Chapter Fifty-Seven: Sophistry and Cunning

Chapter Fifty-Seven: Sophistry and Cunning

The next day, at nine in the morning.

Mr. Li suddenly sent out a contact signal, summoning the members of the Shanning Underground Party Committee to a meeting at the Yingkelai Teahouse on Lakeside Road. This abrupt change was known to no one beforehand; even Ye Weitian was unaware.

Nevertheless, everyone arrived at the teahouse at the appointed time—this included Sister Wang, Zhou Shan, Guo Xiaofei, Ye Weitian, and Lu Tiankang. They were all privy to the rendezvous scheduled for that afternoon, and as they entered the private room, all eyes turned to Mr. Li.

The group was puzzled; given the sensitivity of the moment and the fact that it was broad daylight, what was Mr. Li’s purpose in gathering everyone together? After all, assembling in numbers made them a far larger target and exponentially increased the risk. Should anything go awry, the resulting losses would be catastrophic.

“I understand what you’re all thinking. In truth, I don’t wish to risk everyone’s safety either. But this is the commissioner’s demand, and the time for contact has also changed. The commissioner just altered both the time and place for our meeting—it’s now set for ten o’clock this morning, at the abandoned distillery in the west of the city," Mr. Li explained quickly once everyone was seated.

“Old Li, does this so-called commissioner have any experience in underground work at all? It’s one thing to arbitrarily change the time and place, but to insist we all gather together? If anything goes wrong, who will bear the responsibility? Who could possibly bear it?” Zhou Shan grumbled discontentedly.

“That’s right; perhaps we ought to be more cautious,” added Sister Wang, the sole woman present, her eyes on Mr. Li.

“I have my concerns too,” Mr. Li replied helplessly. “But the commissioner was sent by our superiors to handle matters in Shanning. We have no choice but to cooperate. Since the higher-ups chose him, they must have considered his capabilities.”

His gaze swept over the group as he continued, “Very well, there are forty minutes until the rendezvous. We’ll proceed separately—remember to arrive at the distillery in the west of the city at the designated time. For confidentiality, avoid any outside contact when you leave this place. This is an order.”

The group quickly dispersed, but Ye Weitian, who lingered behind, cast a suspicious glance at Mr. Li. He seemed about to speak, but ultimately kept his thoughts to himself.

On the road.

Traveling alone, Lu Tiankang could not help but suspect that the meeting at the distillery was a trap—a ploy to expose an internal traitor. Still, he tended to agree with Mr. Li: the higher-ups would never send an incompetent to Shanning.

Given that the so-called commissioner changed both the original time and location, something significant must have occurred. Thus, Lu Tiankang inclined to believe the rendezvous was genuine.

Yet, despite his decision, unease gnawed at him. He felt as if he were overlooking something crucial, but no matter how hard he tried, he could not recall what it was. Torn, he boarded a rickshaw bound for the distillery.

Along the way, the rickshaw passed several telephone booths, but Lu Tiankang refrained from stopping.

Soon, after a final turn and a few hundred meters, the distillery would be in sight. Only one last phone booth stood by the roadside. Lu Tiankang pressed down on his anxiety and decided he must report the situation to Liu Peiru.

He abruptly ordered the rickshaw to halt, paid the fare, and after ensuring the rickshaw had departed and carefully checking his surroundings, he slipped into the telephone booth.

Taking a deep breath, he lifted the receiver and began dialing. Suddenly, a large hand appeared in his line of sight and hung up the phone.

“You—” Startled, Lu Tiankang spun around, only to see Guo Xiaofei. Forcing a smile, he said, “Captain, what brings you here?”

“Why I’m here can wait. The question is you—I saw you stop from a distance and sneak into this phone booth. Who are you trying to call?” As Guo Xiaofei spoke, his hand reached toward his waist, where his gun was concealed.

Lu Tiankang’s eyes narrowed, but he forced himself to remain calm. “Captain, you misunderstand. I wouldn’t dare forget Mr. Li’s orders. I was calling our comrades stationed near the Deyi Building, telling them to withdraw. I left in such a hurry before that I forgot to tell them.”

“Is that so?” Guo Xiaofei sneered coldly, his grip on his weapon unrelenting, the barrel already drawn halfway.

“Of course,” Lu Tiankang replied, his tone growing bolder. “There’s no need for suspicion. But Captain, your following me in secret seems questionable. Care to explain?”

“I wasn’t following you. We’re headed to the same place, and this is the only road to the distillery,” Guo Xiaofei replied with a smile.

“Heh, Captain, that’s hardly a convincing explanation,” Lu Tiankang laughed loudly, eyeing Guo Xiaofei’s right hand. “Why so nervous? You’re not planning to silence me, are you?”

“Lu Tiankang, do you realize what you’re saying?” Guo Xiaofei’s tone grew stern.

“Of course I do. I was only joking, Captain. But your actions really are suspicious—can you offer an explanation?” Lu Tiankang spread his hands wide.

“There’s nothing to explain,” Guo Xiaofei replied coldly.

“Is that so?” Lu Tiankang’s smile deepened, his tone growing more sardonic as he studied Guo Xiaofei.

“Lu Tiankang, what’s with this attitude?” Guo Xiaofei, now goaded beyond patience, drew his right hand, the black muzzle of his pistol pointed squarely at Lu Tiankang.

“You’re finished,” Lu Tiankang mouthed silently, unafraid of the gun.

“What do you mean?” Guo Xiaofei shouted, baffled.

“Stop!” A harsh voice rang out behind Guo Xiaofei—it was Mr. Li, accompanied by Ye Weitian, Sister Wang, and Zhou Shan.

“Xiaofei, what are you doing? I order you to put the gun down,” Mr. Li shouted, frowning.

Reluctantly, Guo Xiaofei holstered his weapon, but his gaze remained fixed on Lu Tiankang.

“We’ll discuss this at the distillery. For now, let’s go,” Mr. Li said, striding ahead towards the distillery.