41. Xiao Bei's Decision

Chen Xiaodao was, after all, a mere brawler, and his strategic intellect left much to be desired. Especially when pitted against a veteran performer like Zhou Hongyi, he was quickly taken in, hook, line, and sinker.

Zhou Hongyi’s composed aura, confident rhetoric, and the occasional air of mystery he projected made him inscrutable to Chen and his men. Aided by the influence of alcohol, the entire table was soon calling each other brothers.

After several rounds of drinking and feasting, under Zhou Hongyi’s careful guidance, the men turned beet-red, their eyes grew unfocused, and their speech slurred. Before long, they were all slumped over the table, fast asleep.

Zhou Hongyi summoned the waiter to help move the men to the guest rooms. After settling the bill, he stepped out into the night, letting the cool breeze wash over him.

As he walked, he heard the faint sound of a choir drifting through the night air—a melody both serene and harmonious. Remembering Xiao Bei, whom he had tucked away in the church for safety, he bought some pastries at a street stall and set off to visit the girl.

The church was still occupied by worshippers in the main hall. No sooner had Zhou Hongyi taken a seat than he saw Xiao Bei, dressed in a nun’s habit, emerge from a side door. Her figure looked fragile in the dim light, yet it carried an unmistakable resilience.

After their eyes met, Xiao Bei took a detour and sat down nearby, moving with gentle grace.

"Xiao Bei, how is your recovery coming along? I brought some pastries and clothes for you. Stay away from school for now. I’ve leased a shop on the edge of the International Settlement; you can help out there once you've healed. Rest assured, I haven't forgotten the debt owed to our fallen comrades. It won't be long before an opportunity arises to make the enemy pay some interest."

Zhou Hongyi spoke in a low voice, his hands clasped against his lips.

Xiao Bei, her forehead resting against her own folded hands, waited for him to finish before whispering, "Brother Zhou, the sisters told me you were shot. Was it because you were protecting a Japanese man?"

Zhou Hongyi offered a bitter smile. He mused to himself that it had only been a day, yet news of his injury had already spread here. He suspected Shimazu had leaked the information deliberately to bind him inextricably to the Special Higher Police, leaving him no path of retreat.

"That is correct. I did save a Japanese man, but I was the one who fired the shot into myself."

Xiao Bei was a clever girl. Hearing this, she instantly grasped his underlying motive.

"Brother Zhou, you did it to gain the devils' trust?"

"Heh, talking to a smart person is so effortless. You're right. I've gained their initial trust. They are planning to establish a chamber of commerce, and I intend to infiltrate it. By leveraging this identity, I can stir up trouble and provide more support to our guerrillas and underground comrades, all while using this cover to hide my true allegiance."

Xiao Bei bit her lip, appearing to hesitate. After a moment, she asked in a low voice, "Brother Zhou, have you heard that the entertainment venues in the city are hosting a talent search for dancers? I think it's called 'The Rose'?"

Zhou Hongyi was surprised. Why would she ask about that? He had indeed heard talk of it in the dance halls—a joint venture by the owners of several major clubs to create buzz for their new recruits.

"It is true. Why? Do you have an interest in it?"

Xiao Bei took a deep breath. "Brother Zhou, is there a way you could help me sign up? I want to participate."

"You want to join the talent search? Xiao Bei, you must realize that being in the public eye is dangerous, especially considering your brother..."

Xiao Bei seemed to realize what he was going to say and interrupted him. "I know, Brother Zhou. I’ve thought it all through. But I cannot hide away in shadows forever. I am just a student, and with the right transformation, no one will recognize me. You are so capable, Brother Zhou—you will help me, won't you? I heard that one of the judges for this event is the very person who murdered my brother. He is the most direct culprit... This is my best chance for revenge. Please, don't try to dissuade me. My mind is made up."

Zhou Hongyi fell silent. He sighed inwardly, wondering why all these enemies were surfacing at once. However, eliminating these collaborators and invaders was something he intended to do anyway. If he could help Xiao Bei avenge her brother while maintaining her cover and striking fear into those turncoats, he would not hesitate.

"It seems you have thought this through. Very well, I will help you this time. But I need to know who your target is. True revenge isn't just a hot-headed attempt to die alongside the enemy; it’s about taking them out while remaining perfectly hidden, leaving no room for suspicion. After all, our mission is not merely to kill a few traitors. Shanghai is currently under the brutal heel of the Japanese invaders. Our true calling is to provide help and intelligence to our people and our army from within enemy lines."

Xiao Bei nodded, her voice filled with suppressed excitement. "Yes, Brother Zhou. As long as I can have my revenge, I will do whatever you say! Just yesterday, I met Mr. Ruoshui. He was the one who recommended my brother for the Party, and he is my sponsor now too... I have decided to change my image and identity. A star, a dancer—that role can be more useful than that of a student. I am counting on you, Brother Zhou."

Zhou Hongyi reflected on this and realized she was right. The women in these entertainment circles were excellent at gathering intelligence, though they faced immense danger and temptation.

Still, Xiao Bei’s resolve was firm, and she was clever and had the right potential. With a little packaging and training, he could surely transform her into someone else entirely—someone who could easily mesmerize those men.

"Very well. Give me two days to make preparations. This 'Miss Rose' pageant will certainly make you a star, but as for the revenge, we need a detailed plan."

Leaving the church, Zhou Hongyi felt the weight on his shoulders grow heavier. He walked along, contemplating his next moves, various faces and scenarios flashing through his mind.

As the saying goes, a hero needs his helpers, but his current pool of talent was pitifully small.

Fosheng was simple-minded and could only remain at the police station; he was obedient but limited in ability. The Blind Man was sharp and literate—with a little training, he could easily manage "One Piece," which would free up A-Gui.

His special operations team was currently short-staffed, so he could use this opportunity to move A-Gui into the police force to facilitate future plans.

Chen Xiaodao and the Axe Gang were useful, but they were in a relationship of mutual exploitation; neither side fully trusted the other yet. The only people he could truly trust were "Bodhi" and the underground Party members he had yet to meet. And, of course, that bearded man from the Military Statistics Bureau—he wondered when that fellow would show up.

As he pondered, a rickshaw pulled up beside him. The driver, wearing a felt hat with his head bowed, spoke in a rough voice, "Sir, do you need a ride?"

"Hmm? Speak of the devil," Zhou Hongyi chuckled. "Yes, I do. Take me to the riverfront for a ride; I’d like to enjoy the night view."