Chapter Twenty-One: In the Newspapers

(Thanks to Brother Xiaoyao for the recommendation!)

"Xiaobing, it seems your old classmate is quite formidable. Director Wu may not be a big fish, but if we play our cards right and make use of him, we might be able to unravel a string of Red Party members. If we act swiftly, the results could be even greater," Liu Peiru stood by the window, gazing at the dispersing members of the action team, and spoke in a calm tone.

Inside the room, when Liu Xiaobing heard the news about Bai Zeshou, he felt a mix of envy and congratulations, but an inexplicable discomfort lingered in his heart, hard to shake off. It was much like his days at the military academy: despite his talents in every aspect, Bai Zeshou always seemed to outshine him. Now, having joined the Special Affairs Office, he thought with Liu Peiru's guidance and protection, he'd finally escape being the perpetual number two.

Yet, who could have imagined that after only a few days, while he was still acclimating to the Intelligence Department’s operations and environment, Bai Zeshou, who joined the least favored third group of the action team, had already captured a Red Party member.

Thus, confronted with Liu Peiru's words, Liu Xiaobing was momentarily lost for words, unable to respond.

Liu Peiru turned from the window, chuckled softly, as if seeing through Liu Xiaobing's thoughts, "Feeling uneasy? Do you still have the nerve, like a few days ago, to confront me directly, just to keep your good friend in the Intelligence Department?"

"I..." Liu Xiaobing thought he could answer confidently, but when the moment came, the words wouldn’t leave his lips.

Liu Peiru laughed quietly.

The sound was painfully ironic in Liu Xiaobing’s ears. His expression shifted, and he did not even notice Liu Peiru had left.

After a long while, Liu Xiaobing regained his composure and quietly encouraged himself, "Xiao Bai, I will never lose to you again."

...

Yaren Hospital.

Shen Guohua, clad in a white coat, had just stepped out of the emergency room when he was surrounded by Gao Debiao and his men. "Doctor, how is the patient brought in for emergency treatment? Is he alive?"

"He survived, but he remains unconscious. He'll likely awaken tomorrow. Also, because the bullet entered the windpipe at an angle, although his life was saved, he probably won't be able to speak again," Shen Guohua explained, weary.

"So even if he wakes, he'll be mute?" Gao Debiao asked, frowning.

Shen Guohua nodded.

"Leader, it's fine—even if he's mute, he can still write, right? As long as we get the intelligence we need, whether he lives or dies is no concern of ours," a member of the second group beside Gao Debiao spoke up.

"True," Gao Debiao muttered under his breath, "It’d be best if all those Red Party people were wiped out."

Only now did Shen Guohua realize the wounded patient he had saved was a Red Party member. Considering the tense situation between the two parties in the country, he felt a surge of sorrow. At this moment, he didn’t know whether he hoped the patient would wake sooner or later.

The next day.

Early in the morning, all the major newspapers in Shanning City reported the "remarkable achievements" of the Special Affairs Office from the previous day. Of course, much of the content was exaggerated; stories claimed the office had destroyed a Red Party underground contact point in one fell swoop, capturing dozens of Red Party members.

Particular attention was given to the arrest of the contact point’s leader, Director Wu of the printing factory, with a photograph included.

Director Wu’s arrest drew not only the attention of some citizens but also that of the Party Affairs Office and the Red Party’s underground organization.

Hongxi Photo Studio.

Ye Weitian looked at the newspaper in his hands and slammed it down on the table. Just then, Zhou Shan walked in. As he was responsible for the student and propaganda movements, he was very familiar with Director Wu.

Director Wu's arrest left many of Zhou Shan’s contacts in a difficult position. After making arrangements overnight, he arrived early at Hongxi Photo Studio, which Ye Weitian used to mask his identity.

"Old Zhou, what happened? The Special Affairs Office’s operation was massive this time—the action team was out in full force. Why didn’t we receive any advance notice? Last time with Old Li’s arrest, it was the same; and each time, the enemy’s information is so precise," Ye Weitian said gravely.

"Our undercover agents in the Special Affairs Office and police are too low-ranking, mostly fringe figures, so they simply can’t access this kind of information," Zhou Shan shook his head, helpless.

But Zhou Shan withheld another thought: even if they failed to learn about the enemy's actions in advance, the enemy’s ability to obtain their information so accurately surely meant there was a traitor among them.

"If only Old Li were here—he always managed to get this kind of information ahead of time. I..." Realizing he had misspoken, Ye Weitian stopped himself and asked, "Where is Director Wu now?"

"He’s at Yaren Hospital," Zhou Shan replied.

"What are the chances of a successful rescue?"

"Better in the hospital than the Special Affairs Office, but the key issue is Director Wu’s windpipe was pierced by a bullet. Even if we get him out, there’s nowhere to treat him," Zhou Shan said, troubled.

"We have to get him out first and deal with the rest later. If all else fails, we’ll move him to the rear after the rescue."

"Alright, I’ll contact Guo Xiaofei and try to take action tonight," Zhou Shan nodded in agreement, then hesitated before saying, "I think we’re being far too passive lately, always led by the nose by the enemy. Shouldn’t we consider some retaliatory actions? Otherwise, the enemy is becoming too arrogant."

"No. Have you forgotten our policy? If we do that, how are we any different from those devils in the Special Affairs Office who stop at nothing?" Ye Weitian interrupted Zhou Shan firmly.

"Alright," Zhou Shan replied, unwilling but resigned.

"Your main task now is to rescue Director Wu. Also, try to find out where Old Li is being held. Judging from our continued safety, Old Li is still holding out, which means we must rescue him quickly. And we must identify the traitor in our ranks as soon as possible."

"Yes, indeed. This hidden bomb is too dangerous to leave unchecked in our midst. But this person is so deeply concealed, we have no clues at all," Zhou Shan said, frustrated.

"We’ll just have to be patient, investigate step by step. Sooner or later, we’ll find them."

"Alright, let’s leave it at that for now. I’ll go contact Guo Xiaofei and try to rescue Director Wu tonight." With that, Zhou Shan turned and left Hongxi Photo Studio.