Chapter 101: First Meeting with Sister-in-Law Wang

(Thanks to Xiaoyao123q for the monthly votes and recommendations; I truly appreciate it.)

Regarding Tian Yaopeng, Bai Zeshao had long harbored a deadly resolve, for it was because of this man that Ye Weitian had died in his arms.

However, Bai Zeshao also understood that this was not something that could be accomplished in a short time; otherwise, the Red Party would have succeeded long ago. Firstly, Tian Yaopeng was exceedingly vigilant; secondly, Bai Zeshao needed the right opportunity.

As for what exactly this right opportunity was, and when it would appear, Bai Zeshao himself did not know. Yet, as long as he kept waiting, he firmly believed that the chance would eventually come.

In the blink of an eye, Tian Yaopeng had been appointed leader of the Second Squad for a week. Under his management, the squad once again became a cohesive force, making everyone admire Tian’s capabilities.

As the year drew to a close, all of Shanning was filled with festive joy. Although it was the New Year, many looked forward to 1937 with hope and anticipation.

They yearned for new growth and a fresh start in the coming year.

Though the Secret Service operated daily in a grim and deadly atmosphere, during this special holiday, the overall mood brightened considerably, with smiles adorning every face.

Because it was year-end, and every member of the Secret Service received a year-end bonus, no matter the amount. Even the janitorial staff was not excluded.

While everyone was rejoicing, Qian Yihai, head of the General Affairs Department—known as Fatty Qian—wore a sour expression, for all the year-end bonuses came out of his pocket.

Once always smiling broadly, now Fatty Qian’s face looked like a bitter melon. His reputation for penny-pinching was notorious, not just within the Secret Service but throughout Shanning.

Seeing Fatty Qian’s glum face, everyone inwardly suppressed their laughter. From top to bottom, no one had escaped suffering losses at his hands.

Bai Zeshao also received his year-end bonus: not much, just two hundred yuan. But for him, it was no longer a big deal, since he had profit shares from the business ventures he was involved in.

Moreover, due to his recent military rank promotion, Bai Zeshao was invited to a cocktail party hosted by the Secret Service at the Rose Dance Hall—an event not open to just anyone.

That night, at half past seven, Bai Zeshao appeared at the entrance of the Rose Dance Hall, dressed sharply in a well-fitted suit. Cars lined up outside—the dance hall had been reserved exclusively for the Secret Service, so no outsiders were present, and guards stood watch at the door.

Upon entering, Bai Zeshao surveyed the scene and saw smiles on every face. Small groups clustered, chatting over drinks.

No sooner had he arrived than Liu Xiaobing spotted him. “Xiao Bai, over here!”

Following the voice, Bai Zeshao smiled at Liu Xiaobing and approached. “You’re early. Didn’t they say the party starts at eight?”

“What’s early? I just got here too. But you look really sharp tonight.” In Liu Xiaobing’s eyes, Bai Zeshao looked every bit the wealthy heir—his demeanor and attire betrayed no hint of anything unusual.

“Haha, I’ll take that as a compliment,” Bai Zeshao laughed heartily.

“I’m serious. The only pity is you’re missing a dance partner.” Liu Xiaobing glanced at Tian Yaopeng beside him. “If you don’t believe me, you can ask Captain Tian.”

“Xiaobing’s right. If I were a woman, I’d definitely be interested in Captain Bai,” Tian Yaopeng added with a smile.

“Alright, no more talk, let’s drink to that.” Bai Zeshao shook his head resignedly and raised his glass.

“Cheers!” they all responded.

After greeting Liu Xiaobing and Tian Yaopeng, Bai Zeshao headed toward a nearby sofa, only to find a plump figure already seated there.

“Captain Qian, why are you sitting here alone eating instead of mingling with everyone?” Bai Zeshao asked, suppressing a smile as he watched Qian Yihai gnawing on a chicken leg with one hand and sipping beer with the other.

“I’m feeling a bit under the weather, so I’m just eating to settle my stomach,” Qian Yihai glanced at Bai Zeshao but didn’t pause his feast.

Bai Zeshao couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny? Want some?” Qian Yihai shrugged, brandishing the chicken leg and beer.

“No, thanks. Enjoy yourself, Captain Qian. I won’t disturb you,” Bai Zeshao replied, shaking his head as he turned away.

Soon, at eight o’clock sharp, the Secret Service’s New Year’s party officially began. After the usual speeches, everyone freely paired off to dance social dances.

Initially, Bai Zeshao had no intention of joining—he had no dance partner, and besides, he wasn’t feeling well.

Yet he had barely taken a few steps when Qian Huiwen called out to him: “Xiao Bai, won’t you invite me for a dance?”

“Delighted,” Bai Zeshao smiled warmly.

Tonight, Qian Huiwen had swapped her usual military uniform for a hollowed-out evening gown that accentuated her charm and allure under the lights, drawing furtive glances from many.

As they stepped onto the dance floor, the two began to move in time with the music. Compared to their earlier awkward dance—when Qian Huiwen had lost a heel—this time they were natural and graceful. Their relationship had also grown closer after their recent trip to the cemetery.

He handsome, she beautiful, their dance elegant and poised. Before long, they became the center of attention, with others ceasing to dance just to watch their figures glide under the lights.

For a time, Bai Zeshao and Qian Huiwen were the focal point of the entire evening, yet they remained unfazed by the gazes, immersing themselves fully in the dance.

When the music stopped, amidst applause and lingering admiration, they gradually emerged from their trance.

Catching their breath, they moved together to a sofa in the corner—a coincidence, as it was the very seat Qian Yihai had occupied earlier.

Watching Qian Yihai still eating and drinking nonstop, Qian Huiwen teased, “Fatty Qian, you’re working so hard eating and drinking—is it because you’re worried about money?”

“Of course,” Qian Yihai swallowed his food and continued, “Not that I care about a few bucks.”

“Stubborn as a mule. You’re so rich, why so stingy? Besides, it’s not even your money you’re spending,” Qian Huiwen scoffed.

“Tch, women are all hair and no brains. What do you know?” Qian Yihai said, raising his glass and guzzling it down, then belching.

Qian Huiwen rolled her eyes and stood up to leave. Bai Zeshao, however, stayed to rest a while.

By the time the party ended, it was past eleven at night. Qian Yihai had been eating continuously all evening, prompting Bai Zeshao to shake his head in disbelief.

But now, Qian Yihai looked unwell—obviously drunk. Concerned, Bai Zeshao hurried to say, “Captain Qian, let me take you home.”

“Okay... *hic*... ah... *hic*,” Qian Yihai slurred.

The car soon arrived at Qian Yihai’s villa. As Bai Zeshao helped the captain inside, the housekeeper, Mrs. Wang, hurried over but froze upon seeing Bai Zeshao.

Usually, no matter how late or drunk Qian Yihai was, he always came home alone—never accompanied. Tonight, an unfamiliar young man was escorting him home.

This oddity caught Mrs. Wang’s attention, but she quickly cleared the living room sofa as Bai Zeshao explained, “Hello, you must be Captain Qian’s housekeeper. He drank too much, so I brought him back.”

“Thank you, young man. And you are...?” Mrs. Wang asked casually.

“I’m with the Secret Service,” Bai Zeshao smiled and added, “It’s late, so I’ll take my leave now.”

“Alright, take care. I won’t see you out; I have to prepare soup for the master.”

“I can manage on my own,” Bai Zeshao said, turning to leave.