Chapter 17: Inside Story
“Stand properly!”
Wang Defa scolded the two, then entered the door and chuckled softly: “I figured a couple would have reservations and be easier to talk to, so I picked this out-of-towner first. Let’s start with the simple ones.”
“Thanks, Captain Wang. Please go out and get someone to guard the door for me. The following conversation isn’t suitable for others to hear. I’m afraid someone might come in.”
“Got it, got it.”
Lu Bowen and He Yun had been through the past two days, which could only be described as mental torment.
In a situation where they couldn’t access any information, they could only speculate wildly.
Sometimes wondering if they’d be handed over to the Japanese, sometimes wondering if Gu Yansheng would still come to rescue them, if he could rescue them—a man who had just arrived in Shanghai like them, with no connections—why would he rescue them.
Sometimes wondering if they really were handed over, whether they’d shout in a Japanese interrogation room that China would never perish and die heroically, or if they’d fear death, couldn’t withstand the torture, and rat out Gu Yansheng.
Knowing nothing, only able to make passive choices, endless torment—what it meant to live like a year, this was it.
But when the two of them stood in front of the meeting room door and saw Gu Yansheng, there was only one real feeling: their eyes reddened.
Brought out from the cells below, they had thought they might be transferred or just moved to another place for interrogation, but they never imagined Gu Yansheng would come.
The figure in a suit, the calm face, standing there, steady, like a reliable backer.
In the instant emotions surged, they pinched their fingers hard to suppress it.
“Answer whatever you’re asked, cooperate well. This is Lawyer Gu.”
“What Lawyer Gu? We didn’t hire a lawyer.”
“Cut the nonsense, you’ll know once you’re inside.”
Pushed in, door shut, world quiet.
“Lu Bowen and He Yun, right? Please sit.” Gu Yansheng was very formal.
Lu Bowen and He Yun cooperated, sat in the chairs, and Lu Bowen drew a circle in the air with his finger.
Gu Yansheng spoke directly: “Checked already, no eavesdropping devices, but keep your voices down. There are ears outside.”
The two nodded quickly.
Lu Bowen asked softly: “What’s going on? What’s the situation now?”
“The problem is temporarily resolved. You’ll be released tonight. The French side is fine, but the Japanese side might not be. Time is short, I won’t go into details.
Just remember, after you get out, find a hotel in the French Concession to stay. You’re here doing business, so keep doing business. These few days, Bowen, just wander around the concession casually, like investigating goods prices or something, act normal, but don’t leave the concession.
You two, congratulations. First, the good news: through our efforts, the French Concession Police Station has indeed investigated clearly that you have no relation to a major case they’re handling, so you can be released.”
Gu Yansheng raised his voice slightly.
Lu Bowen and He Yun nodded.
“Really? Can we go? Wuwuwuwuwu.
How do we contact afterward? And what about that contact person?”
Gu Yansheng continued: “It’s real, but later there will be a document for you two to sign, stating confidentiality about this period’s events, or you’ll be arrested again. Do silence is golden. I think you two have no problem with that?
This is the draft document. You two can look it over. Signing later will save time.
Bowen is a businessman, just arrived in Shanghai wanting to check futures prices, so he’ll go to the futures exchange. Around noon at 12, he’ll have a coffee in the coffee shop to the right of the futures exchange, then go to the restroom, and leave normally after.
If it’s safe, I’ll find a way to contact you. If I don’t show, it means there’s a change. Bowen, go again the next day. Check the bottom left of the inner door frame in the restroom; that’s where I’ll leave information.
Then do your own things, nothing out of line and you’ll be fine. Also, sister Yun, don’t idle—find a house to settle down. Three days from now, at 8 a.m., go to the French Concession Municipal Council to inquire about naturalization in France. After being refused, go home. I’ll follow you home and get your residence.
The two nodded repeatedly.
“Alright, that’s it for now if no issues. You two rest. Someone will get you to sign the contract later. Remember confidentiality. Next.”
He Yun stood, eyes concerned, mouthing silently: “Take care.”
Gu Yansheng smiled and saw them off.
“Hey, Lawyer Gu, I’m not signing this contract! This is basically trying to control my thoughts. I won’t sign! Not only won’t I sign, I’m complaining about them! Who gave them the power to arrest me? I didn’t break the law, and they beat me—these bastards!”
A pot-bellied bald man was ranting wildly there, spittle flying.
Having been in the French Concession a while, some people don’t know their place. Moments ago scared to death, thinking they’d be beaten again, now knowing they can leave, they get cocky.
Coincidentally, this was someone Gu Yansheng had paid special attention to before: the manager of a rickshaw company, Ji Weiding.
But after venting, Ji Weiding found this Lawyer Gu gave no reaction to his outburst, sitting like a statue watching a monkey show, even smiling faintly. It felt like punching cotton—too unsatisfying.
Gu Yansheng waited for him to finish venting before saying: “Mr. Ji, you might not have things clear. The case isn’t over; it’s just the investigation targeting you in this case that’s done.”
“What do you mean?” Ji Weiding sat down, frowning.
Gu Yansheng let out a long breath: “To tell you the truth, Mr. Ji, among those arrested this time, someone has connections to the heavens and got the French Consulate to intervene.
This case involves an important Japanese figure and matter. Alright, I’ll tell you straight: there was a Japanese noble in that tea house at the time. The French knew. Those Japanese in plainclothes who appeared were protecting that Japanese noble. Then someone attempted assassination, and the news leaked!
So everyone present was arrested.
With such an important figure’s whereabouts leaked, do you think the Japanese will let it go? If it were you, wouldn’t you dig out where the leak came from? Aren’t all those present suspects?”
“That wasn’t me.”
Ji Weiding heard the secret. Though still resentful, his attitude softened, and he even had the mood to inquire: “So, did that noble die or not?”
“Don’t inquire about things that don’t concern you. If the Japanese find out you’re asking, it’s dangerous.” Gu Yansheng warned with his eyes.
Thinking of the Japanese, thinking of their harsh questioning, Ji Weiding clenched his teeth: “Yes, I don’t want to know.”
Gu Yansheng continued: “The Japanese want to trace this line, but there was also a heavenly-connected figure in the restaurant at the time—from Chongqing, upper echelons, a big shot even the French have to give face to!
He was traveling incognito for fun, inconvenient to reveal himself, and can’t be known by the Japanese. Who knows if his presence related to the incident with this Japanese noble?
But regardless, to the French, he can’t have an accident. If he does, France can’t bear it. Isn’t that the reason?
That’s why they came to us to resolve this, find a reason to release you all. He’s mixed in among you, inconspicuous; the Japanese won’t dig deeper.
That’s the real reason you’re all being released.”
Ji Weiding listened intently, suddenly understanding: “So that’s it. No wonder the commotion that day was so big, a bunch rushing in grabbing everyone on sight. Who’d think the water here was so deep!”
“Can hear, can’t say.” Gu Yansheng pointed to his mouth: “You’re involved, so I let you know a bit of the inside story. But if it gets out and the Japanese learn the truth, not only will Japan be angry, they might arrest again and reopen the investigation. Even France will be angry, Chongqing even more so. Recently they fought in Shanghai, even stormed the concession. Think about it, how many lives do you have?
Our law firm did everything to mediate, get everyone to shut up. Shouldn’t we do that?
One person talking nonsense drags down more than just one! A Japanese interrogation room—go in, come out?”
“Lawyer Gu, you have to explain this clearly to the others. They absolutely can’t talk nonsense.” Ji Weiding looked somewhat tense.
“Sigh.” Gu Yansheng sighed, nodded: “I will. Take people’s money to solve their disasters, that’s the job. Can we sign now?”
“Yes, I’ll sign.”
Ji Weiding grabbed the contract and signed swiftly like a god.
“Signed.” Ji Weiding pushed the contract over, still asking: “Hey, Lawyer Gu, I think that guy didn’t die, or the Japanese wouldn’t let us go so easily.”
Gu Yansheng’s mouth twitched: “Just said, don’t inquire or care.”
“Just telling you. Once I leave this door, I’ll forget. Hehehe, can I go now?”
“Wait outside first until everyone signs, for safety.”
“Ah, right right.” Ji Weiding nodded repeatedly, went to the door holding the guard, turned back: “Lawyer Gu, you can take such cases and convince the Japanese, must be very capable. If I have trouble later, I’ll definitely find you for a lawsuit. Give me a discount then.”
Gu Yansheng chuckled: “Sure.”
“I’m off.”
“Mm.”
“How many left?” Gu Yansheng stretched lazily, asking Wen Yan who had already returned to the side.
“One more. Seems like the Japanese grabbed him first in this matter.”
Wen Yan now knew Lawyer Gu’s true value. That Japanese noble story had even stunned him at first, thinking it was the real inside story, foolishly promising he wouldn’t tell. Got laughed at hard.
Now just left with admiration: this guy can really make up stories.
“Just one left? Quick and done. Bring him. Get me another coffee too, mouth’s dry.”
