Chapter Six: Enter Alive, Leave Dead

Chapter Six: Enter Alive, Exit Dead

Three o'clock in the afternoon.

Liu Peiru arrived at the military academy, where his secretary handed him a dossier. "As per your instructions, we've conducted the necessary historical and political review of Bai Zeshou. Here are the results."

"Well? Anything suspicious?" Liu Peiru asked, eyes scanning the file.

"Nothing unusual. Bai Zeshou is a native of Shanning. His record over the years is clear. His parents passed away long ago—our investigation shows they died as a result of the Red Party's early demonstrations," the secretary replied swiftly.

"So, the kid's alone, no family ties. What about his beliefs?" Liu Peiru set the file aside and asked directly.

"He believes in the Three Principles of the People. During his time at the academy, he's excelled in every aspect—strategy, action—he's at the top among his peers," the secretary reported.

"No attachments, brave and clever—seems he was born for clandestine work," Liu Peiru murmured with interest.

Originally, the headquarters of the Bureau of Special Operations planned to select only one graduate from this class. Naturally, Liu Peiru had recommended his nephew, Liu Xiaobing, whose overall qualities were impressive, only slightly behind Bai Zeshou in some areas.

Yet, for reasons unknown to most, Director Dai decided to expand the recruitment. Bai Zeshou's outstanding performance brought him into consideration—especially since he shared a dormitory with Liu Xiaobing. Entering the Bureau together, they could support each other.

"By the way, why hasn't that kid arrived yet?" Liu Peiru glanced at the clock; it was already past three, but Bai Zeshou was still absent. He frowned with impatience.

"Actually...the reason is...well..." The secretary stammered for a while, nervously eyeing Liu Peiru, unable to produce a coherent explanation.

"Out with it—stop mumbling," Liu Peiru snapped.

"This afternoon, Bai Zeshou, Liu Xiaobing, and their dorm mates Wang Gang and Zhang Wenkai were caught drinking outside by the patrol team. There was a scuffle, and now they're being confined as punishment," the secretary explained, watching Liu Peiru's expression carefully.

"A troublesome bunch of brats," Liu Peiru snorted. "Go to the Discipline Committee and fetch them out for me. Xiaobing and Bai Zeshou will stay; the other two can go report for duty elsewhere."

"Understood."

With Liu Peiru's intervention, the four were soon released, but separation came swiftly—Zhang Wenkai and Wang Gang were leaving Shanning to take up their posts.

"Take care."

There was no time for lengthy farewells; at the door of the detention room, the four exchanged brief words of parting. Bai Zeshou and Liu Xiaobing, led by the secretary, made their way toward Liu Peiru's office.

"Reporting: Bai Zeshou and Liu Xiaobing present," they announced, standing at attention. Both looked somewhat disheveled, especially Bai Zeshou, whose face bore bruises and whose neck was stained with blood. Yet they saluted Liu Peiru with solemn discipline.

"Hmph. Do you not know where you are, or have you forgotten your identity as soldiers? Brawling like common street thugs..." Liu Peiru grumbled in displeasure.

Bai Zeshou and Liu Xiaobing stared straight ahead, silently enduring his reprimand.

After sipping his tea, Liu Peiru ended his scolding and shifted tone. "Are you two ready? Ready to join the Bureau of Special Operations? Ready to enter alive and exit dead?"

"We're ready!" Both replied loudly and energetically to his three consecutive questions.

Outwardly, Bai Zeshou appeared excited, but inwardly he was calm. He was fighting alone now, and as he prepared to enter the Bureau, caution was paramount. In contrast, Liu Xiaobing was genuinely thrilled.

In this era, joining the Bureau was an honor for many Nationalist Party members and military academy graduates.

It offered unique opportunities for promotion, access to the upper echelons, and—provided the "organization" turned a blind eye—a means to evade legal consequences. The Bureau's authority often outweighed the law.

Liu Peiru was unsurprised by their enthusiasm. He stood, face grave. "Remember: the Bureau’s first iron rule—enter alive, exit dead. Lifetime commitment; you cannot resign unless the organization disbands."

"Enter alive, exit dead, swear loyalty to the leader!" Bai Zeshou and Liu Xiaobing declared solemnly, as if taking an oath.

"Here are some basic regulations of the Bureau. Take a look," Liu Peiru said, handing each a small booklet from his desk.

"No violation of principles or loyalty, no disobedience, no leaking secrets, no opium use, no marriage... any breach punished by death."

As Bai Zeshou flipped through the booklet, reading its rules and stipulations, he felt the sinister presence lurking behind the Bureau—a sense that even the paper bore the tyrannical aura of a dictatorial organization.

"That's enough. Study the content carefully later. You have two days to settle your personal affairs. Report here in two days; I'll have someone take you to the Bureau."

"Yes, sir."

After saluting, Bai Zeshou and Liu Xiaobing departed.

"Haha, Xiao Bai, we're about to ascend to the privileged class, the upper society. Except for a select few, if we dislike someone, just label them as Red Party, and all will be well," Liu Xiaobing boasted on the way.

"Xiaobing, even after we join the Bureau, we're just small fry. Don't get ahead of yourself," Bai Zeshou replied, gazing into the distance with a hint of melancholy.

"Not necessarily! Did you forget what I did last night? With my uncle's status, I'm sure to rise quickly. Don't worry—when your brother gets promoted, he'll look out for you," Liu Xiaobing said, draping his arm around Bai Zeshou, full of self-satisfaction.

"True. The Red Party is worth a lot nowadays. Catch one, and the reward is substantial, not to mention the honor," Bai Zeshou said, his eyes reflecting longing.

"Money's nothing—when you have power, money comes as you please," Liu Xiaobing lectured earnestly.

"By the way, Xiaobing, did the person you caught last night confess?" Bai Zeshou feigned curiosity.

"I don't know. Last night, my uncle just brought me along to broaden my horizons. I don't even know the Red Party member's real name—only his code name, 'Mr. Li.' But I'm certain he was a big fish..."

A tempest surged within Bai Zeshou. He now knew for sure that Liu Peiru had arrested Mr. Li the previous night. As for Liu Xiaobing's subsequent words, he heard none of them.