THE WHITE FILES: THE MANY
LIVES OF LU HERUO, TAIWANS
FIRST LITERARY TALENT

Chapter Thirty: The Intelligence Bureau’s Dragnet Operation

108

A fuse quietly ignited at the foot of the mountain was now burning its way toward the Lukou Base without a sound, winding through the mist-covered forest like a venomous snake.

November 25, 1952. The sky was blanketed with dark clouds, and the streets of Taipei were wet and gloomy. Wen Wanjin had just finished an underground meeting and was walking through the alleyways on his way home. His shoes made splashing sounds as he stepped through puddles, while the wind howled in his ears.

Just as he turned into the entrance to his home, several figures suddenly sprang out from behind a corner. Their black leather shoes splashed through the puddles, sending dirty water flying in every direction.

"Are you Wen Wanjin?" a cold voice asked.

It was Xing Aihua. He was wearing a gray wool overcoat and clutching a wanted notice in his hand.

Wen Wanjin froze for a moment and instinctively took half a step backward. His face turned deathly pale.

"Which agency are you from? Why are you arresting me?"

Xing Aihua smiled faintly, his tone calm but threatening.

"Were from the Intelligence Bureau. Someone has reported that youre a Communist operative operating undercover on this island."

"A Communist operative?" Wen Wanjin clenched his fists. The muscles in his face twitched, and his voice trembled. "What evidence do you have? Falsely accusing an innocent person is against the law!"

Xing Aihua narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp as a needle.

"Evidence? Once you get to our bureau, well make sure youre convinced. Captain, take him away. Search his residence thoroughly as well. Dont overlook even the floor tiles under his bed!"

"Yes, sir!"

After saluting, the military police captain immediately set his men in motion. Four soldiers rushed into the house and began rummaging through everything. The rustling of papers and the sounds of wooden cabinets being opened and searched followed one another.

Before long, the captain came out carrying a stack of documents. A pleased expression appeared on his face.

"Reporting to you, sir. Weve found letters, a roster of cadres, and a detailed notebook containing information about the facilities and training activities at the Lukou Base."

Xing Aihua took the documents and stood on the stone steps in front of the house, carefully leafing through them. The light from the kerosene lamp illuminated his face, making his smile look even more sinister. He picked out a notebook and sneered as he read.

"Weve struck gold. This fellow has written everything down in such detail—even the food rations."

He snapped the documents shut and handed them to an agent standing beside him. Then he grabbed Wen Wanjin by the collar and lifted him up until their faces were almost touching.

"Well, Mr. Wen, this time theres no escaping your fate. You people dont even bother encrypting your notes. You might as well have handed yourselves over to us."

At that moment, Gu Zhengwen walked over, his hands in the pockets of his trench coat. A strategists composed smile appeared on his face.

"Aihua, theres no need to rush this fellow off to a military court. We might as well turn the situation around and use him to our advantage."

Xing Aihua turned to him.

"You mean use him as bait?"

Gu Zhengwen nodded. His voice was steady, but concealed a deadly intent.

"Exactly. I estimate that someone from the Lukou Base will come to contact him before long. If we keep his residence under constant surveillance and dont let anyone slip through, we can pull in the entire net."

Xing Aihua immediately began assigning the task.

"Junting, leave your team here. Keep this place under close surveillance around the clock. Well wait right here in this alley and see who dares walk straight into our trap."

Major Guo Junting stood at attention and replied firmly.

"Yes, sir!"

He turned and gestured to his subordinates, issuing his orders in a low voice.

"You, you, and you—set up telescopes on the rooftop across the street. Take turns on watch, and no one is to leave their post. Be careful. Dont alert them."

The cold wind howled through the mouth of the alley. Wen Wanjin was forced into a vehicle. He turned for one last look at his dimly lit little house. The door was still open, and the kerosene lamp inside had not yet gone out. Its lonely light fell on the half-turned mattress and the scattered notes. Those things had now become the fuse that would determine his fate.

109

In the underground interrogation room on the second basement level of the Taipei Branch of the Intelligence Bureau, the walls were coated with dark gray moisture-resistant paint, and the iron door was tightly shut. The air reeked of sweat, tobacco, and the rusty smell of dried blood. A bare light bulb on the ceiling cast a harsh white glare, like a spotlight in a courtroom, stretching the shadows of everyone in the room across the walls.

With a loud metallic clang, the iron door was pulled open. Two military policemen roughly dragged Wen Wanjin inside. He was covered in blood. His white shirt was soaked through with blood and sweat, and rows of red welts from a leather whip were clearly visible across his back. His feet dragged along the floor. His expression was dazed, and dried, cracked blood marked the corners of his mouth. He looked like a discarded rag.

One of the military policemen forced him into the interrogation chair. Its metal legs scraped against the concrete floor with an ear-piercing screech.

Xing Aihua stood beneath the light with his hands on his hips, his eyes cold and hard. He bent down and brought his face close to Wen Wanjins.

"Listen, Wen. If you dont want any more physical punishment, answer our questions honestly."

Wen Wanjin raised his head. His eyes were unfocused, but he still retained a little awareness. He tried to straighten his back, but the pain made him draw a sharp breath. He managed to speak.

"What do you want to ask me...? Go ahead..."

Gu Zhengwen stood behind them with his hands clasped behind his back. He approached slowly. His Zhongshan suit was immaculate, and his movements were elegant, but his composure carried an unmistakable air of intimidation.

"Wen Wanjin, you should know how to contact the comrades listed in that roster of cadres, shouldnt you? If you take us to find these people—especially your leader, Cai Xiaoqian—we can get to them."

A flash of panic crossed Wen Wanjins eyes. His Adams apple moved up and down. His lips opened and closed several times before he finally spoke in a low voice.

"Sir... If you can give me a chance to start over, Ill tell you how to find our leader, Cai, and the other cadres."

At his words, Xing Aihua raised his eyebrows slightly and exchanged a discreet glance with Gu Zhengwen.

The corners of Gu Zhengwens mouth lifted into an almost pleased smile.

"Good. Thats the kind of attitude I like. I always keep my word."

He turned to Xing Aihua.

"Give him paper and a pen. Have him write down leads that we can verify. If hes honest with us, well give him a chance to survive."

Xing Aihua stood at attention.

"Yes, Chief!"

He turned, took paper and a pen from a metal drawer, and walked back toward Wen Wanjin.

"Listen, Wen. Dont try any tricks. Well verify every name you write down. If even one character is wrong, youll pay for it with your own skin."

Wen Wanjin took the paper and pen with trembling hands. His wrists were already marked with purple-red bruises from the ropes that had bound them. He drew a deep breath. Sweat ran down his forehead and dripped onto the paper. The tip of the pen hovered over the blank page.

His eyes shifted uncertainly. Everyone in the room held their breath, watching for the first stroke of his pen. This was more than just writing. It was a bargaining chip between life and death.

111

At the high-security interrogation room of the Taipei Branch of the Intelligence Bureau, a cold-colored pendant lamp hung from the ceiling. Its shade was mottled, and its pale light fell across the table, illuminating dust particles floating in the air. The four walls were lined with a combination of soundproof felt and steel panels. The air was filled with the mixed smells of smoldering tobacco and strong disinfectant, making it difficult to breathe comfortably.

Cai Xiaoqian was escorted into the room by two plainclothes officers. He wore a gray cloth long gown, and his hands were cuffed behind his back. His expression was composed. A thin film of sweat had formed at his temples, but his back remained straight. Years of underground work had trained him to maintain his composure under pressure.

Gu Zhengwen, seated behind the table, slowly rose to his feet. He walked over to Cai Xiaoqian and nodded to the major standing nearby.

"Major, remove Mr. Cais handcuffs."

The major immediately replied.

"Yes, sir."

He approached Cai Xiaoqian and deftly unlocked the handcuffs. The chain made a clear metallic clink.

Cai Xiaoqian lowered his head and rubbed his wrists. The red, swollen marks were clearly visible, but his expression remained calm. He gave Gu Zhengwen a slight nod, much like someone returning a greeting at a diplomatic reception.

Gu Zhengwen extended a hand, inviting Cai Xiaoqian to sit down, and smiled.

"Mr. Cai, a wise man knows how to adapt to circumstances. Ive heard a great deal about you. You took part in the Long March, covering twenty thousand miles across the mainland, and fought in campaigns throughout the north and south. You also worked with He Long in Jiangxi back then. Youre a bona fide veteran of the Communist Party. Meeting you in person today is truly a rare opportunity."

He paused, then continued in a more measured tone.

"If youre willing to cooperate with our Intelligence Bureau and disclose the organizational network operating undercover on this island, I, Gu Zhengwen, can assure you that youll receive respectable treatment. Your past contributions wont simply be cast aside."

Hearing this, Cai Xiaoqian smiled faintly. He raised his head and looked directly at Gu Zhengwen. His tone was neither submissive nor defiant.

"Mr. Gu, Ive long expected that a day like this might come—that I might fall into the hands of the Kuomintang. Ive never deceived myself about that possibility. But I dont want my comrades to be sacrificed for nothing, either. If you can truly guarantee lenient treatment, Im willing to disclose the organization operating on the island. On one condition: this must not turn into a purge."

As he spoke, he leisurely picked up the teacup in front of him and took a sip of cold tea. His fingers trembled slightly, but he concealed it remarkably well.

Gu Zhengwens eyes brightened slightly. He sensed a clear willingness to compromise beneath Cais words. Smiling, he nodded.

"Mr. Cai, you certainly understand the bigger picture. Thats exactly what I was hoping to hear. Rest assured. Once you disclose the identities of those underground cadres, Ill immediately submit a special report to my superiors and do everything I can to secure lenient treatment. Not just for you. Well give your comrades a chance to start over as well."

Cai Xiaoqian nodded, his tone still composed.

"I hope Chief Gus promise isnt just something you say for appearances. I never leave myself a way out when I do something."

At that moment, the atmosphere in the room subtly shifted. It was as though two chess players had just made their opening moves, each already testing the others intentions and calculating the next move.

112

Deep in the mountains of Lukou, inside the cave base surrounded by dense forest, a kerosene lamp flickered faintly. The dampness of dusk seeped through the cracks in the rocks. Several sacks of grain and stacks of newspapers were piled in a corner. On a crude wooden table in the center lay a map and a communications logbook. Several cadres sat around it, their expressions tense and solemn.

Chen Benjiang sat in the main seat with his hands clasped together. His gaze swept over everyone before finally settling on Wang Zhi, who stood to one side. His voice was low and firm, carrying the weariness and vigilance of someone who had spent years in the struggle.

"Comrade Wang, you have extensive connections outside the base, and youre resourceful. So Im assigning you the task of going out to raise funds. Things are difficult these days, and were already running a deficit."

Wang Zhi wore dark civilian clothes, with a small cloth pouch pinned to his chest. He clasped his hands respectfully and replied.

"Dont worry, Chairman. Ill do my best to raise the money. While Im at it, Ill also stop by our Taipei contact point to get in touch with Comrade Wen Wanjin and ask him to help arrange a meeting."

At this, Chen Benjiangs brow furrowed slightly. He lowered his head and tapped the corner of the map on the table, as though weighing something in his mind. His voice grew more serious.

"Wanjin hasnt sent back any messages these past few times. Perhaps hes simply having trouble carrying out his activities... But you must be extremely careful. Dont expose your movements, and dont linger on the streets."

He stood up, walked over to Wang Zhi, and patted him on the shoulder.

"The intelligence agencies have been keeping a close watch lately. Several of our old communication channels have gone dead. Youll be traveling alone on this mission. If anything happens, the base wont send anyone else to meet you."

Wang Zhi straightened his chest and nodded.

"Chairman, I understand. Ill change clothes several times, take different routes, and stay away from the area around Taipei Main Station. Ill be back at the base within five days, with funds and intelligence."

Chen Chunqing, who was sitting nearby, stood up and adjusted the pistol strapped to his back. Smiling, he said:

"Comrade Wang, let me escort you to the mountain exit. Traveling alone at night would make you too conspicuous. I can accompany you part of the way."

Wang Zhi smiled and reached out to shake his hand firmly.

"Thanks, Chunqing. I just hope that when I return this time, you wont be the one coming to collect my remains."

Chen Chunqing patted him on the back.

"Dont say things like that. Its bad luck. We mountain people depend on one another to survive. When you get back, Ill have a bowl of venison noodles waiting for you."

Everyone listened and nodded silently. The flickering kerosene lamp illuminated their resolute yet tense faces. No one could say whether they would ever gather together in the mountains again after this parting.

113

The streets and alleyways of Wanhua were damp and cold. A light drizzle fell on the stone-paved roads, its sound carried away by the wind. Wang Zhi walked beneath the dim yellow streetlights. The atmosphere around him seemed frozen. This was one of Taipeis old neighborhoods, where every corner seemed to conceal a secret from the past.

He wore a long gray overcoat. The sound of rain striking the rooftops reached his ears. The shops along the street had already closed, and the streets were frighteningly deserted. Wang Zhi walked more and more lightly, as though afraid of disturbing something.

His target was Wen Wanjin, an important contact person in Taipei. He had come looking for him that night.

Suddenly, several dark figures emerged from a narrow alley. Before Wang Zhi could react, several plainclothes officers had already seized him. A cold hand clamped around his arm. His heart leaped. He turned instinctively to fight back, but before he could steady himself, one of the officers shoved him forcefully aside.

"Who are you? Why are you arresting me?" Wang Zhis voice trembled slightly. A trace of panic flashed in his eyes, and his tone revealed both uncertainty and resistance.

Guo Junting stood before him, looking him over coldly. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with both hands in the pockets of his military uniform. His expression was blank. At that moment, his gaze was as sharp as a knife, exuding an oppressive authority that was difficult to resist.

"Were plainclothes officers from the Intelligence Bureau, Comrade Wang," Guo Junting said. His voice was calm and firm, as though he already had the upper hand. "You came from the Lukou Base, didnt you?"

Wang Zhis heart began to race. A flicker of wariness crossed his eyes. He quickly glanced around, searching for a way to escape. But everything seemed to have been arranged in advance. Footsteps could be heard faintly from all directions, making him feel that there was nowhere to run.

"How... how did you know?" Panic began to creep into Wang Zhis voice, and he was momentarily at a loss. His hand twitched involuntarily as he tried to break free, but the officers were too strong.

Guo Junting smiled faintly, making no attempt to conceal his confidence in having the situation under control.

"Your contact person, Wen Wanjin, has already been arrested."

The chill in his voice made Wang Zhis heart sink.

"Wen Wanjin was arrested by you?" Wang Zhi sounded almost unable to believe it. His throat felt constricted, and his chest tightened.

"Thats right! Thats why we stayed here waiting for you to walk right into our trap. Now were taking you back with us."

The plainclothes officers standing nearby immediately stepped forward and responded in unison.

"Yes, sir!"

A look of disbelief flashed across Wang Zhis face. He could hardly believe that he had been captured so easily. The tightness in his chest gradually spread. Helplessness and fear pierced his heart like a thin thorn, becoming increasingly unbearable. His fingers trembled slightly as he kept going over every step he had taken, wondering whether he had made a mistake somewhere along the way.

Guo Junting said nothing more. He signaled to the other plainclothes officers to take Wang Zhi away.

Wang Zhi was forcibly pushed forward, his movements completely controlled by his captors. The rain lashed against his body like merciless whips. Each step grew heavier, as though he were walking toward an abyss from which there was no escape.

114

The interrogation room at the Intelligence Bureau was dimly lit. The clock on the wall ticked steadily, and a heavy atmosphere hung in the air. The light on the table illuminated Gu Zhengwens face as he sat there, calmly studying Wang Zhi.

Wang Zhi was forced down into a chair. His hands were bound behind his back, and his clothes were slightly disheveled, making him look rather miserable. The interrogation room door was tightly shut, making the enclosed space feel even more oppressive.

Gu Zhengwen tapped his fingers lightly on the tabletop. His voice was low and left no room for argument.

"Wang Zhi, your leader, Cai Xiaoqian, and your contact person, Wen Wanjin, are both guests of our bureau right now. Would you like to see Wen Wanjin? We can arrange for him to come here."

Wang Zhi frowned slightly. A trace of unease flashed across his eyes. He lowered his head, apparently struggling with his thoughts. His lips trembled slightly as all kinds of uncertain suspicions began to surface in his mind.

"Is that true?" Wang Zhi asked hesitantly. His eyes were filled with doubt, but deep down, he was already beginning to waver.

"If you dont believe me, I can have him brought here," Gu Zhengwen said unhurriedly, his tone carrying a hint of provocation.

He turned his gaze toward Xing Aihua, who was standing nearby.

"Aihua, go bring Mr. Wen in."

Xing Aihua stood up immediately. His movements were brisk and efficient. He was dressed in a neat military uniform, his expression resolute. He left the interrogation room, leaving the two men facing each other in silence.

A few minutes later, faint footsteps sounded outside the door. Xing Aihua then pushed it open, and Wen Wanjin walked slowly into the interrogation room.

Wen Wanjin was neatly dressed, his expression cool and composed. Although he was in custody, he appeared to be in good spirits, showing no visible signs of having been tortured. Two military policemen followed behind him, maintaining their stern demeanor but imposing no excessive restraints on him.

Wang Zhi immediately noticed Wen Wanjins condition, and a trace of unease passed through his heart. Looking at that familiar face, he felt a surge of emotion, but above all, he was confused and unwilling to accept what had happened.

"Brother Wen, how... how are you?" Wang Zhis voice trembled slightly. His brows were tightly furrowed, and his eyes were filled with helplessness and bitterness.

Wen Wanjin gently shook his head. His voice was low and calm.

"Wang Zhi, you and I both know how things stand. Since things have come to this, youd better cooperate. You still have a chance. Tell the chief everything, and I guarantee youll be treated leniently."

He patted Wang Zhi on the shoulder. The gesture was slight, but carried a reassuring intent.

Wang Zhi lowered his head and gave a helpless smile. A trace of inner conflict showed in his eyes.

"All right. Ill talk. Ill tell you everything."

His voice was low and weary, as though all his resistance had finally been worn away.

Gu Zhengwen gave a cold smile. Everything seemed to be unfolding according to his plan. He spoke without haste.

"Since you were sent here from the base, you should be familiar with its terrain and layout. I need you to provide detailed information about those things."

Wang Zhi raised his head. Pain and hesitation flashed through his eyes, but he soon lowered it again, apparently thinking silently. He understood that this step might save him, but it could also put more of his comrades in danger.

"All right. Ill draw it for you," he finally said, his voice low and weak.

Gu Zhengwen nodded slightly, looking satisfied. He turned to Xing Aihua.

"Aihua, give Wang Zhi paper and a pen. Have him draw a map of the routes around the base."

His tone was calm, as though reminding Wang Zhi once again that this was his only chance to escape his predicament.

Xing Aihua walked to the table, took paper and a pen from the drawer, and handed them to Wang Zhi.

Wang Zhi accepted them with trembling fingers. He raised his head and looked at Wen Wanjin, his eyes holding an emotion he had not yet revealed. Slowly, he picked up the pen and began sketching the map of the base on the paper. The pen tip made a faint scratching sound as it moved across the page, as though every stroke were engraving the choices and helplessness in his heart.

115

Night had fallen over the Lukou Base. The atmosphere was oppressive, and the surroundings were shrouded in deep darkness. Only the kerosene lamp in the chairmans office gave off a faint amber glow, illuminating the faces of those inside. Its flickering light cast wavering shadows on the walls. Documents were piled on the desk beside a cup of tea that had long since gone cold. The air in the room was stuffy, seemingly pressing down on everyones breathing.

Chen Benjiang, Chen Chunqing, Xu Xikuan, Wang Wenbo, and Liao Xueli, along with several other key base cadres, were seated around a long table. The atmosphere was unusually tense.

Chen Benjiang put down the document in his hand. His brow was deeply furrowed as he looked steadily at everyone.

"Comrade Wang Zhi went down the mountain to raise funds, but the deadline for his return has already passed. Im afraid something may have happened to him."

He could not conceal his concern. It was clear that Wang Zhis failure to make contact had made him uneasy.

Chen Chunqing leaned forward slightly, clasping his hands on the table. His tone was calm and analytical.

"Before Comrade Wang Zhi left, he said he would stop by to see our contact person, Comrade Wen Wanjin. Comrade Wen hasnt been in touch with the base lately, which has effectively cut off our communication with Leader Cai. My reasonable assumption is that Wang Zhi may have run into trouble while trying to find Wen Wanjin. Its also possible that the intelligence agencies arrested Wen first and then captured Wang Zhi as well."

Xu Xikuan sat to one side with his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes shifted slightly, and he seemed particularly cautious. After thinking for a moment, he spoke in a steady voice.

"Secretary Chens analysis makes sense. Chairman, should we send someone down the mountain to look for both of them and find out whether theres any new information?"

Chen Benjiang frowned and gazed pensively out the window, apparently weighing the possible consequences. His voice was low and carried a sense of urgency.

"If Comrade Wang Zhi has also been arrested, that would pose a serious threat to the security of our base. He knows the terrain and the routes in and out of here. If the Kuomintang intelligence agencies get hold of that information, the consequences for us would be difficult to assess. We must find out what has happened to them as soon as possible before deciding how to respond."

Chen Chunqing nodded slightly. His hands clenched tightly together, revealing his determination.

"Then let me go down the mountain and investigate. I dont show my face very often, so Im less likely to attract the attention of the Kuomintang intelligence agencies."

There was a note of resolve in his voice. He seemed to have already made up his mind.

Chen Benjiang studied him carefully. A trace of unspoken concern passed through his eyes, but he still nodded.

"All right. Secretary Chen, be careful. This mission is extremely important. There must be no mistakes."

Chen Chunqing took a deep breath, his eyes resolute.

"Ill go and come back quickly. I promise I wont delay."

Wang Wenbo, seated nearby, had his brow furrowed. He was clearly worried as well. He spoke up.

"Brother Chunqing, if you can, please help me find out where Su Yulan and her daughter are. We havent heard from them lately, and Im worried about their safety."

Chen Chunqing paused in surprise, but quickly nodded.

"All right, Wenbo. I understand why youre worried about them."

His tone was somewhat reassuring, though a trace of concern remained in his eyes.

Wang Wenbo stood up, took a letter from his inside pocket, and gently placed it in front of Chen Chunqing.

"Here is Mr. Zhang Wenhuans address. Hes the person I asked to look after Yulan and her child. Go to Taichung first and find him. Ask him about their situation."

There was a trace of helplessness in Wang Wenbos voice, but also a glimmer of hope, as though he was counting on Chunqing to bring back some news.

Chen Chunqing took the letter and nodded. His expression softened slightly.

"Wenbo, Ill make a special trip to Taichung and find out whats happened to them."

His tone was firm. He carefully slipped the letter into his pocket, then stood up and patted Wang Wenbo on the shoulder, offering a quiet reassurance.

"Dont worry. Ill take care of it."

As Chen Chunqing rose to leave, Chen Benjiang spoke again, his tone serious.

"Chunqing, this mission is crucial. Apart from the matters concerning Wang Zhi and Wen Wanjin, you must also pay special attention to the security of our base. Be extremely careful."

Chen Chunqing smiled faintly and nodded.

"I understand, Chairman. I promise I wont let you down."

With that, he turned and walked out of the office, his steps firm and purposeful.

As the door closed softly behind him, silence once again settled over the office. Only the flame of the kerosene lamp flickered gently in the stillness of the night, casting a dark shadow across the room.

116

At dusk, the streets in the alleys of Monga were beginning to grow quiet. Chen Chunqing walked lightly toward the area near Wen Wanjin’s residence. His eyes were sharp, and his hands were tucked into his coat pockets. He kept a low profile and remained alert. Beside a street vendor’s stall at the entrance to the alley, several plainly dressed men were walking back and forth. They appeared to be selling fruit and vegetables, but Chen Chunqing’s instincts told him that these men were not ordinary vendors. A thought crossed his mind, and he quickly assessed the situation. “It seems things are just as I suspected. Wen Wanjin must have been arrested first. Wang Zhi came looking for him and walked straight into the ambush.” He gently rolled his neck to make sure he would not attract attention, then turned and took a roundabout route through the alleys toward Quanzhou Street.

When he reached the area near Cai Xiaoqian’s residence, Chen Chunqing slowed his pace again. He moved closer to the roadside and casually fumbled with the cigarette case in his pocket. The faint light of dusk filtered through the narrow alley and fell across his face. Chen Chunqing’s expression grew slightly grim. Once again, he noticed plainclothes agents standing at a street corner, keeping a close watch on their surroundings. This time, he was even more certain. “Leader Cai may have fallen into the enemy’s hands as well. If that is true, our situation will be extremely difficult.” He took a deep breath, turned quickly, and left the area without making a sound, remaining quietly on guard.

Afterward, he hurried to Taichung and went to Zhang Wenhuan’s residence. When he entered Zhang Wenhuan’s study, the scene before him made him pause involuntarily for a moment. Zhang Wenhuan was sitting at the desk with Su Yulan, who was holding a baby boy in her arms. Although her eyes showed signs of exhaustion, they reflected even more strongly a mother’s tenderness toward her child.

Chen Chunqing coughed softly, breaking the silence in the room. “I am a comrade of Lü Heruo’s. I came from Lukou Village in the mountains of Xizhi. The authorities are still searching for him, so he cannot show himself at the moment.”

Zhang Wenhuan raised his head slightly. A trace of relief passed through his eyes, and he replied in a calm voice, “So Lü Heruo has been hiding in the mountains of Xizhi all this time. He should be in less danger now.”

Chen Chunqing nodded casually, with a hint of confidence in his voice. “With the base protecting him, Lü Heruo is safe for the time being.” He turned his gaze toward Su Yulan, hoping to offer her some comfort.

Zhang Wenhuan looked at Su Yulan and smiled gently. “If that is the case, Yulan, you can feel a little more at ease.”

Su Yulan breathed out deeply. A trace of relief passed through her eyes. Then she lowered her head slightly and held the baby boy even closer, speaking softly. “As long as he is safe, there will always be a chance for us to see each other again. Poor child. He has never seen his biological father since the day he was born.” Her voice trembled slightly, and a trace of reluctance showed in her eyes.

Chen Chunqing nodded slightly, took a letter from the inner pocket of his overcoat, and placed it on the table. “By the way, Lü Heruo asked me to deliver a letter to you, sister-in-law.” He looked at Su Yulan and spoke gently. “He will surely be very happy to know that you and the baby are safe.”

Su Yulan took the letter and gently rubbed her eyes before looking up at Chen Chunqing. “Could you please wait a moment, Brother Chen? I’ll write a reply to Lü Heruo and ask you to take it back with you.” Her voice conveyed gratitude, along with a trace of exhaustion.

Chen Chunqing smiled slightly and said softly, “Sister-in-law, I’m in no hurry. Take your time writing your letter. I’ll wait.”

Zhang Wenhuan then spoke, his voice carrying a note of heaviness. “Actually, Yulan and her daughter were once taken away by the Secrecy Bureau for interrogation. They were held for more than six months before the Bureau finally agreed to release them, just before she was due to give birth.” His voice was low as he recalled those difficult days.

Su Yulan gently stroked the baby’s head, and a trace of pain crossed her eyes. “It was Brother Wenhuan who went to great lengths to secure our release.”

Chen Chunqing remained silent for a moment. A trace of respect appeared in his eyes. “I heard Lü Heruo mention before that sister-in-law had been arrested by the Secrecy Bureau. He was extremely worried about you and your daughter at the time. Then there was no further news. So it was Brother Zhang who had been helping behind the scenes.” His voice carried a note of emotion, and his respect for Zhang Wenhuan’s actions was unmistakable.

Zhang Wenhuan nodded, his gaze steady and resolute. “Lü Heruo and I share a bond forged through life and death. He entrusted Yulan and her daughter to my care. Naturally, I had to do everything in my power for him.” His voice was not loud, but the determination behind his words was unmistakable.

117

The atmosphere inside Lukou Base was tense, and complete silence hung over the area. In the bedroom, the dim yellow light cast long shadows across the walls. Chen Chunqing walked through the narrow corridor with steady, purposeful steps. Every step seemed to underscore the gravity of the situation. When he entered the chairman’s office, several people were already seated around the table. The faces of the cadres, including Wang Wenbo (Lü Heruo), Zhang Haiqing (He Yunxuan), Chen Yinong, Xu Xikuan, and Liao Xueli, were all marked by anxiety. Chen Benjiang looked up as Chen Chunqing entered, his eyes briefly falling on the envelope in his hand. He spoke first. “Secretary Chen, you’ve worked hard going down the mountain to gather information this time.”

Chen Chunqing’s expression was graver than usual. Looking directly at Chen Benjiang, he spoke in a low voice. “After going down the mountain this time, I discovered that the situation is extremely unfavorable for us.”

At his words, everyone exchanged glances involuntarily, and the atmosphere immediately grew more tense. Liu Xuekun furrowed his brow and spoke urgently. “Please tell us plainly, Secretary Chen.”

Chen Chunqing took a deep breath and braced both hands against the edge of the table. His voice was steady but carried a note of warning. “Near Wen Wanjin’s residence in Monga, I discovered that plainclothes agents were lying in wait in disguise. This leads me to believe that not only has our contact man, Wen Wanjin, been arrested, but Wang Zhi may also have been captured by Secrecy Bureau agents when he went to look for Wen.”

Chen Benjiang was silent for a moment, then nodded deeply. “Yes. The Secrecy Bureau’s operation at this point is clearly designed to wait for our comrades to walk straight into their trap.”

Chen Chunqing’s gaze grew even more wary. “But there is something even more alarming. When I went to Quanzhou Street to look for Leader Cai, I discovered that plainclothes agents were also keeping watch near his residence. I fear that Leader Cai may already have been taken away by the Secrecy Bureau.”

Liu Xuekun’s expression grew even darker. He clenched his fists. “That is entirely possible. Wen Wanjin has the cadre roster in his possession. Following that lead, the Secrecy Bureau can trace the network step by step and will certainly find Leader Cai.”

Cai Chao stood up, his expression grave. He walked steadily toward Chen Chunqing and spoke urgently. “If Leader Cai is arrested, our organization on the island will soon be dismantled one by one by Chiang Kai-shek’s regime. This is an enormous crisis! Even worse, Wang Zhi has also fallen into the hands of the Secrecy Bureau. Our base is now completely exposed to them. Nothing about it remains hidden.”

Chen Benjiang stood up and looked out the window. In a deep voice, he said, “Comrade Cai is right. The situation is indeed extremely unfavorable for us. Chiang Kai-shek’s regime may well launch a full-scale assault against us. We must make every possible preparation to respond.”

Just then, Wang Wenbo suddenly rose from his seat, walked over to Chen Chunqing, and asked in a low voice, “Chunqing, did you see my sworn brother, Zhang Wenhuan, when you went to Taichung?”

Chen Chunqing nodded, a trace of emotion passing through his eyes. “Yes, I saw him. I also saw Sister-in-law Su Yulan. She and her child are both staying at Zhang Wenhuan’s house now.”

Wang Wenbo’s eyes brightened slightly, and he furrowed his brow. “Did the Secrecy Bureau release Yulan?”

Chen Chunqing gently shook his head, his voice carrying a note of respect. “Zhang Wenhuan found a way to secure their release on bail. Sister-in-law has given you a healthy baby boy.”

A faint smile appeared on Wang Wenbo’s face, and his eyes revealed a trace of tenderness. “Yulan has really suffered. When I left, she was still pregnant.”

Chen Chunqing took a letter from his inner pocket and handed it to Wang Wenbo. “Sister-in-law wrote you a letter and asked me to bring it back.”

Wang Wenbo took the letter, opened it, and quickly read through it. A trace of emotion passed through his eyes. He spoke softly to the other cadres. “In her letter, Yulan tells me to stay alive. When I regain my freedom, she and the child will be waiting for me.”

Zhang Haiqing stood up and asked with a furrowed brow, “What did sister-in-law say in her letter?”

Wang Wenbo unfolded the letter, read it carefully once more, and then looked up at Zhang Haiqing. His voice was gentle. “She says she will wait for me. She and the child will wait for me.”

The entire office fell silent. Everyone felt the weight of that solemn promise, and the heaviness in their hearts quietly spread without their realizing it. Their gazes grew more resolute, as though each of them had silently made a certain decision in their hearts.