Chapter 21: The Water Python in the Artificial Lake

Of course, he did not go home to return the fish, but to stow away his fishing gear.

If a fisherman only carries fishing gear at night and the bucket isn't filled with water...

Walking on the street, he would probably be looked down upon by others.

...

Meanwhile,

In the Jinbao Residence of Jiang City.

Several police officers are in the surveillance room of the residential community, watching the monitor screens with serious expressions along with several security guards.

On the surveillance screen, by the artificial lake in Jinbao Residence, indeed appeared a giant water python!

To be precise, it was a giant python with half its head resting on the shore.

Although the full length of this giant python couldn't be seen, just the half head visible was quite horrifying.

Through the camera, one could see the head of the python was pitch black, with dark red patterns on it...

The next second, the python dived into the artificial lake and disappeared without a trace...

The leading officer, who just met Ye Chen, was the branch captain of the Jiang City Police Station, Zhou Tao.

He licked his lips with a complex expression and muttered, "Have I been clashing with water elements lately? Why are all the cases I encounter related to water..."

After all, he had encountered a corpse at the Jiang City River bank just a while ago, and now a python in the residential artificial lake...

At this moment, he had briefly grasped the situation.

Jinbao Residence is the most upscale, largest, and also the most expensive residential community in Jiang City.

Similarly, the artificial lake in the community is also quite large.

There are over ten thousand residents living in this community.

The appearance of a giant python in such a densely populated area can be imagined to be extremely dangerous.

According to the security guards, besides them, some residents of the community knew about the python.

If this matter is not handled properly, it could at least cause panic, and at worst lead to severe incidents of the python attacking people.

Right now, they need to capture this giant python as soon as possible and hand it over to the relevant authorities.

However, the developers for the community's green environment made the artificial lake extremely large and the terrain quite complex.

Capturing a giant python in such a lake is as difficult as finding a needle in the sea!

Moreover, it is already past two in the morning, and many tasks are not able to progress.

They also do not understand the habits of this giant python.

Zhou Tao already had his own plans in mind.

He told the person in charge of the community's property management, "You must notify the residents immediately to stay away from the artificial lake, and send people to help us set up the isolation tape!"

"If this python really causes a severe injury incident, it would be serious…"

"Right now, we do not know the nature of this snake, whether it is venomous or not, whether it attacks people or animals, what method is suitable for capture, or how it ended up here…"

"These questions, we need to investigate. We will also provide feedback to the relevant departments and find professionals to capture this water python."

The property manager was sweating profusely, saying nervously, "Sir, can we not make such a big fuss over this..."

"You know, with this creature appearing in our Jinbao Residence, it is causing widespread panic. And many of our properties are still on sale!"

Hearing this, Zhou Tao's gaze sharpened suddenly, and he slammed the table.

"What did you say? Not to make a big fuss? Do you want to cover up such a major incident?"

"If something really goes wrong, can you bear the responsibility?"

"If you really care about this community, then you should eliminate any potential dangers!"

"We will liaise with the relevant departments as soon as possible to capture this giant python."

"However, before that, you must deploy people to cooperate with our work!"

After being scolded by Zhou Tao, the property manager appeared distressed and nodded earnestly, "I'm sorry, Sir... You're right, we will cooperate fully."

"Please hurry and capture this creature!"

Seeing the person lower his head, Zhou Tao's attitude also softened a bit.

"Don't worry, we will assist the relevant departments in capturing it."

"After all, capturing snakes is not our specialty, and whether it is an invasive species or a rare animal, we will need to investigate."

"I can promise you that by tomorrow noon at the latest, I will give you an update."

"But before that, I hope you can carry out the instructions I just gave!"

"Yes, yes, we will definitely assist with your work!" the property manager repeatedly nodded.

Under Zhou Tao's firm attitude,

Even late at night, the residents of Jinbao Residence steadily received messages about the python spotted near the artificial lake.

Besides reminding the residents to keep distance from the artificial lake, the property management also comforted their anxious emotions.

The property management stated that the police officer had intervened, and it wouldn't be long before the python was captured, assuring everyone there was no need to panic.

Meanwhile, with Zhou Tao and the community security's efforts, the area around the artificial lake was cordoned off and warning signs were set up.

...

Contrary to Zhou Tao's busy schedule,

Not far from Jiang City River, a roadside barbecue stall was particularly lively.

Considering Jiang City is a third-tier city and it's deep autumn, there were very few BBQ stalls open at this hour.

This made the barbecue stall the "meeting point" for a post-night fishing gathering of the fishermen.

At the moment, several small square tables were combined into one large table.

Ye Chen, who had returned home and put down his fishing gear, was now "reviewing" today's catch with the fishermen.

Meanwhile, the owner's wife, who was already familiar with everyone, was serving them cold dishes and laughing.

"I'm telling you all, you should avoid going night fishing!"

"Just now, I heard my husband say that he saw a news article online about a young man who went night fishing at night but didn't catch a fish. Instead, he hooked a corpse, which even alerted the police officer!"

Suddenly…

The fishermen, who were still talking loudly, quieted down instantly.

The next second, all eyes turned to Ye Chen.

When the owner's wife put down the dish and noticed the fearful expressions, she quickly waved her hands.

"Haha, you don't need to be scared; actually, it was a comedy video."

"The fishing youngster was wearing a dark blue Taoist robe, burning paper and offering incense by the river..."

"When the young man pulled up the corpse, the fishermen by the river still thought it was a fish!"