Chapter 172: Liu Bo Is a Communist!

The rolling-dragon shack was cramped and dark.

When Fang Muheng crawled in, he was backlit.

At first, the fat and thin agents hiding behind the bamboo curtain did not recognize that the visitor was Fang Muheng.

Half-kneeling, Fang Muheng backed out of the shack while carrying Yang Ximei in his arms, lifting the bamboo curtain with his head.

Sunlight streamed in, and Fang Muheng shifted his body to prevent the splinters on the bamboo curtain from scratching Yang Ximei.

Only then did Fatty and Skinny see who had come.

The two men, who had been eagerly preparing either to secretly follow or directly arrest this Communist who had delivered himself to their doorstep, were stunned.

It was actually Fang Muheng!

The thin agent seemed to hesitate for a moment, yet still tried to rush out, only to be grabbed by Fatty.

“What are you doing?”

Fatty lowered his voice.

“Arresting him.”

The thin agent replied.

“Arrest my ass!”

Fatty cursed under his breath.

“That’s Fang Muheng. What are you arresting him for?”

“Arrest... arrest him...”

The thin agent wanted to argue, but ultimately did not know how to.

That’s right.

Why arrest Fang Muheng?

Not to mention that Fang Muheng was not a Communist.

Even if Fang Muheng really were a Communist, Group Leader Wang would not allow them to arrest him.

This fellow was bait they had been monitoring all along.

In Wang Kangnian’s words, the more idiots like this, the better.

Keep them around and use them to catch big fish.

The agents of the Party Affairs Investigation Department even had a feeling that Group Leader Wang disliked Fang Muheng so much that he had absolutely no desire to arrest him.

“How is it? You’re hurt?”

“It’s nothing. Let’s go.”

The voices of two men speaking came from outside the shack.

One voice belonged to Fang Muheng.

Who was the other?

The two men were overjoyed.

Fang Muheng’s appearance had been an unexpected development, giving them false excitement, but the man who had come with Fang Muheng was definitely a Communist!

Carefully avoiding any noise, the two slowly crawled through the mud to the entrance of the shack.

They gently lifted the curtain to look outside while drawing their Mauser pistols from their waists, preparing for the next step.

Wang Kangnian’s orders had been to follow the visitor whenever possible and locate the Communist safe house.

At the very least, they needed to determine the man’s name, occupation, and residence.

If the target proved extremely vigilant and difficult to follow, they were authorized to arrest him immediately.

Looking at the man speaking with Fang Muheng, the two froze again.

Liu Bo.

Officer Liu Bo of the Central Police Station in the French Concession.

It was actually Liu Bo!

The two were shocked.

As agents of the Party Affairs Investigation Department, the first thing they had to do when operating in the French Concession was learn to recognize its police officers.

Naturally, they knew Liu Bo.

The person who had come with Fang Muheng to rescue Yang Ximei was actually Officer Liu Bo from the police station.

The revelation stunned them.

Was Liu Bo a Communist?

That was the first thought that appeared in their minds.

“Brother Liu, I’m going to take Yang Ximei home first.”

Fang Muheng’s voice drifted over.

“No. Muheng, I’ve emphasized repeatedly that you must obey organizational discipline.”

Liu Bo’s expression was stern as he spoke in a low voice.

“Brother Liu, I’ll take her back, give her some good food, and help her recover.”

Fang Muheng looked down at Yang Ximei, who was curled up in his arms with a fearful expression.

His heart ached for her.

“No.”

Liu Bo shook his head.

“Muheng, I’ll say it one last time. You must obey orders.”

“Brother Liu, please. Just two days. I’ll take her home and have a doctor examine her while we’re at it.”

Fang Muheng pleaded.

“Fine, two days.”

Liu Bo nodded, then emphasized again.

“Muheng, only two days.”

Carrying Yang Ximei, Fang Muheng hurried away together with Liu Bo.

The two agents did not emerge to follow them, nor did they attempt an arrest.

Their orders had been to follow the visitor and determine his true identity.

Now that the visitor had turned out to be Officer Liu Bo from the police station, his identity was already confirmed.

Naturally, there was no need to follow him any further.

Moreover, Liu Bo was a veteran policeman reputed to possess excellent marksmanship and fighting skills.

Almost instantly, the two men reached the same conclusion:

Safety first.

Furthermore, after overhearing the conversation between Liu Bo and Fang Muheng, both were overjoyed.

Judging from that conversation, Liu Bo was undoubtedly a Communist.

The tone he used clearly belonged to someone accustomed to restraining subordinates and issuing orders.

Sitting in the mud, covered in filth and reeking of foul odors, the two looked at each other.

Both grinned broadly, wanting to burst into laughter yet forcing themselves to hold it in.

“We’ve struck it rich!”

That was their shared thought at this moment.

Liu Bo was a veteran policeman.

A Communist with such an important cover identity was definitely a big fish.

No, he should be considered a super big fish.

No. 22 Rue Vallon.

Central Police Station.

Chief Inspector Qin Detai arrived at the Third Police Hall and assembled the entire unit for an address.

“Reporting to Chief Qin. Twenty-three officers are assigned to the Third Division of the Central Police Station. He Guan and Liu Bo are absent on approved leave. Twenty-one officers are present. Awaiting your instructions, Chief Qin.”

Excitement shone in Ma Yishou’s eyes as he saluted Qin Detai.

“At ease.”

Qin Detai looked around and nodded with satisfaction.

“Very good. Everyone is full of spirit.”

“Just this morning, Commissioner Ferguson personally telephoned me.”

“His Excellency the Commissioner praised the outstanding performance of the Central Police Station in recent times.”

“I, Qin, can proudly say that thanks to the diligent work of all you brothers, public security in the central district of the French Concession is excellent, to the point that people can almost leave their doors unlocked at night. From the upper levels of the concession administration to ordinary citizens, everyone is full of praise.”

Clap clap clap.

Cheng Qianfan immediately began applauding.

Soon, enthusiastic applause filled the room.

Qin Detai glanced at Cheng Qianfan and felt pleased.

The young man truly was quick-witted and likable.

With a wave of his hand, Inspector Zhao Shuli and Deputy Chief Inspector Jin Kemu carried in a plaque together.

“Nemesis of Crime, Protector of the People!”

Pointing at the plaque, Qin Detai said happily.

“Well said indeed. This is tremendous recognition from the citizens of the Central District for our work.”

Clap clap clap.

Even more enthusiastic applause erupted.

Cheng Qianfan had sharp eyes.

The calligraphy looked familiar to him, very much like the work of Old Sheng from the Documentation Section.

In high spirits, Qin Detai continued speaking for several more minutes.

The officers applauded continuously, and the atmosphere was extremely lively.

Finally, with a solemn expression, Qin Detai announced:

Deputy Chief Inspector Jin Kemu of the Central Police Station would no longer concurrently serve as chief of the Third Division.

Former Deputy Chief of the Third Division, Ma Yishou, was promoted to Chief of the Third Division.

Former officer Cheng Qianfan of the Third Division was promoted to Deputy Chief of the Third Division.

Clap clap clap.

Thunderous applause erupted.

Qin Detai nodded in satisfaction.

This was what everyone had wanted. Excellent.

The newly appointed Chief Ma Yishou took the stage.

Emotionally overwhelmed, Chief Ma spoke about his conscientious service since joining the police force.

At the most emotional moments, tears even streamed down his face.

Qin Detai nodded from time to time in approval and even shed a tear himself.

Cheng Qianfan then stepped onto the stage.

He did not deliver a lengthy speech.

Deputy Chief Cheng repeatedly thanked Chief Qin and Deputy Chief Jin for their favor and trust.

He stated that he felt both honored and apprehensive, and that he would certainly cooperate fully with Chief Ma’s work, live up to the trust of Chief Qin and Deputy Chief Jin, and do everything possible to serve as Chief Ma’s capable assistant.

“I, Qianfan, am untalented and have only just assumed this new post. Inevitably, I may display the shortcomings of youth. All of you colleagues are my seniors, and I hope you will be patient with me. I firmly believe that under Chief Qin’s wise leadership, under Deputy Chief Jin’s earnest guidance, under Chief Ma’s personal command, and through the professional work of all my colleagues, the work of the Third Division of the Central Police Station will certainly reach an even higher level.”

After finishing his speech, Cheng Qianfan stood tall and saluted Qin Detai, Jin Kemu, and Ma Yishou.