Chapter Forty-Five: Taking a Share of the Spoils

Chapter Forty-Five: A Share of the Spoils

Watching Bai Zeshao’s departing figure, Wu Jian let out a helpless sigh before being taken away by the men from the Special Affairs Office.

Special Affairs Office.

Upon his return, Bai Zeshao immediately reported everything to Wu Zhengke. He also instructed the third unit of the action team to bring Wu Jian to the interrogation room.

“Boss Wu, let’s talk,” Bai Zeshao said with a bright smile as he looked at Wu Jian in the interrogation room.

“I’m really innocent! How could I possibly collaborate with the Reds? As for the house at 12 New First Street, yes, it was mine, but I never lived there, and I sold it a long time ago,” Wu Jian explained.

“Heh, Boss Wu, your explanation doesn’t quite hold water,” Bai Zeshao said, rising and walking over to Wu Jian. He whispered, “You should know—or at least have heard—that hardly anyone who ends up here can withstand all the methods we use.”

“I…” Wu Jian’s voice trembled. “I… I really haven’t helped the Reds.”

Bai Zeshao turned to the stove, picked up a branding iron that glowed with heat, and smiled. “Boss Wu, I imagine you’ve tasted roasted meat before. The flavor, tsk tsk, unforgettable, isn’t it? Add some scallions and sesame oil, and now that’s truly delicious.”

As he spoke, Bai Zeshao suddenly pulled the branding iron from the fire and walked step by step toward Wu Jian. With each approach, Wu Jian’s legs shook more violently.

“I really haven’t collaborated with the Reds!” Wu Jian shouted, almost hysterical.

“Ah, Boss Wu, I truly don’t want to use force on you, but you’re being so uncooperative, I have no choice,” Bai Zeshao said, waving the steaming branding iron with feigned helplessness.

“I… I have money! I can give you lots and lots of money!” In that critical moment, Wu Jian remembered the gold bar Bai Zeshao had pocketed earlier and blurted out his offer in desperation.

“Boss Wu, you underestimate me. I do love money, but I care more for my future. After all, with a Red Party agent in my hands, I can see my prospects shining bright,” Bai Zeshao finished speaking and pressed the branding iron downward.

A guttural scream tore from Wu Jian’s tightly closed lips, but he felt no pain. Astonished, he opened his eyes and found himself staring into Bai Zeshao’s half-smiling face, utterly bewildered.

“Boss Wu, think carefully—how can you get out of here? To be honest, I believe you’re not one of the Reds. After all, would a Red really be smuggling radio tubes?” Bai Zeshao leaned in and whispered in his ear.

“You…” Only then did Wu Jian finally recall who Bai Zeshao was and realize what he’d meant by their having met before. Who would have thought that the inconspicuous figure from before was now a small leader within the Special Affairs Office?

“Boss Wu, give it some thought,” Bai Zeshao said meaningfully, then turned and left the interrogation room, heading for Wu Zhengke’s office.

“Well? Did Wu Jian confess to anything?” Wu Zhengke asked.

“Captain, I think Wu Jian truly doesn’t know, or he’s being used. His background is certainly not clean—smuggling, drug trafficking, he’s dabbled in it all—but it’s unlikely he’s connected to the Reds, or perhaps not at all,” Bai Zeshao offered his analysis.

“Did you use force?” Wu Zhengke asked suddenly.

“No, just gave him a good scare. He was so terrified he nearly wet himself,” Bai Zeshao replied with a grin.

“Handle it as you see fit. But Wu Jian is a black market merchant. Even if he’s not with the Reds, he’s violated the Party-State’s laws, so a necessary fine must be imposed. You understand my meaning,” Wu Zhengke said coolly, glancing at Bai Zeshao.

“Understood, Captain.” Bai Zeshao caught the hint immediately. Clearly, Wu Zhengke didn’t believe Wu Jian was with the Reds either. Still, since Wu Jian had fallen into their hands, he’d have to pay to get out unscathed. Judging by Wu Zhengke’s tone, a small token of appreciation wouldn’t be enough to satisfy him, which suited Bai Zeshao just fine—it gave him the leverage to pursue his own interests.

Just as Bai Zeshao exited Wu Zhengke’s office, Monkey appeared before her. “Boss Bai, Sun Yanjie from the police department is here. He’s waiting for you—said he’s looking for you.”

“For me?” Bai Zeshao muttered, quickly guessing Sun Yanjie’s intentions—it had to be about Wu Jian. Their dealings must have been significant for Sun Yanjie to show up so swiftly.

Arriving at the office, Bai Zeshao’s voice rang out before he entered, “Brother Sun, why didn’t you call ahead? You must have been waiting a while.”

“Not at all, I just arrived,” Sun Yanjie said with a smile, rising to greet him.

“Brother Sun, you must need something from me. If there’s anything I can do, just say the word,” Bai Zeshao said heartily.

“I heard you brought Wu Jian in to the Special Affairs Office?” Sun Yanjie asked, feigning ignorance.

“Yes, he’s suspected of colluding with the enemy. I had no choice—just following orders. I know that Boss Wu is your business partner. If it weren’t for heavy pressure from above, I wouldn’t have made the arrest,” Bai Zeshao replied as he gestured for Sun Yanjie to sit down again.

“Brother, I know Wu Jian better than anyone. He’s definitely not with the Reds—I can vouch for that with my own head. If you can, once you’ve investigated, let him go as soon as possible. You don’t know—his wife and children are at my place, crying their eyes out,” Sun Yanjie said with a bitter smile, helplessly.

“It seems you and Boss Wu are thick as thieves,” Bai Zeshao remarked, then said casually, “Looks like you two have made quite a fortune together.”

“What fortune? Just enough to scrape by,” Sun Yanjie replied, humble despite the probing. Then he turned the conversation: “Of course, brother, if you’re short on cash, I can lend you whatever you need—just name the amount.”

Bai Zeshao chuckled, “Brother Sun, give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime. I can’t keep coming to you with my hand out, can I?”

Hearing this, Sun Yanjie’s face changed slightly. He hadn’t expected Bai Zeshao’s appetite to be so large—that he wanted in on their business, not just a payoff for letting someone go. Still, Sun Yanjie was no ordinary man. He quickly agreed, “You’re right. How about this: when Wu Jian is released, if you’re interested in our business, you can have a share.”

“Haha, then I’ll thank you in advance, Brother Sun. I’ll pay special attention to Wu Jian’s case,” Bai Zeshao replied, making a promise that was not quite a promise.

“I’ll be counting on you to smooth things over, brother. I have work at the precinct, so I won’t keep you. Farewell.” With that, Sun Yanjie got up and left.

Watching Sun Yanjie’s departing figure, a faint smile curled at the corners of Bai Zeshao’s mouth.