45

The early-summer nights in Taipei were hot and humid, and puddles of rainwater collected throughout the narrow alleys. Neon lights shimmered on the standing water, while one or two dog barks occasionally echoed from a distance. The streetlights on Quanzhou Street cast a dim yellow glow, barely illuminating a corner of the blue-gray stone pavement.

He Yunxuan hurried along, wearing a faded short windbreaker. Sweat trickled down from his temples, and his alert eyes scanned his surroundings. He stopped in front of a wooden door and knocked softly three times. There was silence inside for several seconds before a low voice asked, "Whos there?"

"Its me, He Yunxuan," he replied in a hushed voice.

The door creaked open a narrow crack. Cai Xiaoqian poked his head out, the light illuminating his sharp features. After glancing toward the alley behind He Yunxuan, he whispered, "Come inside first. We can talk once were in the house." As he spoke, he quickly opened the door a little wider.

He Yunxuan stepped inside hurriedly. Cai Xiaoqian immediately shut the wooden door and slid the horizontal bolt into place. As the door closed, it shut out the darkness and unease of the night. The two men walked through a long, narrow corridor. A yellowed piece of calligraphy hung on the wall, and an oil lamp cast a faint glow. Several bundles of books and newspapers and an old suitcase were piled in a corner.

When they reached the study, He Yunxuan rubbed his hands together and said somewhat nervously, "Brother Cai, I truly had no choice but to come and see you so late at night..."

"I know what youve been going through lately. Come in and sit down," Cai Xiaoqian said softly as he pushed open the study door.

A hanging lamp cast a dim yellow light over the room. The bookshelves were filled with books and periodicals printed in simplified Chinese characters, and a battered electric fan turned slowly in the corner. Beside the desk, a middle-aged man wearing a traditional long gown was copying something. When he saw the two men enter, he immediately stood up.

"Allow me to introduce you. This is Professor Chen Benjiang, who once taught at Peking University." Cai Xiaoqian gestured for the two men to greet each other.

He Yunxuan immediately stepped forward and extended his hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Professor Chen."

Chen Benjiang smiled and shook his hand. "Ive read several of your articles published in Guangming Daily. Your writing is incisive, your views independent, and your arguments insightful."

He Yunxuan bowed slightly. "Youre too kind. I have merely spoken out from a Taiwanese perspective and said a few things that needed to be said."

Chen Benjiang nodded, his gaze steady. "Taiwan needs people like you. Unfortunately, those Kuomintang officials who came to Taiwan are nothing but useless incompetents. They put power above everything else and have no regard whatsoever for local Taiwanese voices."

He Yunxuan frowned slightly and turned to Cai Xiaoqian. "Brother Cai, to be frank, now that things have come this far, I know I have no way back. It was only through a friends introduction that I finally summoned the courage to come here and ask for help."

Cai Xiaoqian patted him on the shoulder and spoke sincerely. "Teacher He, youre a young man with ideals. Theres nothing to be ashamed of. Are you hoping to leave Taiwan?"

"Yes. Im trying to find a way to get to Hong Kong. I have relatives there, so I could stay with them temporarily. But the ports are now under martial law. Im afraid I wont even be able to board a ship."

After listening to him, Cai Xiaoqian lowered his head and thought for a moment. A troubled expression appeared on his face. "To be frank, ever since the government declared martial law on May 20, all ports have been under strict control. Even fishing harbors are guarded around the clock. Without proper identification papers, you cant get anywhere."

He Yunxuan lowered his eyes. After a brief pause, a bitter smile appeared at the corners of his mouth. "I see... So even my last hope has been dashed..."

Chen Benjiang stepped closer and spoke in a gentle but firm voice. "Dont lose hope, Teacher He. The most important thing right now is to stay alive. Brother Cai has told us about your situation. Were preparing to establish a base in the Lukuk Cave area of Shiding. The terrain there is secluded. If youre willing, you can come with me. Well protect you, and we also need someone with your intelligence and insight."

He Yunxuan hesitated for a moment. Looking at the determination in both mens eyes, he finally nodded. "Im willing to go to Lukuk Cave. To tell you the truth, I have nowhere else to turn."

Cai Xiaoqian nodded. "Youve made the right decision. At this stage, staying alive must come first. Professor Chen, youve just gained a capable assistant."

Chen Benjiang extended his hand, and a rare, warm smile appeared on his face. "Welcome aboard, Teacher He."

He Yunxuan clasped his hand firmly. A long-lost sense of faith and determination showed in his eyes.

A faint wind stirred outside the window, as though a mountain storm were approaching.

49

The afternoon sun streamed through the large windows in Taipei. The air in the living room was slightly stuffy, carrying the scent of books and old wooden furniture. The Gu family lived in an old traditional courtyard house. Although its decor remained elegant, traces of age were faintly visible around the window frames and the corners of the furniture. The wooden floor gleamed in the sunlight. The faint sounds of the busy street outside drifted into the room, and occasionally a passing vehicle stirred a slight breeze.

Gu Yanbixia sat on a dark silk sofa. Her pale purple dress complemented her gentle yet resolute bearing. A cup of steaming tea sat on the table beside her, filling the air with a delicate fragrance. Her gaze remained fixed on Lü Heruo as she slowly lifted the teacup with both hands. A faint, worried smile touched her lips as she began to speak.

"The newspapers have been reporting on this lately, so Ive gained a general understanding of the whole affair. After hearing what happened to you, I truly am worried about you. The authorities have issued a warrant for your arrest. What do you intend to do now, Teacher Lü?"

Lü Heruo lowered his head, a trace of exhaustion flickering in his eyes. He stood in the middle of the living room, his dark suit looking somewhat tight, as though it were bearing too much pressure. Having gone so long without proper rest, his face was slightly pale. His shoulders drooped a little, as if weighed down by a heavy burden. Slowly, he raised his head. His gaze was resolute, yet tinged with helplessness.

"I want to raise some money for travel expenses and find an opportunity to sneak into Japan." He paused, his voice low. "Its relatively safe over there. At least I wouldnt be trapped on all sides the way I am now."

Gu Yanbixia gently set down her teacup and looked directly at Lü Heruo. The corners of her mouth lifted slightly, her expression reflecting both sympathy and concern.

"About how much cash do you need?"

Lü Heruo raised a hand and lightly touched his forehead with his fingertips, seemingly considering the matter. "Two thousand dollars in cash. Ill put up my shares in Daan Printing House, along with the property deeds for the real estate registered in my name, as collateral for the loan. That should be enough. I wont let you suffer any loss."

Through Lü Heruos words, Gu Yanbixia sensed the heavy burden he was carrying. She nodded gently, her voice calm but firm.

"Youre my daughters music teacher. Now that youre in trouble, its only right that I help you." She reached out slightly and gently touched the documents on the table. Her voice softened. "Ill simply hold those shares and property deeds for you temporarily. You can redeem them whenever you wish."

Lü Heruo was so grateful that he could hardly find the words to express it. Slowly, he took a stack of documents from his inside jacket pocket and handed them to Gu Yanbixia. His fingers trembled slightly as he spoke with deep gratitude.

"Thank you so much, Sister Gu. Here are the share certificates, the property deeds, and the promissory note. Please check them."

Gu Yanbixia smiled gently, warmth in her eyes, and set down her teacup. Without the slightest haste, she reached out and accepted the documents. She carefully looked them over, then arranged them neatly on the table. Raising her head, she instructed the housekeeper, "Theres no need to count them. Ill make sure these documents are kept safe. Housekeeper, take Teacher Lü to the accounts office and give him the money. Then have a car take him away."

Upon hearing her instructions, the housekeeper immediately stood up straight. After bowing, he replied in a low voice, "Yes, Madam. Teacher Lü, please come with me."

Lü Heruo bowed deeply to Gu Yanbixia. His eyes filled with overwhelming gratitude, he clasped his hands together and spoke sincerely. "I will remember your kindness. I will never forget it."

Gu Yanbixia nodded gently and waved her hand with a smile. Her voice remained warm but carried a note of firmness. "Go now, Teacher Lü. If the opportunity arises, well meet again someday."

Lü Heruo took a deep breath, then slowly turned and followed the housekeeper toward the accounts office. Sunlight streamed through the windows and fell across his frail back, illuminating a faint glow in which unease and hope seemed intertwined.