Chapter 104: An Awkward Encounter in the Ladies' Room

Chapter 104: An Awkward Encounter in the Ladies’ Restroom

Not long after, Monkey entered carrying the Wen family’s files, placing them on Bai Ze Shao’s desk before turning to leave.

“Wait a moment, Monkey,” Bai Ze Shao said softly, glancing at the documents but not flipping through them immediately. He called out to the departing Monkey.

“What is it, Team Leader?” Monkey asked, puzzled.

“What did you mean earlier about Wen Xiaowan?” Bai Ze Shao inquired casually.

“Heh, Bai Shao, you’re still playing coy with me,” Monkey chuckled, circling around to stand beside Bai Ze Shao. “You should know about the Three Beauties of Shanning, right?”

“The Three Beauties? Not really,” Bai Ze Shao replied honestly after a brief pause.

“Well, the so-called Three Beauties of Shanning are: the first beauty, Chen; the second, Wan; and the third became a wealthy matron. They refer to Miss Chen from the Rose Cabaret, Miss Wen Xiaowan, the eldest daughter of the Wen family, and a third lady who married into the upper echelons of the government but has since vanished from public view,” Monkey rattled off like reciting treasured knowledge.

“So that means both Chen and Wen Xiaowan are famous beauties of Shanning. But what did you mean by that last thing you said before you left?” Bai Ze Shao asked, curious.

“Heh, Bai Shao, Miss Wen Xiaowan just returned from studying abroad not long ago. The Wen family recently arranged a welcoming banquet for her, inviting all the prominent figures of Shanning — from young wealthy heirs to rising stars in the military and political circles. Everyone is eager for the event, but unfortunately...”

“Unfortunately what?” Bai Ze Shao pressed.

“Unfortunately, the banquet requires an invitation. Those without one aren’t allowed in, so no one gets to see Miss Wen’s charm,” Monkey said with a mournful expression.

“You little brat, don’t try to play the pity card on me. I know every paycheck you get, you’re off spending it at Chunhe Tower chasing women. Get lost,” Bai Ze Shao mocked with a laugh.

“Heh, alright Bai Shao, I’m off then. Good luck,” Monkey said, unfazed by Bai Ze Shao’s words, nodding before turning to leave.

Once Monkey was gone, Bai Ze Shao began browsing through the Wen family’s file. Wen Zongwei’s empire was vast, his business spanning nearly every aspect of life—from food and drink to arms trading. Wherever there was profit, the Wen family had a presence.

Unlike other tycoons with numerous wives and children, Wen Zongwei had only one legitimate wife, who passed away several years ago, and just a few children.

There were only two sons and one daughter: the eldest son, Wen Xiaotian, was a politician working at the National Government’s Administrative Office; the second son, Wen Xiaojun, served in the military as a staff officer in the elite national army unit; and the daughter, Wen Xiaowan, had studied in Japan three years ago.

Currently, the Wen family’s business remained under the direct control of Wen Zongwei himself, who was just a little over sixty. He doted especially on his youngest daughter, Wen Xiaowan.

The file contained only this much: some family members, their photos, and brief biographies. More detailed records undoubtedly existed within the intelligence bureau, but those required higher clearance than Bai Ze Shao had.

Closing the file, Bai Ze Shao was certain that whoever wanted him dead was not a core member of the Wen family—otherwise he’d be long gone. Yet, who exactly was targeting him remained a mystery.

Recalling Monkey’s mention of the banquet for Wen Xiaowan, Bai Ze Shao’s interest piqued, though as a nobody, he had no chance of receiving an invitation.

Rubbing his tired eyes, Bai Ze Shao left the office and headed outside to a nearby tobacco stall. He bought a pack of cigarettes and lit one.

Since joining the intelligence bureau, Bai Ze Shao had become inseparable from cigarettes and alcohol—partly to navigate social situations, but mostly to relieve the immense pressure weighing on him. Smoking was now his preferred outlet.

As for drinking, he only did so when required socially. Privately, he avoided it, knowing that drinking too much was dangerous, especially for someone in his position—it could be a death sentence.

Standing on the street corner, smoking, Bai Ze Shao overheard two rickshaw pullers whispering nearby.

“The Wen family really spares no expense. I heard just the wine for the banquet took several carts to deliver.”

“They’re loaded. That money’s nothing to the Wen family.”

“Yeah, I’m picking up a job over there tonight. You coming?”

“Of course. Tonight’s gotta be a big deal.”

Hearing this, Bai Ze Shao flicked his cigarette butt to the ground and exhaled slowly. He made up his mind: since he couldn’t figure out who was after him, he’d go see this banquet for himself.

As for the invitation issue, he smiled to himself. If some trivial piece of paper stopped him, that would be laughable.

At half past seven that evening,

The Wen residence.

Outside, the street buzzed with activity. Handsome men and beautiful women in elegant gowns and suits produced their invitations and entered the mansion. Bai Ze Shao got off his rickshaw about fifty meters away.

He didn’t rush in but circled the mansion once, familiarizing himself with the surroundings. He had to admit—the Wen estate was enormous. By the time he finished his reconnaissance, it was nearly half past eight.

Since the banquet had already started, the guards around the mansion were more relaxed. Bai Ze Shao seized the opportunity, took a running start, and vaulted over the wall.

Ahead, the villa was brightly lit, filled with music and singing. But Bai Ze Shao’s head throbbed slightly at the sight of several patrol teams armed with rifles.

These guards were clearly battle-hardened veterans, their presence underscoring the wealth and influence of Shanning’s richest family.

Still, none of this fazed Bai Ze Shao. His military academy training wasn’t for nothing, and since joining the intelligence bureau, his regimen had only intensified.

Besides, these guards wouldn’t expect anyone bold enough to sneak into the Wen family’s daughter’s banquet. With that advantage, Bai Ze Shao climbed up to the second floor of the villa.

By coincidence, the window he climbed through was right above the restroom. Peeking inside and hearing no sound, he pushed it open and leapt down, landing firmly on the restroom floor.

“Who are you?”

Just as Bai Ze Shao exhaled in relief, a clear, melodious voice suddenly sounded nearby, startling him before he quickly calmed and looked toward the source.

A young woman in a fitted suit, her hair tied back in a neat ponytail, was studying him with keen interest.

“Don’t bother asking who I am. I was just about to use the restroom. Miss, I think you took a wrong turn—this is the men’s room,” Bai Ze Shao said, brushing the dust from his clothes with calm composure.

The woman couldn’t help but burst into laughter at his expression.