Chapter 100: The Dust Settles

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Not long after Bai Ze Shao started work, the action team members were gathered together by Wu Zhengke. All three squads assembled: at the front of the first and third squads stood Ye Weitian and Bai Ze Shao, respectively. Only the second squad was in an awkward position—due to Gao Debiao’s death, it felt leaderless.

However, the dozens present were unusually silent. No one spoke, all eyes fixed on Wu Zhengke standing opposite them, his expression cold and stern. It was clear he was in a foul mood.

“You all know why I gathered you here, don’t you?” Wu Zhengke’s gaze swept over the group, his tone laced with displeasure.

No one replied, though many had already guessed. The most likely cause was the incident involving Gao Debiao, which had long since become common knowledge in private circles.

“From the moment you joined the Intelligence Bureau, you became—and can only ever be—loyal to this bureau. You all know the bureau’s rules. Yet some people still try to betray us from within,” Wu Zhengke’s voice rose almost to a roar. “If you break your oath, don’t blame me for ruthlessly enforcing the rules.”

“Today, you are all brothers. I won’t hide the truth any longer. As you may know, Gao Debiao defected to the Party Affairs Department. His fate was death—and a humiliating one at that.”

“This is the consequence of breaking discipline. I hope everyone takes this as a warning.”

Wu Zhengke’s words echoed through the room, stirring memories of the oaths they had sworn when joining the bureau.

“Yes!” the group shouted in unison.

“Good. Now, there’s another urgent matter to resolve—the selection of the new leader for the second squad.”

At this announcement, heads turned toward Wu Zhengke. This appointment affected many interests; though it was just a squad leader position, it came with considerable perks. Even Ye Weitian and Bai Ze Shao looked surprised—they hadn’t known about this at all.

Wu Zhengke’s decision seemed rushed. Gao Debiao’s incident had happened only yesterday, and today a successor was being named—yet the two other squad leaders were kept in the dark.

Yet Wu Zhengke’s demeanor was not one of consultation but of declaration. Clearly, he already had someone in mind.

“Come in,” Wu Zhengke suddenly called toward the door.

All eyes turned as a man dressed in military uniform entered, his features obscured briefly by the sunlight. Bai Ze Shao, however, instantly recognized him and was taken aback. He had never expected this man to join the action team.

He had considered many candidates, but this one had never crossed his mind.

“I hereby announce,” Wu Zhengke declared loudly, drawing everyone’s attention.

The assembled team snapped to attention, awaiting the announcement.

“Tian Yaopeng will serve as the new leader of the second squad. This gentleman beside me is Tian Yaopeng—everyone, please welcome him.”

Wu Zhengke gestured for Tian Yaopeng to take center stage.

“Hello everyone. I’m Tian Yaopeng. I hope we can work well together and achieve new successes under the leadership of the bureau chief and the team leader,” Tian Yaopeng said with a smile.

Applause quickly broke out.

But inside, Bai Ze Shao’s mind was troubled. Tian Yaopeng was none other than Lu Tiankang, the undercover agent who had infiltrated Shan Ning’s Red Party.

From what Bai Ze Shao knew, Tian Yaopeng had been an informant controlled by Liu Peiru, secretly embedded within the Red Party. Typically, returning undercover agents were assigned to the intelligence division. This was standard protocol for the bureau.

But now, Tian Yaopeng was appointed as a squad leader in the action team. Liu Peiru and Wu Zhengke were not on good terms. How had Tian Yaopeng ended up here?

Before Bai Ze Shao could ponder further, the question was answered.

After Tian Yaopeng finished speaking, Wu Zhengke stepped forward again, halting the applause with a smile.

“Though Yaopeng has just joined the action team, he has already made a contribution. He was the one who uncovered that traitor Gao Debiao. Alright, everyone dismissed. Ye, Bai, stay behind for a moment.”

Once the others dispersed, only Wu Zhengke and the three squad leaders remained. Wu Zhengke smiled at Bai Ze Shao and Ye Weitian.

“Yaopeng has introduced himself. You already know him, so I won’t say more. We’ll be working together for a long time, so I expect you to cooperate closely.”

“Yes, sir,” the three replied in unison.

Wu Zhengke smiled faintly at their response, glanced at the two, then turned and left.

“Tian Leader, welcome. I’m new here, so I’ll need your guidance. If I fall short in any way, don’t hesitate to tell me directly,” Tian Yaopeng said with a smile as he handed two cigarettes to Bai Ze Shao and Ye Weitian.

“Tian Leader, you’re too polite,” Ye Weitian accepted the cigarette with a smile.

“Yeah, Brother Tian is too courteous. We’re colleagues now. If you ever need anything, just say the word—no need for formalities,” Bai Ze Shao said with a grin.

The three then departed. Bai Ze Shao felt a twinge of disappointment. Just yesterday, he had been scheming how to leverage the second squad’s affairs to expand his own influence. Now, less than a day later, the leadership of the second squad was already settled.

Yet, he remained wary of Tian Yaopeng. This man’s cunning and depth were formidable.

Simply surviving the Red Party’s pursuit was a sign of his skill.

As the meeting ended, curiosity and interest about Tian Yaopeng grew among the team. A newcomer ascending directly to squad leader meant either exceptional ability or a powerful background.

Before long, information about Tian Yaopeng began circulating discreetly. No one had expected that he was a returned undercover agent—a startling revelation.

After all, such undercover fieldwork was no trivial matter. Most who attempted it either died or were discovered and had to flee.

Tian Yaopeng not only returned but was appointed second squad leader. Clearly, his mission had been a success, earning him great merit and this prominent post.

Bai Ze Shao received this news too and merely smiled. Though the bureau was skilled at gathering intelligence, Tian Yaopeng’s records were top secret. Now, they were being openly discussed.

Undoubtedly, someone was deliberately spreading this information. Bai Ze Shao suspected it was Tian Yaopeng himself, who had leaked his own background to secure his position within the action team. The motive was clear.