu Zhiyong said, “Find him as soon as possible. Haifeng, help look for attack experts, in case this comrade can’t recruit his contact. Let’s assemble the team first—when everyone’s in place, we’ll begin work.”

And so the first meeting of the unit ended. Qiu Zhiyong, Haifeng, and Liu Zhiyang walked through the campus, the breeze gently caressing their faces as the distant sky was painted crimson by the setting sun. Watching the three young figures ahead, Qiu Zhiyong said to Haifeng and Liu Zhiyang, “How much they resemble us in our youth. Such fine young people— for the future of our country, we must do our part.”

Haifeng and Liu Zhiyang nodded in agreement.

Under the sunset, the six of them, together, walked slowly toward the horizon.