Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

With a loud bang.

Jin Aimin slammed the pen down heavily on the ledger with a "thud," his head snapping up abruptly. His eyes widened, and his aura instantly turned icy cold. His keen alertness, honed from years of dealing with security, enemy agents, and factory safety, was instantly heightened, and alarm bells rang in his mind.

Enemy agents!

These two words carry immense weight in the context of modern state-owned factories, posing a far greater danger than any public security disputes, neighborhood conflicts, or factory thefts.

Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill is a core steel smelting base in the northern region, connecting military support, infrastructure projects, and the entire heavy industry production chain. Its strategic position is crucial. If enemy agents were to exploit this vulnerability, burning down raw material storage yards, blowing up steelmaking blast furnaces, stealing core smelting formulas, and cutting off power supply lines, not only would the entire plant be shut down, but the entire northern industrial scheduling would also be affected. The consequences would be enough to alarm the municipal bureau and the plant's top management. No one could bear such a responsibility.

Jin Aimin instantly stood up, grabbed a black duty cap hanging on the wall and put it on his head, then picked up a hard security baton from beside the table and gripped it tightly. His movements were swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation. He asked in a deep voice, "Wei Chen, are you sure? The number of people, hiding places, personal weapons, and surrounding terrain—are all verified correctly? No mistakes, no misjudgments? This is no joke!"

"One hundred percent certain." Wei Chen's tone was firm, his gaze steady and resolute, his voice unwavering. "I've investigated repeatedly; their appearance, clothing, hiding places, and every move are crystal clear. There's absolutely no misjudgment. I've also thoroughly familiarized myself with the terrain. That blind spot is surrounded by broken walls, obstructed views by old steel frames, and concealed by weeds—easy to defend and difficult to attack. The outer perimeter is severely obstructed, making a conventional encirclement and assault extremely difficult. If we make too much noise and expose their numbers, they might panic and rush towards the boiler room or raw material storage area, or destroy their secret messages or detonate their personal dangerous items on the spot. None of us can stop them, and the losses will be incalculable."

Jin Aimin's heart sank, his face instantly turned extremely serious, and a huge boulder seemed to weigh heavily on his mind.

He worked in the security department for twelve years, rising from a regular duty officer to deputy section chief. He knew the factory's terrain and security shortcomings better than his own backyard.

He knew that abandoned warehouse in the northwest corner all too well—surrounded by three dilapidated high walls, with only a narrow single-person passage in front. The sides of the passage were piled high with scrap I-beams and discarded machine parts, blocking the entire view. From this high vantage point, one could block the entrance and throw hard objects in retaliation. It was a naturally defensible and difficult-to-attack location.

Enemy agents were huddled together inside, concealing weapons. Driven to desperation, these desperate individuals were capable of anything. The security department only had batons, restraint ropes, and riot shields; they lacked firearms, assault equipment, and specialized breaching gear. Their personnel were all ordinary factory security guards, no match for the well-trained and ruthless professional agents in close combat or desperate assaults. A direct assault would inevitably result in injuries, even bloodshed, and would likely force the agents to prematurely implement their sabotage plans—a net loss.

The situation is critical and there is no time to lose.

Jin Aimin dared not delay for a moment, picked up the phone to report to Section Chief Zhou Jianjun, and immediately took action with the section chief's authorization.

After hanging up the phone, Jin Aimin abruptly turned and roared towards the corridor outside: "All on-duty security personnel, assemble immediately! Fully equipped with shields, restraint ropes, and emergency searchlights. No noise, no running or disturbing the public. Maintain silent formation and immediately carry out the containment mission! Now! Immediately! Not a second can be wasted!"

In just ten seconds, the sound of footsteps echoed in the corridor as twenty elite security guards quickly assembled. Each of them wore a red armband, held duty equipment, and stood in a solemn and tense formation, their eyes all fixed on Jin Aimin, ready to be dispatched at any moment.

"Everyone, listen to my instructions. Deploy in three groups and silently maneuver around the perimeter." Jin Aimin's eyes sharpened as he quickly arranged the tactics. He gave the order in a deep voice, "The first team of ten men will maneuver around the outside of the north wall to block all escape routes behind the warehouse and prevent enemy agents from escaping over the wall. The second team of six men will carry riot shields and approach the narrow passage from the front. They are not allowed to show their faces, shout, or provoke anyone. They will only provide perimeter security and blockade, and guard the exit firmly. The remaining four men will stay with me in the center to provide support to the teams on both sides at any time."

Everyone remember: No rash assaults are permitted; no shouting at the suspect to provoke them is allowed; prioritize encirclement and locking down the area; do not allow a single person to escape; and do not alert any nearby production workshops! Anyone who steps forward without authorization will be held strictly accountable afterwards!

"Yes!" The twenty security guards shouted in unison, their voices clear and powerful, strictly adhering to discipline, without uttering a single unnecessary question.

Jin Aimin turned to look deeply at Wei Chen beside him, his tone sincere yet urgent, and solemnly said, "Wei Chen, thank you for reporting in time and stabilizing the situation."

You are familiar with this terrain, react quickly, and are meticulous. We appreciate it if you could stay with us in the center to keep watch, help observe the surrounding area, and maintain the encirclement. Please do not move forward, and do not take any risks by getting too close.

"It's full of desperate enemy agents, armed with heavy weapons. It's too dangerous. We, the security department, will handle the assault. Your safety comes first."

In Jin Aimin's mind, Wei Chen was a rare talent. No matter how good he was, he was not a professional security guard. There was no need to risk his life on the front line of a strong attack. Protecting Wei Chen's safety was more important than anything else.

"Let's go! Let's set off!"

At a command, Jin Aimin took the lead, leading his team at full speed towards the abandoned warehouse area in the northwest corner. The twenty security guards had clear divisions of labor, were in orderly formation, and moved swiftly, keeping their bodies low and their noise levels low throughout, quickly reaching the target location to encircle and deploy their defenses.

In just a few minutes, the group arrived at the outer edge of the barren hillside. According to the pre-arranged tactics, the three teams immediately dispersed, quickly took positions, concealed themselves, and blocked all entrances and exits, silently completing the encirclement of the entire area. Layer upon layer, they tightly locked down all escape routes in the warehouse's blind spots, making it difficult even for a bird to easily slip out.

Jin Aimin crouched behind a pile of scrap steel, peeking out slightly. He saw three dark figures huddled together in the shadows of the warehouse, talking in hushed tones. They occasionally peeked out, their expressions wary and sinister, their hands vaguely gripping gleaming short blades. If anyone dared to approach rashly, they would immediately draw their knives and fight back.

Seeing this, Jin Aimin felt a surge of pressure, and a cold sweat instantly broke out on his back. He gritted his teeth and muttered to himself, "Damn it, they really are desperate fighters, daring to hold their guns on. Without assault equipment and suppressive fire, a head-on charge will definitely lead to disaster. A direct confrontation would result in too many casualties; it's simply not worth it..."

The security squad leader, his voice low and filled with anxiety, whispered for instructions: "Deputy Chief, what do we do now? We dare not launch a direct assault, and shouting at them might provoke them to flee and cause damage. Simply surrounding them isn't a long-term solution either; if we drag this out until dark, they'll be more likely to set fires. We can't afford to waste time! Should we quickly call the factory management and request that they contact the police field team to bring equipment and provide support?"

"It's too late!" Jin Aimin frowned, his voice urgent and low. "Reporting, coordinating, dispatching the police, and getting there will take at least half an hour. It's almost dark, and once night falls and visibility worsens, they might sneak into the boiler room or raw material storage area and set fire to the equipment. Our entire factory will be affected. Who can bear that responsibility? We have to find a way to solve this on the spot!"

For a moment, everyone was caught in a dilemma, unable to move forward or backward, and helpless. A direct assault was not an option, waiting for reinforcements was too late, and a stalemate on the spot posed a huge hidden danger. The twenty security team members looked at each other, completely at a loss, and the atmosphere on the scene was extremely tense.

At this critical juncture when everyone was at a loss, Wei Chen, who had been silently observing the terrain and calmly assessing the situation, took a half step forward. With a calm and composed expression and a steady and powerful tone, he volunteered: "Deputy Section Chief Jin, a frontal assault won't work, a stalemate on the perimeter is pointless, and reinforcements can't arrive in time. Rather than passively waiting for things to fall apart, I'd rather go in alone."

"I will sneak up alone, without alerting the outside, without making a big commotion, and silently approach to subdue these three enemy agents. I will take them down safely and securely. I will ensure that I do not make any noise, provoke the enemy, or cause any chaos throughout the process. You just need to guard the entrance and keep an eye on the outside. You don't need to get involved or provide support."

As soon as he finished speaking, Jin Aimin's expression changed drastically. He grabbed Wei Chen's arm tightly, shaking his head repeatedly, his tone urgent and serious: "No! Absolutely not! Wei Chen, I absolutely won't allow it! The terrain inside is complex, with many blind spots. Three people ganging up and wielding knives, stubbornly resisting, are all reckless thugs. It's too dangerous! You're just a purchasing department employee, not a security guard. You shouldn't risk your life! We can't let you venture into danger alone. What will I tell your family if anything happens to you? What will I tell the factory management?"

All the security guards around him whispered their advice, their expressions worried: "Yes, Comrade Wei Chen, it's too dangerous! Don't be impulsive!" "Let's think of another way. It's not worth risking your life alone!" "The enemy agents have knives, and they have the advantage of the terrain. Getting close would be too disadvantageous!"

Everyone genuinely wanted to stop him; no one wanted to see the reliable, dependable, and exceptionally skilled Wei Chen rush into the deadly territory alone to fight the desperate enemy agents in close combat.

Wei Chen gently pulled his hand away from Jin Aimin's, his expression remaining calm and composed, without a trace of fear in his eyes. His tone was extremely firm as he explained in a deep voice, "Deputy Section Chief Jin, I know what I'm doing and won't act impulsively or take any risks. First, I can see every broken wall, every steel frame obstruction, and every hidden stealth route in this blind spot clearly. I know it by heart, so I won't get lost or be ambushed."

Secondly, I spend most of my time hunting in the mountains. I can handle wild wolves and bears on my own in the deep forests. I am better than anyone else at tracking and ambushing, close combat, and silently controlling the situation.

Third, my physical fitness, reaction speed, and close-quarters combat ability far surpass those of ordinary people. Three to five strong men couldn't even get close to me. These three enemy agents look fierce, but they are actually no match for me. I am absolutely confident that I can take them down without injury.