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It turned out that Liao, taking advantage of Xiao Yang's inattention, suddenly jumped off his seat and rammed his head against the wall. Everything happened in the blink of an eye, catching Xiao Yang completely off guard.

Although there was no blood on Liao's head, he had fallen into a coma.

Chapter Eight: An Ominous Premonition

Suddenly, a strange, eerie meow came from the direction of the attic, like the cry of a baby, so mournful that Ah Cai instinctively pulled the blanket tighter around himself...

Mei Fang tossed and turned, unable to sleep, her heart filled with worry for Han Qing's fate. She was overwhelmed with grief, a sorrow beyond words, one she could not confide in anyone. This unspeakable bitterness, kept bottled up inside, was the most unbearable thing in the world.

Ah-Cai also found it hard to sleep. His mother's unusual behavior around dinner time puzzled him, and the melancholy on her face only deepened his unease. From her tone and gaze when she forbade him from entering the side room, Ah-Cai felt even more strongly that it was a forbidden place for him. Although he desperately wanted to understand the mystery, he couldn't defy his mother's strong opposition. This enigmatic confusion acted like a catalyst, forcing Ah-Cai to consider things like an adult: What secrets were hidden in the attic? Ah-Cai couldn't avoid this question!

Ah Cai and Mei Fang, mother and son, both closed their eyes and pretended to be asleep, each with their own thoughts, truly "sleeping in the same bed but dreaming different dreams."

In the middle of the night, Mei Fang suddenly heard a noise from the side room. Her heart pounded. Who was it? Had Han Qing returned?

Ah-Cai also heard a thud coming from the direction of the attic. He was filled with fear. The shadow of what happened last night was still there. Ah-Cai recalled the scream and felt lingering fear.

They all pricked up their ears, waiting for the next development.

Suddenly, a strange, eerie meow came from the cat, like the cry of a baby, which was very sad. Ah Cai couldn't help but wrap himself tighter in the quilt.

Upon hearing this, Mei Fang felt completely different from Ah Cai. She secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It turned out that it was the secret code that Han Qing had agreed upon with her. The huge weight that had been hanging over Mei Fang's heart finally lifted.

Mei Fang found some things in this world truly strange. The more you try to avoid something, the tighter it sometimes grips you. She sensed that when people try to avoid a certain feeling, it's because they care too much about it. Having it in your heart is the root of caring. Her feelings for Han Qing were like that. During the day, she tried hard not to think about it, but the darker it got, the heavier Mei Fang's longing became. Han Qing didn't return home that night, and Mei Fang was nearly frantic with worry: she had no appetite; she was distracted and disoriented; and she couldn't fall asleep!

"Oh, my nemesis!" Mei Fang cried out in her heart as she lay in bed waiting for Han Qing. Suddenly, a surge of hatred rose within her, not directed at Han Qing, but at herself.

46

Han Qing was released by Long Fei and went home with him. The Snow Moon Drunk Painting also came with him. After the revealing potion dried, the Arms Painting disappeared quietly. The back of the painting returned to its original state, as if the water was calm and there were no ripples on the surface, as if nothing had happened.

Long Fei asked Ling Yuqi to go to the hospital to find out about Liao Yanjing's condition during the emergency treatment, while he himself seized the time to question Han Qing. Liao Yanjing's attempted suicide made Long Fei feel that he had to speed up the pace of the operation.

Long Fei had secretly contacted Cheng Gong in Beijing several times. Cheng Gong told him that the Xie family had long since severed ties with the Kuomintang authorities. This situation made Long Fei feel conflicted and hesitant. However, an event that happened later made Long Fei feel much better and gave him a bold idea.

47

Liao Yanjing was a staunch member of the Plum Blossom Party. Unwilling to reveal secrets, he attempted suicide, but was rescued in time and his life was saved, though he remained unconscious for a time.

Liao Yanjing was secretly placed in a military hospital. Long Fei hoped that he could wake up as soon as possible so that he could find out the secrets of the Plum Blossom Gang from him. To this end, Long Fei asked Chen Qin and Wan Xiaodan, two young female police officers from the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau, to pose as nurses and take on the task of monitoring and guarding Liao Yanjing.

When Long Fei came out of the military's special care ward, he ran into someone. His eyes lit up and he immediately stretched out his hands.

The visitor was Lu Ming, who had just arrived from Beijing on a military plane. The ministry was paying close attention to the case in Long Fei's hands.

"You've come at the right time." Long Fei shook hands with Lu Ming and patted him on the shoulder.

Lu Ming pulled Long Fei aside and quietly handed him a handwritten letter from Vice Minister Li of the Ministry of Public Security. The letter was sealed with sealing wax, which showed its importance.

Lu Ming turned his back to observe the movements on his left and right.

Long Fei tore open the envelope, and a familiar line of words jumped into his eyes: According to Uncle Wang, the Flower Monk will set off fireworks and firecrackers in your area before the festival.

Long Fei understood the code words: "Uncle Wang" was the code name of a senior intelligence agent who had infiltrated the headquarters of the Plum Blossom Party in Taiwan; "Flower Monk" referred to the Plum Blossom Party; "festival" meant National Day; "setting off fireworks and firecrackers" meant a large-scale explosion and sabotage activity; and "your esteemed place" referred to the Chongqing land where Long Fei was standing.

Long Fei suddenly felt like he had encountered a timely rain. Lu Ming's arrival was exactly what he had been desperately needing, and Vice Minister Li's secret letter illuminated his path forward.

Recalling his conversation with Cheng Gong a few days ago, Long Fei remembered that Cheng Gong had mentioned that General Xie might have a map showing the distribution of the Kuomintang's secret arsenal. His mind suddenly cleared. Arsenal - topographic map - Plum Blossom Party - National Day - Big Explosion - when these fragments were put together, how could Long Fei not have a clear understanding! After reporting to Vice Minister Li by phone, he had a long talk with Han Qing. It was a very difficult persuasion process.

48

Han Qing never imagined he would be drawn into the conflict between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party! His father had voluntarily retired from the military and lived in seclusion in Hong Kong to avoid political struggles, and was he now going against his father's wishes? However, Long Fei's words deeply affected him: "Do you want to see another major tragedy occur in Chongqing?" This question referred to the bombing of Chongqing by Japanese planes. If this munitions distribution map had nothing to do with him, perhaps he could have a reason to avoid it, but now that he was involved, it seemed that he could not shirk his responsibility, either morally or logically.

Han Qing agreed to assist Long Fei only after a period of internal struggle.

Han Qing is the son of a general. Even if he has never experienced it firsthand, he has at least heard a lot about the dangers of swords and shadows. Moreover, he had some personal experience with it a few days ago, and he now understands what it means to agree to Long Fei's request.

Long Fei ordered him to continue guarding the attic and to follow his instructions.

While assisting the mainland police was indeed necessary, Han Qing also realized he had to consider his own safety. After all, he wasn't a mainland police officer, and his job wasn't to risk his life. Although Long Fei assured him that he would take responsibility for his safety, who could guarantee that everything would be foolproof? After agreeing to Long Fei's request, Han Qing felt a little regretful. However, a gentleman's word is his bond, and since he had already agreed, he couldn't go back on his word.

Han Qing became worried about his cousin's family's safety. He was afraid that it would implicate his cousin, and he wondered if it was too hasty to agree to Long Fei's request so quickly, even though Long Fei had assured him that he would take effective measures.

Although Han Qing was conflicted, he ultimately felt he had to help Long Fei. He knew that helping Long Fei was equivalent to helping Chongqing, since he was, after all, a Chongqing native. As for whether he was helping the Communist Party, he didn't dwell on it.

When Hanqing returned to the attic, he found that his things were missing. After searching around, he found that the surroundings were neat and tidy, with no signs of being searched. He knew that his belongings had been hidden by his cousin.

Hanqing leaned close to the window and peered out.

The moonlight was bright, and the night sky was clear, just like last night. The streets were quiet and deserted. As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, the weather gradually changed, and there was already a hint of chill in the air at midnight. The moonlight over the mountain city, like an ink painting, was shrouded in a hazy hue. Looking at it, it was as if one were seeing a cool world through glass touched by a thin mist.

Han Qing looked up and saw a window not far away still shining with a faint light. Han Qing did not know that it was a secret outpost set up by Long Fei. It was originally used to monitor him, but now it was used to guard him. Long Fei had told him that if he encountered danger, he should hang a white shirt outside the window.

Han Qing looked down at himself, dressed in a white shirt and a thin undershirt. He admired Long Fei's resourcefulness; how could he so easily extract material from him and use it to his advantage for security purposes?

49

Vice Minister Li agreed with Long Fei's assessment. The situation indicated that the Taiwan authorities would utilize the Plum Blossom Gang, which was operating in the Chongqing area, to obtain high explosives from a secret arms depot and carry out a large-scale bombing and sabotage operation in Chongqing before National Day. The Ministry of Public Security attached great importance to this, as central leaders would be visiting Chongqing around National Day to celebrate the holiday with the local military and civilians.

Vice Minister Li secretly ordered the Sichuan Provincial Public Security Department and the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau to cooperate fully with Long Fei, meaning that Long Fei had the right to apply for the use of all public security forces within Sichuan Province.

With the imperial sword in hand, Long Fei felt the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders. However, he already had a plan in mind on how to eliminate the demons. Only Vice Minister Li knew the core details of this plan.

Vice Minister Li wholeheartedly supported Long Fei's plan, encouraging him, "Execute your plan boldly, I'll take responsibility!" Long Fei was deeply moved and felt a warm glow in his heart. Long Fei was a long-time subordinate of Vice Minister Li, having followed him for many years and knowing his old leader's character well: he shared credit with everyone, strongly recommended younger colleagues, and mentored young people; he bravely shouldered responsibility, protected his subordinates, and cared for newcomers. Vice Minister Li was a sharp-minded veteran of the Red Army, who had dedicated himself to Party security work for many years, risking his life numerous times and achieving remarkable feats. Yet, in daily life, he was approachable and unassuming. His prestige stemmed entirely from his work ability and personal charisma; he was usually a man of his word, decisive and efficient in his work, yet also bold, meticulous, and thoughtful in his planning. Long Fei learned many valuable lessons from Vice Minister Li, lessons that would benefit him for a lifetime.

With Vice Minister Li's support, Long Fei was even more confident in implementing his plan.

News came from the Ministry of Public Security that a mysterious figure from Taiwan had entered the country and would arrive in Chongqing soon. Long Fei judged that this mysterious figure was definitely related to the arms map, or rather, to the "fireworks and firecrackers" event. Long Fei jokingly referred to the enemy's conspiracy as the "Fireworks Festival," a strategic underestimation, but tactically, he dared not be careless, because the Plum Blossom Party members were absolutely not to be underestimated. According to Vice Minister Li, they might even surpass the Kuomintang secret agents of yesteryear.

Long Fei sometimes stayed at the Municipal Bureau's secret residence, but spent most of his time moving between the school and surveillance points. These days, he had taken on an additional task: to conduct preliminary security investigations for the central leaders' inspection tour of Chongqing. According to internal arrangements, on National Day, the central leaders were to deliver a holiday speech at the Liberation Monument, where a grand flag-raising ceremony would be held, and the flag-raising activity would be organized by students from Heping Primary School.

Long Fei felt unprecedented pressure.

Chapter Nine: The Drug-Induced Cotton Candy (1)

Ah Cai recalled the rumors circulating among his classmates that the old man's cotton candy contained a powerful drug that could control someone if ingested... 50

As soon as Ah-Cai arrived at school in the morning, Teacher Yu called him over and informed him that he would participate in special training for flag raisers. Ah-Cai thought he would soon be able to regain his position as the school's flag raiser and was very happy. However, after learning more, he found out that this was not the case, and Ah-Cai's mouth immediately puffed up again.

Seeing his displeasure, Teacher Yu quickly explained, "That's a more glorious task than raising the flag at school."

Ah Cai's eyes lit up again when he heard that.

Teacher Yu deliberately teased him, saying, "If you're not interested, then forget it."

"I'm interested, I'm interested."

You seemed so listless just now.

"No, no..." Ah Cai stammered anxiously.

After keeping Ah Cai in suspense, Teacher Yu finally told him that on National Day, the city would hold a grand flag-raising ceremony for teenagers at Jiefangbei. A central leader would be in attendance, and Ah Cai would be one of the candidates for flag raiser and would participate in special training.

Are you confident?

"Yes, I have confidence."

Ah-Cai spent the entire morning in an exceptionally cheerful mood. On his way home from school at noon, he was still thinking that if he told his mother the news, she would definitely be just as happy as he was.

As he approached his home, he saw the old man selling cotton candy again, setting up his business by the roadside. The old man smiled at him and said, "Little friend, come on, how about trying one?" His tone was as if he were an old acquaintance. These past few days, the old man's business had been much slower. Ah Cai remembered the rumors circulating among his classmates that some of the cotton candy the old man sold contained a powerful drug that would control people, making them foolishly do whatever they were told. His neighbor, Yang Erwa, had played with fire after eating the old man's cotton candy.

However, some students said that it was Yu Pangzi, the owner of a nearby candy store, who deliberately spread the rumor. Yu Pangzi was jealous of the cotton candy store's good business and wanted to drive it away.

Ah Cai suddenly thought, "Wouldn't it be great if I bought a skewer for my mother and made her listen to me so that I could quickly find out the secret of the attic in the side room?" But then he thought again and felt it was inappropriate. What if his mother really became stupid after eating it? He felt that his idea was absurd, cursed himself in his heart, and quickly walked past the old man's stall.

As soon as Ah Cai entered his home, he saw a strange aunt busy tidying up the room in the living room. He was quite surprised and paused for a moment, then felt that the face looked familiar.

"Who are you? Where is my mother?"

The aunt smiled and pointed towards the inner room.

Ah-Cai rushed inside without even putting down his schoolbag.

Mei Fang lay on the bed, her right ankle swollen and bulging like a marshmallow, wrapped in bandages.

"Mom, what's wrong?" Ah-Cai looked at his mother's ankle but didn't dare to touch it.

Mei Fang gave a wry smile, reached out and pulled him over, patting his head: "It's okay, it'll be fine in a couple of days." Mei Fang said that she had accidentally fallen off a stool and injured her ankle while wiping the door frame outside that morning. With National Day approaching, every household had to clean up the area in front of and behind their houses.

"Sister Mei, just focus on recovering. I'll take care of the child for you." It was that aunt who spoke. Ah Cai remembered that she was the aunt who delivered the rat poison last time.

"Child, call her Aunt Ling. She's here to help us. Go, have dinner with her first. Be a good boy."

Ah Cai looked at Aunt Ling, then at his mother, and obediently returned to the living room, took off his schoolbag, and prepared to eat.

The food was ready on the table, but Ah Cai had no appetite. He thought to himself that he probably wouldn't be able to be a flag bearer for National Day because he wanted to take care of his mother.

Seeing his listless appearance, Aunt Ling quietly asked him, "What's wrong? Are you worried about Mom's foot? It's alright, it will be fine in a week."

"Mom said she'd be better in a couple of days, but you said it would take a week. How long will it actually take for my mom to get better?"

"It's nothing serious, I'm here. The neighborhood asked me to come and take care of your mother." Aunt Ling patted his cheek, urging him to eat quickly so his mother wouldn't worry about him.

Just as Ah Cai was slowly and deliberately swallowing his food, Teacher Yu and Teacher Tian arrived. They had come to visit Mei Fang. Ah Cai was puzzled; how did they find out so quickly?

51

Hanqing was also eating in the attic.

Today, it wasn't Mei Fang who brought him food upstairs, but another woman with a very pretty face.

Han Qing had seen this woman before, so he wasn't surprised, because this woman was Ling Yuqi, one of Long Fei's acquaintances.

Mei Fang's injury wasn't serious; it was just a sprained ankle, a minor injury. When Mei Fang fell off the stool, it was seen by Long Fei and his team, who were secretly monitoring Number Thirteen. Long Fei gave Ling Yuqi a wink, signaling her to go and help Mei Fang immediately. Just as Ling Yuqi was running over, a thought suddenly popped into Long Fei's mind: why not have Ling Yuqi stay at Number Thirteen under the guise of nursing care, so as to ensure that his plan could proceed smoothly?

When Mei Fang fell, Han Qing also heard the noise. Ever since he came into contact with Long Fei, his alertness had become exceptionally high. At the slightest sound outside, his ears would instinctively perk up. Was this a kind of neuroticism? Han Qing was quite surprised by this phenomenon of his. After thinking about it carefully, he felt that it might be a kind of human potential. Once faced with a crisis or other sudden event, a person's senses would become unusually sharp, such as hearing and intuition.

Han Qing noticed the unusual situation downstairs and around the street; he could sense a strong sense of danger. He knew that cooperating with Long Fei was the best course of action to ensure his safety. He knew those people would not let him go until they obtained the arms plans from him.

However, he couldn't understand why Long Fei would continue to entrust such an important item to him. Wasn't this like sending him into danger, carrying a piece of raw, blood-stained beef, into a perilous path frequented by tigers and leopards? He had expressed this concern during his negotiations with Long Fei; whether as the son of a military family or a businessman, he was aware of the danger. Long Fei repeatedly assured him that he had sufficient measures to prevent outsiders from entering his residence again, and as for what to do with the map, Han Qing would leave it to him.

"What are your plans?" In the heat of the moment, Han Qing blurted out, but he immediately realized how clumsy his question was.

Long Fei smiled without answering, patted him on the shoulder and said, "Remember, you are now doing a service for the people of Chongqing!" He then gave him a meaningful look.

Why wasn't Long Fei afraid of his opponent stealing the secret map? Han Qing was now considering this question again.

52

Old Eagle also smelled the strange odor around him. The strangers coming and going all seemed suspicious to him. He thought that among these suspicious people, there must be people under Bai Jingzhai, and of course, there must also be plainclothes Communists.

Huang Feihu urged him to act quickly and get the arms plans as soon as possible. But the sharp-eyed Old Eagle dared not act rashly under these circumstances. It wasn't that he was afraid, but the risk was simply too great. The success rate of a forced move was too small; he might end up losing more than he gained. So many eyes were watching Number Thirteen, day and night, with suspicious figures observing it either openly or secretly.

Standing on the street, Lao Diao could best understand what the passage of time meant, and he could feel this pressure every day when he reported to Huang Feihu.