THE WHITE FILES: THE MANY

LIVES OF LU HERUO, TAIWANS

FIRST LITERARY TALENT 

Chapter Eight: The Bureau of Investigation Closes In

34

The air was thick with the pungent smell of tobacco and sweat. An old electric fan on the wall rattled as its blades struggled to turn. The desk was piled high with documents, maps, photographs, and coffee cups. On the wall, a map of Taiwan had several key locations marked with red pushpins. Sunlight slanted through the blinds, illuminating dust particles floating in the air. The entire room seemed charged with restlessness and tension.

Gu Zhengwen wore a neatly pressed khaki military uniform, his belt buckle gleaming. His expression was as steady and hard as iron. Standing before the blackboard in the center of the room, he held a pointer in one hand, explaining the operation while tapping on the briefing board.

"Gentlemen, this is a major case personally assigned by our superiors. We cannot afford a single mistake."

He paused and slapped two sets of documents onto the desk. His voice was slightly hoarse but clear and forceful.

"This arrest operation will be divided into three teams. Here are two lists—" He pulled out a sheet densely covered with names and addresses. "Aihua, take the Third Military Police Unit to the Department of Political Science at National Taiwan University. Arrest that lecturer, He Yunxuan, along with the students on this list."

"Yes, sir!" Xing Aihua, dressed in a dark blue uniform, rose smartly and saluted. Her eyes were sharp and alert.

"Junting, take the northern route. Go to Keelung Middle School and bring Principal Zhong Haodong and his wife, Jiang Biyu, in. At the same time, detain each faculty member listed on the sheet for questioning."

Guo Junting quickly stood up as he took notes. "Understood. I'll set out tonight."

Gu Zhengwen slowly walked over to the desk and leaned against its corner. He lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. Smoke drifted from the corner of his mouth, as though some kind of pressure were burning inside him as well. His voice was low, but his resolve was even firmer.

"This time, we are officially classifying Guangming Daily as an underground intelligence station operated by the Communist Party. This isn't simply a witch hunt over printed words. It's an information war."

He raised his head and looked directly at the two officers, speaking each word deliberately.

"Interrogate everyone we bring in along these lines. Chief Mao is under pressure from the higher-ups. If we don't handle this cleanly and efficiently, the consequences won't affect just you and me. They'll affect the entire Bureau."

The two officers answered in unison, "Yes, sir!"

Xing Aihua stood at attention and added a question. "Sir, what if anyone resists at the scene?"

Gu Zhengwen narrowed his eyes, his tone icy. "Shoot to kill. Especially anyone showing signs of fleeing or hiding documents. Remember, we're not going there to invite people in for tea. We're raiding a rebel stronghold."

Guo Junting frowned slightly and asked in a low voice, "Should we keep anyone alive for questioning?"

Gu Zhengwen stared at him for several seconds, then slowly blew out a ring of smoke. "If Lü Heruo is among them, keep him alive. He's the chief editorial writer. I want to interrogate him personally."

"Understood." Guo Junting and Xing Aihua saluted again.

"Before departure, check all your equipment and identification documents, especially the radio jamming equipment and the document photography team. We cannot afford any oversights this time. Assemble within ten minutes. I'll be waiting for you in the garage downstairs."

The two officers snapped to attention with sharp salutes and quickly left. Gu Zhengwen was alone in the room. He walked to the window and looked out at the streets below, where the southern sun blazed down. His fingers tightened around his cigarette, and the ash fell bit by bit to the floor.

His gaze was deep and somber. He seemed to know that this operation was about far more than making arrests. It was also an attempt to force history into silence and put it on trial.

35

The sky was dark and heavy, with thick clouds hanging over the city like a sheet of lead. Traffic roared along Zhongshan North Road. But in front of Guangming Daily, the sudden screech of brakes shattered the street's ordinary rhythm. One military truck after another pulled up outside the newspaper office.

Dozens of military policemen wearing steel helmets and carrying loaded rifles jumped out of the trucks. They lined up and quickly surrounded the entire building. The glass entrance door, secured with a lock, was kicked open, sending shards flying in every direction.

Dressed in his military uniform, Gu Zhengwen strode into the newspaper's lobby, his leather shoes striking the floor with sharp, heavy clicks. His stern face showed no expression. With his left hand behind his back, he slowly removed his white glove with his right hand, his eyes sweeping over everyone in the office.

"Nobody move!" one of the military policemen shouted, pointing his gun at the terrified employees.

The sound of typewriters came to an abrupt halt. The reporters and clerical staff looked at one another in alarm. A female clerk was so frightened that the manuscript pages slipped from her hands, and tears streamed down her face.

At that moment, two military policemen escorted a middle-aged man into the room. His collar was disheveled, his glasses crooked, and his steps unsteady.

"Reporting to the chief, we've arrested Lin Hanwen, the newspaper president!" Military Policeman A shoved him in front of Gu Zhengwen and snapped handcuffs onto his wrists.

Lin Hanwen struggled and demanded through clenched teeth, "What gives you the right to barge in here? This is a legally operating newspaper, not a place where you can come in and run wild!"

Gu Zhengwen raised an eyebrow, a faint sneer appearing at the corner of his mouth. "Someone has reported that Guangming Daily is an underground intelligence station for the Communist Party. We are conducting a search and carrying out our duties in accordance with the law."

Lin Hanwen's eyes widened with fury, and his voice rang through the room. "That's complete nonsense! You think you can raid our offices and shut down a newspaper on nothing but an unsupported accusation? Do you have any evidence? Show it to me!"

"We'll get the evidence out of your mouths." Gu Zhengwen's voice was cold. He gestured to the team leader beside him. "Take him away!"

"You've gone too far!" Lin Hanwen shouted as the military policemen forcibly dragged him along. He turned back and yelled, "Is there any law left in this country? Is there any freedom of speech?"

Gu Zhengwen gave a contemptuous snort. "Heh. I am the law."

At a street corner in the distance, someone cautiously peered out. It was Zhang Hongnian. He had been returning to the newspaper office after attending to business outside. Before he could get close, he spotted the military trucks and armed military police at the entrance. His expression immediately grew tense. He hurriedly turned and hid behind the covered arcade. Breathing hard, he pressed one hand against the wall. Cold sweat appeared on his forehead as he watched the sudden raid from his hiding place.

Inside the newspaper office, the sounds of the search grew louder. Papers were scattered everywhere, filing cabinets were forcibly pulled open, and photographs and slogans on the walls were ripped down and torn to pieces.

The team leader hurried over and saluted. "Reporting to the chief, we found only two reporters and several other workers inside. There is no sign of Lü Heruo."

Gu Zhengwen frowned and walked toward the entrance to the editorial department. He looked around, his eyes searching every corner like an eagle hunting for prey.

"Search again!" He suddenly slammed his hand on the desk, making the cups and saucers rattle. "Go through every drawer, storeroom, and stairwell! Don't even leave the restrooms unchecked!"

"Yes, sir!" The team leader replied, standing at attention.

Gu Zhengwen muttered under his breath, "That Lü Heruo fellow... He's really got luck on his side."

He turned and gave an order. "Team leader, take all these people back to headquarters and interrogate them one by one. I'll lead the Second Squad straight to Lü Heruo's residence."

The team leader saluted again. "Yes, sir!"

Outside, the truck doors clattered shut. Several trucks rumbled away, carrying the newspaper employees into the distance. Hidden in the corner, Zhang Hongnian watched his colleagues being taken away. His fists clenched, and his eyes revealed both resentment and fear.

He whispered to himself, "Heruo... Whatever you do, don't come back..."

36

Night had fallen heavily. Outside the window, neon lights flickered like dying embers, while the dim yellow light inside the house cast a warm yet uneasy atmosphere over the room. The house was silent except for the steady ticking of the clock on the wall.

Suddenly, the shrill ring of the telephone shattered the silence, urgent and startling as a thunderclap.

Lü Heruo sprang up from his desk and hurried toward the entrance. Wearing his pajamas, he moved somewhat unsteadily, as though he had sensed that something terrible was about to happen. He snatched up the receiver and lowered his voice. "Hello?"

At the other end of the line, Zhang Hongnian spoke between hurried breaths, his voice strained with barely suppressed panic.

"Something's happened, Brother Shidui! The military police just raided the newspaper office! A whole squad of them came in with guns and searched the place. They took President Lin and all the employees away in military trucks. I had just returned from handling some business outside. I saw what was happening from a distance, and I didn't dare go anywhere near!"

Lü Heruo's expression changed. A chill ran down his spine, and his fingers tightened around the receiver. "How could this happen? What exactly happened?"

"I suspect someone reported us... I don't know for sure, but they must be after you. They're still looking for you!" Zhang Hongnian lowered his voice. "I have to hang up now. I need to get back to the countryside in Hualien and lie low for a while... Shidui, you need to get out too. Don't hesitate!"

Before Lü Heruo could say anything else, the phone clicked and the line went dead. He stood frozen for several seconds, gripping the receiver so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His lips were pressed into a thin line.

He suddenly turned and rushed toward the bedroom.

"Yulan! Wake up! Wake up!" He knelt beside the bed and gently shook her shoulders with both hands.

Still drowsy, Su Yulan rubbed her eyes and slowly sat up. "What's wrong... Heruo?"

"Something's happened at the newspaper office!" Lü Heruo said urgently, his eyes wide. "The military police have taken the president and all the employees away! Hongnian just called to warn me... The Bureau of Investigation has started its operation!"

Su Yulan woke up completely. Her face turned deathly pale, and her lips trembled. "Then what are we going to do? Could you... be on their list too?"

"I'm definitely one of their targets!" Lü Heruo stood up and began pulling clothes out of the wardrobe. "We have to leave immediately. We can't wait for them to come knocking on our door!"

Su Yulan jumped out of bed, her bare feet touching the cold floor. She began hurriedly stuffing clothes and important documents into a travel bag.

As Lü Heruo buttoned his shirt, he shouted toward the kitchen, "A-Fen, come here quickly! Your master needs you!"

The sound of pots and pans clattering came from the kitchen. A figure hurried over. It was A-Fen, the young maid. She was still wearing her apron, and her face was full of alarm.

"Sir, I'm here... What's the rush?"

Lü Heruo's voice dropped, becoming heavy and somber. "A-Fen, I can't stay here any longer. The Bureau of Investigation is coming to arrest me. Yulan and I have to leave immediately... I won't be able to keep you employed anymore, either."

A-Fen's eyes widened. She took a step backward. "What? How could this happen? Sir... You're a good man. Why would they arrest you?"

Lü Heruo patted her shoulder. Despite the urgency in his voice, he remained gentle. "This is politics. It isn't a matter of right or wrong... Don't panic yet. Help your mistress pack some more clothes, and pack a few things for yourself, too. I'll give you a severance payment. It should be enough to support you for a while. After we leave, you must leave here immediately and go to the countryside. Whatever you do, don't tell anyone that you ever worked here. Do you understand?"

A-Fen's eyes reddened, and she could not hold back her sobs. "Sir, I... I really can't bear to leave you all. These past few years... you've always treated me like a member of the family."

Su Yulan came over and put an arm around her shoulders. "We don't want to part with you either, but this isn't the time to talk about our feelings. A-Fen, please help us this one last time, all right?"

A-Fen wiped the corner of her eye with her sleeve and nodded firmly. "All right. I'll pack my things! I'll also go to the end of the lane and find a car for you!"

She turned and ran back to her room. Lü Heruo walked over to the desk, quickly took a stack of banknotes from a drawer, then picked up several documents. He lit them with a match and threw them into the brazier to burn.

The entire house seemed to have fallen into the stillness before a storm. Everyone moved quickly, but a silent fear hung over them like a shadow, enveloping what had once been a peaceful home.

37

The streetlights glowed dimly through the early morning mist. The air was cold and damp, and the sky was gray and hazy. The tiled-roof houses stood quietly along the narrow lanes. In the distance, a three-wheeled taxi had just turned the corner. Its wheels rolled over the water-covered stone pavement, splashing shallow pools of water.

Less than three minutes later, two military jeeps came speeding down the street. Their tires screeched against the pavement, and their headlights swept across old, peeling posters on the walls, illuminating the fear of an entire era.

The doors flew open. Gu Zhengwen, dressed in a gray-blue military uniform, stepped onto the slippery stone pavement. His military boots struck the ground with a heavy thud. His eyes were sharp as he led four military policemen at a brisk pace toward the old house at the end of the lane.

"It's locked," one of the military policemen said, tugging at the wooden door. The door gave a dry creak.

"Break it down!" Gu Zhengwen ordered without hesitation.

Bang! A tremendous crash echoed through the lane as the door was smashed open, sending splinters flying.

Several military policemen entered with their guns raised and split up to search the bedrooms, study, and kitchen. The house was empty. All that remained were a disordered luggage rack, a half-open wardrobe, and a pot of soup on the stove, still giving off a faint wisp of steam. The curtains stirred in the breeze, making a soft rustling sound. The air seemed to retain the traces of the panic that had accompanied the family's recent departure.

A military policeman raised his hand and reported from the bedroom doorway. "Reporting to the chief, there's no one in the house."

Gu Zhengwen walked inside and glanced at the tea table. He reached out and touched the teapot. His brow furrowed slightly. "It's still warm." He murmured softly, "They left in a hurry... They can't have been gone for long."

He walked around the tea table and crouched down to inspect the brazier in the corner. Inside were ashes from papers that had not been completely burned. A few faint traces of writing were still visible.

"What did he burn... documents? Or a list?"

Gu Zhengwen stood up, narrowing his eyes coldly. He took off his military cap and brushed the dust from his sleeve. His voice sharpened.

"Split into two teams. One team, pursue them down the southern lane. The other, head toward the market. Don't let them get out of this neighborhood. That family can't have gone far!"

"Yes, sir!" Two military policemen turned quickly, checking their weapons as they rushed out. Their boots echoed against the pavement.

For a moment, only Gu Zhengwen and one of his aides remained inside the house. He looked at the family photograph hanging on the wall. It was a black-and-white picture of Lü Heruo standing with his wife and daughter in front of their home, all wearing peaceful expressions.

He gave a cold snort and muttered through clenched teeth, "Lü Heruo... You're one lucky bastard. There's always someone to tip you off at the critical moment... How many more times do you think you can get away?"

The aide spoke cautiously. "Sir, should we notify the Bureau of Investigation to seal off the railway stations and ferry terminals?"

Gu Zhengwen nodded. "Yes. Notify them. And... check the union membership lists of the three-wheeled taxi drivers. They must have left in one of those taxis."

The aide saluted. "Yes, sir!"

Gu Zhengwen turned and looked toward the brightening sky. A heavy feeling rose within him, something he could not tell was anger or humiliation. He clenched his fist until his knuckles turned white. This was not the first time he had crossed paths with Lü Heruo, nor was it the first time he had let him escape. He knew that this pursuit would become an even deeper contest of wits.

38

Lü Heruo, Su Yulan, and their daughter hurried through the quiet lanes of Da’an Street under the cover of darkness. Their footsteps were hurried and uneven. The evening breeze tugged at the hems of their clothes, as though urging them to leave even faster. The streetlights cast a dim yellow glow, stretching their shadows far behind them. A few distant barks echoed from the end of the lane, causing Su Yulan to instinctively hold her daughter tighter. The little girl clutched her mother's skirt with both hands, staring anxiously at her father.

When they reached Xiao Dongping's house, Lü Heruo warily scanned both ends of the lane. His gaze was sharp, his brow tightly furrowed. Only after making sure no one was following them did he finally breathe a sigh of relief and whisper, "Quick, knock on the door."

Xiao Dongping came to answer the knock. As soon as he opened the door, he saw Lü Heruo and his family standing there with two large suitcases, looking utterly flustered. The brief surprise in his eyes immediately gave way to concern. He stepped aside to let them in and said, "Brother Lü, what's going on? You've got all these bags with you, and the whole family is here. Are you going on a trip?"

As Lü Heruo took off his jacket, he gave a bitter smile and set the luggage against the wall. "What trip? I'm running for my life."

"Running for your life?" Xiao Dongping frowned. After closing the door, he hurried toward the living room, then turned back to look at Lü Heruo. "What happened?"

Lü Heruo led Su Yulan to the sofa and sat down with her, speaking rapidly. "People from the Bureau of Investigation brought military police to raid the newspaper office. The president and several editors were all taken away. Zhang Hongnian and I happened to be out at the time, so we were lucky enough to escape. He called me immediately to warn me to leave at once. I couldn't even go home. I was afraid of getting Yulan and the child into trouble."

Xiao Dongping poured two cups of tea. His hands trembled slightly as he handed them to the couple. "I don't want to sound like a wise man after the fact, but when you left The Freedom Herald to join Guangming Daily, I had a bad feeling about it. Your editorial pages were taking shots at the Kuomintang's sore spots every single day. It was bound to end badly. I still remember that day we were drinking together. I warned you about it... Ah, just as I feared."

"There's no point talking about that now." Lü Heruo shook his head, his voice heavy. "Whenever the Bureau of Investigation comes to arrest people, what evidence do they ever need? Whoever has angered them is the first one they go after."

Su Yulan said nothing, but her face had turned deathly pale. Their daughter leaned against her, watching the adults with a worried expression, only half understanding what was happening.

"Then... what are you planning to do?" Xiao Dongping lowered his voice and leaned closer, his eyes filled with concern. "You've got a wife and a little girl depending on you."

Lü Heruo lowered his head and thought for a moment, tapping his fingers rhythmically against his knee. Suddenly, he looked up and said, "If I can raise enough money for the trip, I'd like to return to Japan."

Su Yulan's expression changed. She grabbed his arm and asked in alarm, "You're not thinking of abandoning your daughter and me and escaping on your own, are you? If you're going to Japan, we're going with you!"

Lü Heruo immediately patted her hand and spoke gently. "Yulan, don't let your imagination run wild. How could I possibly leave you and our daughter behind? It's just that the situation is tense right now, and I need to make sure we have a way out first."

The little girl asked in her childish voice, "Daddy, are we moving to a new house?"

Lü Heruo forced a smile and stroked her hair. "Yes. We're going to move somewhere safer, like playing hide-and-seek. We just have to make sure the bad people can't find us. All right?"

The little girl nodded, but there was still uneasiness in her eyes.

"Heruo, you have to promise me you won't leave without telling me," Su Yulan said, biting her lip, her eyes reddening.

"I'm not the kind of man who shirks his responsibilities." Lü Heruo looked deeply into her eyes, his expression resolute.

Xiao Dongping spoke up. "I still have an old house over in Caoshan. It's my ancestral home, a traditional courtyard house with three wings. It's a little run-down, but it's tucked away in a secluded location. You can stay there for the time being."

"Thank you so much, Brother Dongping." Lü Heruo rose gratefully and clasped Xiao's hands.

Xiao Dongping patted him on the shoulder and spoke gently. "Everyone goes through hard times now and then. There's no need to make any further plans until things have settled down."

Su Yulan stood up and straightened her daughter's skirt. A look of determination flashed across her face. "All our family of three asks for is a place where we can take shelter."

Xiao Dongping nodded and turned toward the study. "I'll go get the keys to the old house in Caoshan. You can rest here tonight. Tomorrow morning, I'll take you to Caoshan."

Outside, the night wind grew stronger, and the shadows of the trees swayed. Inside, the warm yellow light offered little comfort against the turmoil stirring in everyone's hearts. The storm of history was already drawing quietly toward their doorstep.