The bank robbery that Qin Tian mentioned occurred at the intersection of the Eastern District and Jinshan District in a bank more than twenty days ago.
Qin Tian had also heard of the incident which caused a nationwide sensation.
Rumors had it that a cash transportation vehicle of a bank was robbed by premeditated criminals, and the security personnel escorting the vehicle suffered one death and two injuries. Since it happened during the daytime and the robbers were extremely brazen, it had a significant impact on society.
Meng Changming had been urging on.
However, to his dismay, twenty days later they were still clueless like a headless fly, not even knowing the exact number of robbers involved, which infuriated Meng Changming.
"Yes, this bank heist in Zhonghai City has had an extremely adverse impact. As the person in charge of overseeing this case, I must solve it within the set timeframe."
Because he trusted Qin Tian, Meng Changming didn’t hide the details of his work from him and told him everything about the specific progress of the case.
"But the efficiency of the force in Jinshan District is too low. In 20 days, 20 days, guess what they have done? They only know the robbers were premeditated, they only know that there were 4-8 robbers."
The more Meng Changming spoke, the angrier he became, and in the end, he simply lit a cigarette for himself.
Blowing smoke rings, Meng Changming vented to Qin Tian with frustration, "I’ve made a guarantee to solve the case within a month, but now 20 days have passed and not a single robber has been caught... Sigh, what’s the use of having such people under me!"
Meng Changming was sharing his troubles, but Qin Tian sensed a business opportunity from his words.
"Uncle Meng, haven’t you posted a bounty or something, allowing citizens to provide clues to help with the arrest?" Qin Tian asked.
"We posted a reward more than ten days ago. Any citizen who can provide useful clues will be directly rewarded with 100,000 yuan, and anyone who can help capture a robber will get 500,000 yuan! But so far, despite the numerous calls from the public, they are all after the reward money, no valid clues..."
Hearing Meng Changming’s words, Qin Tian couldn’t help but purse his lips inadvertently.
The reward is quite low.
"What, Qin, do you have a way to help me solve this problem?"
Seeing Qin Tian deep in thought, Meng Changming, feeling somewhat powerless, asked subconsciously, knowing Qin Tian was skilled and guessing that he might have been a soldier before.
Qin Tian hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "I know a group of friends who are mercenaries. They sometimes take on tasks when they are free, including helping to catch criminals... However, Uncle Meng, as you know, mercenaries always tie their work to money, so..."
Qin Tian spoke very diplomatically, but his message was crystal clear.
In fact, he also considered this an opportunity for Dragon Soul to show their strength. After all, since the Dragon Soul Mercenary Corps had been reestablished, they hadn’t received any tasks or income. If he could get a good price for this case, Qin Tian would definitely agree to help solve it.
Qin Tian initially thought Meng Changming wouldn’t consider his subtle suggestion, but Meng Changming’s question proved him wrong.
"If all the robbers are caught, it’ll probably take at least 3 to 5 million," Qin Tian quoted a price.
Of course, this was a "friendly price."
The old Dragon Soul wouldn’t have quoted such a low price, especially since this was not only about solving a case but also about catching the criminals.
"Are these people reliable?"
Meng Changming pondered for a few seconds. "Okay, give me the phone number of the leader of the mercenary organization you know. I’ll discuss with them. As for the price... I can offer up to the total amount of the reward money, 3.5 million. No more than that, after all, it’s not my money."
Seeing how straightforward Meng Changming was, Qin Tian stopped beating around the bush and said with an embarrassed smile, "Uncle Meng, not to hide anything from you, the leader of that mercenary team... it’s me."
At this revelation, Meng Changming was startled.
"Firstly, Uncle Meng, I assure you that my mercenary team is not one of those that deceive without demonstrating any strength. If you agree to hire our team, then the price is 3.5 million. Of course, provided that we catch every single robber without exception, and within ten days!"
Qin Tian spoke emphatically. In fact, Meng Changming hadn’t clearly heard anything before Qin Tian’s final assurance, "You can catch them in ten days?!"
They had utilized so much manpower and resources and yet were clueless after twenty days, but Qin Tian’s mercenary team could find clues and capture the criminals in just ten days?
Meng Changming looked at Qin Tian, his skepticism obvious.
Also, Meng Changming was most worried that if he really entrusted Qin Tian’s mercenary team with this task, it would be like putting all his eggs in one basket. If Qin Tian couldn’t catch the criminals within ten days, it wouldn’t just be a matter of his team not getting the fee, but Meng Changming would face accountability!
Observing Meng Changming’s worried and hesitant expression, Qin Tian pondered briefly and guessed Meng Changming’s concerns.
"Uncle Meng, if you’re worried about the time issue, how about this... give me eight days. My team won’t just solve the case, but will catch the criminals too, how about that?"
After posing the question, Qin Tian continued, "If you feel it’s too risky to let us handle the case alone, you’re completely free to continue with your investigation. There’s no conflict in both sides working on the case. After all, we all aim to solve it and capture the criminals, and we won’t use any of your resources or cause you any interference."
Qin Tian’s words were clearly sincere, and Meng Changming nodded slightly after hearing them.
He lit another cigarette, thought for a few minutes, then suddenly looked up at Qin Tian, "Okay, 3.5 million. You must catch the robbers within eight days, or you won’t get a single cent."
"Deal." Qin Tian smiled and nodded, securing the first job for the new Dragon Soul, and it was a governmental task, with no worries about receiving the payment after completing the mission.
"Also, this matter requires a confidentiality agreement. It must be known only to the parties involved, just you and me. It absolutely cannot be leaked," Meng Changming added.
Qin Tian continued to nod: "Of course."
"Good, come to my office tomorrow. I’ll have my assistant draw up a contract for you..."
Meng Changming tossed away the cigarette butt in his hand but then asked Qin Tian again with lingering concerns, "Qin, this is a critical matter. Are you sure you can catch the robbers in eight days? It seems hardly possible..."