Rescue Section Chief Ding
A pair of red high heels stepped onto the black and white marble floor tiles, the powerful long legs making an elegant slapping sound. The saleswoman's eyes lit up; a big deal had arrived.
So the receptionist took the person to the VIP room and respectfully helped her take off her coat, revealing an exquisite white cheongsam. The confidence in the guest's smile and the elegance in her gestures were something that people from humble backgrounds could not learn.
I thought she came to get her clothes tailored, but she specifically asked to see Boss Ding. However, Boss Ding was busy serving two gentlemen next door and couldn't get away.
Hearing the teller's explanation, her cheeks creased into crescent moons: "It's alright, just tell your boss Ding that his mortgage bonds at Xinxin Company have matured and ask him when he's going to redeem them."
Her voice was clear and crisp, her words distinct and clear. The maturity in her tone seemed somewhat incongruous with her innocent and pretty face. The clerk couldn't help but glance at her a few more times. The young lady on the chaise lounge had fair skin, like a freshly peeled water chestnut still glistening with moisture. She was tall and slender but not thin, even more so than the ladies in the advertisements.
Under the intense gaze of a stranger, Qingcheng maintained a polite smile and looked back confidently. After their eyes met, the teller nodded awkwardly and left.
She casually picked up a copy of the magazine "Liangyou" and flipped through it. Her father had once explained that the character "静" (jing, meaning quiet) contains the character "争" (zheng, meaning struggle), so one must be calm enough before engaging in a struggle.
A moment later, Section Chief Ding, wearing a melon-shaped hat, came in carrying a fabric brochure. After dismissing the clerk, he looked up and asked in a mocking tone, "Miss, what's your name? I usually talk to your boss, Mr. Wang, so you don't look familiar."
"Mr. Ding, are you kidding? How come you don't recognize me when I'm wearing makeup? I'm Zhou Xiao," Qingcheng replied frankly with a pretty smile.
"Oh, it's Miss Zhou... I really didn't recognize you, my apologies." Section Chief Ding adjusted his glasses, his eyes showing disbelief. Perhaps he had always thought he was a man.
"It's also my fault for coming without prior notice. Xinxin Company is undergoing a major relocation and has found a lot of bearer bonds. You're the only one missing. You must redeem them all before midnight tonight, or our boss Wang will be angry and won't let you make money anymore." Qingcheng explained the situation of the evacuation in the dark language.
"Not at all," Section Chief Ding asked. "May I ask where the new place is? I'd like to deliver a housewarming gift."
"I knew Mr. Ding was being too polite; the invitations were prepared long ago. I hope you'll grace us with your presence for a drink." Qingcheng pulled a letterbox from her handbag, inside which were a warning tag and a fake identity. She mouthed silently: "Read and burn immediately."
Section Chief Ding, who was standing next to him, was an old revolutionary. After reading the note, he put it into a cup of hot water, and the handwriting instantly became messed up: "Boss Wang is too kind, but I'm very busy with business right now and can't get away. Why don't you trouble Miss Zhou to come to my office for a while? Just tell Xiao Chen the specific procedures."
"I went to the office first. Sister Chen said that your company is having a team building event today, and she'll treat everyone to barbecue and roasted sweet potatoes later. Seeing Sister Chen busy setting up the stove, I felt embarrassed to stay any longer. I still have to say hello to you. She can't go into the boss's office; there are some documents she can't get." Qingcheng implied that Sister Chen's authority might not be enough, and the section chief needed to personally organize the evacuation.
"It's not that I don't want to go back, but the guest next door is an officer from the military law department. I'm just a commoner and can't afford to offend him. I understand Mr. Wang's intentions. Thank you for delivering the message. You should go back as soon as possible too." Section Chief Ding gestured towards the VIP room next door, signaling Qingcheng to leave quickly.
"Boss Ding, could it be that you find my tea too stale?" Qingcheng said, half-jokingly.
"How could that be? The Military Law Department is different." Section Chief Ding shook his head and sighed. Perhaps it was because the people in the Military Law Department had a bad reputation, and in the minds of other comrades, they were all executioners wielding broadswords, whom they avoided like the plague.
"Don't worry, I have some acquaintances at the Songhu Command. I might even know some of the officers there. I'll go and meet them and say hello." Ignoring the objections, Qingcheng gracefully rose and flew into the luxurious VIP room like a white butterfly.
The VIP room next door was even larger, with a colorful glass ceiling light hanging on the sofa. At this moment, Gao Junxiao stared blankly at Qingcheng, his ears turning slightly red. Xu Xi, who was next to him, immediately nudged him and whispered that he hadn't been seeing things, it really was Qingcheng.
Fabric brochures were piled up on the sofa and on the coffee table in front of Gao Junxiao. Qingcheng couldn't help but tease, "Councilor Gao, big star Xu, you've been choosing fabrics all afternoon, have you found any patterns you like?"
Section Chief Ding probably hadn't expected everyone to be an acquaintance. He stared wide-eyed at Qingcheng, seemingly still wondering about her gender. "Does he think I'm a man dressed as a woman?" Qingcheng thought, not daring to think any further. She smiled sweetly at her fiancé.
Xu Xi naturally shrank to one side of the sofa, quickly clearing himself of any wrongdoing: "Don't ask me, you should ask him. I'm the best man, I'll go with you two."
Gao Junxiao cleared his throat and said in a serious tone, "These all look alright. Why don't you help me choose, Madam?"
"Okay." Qingcheng unceremoniously pushed Gao Junxiao aside. "Which one is for the engagement, and which one is for the grand betrothal?"
Gao Junxiao's lips curled up slightly as he picked out a fabric he liked: "The formal gift should be black, something more solemn. It doesn't need to be too special to match your wedding dress. I'm looking at fabrics for the engagement."
"Oh, this beige is nice. Boss, how long is your production time? We're getting engaged next month, is it in time to finish?" Qingcheng winked at Section Chief Ding, signaling him to pry open the edge.
"The production cycle is usually seven days. Let me check this popular item. I think it's out of stock. We won't be able to restock until the middle of next month." After receiving the signal, Section Chief Ding pretended to look through the ledger in his hand. "It really is. Sorry, let's change to another item."
"What about this one?" Kiyosumi asked, pointing to a light brown fabric.
"I don't really recommend wearing this next month. The material is a bit thin, and it'll start raining in Shanghai next month, so it'll get cold. The groom shouldn't catch a cold; what if it affects the wedding ceremony?" Section Chief Ding said with a smile.
Before Gao Junxiao could retort, Qingcheng asked first, "Do you have any crimson or silver-brown (smoky purple) suit fabric?"
"Honey, aren't these two colors a bit too bright? I'm not a movie star going to an awards ceremony, don't be too flashy." Gao Junxiao gently tugged at Qingcheng's sleeve, protesting in a low voice against her erratic thinking.
“Brother, you’re engaged. If the groom doesn’t flaunt it, who will? What’s wrong with being a little glamorous? Besides, you’ve been sitting in the office for the past few months and you’ve gotten even paler than me. You’ll definitely suit purple.” Xu Xi ignored Gao Junxiao’s gaze and reached out to compare skin tones with him.
“My engagement dress is a warm apricot color, leaning towards orange. A plain color won’t suit me. You’re an art student, so your sense of color should be better than mine, right?” Qingcheng put her arm around his shoulder to put pressure on him.
Sitting between the two men, Gao Junxiao was bombarded with questions from both sides, and quickly gave in: "Boss, do you have purple fabric?"
"Sir, you may not know this, but purple is the most difficult color to dye in our industry. The success rate is only one in ten. You usually have to wait. Otherwise, you can place an order first, and I will send people to start the work as soon as the material is ready." Section Chief Ding spoke in the manner of a businessman.
"Excuse me, let's discuss this some more. You can go ahead and get back to work." Qingcheng waved for Section Chief Ding to leave first.
Once only the three of them were left in the VIP room, Qingcheng quietly asked Xu Xi if there were any other shops, so they could compare prices.
Upon hearing this, Xu Xi didn't even need to be tortured; he immediately betrayed his sworn brother. The two had been looking around all day. At the previous stores, the brother either complained about the price or the poor workmanship. He felt that since it was only for one wear, it didn't need to be too expensive, but it also couldn't be too cheap, lest he embarrass Qingcheng. Considering everything, this store was the most affordable.
Hehe, Qingcheng was secretly pleased. Although her fiancé was a womanizer, he was actually quite thrifty and hardworking at heart. She had to reward him properly.
“You said it yourself, it’s only once. It’s not easy for relatives and friends to come all the way to Shanghai. Can beautiful memories be measured in money? Even if I eat less, I’ll still dress you up nicely.” Qingcheng held Gao Junxiao’s hand and persuaded him, “Besides, it’s not like we can’t afford it. Buying within our means is not excessive.”
Then, Qingcheng stared at the two men and pressed them for details, asking which store had ready-made purple fabric, preferably velvet, to best suit her son Axiao's noble temperament, so that others could see what a refined general looked like and be the envy of everyone.
As it turned out, there really was one company that had it. Xu Xi originally wanted to make a dress for the opening ceremony, but he casually asked about it.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Qingcheng enthusiastically pulled Gao Junxiao away. Her sincere praise earlier had made the man feel quite flattered. Gao Junxiao completely lost his temper in front of his wife and let her make all the decisions.
As they were leaving, Section Chief Ding happily said he would welcome them again. Qingcheng nodded to him in response. She didn't need to worry too much about Section Chief Ding's handling of the evacuation of Section One, as he was far more experienced than she was.
It was already dark outside, and the rain had temporarily stopped. A tram drove by, bringing a gust of cold wind that blew against their faces. Qingcheng subconsciously gripped Gao Junxiao's hand tightly, as if countless giant beasts were staring at them from outside.
She risked exposure by using her real identity to work with Section Chief Ding, not only to help him out of a predicament but also for her own selfish reasons. As soon as Zhang Tianhe arrives in Nanjing tomorrow, he will undoubtedly sell out the organization's leaders and assets first.
Losing the dress is a minor issue; the real problem is if the secret agents find Gao Junxiao's order records during a document search. Someone with a suspected Communist Party background like him would be unable to clear his name no matter how hard he tries. That scoundrel Xu Qiao might be waiting for him to make a mistake so he can be killed.
"Huahua, your cheongsam is a bit short today. Aren't you cold?" Gao Junxiao's question caught Qingcheng off guard. The dress was indeed not hers, and he could even notice that it was a few inches too short. Did he have a ruler in his eyes?
The evening breeze tickled Qingcheng's nose, and she couldn't think of a reply to Gao Junxiao. Suddenly, Gao Junxiao pulled Qingcheng close and whispered in her ear, "Every time it rains and you get wet, you have to borrow clothes from someone. Last time you borrowed Mrs. Wu's, and this time who did you borrow from? Look at your face, it's all red from the cold. You can keep a set of clothes here with me in the future, so you won't be caught off guard."
Unexpectedly, he would make excuses for himself. The bluish neon lights enveloped the two of them, as if they were covered by a thin layer of cellophane. Gao Junxiao's profile was faintly visible in the light, making him somewhat enigmatic.
Even though I was exhausted, my clear mind was still working at high speed.
He deliberately reminded him, then muttered excuses to himself, bringing up things from so long ago, like the days when he started the free school. He didn't seem to care much about his sudden appearance. What was he trying to say?
Pressed against her fiancé's chest, Qingcheng's feelings were complex. Despite her relief, she could only pretend not to understand. Her nerves, ravaged by a raging storm all day, slowly relaxed in his arms. But no matter how much Gao Junxiao guessed, or whether he wanted to interfere, she couldn't let him be suspected!
Just then, a stylish white sedan drove out of the alley. Xu Xi rolled down the window and joked, "Hello! Should I take you two straight to your bridal chamber?"
"Get out of the way! Take Qingcheng home first, she needs to change her clothes. We'll go look at the fabric later." Gao Junxiao opened the car door for Qingcheng and gentlemanly covered the car frame.
"No need. We have to finalize the material today. Let's go straight to that shop." Qingcheng wasn't deliberately going against her fiancé; she probably only had these few hours of freedom left. Tomorrow's bloodshed would be hers to face alone.
Driver Xu Xi's eyes darted back and forth between the two of them before he finally decided, "Okay, let's listen to Qingcheng and go look at the fabric."
In the noisy twilight, cars with their white lights on drove off into the dark distance.
When Qingcheng pushed open the church door again, only Wang Renyong was in the huge room. His suit was wrinkled and open, and his trouser legs were covered with mud. It seemed that everyone was busy with the great evacuation.
As usual, Wang Renyong ignored all the chairs and insisted on sitting on the steps. He looked up, his face full of weariness: "Have you taken care of everything at home?"
"Hmm." Qingcheng responded softly and followed Wang Renyong's footsteps into the inner secret room, which happened to be the same room where she had been trained before. Even the sound of water leaking in the courtyard was unchanged.
The two sat facing each other. Wang Renyong pursed his lips, seemingly struggling with how to begin. He took a deep breath, leaned back in his chair, paused for a moment, and then said, "After careful consideration, the organization has decided to utilize your contact at the Songhu Garrison Command to provide intelligence to the organization during the storm."
This news was exactly what Qingcheng expected. She readily accepted the task and planned to contact Comrade Li Sheng at the watch shop on Nanjing Road after the meeting.
“Now is a matter of life and death; the collective interest outweighs the individual interest. While everyone else is taking a break during your wedding preparations, you're the only one active. You need to overcome some difficulties in your life. If necessary, your wedding will have to be postponed.” A hint of guilt appeared in Wang Renyong's eyes.
After a moment of contemplation, Qingcheng slowly replied, "I haven't been exposed. Working behind enemy lines won't affect my wedding."
*Thud!* The table shook. Wang Renyong shouted excitedly, "Don't think it's so simple! You didn't experience 412. You don't know how dangerous it was to provide intelligence during that time. One wrong move and you'd lose your life."
Before Qingcheng could answer, Old Wang's eyes reddened, and his stiff neck went limp again: "I'm sorry, not only can I not attend your wedding, but I also have to send you to the front line as... as a vanguard captain."
Having spent so much time with Lao Wang and Rui Rui, Lao Wang's stubbornness and soft-heartedness were becoming more and more similar. Qing Cheng sighed, "We're doing work behind enemy lines, every day is dangerous. Stop being so wishy-washy, explain the specific requirements. Or should we bring the leader a plate of melon seeds first, and explain while we eat?"
Wang Renyong looked up and wiped his eyes, forcing back his tears: "Don't give me that. In the past, you were mostly passively receiving intelligence. You handed over whatever Li Sheng gave you. Now you have to turn the tables. You have to turn the passive into the active and actively point out the direction for Li Sheng to dig deeper into intelligence."
Next, Wang Renyong explained the central government's instructions to Qingcheng in great detail. First, Qingcheng needed to stabilize the emotions of all comrades on the Songhu Garrison Command line and do a good job of guiding them.
This line has always been cultivated by Wang Renyong as a hidden one, known only to him and Wu Hao. Zhang Tianhe cannot be sold, and of course, they cannot be careless and reveal any flaws.
According to the usual practice, all levels of the Nationalist government would be forcibly included in the CC's review. Commander Xiong, who was so concerned about his reputation, would definitely conduct a self-examination first.
Based on past experience in struggles, Wang Renyong advised that all red books in homes or dormitories must be destroyed and replaced with the Nationalist government's Three Principles of the People. It would also be best to buy a copy of President Chiang Kai-shek's quotations for protection.
If anyone's words slip up during the investigation, don't panic. You can proactively find two colleagues to vouch for you, write a letter of waiver, and publicly state that you are absolutely not a member of the Communist Party and will not have any dealings with the Communist Party. The Nationalist government agencies are most receptive to this.
“I understand, maintaining morale is the top priority.” Kiyosumi nodded. “Secondly, comrades need to do some self-presentation to fool the investigation.”
“That’s right, but don’t go too far. If you go too far, it will look fake. Everyone should just go about their usual work routine. If you’re going to slack off, then you’re still a seasoned veteran. In that case, the Party group’s study plan will have to be put on hold,” Wang Renyong said regretfully.
"The situation is complicated now. We must ensure our secrecy first and not let our comrades be exposed," Qingcheng replied.
“Yes, the organization is in a very dangerous situation, and the arrest of a large number of comrades is inevitable.” Wang Renyong told Qingcheng that if she felt that the morale of the troops was stable, then they could move on to the next stage: intelligence gathering.
Qingcheng and his comrades on his line need to use all available resources to investigate where the arrested comrades are being held, how long they will be detained, and where they will be extradited to. Then they need to assist the surviving comrades of the Red Team in trying to rescue them.
Wang Renyong felt that there was another task that could be carried out at the same time: investigating the situation of traitors.
We are all mortal beings, and we cannot expect everyone to remain rational and loyal under the torture of secret agents. Anyone who poses a serious threat to the Party organization must be resolutely suppressed.
As for how to suppress it, Wang Renyong slit his own neck and gave a very serious order: given the opportunity, without exposing himself, Qingcheng could act directly without reporting, and no dangerous traitor like Zhang Tianhe who betrayed the revolution should be allowed to appear again.
Finally, once the new leadership team arrives, Qingcheng will cooperate with them to reorganize the Shanghai station and seize the opportunity to counterattack the reactionaries.
"Okay, should I still report once a week on the same rendezvous date as before?" Kiyosumi thought of a crucial question, "And what about the rendezvous location?"
"The rendezvous days will be changed to three times a week. I will notify you of the location separately. I have already been exposed and will be transferred elsewhere soon. I want to help you with your work before I leave." Wang Renyong's words made Qingcheng a little sad. All good things must come to an end, but with Lao Wang's talent, he will surely shine elsewhere.
But his next words left Qingcheng speechless with shock: "Because your line will soon be taken over by Wu Hao himself."
"Boss, you're not kidding, are you? Shouldn't we wait for a new leader to take over... us?" Kiyosumi said incoherently.
“Wu Hao told me this himself, so how could it be false?” Wang Renyong said earnestly. “Your line has great strategic value, so you should perform well and not embarrass me. I, Wang Renyong, also have face in the Soviet area.”
"I'm used to being easygoing, how am I supposed to get along with a big boss?" Qingcheng had heard that Wu Hao was a very serious person, completely different from Wang Renyong's unconventional style, and she was a little unsure of herself.
“Of course you can’t be so disrespectful to me. I’ve always been accommodating to you because I’m older than you, so don’t be ungrateful.” Wang Renyong grinned, revealing his eight upper molars, still in the mood to joke, “Hey, you, Miss He, aren’t afraid of the reactionaries, so why are you afraid of Wu Hao? Do you have something to hide?”
"Pah! My heart of steel is set in a jade pot." Qingcheng retorted, patting his chest. "But you just reminded me, I've just made some progress on the Japanese, are we still going to investigate?"
Wang Renyong said decisively, "Investigate! Of course not now. Project Deep Blue is a long-term task I assigned to you. When you report to Wu Hao in the future, you can mention it. If you have any needs, just say so. Wu Hao is actually a very good person."
"Where's the mole?" Kiyosumi pressed.
"Don't worry, I'll personally oversee the case files. I won't let your comrades on the front lines be betrayed again," Wang Renyong solemnly assured him.
Beset by internal and external troubles, we must overcome the immediate difficulties before we can talk about anything else.
As long as you're alive, there's hope!
"Boss, the capable should do more. I'm entrusting my back to you." After entrusting the task, Qingcheng stood up. "I'll go contact Comrade Mudan now."
"Be careful. I'm going to work too." Wang Renyong also got up.
The two walked side by side to the church entrance, wished each other well once more, and then pushed open the heavy, ornate doors together.
The darkest hour will come tomorrow, but thankfully they all have comrades with whom they can entrust their backs.
How can you say we have no clothes? We share the same robes. The king is raising an army; let us prepare our spears and shields. We will fight alongside you against this common enemy!
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