Chapter 132: A Little Gift

Chapter 132: A Small Gift

"Alright, if there is nothing else, you two may get back to work," Wu Zhengke said, lowering his head to busy himself once more.

Bai Zeshao and Ye Mao exchanged glances, nodding at each other before directly leaving Wu Zhengke's office.

Once outside, Bai Zeshao and Ye Mao parted ways.

Along the way, Bai Zeshao could not help but ponder Wu Zhengke's recent hint.

If anyone could find Tian Yaopeng's whereabouts, that person was undoubtedly Liu Peiru, especially since Tian Yaopeng had once been a mole planted by Liu Peiru inside the Red Party.

There must be some special means of contact between the two of them, and perhaps Tian Yaopeng's ability to remain undetected for so long was even thanks to Liu Peiru.

Thinking of this, Bai Zeshao recalled how Liu Xiaobing had suddenly appeared on the street during the raid that day.

Perhaps Liu Xiaobing had not been there to conduct a raid at all, but rather to effect a rescue.

If that were truly the case, no matter how he questioned Liu Xiaobing, the latter would likely never reveal anything.

"Xiao Bai, where are you off to?"

At that moment, a voice sounded by his ear, startling Bai Zeshao out of his thoughts. Looking up, he saw Qian Yihai with his gleaming bald head and plump frame, smiling broadly as he looked at him.

"Director, congratulations on your promotion. After work, I will personally prepare a gift and call upon your residence to celebrate your promotion," Bai Zeshao said hastily.

"You rascal, why are you being so formal? And get the title right—not Director, but Deputy Director, Deputy," Qian Yihai said with a smile.

"It's all the same, all the same," Bai Zeshao said with a smile, as if he hadn't quite caught Qian Yihai's meaning.

"You scoundrel, you really know how to talk. I just love dealing with young people like you. Xiao Bai, keep up the good work. I have high hopes for your future," Qian Yihai patted Bai Zeshao on the shoulder.

"Since the Director has said so, of course I must work hard. I will definitely do a good job," Bai Zeshao said loudly, looking as though he had been puffed up by the encouragement.

"Mm, not bad. Alright, go on with your work," Qian Yihai nodded and said.

"Goodbye, Director," Bai Zeshao turned and walked downstairs.

However, just as he took two steps, Qian Yihai's voice suddenly sounded behind him: "Xiao Bai, those pastries you brought to my house last time during New Year's Day were quite good. Where did you buy them? I'd like to have some more."

"Don't worry, Director. I'll go buy them right after work, and I guarantee they'll taste exactly the same as last time," Bai Zeshao turned around and assured him.

"Haha, then I'm really troubling you," Qian Yihai said, feigning embarrassment.

"Director, saying things like that is being too formal. Sharing the burden for our superiors is what we subordinates ought to do," Bai Zeshao said with a displeased expression.

"Haha, good, not bad. I won't disturb your work any longer."

"Goodbye, Director."

Back in his office, Bai Zeshao was filled with irritation. What pastries, where did he buy them, what great taste—it was all utter nonsense. He knew very well what kind of "pastries" he had delivered: a full four gold bars.

Now that Qian Yihai was mentioning how good the pastries from the other day were, wasn't that hinting that his gift had been satisfactory, and that today after work, he could follow that same standard?

"What an absolute miser," Bai Zeshao cursed inwardly, yet he had no choice but to prepare four gold bars to bring along when he paid a visit after work.

From Bai Zeshao's perspective, Qian Yihai ascending to the position of Deputy Director posed less of a threat to the Red Party's situation compared to Liu Peiru and Wu Zhengke, because compared to the other two's capabilities, fatty Qian was indeed somewhat weaker.

However, when it came to making money, even four Wu Zhengkes and Liu Peirus combined would not be a match for Qian Yihai.

Time passed, and in the blink of an eye, the day was over. Seeing Qian Yihai's car leave the Special Service Office, Bai Zeshao also boarded a rickshaw and headed toward the Qian family's villa.

The Qian Family Villa.

Watching Qian Yihai walk in, Sister Wang asked with a puzzled expression, "Sir, is today some kind of good day? Why have so many unfamiliar people come to deliver gifts?"

"How did you handle them?" Qian Yihai asked casually.

"I accepted the items, but I didn't let the people inside," Sister Wang answered honestly.

"Well done. As for why so many people have come to pay their respects, it is because your master—myself, Qian Yihai—has been promoted to Deputy Director of the Special Service Office," Qian Yihai said with an air of uninhibited self-satisfaction. "Those two reckless brutes, Liu Peiru and Wu Zhengke, were fighting each other over there, completely unaware that I had already paved the way with connections at the top."

"Oh right, if Xiao Bai comes to visit later, make sure to invite him in for dinner together," Qian Yihai added suddenly, as if remembering something.

"Xiao Bai?" Sister Wang asked, somewhat surprised.

"He's the young man who came to pay New Year's greetings during the Spring Festival. You've seen him too—he's the leader of the third group of the Action Team, a very fine young man."

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.

Sister Wang opened it and immediately saw Bai Zeshao standing in the doorway with a beaming smile, carrying a small pastry box in his hand. "Sister Wang, Director Qian is back home, right?"

"Sir just got back, and he gave me specific instructions. He said if Mr. Bai came, I must invite you inside, as he intends to have dinner with you," Sister Wang said as she stepped aside to make room.

"Sister Wang, you're being too polite. Just call me Xiao Bai directly; don't keep calling me Mr. Bai. It sounds awkward, and it's a mouthful for you," Bai Zeshao said with a smile.

"Alright then."

Bai Zeshao glanced at Sister Wang, then walked into the living room, carrying the pastry box over to Qian Yihai and gently placing it on the table. "Director, this is that pastry you mentioned earlier. It's definitely the same as last time, absolutely delicious."

"Xiao Bai, you're too polite." Despite saying so, Qian Yihai nevertheless picked up the box, weighed it in his hand without a trace, and the smile at the corners of his mouth grew even wider.

"It's nothing, just a small gift. If Director Qian enjoys tasting them, I can bring you a few similar pastries anytime," Bai Zeshao said with a smile.

"No need, no need," Qian Yihai waved his hand.

"It's no trouble."

Before long, Sister Wang had prepared dinner. Bai Zeshao and Qian Yihai sat at the table to eat, while Sister Wang tended to them nearby.

Watching the chatting and laughing Bai Zeshao and Qian Yihai, Sister Wang began to ponder the impact of Qian Yihai's appointment as Deputy Director on the underground organization in Shaping.

A new official brings three fires of reform, and she wondered what kind of methods Qian Yihai would employ to establish his position and authority upon taking office.

The best and most effective method was to perform a meritorious service, and the way to achieve that was to arrest members of the Red Party. In this day and age, capturing just one key figure of the Red Party would be a monumental achievement.

Thinking of this, Sister Wang felt a twinge of anxiety. She needed to notify Secretary He and the others as soon as possible, yet no matter how urgent it was, she could not leave right this second.

Because Bai Zeshao and Qian Yihai had finished dinner, and Bai Zeshao was now taking his leave.