Chapter 104: The Eagle

Chapter 104 Eagle

Xu Aizhou and Lin Yufan signed the share transfer agreement for Muir Media at Guozheng Law Firm.

They also invited the media to take photos, preparing to issue a press release the next day.

On the way back, Lin Yuwu was feeling a bit smug.

"I can't wait to see how the Muir family will react when they see the news."

Lin Yufan smiled, "They don't know yet that I hold the 45% shares Mr. Muir lost in the bet, so they probably won't be too concerned for now."

"But they will wonder why you bought Xu Aizhou's shares in Muir Media," Lin Yufan continued. "They will definitely suspect that you have other motives, so the Muir family will be eager to find a way to acquire shares in Runhua Investment, even if it's just 5.1%. Ah, I can have some more fun with them."

Lin Yuwu has been tagging along with Lin Yufan on investments, diving into more and more industries, but his love for playing games with people remains unchanged.

Lin Yufan advised him, "Take it easy, they are British after all, it's not wise to offend them too much."

"Don't worry, I know where to draw the line," Lin Yuwu replied.

The three films produced by Fangcun Film Studio were set for release last week, with "The Scream" premiering first. Lin Yufan has been preoccupied with other matters recently and hasn't kept up with the box office.

She asked, "How is the box office for 'The Scream'?"

Lin Yuwu, who just had a meeting yesterday, said, "Better than expected. Despite being about domestic violence, it addresses very real issues. The current box office is over ten thousand. It will definitely break even, and if it runs for two months, there should be a modest profit. Moreover, the film has received excellent reviews, with many media outlets and audiences praising it highly. Some are even advocating for the protection of women and children's rights in the face of domestic violence."

Lin Yufan nodded, "Our press releases should also steer in this direction."

If a film can bring about positive changes in society, it is quite rare and should be widely promoted.

Lin Yuwu agreed and added, "People in the industry are amazed that our Fangcun Film Studio could produce such a high-quality film. Director Lan Bing's career is poised to soar with this film."

Lin Yufan had seen the finished film and indeed found it very good, "We can keep working with Lan Bing in the future. When is 'Mama' scheduled to be released?"

Lin Yuwu replied, "I discussed with Gu Huiling and others, and we plan to delay it for a while. In recent years, Mother's Day has gained popularity, so we plan to release 'Mama' in May. During the New Year, we will release 'A Windfall of One Million,' which is expected to gross at least one hundred thousand."

Lin Yufan reminded, "For the premiere of 'A Windfall of One Million,' don't forget to invite Xi Gu's family."

"Don't worry, it's all set. Xi Gu called me the other day, asking me to arrange for her husband to speak on stage, to let him strut his stuff. Xiao Qing strongly objected after finding out, forbidding me from making such arrangements. Oh, their family had me in stitches. I said, our boss doesn't even speak on stage, we don't have that kind of segment. If her husband wants to speak, we can arrange for him to do so during the New Year at Zhao's Garden."

Lin Yufan also laughed upon hearing this, "Why is her husband so eager for officialdom?"

"It's a good thing he didn't become an official for the Nationalists, managing the hospital is just fine."

The siblings chatted all the way and soon arrived home.

As soon as they entered, Lin Yufan saw Wang Junyao with a bitter face. Upon asking, she found out that Yuanbao had diarrhea.

"He's had it four or five times this morning."

Lin Yufan became anxious, "Did you call a doctor?"

Gui Xiang replied, "Yes, the doctor prescribed some medicine, which he just took. The doctor said it would take two to three hours to take effect."

When Yuanbao was first born, since he wasn't her own grandson, Wang Junyao didn't care much.

But being at home every day, she often went to the baby's room to play with him, and Yuanbao, being adorable, would smile at her. Over time, she developed a strong affection for him.

Seeing Yuanbao with diarrhea, she was heartbroken and said to Lin Yufan, "Don't give him your milk for now."

"Why?"

"Yesterday I told you not to eat ice cream, but you went ahead and had some anyway. You had ice cream, and it passed on to Yuanbao, which is why he has diarrhea." Wang Junyao finished speaking, fearing that Lin Yufan might be upset, she added in a negotiating tone, "Let's hold off for today and give it to him again tomorrow."

Lin Yufan couldn't resist having an ice cream yesterday.

She hadn't expected this outcome and felt a bit guilty, "Then let's just give Yuanbao milk today."

Lin Yufan went upstairs to check on the baby. Yuanbao was asleep, looking all soft and milky, sleeping soundly.

The nanny reassured her, saying that diarrhea is common in children and that a little medicine would take care of it.

It was lunchtime, and Zhao Zhiao and Ms. Guan were in the study discussing something, so Lin Yufan didn’t interrupt.

Downstairs in the dining room, Wang Junyao realized she might have come off a bit harsh earlier. When Lin Yufan came down, she tried to smooth things over by suggesting they invite Xi Gu’s family over for a meal in a few days to celebrate the minor New Year.

Lin Yufan understood that Wang Junyao was just looking out for Yuanbao, so she didn’t take her mother-in-law’s sharp tone to heart. She smiled and said, "I’ll call later to check. I’ll also ask Chen Dandan about their New Year plans."

When it came to the two concubines, Wang Junyao wasn’t entirely sure about their standing and always felt a bit disdainful toward them.

She didn’t want them coming back for the New Year. If they were out of the picture, then so be it. They could be treated as distant relatives in the future, but there was no need to spend the New Year together.

*

Director Gao was running late today. As he reached the second floor, he ran into Wang Liu smoking by the stairs.

When Wang Liu saw Director Gao, he quickly put out his cigarette and followed him.

"Director, I have new information to report."

Once inside the office, with the door closed, Director Gao asked, "What’s the update?"

Wang Liu lowered his voice, "Last night, Deng Kuan took me out for a drink and confessed he’s a communist."

"What did you say?"

"I didn’t say much, just clinked glasses with him to show respect. Afterward, I thought, he wouldn’t just tell me he’s a communist for no reason. What’s his angle?"

Director Gao put down his briefcase and sat down, "You don’t know what he’s after?"

Wang Liu also sat down, "I’m guessing he’s trying to recruit me. Or maybe he wants me to turn myself in!"

Director Gao moved the cup on the table aside, "This is what’s called ‘playing hard to get.’ He’s testing you by revealing his identity. Right now, turning yourself in would be the best move."

Wang Liu nodded repeatedly, "That’s what I figured. He’s coming back tonight."

Director Gao thought for a moment, "Then you tell him tonight and see how he reacts."

Wang Liu chuckled, leaning his elbow on the desk, "Director, I can’t just do this for free, right? If I mess up, I could get shot any second..."

Director Gao was prepared. He opened a drawer, took out a letter of appointment, and handed it over, "I, Gao Dongming, never go back on my word!"

Wang Liu took it and saw it was an official appointment as the captain of Special Operations Team 1.

He stood up excitedly, saluted Director Gao, "Thank you, Director! I, Wang Liu, will be loyal to you unto death. From now on, I am your loyal hound! Wherever you point, I will strike!"

Director Gao was also pleased, but amidst his joy, he continued to motivate and promise, "Work hard. If you don’t perform well, Chai Ronghui will still surpass you, but if you perform well, Xiao Zepeng’s position will eventually be yours!"

Wang Liu didn’t dare to be too flamboyant, "Director, I will do whatever you think I should do."

In the morning meeting, Director Gao officially announced Wang Liu's appointment as the captain of Special Operations Team 1.

This matter brought joy to some and worry to others.

The original members of Special Operations Team 1 were happy, while Chai Ronghui, who aimed for a promotion, and Xiao Zepeng, who wanted to support him, were worried.

Of course, there was also Dong Yushan, straddling the fence, ready to sway either way.

Director Gao loved the current setup, using Wang Liu to keep Xiao Zepeng in line while the underlings battled it out, letting him sit pretty on his high throne.

Director Gao: "Reliable news has come from the homeland. The 64 boxes of gold that went missing here two years ago are set to be transported back to the mainland soon. The northern land routes are all under British military guard, so that's not an option. The only possible route is by sea. I've already communicated with the police about this, and they will cooperate with us to closely monitor the major ports. We also need to come up with a plan ourselves—how to divide the tasks and how to keep a close watch on the ports. Deputy Director Xiao Zepeng will take the lead on this!"

Immediately, Xiao Zepeng made a detailed task assignment for everyone.

He assigned the toughest surveillance spots to Wang Liu.

Wang Liu, fresh in his new role, was very cooperative. Wherever Xiao Zepeng sent Special Operations Team 1, Wang Liu took it all in stride.

When he returned to the Team 1 office, Wang Liu assigned the toughest jobs to Chai Ronghui!

Chai Ronghui wasn't one to be trifled with. He immediately objected: "These toughest spots should've been split evenly between the two teams. Why are they all given to Team 1?"

Wang Liu smiled slightly, patted Chai Ronghui on the shoulder, and said, "Don't be angry. Deputy Director Xiao has faith in us, that's why he gave Team 1 the toughest jobs. The key is, he trusts you. These were specifically left for you."

It was all too snarky.

Everyone held back their laughter, too scared to say a word.

Chai Ronghui was fuming, but all he could do was glare.

*

At the Bamboo Chapter headquarters, everyone was gathered in a large office that used to be a warehouse.

Cui Yuan sat off to the side smoking, while the boss, Guang Touli, was handing out tasks for the upcoming New Year.

Guang Touli: "I'll check the books with the treasurer later. After Minor New Year, we'll distribute the profits. Right now, we've got two jobs on our plate. Cui Yuan and Snake Kun, each of you will handle one. Cui Yuan, come over first."

Cui Yuan stubbed out his cigarette, walked over to Guang Touli, and pulled up a chair: "Boss, just tell me what to do."

Guang Touli: "There's a cargo that needs to be escorted. On Minor New Year's Day, it'll be loaded onto a ship at Red Sand Bay Wharf and shipped to Nanyang. This cargo is top priority. You and Shui Tou will handle escorting it to the wharf. Once it's on board, you'll escort it to international waters and then head back."

Cui Yuan asked: "What kind of cargo is it?"

Guang Touli showed a hint of impatience: "We don't ask what's in the cargo. Our job is just to escort it. Got it?"

Cui Yuan nodded: "Got it."

Guang Touli handed the list to Cui Yuan: "Alright, that's it for you. Snake Kun, come over."

Another leader, Snake Kun, walked over. Guang Touli didn't give Snake Kun his task in the large office but instead called him into his own office to discuss it.

After Guang Touli and Snake Kun left, Shui Tou whispered to Cui Yuan: "I feel like Snake Kun's task is the big one."

Cui Yuan asked curiously: "What big task?"

Shui Tou shrugged and shook his head: "Not sure. I heard there are two jobs before the New Year—one big and one small. Ours is definitely the small one. Ah, I'm so hungry for a big feast. It's driving me crazy."

Cui Yuan stood up and walked out, with Shui Tou following.

When they reached a secluded spot, Cui Yuan instructed Shui Tou: "Go and find out what exactly Snake Kun is escorting, when, and where. I'll go to Shunde Xiang for some snake soup first."

Shui Tou's eyes lit up: "Great, I've been craving snake soup for a while. Big brother, you go ahead. I'll ask Snake Kun's follower later."

An hour later, in a private room at Shunde Xiang, Shui Tou and his brothers poured in.

He whispered into Cui Yuan's ear, "More than 60 crates of goods, Dong Sheng Pier, same as us, on the afternoon of Little New Year's Eve. Their destination is unknown. Might be inland, might be Nanyang."

Cui Yuan nodded in understanding and immediately invited everyone to eat snake soup.

Someone joked, "Would Snake Kun think we're targeting him because we got the small job and they got the big one?"

Shui Tou smirked, "Let them think whatever they want. If he feels bad, he can give us the big job; we can handle it."

Cui Yuan acted very magnanimous, "We've already handled quite a few big jobs this year. It’s good to take a break during the New Year. We'll continue the fight next year."

"The boss is right. Come on, let's toast first!"

*

After meeting Deng Kuan, Wang Liu hurried to Director Gao’s house late at night.

Director Gao had guests at home, so the living room wasn't suitable for conversation. He took Wang Liu to the study.

"What brings you here at this hour?"

Wang Liu reported in a low voice, "I met with Deng Kuan tonight. I spoke to him as you instructed. Deng Kuan said he’s impressed with me, but he can’t agree immediately. He needs to test me for a while."

Director Gao couldn't help but complain, "These communists are such a hassle. Did you come all the way here just for this?"

Wang Liu: "Isn’t he testing me? He gave me an important task tonight."

Hearing the words "important task," Director Gao's ears perked up. "What task?"

Wang Liu: "He asked me to spread false information that the 64 crates of gold lost last year will be shipped from Hongsha Bay Pier on Little New Year's Eve."

Sixty-four crates of gold?

This news couldn’t have come at a better time.

Director Gao pondered carefully. The false information was that 64 crates of gold would be shipped from Hongsha Bay Pier. He couldn’t help but ask, "So what’s the real deal?"

"What real deal?"

Director Gao clicked his tongue. "Then actually, where are the 64 crates of gold being shipped from?"

Wang Liu looked helpless. "That's what's giving me a headache. Deng Kuan doesn’t fully trust me yet. He only asked me to spread false information. He didn’t tell me the actual shipping location. I didn’t want to blow my cover, so I didn’t ask too much."

Director Gao wanted to scold him but couldn’t, after all, he hadn’t made a mistake.

Wang Liu added, "But at least I managed to get the timing from them. They want us to concentrate our surveillance on Hongsha Bay Pier, but actually it’s somewhere else—definitely in the evening of Little New Year's Eve."

Director Gao pressed for details about their conversation, understood the specifics clearly, and then let Wang Liu go home.

This matter wasn’t a top priority, so he planned to call Eagle at noon the next day.

To his surprise, Eagle called him just after nine in the evening.

Director Gao quickly reported the progress from Wang Liu’s side.

Eagle on the phone said, "I have new intel here too. Based on my intel and Wang Liu’s report lining up, those 64 crates of gold are likely in the hands of the Bamboo Chapter. They’re expected to be shipped inland via Dong Sheng Pier on Little New Year's Eve."

"Dong Sheng Pier?" Director Gao thought for a moment. "Then I’ll send people to Dong Sheng Pier and notify the police to surround them together."

Eagle, however, didn’t think so. He said, "Send the police to Hongsha Bay Pier."

Director Gao was confused, "Why? Isn't Hongsha Bay just a decoy they planted?"

Eagle shot back, "Gao Dongming, haven't you suffered enough in the Military Bureau?"

The implication was clear: Are you out of your mind? Are you still loyal to the Party at this time?

Director Gao was certainly not stupid, but he dared not voice his speculations, fearing that Eagle was just testing him: "Please clarify, Director."

Eagle went silent on the other end, and the pause felt like an eternity.

Director Gao broke into a cold sweat, cautiously asking, "Are we taking care of this ourselves?"

If they could snatch the 64 boxes of gold for themselves, they could picture a life of luxury—fancy cars, beautiful women, and grand villas. What kind of good life couldn't they have?

Eagle: "The Bamboo Chapter has twelve people out in the open, and the Communists probably have three or four. On top of that, Guang Touli will definitely bring at least ten people to personally protect the scene. This is a covert operation, so they can't risk bringing too many people and drawing attention. That means they might have at most twenty-five or twenty-six people."

Director Gao calculated: "We have two special operations teams here, plus bodyguards, bringing our total to around thirty."

Eagle: "So we’ll need to set up an ambush, stockpile enough explosives, and shell out cash to hire help from other chapters."

Director Gao: "Which chapter should we bring in?"

Eagle had already thought this through: "The Green Gang and Hongmen have always been rivals. You should recruit the Green Gang; thirty people will be more than enough. Let the gangs duke it out, while our people focus on taking out those few Communists."

Still, Director Gao worried: "How do we explain this to our superiors?"

Eagle thought for less than two seconds: "Take out Wang Liu and use him as a scapegoat. Say that Wang Liu cooperated with the Communists to spread false information, throwing us off track."

Director Gao pulled out a handkerchief and mopped the sweat from his brow. The plan filled him with both excitement and dread.

First, take out the outsiders, then turn on your own. It was truly horrifying.

But with the glittering gold dangling in front of them, even if their conscience protested, they had to stay sharp and push forward.

Soon, Director Gao arranged the tasks.

Wang Liu would lead half of Special Operations Team 1 to Hongsha Bay and create a diversion by calling in the police.

Meanwhile, Xiao Zepeng, Dong Yushan, and Chai Ronghui would go to Dongsheng Pier to join forces with the Green Gang and ambush the Communists and the Bamboo Chapter, seizing the 64 boxes of gold.

On the evening before the Little New Year, Director Gao specially prepared a lavish feast to entertain Wang Liu.

Wang Liu felt a little awkward as he eyed the lavish spread—star grouper, nine-section prawns, and hefty cuts of beef.

"Director, shouldn't we celebrate tomorrow night?"

Director Gao's tone was unusually gentle: "Let's have a little drink today, not too much, so it won't interfere with tomorrow's tasks. I've been wanting to invite you for a while; consider this a celebration for your promotion!"

Wang Liu grinned and clinked glasses with Director Gao: "Meeting a leader like you, Director Gao, is the greatest fortune of my life! You are my mentor!"

Director Gao felt a twinge of guilt, but only a twinge.

At least he had treated Wang Liu to a good meal, which, compared to others, he considered a sign of his conscience.

After a hearty dinner that night, the next day Wang Liu, along with Xiao Wu and a few other trusted subordinates, arrived early near Hongsha Bay Pier to wait.

Around 4:30 in the afternoon, three trucks arrived.

Seven or eight thugs from the Bamboo Chapter got off the truck, and an SUV followed the truck.

Cui Yuan and Shui Tou were sitting in the SUV.

At 5:30, once the goods were loaded, Cui Yuan and Shui Tou boarded the ship to inspect the cargo and prepare for departure.

They were supposed to escort the goods to international waters and then return by a small steamer.

Right after the inspection, a commotion erupted outside.

They went out and saw Wang Liu and Special Operations Team 1 boarding the ship.

Both Wang Liu and Cui Yuan were visibly surprised: "What are you doing here?"

Cui Yuan said, "I'm on escort duty today."

Wang Liu explained with a smile, "We got a tip that the gold we lost two years ago might be on this ship."

Thanks to 'The Gold Heist,' everyone in Hong Kong knew about the Nationalists' lost gold.

Cui Yuan's men were bristling with hostility: "Gold lost years ago? And you come to us? Who do you think you are? You can't just search us!"

Wang Liu didn’t get angry with them. He spoke calmly: "When our gold was lost, there was an official diplomatic note. We’ve already called the police—they'll be here soon. You're just hired help. If there's a problem, it's not on you."

Shui Tou, jealous of Wang Liu and Cui Yuan's closeness, stood his ground: "Then we'll wait for the cops."

Cui Yuan waved his hand: "Let them search, then."

Shui Tou: "..."

"You always got my back, big brother." Wang Liu turned and instructed: "Xiao Wu, search the ship. Be careful with their stuff."

Xiao Wu quickly led the search, while Shui Tou and his men kept watch.

Wang Liu and Cui Yuan stood by the deck, cigarettes in hand.

Even though it was almost New Year's, Hong Kong was still around 20 degrees, with a warm sea breeze.

"It's a warm winter this year."

"Last year's snow was a once-in-a-century thing. Not happening this year."

"Last year was the Nationalists' world. This year, things are different."

"You're telling me."

Gazing at the sunset, Wang Liu sighed, "I wonder how Longjing's holding up over there."

Cui Yuan took a drag and glanced at Wang Liu, "Why bring up Longjing all of a sudden?"

Wang Liu: "Deng Kuan mentioned him to me the other day."

Cui Yuan was slightly surprised: "Deng Kuan? He looked for you?"

Wang Liu nodded: "Yes, he looked for me."

Cui Yuan became alert: "What else did he tell you?"

Wang Liu exhaled a heavy puff of smoke: "Deng Kuan told me he tried to recruit you."

Cui Yuan likely didn't expect Deng Kuan to tell Wang Liu about this. He scoffed, "If it weren't for the Communist Party, I wouldn't have ended up like this. I went to prison because I worked directly for them, and after getting out, I could only operate within a chapter. You want to join the Communist Party? No way. People like us, who have been in the Secret Service Bureau and have criminal records, they don't want us. They'll just give you the runaround, making it impossible to find a contact. When they need you, you're their best friend; when they don't, you're just another criminal."

Wang Liu looked at Cui Yuan, "Deng Kuan said that Longjing was killed by you."

Cui Yuan frowned, "Why would he tell you this?"

Wang Liu, "He was trying to turn me. He said you were only pretending to be turned, not sincere."

Cui Yuan mocked himself, "This is what you get for working with the Communist Party."

Wang Liu circled back, "Then why did you kill Longjing?"

Cui Yuan, "I was directly ordered by the Communist Party to kill him. They believed Longjing was the Eagle."

Wang Liu, "They said you so much as didn't blink when you killed Longjing!"

Cui Yuan stared at Wang Liu, "Who witnessed me killing Longjing?"

"Someone saw it."

No wonder!

Cui Yuan slightly raised his eyebrows, "So, you're coming clean? So, Guang Touli the hell arranged for me to come here?"

Wang Liu, "Probably."

Cui Yuan coldly questioned, "You've really turned, haven't you?"

Wang Liu looked at him, still entangled with the previous question, "Longjing was one of us. Why did you kill him?"

Since someone was present when he killed Longjing, what Cui Yuan said at that time must have been overheard.

He no longer hid it, "Because Longjing betrayed me. He deliberately fed my information to Deng Kuan. He wanted Deng Kuan to do his dirty work."

Wang Liu didn't understand, "Why would Longjing want Deng Kuan to do his dirty work?"

Cui Yuan inhaled deeply from his cigarette and threw it into the sea, "That's because I am the Eagle."

Cui Yuan noticed Wang Liu's slight tremor.

The Eagle still intimidated Wang Liu.

Wang Liu trembled slightly, shocked that Cui Yuan would reveal his true identity.

He asked, "Did Longjing know you were the Eagle?"

"Of course he knew."

"If he knew, why would he still want Deng Kuan to do his dirty work?"

Cui Yuan, "That's the thing about greed—it's never satisfied. I went to prison for working with the Communist Party, and Longjing helped me pass messages outside. He got a taste for being the messenger and wanted to use the Communist Party's hand to eliminate me, then completely replace me, do you understand?"

Wang Liu was curious, "How did he betray you?"

"You don't need to know this." Cui Yuan patted Wang Liu's shoulder earnestly, "Wang Liu, don't be fooled or bewitched by the Communist Party. You can't trust any of their recruitment pitches."

Wang Liu admitted, "Actually, Deng Kuan didn't turn me."

Cui Yuan's expression slightly changed at this revelation, "So Deng Kuan didn't turn you?"

If Deng Kuan didn't turn Wang Liu against us, then what information has Wang Liu been reporting to Director Gao all this time?

Was it all a lie?

Wang Liu: "Yes. Deng Kuan never turned me. He scoffs at people like me. He just made a deal with me."

Cui Yuan's expression grew colder: "What kind of deal?"

Wang Liu smiled: "I cooperate with his actions, and if you all die, then I become the... boss of the espionage division."

"You?" Cui Yuan coldly glanced at Wang Liu, his eyes dripping with contempt, "You think you can?"

By then, the two were already a meter apart.

The more Cui Yuan scorned him, the more Wang Liu swelled with pride: "What if I pull it off?"

The sound of police sirens came, and Xiao Wu shouted from a distance: "Boss, the cops are here."

Wang Liu reminded: "Director Gao, Xiao Zepeng, and Dong Yushan are all at Dongsheng Pier. Right now, they might already be surrounded."

Fury blazed in Cui Yuan's eyes, but he knew that arguing with Wang Liu here at this moment was utterly meaningless.

Meaningless!

A loud splash echoed from the sea!

Cui Yuan jumped into the sea.