A fake meets a real man.
Darkness enveloped the car from all sides as the night air enveloped it. The prosecutor had already approached, and Gao Junxiao intended to take the officer's ID card from Commander Zeng's hand and give it to the prosecutor as well. However, Commander Zeng held on tightly and showed no intention of letting go.
“I didn’t mean anything by it. You can give it to me yourself if you want.” Gao Junxiao was the first to let go.
Upon hearing this, Commander Zeng's lips trembled uncontrollably, and his pleading gaze darted between the inspector and Gao Junxiao. Gao Junxiao, understanding the situation, shielded him with his body and called out, "Cat, do you have a bag? Old Zeng is about to throw up?"
"Sir, please don't vomit in the car, I just washed it." The little cat hurriedly pushed open the car door, and the inspector was knocked off balance and almost fell. Fortunately, the little cat reacted quickly and helped him up, apologizing with an embarrassed smile.
Amid the urging, the kitten led Commander Zeng away from the car. Gao Junxiao turned around and handed over his ID: "Sorry, you can look at mine first. You guys have really worked hard, checking along the way so late at night. You must have caught a big wanted criminal."
"Coo-coo—" an owl cried out. The prosecutor didn't respond, but instead carefully compared the photos: "Counselor Gao, what are you doing in Nanjing? Why did you take a detour to Zhenjiang?"
This prosecutor is so ungrateful! He should just look at the documents, but he dares to ask so many questions.
At this moment, Night Owl cried out a few more times, and Gao Junxiao felt uneasy. His tone turned cold: "You don't know any manners at all. Ask what you should ask, and don't ask what you shouldn't ask. If you really want to know, please call our commander's office directly."
Perhaps sensing his displeasure, the prosecutor immediately changed his attitude, respectfully handing back his credentials with both hands: "Counselor Gao is right, I was just being nosy."
Ah~~
Suddenly a shout came from the other side. Commander Zeng seemed to have been provoked again. He suddenly broke free from the kitten and limped forward. The kitten looked like it wanted to chase after him but also wanted to report, so it stayed in the same place, in a dilemma.
What happened now? Gao Junxiao didn't have time to think. He took a step forward and caught up with Commander Zeng. He grabbed Commander Zeng's shoulder and pulled him. Commander Zeng staggered and fell to the ground. The documents in his hand slipped out and disappeared into the fog.
In the darkness, Gao Junxiao gripped Commander Zeng tightly and whispered, "The more afraid you are, the faster you will die."
“Gao, Gao, Councilor Gao… that person, he…” Commander Zeng was breathing rapidly, looking like he was about to die, and stammered for a long time without being able to speak.
"Don't be afraid. If things get bad, four wheels can run faster than two legs. Hurry back to the vehicle." Gao Junxiao's reassurance had an effect. Regiment Commander Zeng grabbed Gao Junxiao's arm tightly and nodded.
The kitten ran forward, its face full of apology: "Counselor Gao, I'm sorry, I couldn't stop Commander Zeng."
"It's not your fault. I heard birds chirping and thought it was the sound of brakes. I was so scared that I thought the pursuers were coming," Commander Zeng explained, his voice trembling with tears.
"It's okay, it's all okay, I'm here for you," Gao Junxiao comforted her.
During the conversation, the prosecutor approached, and Gao Junxiao pretended to coax a child, saying, "Okay, okay, I know you still want to drink. Come back to the car with me first, take a nap, and when you wake up, you'll have everything you need."
That wasn't untrue; Commander Zeng did indeed reek of alcohol. The inspector saluted Gao Junxiao and his men, but his scrutinizing gaze was undisguised: "Sir, please show your identification."
"Cat, pick up the certificate." Gao Junxiao turned to the inspector with a smile and said, "My brother just threw up. Please do him a favor and let him go back to the car to rest first."
However, the inspector still didn't respond, and asked while checking: "Why is Commander Zeng bleeding from the head? He also has several cuts on his body."
"He got drunk tonight and started acting crazy. Don't pay any attention to him; the more you talk to him, the more he'll act up," Gao Junxiao said with disdain, but he still pulled Commander Zeng along, intending to take him back to the car.
"Hey, don't go yet!" The inspector stared intently at Gao Junxiao. "You're not from the same command headquarters, so you should be heading in different directions."
A chill ran down Gao Junxiao's spine. This kid... he's got a head of steel. He dares to make things difficult for people with higher ranks than him again and again. This is extremely rare in the National Government's system where "a higher rank can crush a lower rank."
Had the kidnapping of Lao Zeng been exposed? It couldn't be that fast. Or was it the "surprise" Jiang Yun was keeping from him? It was just an act; they didn't seem to need to hold him back for so long. Countless possibilities flashed through Gao Junxiao's mind, but he couldn't definitively say anything, so he could only take it one step at a time.
Gao Junxiao curled the corners of his mouth, feigning ignorance: "Oh, really? So I should just leave my brother on the street in the middle of the night?"
"Sir, that's not what I meant. I just felt that your return routes were different, which might be inconvenient," the prosecutor replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.
“You’re so thoughtful. Then you can send him back to Ningbo. I happen to be busy; the commanders are waiting for my official seal.” Gao Junxiao said, pushing Regiment Commander Zeng toward the inspector while giving Regiment Commander Zeng a wink.
Suddenly, Commander Zeng grabbed the prosecutor and shouted in a slurred voice, "I'm not going back to Ningbo, I'm going to Nanjing! Let's keep drinking, bottoms up—drink up now! If you don't, I'm going to feed you mouth-to-mouth..."
"Hey, Lao Zeng, don't do that." Gao Junxiao pretended to pull him, but he didn't actually use any force because he was using all his energy to suppress his laughter.
The two grew louder and louder, drawing the attention of everyone at the checkpoint. The inspector, his face flushed, dared not lose his temper: "Counselor Gao, I'm sorry, but you two should go to Zhenjiang to wash up quickly. I think Commander Zeng is completely drunk. Let them through, let them through immediately!"
On the winding road, a light shone again. In the back seat of the car, Gao Junxiao couldn't help but praise Commander Zeng for his superb acting skills, knowing exactly what men find most unbearable.
"I had no choice but to risk my reputation, otherwise my life would be in danger. They are the group that kidnapped me." Commander Zeng wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, revealing a sorrowful expression.
"Reporting to Councilor Gao, when I helped that man up, I noticed he was frightened, but his pulse was very steady. He's probably a trained martial artist." Little Cat suddenly said this, which was seconded by Commander Zeng.
Upon hearing this, Gao Junxiao fell into deep thought. Who exactly sent them?
“Um…Councilor Gao, we, we don’t want to go to Zhenjiang, okay?” Regiment Commander Zeng glanced at Gao Junxiao hesitantly. “I’m afraid they have spies in the city.”
Should we still go to Zhenjiang? Gao Junxiao's heart was also pounding. The identity of the prosecutor just now was unclear. If he was really a spy, it meant that there were probably people of their own in the city. Maybe he was an official on a field mission. In that case, tonight's "surprise" had to be stopped, otherwise it would just be helping the spies boost their performance.
If they don't go to Zhenjiang, Jiang Yun's "surprise" won't work. Given Commander Zeng's cowardly nature of "wanting all the benefits but avoiding all the bad things," his testimony on this matter will inevitably be contradictory. If he contradicts himself, he will be fine, but Li Sheng will be doomed. They must dig out the most useful evidence for Li Sheng.
Zhenjiang City is so big, why not take a gamble! Gao Junxiao made up his mind and rebuked, "If you keep hesitating, you'll only be able to collect your adjutant's corpse."
"Then what should we do now? Xiao Wu has been with me for a long time," Commander Zeng asked anxiously.
The worry in his eyes was undeniable; he genuinely wanted to save people, but was also afraid of dying. Gao Junxiao looked away and said, "Don't ask me, I really have official business to attend to. You have three choices: find another car to go back to Nanjing, go to Zhenjiang, or come back to Shanghai with me."
Commander Zeng shook his head vigorously: "I'm not going back to Nanjing. Going back to Nanjing would be like walking into a trap. Going to Shanghai with you is also unrealistic. I'm all ragged, and the money was given to me by you. If my colleagues in Shanghai see me like this, I'll never be able to face anyone again."
"I'm fine with either, you choose." Gao Junxiao shifted to a more comfortable sitting position and passed the buck to Commander Zeng.
After much hesitation, Commander Zeng agreed: "Alright, let's go to Zhenjiang."
Upon arriving in Zhenjiang, the car headed straight to the town's police station to report the case. However, when they reached the door, Commander Zeng had a sudden unease and refused to get out of the car, fearing that there might be spies hiding in the police station.
Not again? Gao Junxiao closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and silently recited the mantra of patience, afraid that he would lose control and take action. Fortunately, this guy was easily persuaded, and after Gao Junxiao's persuasion, he finally reported the case.
After leaving the police station, Commander Zeng became decisive and, seizing the opportunity, invited Gao Junxiao and his driver, Xiao Mao, to go out for a late-night snack.
This was exactly what Gao Junxiao wanted. He said he was indeed a little hungry and readily agreed. However, for the safety of Commander Zeng, it would be best to find a restaurant with private rooms, or order food outside and eat in the guest room.
Commander Zeng, unsuspecting, immediately nodded in agreement and offered to take them to the most luxurious Hongxing Hotel, which had both private rooms and accommodations. It was said that the hotel had even opened branches in Shanghai. Gao Junxiao listened with a smile but remained silent.
As night deepened, the Hongxing Hotel remained brightly lit. After taking the menu, Gao Junxiao told Commander Zeng to order what he liked, as he needed to use the restroom and also to inform the contact person not to be too dramatic. Commander Zeng was already easily frightened, and if he wet himself, things would get complicated.
As the door to the private room closed, Gao Junxiao headed straight for the cashier, which still maintained its antique counter style, consistent with the overall Chinese style.
With a tap, Gao Junxiao tapped the table, and the accountant immediately put down his abacus, put on a smile, and asked, "Sir, would you like to pay the bill or order drinks?"
Gao Junxiao read out the order: "I want a pot of 20-year-old Shaoxing rice wine, warmed together with 5-year-old preserved plums."
The accountant's face lit up with surprise: "Oh no, of course! Boss, you really know how to do business. I like it really sour." Gao Junxiao replied with a smile.
"It's our pleasure to have a customer who likes our cups. How many cups would you like, sir?" the accountant asked earnestly.
Gao Junxiao pondered for a moment: "Two, just a small drink will suffice. Deliver them to the Magnolia Hall."
"Okay, I'll deliver it to you within ten minutes," the accountant assured him.
With the matter settled, it was up to Jiang Yun and his team to decide what to do next. Gao Junxiao's tense nerves gradually relaxed, and the surrounding air felt fresher.
The stars twinkled outside the window, and the streets were dimly lit at night. He couldn't help but stroll to the latticed window, take a deep breath, and feel the faint scent of osmanthus wafting from afar.
The evening breeze was filled with a sweet fragrance, and he couldn't help but think of the osmanthus honey and fermented rice at home. It should be ready by the time Qingcheng returned. He would then make her favorite milk rolls and glutinous rice lotus root with osmanthus. Any extra would be used to entertain Li Sheng and the others.
"Counselor Gao, you also like the scent of osmanthus?"
A sudden sound rang out, and Gao Junxiao's back was instantly soaked with sweat. He hadn't even noticed that someone had stood behind him.
As he turned his head, his neck seemed to make a cracking sound. When Gao Junxiao saw the person who came, his pupils suddenly contracted. It was Chen Jian!
Shen Jian stood by the latticed window, watching him with great interest. The arrogant look in his eyes, a look of youthful triumph, was definitely not that of Lu Xian in disguise, but the genuine Shen Jian.
Gao Junxiao put on a friendly smile in just 0.1 seconds: "Young Master Shen, what a coincidence."
"What a coincidence. I told them I saw the Shanghai-Songhu Command's license plate, but they didn't believe me," Shen Jian replied unhurriedly.
"Oh, your team leader Dai is here too?" Gao Junxiao asked tentatively.
"Is Councilor Gao very concerned about our Team Leader Dai?" Shen Jian's tone sounded casual, but his sharp gaze swept over.
Gao Junxiao deliberately feigned a worried look: "Not at all, if your team leader Dai comes, I'll have to avoid him, he doesn't like me."
After a brief silence, Shen Jian laughed awkwardly, "Haha, Councilor Gao is joking. It's all work-related, there's no such thing as liking or disliking each other. I'm afraid there's been some misunderstanding. Our team leader is busy with official duties. Today it's just Section Chief Cao from our Telecommunications Section and a few action team members."
Good news: Dai Yunong isn't here. Bad news: the ten-person team of cadres are. What if one of them knows Commander Zeng? Gao Junxiao thought to himself, while maintaining a slight smile: "Oh, so it's a team dinner. I won't bother you any longer. I'm just passing through on official business and grabbing a quick bite."
"Ah, it's fate that we've met. There's no time like the present. I'd like to invite Councilor Gao to bring his people to our Begonia Hall for a gathering." Shen Jian's tone was very sincere.
Even though they weren't that close, Gao Junxiao took the polite conversation too seriously and replied, "Sure. But I have official business to attend to, so I'm afraid I can't stay long. Next time you come to Shanghai, I'll treat you to a meal and a good drink."
"Official business is important, but there's no rush. It's a rare opportunity to meet, so I'll treat you. Please don't be shy." Shen Jian said, pulling Gao Junxiao upstairs. Gao Junxiao knew that if he refused again, it would only provoke Shen Jian's competitive spirit.
"Young Master Shen's hospitality makes me feel embarrassed as a guest." Gao Junxiao changed the subject. "The wine is on me. I just ordered it, why don't we take it inside and drink together?"
Before Shen Jian could refuse, Gao Junxiao quickly walked over to the accountant and winked at him: "Sir, I just ordered some wine. Please bring it to the Begonia Hall. It's rare for me to get together with my colleagues from Chicken and Goose Alley in Nanjing. It would be best to add another pot, and make sure it's served in new porcelain cups. No, no, I don't think that's enough. We need one pot for each person. Young Master Shen, how many people are there with you?"
"Seven, no... I already told you I'd pay for them, you don't need to pay." Shen Jian was anxious and ordered the accountant, "Put all the bills on our Begonia Hall, don't put them on his tab, do you hear me?"
The shopkeeper lowered his eyes and readily agreed: "Yes, yes, sir, we won't deliver your original wine. We'll send seven more jugs to the Begonia Hall."
"It's decided then. Let's bring the brothers along for a drink." Chen Jian moved nimbly, taking a few strides to rush up to the second floor and head straight for the Magnolia Hall.
"Little thing, you've been eyeing me for a while now," Gao Junxiao shouted. "Young Master Chen, slow down. You probably don't know where we are yet."
Chen Jian paused, his hand still holding the door. "Hey, it's my fault for being too hasty. Which room are you in?"
"Magnolia Hall." Gao Junxiao leaned against the corridor pillar, smiling politely, but a hint of coldness lurked in his eyes.
Shen Jian seemed to realize his rudeness, coughed lightly, and silently stepped back: "Ahem, Councilor Gao, please go first."
"Magnolia Hall, one serving of Squirrel Fish." The waiter's announcement broke the silence.
The door opened, and inside, only the cat sat upright like a pine tree, with a celadon cup on the table steaming gently.
Shen Jian quickly looked around and suddenly laughed loudly, "So Councilor Gao has a sweet and sour palate. Then I'll order a few more sweet and sour dishes later."
However, Gao Junxiao's eyes darkened: "Young Master Chen, I don't know what you want to see. Why don't you just send someone to search? If they find anything valuable, I'll give it all to you."
"Counselor Gao, don't be angry, I didn't mean it." Shen Jian laughed awkwardly. "Haha, it's just a habit, a professional habit. I'll wait for you in the Begonia Hall, and bring the brothers inside with you."
Gao Junxiao refused outright: "My brother is out of the question. He has a long drive to go and can't drink alcohol. I'll apologize on his behalf and just let him stay inside and have something to eat."
"Of course, you really shouldn't drink alcohol on long trips. Safety first." Shen Jian nodded hesitantly, like a deflated balloon, all his previous arrogance gone.
"But we're colleagues, it's a rare opportunity to meet. I'll come over and have a toast later," Gao Junxiao said with a smile.
"Alright! Then I won't keep Councilor Gao from having dinner any longer. Farewell." Shen Jian bowed and turned to leave.
Only after Shen Jian's figure disappeared down the corridor did Gao Junxiao return to the private room. He asked Xiao Mao where Commander Zeng had gone with his eyes. Xiao Mao then lifted the tablecloth. Commander Zeng's eyes were unfocused. He was curled up on the brocade rug under the table with his knees drawn up to his chest. His fingertips were turning bluish-white from the exertion.
The moment he saw Gao Junxiao, a half-choked sob escaped his throat, but Gao Junxiao's raised finger silenced him. Gao Junxiao stepped back against the wall, casting a slanted shadow on the stained glass window, slowly shifting across the glass. "That dog spy, why hasn't he left yet?"
"Cat, eat quickly. After you finish eating, rest for a while to recover your strength. You still have more than ten hours to drive." Gao Junxiao said to the window, while catching the rhythm of leather shoes and cloth shoes alternating in the corridor.
"Oh, thank you, big brother," the kitten replied happily.
Just then, the sound of the doorknob turning drew closer. Gao Junxiao waved his hand, and the kitten, like a musician plucking strings, suddenly covered the cloth with it and then pulled open the door.
The person outside was so startled that he stumbled backward and tripped on the threshold. Just as the wine pot was tilting, the waiter quickly pinched it, and the yellow porcelain wine pot landed steadily in his palm.
Unfortunately, there was still a bowl of preserved plums on the plate. Plop, plop, the preserved plums rolled onto the woven carpet, making a few soft thuds.
The waiter, seeing this, hurriedly closed the door and knelt on the ground to tidy up the preserved plums: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm clumsy, I'll get you a new bowl right away."
Something was wrong. Gao Junxiao silently wiped his neck. The little cat stood up knowingly: "It's okay, I'll help you clean up. You can go out first."
"No, no, sir, don't get your hands dirty. The second manager will scold me." The waiter said with a smile as he cleaned up. Not to be outdone, the kitten grabbed the rag, and the two of them exclaimed "Eh!" in unison.
The kitten slowly raised the "preserved plum," the bullet that gleamed with a metallic sheen under the light!
Almost simultaneously, the waiter stared innocently and tried to lift the tablecloth.
*Slap!* Gao Junxiao slapped the waiter's hand away and changed the subject: "Who told you to deliver the wine?"
The waiter looked up and smiled, "The second manager instructed the old gentleman with glasses at the counter."
"Oh, you delivered it to the wrong place. It should have been delivered to the Begonia Hall. I've already spoken to your second manager. You can go and check again." Gao Junxiao adopted a gesture of seeing the guest out.
"Alright, alright." The waiter tossed the rag over his shoulder, his bowed posture suddenly straightening. With a click, a three-inch blue light shot out from the hidden spring in his sleeve, piercing straight into the gap under the tablecloth.
Whoosh—the tip of the military boot scraped a static spark on the carpet, accurately kicking the waiter's knee. The waiter was thrown forward, and the flying knife missed its mark and became embedded in the floor. Gao Junxiao seized the opportunity to lock his throat and twist his arm behind his back, causing the waiter to scream in pain.
"Don't yell, or I won't mind using a little more force. Who sent you to deliver the wine?" Gao Junxiao asked coldly.
"Second Manager," the waiter insisted.
Just as Gao Junxiao was about to apply further pressure, Chen Jian's voice rang out from outside the door again: "Councilor Gao, are you alright? I'm coming in."
With a creak, the door opened, and Gao Junxiao kicked the throwing knife into the folds of the carpet with a forceful shove of his heel. The little cat deliberately bumped into Shen Jian and patted his chest: "Captain Shen, I'm sorry, I was just about to go find the second shopkeeper to settle this matter."
With his view blocked, Gao Junxiao quickly warned the waiter in his ear, "Chen is a spy," and then released his grip on the waiter's wrist. The waiter collapsed to the ground in disbelief, looking pitiful and oppressed.
"This is so annoying! Chen Jian is making things worse at this time," Gao Junxiao thought with a stern face, feeling extremely disappointed. He had thought that the Communist Party members were all smart people, yet they managed to mess up such a simple matter.
"It's nothing. They just delivered the wrong dish and won't admit it. Big restaurants bully their customers." Gao Junxiao kicked the waiter impatiently. "Have you delivered those seven jugs of wine yet?"
"It's delivered. I was just about to invite you over," Chen Jian said, glancing at the waiter with sympathy.
At this moment, the second manager rushed into the private room and pleaded, "Sir, let's talk this over. It's my fault for not conveying the message properly and causing this big misunderstanding. We'll waive all the drinks for today."
"Hmm, that's a decent attitude. Tidy up and serve all the dishes before I get back." Gao Junxiao said this and left with Chen Jian.
When Gao Junxiao returned to the Magnolia Hall after drinking for three rounds, he found that Commander Zeng had crawled out from under the table, huddled in the corner, his Adam's apple bobbing spasmodically but unable to make a sound.
"Commander Zeng, say something." Gao Junxiao leaned down and patted his face.
Commander Zeng then came to his senses and grabbed Gao Junxiao with trembling hands: "Counselor Gao, save me! That person, that person's voice is that of the main culprit who kidnapped me. I can't be wrong."
“Fine, I believe you.” Gao Junxiao didn’t want to argue with him. “But I don’t know what kind of entanglement you have. The spies are determined to kill you. What if you push them too far and they take some coercive measures, like torture… Anyway, I don’t want to suffer together with them. Good luck to you.”
"No, Councilor Gao, only you can save me. I'm really not a member of the Communist Party." Commander Zeng clung to him tightly, like a drowning person grasping at a piece of driftwood.
"I'm not even sure if it's true or not just based on your side of the story. After all, Young Master Shen is a top figure among spies. He wouldn't dare treat you like this without solid evidence," Gao Junxiao continued to spout nonsense.
"I'm not, I really am not," Commander Zeng said in a low voice, his voice choked with emotion. "The Communist Party will sell anything, but there's one thing they definitely won't sell."
"Stop talking, or we'll both die." Gao Junxiao covered his ears.
"Land. The land of the farmers' blood and sweat!" Commander Zeng cried out, disregarding everything else.
"Is he a landowner?" Gao Junxiao pressed. "Where is the land located?"
"Northeast," Commander Zeng said hoarsely.
Upon hearing the place name, Gao Junxiao's heart clenched, but he forced himself to remain calm and asked, "Who did you sell it to?"
“The North Korean’s agent in China.” Head of the delegation suddenly covered his face and choked up. “I didn’t know at the time. I thought it was just a normal land transaction. It wasn’t until they gave me a thank-you letter written in Korean when they paid me that I realized they were sending me a letter of thanks.”
This is a very serious problem! Gao Junxiao's heart skipped a beat. Not only would the Communist Party not dare to sell, but even ordinary government officials wouldn't dare to sell. How dare he sell land to foreigners?
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