Chapter 124: Kidnapping

Chapter 124: The Kidnapping

Wen Xiaowan did not object to Wen Zongwei’s decision, for she knew it was her father’s way of protecting her.

Though she was the eldest daughter of a wealthy family, she was not a spoiled girl ignorant of the world. This was thanks to Wen Zongwei’s impeccable upbringing and her own qualities.

In the end, she smiled and said, “Alright, then I’ll rest for a few days and start working at Yaren Hospital.”

Watching Wen Xiaowan walk away, Wen Zongwei sighed softly. The child had grown up.

—

At the Intelligence Bureau.

Bai Zeshou was about to leave to continue the search when Monkey approached him with news.

“Is this about Gu Hai?” Bai Zeshou recalled having sent Monkey to investigate Gu Hai. Now that Monkey said there was news, Bai Zeshou’s mind immediately went there.

“Exactly. Gu Hai is still with the Wen family, but regarding the Gu family, I’ve uncovered something. Their business used to be mediocre, but half a year ago, their scale suddenly expanded several times over. The reason? A large sum of capital was suddenly injected.”

“What’s their explanation for this?” Bai Zeshou asked.

“They claim it came from selling over a hundred acres of land in their hometown,” Monkey said slyly. “Coincidentally, their hometown is a former stronghold of the Red Party.”

“That sounds plausible and fits the shrewdness of these businessmen. Go on, tell me how you found out.” Bai Zeshou smiled as Monkey paused.

“Well, boss, I spent quite a bit to dig this up, see…” Monkey feigned embarrassment.

“You little rascal.” Bai Zeshou wasn’t fooled but knew Monkey’s capabilities and generosity. He opened a drawer, pulled out a stack of bills, and tossed it on the table. “Take it.”

“You’re the best, boss!” Monkey’s eyes lit up as he quickly pocketed the money.

Though Bai Zeshou was young, he was seasoned in his work and generous by nature, which made Monkey eager to run errands for him.

“Team leader, I have a friend operating over there. According to him, the Gu family did sell ancestral land, but not that much—only about seven or eight acres.”

“Looks like the Gu family’s source of funds is their biggest weakness,” Bai Zeshou agreed, then smirked at Monkey. “Your friend network is impressive—having contacts operating there. That’s some reach.”

“Team leader, don’t tease me. It’s just a way to earn a living,” Monkey replied, slightly uneasy.

“Enough. Anything else?” Bai Zeshou steered the conversation back to the main point.

“There’s one last and biggest detail. From the original source to the Gu family, the money passed through seven or eight intermediaries. Without careful investigation, it’d be hard to trace. And the initial source of this capital is…”

“The Wen family,” Bai Zeshou finished softly, echoing Monkey.

“Exactly, the Wen family,” Monkey nodded.

If the Wen family had openly invested in the Gu family, Bai Zeshou wouldn’t have minded. But the secrecy made him suspicious.

“Alright, you can go now,” Bai Zeshou dismissed Monkey.

Alone, Bai Zeshou’s thoughts were in turmoil. Everything seemed to circle back to the Wen family.

Why were they targeting him? He didn’t know. It felt as if all events were intertwined, with the Wen family at the center.

Lately, all developments seemed linked to the Wen family.

For a while, Bai Zeshou listed the Wen family and those connected to them on paper, drawing lines between some names.

Yet, he still failed to piece it all together, feeling increasingly cornered.

He could ignore other matters, but his own life was at stake—he had to get to the bottom of it.

Finally, his pen stopped on Gu Hai’s name, marking it with a vivid red cross.

For now, to clear the fog, the easiest and most manageable target was Gu Hai.

Though Gu Hai was protected within the Wen family, there were ways to get him out. What followed would be much simpler.

—

That afternoon.

Gu Hai left the Wen family alone. The Gu family’s business was facing trouble—not too big, but not insignificant either. Still, the elder Gu had called his son.

Not long after Gu Hai departed, the rickshaw he was riding passed an alley, and suddenly, he was pulled into it.

“Who are you?” Gu Hai remained calm, scanning the masked men surrounding him without panic.

“Brother Kai, we’ve got the guy. What do you want to do? Rob him first, then kill him?” The rickshaw driver asked one of the leaders.

“Rob what? Wait for the boss to arrive before deciding,” the leader snapped.

Gu Hai was about to act but stopped when he overheard their conversation. His interest in this so-called boss grew.

They managed to pull him from the Wen family with ease, suggesting significant power. Yet, the kidnappers seemed rather amateurish.

It was a strange contradiction.

So Gu Hai stayed quiet and still, neither speaking nor resisting.

Soon, Bai Zeshou appeared at the alleyway, dressed in a scarf, black fedora, and sunglasses.

“You’re the boss they mentioned?” Gu Hai scrutinized Bai Zeshou.

“Heh, something like that. But Gu, you seem pretty composed. I wonder what you’re relying on,” Bai Zeshou said casually.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Gu Hai replied indifferently.

“Really? Brother Kai, get moving. Didn’t you hear our guest’s words?” Bai Zeshou told the leader.

“Don’t call me that. Just call me Little Kai,” the leader said awkwardly, then shouted to his men, “Attack!”

The men rushed at Gu Hai.

Unfortunately, they all underestimated him, including Bai Zeshou. The attackers were quickly subdued by Gu Hai.

His moves were clean, fast, and powerful—obviously well-trained, and not just at a basic level.

“Uh…” Kai looked at his cowering men in confusion, glanced at Bai Zeshou, and was about to charge himself.

“Don’t embarrass yourself. You’re no match for him,” Bai Zeshou stopped him and looked toward Gu Hai.

“My advantage, you’ve seen it. Now, perhaps you could explain your purpose here?” Gu Hai spoke calmly.

“That’s not urgent,” Bai Zeshou chuckled, then strode toward Gu Hai.

“Looks like you’re going to make the first move,” Gu Hai said casually.

“Heh.” Bai Zeshou smiled lightly, then, to the amazement of Kai and Gu Hai, leisurely pulled out a pistol.

“Please, Gu, go ahead,” Bai Zeshou said with a smile.

“Now that’s a true leader,” Kai couldn’t help but admire.