May that scoundrel die again!
The room was filled with the sweet scent of chamomile, and the glass ceiling light refracted a dazzling light; even immortals must live here.
"Are you comfortable?" Qingcheng tugged at Gao Junxiao, who was lying next to her, her voice unusually gentle.
"Comfortable, hehe, it feels so good to move around like this." Gao Junxiao gently embraced Qingcheng, closed his eyes, and looked content.
"Hmm?" Kiyosumi raised an eyebrow.
"What I mean is that it's more comfortable with you around, no, it's more comfortable to turn over, haha, I can turn over by myself, don't overthink it." Gao Junxiao tried to explain, but after being glared at by Qingcheng, he could only laugh awkwardly.
"Tch, that's all you've got," Qingcheng said, her eyes sparkling as she suddenly leaned closer and whispered in his ear, "Actually, it would be even more fun if you just cooperated a little."
The two whispered to each other, and Gao Junxiao wrinkled his nose slightly as he listened. He covered his mouth with the back of his hand, wanting to laugh but not daring to: "Isn't this inappropriate? You are a lady from a respectable family, you should be more reserved."
"Tell me if you'll cooperate or not?" Qingcheng propped herself up on her elbow and lay on her side, then forcefully tapped Gao Junxiao's chest with her other hand.
"I'll play along, you've been so proactive, of course I'll go all out with you." Gao Junxiao sat up abruptly on the bed and pulled Qingcheng up with him.
Upon seeing this, the salesperson at the counter immediately approached: "Sir, Madam, how was your experience with our spring mattress? If you have any suitable options, please let me know."
"How do you feel?" Qingcheng winked at Gao Junxiao, linking her arm with his. Gao Junxiao's expression remained unchanged, indicating that he was alright, but he wasn't used to sleeping there and would let Qingcheng decide.
"I can't tell the difference. I tried several stores and they were all about the same, but this one has a good reputation, so it shouldn't be bad, right?" Qingcheng turned to the salesperson with a smile. "Hey, do you have any special offers lately?"
"Madam has good taste. We have a summer promotion now, buy a mattress and get a free pillow. Our pillows are filled with velvet, enough to last your grandchildren's generation, it's definitely a great deal," the salesperson said with a smile.
"Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. We're newly married, why should we worry about things so far in the future? Do you have any other plans?" Qingcheng continued to ask.
"That's all." The salesperson gave a professional smile, but a hint of impatience shone in their eyes.
Qingcheng nodded her thanks and, without saying a word, pulled Gao Junxiao toward the store exit. She muttered that the Xinxin Company next door had great deals, so she should also buy a few sets of bedding. Gao Junxiao naturally touched her lower abdomen and remarked that they should buy some in advance, otherwise it would be too late to buy them after the baby was born.
"Please wait a moment, gentlemen!" the salesman shouted. Kiyosumi winked smugly at the man.
As Gao and He squeezed out of the revolving door of Yong'an Department Store carrying large and small bags, the heat wave that hit them instantly evaporated all the coolness on their bodies.
"It's so hot. I've lost my appetite. Let's go home early." Kiyosumi walked listlessly towards the parking lot, unable to straighten her back.
Upon hearing this, Gao Junxiao wrapped his arms around Qingcheng's slender waist and said in a serious tone, "No, even if you don't eat it, the little one has to eat it too."
"Get lost." Kiyosumi broke free of her restraints and strode forward, too lazy to pay him any attention. The flower hasn't even bloomed yet and he's already thinking about the result. He's getting too caught up in the drama.
Gao Junxiao, thick-skinned as ever, followed with a grin: "Oh, you don't recognize me once we're out the door. You were all lovey-dovey just now, and now you're disgusted with me."
"I don't mind you, I mind the heat." Qingcheng curled her lip in disdain. "As Sun Tzu said: 'Power is the ability to control through profit.' Money doesn't grow on trees. If we don't haggle over the prices of the many things we're buying, we'll be sucking up."
"Hehe. I've really seen something new today. I thought department stores had fixed prices and you couldn't bargain. Huahua, anyone who wants to do business with you will definitely not get a good deal." Gao Junxiao grinned mischievously and, taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Ugh! Qingcheng was so angry she wanted to hit him, but he ran away after kissing her, giving her no time to react. Gao Junxiao turned around and blew Qingcheng a kiss: "I'll buy you an iced soda to make up for it."
That's more like it. Qingcheng gave an OK sign and pointed to the soda stand across the street. Gao Junxiao happily ran over to the soda stand to buy a drink.
"Please leave, great one," Qingcheng said, finding a shady spot to sit down. He pulled out the copy of the "Shenbao" newspaper he had just picked up, and there was a reply in the paper: "I deeply regret that Beiyao could not visit. My business is complicated, and I have no way to go ashore. The waterfront is damp, and I am afraid that the goods will be damaged. If you settle down in Shanghai, I will accompany you to visit you and find a way to make a living. I, Shuangxi, will be extremely grateful. I, Shuangxi, along with my son Xiaoliuhei, await your good news."
It's been three days, the news has been posted for three days straight, and Zero hasn't dared to utter a single word. It seems that his strategy has been disrupted, and he can't think of a response for the moment.
Qingcheng curled the corners of her lips. You think I have to follow your lead? What time is it? How can you take the lead? We have to play our game.
"Who are you plotting against now?" A sudden burst of hot air reached my ears.
When did that bastard come around from behind? Qingcheng rolled her eyes, put away the newspaper, and then reached out to snatch the soda. The cool drink cooled her down as soon as it entered her mouth, and her mood improved.
“I can read minds. Just by looking at you, I can tell you’re up to no good.” Gao Junxiao insisted on sitting next to her.
Dodging left and right, Gao Junxiao only pushed him further and pressed himself closer. Qingcheng glanced at him sideways: "Wow, you've gained enlightenment from buying a bottle of soda? Take another look, what have you figured out?"
“I can tell you’ve recently landed a big deal; it’s an extra income for you,” Gao Junxiao said, staring at Qingcheng.
"I have many extra businesses, which one are you referring to?" Kiyosumi asked casually, but inwardly she was putting up a defensive stance.
"The kind of deal you went out tonight to negotiate, the kind that doesn't involve taxes." Gao Junxiao's breath was almost touching her earlobe as he spoke, his hot breath spraying onto her neck.
Touching her itchy neck, Qingcheng straightened her lips and covered her mouth in feigned surprise: "How can you slander me for no reason? I pay my taxes clearly and honestly. The tax bureau should give me a gold plaque recognizing me as a major taxpayer."
"You're quite stubborn, and you don't trust me. I was even thinking of being your bodyguard tonight, so my wife won't get bullied by others." Gao Junxiao flicked her nose, his words carrying a hidden meaning.
"Pfft! You think I'm your bodyguard? How dare I be so arrogant? Hahaha, putting aside whether that's true or not, my treatment is comparable to that of Committee Member Tan." Qingcheng chuckled, almost choking on her soda.
"Don't laugh, you know how good I am." Gao Junxiao took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, his face full of flattery. "I do good for the people during the day, and I'll do good for you at night. I don't need you to feed me or pay me. Why not take it if it's free, right?"
He practically had "I suspect" written all over his face. Qingcheng grabbed Gao Junxiao's cheek and pretended to be embarrassed and indignant, saying, "Hey~ Let's talk about doing good deeds at home. Aren't you ashamed to say these things in public?"
"What are you thinking? You can try to steer this way if you want." Gao Junxiao frowned. "You always go out late at night, and I feel like I'm being cuckolded. At least let me know your plans."
Unexpectedly, the man made a direct request, and Qingcheng's mind raced: "I'm letting you know so that it'll be easier for you to check up on me. If you can't find me at the place I mentioned, I won't be able to explain myself no matter how many mouths I have."
"That's not true, I'm not going. I'm just looking into it," Gao Junxiao said with a smile, a sly glint in his eyes.
"You can lie to me, but don't lie to yourself." Qingcheng held the man's hand and sighed, "Shanghai's nightlife is beyond your imagination. After you've eaten your fill at a restaurant and had your fill at a dance hall, another group of friends will come over, or you'll see someone you don't want to see and you don't want to cause a conflict, so it's common for you to go to another place. I really can't predict which place I'll end up at."
With a thud, Gao Junxiao slammed the soda bottle down beside him, his face darkening with anger: "You can't keep doing this!"
“Absolutely. Once we’re married, I’ll definitely take care of the family. Besides, I won’t be staying here for long. I’ll be going to the base with you soon. It’s not as bustling as Shanghai, and I won’t have anywhere to go if I want to go out.” Qingcheng leaned closer to him and tempted him, “In the end, I’ll only be able to take care of you. I’ll be clinging to you every day. You’ll get tired of it.”
His body was tense as he said, enunciating each word clearly, "Even a dog wouldn't believe it. Wouldn't it be more convenient for you if I were transferred to a big city like Guangzhou?"
Qingcheng rolled her eyes and said, "It's your turn to take me to Guangzhou. I've never been there before, and I don't have any friends there."
"Are you sure?" Gao Junxiao asked, narrowing his eyes. His heavy breathing mingled with the heat, making the surrounding air feel stifling.
"I'm sure! Absolutely sure!" Kiyosumi said sincerely. "But how did you suddenly come to the conclusion that I have a tax-free business, and have you been investigating me behind my back, or even following me?"
Gao Junxiao picked up the beverage bottle and took an uneasy sip: "Hehe, no way. I know your background. Besides, only an incompetent man would personally follow his wife."
"Of course you don't need to go yourself. You've been training for a thousand days to use them for one. It's only right that my dear little brother does some small chores for his big brother," Qingcheng replied with a grin.
"Don't talk nonsense. My little brother stays in the barracks obediently at night. He doesn't have time to keep an eye on you." Gao Junxiao said with a serious face.
"It was just a metaphor. I didn't say he was one of your soldiers. Why are you so eager to deny it? Even if you agree, Commander Xiong doesn't." Qingcheng blinked and smiled slyly.
Gao Junxiao was speechless. He gulped down half a bottle of soda, then tilted his head back and finished the rest of the drink.
"I'm not going to mess around with you anymore. Go eat, I'm hungry." Qingcheng nudged him, but Gao Junxiao snorted and turned his head away, seemingly still angry.
Her voluptuous arms wrapped around the man's neck, and seizing the opportunity, Qingcheng tilted her head back and gently kissed his cheek, saying coquettishly, "Hurry up, hurry up, I won't be able to sleep tonight if I don't eat my fill."
Gao Junxiao's lips twitched, and a strange look flashed in his eyes as he looked at Qingcheng. Qingcheng pretended not to notice, wrapped her arms around Gao Junxiao's neck and shook him incessantly. Gao Junxiao's face grew redder and redder, and he looked like he was about to explode.
"Eat, eat, stop shaking, you're going to shake your brains too much." Gao Junxiao gritted his teeth and pinched her lower abdomen. "When the child is fatherless, you can still ask the soda to take responsibility."
Kiyosumi chuckled, "The world keeps turning no matter who leaves whom. I don't like the concept of chastity arches. If one of us goes first, the other doesn't need to have too many worries."
Upon hearing Qingcheng's words, Gao Junxiao was taken aback. His eyes then dimmed, and without saying a word, he pulled her into his arms and gently comforted her.
Qingcheng patted his broad hand, signaling him to relax, but Gao Junxiao hugged her even tighter and muttered in a low voice, "No one can steal my wife, not even the King of Hell."
"Ugh, if you don't let go of me, I'm really going to go find the King of Hell. Ugh~ It's so hot!" Qingcheng pushed the man away and glared at him fiercely.
Almost simultaneously, Gao Junxiao lowered his head and sealed her soft lips with his. The two kissed for a long time until Qingcheng was having difficulty breathing. Only then did he reluctantly release her, touching his own lips to savor the taste: "Where is it hot? It's clearly cool. Why don't you try again?"
"You filthy scoundrel." Kiyosumi snapped out of her daze and stomped on his foot hard.
"Ouch!" Gao Junxiao cried out in pain, baring his teeth in a defiant manner, "I'm a hooligan, come on, I've put my face right here, go ahead and bite me back if you dare."
Qingcheng grabbed Gao Junxiao's ear: "I think you're asking for a beating."
"Ah—it hurts, it hurts, it hurts so much! Spare me, heroine! Ouch, it hurts so much!" Gao Junxiao begged for mercy, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect.
The two bickered a few more times, then finally walked shoulder to shoulder, fingers intertwined, towards the car. Gao Junxiao kept his head down, his heavy thoughts hidden behind a smile. Qingcheng saw this but didn't point it out, acting as if nothing had happened.
Back in the car, Qingcheng looked out the window at the gradually fading street scene, a sense of melancholy filling her heart. As long as Zero remained, who knew how many more young couples would be separated by death? The second team from the Soviet area had already set off; if Zero didn't play his trump card this week, then she would continue playing her cards.
Night enveloped everything in silence, with only the faint glow of neon lights piercing the night sky and falling on pedestrians, injecting vitality into the soon-to-open night market.
A black sedan slowly pulled up to the side of the road. Qingcheng stepped out, carrying a large black leather suitcase. The lobby manager greeted him warmly: "Mr. Xia, this way please. Mr. Wu and the others are all here, and they even brought one more person."
The lobby was as noisy as ever. The lobby manager covered his mouth and whispered a name. Qingcheng's eyelids twitched. He immediately instructed the manager to change the last dessert to bird's nest and snow frog soup, add a steamed Yangtze sturgeon, without scallions, and also add an extra raw egg.
The lobby manager nodded and noted it down. Old Wu was capable; he really managed to invite the person. Qingcheng followed the lobby manager upstairs to the private room.
The private room was brightly lit. I quickly glanced at the several bosses and greeted them one by one.
Strange, where are they? Kiyosumi could only hear silvery laughter coming from the rest area, but unfortunately, there were people all around, and she couldn't catch a glimpse of any specific faces.
Suddenly, a sharp gaze shot over, but Qingcheng was not intimidated at all. She put on a smile and stepped forward: "Where did this fairy sister come from? She makes my little private room shine."
The crowd immediately dispersed, and a beautiful woman in her forties sat calmly in the center of the sofa, holding a pipe. Her every move exuded a mature and alluring charm that inspired awe in everyone.
"Little rascal, your mouth is as sweet as honey, still so glib." Sister Gui tidied her hair, her dark blue cheongsam outlining her still charming figure, even better maintained than female celebrities.
"Sister Gui, I really didn't use any honey. I'm telling the truth. My dear sister, did you perhaps eat the Queen Mother's elixir to stay young forever? If you have the recipe, don't forget to give your little brother a copy." Qingcheng said with a smile.
Sister Gui glanced at Qingcheng and said indifferently, "Alright, alright, enough with the flattery. I'm here to talk business."
“We can’t talk business on an empty stomach. How about I have some food and drinks with you first?” Qingcheng extended his hand in a gentlemanly gesture. Guijie poked Qingcheng’s head and smiled as she placed her hand on his.
Seeing the two chatting and laughing, everyone whispered among themselves, speculating that Qingcheng and Sister Gui had a close relationship.
In fact, she had only met her twice during the Green Gang Conference. Sister Gui was a legend in the Green Gang and the first wife of the big boss. Qingcheng never thought that she could "climb the social ladder" to her, but that didn't mean she hadn't done her homework.
After everyone was seated, Sister Gui looked at the table full of delicious food and nodded in satisfaction. A little while later, the waiter brought out the steamed river sturgeon, and Sister Gui's eyes lit up.
Qingcheng poured Guijie a full glass of wine and explained, "This dish is called Sturgeon Spitting Pearls. Since ancient times, fragrant pearls have been paired with beautiful women. Everyone, who do you think should receive this pearl?"
Everyone complimented her in unison, "Sister Gui!"
As soon as Sister Gui raised her hand, everyone immediately fell silent. She elegantly held her spoon and tasted the food. After finishing it all, she commented, "The raw pearls are coated with fish flavor. The outside is solidified, but the inside is liquid. There is no scallion flavor at all. When topped with fried garlic, the taste is incredibly fresh and fragrant, without any fishy smell. This is truly how Cantonese people know how to eat."
"If Sister Gui thinks it's good, then I'm happy." Qingcheng nodded slightly.
“I’ve loved eating yolks since I was a child, Mr. Xia, you’re so kind. I’ll have to take a good look at your goods later.” Sister Gui picked up her handkerchief and dabbed it at the corner of her mouth.
After a few rounds of drinks, everyone became more familiar with each other, chatting about everything from how they made their fortunes to how tough the world was and how difficult it was to do business. Mr. Wu chuckled and chimed in, "If the world were fair, why would we need people like us who make a living through shady means?"
"Exactly, that's right. It's good to make money in times of chaos. Who cares who's in charge? We can just make a little profit from the national crisis." Boss Zhang hooked his arm around Boss Li next to him, laughing wildly.
Qingcheng took a bite of bird's nest and snow frog, silently watching them spout wild words. Seeing that everyone was chatting enthusiastically, Boss Li couldn't help but share that recently someone had been secretly reselling opium, and was so audacious that he had even managed to get in touch with him.
Cough cough, Sister Gui coughed twice, and the room fell silent for a moment. Boss Wu glared at Boss Li and scolded him for his loose tongue. Qingcheng knew that Old Wu had chickened out. If he offended the big shot by organizing the gathering today, his family would be out of business in Shanghai.
"Look how nervous you all are! I'm not going to eat you! Someone from Shanghai has actually come up with this kind of person. Can any of you tell me about him?" Sister Gui asked.
Everyone looked at each other, not daring to say a word. Seeing that his chance had come, Qingcheng spoke up: "Good sister, I am a junior brother and I have said some things. Please don't be angry."
"Go ahead and speak," Sister Gui nodded.
“The reason why these bosses dared to say it is actually because it didn’t work out, and they’re just making a joke about it.” After Qingcheng finished speaking, everyone nodded in agreement. “That person is not young. I heard he is an agent of Jiangxi Red. I don’t do opium business. He didn’t get the big boss’s approval, so I naturally refused outright. But that person seems to be persistent and has approached many other bosses to make connections.”
"Isn't he an old man with gray hair, a northern Jiangsu accent, and tattered clothes, like a beggar, yet he keeps saying he has connections in the old revolutionary base area, where they grow top-quality tobacco seedlings that can supply three Shanghais every year?" Sister Gui said knowingly.
Qingcheng replied considerately, "Sister, you are wise. It must be the same person. It seems that he couldn't find a legitimate way to sell his goods, so he decided to try some unorthodox methods."
"Hmph, there are plenty of poor bastards who want to get rich, no need to pay them any mind. We are all respectable people, it's not worth arguing with him. If that person bothers us again, just drive him away." Sister Gui lightly issued the order to kill. "Xia, wait for me a while before you look at the goods. I'm going to touch up my makeup."
Qingcheng pulled out a chair for her: "Sister, please. Waiter, take Sister Gui to touch up her makeup."
As soon as Sister Gui left, Boss Wu was the first to bow and express his gratitude to Qingcheng for getting him out of trouble. Sister Gui was less of a capable helper to Master and more of a puppet she had trained to be the head of the household. If he could keep her happy, he wouldn't have to worry about orders from the five provinces of Jiangnan.
She was the real master, and Qingcheng knew this long ago. However, Qingcheng still happily toasted Boss Wu with a glass of wine on the surface.
"Mr. Xia, would you like to order something else?" The lobby manager personally brought over the menu.
Kiyosumi kindly stood up and took the menu, but her eyes quickly scanned the slip of paper in the menu, which read: Assassin, Shi Mihong, complete the assassination mission within three days, reward 300 silver dollars.
Good heavens, the tigress is about to unleash her fury! Qingcheng closed the menu and handed it back to the lobby manager: "How about I order some honey pear water too, so everyone can sober up and soothe their throats?"
Everyone agreed and eagerly awaited Sister Gui's return to discuss business. Only Qingcheng knew that some people were going to die again.
A crescent moon cast a chilling, ominous light across the earth. Suddenly, several gunshots shattered the stillness of the night.
After a brief commotion, an old man and a young man hurriedly passed between the Shikumen gates, leaving a trail of blood.
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