Chapter 64: A Time Of Troubles
The banquet came to an end, and Cao Weida personally saw Ono Shiota and the others out the door. At the moment of parting, Cao Weida pulled out a stack of union bonds and stuffed them into the driver’s hand:
“Taijun, the officers have had too much to drink. Trouble you to take the officers to Wanhua Tower to sober up. I’ve already arranged everything there.”
“You’ve been driving all along, so you must be tired too. Relax a bit when the time comes.”
The little devil driver’s eyes immediately couldn’t move away. He was just a driver, with a fixed salary. The officers made money, but he got no dividend.
He really wanted to take the money, but didn’t dare to. He looked to Ono Shiota for help.
“Cao Sang tells you to take it, so take it. He’s the most loyal friend of our Great Japanese Empire!” Ono Shiota’s eyes were almost squinted shut from smiling. He thought it was over for the day, but there was a second round.
“Ono-kun, Fujita-kun, Matsui-kun, Duobian-kun, sorry sorry, I really can’t leave. Next time, next time I’ll definitely keep you company. I know you like Western women, I’ve already arranged everything properly. Enjoy yourselves.”
The little devils’ smiles deepened, murmuring “Yōshi yōshi” nonstop.
“Thank you, Mr. Cao.” The driver gratefully glanced at Cao Weida, quickly stuffing the union bonds into his inner pocket and patting it reassuringly.
Mr. Cao is such a good man!
“Bureau Chief, you…”
“Nah, I’ll pass. San’er just came to report, something’s happened again. I need to go handle official business.” Xu Hancheng sighed.
“Hmm? What happened?”
Xu Hancheng didn’t intend to hide it and was about to speak when Cao Weida stopped him: “Forget it, better not say. It’s best if I know less. If something goes wrong, I won’t be able to explain myself.”
“Look at you. You’re my brother, how could I suspect you.”
Heh heh, now it’s all brotherly talk, but when trouble really hits, you’d probably run faster than a rabbit, damn it.
“Fine, you’re right. These days, the more you know, the shorter you live. Telling you would harm you instead.” He patted Cao Weida’s shoulder. “I owe you one. I’m not ungrateful, Xu Hancheng. We’ll sort it out later.”
“Alright, you’re the groom today. Can’t miss the auspicious time. Go get busy.”
“Got it. Take care, Bureau Chief.”
Watching Xu Hancheng leave, Cao Weida rubbed his almost numb face and took out several red envelopes, walking to He Daqing who was clearing the dishes.
“Master He, hard work today. Here, share some wedding joy.” Cao Weida handed the thickest red envelope to He Daqing, making him embarrassedly wipe his hands hard on his apron.
“Take it.” Knowing he was shy, Cao Weida stuffed it directly into his hand, then gave one to He Yuzhu. He Daqing hurriedly stopped him,
“Cao Ye, no need, really no need. One red envelope is enough…”
“Nah, it’s not for you, it’s for the kids. Everyone gets one.”
“This…”
“Enough, just take it.” He called to the little ones, “Zao’er! Come here, one for each.”
The little ones looked to Tian Zao. Cao Weida laughed and cursed, “Money from this old man. Why look at her? Take them all.”
Tian Zao rolled her eyes. “Take them. Master Cao is rich. No harm in taking.”
“？？？？” Cao Weida was baffled.
What’s wrong with this maid? Did she eat gunpowder?
Wasn’t she fine on the way here?
“What are you looking at!”
“Hey~~” Cao Weida laughed in anger, rolled up his sleeves and strode over: “You little maid, three days without a beating and you’re climbing the roof? Go ahead, say it. Don’t run!”
“Nah nah nah~~ Aren’t you afraid I’m an idiot? Bye bye, bad big brother!” With that, she ran off like smoke.
“This maid.” Cao Weida was both angry and amused.
“That girl has something on her mind.” Duomen strolled over with hands behind his back. “I reckon it’s because she saw Ono Shiota and them come, and felt upset.”
Cao Weida suddenly understood. These days, orphans were made by natural disasters or man-made calamities. After the little devils came in, the number of orphans surged dramatically. Who knows…
Forget it, no more thinking. These things were too common these days; even if he wanted to manage them, he couldn’t handle them all.
“Alright, the newlyweds are waiting for you in the room. Go on in. A moment of spring is worth a thousand gold.”
“Hehe, sure, I’ll head over.” After two steps, he stopped. “Master Duo, I’ve bought a house now too. I’ll probably come back less. Without me, you’ll be bored for sure.”
“Here’s the deal: tonight I’m treating. I’ll arrange for you to go to Wanhua Tower and have some fun, relieve some loneliness.”
“Get lost.” Duomen laughed and cursed, helped He Daqing clean up a bit more, then tactfully left.
The whole courtyard quieted down, but the noise in the room was just beginning.
“Master, don’t tear it. Such good clothes, what a pity…”
“Master, don’t, don’t stop…”
While Cao Weida was sinking into tender charms, at Xiaguang Garden.
Due to the patrols, far fewer people were out strolling at night, and Xiaguang Garden’s business had taken a hit too.
Xiaguang Garden, usually bustling at this hour, felt a bit deserted these past two days.
Third floor, Flowing Light Hall.
A somewhat handsome man in his thirties held the courtesan Yingchun, who was sleeping soundly in his arms.
Zhu Tianxi was very satisfied with his current life. Back when he was a Military Statistics Bureau special agent, what kind of days were those? Hiding everywhere all day, never full or warm, like a scattered dog, living in constant fear.
Those superiors weren’t anything good either. Never saw any benefits, but deadly missions came one after another!
They sat in the office eating and drinking well, while making these workers carry their heads on their waists and starve. Where’s the reason in that?
Ever since he surrendered to the Puppet Government, look at life now?
Drinking little wines all day, holding cash, hugging women. This is living!
“Damn, I surrendered too late!” Zhu Tianxi muttered annoyedly in his sleep, unaware that two masked men holding daggers reversed had sneaked up close and heard his murmur.
“Damn, killing him with one knife is too easy!!” The deputy who followed gritted his teeth.
Xu Jin’ge’s eyes flashed with killing intent under the mask. Damn traitor, for glory and wealth, willing to be the little devils’ dog, got so many brothers killed!
If conditions allowed, he’d really want to tie him up and skin him alive slice by slice!!
His hand clamped like an iron band over Zhu Tianxi’s mouth and nose. Zhu Tianxi woke instantly in terror, and seeing a black-clothed man in front, he pissed himself on the spot.
“Woo woo~~ Woo woo~~” He could guess with his butt it was the Military Statistics Bureau Exterminate Traitors Squad finding him. His eyes full of fear, he wanted to beg, but Xu Jin’ge didn’t bother listening.
“Boss asked me to tell you he’s very angry and sends his regards!”
Puchi~~
Zhu Tianxi froze, then collapsed on the bed with regret and fear.
“Hmm?” Yingchun, woken by the noise, hazily opened her eyes. Seeing two black shadows by the bed, her mind blanked, not yet comprehending.
But the next moment…
Rip~~
Yingchun’s eyes widened, collapsing unwillingly onto the bed.
Xu Jin’ge felt a bit reluctant but ultimately looked away.
Checked her breathing, felt her pulse, confirmed death, then whispered: “Mission complete, withdraw!”
The next morning, after getting up under Du Shiniang’s gentle service, he just opened the courtyard door and saw Duomen hurrying toward the police station.
“Tsk, Master Duo, pants on fire? So rushed?”
“Hey, big trouble!” Duomen stopped. “Last night at Xiaguang Garden, people died. Two at once!”
“Oh? People died at Xiaguang Garden? Who?” Cao Weida’s heart stirred. You don’t say, the Military Statistics Bureau’s action ability was really fast!
Got the intelligence yesterday afternoon, killed him that night!
“Heard two people, one man unknown, the other the top courtesan Yingchun of Xiaguang Garden. I’m heading over to check.”
“Alright, I’ve got a busy day today. You stay home with your concubine.”
They were government department, money not much but some conscience. Government employees got wedding leave for marriage.
Though not long, just two days.
Cao Weida’s heart jumped. “Whoa, that ruthless!”
Very much the Military Statistics Bureau style!
Though he knew it was to maximize special agent safety, Cao Weida still felt a bit uneasy.
That was an innocent life!
Killing little devils, Cao Weida wouldn’t bat an eye, but making him kill innocent China people, he couldn’t do it no matter what.
Shook his head, stopped thinking. This wasn’t his business anyway.
“Okay then, Master Duo, go ahead.”
“These troublesome times, you shouldn’t run out so much either.” Duomen reminded before leaving.
At noon, Cao Weida was lying in the courtyard sunning himself. Beside him, Du Shiniang in a qipao, eyes gentle as water, served him, occasionally adding tea.
Then, noise at the door. ‘Wang Fugui’ came in with a fawning smile.
“Cao Ye, good fortune to you.”
“Yo, Boss Wang, what wind blows you here? Come in quick. Shi Niang, get a seat for Boss Wang.”
“No no, Cao Ye, I have something to chat with you about. Dongxing Tower has the feast ready. How about it?”
“Haha, Boss Wang treating, of course I’ll honor it.” He stood. “Shi Niang, I won’t be back for lunch. Have their employee send you a portion later.”
“Mm, Master, take care.” Du Shiniang obediently agreed.
