Chapter 55: Nothing That Can’t Be Solved by a Good Night’s Sleep

Chapter 55: Nothing That Can’t Be Solved by a Good Night’s Sleep

She tied her robe securely, and Lin Yufan opened Zhao Zhiao’s wardrobe, stepping into his bedroom.

The room was silent, filled with a faint coconut fragrance, but Zhao Zhiao was absent.

As she walked out, she passed the study and heard voices inside.

It seemed like Zhao Zhiao and Shen Te were discussing something, their voices hushed and unclear. Shen Te reporting this late meant it was something important.

Lin Yufan paused briefly but decided not to disturb them and went back to her room.

Back in her room, Gui Xiang was still busy organizing. She whispered to Lin Yufan, “Lately, the lady has been visiting the Ji family often. She had been quite close to Mrs. Peng recently, but now Mrs. Peng has called twice for tea, and she’s been too busy.”

Lin Yufan preferred to stay out of their business. It was her mother-in-law’s concern, not hers. It was wiser to steer clear of such ungrateful chores.

With Zhao Zhiao not coming over, she felt at ease and pulled out some writing paper, thinking about a new column for *Panorama* to catch readers’ eyes.

Ideally, it would keep readers hooked like her last piece on the anti-Japanese war.

She brainstormed ideas, jotting them down until nearly midnight, then went to bed.

*

After getting his wound treated, Captain Zhuang returned to Zhen’an Apartments late.

He had just taken his medicine and was about to sleep when the phone rang.

At this late hour, it had to be a superior or an urgent matter. He picked up the phone, “Hello!”

“Ziguang, are you okay?” Linghu’s voice came through the receiver.

Zhuang Ziguang instinctively sat up straight. “I’m fine. The bullet’s out, and Zhao Zhiao spared me.”

Linghu warned carefully, “Zhao Zhiao wasn’t being merciful; he was playing mind games to gain your respect.”

Zhuang Ziguang wasn’t naive; he knew Zhao Zhiao’s game, but once such respect was established, it was hard to completely erase.

He responded, “I understand. We’ve practically turned Hong Kong upside down recently, but there’s still no trace of that batch of gold and artifacts. I’m worried the materials have already been transferred to Southeast Asia by the chapter.”

Linghu said, “No, the gang chapter is just working for the Communists. They seized the materials and would only transport them back to the mainland.”

Zhuang Ziguang asked, “How can we be sure it’s the Communists?”

Linghu replied, “The higher-ups told me.”

Information from above?

That meant there were informants placed within the Communist ranks.

Zhuang Ziguang said, “If that’s the case, the materials might have already been transported to the Communist liberated areas.”

Linghu explained, “The Lo Wu checkpoint is very strict; land transport is impossible. As for sea routes, since the incident, maritime inspections have also been tight. Once discovered on a ship, there’s no way out, no place to hide. Such important materials, I guess they wouldn’t risk transporting them out easily.”

Zhuang Ziguang asked, “You mean the materials are still in Hong Kong?”

Linghu confirmed, “They should still be here. Our informant in the liberated areas reported that the items are still in Hong Kong.”

Zhuang Ziguang said, “Then I’ll continue the search.”

Linghu added, “The Communists have planted a mole in your Hong Kong office. Whatever moves you make, they know everything. Even if you try to conceal, it’s impossible to hide.”

Zhuang Ziguang: "I have my suspicions about someone."

"Who?"

"Cui Yuan, the captain. Following Ji Shutong's murder, the police drew a sketch of the suspect based on eyewitness descriptions. Certain features in the sketch closely match Cui Yuan's."

Linghu: "Why wasn’t he taken in for questioning?"

Zhuang Ziguang: "Cui Yuan provided an alibi. On the day of the incident, he visited a brothel with Wang Liu. Both Wang Liu and the prostitute vouched for him."

Linghu snorted: "So-called alibis might be fabricated."

Zhuang Ziguang: "I suspect they conspired. Liu Pangzi and Cui Yuan have had a rocky relationship. Liu Pangzi once accused him of being negligent in the Zhao Zhiao investigation. Director Gao was similarly disengaged."

Linghu, who knew Director Gao well, understood that he was mainly afraid of trouble: "Director Gao is likely not involved. The key is Cui Yuan. How do you plan to handle him?"

Zhuang Ziguang: "I feigned belief in their evidence and have secretly sent people to monitor Cui Yuan's every move. Cui Yuan has been bunking with Wang Liu and a few others recently and hasn't returned home. I suspect he's afraid of being followed, so he doesn't dare to go back."

Linghu: "No one knows where he lives?"

Zhuang Ziguang: "He relocated, but his new address isn’t on file at the office, which is also suspicious."

Linghu: "Monitor him discreetly. He will eventually go home."

Zhuang Ziguang: "Understood."

Linghu: "I’m calling to let you know that the higher-ups have decided to let you take over Ji Shukuan's position. Effective tomorrow, you’ll assume the role of Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Office. Guangzhou will send another special agent team, and this new team will be under your command."

Is this considered a promotion?

Zhuang Ziguang quickly expressed his gratitude: "Thank you for your mentorship, Section Chief. What about the matters in the Confidentiality Section?"

Linghu: "Confidentiality Group 3 remains under your jurisdiction. One operates openly, the other covertly. You can do more things."

Zhuang Ziguang thanked again: "Thank you for your confidence, sir. By the way, regarding Ji Shutong's death, there's another suspicious point that might require cooperation from Haicheng for investigation."

Linghu asked: "What is it?"

Zhuang Ziguang: "Based on Ji Shutong’s wife’s account, Ji Shutong found a photo in Commander Ji's office, which was a picture of a woman painting..."

Linghu immediately understood, "Dong Zhen's photo?"

Zhuang Ziguang: "It's possible, but Ji Shutong's wife didn't see the photo clearly and didn't know the details. She only knew that Ji Shutong took this photo to meet a friend. After returning, Ji Shutong underwent a complete transformation. His plan to return to Hong Kong shifted to emigrating overseas with his family."

Linghu wondered: "Does this friend know Dong Zhen?"

Zhuang Ziguang: "Probably. Ji Shutong likely learned about Dong Zhen's whereabouts through this friend. Dong Zhen is likely in Hong Kong; otherwise, why would Ji Shutong change his plan to stay away from Hong Kong? Now we need colleagues from Haicheng to help investigate who this friend Ji Shutong last met was."

Linghu hesitated slightly. Haicheng is now in turmoil, and it's unclear whether the Confidentiality Department there will make an effort to investigate.

But Linghu didn't want to disappoint Zhuang Ziguang, so he said: "I will coordinate with Haicheng colleagues to investigate. However, the investigation in Hong Kong might be faster. Where is the photo of Dong Zhen that Ji Shutong found?"

Zhuang Ziguang: "Ji Shutong had nothing on him except his clothes. All his personal belongings are missing, including that photo."

Linghu agreed: "I'll have the Haicheng Confidentiality Section help investigate who Ji Shutong last met."

...

*

Lin Yufan only learned in the morning that Zhao Zhiao had left late last night and hadn’t come back.

It had to be something big to keep him out all night.

After breakfast, she joined the concubines for a game of mahjong. Third Concubine Zhang Aiming seemed normal on the surface, but her mind was clearly elsewhere, judging by how she played.

Around 10:30, Zhao Zhiao rushed back from outside.

He didn’t stop to see them and headed straight upstairs.

As soon as Zhao Zhiao came back, Zhang Aiming’s attention drifted even further from the game. Lin Yufan figured they had something to talk about and said, "I’ve got to head to work, so let’s call it a day."

Chen Dandan teased in a playful tone, "Let’s play two more rounds. First Madam, you always bail after winning…"

Geng Dongping joked, "First Madam couldn’t care less about your pocket change."

Zhang Aiming chimed in, "I’ve got a bit of a headache today—might be coming down with something. I need to go lie down."

Geng Dongping caught on, "No wonder you were off your game today."

Chen Dandan gave in, and everyone broke up laughing.

Lin Yufan went upstairs but didn’t seek out Zhao Zhiao. She grabbed her handbag and headed to work.

The renovated publishing house looked spotless and inviting.

Lin Yufan’s office was on the third floor. Hui Yan came by as soon as she got in.

Recently, Qunqing Press had signed over a dozen writers to churn out 30cent novels, and some fast writers had already turned in their drafts.

"President, take a look at these two when you can."

Hui Yan set the two 30cent novels on Lin Yufan’s desk. "A few more are coming in."

Lin Yufan glanced at them; neither was very long. "Word count?"

"Around 40,000 words each."

She was a fast reader, so she’d finish them quickly. Lin Yufan nodded, "Alright, I’ll get back to you after I’ve read them."

The two 30cent novels were titled *The Passionate Tenant* and *Soul Shackles*.

After skimming through them, Lin Yufan called Hui Yan over. "Have you read these yet?"

Hui Yan smiled, "Xiao Qing and I both read them. Want me to bring her in?"

Hui Yan opened the door and called over He Xiaoqing, who was at the secretary’s desk near the entrance.

The three women started talking about the novels.

Xiao Qing sat down, pulling up a chair. She was picky about books: "*The Passionate Tenant* is fun but shallow. *Soul Shackles* gave me the creeps—it’s scary but doesn’t make sense."

Hui Yan nodded, "I agree. *The Passionate Tenant* is a love story—readers will eat it up. Depth isn’t a big deal. *Soul Shackles* doesn’t hold up, but it’s a ghost story, so logic’s not the point. The problem is it’s just not gripping."

Lin Yufan leaned back, "Popular fiction has a wide audience—both genres can work. We don’t need to pick one; both can go to print. But the authors need to make some changes."

Hui Yan nodded, "Yeah, both need work. I’m gathering feedback. Any thoughts, President?"

Lin Yufan said, "*The Passionate Tenant* feels too detached. The details aren’t realistic, and it’s supposed to be funny but isn’t. Fix those, and it’ll work. As for *Soul Shackles*, it’s got the scares but no real twists. A few plot tweaks could help."

Lin Yufan laid out her ideas to Hui Yan in detail.

Being an editor, Hui Yan grasped Lin Yufan’s point right away and knew how to make the changes. "I’ll talk to the author and oversee the revisions," she said.

Lin Yufan crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I’ve gone over our draft publishing list. As the first works in the 30cent novel genre, we’re missing a novel that can make a splash and draw attention."

Hui Yan sighed slightly. "I feel the same way. I brought up with Wang Muxun the other day that with the recent uproar over the theft of gold artifacts, could we write a novel on this theme?"

This reminded Lin Yufan. "I think we can. Let’s call it *The Gold Heist*!"

He Xiaoqing laughed. "With tons of gold involved, everyone’s eyes will light up. My parents would definitely buy it to read."

Hui Yan said, "We’ll have to map out the plot ourselves first, then have the author write it."

Lin Yufan tentatively asked, "What ending for the gold would make the public happiest?"

He Xiaoqing replied, "Of course, it would be to take from the rich and give to the poor, making sure everyone benefits."

Lin Yufan told them about the two times the Nationalist’s secret service searched the paper mill. Hui Yan immediately said, "Let’s include this in the story. The twist could be that after crying wolf so many times, the secret service was completely fooled, never suspecting that the gold was hidden right there in the paper mill."

Lin Yufan nodded. "Interesting. But let’s skip the paper mill. Maybe a drug factory or a textile mill would work better."

However, she still needed to consult Zhao Zhiao about whether this theme could be written. Once confirmed, she would have Hui Yan find a contracted author to write *The Gold Heist*.

After the meeting, Wang Muxun approached Lin Yufan to talk about *Wanxiang Magazine*.

The manuscript submissions were coming in smoothly. As long as they could pay the fees, submissions weren’t a problem. With Wang Muxun overseeing the quality, there wasn’t much to worry about. The main challenge now was finding a hook to get readers to buy the magazine.

She recalled Wang Muxun’s story *The Mantis* and couldn’t help but ask, "Why hasn’t *Fenghua Magazine* run your story yet?"

Wang Muxun wasn’t sure either. "They haven’t turned it down. I guess they’re just backed up, and unknown authors like us get pushed to the back."

Lin Yufan suggested, "Why not pull it and run it in our magazine?"

Wang Muxun thought for a moment. "Is it okay to pull it? I’ll check with them."

"You should be able to. Give it a try."

"Do you want to highlight my *The Mantis* as a key piece?"

Lin Yufan gave Wang Muxun full respect. "Yes, as a key article recommendation."

Then she shifted the topic. "But using it to draw readers might still be tough. After all, it’s just a novel, at most serialized over three issues. I’m thinking of launching a series of essay-style columns, though I haven’t decided on the theme yet. I’ll handle finding the writers."

Wang Muxun thought Lin Yufan had a friend who wanted to try their hand at being a writer and open a column in the magazine. He wanted to object but couldn’t find a reason, as she was the boss and had the final say.

He frowned slightly and asked, "What kind of theme for the column?"

"Since it’s essay-style, it should cover a broad range of topics, whatever’s interesting. Just set aside half a page for it." Lin Yufan wasn’t planning to find outsiders to write the column; she mainly wanted to write it herself.

By focusing a column on predicting future events, she was sure it would grab readers’ attention.

At the very least, it would help build *Wanxiang Magazine*’s reputation, allowing it to grow and expand over time.

Wang Muxun asked, "Can we track down Si Mu? Doesn’t your brother-in-law know him? Having Si Mu write a column would also work."

Lin Yufan currently didn’t want to use the pen name Si Mu anymore. After all, Zhao Mingjie and his brother from the Second Branch had died because of Si Mu. If the Zhao family knew the truth, would they harbor resentment? Would they think she was too calculating?

She was sure Zhao Zhiao would get it, but Wang Junyao might not. So, for the sake of family harmony, it was better to let it go.

Let the pen name Si Mu be retired from now on.

It was finally decided to release the inaugural issue on New Year’s Day. With time being tight, everyone had their own tasks to work on collaboratively.

Lin Yufan had already planned it out: her column would be titled "Ask Mi," under the pen name Mi Xian.

There was a hint of mystique in the name, but the content itself wasn’t mystical.

For the first issue, she planned to predict the outcome of the Huaihai Campaign, believing it would catapult her to fame.

*

On the second floor of the Hong Kong office, Captain Zhuang Ziguang arrived late today. He walked into the Deputy Director’s office, which the secretariat had already tidied up.

He closed the door, sat down in his office chair, and wanted a moment of peace.

But as soon as he sat down, there was a knock on the door.

"Deputy Director Zhuang, Director Gao wants you in the conference room for a meeting."

Zhuang Ziguang stood up and walked toward the conference room.

In the conference room, people were chatting away. When he opened the door, he found it was packed.

Director Gao was sitting at the head, with Cui Yuan’s Special Agent Team 1 on the left and a group of unfamiliar faces on the right.

"Captain Zhuang, oh, today we should all call you Deputy Director Zhuang. Congratulations on your promotion." Director Gao stood up first to shake his hand.

Although Zhuang Ziguang was still the captain of the Confidentiality Department, he was now also the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong office. He smiled and replied, "Thank you, Director."

Cui Yuan joked, "Deputy Director Zhuang, when are you going to treat us to a feast?"

Zhuang Ziguang smiled calmly, "Anytime. You arrange it, I’ll pay."

Hearing there was a meal to be had, Wang Liu flattered with a grin, "I always said Captain Zhuang… oh, Deputy Director Zhuang is the most generous and down-to-earth."

Everyone followed suit, joking about splurging on a fancy meal.

Director Gao interrupted them, "Let’s get down to business first. The higher-ups have reassigned a special agent team from Guangzhou, and I’ve already named them. Cui Yuan’s original team is Special Agent Team 1, and the newcomers are Special Agent Team 2."

As he spoke, he pointed to the tall man at the head of the right row, "This is Captain Dong Yushan of Team 2, and from now on, their team will be under your management, Deputy Director Zhuang."

Dong Yushan stood up and saluted Zhuang Ziguang, "Deputy Director Zhuang, I look forward to working under your guidance."

Zhuang Ziguang didn’t expect the higher-ups to act so quickly this time.

After everyone introduced themselves, Director Gao said with a somewhat sarcastic tone, "Deputy Director Zhuang, you’re now juggling two roles, and any instructions from your side should be synchronized with us as soon as possible, so we’re not kept in the dark."

This arrangement of transferring Zhuang Ziguang and having him manage a separate team, which clearly undermined Director Gao’s authority, made Director Gao very unhappy.

But he couldn’t show it, keeping a polite smile on his face.

Zhuang Ziguang planted a false lead, "The lost gold and cultural relics are probably no longer in Hong Kong. The higher-ups have instructed us to redirect our focus to other matters for the time being. There should be new work arrangements coming up, so let’s focus on other things for now."

Director Gao was curious, "The lost gold and cultural relics have left Hong Kong?"

Zhuang Ziguang shrugged, "Probably. I’m not privy to the details."

The meeting lasted about half an hour before everyone dispersed.

Cui Yuan followed Director Gao back to the director’s office. As soon as the door closed, Cui Yuan mocked Zhuang Ziguang’s tone, "Probably. I’m not privy to the details! Damn it, what’s he so smug about? Leading a bunch of royal police, deliberately avoiding us, searching for over half a month, wasting people and money, and not finding a damn thing. And in the end, he gets promoted, stepping right over you, Director."

Director Gao shot him a glare, "Keep quiet, don’t say any more. If the higher-ups weren’t so tied up fighting the Communists, I would have been sacked for not guarding such important supplies!"

Cui Yuan pulled out a chair and sat down, "I just think it’s unfair for you, Director."

Director Gao asked him, "Did you move as I told you to before?"

Cui Yuan: "Yes, yes, I moved. If I hadn’t, and the Confidentiality Bureau bumped into me, they might think I was deliberately spying on them! Then I’d be in deep trouble, unable to prove my innocence. Now I live in the dormitory with Wang Liu and others, saving on rent."

Director Gao warned, "I think they might come after you, so be careful."

Cui Yuan had his own thoughts, "We all serve the Party and the country, why should they be nobler than us? If it comes to it, we’ll fight them. If they dare to mess with us, I’ll definitely lead the brothers to take them down."

Director Gao waved his hand, "Stay out of trouble and focus on the upcoming tasks. Soon, we’ll be handling a batch of supplies bound for Taiwan. We can’t afford any mistakes this time."

"Don’t worry, Director, I’ll guard this batch of supplies with my life, definitely won’t let you down."

*

In the evening, Zhao Zhiao went to the third floor and entered Zhang Aiming’s room.

After sitting down, he briefly discussed the work situation of the past two days: "The batch of cultural artifacts from Yunnan has been successfully sent away. What’s the plan for the gold we have left?"

When they talked, it was habitual for one to stand by the window looking out.

This time, it was Zhang Aiming who stood behind the curtain, she said, "The organization wants to keep this gold in Hong Kong for emergencies."

Keeping the gold for emergencies would make it easier to buy foreign supplies from Hong Kong in the future.

Zhao Zhiao nodded, "Then we need to find a place to hide it well. Even though the Confidentiality Bureau claims they’ve stopped searching, they’re still scouring everywhere. They’ve issued a reward notice, offering heavy rewards for any leads. I’m worried about the Bamboo Chapter members; there might be traitors."

Zhang Aiming glanced at him, "I think there’s a place that’s pretty safe right now."

Zhao Zhiao asked, "Where?"

Zhang Aiming: "Hongxing Paper Factory."

Zhao Zhiao immediately refused, "No, this matter can’t involve my wife. That’s my principle."

Zhang Aiming understood his meaning, "So where would be safer?"

Zhao Zhiao pondered slightly, "Let me figure something out."

A little white cat came forward, rubbing against Zhang Aiming’s feet.

Zhang Aiming said softly, "Thorn has been having some trouble lately, it seems the helper he found has been targeted by the Confidentiality Bureau."

Zhao Zhiao: "This helper of his is quite good, a little trickery can get him out. I’ll take care of it."

Entrusting it to Zhao Zhiao, Zhang Aiming was indeed reassured: "As for your Second Uncle, our people have shipped him off to Nanyang."

The issue of Ji Shutong seeking out Zhao Yanhui was really tough for Zhao Zhiao.

If he could set aside family ties, he’d have wanted to kill Zhao Yanhui to end the threat once and for all.

It’s a good thing the organization decided for him, so he didn’t have to wrestle with it.

"Thank you."

After they finished talking, Zhao Zhiao came downstairs and had just reached the second floor when he ran into Lin Yufan coming back from work, and the couple got stuck at the stairway corner.

They just stood there, looking at each other without saying a word.

In the end, Zhao Zhiao stepped aside and courteously said, "After you."

Lin Yufan didn’t move. "Are you still upset?"

Zhao Zhiao denied it, "Who’s upset? If you don’t go, I will. Don’t say I didn’t give you the right of way."

With that, he turned and walked briskly to the study.

Lin Yufan trailed behind him slowly, intending to enter the study and talk, but as soon as he entered, he shut the door with a slam.

The door nearly hit Lin Yufan in the face.

Furious, she immediately pushed the door open and couldn’t help but yell, "Have you lost your mind?!"

Zhao Zhiao had closed the door out of habit and didn’t expect Lin Yufan to follow. Feeling guilty, he softened his tone, "It was an accident, not on purpose."

Lin Yufan retorted, "You claim it wasn’t on purpose. I’ve never met such a petty man. It’s just a small publishing house’s name. I wasn’t even considering Wang Muxun; I was thinking of 'Seeking Light.' But you had to blame it on me, insisting it was related to Wang Muxun. How is it related? Did you undress Wang Muxun? So it’s called 'Seeking Light'?"

Undressing Wang Muxun?

After she said it, they both froze!

At that moment, Wang Muxun, who was outside eating porridge, couldn’t help but sneeze.

Back in the study, Lin Yufan, who had been very angry, was amused by her own words.

She playfully teased her husband, "How about I undress you to make you happy?"

What a bold thing to say.

"If you undress me, won’t you be happy?" he countered.

"I’ll be happy too," she said, as she unbuttoned his shirt, one button, two buttons, three buttons, and then her hands slipped inside, teasing him everywhere.

He tried his best to endure, curious to see how far she would go.

But she didn’t believe he could really hold back. Her deft hands teased him, sometimes lightly, sometimes heavily, stirring his heart but never actually doing anything.

It felt like thousands of ants were crawling under his skin, burrowing into his heart.

She was a seductress.

He hoisted her with one arm, kissed her, first silencing her little mouth, then carried her while kissing, until she was breathless and blushing. He bolted the door.

Lin Yufan wrapped her arms around him, playfully provoking, "Not mad anymore?"

He ignored her, turned around, and placed her on the desk, lifting her cheongsam to just the right height.

He reached over and switched on the radio, turning up the volume.

A broadcaster with a Cantonese accent was announcing the news in Mandarin.

"The Governor of Hong Kong announced yesterday that starting from January 1, 1949, the city will lift all food controls. Citizens are worried about soaring prices..."

The desk corner banged against the wall, and her toes instantly tensed. Her teasing hands now clutched the edge of the desk, afraid she might fall.

The radio bounced up and down, the broadcaster’s voice filling the study, accompanied by the sound of a babbling brook splashing down from a height.

The water splashed, drenching them both, and amidst the lively broadcast, they were both lost in ecstasy.

There’s nothing that can’t be solved by sleeping once. If once isn’t enough, then sleep twice.