MWC – Chapter 109 Dual Management

I AM DROPPING THIS NOVEL. IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTINUE THEY CAN. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE SHARE THE LINK SO I CAN BINGE READ TOO.

Han Annie looked up in surprise.

Lu Ming thought for a moment, “Let’s go, have a meal with me. It’s for work, and you can relax a bit. Also, Li Mingxuan is around here too. When we have time, we can sit down and chat. It’s quite a small chance to meet three people from Wuan in Donghai, even though you’re not from Wuan, we can still count you as a fellow Wuan native.”

“Let’s go, we’re on a tight schedule!”

Lu Ming gestured, giving Han Annie little time to think.

…

Sitting in the car next to Lu Ming, Han Annie remained silent.

A member of the action team was driving, and Datou sat next to him. In the following open-top jeep, the armed action team members with their submachine guns were clearly visible.

After the attack, Lu Ming’s bodyguards had been replaced by well-armed members of the Special Action Team from the High Prosecutor’s Office.

These armed personnel now belonged to the Special Action Group under the special project office that Lu Ming oversaw.

“You seem to be doing very well now?” Han Annie suddenly said.

Lu Ming smiled, “I’m really not the murderer.”

“Last night, I read some past reports about you in the local newspapers,” Han Annie glanced at the driver and Datou in front, then stopped speaking.

She clearly wanted to talk about the past but knew that Lu Ming might not want others to know about his history.

“Do you find me terrifying or charming?” Lu Ming smiled, “Everyone always thought I was a playboy, but unexpectedly, I turned out to be a great lawyer, right? Hmm, being great doesn’t even fully describe my brilliance and valor, does it?”

Looking into Lu Ming’s eyes, Han Annie finally showed a bit of helplessness, similar to her demeanor in court, but without the contempt.

“Your family is all gone, and you pretended to be a playboy…” Han Annie sighed lightly and said no more.

Lu Ming was taken aback. It was clear that after he left, Han Annie had thoroughly reviewed the case and investigated his family background.

She must have had some vague ideas initially, but seeing him again and reading about his prominent handling of the Kato Masahichi case in Donghai, those ideas probably became more logically consistent.

His family had powerful enemies, so he had to pretend to be an unremarkable playboy to survive.

“I’m fine! It’s not as bad as you think!” Lu Ming smiled and looked at Han Annie, “What about you? What happened? You seem to have changed a lot too.”

Han Annie shook her head, “Nothing.” She turned to look out the car window.

…

The “Parandet” restaurant of the Coast Guard was right across from the headquarters gate. Besides professional soldiers tired of canteen food, tourists who came to the nearby beach would come here to try the navy-run restaurant’s specialties. “Parandet” means guarding the sea.

Golden beaches, blue seas, white waves splashing on the rocky platforms, the glass walls of the small house blocking the waves while small waves continuously surged up, creating a unique atmosphere.

This long glass-walled restaurant, which offered a panoramic sea view, had long been marked as no longer open to the public.

Lu Ming and Han Annie got out of the car beside the green palm trees in front of the restaurant. Mary, who had been waiting at the door, warmly greeted them and led them inside.

Following Datou’s gesture, the armed action team members in camouflage jumped out of the open-top jeep, carrying submachine guns or automatic rifles, and began setting up strategic defense points, although there was no need for such measures here.

Inside the restaurant, at the best table by the window, an elderly man in a white military uniform stood up with a smile and warmly embraced Lu Ming before he even approached.

This was Lu Ming’s first time meeting Sir Wenge, though he had seen photos of him at various events.

Sir Wenge was a very lean elderly man, not very tall but with bright eyes, a thick mustache, and a fondness for a large pipe.

He did not speak Central Continent language, but living in Donghai as part of the aristocratic class, he had learned it from a young age unless he intended to isolate himself within his small circle.

He complimented Han Annie’s beauty, which Mary translated. Han Annie modestly said thank you.

“Mr. Lu, your work in pursuing illegal organizations must keep you very busy!” Sir Wenge said with a smile after they sat down.

After all, Lu Ming’s companion was still wearing a prosecutor’s uniform skirt.

Actually, prosecutors are not required to wear uniforms except for important meetings and other formal occasions.

On the other hand, Sir Wenge and Mary were dressed very elegantly—Mary in a silver dress and Sir Wenge in a dress uniform, showing the importance they placed on this meeting.

“Yes, a bit busy,” Lu Ming smiled.

The waiter quickly served some fruit. In this world, Western cuisine often started with slightly acidic fruits and vegetables to stimulate the appetite.

Sir Wenge and Lu Ming chatted casually, and the waiter did not bring the main course.

After expressing concern about Lu Ming’s well-being and ensuring he was not injured in the attack, Sir Wenge sighed, “It is truly distressing that you were attacked, Mr. Lu. This also highlights the fact that the police force lacks deterrent power against these well-armed criminals, leading to their increasing audacity. Unfortunately, according to imperial law, our National Security Army cannot be involved in maintaining public order without authorization from the Donghai Council. Therefore, we are powerless to respond to such incidents.”

Mary translated while Lu Ming listened and nodded silently.

“Yesterday, Lieutenant General Neville and I discussed this issue and felt deeply troubled. He even consulted a few military lawyers, but they all said that the National Security Army, fundamentally different from the police, cannot be involved in maintaining public order.”

Lu Ming casually picked up a small slice of melon and ate it, then said, “As lawyers employed by the military, our primary duty is to provide legal services and professional opinions for military decision-making. The military cannot intervene in civilian affairs; this legal boundary is inviolable. The military’s role is to defend against external threats, not to become a force for maintaining internal order.”

Sir Wenge immediately frowned, showing disappointment on his face, and glanced at Mary.

Mary kept signaling to Lu Ming.

It was obvious that Mary had said many good things about Lu Ming, leading Sir Wenge to believe this young lawyer would have unique insights.

Who knew he would still be saying the same old things?

Lu Ming thought for a moment and said, “However, if a new force were established specifically to combat armed criminals, it could be under military organization but jointly led by the municipal committee and the military. It would have the high-intensity training and weaponry of professional soldiers but be dedicated to fighting rampant armed criminals. This dual leadership model could be called the Public Safety Armed Police Force or something similar. I believe the municipal committee would agree, and the council would certainly pass it.”

“This way, there would be no legal issues.”

Smiling to himself, he thought, whatever, let them mess around. I don’t care about their upper echelons’ structures.

Clearly, the military was trying to expand its influence, and the council naturally would not allow it.

But with a force jointly led by the committee and the military, there was room for compromise.

The municipal management committee also wanted a say in military matters.

“Dual leadership… Public Safety Force?” Sir Wenge murmured.

Even though Sir Wenge was talking to himself, Mary still translated for Lu Ming, looking pleased.

“Very interesting…” Sir Wenge smiled, “It seems Mr. Lu is indeed the most professional!”

“Alright, bring on the main course!” Sir Wenge said to the waiter with a smile.

After that, the conversation became light and easy.

After the meal, Sir Wenge quickly left.

Mary returned after seeing him off, smiling, “Mr. Lu, Prosecutor Han, have some dessert before you go.” She then sat beside Lu Ming.

Lowering her voice, she whispered to Lu Ming, “Sir Wenge has gone to meet Lieutenant General Neville. He really appreciates your suggestion and said if it works out, he will recommend you to Lieutenant General Neville.”

Lu Ming smiled but said nothing.

“Alright, I’m leaving now. Your girlfriend might get jealous!” Mary chuckled and stood up.

Watching her deliberate sway as she walked away, Lu Ming sighed softly. Little Martha, to Mary, was probably no different from a pet. Initially, she was upset for a few days, but now, she had long forgotten, not even asking if the case Lu Ming was investigating was related to Martha’s death.

He hoped he would never become so numb.

“She’s long gone!” Han Annie scrunched her nose, seeing Lu Ming staring blankly in the direction Mary had left, probably finally overlapping him with the image of the playboy involved with a maid back in Wuan.

Lu Ming snapped back and smiled, “She’s got a great figure, all normal men would like it!”

He added, “You didn’t eat much earlier, let’s get some more. This meal’s on me, eat more.”

Han Annie shook her head, “I’m full.” She stood up, “Let’s go back. I just started working, there’s a lot to get familiar with.” She paused, “Sir?”

Lu Ming got up helplessly.

This meal, from past to present, still hadn’t been properly treated.