Chapter Sixty-Two: Missed Opportunity

Chapter Sixty-Two: A Missed Opportunity

After Mr. Li finished his explanation, he turned to Ye Weitian. “Xiaofei, does Lu Tiankang know that the Hongxi Photo Studio is one of our contact points?”

Hearing Mr. Li’s question, Guo Xiaofei concentrated, searching his memory. He understood that his answer could determine Ye Weitian’s safety, so he racked his brain for every detail.

Mr. Li didn’t rush him, waiting patiently.

“I don’t think he knows,” Guo Xiaofei finally replied, looking at Mr. Li with a trace of uncertainty.

“In that case, Old Ye, go back now and handle everything at the Hongxi Photo Studio. Then, abandon that contact point immediately,” Mr. Li instructed after hearing Guo Xiaofei’s answer.

“Isn’t that a bit too cautious? Setting up Hongxi as a contact point wasn’t easy—especially now, with the Special Services Department hunting our people like mad dogs. If we give up this place, we’ll be forced completely underground in Shanning,” Ye Weitian protested, unwilling.

“But you know the discipline of underground work—there can’t be even a shred of wishful thinking,” Mr. Li replied, fully aware that Ye Weitian was right, but unwilling to risk the lives of his comrades.

“Honestly, I don’t think it’s necessary. Lu Tiankang was shot several times—he might not even survive,” Ye Weitian suggested again.

“Here’s what we’ll do: we’ll assign someone to monitor Lu Tiankang closely. If things truly reach a critical point, you must find a way to escape. Remember, life comes first. If a contact point is destroyed, we can always establish another,” Mr. Li finally compromised.

“Don’t worry, I’m an old hand at this. I’ll be fine,” Ye Weitian replied with a smile.

“All right, let’s split up. Everyone, be extra cautious for now. Suspend all activities temporarily. If anything comes up, I’ll have someone notify you,” Mr. Li instructed.

“Understood.”

With that, they all left the scene.

Around noon.

A’hai, pulling his rickshaw, appeared on the street outside the Special Services Department. Unfortunately, after waiting for almost an hour, he still hadn’t caught sight of Bai Zeshao.

According to their arrangement, Bai Zeshao usually came out around noon every day—either to buy cigarettes or grab a meal—making it convenient for them to make contact.

Unfortunately, today Bai Zeshao had left the Special Services Department early to meet Mr. Li and the special envoy, heading straight for the Deyi Restaurant. Unaware of these developments, A’hai had no way to reach him and could only wait patiently outside, even skipping his lunch.

Inside the Special Services Department.

After Liu Peiru finished his call with Lu Tiankang, he sprang into action. This was a rare opportunity—a gathering of key Red Party members, coinciding with the special envoy’s arrival.

However, he knew well how vigilant these Red Party members were. At such a high-level meeting, the slightest disturbance would prompt them to cancel everything at once.

So, Liu Peiru decided not to bring too many men—just a dozen or so of his most loyal subordinates, all in plain clothes, as they quietly left the Special Services Department.

...

12:30 p.m.

Deyi Restaurant.

It was noon, and since Deyi was the most famous restaurant in Shanning, guests streamed in and out. Those who dined here were all people of means—either high officials or wealthy merchants.

At that moment, in a black sedan parked across the street from the restaurant, Liu Peiru sat in the back seat, giving instructions to the driver up front. “Are our people all in position?”

“Chief, everyone’s set. We have our men posted at both the front and back entrances, and inside the restaurant as well.”

“Tell them to stay sharp. You’ve all seen the photograph of that Red Party ringleader, Mr. Li. The moment he appears, shadow him—don’t alert the target under any circumstances,” Liu Peiru ordered.

“Chief, if this Mr. Li really shows up, are we not to make a move?” The driver, clearly tempted by the huge reward offered on the wanted posters plastered all over town, couldn’t help but ask again.

“Heh. Tell the men that if today’s mission goes perfectly, not only will you all get that reward, but I’ll personally give each of you a gold bar as well,” Liu Peiru promised, laying it all on the line for this operation.

“Thank you, Chief. If there’s nothing else, I’ll get moving,” the driver replied, excitement in his voice. He got out and headed toward Deyi to relay Liu Peiru’s orders.

Leaning back in his seat, Liu Peiru closed his eyes, but he wasn’t resting. His mind was racing, searching for any flaws in his plan.

Tick. Tick.

In the quiet cabin, the ticking of his watch was unmistakable. Around twelve fifty, Liu Peiru checked the time, straightened his clothes, put on a pair of dark sunglasses and a black fedora, and got out of the car.

Today’s operation was too important to risk leaving it entirely to his men, so he decided to take action himself.

With his head down, Liu Peiru walked steadily toward Deyi. Upon arriving, he surveyed his men’s positions, then chose a seat on the second floor with an excellent view.

He ordered a few light dishes and ate, his eyes never leaving the restaurant’s entrance.

Time slipped by. Soon it was one o’clock, but Liu Peiru hadn’t seen any suspicious individuals enter or leave Deyi. His heart sank.

“Chief, it’s time. No sign of anyone. Should we keep waiting?” the driver, approaching Liu Peiru, asked quietly.

For any clandestine meeting, if the appointed time passed without contact, the meeting would be automatically canceled.

“Wait,” Liu Peiru replied coolly.

He had full confidence in the intelligence from the Hunters. If the Red Party hadn’t appeared, something must have gone wrong. Still, unwilling to give up, he decided to wait a bit longer.

One ten. One thirty. Two o’clock.

In a flash, it was already two in the afternoon. The dishes on Liu Peiru’s table had been finished long ago, but Mr. Li still hadn’t appeared. Knowing the day’s operation was doomed to failure, Liu Peiru’s face darkened.

“Tell the men to pull back,” he said coldly, rising and heading out of Deyi.

“Yes, Chief,” the driver replied, turning to carry out the order.