Bodyguard and Young Master
Extra! Extra! The Great Master was assassinated late at night. Was it internal strife or external enemies?
Extra! Extra! The mastermind behind the assassination is none other than the master's first wife. Behold the love, hate, and grudges of this extraordinary couple.
Breaking news! Breaking news! A crime of passion has turned into a revenge killing. Witnesses to the bombing reported seeing the killer chasing a father and son. The elderly man, surnamed Sun, has been confirmed as one of the victims of the bombing. The conflict is suspected to have stemmed from a dispute with Mr. Da over the division of loot.
Breaking news! The identities of the father and son are in doubt. A veteran enforcer in the industry revealed that they are neither gangsters nor businessmen. What kind of deal did the mysterious figure make with the "Master" late at night? This raises many questions.
Extra! Extra! The Shen Bao newspaper exclusively reveals the secrets of the feud between the Green Gang and the Axe Gang!
Breaking news! Breaking news! There's a new development in the assassination case of Mr. Da! Officials have confirmed it was retaliation by the Axe Gang!
…………
The news swept through Shanghai like a typhoon.
Some applauded, saying the wicked will get their just desserts; others gloated, cursing the shrew for finally getting his comeuppance after a lifetime of glory; still others remained neutral, condemning the decline of morality and arguing that gang warfare was beneath their dignity. And then there were those who were itching to pull off a big heist once the shrew was gone.
Only Qingcheng knew how much effort she had put in to turn this public opinion crisis around. She made a special trip to Baihu Hall to visit her master, in order to ask him some questions and also to ask him to make connections with the three big shots in the French Concession, especially Mr. Qian, who was responsible for collecting "Old Sun's" body.
A three-tiered pastry stand was set up on the octagonal table. The Western-style stand held Chinese pastries. Qingcheng looked at each piece and thought they were fresh and cute. She wondered if she could treat herself to a small one first. She tapped the table twice with her fingers and forced herself to suppress her craving for the pastries. She took a sip of tea. Aunt Xia hadn't eaten yet.
Unfortunately, my master wasn't feeling well, and the doctor was examining him in the back room. Not wanting to disturb them, Qingcheng grabbed a copy of the Ta Kung Pao newspaper to pass the time.
Unsurprisingly, the front page headlines were all about the assassination of Master Da. To Qingcheng's delight, a member of the Axe Gang actually admitted to assassinating Master Da. Haha, this is interesting. Was he trying to gain attention, or was he acting on someone's orders to escalate the conflict between the Green Gang and the Axe Gang?
We'll have to wait until evening to see how other people in the underworld react. Qingcheng continued flipping through the pages, finding several pages filled with celebrity gossip.
Suddenly a briefing caught my eye: a businessman surnamed Qian died last night in his mansion in the French Concession. His belongings were looted, and the case is suspected to be a robbery and murder. The police are further investigating the case.
A bad feeling began to ferment in her heart. Qingcheng took a deep breath and asked the servant for all the newspapers from this morning. She looked through them one by one and finally found Qian Moude's full name in a tabloid - Qian Wende, which was exactly the same as the name on the list.
Qingcheng slammed the newspaper on the table. Qian Mou's death was definitely not a simple robbery and murder!
"Young man, what's got you so angry?" Xia Wanlan emerged from behind the screen, supported by her maid. Qingcheng shook her head and hurriedly went to ask the doctor about the situation.
Xia Wanlan ate the wrong thing and suffered from vomiting and diarrhea. The doctor suggested that she should replenish electrolytes after taking the medicine. Recently, the weather has been hot, and if food is not stored properly or left outside, it is easy for bacteria to grow and spoil. Food that has been stored for a few hours should not be eaten if possible.
Xia Wanlan admitted with embarrassment that she had a craving late at night and went to the kitchen to find something to eat. There was a plate of watermelon that had been cut up that morning next to the stove. She saw that others had eaten it without any problems, but as she got older, she couldn't resist and ended up getting sick herself.
The doctor gave her a few stern criticisms, and Xia Wanlan helplessly made a face at Qingcheng. After seeing the doctor off, Xia Wanlan held Qingcheng's hand and softly asked her why she had come today.
Qingcheng reopened the newspaper and pointed to the news report. She explained to her master in detail about the three names and the news of Qian's death.
Xia Wanlan listened attentively, her expression turning serious: "Do you suspect that Zero sent someone to kill Qian?"
“Yes, and I’m worried he might kill the other two as well,” Kiyosumi admitted.
“Not necessarily. Zero is extremely well hidden. Unless all three of them have seen his true face, he wouldn’t go so far as to kill remotely. You know, the more he moves, the easier it is for him to be exposed.” Xia Wanlan smiled gently as she explained.
Sighing deeply, Qingcheng had originally hoped that the comrades in the Soviet area could extract information about Zero from Xie Gaosheng. If he knew anything, he would definitely use Zero to save his own life.
Unfortunately, Xie Gaosheng never saw Zero's face clearly, because every time they met, they were separated by a window or a wall. Xie Gaosheng only knew that Zero was a man and that he was not very old.
However, Xie Gaosheng revealed a small detail before his execution: once when he met with Zero, someone was eavesdropping. However, he and Zero investigated for a long time but could not find the eavesdropper. It was most likely an ordinary villager who was too insignificant to report it.
What a joke! How could an ordinary villager possibly "wrestle" with two top spies at the same time? Qingcheng is more inclined to believe that the eavesdropper is someone in the military who has received some training. For some reason, he cannot come forward to identify him. Of course, he also does not have any substantial evidence. The current situation in the Soviet area is tense, and he might even be bitten back by Zero.
With the trail through the Soviet area gone cold, Qingcheng could only try to fish for information. He tried to use "Old Sun" to lure out Zero's agent, but just as he hooked up with a big shot, his wife cut him off. After finally getting the list, one of the people claimed "Old Sun's" body, and then the person disappeared again.
What an unlucky year! I shouldn't do anything rash during my birth year. Maybe I should ask someone else to do the reading. Qingcheng was feeling down when suddenly she tasted something sweet. Xia Wanlan had just stuffed a piece of mung bean cake into her mouth.
Xia Wanlan's eyes shone with affection: "The Qian Boss died, but there's still the Jin Boss and the Ji Boss. I met the Ji Boss a few times at a party hosted by the Public Works Bureau. I'll find an opportunity to take you to see him. But first, you have to do me a small favor."
Let alone one thing, even a hundred things, Kiyosumi would do for her master.
"I need you to attend the Green Gang's thousand-person conference tomorrow in my place," Xia Wanlan said, instructing her maid to fetch the invitation.
The thousand-person gathering was a gathering of heroes, which Qingcheng had heard of. It was mainly for personnel changes such as electing incense masters and hall masters, collectively worshipping Guan Yu, and holding formalistic activities such as martial arts competitions.
It wasn't a difficult task, and Qingcheng agreed on the spot. However, since it was her first time attending a conference with a thousand people, she needed to discuss with her master what she should and shouldn't do.
The two poured more tea, and Qingcheng listened attentively to Xia Wanlan's analysis of the situation. The main purpose of this thousand-person conference was to select the acting leader of Rongtan.
A country cannot be without a ruler for a day. The fact that the Great Master is in a coma has greatly changed the balance of power among the three factions in the martial arts world. The Heng faction, represented by Mr. Du, was promoted by Sister Gui, so Mr. Du intentionally favors Sister Gui.
However, Mr. Zhang, the leader of Rentan, was not kind. He had always been at odds with Sister Gui. He was dissatisfied with the fact that the Great Master monopolized the opium business, and he hated Sister Gui, a woman, ruling from behind the scenes. He would certainly not miss any opportunity to disgust the couple.
Not to mention that at this conference, he could legitimately nominate his subordinates to seize Rongtan. According to the intelligence gathered, he secretly allied with several elders in the gang, planning to stage a coup at the conference and divide up the territory.
If there were only these three major altars, the situation would become very delicate. The Green Gang has a total of three altars and two associations, so winning the support of the other two factions becomes extremely crucial. One of the other two factions is the Revive China Society, represented by the elders of the National Government, of which the White Tiger Hall belongs. The other is the Jiangbei Society, represented by the dock managers.
The leaders and incense masters of the two sessions usually have their own businesses and do not participate in large-scale struggles, but they are indispensable figures when voting.
Xia Wanlan suggested that Qingcheng follow Mr. Du's lead; whoever he votes for, we should vote for.
"Isn't he going to throw with Sister Gui?" Qingcheng asked in confusion.
"It's hard to say. Mr. Du's favoritism towards A-Gui doesn't mean he has no ambition. He's using the excuse of 'family scandals shouldn't be aired in public' to forcibly suppress all news unfavorable to A-Gui. But his frequent private visits to A-Gui likely indicate he wants to recommend one of his subordinates as a candidate. It all depends on whether they agree on who they choose." Xia Wanlan took a sip of tea and replied indifferently.
The martial arts world is a microcosm of society, and the change of leaders is like a government election. Suddenly, a crazy conspiracy emerges like wisps of steam, which Qingcheng cannot suppress.
"Master, is the board of directors of the Municipal Council being re-elected this year?" Kiyosumi asked anxiously.
Xia Wanlan thought for a moment and replied, "It is indeed a leadership transition this year. I haven't received an invitation yet, so I'm not sure when the meeting will be held. If you'd like to go, I can take you."
"Thank you, Master. Will Boss Ji and Boss Jin also be invited?" Qingcheng asked.
“Boss Ji definitely has one; he’s one of the Chinese directors of the Public Works Bureau. Boss Jin, I’ll inquire for you. What’s wrong?” Xia Wanlan put down the pastry in her hand in surprise.
“If those three are all Chinese directors of the Municipal Council, then the problem is serious.” Qingcheng lined up the mung bean cakes and crab roe pastries and emphasized this with great seriousness.
Previously, we all agreed that the deal between Mr. Big and Zero was a purely commercial transaction, with one providing raw materials and the other providing sales channels, and everyone making money together.
Now it might be time to change our approach. Qingcheng switched the positions of the mung bean cake and the crab roe pastry. They weren't just doing it for the money; they were exchanging power.
Xia Wanlan was stunned, then suddenly shouted, "I understand! If three Chinese directors recommend him at the same time, Mr. Da is very likely to become the first Chinese director to enter the board of directors without being elected. As long as he enters the power center of the concession, he can completely get rid of Agui's control with the help of the foreigners."
Seeing that her master fully understood her meaning, Qingcheng nodded and whispered, "Since what Zero is selling is Hua Dong's seat, what 'price' should the Master offer to buy it? If it's just the profit from opium, Zero will lose a fortune."
The "price" offered by the big boss must be something that money can't buy, such as a certain position in the Soviet area.
"Hey~ ptooey, ptooey, little kid, don't talk nonsense." Xia Wanlan waved her hand haphazardly, "The Soviet area is different from Nanjing, we don't buy or sell official positions."
"Master, don't be nervous, that's not what I meant." Qingcheng smiled and pulled Xia Wanlan aside. She was referring to the fact that the Master was helping Zero boost his political achievements. Once Zero could solve problems that others couldn't, his prestige would naturally rise. In addition, in order to hide his identity, he had to accumulate a good reputation in order to climb higher.
Just as Xie Gaosheng was being purged, a large number of high-ranking officials were also brought down. The vacant positions always needed to be filled. If she were number zero, she would have seized this opportunity to rise to prominence.
"Which department's position do you think Zero would most like?" Xia Wanlan asked in a low voice.
"I don't know." Kiyosumi lowered her head, feeling dejected. "We don't even know what his current department is like."
“Actually, we can think about it the other way around. Who are the people who have contact with Chairman Hua? Why do these three people obey Zero’s orders? If we follow this line of inquiry, we’re sure to find some clues.” Xia Wanlan patted the back of her hand, patiently suggesting.
Haste makes waste. Qingcheng silently calmed her restless heart. Zero had been lurking for so long, he must have his own unique skills. It would be no easy task to find him in the short term.
However, given the nature of spies, Zero certainly wouldn't hand over the lion's share of what he earned. He'd probably keep a few cents to organize a counter-revolutionary armed force—that's his limit. His real purpose would be to enjoy himself or save it as a backup plan.
To strike a snake, strike its vital spot; to dig up a tree, dig up its roots. Qingcheng took a bite of the crab roe pastry and tried to put herself in the shoes of someone else. If she were the bottom, unable to enjoy herself openly, she would have to save the money. Where would she save it? And if the bottom couldn't resist and planned to secretly use the money, where would he spend it?
The Soviet areas were nowhere near as developed as the White areas. To resist economic sanctions, our Soviet areas implemented a small-scale free economy and a large-scale public economy. Xie Gaosheng admitted before his death that Zero always made him exchange all his silver dollars for gold bars, refusing all other silk and gemstones. Were those gold bars used in the White areas to bribe Hua Dong? How could Hua Dong and his ilk be so short-sighted…
At this moment, Xia Wanlan's personal maid came in and reported, "Madam, there is a Mr. Gao outside who requests an audience."
"Please let him in. How did he end up here?" Xia Wanlan suppressed a laugh and glanced at Qingcheng. Qingcheng was completely absorbed in her own mental whirlwind and didn't even notice that there was another person in the room.
It wasn't until the pastries in her hands were snatched away that Qingcheng came to her senses. As soon as she looked up, she choked on the cakes. Gao Junxiao stood by the window, blocking out the sunlight. In the shadows, he smiled incomprehensibly and handed her a water glass from the table: "If you eat so many pastries this afternoon, you won't be able to eat anything for lunch."
After wiping her mouth, Qingcheng recovered and sensed the blatant threat. She casually touched her face while wiping her mouth to confirm her disguise was still intact, then cleared her throat: "Ahem, thank you for the reminder. What is your surname, sir?"
Gao Junxiao scoffed and said in a resentful voice, "I am nobody worth mentioning. Anyway, you are a forgetful person. I just mentioned you this morning and you forgot about me this afternoon. Call me whatever you want."
Seeing the unpleasant aura emanating from him, Qingcheng felt a headache coming on and quickly changed the subject: "Since you've come to see my aunt, sir, I'll take my leave now. Let's meet again another day. Goodbye."
"Come back! Are you really stupid or just pretending? Don't you know who I'm looking for?" Gao Junxiao shouted angrily. "You have quite the attitude, don't you? What, you've got the guts to stuff a hedgehog down someone's crotch, but you don't have the guts to face the consequences? You've messed up Shanghai, aren't you afraid at all walking down the street?"
Here we go again. That jerk is so annoying! Qingcheng was completely speechless. She ignored Gao Junxiao, covered her ears, and turned to leave. Gao Junxiao reacted quickly, grabbing Qingcheng's neck and changing the subject: "I heard you're going to attend the conference with a thousand people tomorrow?"
Qingcheng stiffened slightly, then said calmly, "Eavesdropping is not the act of a gentleman."
“You are no gentleman either, so it’s perfect for us to become acquainted as two petty people. Let’s go to the conference of a thousand people together tomorrow.” Gao Junxiao made the decision forcefully.
"Why should I? You're not one of my Green Gang members." Qingcheng glanced at Gao Junxiao with disdain, as if his existence was a joke.
"It's all about skill, isn't it? You said it yourself, everyone has to rely on their own abilities. I've learned enough to be your bodyguard." Gao Junxiao tilted his head with a cheeky grin, only to be pushed away by Qingcheng. Goosebumps rose on his arm. This guy was truly shameless.
"How about it? Think about it. If you agree, I can be your 24-hour bodyguard." Gao Junxiao emphasized the word "bodyguard".
Qingcheng glared at him angrily and said coldly, "Big brother, don't you have anything else to do? I'm just a commoner, I don't need you to revolve around me."
Gao Junxiao looked back firmly: "Who said that? My most important thing this year is getting married. When have you ever seen anyone get married?"
"Hehe, your concerns are indeed unique, but unfortunately they sound like you're cursing someone. What if they just want to breathe the air of freedom?" Kiyosumi gave a forced smile; he was clearly trying to cling to him, like a piece of chewing gum that couldn't be shaken off.
“How could I bear to curse my own wife? I’m just afraid that she’s been engrossed in writing these past few days and doesn’t know that a bunch of Green Gang thugs have been wiped out and their souls are finally free.” Gao Junxiao paused for a moment, “It just so happens that they were the people who went to the Four Kingdoms Flour Mill.”
A chill ran down her spine, and Qingcheng almost blurted out, "How did you know?"
“I know someone in the police station.” Gao Junxiao raised his eyebrows, revealing a smug look.
A soft cough came from behind her. Only then did Qingcheng remember that her elder was behind her. She broke free from Gao Junxiao and straightened the silk scarf in her suit pocket to cover her embarrassment.
Xia Wanlan said leisurely, "The world is not peaceful. I take at least two or three bodyguards with me when I go out. You only have one bodyguard, which is not much. I can just pay for one for you."
A ticklish sensation came from the back of my hand; it turned out someone's hand was acting up again. *Smack!* Qingcheng quickly slapped it away. Who would dare mess around like that without considering the situation? They're asking for trouble!
"Aunt Xia is so generous. Junxiao guarantees to complete the mission. Young Master, come with me." Gao Junxiao ignored Qingcheng's warning and simply took Qingcheng's hand, tightly holding it in his palm.
Qingcheng hurriedly pulled her hand back, but Gao Junxiao gripped it even tighter. That bastard was incredibly strong, and Qingcheng couldn't shake him off. She could only glare at him as she walked, but he still grinned and pretended not to see her.
The two of them tugged at each other all the way, attracting the attention of the servants at White Tiger Hall. Qingcheng's lips twitched, and just as they were about to leave, she stomped hard on Gao Junxiao's foot. Ouch~ Gao Junxiao groaned but refused to let go.
"Let go." Qingcheng scolded with a stern face, "If you're going to be a bodyguard, then be a proper one. Don't act like some kind of perverted peach-sharing monster. I'm Mr. Xia now, understand?"
"Understood." Gao Junxiao obediently let go upon hearing this, then his eyes darted around before he eagerly pressed closer again, "And who is Li Sheng?"
"Is this just empty talk?" Qingcheng rolled her eyes at him. "My white gloves? Not just him, there are many others in your headquarters, including Commander Xiong."
Gao Junxiao was taken aback, then asked with a smile, "Didn't you try to develop your own network among them?"
"Ha, polluting the revolutionary ranks! A bunch of desperate, penniless scoundrels, I have no interest in developing them." Kiyosumi scoffed. "If you really want to help me, you can't expose me."
“Of course. It’s our secret.” Gao Junxiao quickly glanced at Qingcheng’s face, a low chuckle escaping his throat.
"What are you laughing at? Go and take a rickshaw." Kiyosumi pointed angrily towards the door.
"Yes, young master." Gao Junxiao saluted and then burst into laughter, saying between laughs, "I think I could do that too..."
"Get out!" Qingcheng interrupted Gao Junxiao's nonsense and shoved him into the street.
The afterglow of the setting sun overlapped with the clouds, covering the two of them in a brilliant orange-red. The rickshaw wheels spun merrily, making a sound like a windmill. Qingcheng yawned, closed her eyes for a nap, and then her head was pressed into a firm and warm embrace.
"Go to sleep," Gao Junxiao said, his tone seductive.
Qingcheng habitually adjusted her posture, then suddenly realized something was wrong. She opened her eyes abruptly, grabbed Gao Junxiao's collar, and threatened, "If you touch me again, I'll cripple you."
"Oh dear, I'm not even married yet, so please go easy on me. Otherwise, my future wife will be upset, and you'll have to compensate me with a wife, won't you?" Gao Junxiao feigned surprise, his eyes full of mockery.
The rickshaw drove to a quiet area and stopped at the roadside to wait for the traffic light.
The two were pressed close together in the shop window, their actions quite ambiguous. Qingcheng then realized that she had lost her composure and ironed his clothes with her hand: "You'd better watch your gossip. If you can't control yourself at the meeting tomorrow and offend some villains, I won't be able to protect you."
"Young Master, are you worried about me?" Gao Junxiao laughed even more unrestrainedly.
Suddenly, Gao Junxiao's smile froze. Caught off guard, he tackled Qingcheng to the ground. The two fell to the ground together, and a whooshing sound whistled through the air as a bullet narrowly grazed their shoulders.
There was an ambush. Her heart pounded. Qingcheng took a deep breath and threw her hat into the air. The scattered sparks seemed to blend into the sunset clouds. Almost simultaneously, she grabbed Gao Junxiao and rushed into the alley in one go.
The enemy used a silencer; they came prepared. Qingcheng ran forward with all her might. The light at the exit was just inches away. Suddenly, a flash of iron light appeared, and Qingcheng couldn't stop at all. She was about to run into the muzzle of a gun.
A cold glint flashed, and Gao Junxiao kicked the pistol away with a swift movement. With a backhand flick, he pulled it out, and bang! A bloody bullet hole appeared between the enemy's eyebrows. The swift movements were executed in one fluid motion.
Before Qingcheng could react, he grabbed her and ran towards another exit of the alley: "Young Master, you've gotten yourself into a lot of trouble this time. Luckily, I'm here."
"Enough with the nonsense! Let's hide and lay low for a while," Qingcheng snapped.
As they were talking, hurried footsteps came again.
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