Chapter Forty: Arrangements

Chapter Forty: Arrangements

Facing Mr. Li's doubts, Bai Zeshou explained, "I know a black market dealer who trades in exactly this kind of business, but I’ll need some time."

"Be careful. Setting up a radio station isn’t something that can be accomplished quickly. Radios are contraband and tightly monitored; one misstep could implicate many people. Even if you succeed, I’ve made contact with the higher-ups, but I still have to return to our base," Mr. Li sighed.

"Why?"

"How could you be confused at a time like this? First, I was arrested by the Special Services Office, and now you’ve rescued me. That means I must undergo some organizational investigation—it’s a procedural matter, unavoidable for anyone," Mr. Li explained.

But before he finished, Bai Zeshou interrupted him, "You didn’t betray the revolution, so why must you be investigated?"

"Who can prove I didn’t?" Mr. Li smiled at Bai Zeshou’s earnest expression.

"I can," Bai Zeshou replied.

"Can you?" Mr. Li countered.

"I..." Bai Zeshou couldn’t continue. He realized he’d spoken impulsively; even if he could vouch for Mr. Li, he had no definitive evidence. His words were merely an expression of his inner conviction.

"Remember, in our line of work, you must question everything unreasonable, no matter if that person is your mentor or your guide," Mr. Li imparted his hard-won experience, forged in blood and fire, to Bai Zeshou.

"But isn’t there that mysterious comrade hiding in the upper echelons of the Special Services Office? He’s so resourceful—can’t he prove it?" Bai Zeshou muttered quietly.

Mr. Li merely smiled lightly at this and continued, "Enough, listen. Aside from the reasons I mentioned, there’s another: now that I am exposed, it’s no longer suitable for me to continue my undercover work in Shanning."

"Mr. Li, you’re leaving Shanning?"

"I will leave, certainly, but not immediately. I’ll apply to the higher-ups to stay a while longer, because before I go, I must cleanse the organization," Mr. Li spoke, his scholarly face shadowed with resolve.

Bai Zeshou nodded silently, then hesitated before speaking, "Mr. Li, when you return, could you help me find some information about my classmate Wang Gang?"

"Wang Gang? The one who shared your dormitory?" Mr. Li was familiar with Bai Zeshou’s roommate. "What happened to him?"

"He was assigned to the Thirty-Eighth Division, which was one of the units encircling our forces at the front. But now, that division has been wiped out, even its designation abolished. I want to find any information about him—even just where he’s buried," Bai Zeshou said, his gaze occasionally flickering to Mr. Li.

"You think I’ll be angry?" Mr. Li shook his head at Bai Zeshou’s cautious demeanor. "Red Party people are human too—we feel all the joys and sorrows. But our faith is stronger. Gangzi is your friend; although he fought for the other side, you needn’t be so careful."

Bai Zeshou quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

"I can help you look, but you know, in times of war, many simply disappear without a trace," Mr. Li warned.

"I understand," Bai Zeshou nodded.

"Alright then, it’s getting late. You should leave before you arouse suspicion," Mr. Li checked the time, then spoke.

"I understand," Bai Zeshou nodded.

"By the way, unless there’s something important, don’t come by these next few days. Avoid unnecessary trouble. Once I’ve recovered, I’ll be leaving here too—this place is too close to Number Eleven, and you never know when something unexpected might happen. If you need to contact me, use the second backup point I told you about," Mr. Li reminded him.

"I’ll remember," Bai Zeshou replied before turning and leaving.

Two days later.

News of the Red Party army’s triumphant reunion spread throughout the country. Despite the Nationalist Party’s tight control over information, foreign media and Red Party newspapers broadcast the news everywhere. The Red Party radio especially aired reports in constant rotation, stirring the nation to fever pitch.

Consequently, the atmosphere in the Special Services Office grew tense. The widespread publicity indicated their operations had fallen short. From rumors, Bai Zeshou heard the upper echelons were furious; even their chief had been penalized with half a year’s salary.

The loss of salary was minor, but it proved the higher-ups were truly enraged. Bai Zeshou, however, felt secretly pleased. Because of the anger above, the Special Services Office intensified its efforts.

The Inspection Group, once idle, became busy. The chief, Qian Yihai, had issued a strict order: the traitor must be found, or military law would be enforced. Usually smiling, Qian Yihai appeared before everyone with rare gravity.

"You all know the situation. Get moving—check the files, investigate the cases, do whatever it takes," Qian Yihai said before leaving.

"Chief Bai, you assign the tasks," Qin Shuai from General Affairs spoke up first.

"Alright, we’ll proceed in two steps. Xiaobing, Xutao, Ren Qiang—you continue investigating Mr. Li, who was rescued. Maybe you’ll find a breakthrough there. Yang Miao, Qin Shuai, and I will stay here and comb through the files of everyone in the office, see if any clues emerge," Bai Zeshou assigned the tasks without hesitation.

"Ah, you want me to review archives? Chief Bai, can’t I do fieldwork instead?" Qin Shuai grumbled as soon as Bai Zeshou finished.

"What do you think?" Bai Zeshou glared at him.

"Alright," Qin Shuai pouted.

"Chief Bai, we’ll need an authorization from above to access the archives," Yang Miao from the records room suggested.

"I’ll ask Director Qian to get approval. Xiaobing, you all can head out first," Bai Zeshou said, nodding to Liu Xiaobing.

Liu Xiaobing, eager to continue investigating Mr. Li’s case, left promptly at Bai Zeshou’s word. Bai Zeshou himself headed for Qian Yihai’s office.