uninvited guest

The rare sunny day brought joy to everyone, and they still eagerly took the sliced ​​cake from the newlyweds, hoping to share in their good fortune. The early spring sun wasn't very warm, but the cream cake in their hands, bathed in sunlight, looked pure white and flawless.

Besides bringing joy to everyone, light also allows our eyes to see shadows. Shadows are always there, only they are covered by darkness. Following the pattern, Gao Junxiao discovered the uninvited guest in a hidden corner.

Kiyosumi, who was beside him, also sensed something was wrong and looked into the shadows. Fortunately, she didn't see anything. She turned her head in confusion, as if asking him what he had seen.

"Don't let dirty things pollute your wife's eyes!" Gao Junxiao kindly reminded Qingcheng that he had invited guests and that she should treat them well.

Where he pointed, Fei Ming, who was holding a child, and his foreign wife were surrounded by a crowd. Perhaps it was because the mixed-race little girl's appearance was too special that she attracted everyone's attention. However, the child was too young and had never seen such a big scene before. She cried and hid in her father's arms, trembling.

Kiyosumi's greatest virtue is her willingness to go to great lengths for her friends and help them out of their troubles. Kiyosumi winked at him to indicate that she accepted the mission and happily went over to rescue the child.

The noise in the garden almost drowned out the cheerful piano music. Everyone held a glass of wine, and brightly dressed men and women gathered in twos and threes to chat.

Only a dark corner was infested with insects, which was quite an eyesore. Gao Junxiao carried the cake to Team Leader Dai. Compared to his unlucky all-black outfit in Xuzhou, his dark gray Zhongshan suit was quite ordinary among the guests today.

When he was a few dozen steps away from Team Leader Dai, he took the initiative to come up to him and offered a bunch of congratulations in an extremely humble manner. Gao Junxiao smiled but did not reply. He handed over a plate of cake to show that he was magnanimous and did not mind that he had come uninvited.

As long as he doesn't cause trouble, I'll turn a blind eye. But if he insists on causing trouble, I'll risk offending Principal Jiang to get rid of him.

Team Leader Dai naturally accepted the cake and looked towards Qingcheng. He generously praised the bride for having the beauty of snow gathered in the moonlight and the talent of composing poems on willows, saying it was truly a good match. However, he noted that Mrs. Gao was in her birth year and was in conflict with Tai Sui, so Councilor Gao should take good care of her.

Is this a threat? Gao Junxiao maintained a polite smile and jokingly retorted that getting married was a good way to bring good luck, and that it would be better for Tai Sui to stay in the ground and sleep soundly, lest it be swept away by the righteous path.

After staring at Gao Junxiao for a while, Team Leader Dai continued to find topics to talk about. He jumped from the bride to the grand scale of the engagement banquet. Not only were all the famous bigwigs of Shanghai present, but also the big shot Chen Yao was the master of ceremonies and the big star Xu Xi was the best man. He had never seen such a lineup before, and it was even more grand than Principal Chiang's wedding.

Gao Junxiao feigned regret at the trap set by Team Leader Dai, saying that he hadn't witnessed Principal Jiang's wedding of the century, a marriage alliance between two great families. Otherwise, he would have sold everything he owned to learn how to do it.

If Team Leader Dai felt that today's wedding banquet could be at least 70% like the principal's, he would be perfectly content. A wedding banquet with the same grandeur as the principal's would be a real status symbol. After all, he was just an ordinary family, and the brothers he invited to make a scene happened to be quite active in their respective fields.

With a cold laugh, Team Leader Dai told Gao Junxiao not to be so modest. Calling himself a commoner was going too far. In ancient times, his family would have to be royalty, and he would at least be called the emperor's brother-in-law.

"Team Leader Dai is joking. You are, after all, a public official of the Nationalist government. You can't be like that Yuan Shikai who deliberately regressed. This is the Republic of China, a people's country. There's no longer any such thing as a noble family. My father and brother don't hold public office, so my family is naturally a commoner family," Gao Junxiao said with emotion.

"You're being too modest. Look at your witnesses. I won't even mention that Committee Member Tan was your former superior, and Ms. Xia is here too..." Team Leader Dai's gaze unconsciously drifted towards Qingcheng.

Gao Junxiao immediately interrupted him: "Is Aunt Xia so special? I only know that she is my father's friend and an elder who held me when I was a child."

"It seems that Councilor Gao is not quite aware of Ms. Xia's importance among the party and state elders." Team Leader Dai frowned. "I once went to Ms. Xia's house to invite her to be the witness at the principal's wedding, but I was chased out by Ms. Xia's wicked servants with brooms and rattan canes. My arm is still aching from the beating."

"Oh, is that so? I, as a junior, have never heard her mention it. If Team Leader Dai is still bothered by the matter of the wicked servant, why not take this opportunity to complain to Aunt Xia in person? She should be able to give you justice. Team Leader Dai, please." Gao Junxiao smiled and gestured to Team Leader Dai.

"No need, no need. Ms. Xia was a famous lady of Xiguan when she was young. It's only right that she doesn't see a stranger like me." Team Leader Dai hurriedly waved his hand to refuse.

Making small talk: when Principal Jiang remarried, Aunt Xia's children were already adults. The man surnamed Dai rambled on and on, each sentence aggressive yet lacking focus. Moreover, the two were not close friends, nor were they enemies. Gao Junxiao couldn't guess what he was there for today, so he simply told him to make himself at home and then observe him secretly.

"Then please do as you please, Team Leader Dai. I'm going to take some photos." Gao Junxiao turned and left.

Before Gao Junxiao could take a few steps, Team Leader Dai suddenly said behind him, "I've taken over the nougat case file."

The grass rustled softly. Gao Junxiao didn't linger for a second and strode away in the direction the wind was blowing. Team Leader Dai's words were quickly drowned out by laughter, but the suffocating feeling didn't disappear.

Nougat, Gao Junxiao chewed on the name repeatedly in his mind. No, it was a code name. According to the newspaper, the CC had captured a pair of Soviet spies codenamed Nougat. The couple held multiple citizenships in Germany, the United States, and Switzerland.

The trouble lies here: before things escalated, President Chiang could have quietly eliminated the two men, treating them as if they had never been to China. But with Madame Sun's instigation, not only was the matter made public, but even foreign consulates were forced to get involved.

Foreigners are always arrogant. Even if the foreign couple were really Soviet spies, they could easily be extradited abroad through the "Consular Jurisdiction Law" before obtaining decisive evidence. However, President Chiang Kai-shek was reluctant to budge because of face-saving issues and insisted on finding evidence that the foreign couple were Soviet spies.

This task would be a hot potato for anyone, and CC was the first to shirk his responsibility. Xu Qiao, citing the large number of CCP cases he had on hand, sent the case files to Nanjing intact.

Commander Xiong, who was also in Shanghai, was worried that he would be taken over, so he generously handed over all the cases of the Communist Party to the CC Clique, on the grounds that he was about to hand over his duties and was too busy with military affairs to take care of Communist Party matters.

The pressure was all on Nanjing. When Team Leader Dai stepped forward at this time, he could not only relieve the principal's urgent problem and take this opportunity to return to his master's side, but also restart the case of the leaked Xuzhou defense map.

After figuring it out, Gao Junxiao smiled contemptuously. It turned out that the man surnamed Dai had never given up. Even though the key figure, Bai Lingniao, was already half a person tall on his grave, he still wanted to catch the big fish in Xuzhou City.

Haha, where would he get so many big fish to catch?

Bang! Clang!

The explosion of camera flashes pulled Gao Junxiao back to reality. Qingcheng clung to his arm, urging him to smile more sincerely, otherwise people would think he was being forced into marriage.

Silly wife, Gao Junxiao was always amused by her whimsical ideas. How could he not want to get married? He was only worried about not being able to hold his beloved little aunt at night. As for everything else, it all had to wait.

However, just because he didn't care doesn't mean others didn't care. After taking the photos, Chen Yao warned Gao Junxiao to keep an eye on the guy surnamed Dai, and asked Lu Xian, who was in charge of security, how he managed to sneak into the venue.

Behind him, Lu Xian looked aggrieved and explained that Team Leader Dai had an invitation and gifts, so he couldn't be sent away. Xu Xi was completely bewildered, not knowing who they were talking about. Lu Xian immediately explained to him that Team Leader Dai was a high-ranking spy, just like his own brother. Xu Xi gave a disdainful look and spat.

Seemingly having something to say, Chen Yao hooked his arm around Gao Junxiao's neck and pulled him aside, saying earnestly, "Don't take this lightly. Spies are bastards who can spew shit on you even when there's nothing wrong with them. You don't have any conflicts with him for now, but I have a conflict of interest with Hu Fantong."

Gao Junxiao knew that Chen Yao was currently competing with Commander Hu for the qualification to expand the army. Commander Hu was a student of the first class of Whampoa Military Academy. He was ambitious but incompetent. Through flattery, he was about to surpass his instructor's position. In order to prove himself, Chen Yao also had to get the qualification to expand the army before him and be the first to wear the general's star. So what was the relationship between Hu the idiot and the man surnamed Dai?

In response to Gao Junxiao's doubts, Chen Yao explained in a low voice that the two men had met at Whampoa Military Academy and were so close that they could sleep side by side. Moreover, the man surnamed Dai had been protected by Hu Fantong last time, which was why he hadn't been dismissed. To repay his kindness, the man surnamed Dai had used his authority to plant several spies in Chen Yao's troops.

Those spies were everywhere. Chen Yao felt like he was living in a glass box, with his every move being monitored. If he made the slightest mistake, it would be reported to Principal Chiang. He was getting annoyed to death.

"You can plant spies in your team if you're surnamed Dai, but you should plant spies in Hu Fantong's team. Don't let them get away with it," Gao Junxiao patted Chen Yao's chest and gave him advice.

Chen Yao gave him a knowing look: "What I'm afraid of is that if he can't get to me, he'll target the people around me, and you'll be the first one to fall into that trap."

“I’m just wondering, shouldn’t he be targeting your regimental commanders and brigade commanders? Think about it again, what benefit could that guy surnamed Dai possibly gain from targeting someone like me who has no real power?” Gao Junxiao put his arm around Chen Yao’s shoulder, trying to provoke him.

"Stop playing dumb with me! If I have meat to eat, do you think I won't share half with you?" Chen Yao rolled his eyes at him unhappily.

It seemed Chen Yao hadn't understood his meaning, so Gao Junxiao put it more bluntly: if the man surnamed Dai only wanted to help Hu Fantong rise to power, he could simply target Chen Yao's subordinates, create some scandals, and reduce the competitiveness of his team.

But was it really worth it for Dai to go to such lengths to work under Commander Xiong? Gao Junxiao felt that he must have already come up with a plan to get himself into trouble so that Chen Yao could get promoted, without offending Commander Xiong.

"Nonsense! If I knew what dirty tricks those spies would use, I would have been prepared long ago. Why would I have to live in fear every day?" Chen Yao propped himself up on his arm, his face full of worry.

After observing that the surroundings were clean and there were no spies, Gao Junxiao glared at Chen Yao with exasperation: "Are you stupid? What's Dai's old profession?"

Chen Yao suddenly realized something and jumped up excitedly: "Oh, oh, oh, that bastard wants to label you a member of the Communist Party. In that case, my poor choice of friends will inevitably affect the principal's decisions, and his merit in arresting members of the Communist Party will greatly boost Hu Jintao's score. That son of a bitch, he's trying to drive us to our deaths!"

“We can’t just sit here and wait to die. Your team should have a political education department, right?” Gao Junxiao’s question was answered by Chen Yao. He smiled mysteriously, leaned close to Chen Yao’s ear, and explained his counterattack plan in detail.

Immediately, Chen Yao smiled again: "Hehe, I love your wicked and naughty side."

"Thank you, but I already have someone I like. How about you be my son in your next life?" Gao Junxiao retorted with a smile.

"Get lost! Go to hell!" Chen Yao didn't dare disturb the other guests, so he exaggeratedly opened his mouth wide and mouthed the words, which made Gao Junxiao laugh out loud.

Bathed in sunlight, the garden was filled with the refreshing scent of grass. Qingcheng, holding a wine glass, moved in front of Li Sheng and his wife. To her surprise, she discovered that Li Sheng's wife was actually Sister Chen from Section One. Sister Chen was also surprised to see her, but the tacit understanding between colleagues kept them silent.

After exchanging a few polite words, Qingcheng declared that he was studying philosophy and had already written several papers, but unfortunately, he was still too inexperienced in the field to publish them publicly.

Li Sheng cleverly picked up the conversation, saying that he knew a PhD in philosophy and they could arrange to meet later so that Miss He could discuss the issues with a proper academic authority, and he could also take a class to enrich himself.

The three of them walked further and further away from the area until they stopped by a fountain. Sister Chen checked her watch and told them to be careful, as the bride couldn't be missing for too long. Then she went to keep watch on the perimeter.

"We can talk privately later, why now?" Li Sheng asked worriedly.

Although the sound of flowing water could mask the danger, there were many people around, and Qingcheng was the main character of the engagement banquet. She was well aware that it would be dangerous for her to make contact rashly, but the situation was urgent.

She relayed the information she had received from her classmate Fei Ming to Li Sheng: the International Settlement was currently clearing out beggars from the streets, while the French Concession did not want too many refugees to flood into its territory. There was a high possibility that the two sides would clash, and it would be the ordinary people at the bottom of society who would suffer.

This stumped Li Sheng. He scratched his head, indicating that although he had a good relationship with William, it wasn't enough to change the higher-ups' decision to expel the beggars. The only reason he was able to get Secretary Yu out of trouble recently was because of Qingcheng's fake academic papers.

"I'm not asking for William's help. I want to borrow thirty men from you, just some thugs on the periphery. There are a few very important comrades among the beggars. I need to rescue them first," Kiyosumi said frankly. She had never liked that foreigner.

“Thirty thugs, no problem! I’ll send them over to you tomorrow…” Li Sheng patted his chest and assured him.

Qingcheng immediately interrupted, "No, not tonight. I'm afraid the French Concession will strike first."

“I know you want to use Mr. Xia’s identity, so the person I found has to uphold the air of a senior member of the Green Gang. Don’t be in such a hurry. You definitely have to go to the Gao family’s banquet tonight. Leaving early without a reason will only arouse suspicion from your family and in-laws,” Li Sheng kindly advised.

Suddenly, Sister Chen strode towards them, glancing back every now and then. As she got closer, she interrupted their conversation: "Stop talking, I just discovered there's a big spy in the venue."

"Who is it?" Li Sheng and Qingcheng asked in unison.

As soon as he finished speaking, Team Leader Dai put down the empty plate and looked at the three of them. When their eyes met, Qingcheng felt a sense of oppression welling up inside her, as if someone had pinched her heart.

"Wow, it's Dai Yunong, the leader of the ten-person team." Li Sheng froze in surprise.

The ten-person group was just the executioners from Xuzhou City, Qingcheng thought, quickly reviewing the guest list. She was quite certain that A-Xiao hadn't invited that person.

They came uninvited, and they're up to no good!

As if on cue, Team Leader Dai casually picked up a wine glass from the buffet table and slowly walked towards the three of them. Qingcheng quickly raised her head and smiled. She was never afraid of spies.

Perhaps it was Qingcheng's confident attitude that was unusual, Dai Yunong paused for a moment, his probing gaze sweeping back and forth over Qingcheng. Li Sheng stepped forward and blocked Qingcheng's path, exchanging a few pleasantries with him warmly. They were colleagues and had a general understanding of each other's backgrounds.

"Section Chief Li has just recovered from a serious injury and is already attending the wedding banquet. It seems he has a close relationship with the host family." Dai Yunong said to Li Sheng, but his eyes were fixed on Qingcheng.

“That’s right. The groom and I are colleagues. We see each other all the time. If I were working in Nanjing, I would definitely be able to get along well with Team Leader Dai.” Li Sheng took the initiative and extended his hand to express his “goodwill”.

"Section Chief Li is so generous. Whenever you come to Nanjing for a meeting or bring your wife on a trip, just come to Chicken and Goose Lane to find me. I will definitely show you around and treat you to good food." Dai Yunong smiled and shook hands. "Look, we've been chatting and have neglected the bride. Councilor Gao is truly blessed. Congratulations, Mrs. Gao."

"Congratulations, congratulations! Team Leader Dai has come all the way from Nanjing. Please forgive us if we haven't been hospitable enough. There are too many guests today, and Xiao and I are too busy to handle them all," Qingcheng replied politely as the hostess, secretly squeezing Sister Chen's cold hand.

"It's alright, I'm already very happy to share in the joy. Cheers, future general's wife." Dai Yunong said, raising his glass and drinking alone.

This statement was quite provocative. Qingcheng's eyes sharpened. There was no shortage of generals' wives on the field today, but she was not one of them, and her fiancé's future was not a smooth road either.

Across from her, Dai Yunong smiled knowingly, seemingly waiting for her reply so he could analyze her inner thoughts. A spring breeze ruffled her hair, softening the lines of her clear face. She lowered her head shyly, revealing the soft smile of a girl in love.

Even if she didn't say anything, everyone would assume she was shy and didn't understand the dangers of officialdom. Dai Yunong was somewhat disappointed, his smile freezing on his face, as if the answer was not what he wanted. Qingcheng didn't care what his intentions were; he wouldn't get anything he wanted.

"Chengcheng, come here quickly!" Tan Dachuan appeared out of nowhere and shouted sternly, his eyes filled with worry.

Haha, her godfather must have mistaken her for being surrounded by spies. Look how scared he is! Qingcheng pursed her lips, suppressing her laughter, and obediently returned to her elders like a dutiful daughter.

"Please make yourselves at home. We're about to prepare a family dinner. Chengcheng, let's go." Tan Dachuan pulled Qingcheng away expressionlessly, giving the two of them no friendly look. Before leaving, she smiled and apologized to Dai and Li.

Under the flower stand on the other side, her mother was holding her cousin's hand and asking her how she was doing. Qingcheng was getting jealous, but she soon noticed that there was another man who was even angrier. Xu Xi, who was behind her cousin, was the first to notice Qingcheng. He angrily pointed at her cousin and then at her, their two index fingers intertwined, clearly indicating that they had discovered their relationship.

"Tch, so what if you found out? You didn't even ask. Go ahead and break off our friendship if you dare!" Qingcheng glared back defiantly. Xu Xi's expression changed several times, but after his cousin smiled at him, his momentum completely collapsed. As expected of a movie star, his expressions were so rich. Qingcheng felt like she had watched a free movie.

Only after Xu Xi took her cousin away did Qingcheng happily hug her mother and ask in a spoiled tone, "Mom, what are we having for dinner tonight?"

"Hua'er, you need to behave yourself after you get married, so your husband's family won't laugh at you," Mother He gently admonished, stroking her hand away. "I'll make dumplings tonight. Your husband is from the capital, so he should like them."

She had never known her mother could make dumplings. Qingcheng hugged her mother in surprise and delight: "Mom, you can make dumplings."

“I’ve always been able to make them. Your grandfather loves my dumplings the most, but your father prefers wontons, and you sisters don’t like them.” Mother He’s tone was quite regretful.

"Then, Mother, do you like it?" This was the first time Qingcheng had ever asked her mother about her preferences.

"What I like doesn't matter. I'm happy as long as I see you eating happily." Mother He smiled and lovingly tidied Qingcheng's appearance. "Our flowers are the most beautiful."

A soft, bittersweet feeling welled up inside her. Qingcheng couldn't tell her closest relatives that the path she was about to take was lonely, difficult, and tedious, but truth must be proclaimed, so she had no regrets. Qingcheng looked up at the sky and vowed to herself that she would find Sister Ying and the children.