Chapter 137 My younger brother Kong Liang possesses the talent of a hidden dragon.

The night was deep, in the study of the old house.

A table lamp casts its light on the tabletop.

Wang Xuesen took out Miyako's letter from the envelope, pinched a fallen dried flower petal between his fingertips, and smelled it.

Hmm, it smells pretty good.

After reading the letter, he casually tossed the flowers and letter into the ashtray and lit it.

He unscrewed the pen cap and laid out a new sheet of stationery:

"Miss Miyako."

"Tomorrow night is your birthday, and you said that sleeping with me would be the best gift. I am delighted and agree."

He considered his wording and continued writing:

"However, beauty often stems from distance."

"Perhaps the moment we face each other, you will instantly lose all your beautiful illusions about me, like the moon in the water or a flower in a mirror, shattering at the slightest touch."

"Last time I asked you, if I were like Wang Xuesen in real life, would you still like me?"

"You said you would, you're sure."

"Even if I were him, even if I were also an executioner from 76th Division."

"You say it's fate."

Even if I were a demon, you would still be willing to go to the abyss to be with me.

"I appreciate it."

"I'm definitely not a demon."

"I truly hope that tomorrow night's meeting will be the beginning of happiness, and bring our romantic encounter through letters to a perfect end."

After finishing the last stroke, Wang Xuesen placed the letter on the corner of the table to dry.

Before the ink was even dry, his mind had already shifted to the next matter.

Pull out the second sheet of paper.

This letter is addressed to Madam Huixiang.

The writing style changed, and so did the tone:

"Madam, it's been a long time."

"When we met at the dance hall last time, your figure was getting sexier and hotter, it was simply mesmerizing and made me fantasize."

"But why is Madam ignoring me?"

"You'd rather smile at a waiter, at my rude colleagues, than give me a second glance."

"I just wanted to spend the night with you, what's wrong with that? Why should I be treated so coldly by you?"

"This really makes me a little sad."

He paused, then continued writing:

"Oh, right."

Did you like the gift I gave you last time?

"Don't be surprised, don't doubt, I have always been sincere and passionate when it comes to discussing spending the night with you."

"The food is cold."

It may alleviate your loneliness, but it can't warm your heart.

"Only I can relieve your sorrow in spring."

"I'm still waiting for your response."

"You know my office phone number. I look forward to receiving your invitation sometime this afternoon."

"I promise I'll fight you to the death all night long, until I'm spitting out every last drop of sweat and tear."

"I love you, Mori."

Finished.

Wang Xuesen rubbed the goosebumps on his arms and quickly folded the letters and sealed them separately.

ho.

I wonder what Lady Huixiang's reaction was when she saw it.

However, when it comes to pursuing women, he has always believed in eight words: be thick-skinned and have a strong offensive.

Trying to reason with this kind of woman is like "a eunuch visiting a brothel—all his energy is wasted."

We have to fight this real battle.

He had read the intelligence from Madam Huixiang's side.

After her husband's death, he left behind a large fortune and a distribution channel for Japanese goods.

This woman is very shrewd; she employs only women as servants, cooks, and drivers, and doesn't even have a man to gossip about.

The public persona she cultivated was that of a chaste widow, aloof and self-possessed.

But Wang Xuesen tends to believe another conclusion: she really has never been with a man.

It's not that I don't want to, it's that I don't dare.

No matter how wealthy a widow in Shanghai is, the appearance of a man in her life is a signal that she's about to become a target for exploitation.

The Green Gang, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, the military garrison—everyone wants a piece of the pie.

Lady Huixiang has been able to hold on until now not because of her willpower, but because of her aloofness.

But aloofness and loneliness are destined to be enemies.

What Wang Xuesen wanted to do was to find a different path, to win over Madam Huixiang's heart first, while others were struggling to get close to her.

The old Japanese devil left behind Japanese goods channels, assets, and connections, plus Madam Huixiang's fair and white body.

He wants them all.

There are only a few years left. The Japanese will be gone sooner or later. If we don't hurry up and build up our foundation, we won't be able to stand firm when we're empty-handed.

After putting the letter away, Wang Xuesen got up and pushed open the study door.

The living room was filled with smoke.

Zhan Shen lay half-reclined on the sofa, his head resting on a cushion, blowing smoke rings at the ceiling.

Looking at his corpse-like appearance, Wang Xuesen said irritably:

"Look at you, you pathetic sight. If you're really that free, go wander around the university town and see if you can find someone you like."

"If you've found someone you like, I'll act as your matchmaker."

Zhan Shen remained focused on blowing smoke rings: "No fun, I'm not going."

Suddenly, he sat up, his eyes lighting up:

"Do you have any enemies? Or traitors you want to kill? Let me warm up; these days are so boring."

Wang Xuesen glanced at him: "Li Shiqun, are you going to kill him or not?"

"Sure!" Zhan Shen said, his eyes narrowing.

"I'm telling you, if you let me within three meters of him, I guarantee I can break his neck in the shortest amount of time."

Wang Xuesen rolled his eyes:

"Give me a break. Everyone knows you're one of my men now. If you kill him, I'll be buried with him!"

"Then what the hell are you talking about?" Zhan Shen leaned back, put the cigarette back in his mouth, and said with a tone full of disdain.

Wang Xuesen ignored him and went to the entryway to get his coat.

"Your mission is to protect me, watch how I take down Number 76, and help you earn a reward from the boss."

Zhan Shen glanced at him sideways: "But I wasn't really involved."

"With your mediocre status, no one is going to assassinate you. Following you would be a waste of my talent and time."

Wang Xuesen paused for a moment as he put on his coat.

It may sound harsh, but it's the truth.

His current status is somewhere in the middle; he's not quite a top-tier traitor. Chen Gongshu is also keeping an eye on the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong) and the red flags for him, so his safety is still guaranteed.

Zhan Shen didn't really have much work to do while following him.

"Alright, stop talking so much. Come out with me." Wang Xuesen called out.

Zhan Shen stubbed out his cigarette and got up to follow.

The two stepped outside, and the night wind, carrying a chill, rushed towards them.

Zhan Shen shrank his neck and said as he walked:

"How about... you just name a traitor for me, and I promise I'll keep my hands clean and won't implicate you."

Wang Xuesen opened the car door and, without turning his head, uttered two words: "Zhang Xiaolin."

Zhan Shen paused for a moment: "Then forget it."

"This thing is impenetrable; unless you give me a cannon, nothing else will work."

Wang Xuesen got into the driver's seat, turned to look at him, and retorted with the same words: "Then what the hell are you talking about?"

Zhan Shen pursed his lips and followed him into the passenger seat.

"Alright, if you're really bored, go find it yourself at the municipal entrance." Wang Xuesen started the car, turned the steering wheel, and drove out of the alley.

"In Shanghai these days, you could throw a brick anywhere and hit a traitor. Are you worried about not having a chance to strike?"

Zhan Shen perked up: "Really? You're the one who told me to do this."

"However," Wang Xuesen said, raising his index finger, "[but...]"

"Don't pick someone like Fu You'an, the risk is too high. Find Er Gouzi, someone who is barely above your level as a lone wolf, to practice with."

"Also, if anything goes wrong, take responsibility yourself. Don't sell me out."

Zhan Shen chuckled: "Don't worry, I definitely won't sell to you."

"I know the rules. If something happens, I'll just sit here and get arrested."

His tone was relaxed but serious: "Anyway, you have a lot of power, you can redeem me."

Wang Xuesen glared and snorted, "You seem to know a lot."

Zhan Shen leaned back in his chair, arms crossed: "Of course, I'm not blind."

"There's probably no one in Shanghai you can't handle. And if there is, it's only a matter of time."

"Otherwise, would someone as arrogant as Chen Gongshu listen to you?"

"He even calls your master 'Little Shen' or 'Little Zui,' but he only treats you with special regard, and he comes whenever you call."

"Besides the boss, it's just you."

Wang Xuesen rolled his eyes at him: "You've changed."

Zhan Shen was taken aback: "How did it change?"

"You talk too much."

Zhan Shen opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but then closed it again.

He fell into deep thought.

It seems... there is a bit too much.

idle.

They're definitely just bored.

It needs to be changed!

The car drove through several streets and stopped at the edge of an inconspicuous park grove.

Wang Xuesen stopped and dropped the envelope.

Back in the car, he glanced at his watch.

9: 27.

The negotiations with Qingfu should be almost complete.

The matter of meeting Zhang Xiaolin cannot be delayed any longer.

Bai Junqi only dared to act arrogantly in the Special Higher Police Department because Zhang Xiaolin was backing him up.

Fujita was controlled by him, mainly because he was wary of the Zhang family's power and the Green Gang's network.

To strike a snake, strike its vital spot. If we're going to get to Bai Junqi, we'll have to deal with Zhang Xiaolin sooner or later.

Wang Xuesen climbed back into the car and started the engine.

"Where to?" Zhan Shen asked.

"Nanshan Road".

Zhan Shen raised an eyebrow.

He had been to the Old Zhai Tavern on Nanshan Road twice and knew it was a stronghold of the Military Intelligence Bureau.

We arrived at the tavern entrance.

Wang Xuesen didn't rush to get out of the car. He sat in the driver's seat, lit a cigarette, and looked in the direction of the tavern through the windshield.

A light was on in the window of the third room on the left side on the second floor, and a shadowy figure was moving around.

"Qingfu has arrived," he said.

"Let's go!" Zhan Shen was about to open the car door.

Wang Xuesen grabbed him and said, "No rush, wait for Little Fatty's signal."

……

The third private room on the left on the second floor of Lao Zhai Tavern.

A plate of peanuts, a plate of braised beef, and a bottle of Shaoxing wine.

Liu Fabao filled the cup to the brim and downed it in one gulp.

Qingfu sat opposite him, a concerned smile plastered on his chubby face, but his eyes were secretly observing Liu Fabao's expression.

Liu Fabao took the initiative to ask him to drink tonight.

Judging by the days, it's about time.

Bai Junqi is the kind of person who humiliates and oppresses others; he's been waiting for the day when Liu Fabao can no longer tolerate it.

"Brother, this is unbearable."

Liu Fabao put down his wine glass, his voice bitter and somber.

Qingfu gasped, feigning concern: "Big brother, was it that beast who did it again?"

"They hit me on the head with a cup today."

"I've been in the Green Gang since I was eleven. The Tong generation earned their place through blood and sweat; wherever I went, people gave me face."

"Just because I followed Bai Junqi, I, a grown man, became a dog who gets beaten and scolded."

He took another swig of wine:

"Bai Junqi is acting more and more strangely."

"Do you know what the symptoms of late-stage syphilis are? It affects the brain."

"I saw with my own eyes how Boss Zhang went crazy after he got addicted to that stuff."

Qingfu picked up a peanut, popped it into his mouth, chewed it, and asked, "How crazy are you?"

Liu Fabao put down his wine glass and leaned forward: "The winter before last, Boss Zhang found a prostitute in the mansion."

"That girl was young and didn't serve him well enough, so Boss Zhang immediately lost his erection."

"When Zhang got angry, he smashed the girl's head to pieces with an ashtray."

"I was standing right there at the time, and I still have nightmares about it."

Qingfu stared in disbelief: "Big brother, that Bai Junqi, he..."

"The exact same approach," Liu Fabao interrupted him.

"Syphilis plus opium, that's a catalyst for madness."

"If he dares to hit me with a cup today, he might pull out a gun and shoot me tomorrow."

"If Boss Zhang backs him up, my death will be in vain."

There was a few seconds of silence in the private room.

Qingfu sighed and poured Liu Fabao a refill of his wine.

"Actually, I knew even if my older brother didn't say it."

"Haven't you noticed I've been avoiding Bai Shao lately?"

"He's like a mad dog now, biting anyone he can get his hands on."

Qingfu shook his head, looking helpless: "There's really no way."

"I'm just a lowly errand boy in the black market. Although I get slapped every day following Bai Junqi, at least I've built up a network of connections."

"I've gotten to know a senior figure like you."

"But it really breaks our hearts to see you being bossed around by that beast every day, brother."

As Qingfu spoke, he raised his glass, clinked it against his own, and downed it in one gulp.

Liu Fabao's eyes were slightly red, and he also drank it all in one gulp.

"Brother, you're very kind."

He wiped his mouth and said angrily, "What can we do? Boss Zhang dotes on him and is hoping to rely on him to build a new intelligence agency in the Special Higher Police."

"If it weren't for this connection protecting me, I would have killed that Bai guy long ago."

Qingfu refilled their glasses, then paused, tapping the table with his chopsticks: "Brother, you've hit the nail on the head."

Liu Fabao looked up at him.

Qingfu lowered his voice and said, word by word:

Why is Bai Junqi so arrogant and presumptuous?

"Isn't it just that Boss Zhang wants to use him to keep Li Shiqun in check?"

"But brother, have you ever thought about something?"

"What if Li Shiqun and Boss Zhang reconcile?"

"They've joined forces?"

Liu Fabao was stunned for a moment.

Qingfu continued, "Don't forget, Boss Zhang's core objective is to compete for a key position in Zhejiang Province."

"Li Shiqun held the No. 76 intelligence agency in his hands and the Mei Agency behind him. That was the core intelligence system of the Japanese in Shanghai."

"This team is many times stronger than that good-for-nothing Bai Junqi."

"Their 76th unit is a ready-to-use, mature system. What does Bai Junqi have to compare?"

"Once Boss Zhang reaches a cooperation agreement with Li Shiqun, and with the Mei Agency's backing, can those old Beiyang warlords like Wang Ruikai and Fu You'an still hold out?"

"By then, what value will Bai Junqi still have to Boss Zhang?"

After Qingfu finished speaking, he leaned back in his chair, picked up his wine glass, and gently swirled it, secretly observing Liu Fabao's attitude.

Liu Fabao frowned.

He wasn't stupid; he was just stuck in that dead end for too long because Bai Junqi had been holding him back.

Qingfu's words were like a beacon, instantly illuminating the gloom in his heart.

"He truly is a reincarnation of Kong Liang!" Liu Fabao exclaimed, slapping his thigh.

"Kongming, Kongming," Qingfu quickly corrected.

"Yes, yes, Kongming."

Liu Fabao gave an awkward laugh and cursed, "That bastard Bai Junqi has confused me to the point that my brain isn't working properly."

He straightened up, his joking expression fading, and said, "Brother, to be honest, Boss Zhang does indeed intend to win over Li Shiqun and open the door to the Mei Agency."

Qingfu adopted a posture of listening attentively.

"A few days ago in Nanshi, the place that Chu Lao Er had previously seized from Ji Yunqing was returned by Zhang Lao Da."

"The same goes for Zhabei; they even added two opium dens owned by Li Shiqun."

"This is a real act of 'bleeding out' as a gesture of goodwill."

Qingfu chuckled, "That's great! They must have reached an agreement by now."

Liu Fabao waved his hand, his expression bitter: "It's not that easy."

"The two have been enemies for too long."

"Li Shiqun accepted the gifts but remained silent, neither refusing nor expressing his opinion."

"Where is Boss Zhang? He's got the Green Gang leader's face on his hands, but he's too ashamed to ask Li Shiqun for help."

"One is holding back, the other is stuck in a rut, and their relationship is stuck in the middle, unable to move forward or backward."

After hearing this, Qingfu looked up and laughed twice.

Liu Fabao frowned: "Brother, what are you laughing at? I'm talking about serious matters."

Qingfu stopped laughing: "Brother, I'm laughing because this is a golden opportunity."

"Look."

Qingfu counted them off one by one on his fingers.

"You belong to the Tong generation, the same generation as Wang Tianmu."

"You may not have the seniority of Lao Wang, but in the martial arts world, you're more famous than Li Shiqun."

"In terms of status and face, it would be most appropriate for you to go see Li Shiqun."

"You're here on behalf of Boss Zhang to deliver a message, not an order."

"Even if Li Shiqun doesn't agree, it's not good for him to embarrass a seasoned veteran like you to your face."

Liu Fabao raised an eyebrow, already tempted.

Qingfu emphasized his words.

"Brother, if you manage to do this, it will be a great achievement."

"With Li and Zhang joining forces, Bai Junqi will immediately lose his usefulness. At that point, will we still have a chance to avenge our previous humiliation?"

"At the same time, Li Shiqun has to remember your kindness in connecting us and give you face."

"This is a win-win situation."

Liu Fabao's breathing became heavy, his eyes gleaming: "Holy shit!"

"That's true! How come I didn't think of that!"

He slammed his hand on the table, sending several peanuts flying.

But his excitement lasted less than three seconds before he wilted again, practicing waving his hands:

"No, no."

"I'm not familiar with Li Shiqun. What if the message isn't delivered properly, and he disagrees and spreads rumors, making Boss Zhang lose face..."

"No matter how many heads I have, they wouldn't be enough for Boss Zhang to chop off."

He took a swig of wine and said with a wry smile, "Why do you think no one wants to do this job? It's not that no one has thought of it, it's that no one dares to take it on."

Qingfu was waiting for him to say this: "Brother, of course you can't go directly to Li Shiqun."

"That would be too conspicuous, easily leaking information and alerting Wang Ruikai, Fu Youan, and their gang."

"It's also bad for Master Zhang and Li Shiqun, as it could easily ruin their important plans."

He paused, then leaned closer and said, "You need to find a reliable middleman."

Liu Fabao stared intently at him: "The middleman? Who?"

Qingfu poured him more drinks: "To be honest, Wang Xuesen, the director of interrogation room No. 76, asked someone to contact me a few days ago."

They said they wanted to visit you, but didn't say why.

"But I reckon it's probably related to this."

"Think about it, Master Zhang and Bai Junqi have cut off Li Shiqun's channels and profits. The little bit of funding that Zhou Fohai allocated to No. 76 is simply not enough to keep the company afloat."

"Li Shiqun can't beat Master Zhang, and since Master Zhang has taken the initiative to make amends, shouldn't he quickly take advantage of the situation?"

"He's even more anxious than Master Zhang right now!"

"Is this person reliable?" Liu Fabao asked anxiously.

"Nonsense, he's my own brother..." Qingfu quickly replied.

"I've inquired about it. Wang Xuesen is known in the industry for his generosity and integrity, and is nicknamed 'Little Mengchang of Shanghai' and 'Timely Rain'."

"Brother, why don't you meet with him and have a talk?"

"Firstly, to probe the bottom line of No. 76; secondly, if this matter succeeds, my brother will become a favorite of both Master Zhang and Li Shiqun in the future."

"Are you still worried about not having a future?"

"Bai Junqi might disappear to who knows where by then. Whether you go back to the Green Gang or stay, isn't that a bright future for you?"

Liu Fabao was inexplicably moved.

He suffered countless humiliations and swallowed a lot of blood under Bai Junqi's command.

They were hit, verbally abused, and treated like dogs.

Isn't it all for that day when you can finally get ahead?

He slammed his hand on the table and burst into laughter:

"Good! Good! Good!"

"Where is Wang Xuesen? Summon him immediately, I need to see him!"

Qingfu cupped his hands and laughed, "Alright, brother, you can see him whenever you want."

"I've already made arrangements, brother."

He pushed back his chair, walked to the window, and whistled.

Liu Fabao was stunned: "You little brat, you're here for me!"

Qingfu said respectfully, "Brother, I really can't bear to see you being bullied by beasts."

"Whether I can keep my job and whether I have a bright future depends entirely on my brother's secret talk with Wang Xuesen tonight."

Liu Fabao nodded: "Brother, you're very kind."

"I'm not saying anything more."

"It's all in this glass of wine."

……

Outside the tavern.

Deep in the alley, a black sedan was parked in the shadows.

Upon hearing the whistle, Wang Xuesen flicked the cigarette butt from between his fingers.

Little Fatty lived up to expectations.

In terms of the ability to read people's expressions and understand their hearts, Qingfu is no less capable than himself.

A brute like Liu Fabao is no match for them; they can be easily subdued.

Wang Xuesen opened the car door and straightened his coat collar: "Let's go."

Zhan Shen checked the pistol and spare magazine at his waist: "When we start, just give me a look."

"Need not."

"This is Old Chen's territory. If that kid dares to cause trouble, he's dead," Wang Xuesen said.

After saying that, he slowly walked up to the private room on the second floor.

Qingfu was already waiting at the door and nodded slightly to him.

Wang Xuesen went inside.

Liu Fabao sat upright, and the moment he saw Wang Xuesen enter, his muscles tensed and his eyes sharpened.

He knew this young man.

The King of Hell in Interrogation Room No. 76, Li Shiqun's favorite, Mao Ziming, had everything taken away by him, "bowl and pot."

Wang Xuesen adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, nodded slightly to Liu Fabao, and smiled:

"Master Liu, I've heard so much about you."

"I am Wang Xuesen. I apologize for disturbing you. I hope you will forgive me."

Liu Fabao was stunned for a moment.

He originally thought Wang Xuesen would speak with the same ruthless attitude as the No. 76, putting on airs.

Unexpectedly, he greeted everyone as "Master" upon entering, adopting an even more humble attitude than Qingfu.

This is someone who knows the rules.

Liu Fabao's tense nerves relaxed slightly, and he stood up and extended his hand:

"Director Wang, you're too kind. Please have a seat."

"I really don't deserve this title. You and Xiao Fu are friends, so if you don't mind, just call me Brother Liu."

"Big brother." Wang Xuesen nodded with a peaceful smile.

Liu Fabao's heart warmed at the call of "Big Brother," and he raised his hand, saying, "Xiao Fu, quick, quickly pour some wine for Brother Xuesen."

……