Chapter 125: Surfacing

No one expected Bai Zeshao to produce a handgun so abruptly. Both Gu Hai and Brother Kai had assumed that Bai Zeshao would engage in a brief physical struggle first.

Bai Zeshao noticed their surprised expressions but dismissed it internally. Although the small alleyway was secluded, it was inevitable that someone might pass by, and he did not want any unexpected complications, hence his decision to draw his weapon immediately.

"Boss, you really are the boss. Impressive!" Brother Kai chuckled, giving Bai Zeshao a thumbs-up.

"Get lost," Bai Zeshao said with a playful scold. "And hurry up and tie him up for me."

"Yes, right away." Brother Kai immediately signaled his men, who were sprawled on the ground, to truss Gu Hai up, blindfold him, gag him, and haul him onto a rickshaw. The rickshaw then quickly sped away from the scene.

Inside a dilapidated, drafty civilian house, Brother Kai’s men roughly carried Gu Hai in and tossed him onto the floor. Bai Zeshao, standing nearby, remained indifferent.

"Boss, is there anything else you need us to do?" Brother Kai asked.

"No, go on back. I’ll contact you if I need anything in the future," Bai Zeshao replied with a shake of his head.

"Alright, then we’re heading out."

Watching Brother Kai’s retreating figure, Bai Zeshao sighed. To be honest, Brother Kai was no saint—he was a degenerate gambler. Bai Zeshao had gotten to know him over time while handling various cases.

For this abduction of Gu Hai, Bai Zeshao did not want to involve the Special Service Office, nor did he want to use the police, so he had turned to Brother Kai. As for whether Brother Kai might betray him, Bai Zeshao was not worried. Firstly, Brother Kai had no idea who Gu Hai really was. Secondly, today’s operation was highly confidential, and no one else knew about it. Finally, even if Brother Kai were to inform on him, Bai Zeshao had plenty of ways to ensure he was silenced permanently.

Retrieving his focus, Bai Zeshao returned inside the house and secured Gu Hai to a chair. Only after everything was set did he remove the blindfold and the gag from Gu Hai’s mouth.

"Gu Hai, Master Gu, now we can have a proper chat," Bai Zeshao said with a light chuckle.

"Who on earth are you?" Gu Hai asked, his face full of resentment.

"Do you really want to know? You won’t regret it? I’ll tell you in advance: once you see my face, you’ll likely be close to your death," Bai Zeshao said coldly.

"Heh, I doubt you were planning on letting me go even if I didn't see it," Gu Hai retorted mockingly.

"A student who studied abroad—as expected. You’re right; I never intended to let someone who wants to kill me walk away." As he spoke, Bai Zeshao gently pulled down his scarf and removed his sunglasses.

"It’s you," Gu Hai exclaimed in surprise, though he quickly regained his composure.

"Since you’ve recognized me, Master Gu should know what I want to learn, right? Start talking," Bai Zeshao said, standing opposite Gu Hai and looking down at him.

"I don't know what you're talking about. As for recognizing you, heh, you think too highly of yourself," Gu Hai said, putting on a brave face.

"You don't know?" Bai Zeshao was somewhat surprised by Gu Hai’s reaction. "Sigh, you have a perfectly good life, yet you choose to be a dog. While I don't know who is behind you, I have a rough guess. It’s the Japanese, isn't it?"

"What are you doing?" Gu Hai shouted as he watched Bai Zeshao move to undo his clothes.

"Take a guess," Bai Zeshao said with a mischievous smile.

While speaking, he tore Gu Hai’s shirt to shreds and said calmly, "It’s getting cold out now. The rats can't find food anymore. Tell me, if I tie you here overnight, what do you think will happen?"

"Right, I should add something more." Bai Zeshao drew his dagger and sliced a bloody gash across Gu Hai’s chest.

From then on, Bai Zeshao acted like a focused artist, fully immersed in the torture of Gu Hai, narrating every step of the process.

Finally, Gu Hai broke down. "I’ll confess! I’ll tell you everything you want to know! Just please, give me a quick death!"

"Who told you to hire a killer to take me out?" Bai Zeshao asked, tossing the dagger aside.

"The Wen family’s chief steward, Qi Zhengyi," Gu Hai replied readily.

"How could it be him? I have no acquaintance with him. Are you sure you’re not lying? Isn't it the Japanese who want my life?" Bai Zeshao looked at Gu Hai with suspicion.

Although Qi Zhengyi didn't share the Wen surname, his power and influence were no less than those of the core members of the Wen family. The thought that such a person was targeting him made Bai Zeshao’s mood grow heavy.

"I don't know about that. All I know is that Qi Zhengyi was the one who told me to do it."

"Then why did he use you? Couldn't he have just hired a killer directly?" Bai Zeshao countered.

"Because Qi Zhengyi dealing with you was just a favor for someone else, and he didn't want to leave any trace. Besides, in his eyes, you’re just an insignificant pawn; you aren't worth his effort," Gu Hai explained.

"Then that capital your Gu family received six months ago—was that also provided by Qi Zhengyi?" Bai Zeshao pressed.

"That's right," Gu Hai nodded.

Having decided to confess, Gu Hai spilled everything he knew. "Qi Zhengyi’s status is not simple. He’s far more than just a steward for the Wen family. As for what other roles he might have, I don't know. You should be able to find out more on your own later."

"Is that all? Nothing else to confess?" Bai Zeshao asked.

"Nothing. In the end, I was just a small pawn put on the stage," Gu Hai said with a bitter laugh.

"Then I’ll send you on your way," Bai Zeshao said, raising the dagger again, aiming at Gu Hai’s heart.

"Wait!" Gu Hai suddenly shouted.

"What is it?"

"I want to relieve myself. Consider it a final wish before I die. I hope you can grant it; I don't want to die with a full bladder," Gu Hai requested.

Bai Zeshao paused, surprised by the request, and shook his head with a laugh. "Fine, I’ll grant your wish."

"Thanks."

Just as Bai Zeshao moved to untie him, Gu Hai lunged up, his hands turning into a vice-like grip, aiming directly for Bai Zeshao’s neck.

"I knew you wouldn't be so obedient. Good effort," Bai Zeshao said, having anticipated that Gu Hai wouldn't give up so easily. He easily dodged the attack.

Gu Hai wasn't discouraged; if Bai Zeshao’s skills weren't this sharp, he would have been dead already. He rose again to press the attack.

Unfortunately, his movements came to a sudden, jarring halt.

After dodging the attack, Bai Zeshao had hooked his left hand around, transferred the dagger from his right hand to his left, and as Gu Hai lunged again, he drove the blade deep into his waist from behind.

Thud!

Gu Hai collapsed heavily to the ground. With a look of resentment, he muttered, "Hahaha... I’ll be waiting for you down below. You have no idea what kind of people you’ve offended."

"I’ll be waiting," Bai Zeshao replied silently.