Chapter Forty-Seven: Encounter

Chapter Forty-Seven: Contact

“He’s just an orphan with no parents, but he’s an exceptional individual—remarkably capable, adept at networking, and seizing opportunities. He joined the Special Operations Division with the highest overall score from the military academy. Not long ago, he was promoted because he saved Wu Zhengke, and his relationship with the confidential secretary of the Operations Team, Qian Huiwen, is far from simple,” Sun Yanjie explained calmly.

Wu Jian already had some understanding of Qian Huiwen’s background, so after listening to Sun Yanjie, he couldn’t help but draw a sharp breath.

Although Qian Huiwen was only a secretary, his sister was the wife of Fang Yisheng, chief of staff at the City Defense Command, and his brother was the prominent owner of the Rose Dance Hall.

With such connections, no wonder Sun Yanjie would describe his relationship with Bai Zeshao as anything but simple. It was also clear why Sun Yanjie chose to work with Bai Zeshao.

“All right, you know what to do next,” Sun Yanjie said.

“Yes.”

That night, past nine o’clock.

Bai Zeshao had just finished reading a Japanese book and was preparing for bed when a knock sounded at his door. Ever cautious, he drew his pistol and called out, “Who is it?”

“Team Leader Bai, it’s me, Wu Jian,” came the voice from outside.

“Oh,” Bai Zeshao put away his gun and opened the door. “Boss Wu, what brings you here so late? Is there something you need?”

Wu Jian, carrying a black leather briefcase, stepped inside. He glanced around Bai Zeshao’s modest lodgings, then smiled and said, “Team Leader Bai, I’m here to thank you.”

“Is that so?” Bai Zeshao glanced indifferently at the briefcase in Wu Jian’s hands.

Wu Jian chuckled. “It looks like you were just about to rest, so I won’t keep you any longer. This is a small token of my appreciation.” He patted the briefcase, then turned to leave.

Bai Zeshao made no move to stop him. After closing the door, he opened the briefcase Wu Jian had left behind. The moment he saw what was inside, he couldn’t help but gasp—ten gleaming gold bars lay arranged in perfect order.

Bai Zeshao had never seen so much money in his life. For a moment, he was lost in awe, amazed by Wu Jian’s generosity.

After a long while, Bai Zeshao regained his composure and began to contemplate the use of this windfall. Some of the money would certainly have to be shared with Wu Zhengke and Qian Yihai; that was an unspoken rule. The only question was how much to give them, something he would need to consider carefully.

In the end, suppressing his reluctance, Bai Zeshao decided not to keep a single bar for himself. He split the gold in half and gave it all to Wu Zhengke and Qian Yihai.

The next day.

As soon as Bai Zeshao arrived at work, he carried the heavy gold bars into Wu Zhengke’s office. “Captain, Wu Jian turned out to be quite sensible. We released him just yesterday and today he’s already paid his fine.”

As he spoke, Bai Zeshao discreetly placed a cloth bag containing five gold bars on Wu Zhengke’s desk.

“I see. If there’s nothing else, you may go,” Wu Zhengke said, glancing at the bag before addressing him.

“Yes, sir,” Bai Zeshao replied, then left the office and delivered the remaining five gold bars to Qian Yihai.

On his way back to his own office, Bai Zeshao ran into Ye Mao and Gao Debiao, leaders of the First and Second Action Teams, respectively, in the corridor. Startled for a moment, he quickly greeted them with a smile.

“Heh, Team Leader Bai is quite the favorite in the Captain’s eyes these days,” Gao Debiao remarked sarcastically.

It was no wonder Gao Debiao spoke this way. Ever since Wu Zhengke had nearly been shot by the Red Party at Yaren Hospital, his regard for Gao Debiao had declined, while Bai Zeshao, his savior, had become the subject of much praise.

“Don’t mind Old Gao, Bai. He’s always been like that,” Ye Mao said with a laugh.

“I’m not bothered,” Bai Zeshao replied, shaking his head with a smile.

“That’s good. We’ll be on our way then,” Ye Mao said, nodding to Bai Zeshao before leaving with Gao Debiao.

Watching their departing figures, Bai Zeshao suppressed a cold laugh. Times weren’t easy for Ye Mao either; because of Mr. Li’s rescue, Ye Mao had been implicated. If not for Wu Zhengke’s protection, Ye Mao might have been held accountable or even imprisoned.

Even so, Ye Mao had been demoted from leader to deputy leader of the First Action Team.

As he watched them walk away, Bai Zeshao chuckled softly to himself, thinking that they truly were brothers in misfortune.

...

Shan City, Hongxi Photo Studio.

Ye Weitian was at the front counter, tallying the accounts, when someone entered. Out of habit, Ye Weitian greeted, “Welcome, sir, may I help you…”

But when he saw who it was, his eyes grew wide with shock and the words caught in his throat. He hurried to the door to check the surroundings before quickly ushering the visitor into the darkroom at the back.

“Old Li, it’s really you!” Ye Weitian said excitedly, looking at the man before him as he removed his hat and scarf.

“Yes,” Mr. Li replied with a smile. “After I recovered, I came straight to find you.”

“By the way, Li, who was it that rescued you?” Ye Weitian asked curiously.

Mr. Li only smiled faintly, not answering, instead asking, “After I was captured, was there any unusual activity within the organization?”

“No,” Ye Weitian shook his head, then asked with concern, “But Li, your wanted posters are everywhere. Coming here in broad daylight is too risky.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Mr. Li said, fixing Ye Weitian with a steady gaze.

The reason he had come to Hongxi Photo Studio today was to investigate the matter of the traitor who had betrayed him. He knew he couldn’t do it alone, so he came here.

In Mr. Li’s view, Ye Weitian was trustworthy. They had worked together for years—if Ye Weitian had intended to betray the revolution, Mr. Li would have been arrested long ago.

“You must have a reason for coming here despite the risk,” Ye Weitian probed.

“Yes,” Mr. Li nodded, pausing in thought before continuing, “You must have some idea why I was captured.”

“A traitor,” Ye Weitian said gravely.

“That’s why I’m here today. We must find the traitor—otherwise, it will become a disaster sooner or later,” Mr. Li said angrily.

“Li, do you have any suspects in mind?” Ye Weitian asked.

“Not yet. But I have a plan, and I’ll need your cooperation. If all goes well, the mole will reveal himself,” Mr. Li said, then outlined his plan.

After listening, Ye Weitian nodded. “It’s a good plan.”

“All right, I’ll take my leave now,” Mr. Li said, putting on his hat and scarf before quietly leaving Hongxi Photo Studio.