Ahead was the main street. If she continued following, she’d easily be spotted. Jiang Si halted her steps, sinking into brief contemplation.
She wasn’t sure how many years Director Qi had been in power, but the Shanghai Red Committee had only been established in February 1967.
In other words, Director Qi had embezzled all these things in less than two years.
No wonder he’d signed the compensation agreement without hesitation that day.
Turns out he really was someone who didn’t lack money.
As for why he was moving these things out, the reason wasn’t hard to guess.
Director Qi wasn’t a fool. These shady dealings were a death sentence for anyone involved.
With Captain Ma’s example as a warning, of course he’d prepare early.
Huo Tingzhou noticed her lowered gaze and silence but didn’t ask. Instead, he instinctively positioned himself to block the wind for her.
A moment later, Jiang Si snapped out of her thoughts.
“Ah-Zhou—”
Huo Tingzhou turned back, his gaze gentle. “Have you decided what to do?”
Jiang Si paused.
Only when his voice sounded again did she react. “Their car left less than a minute ago. If we chase now, we can still catch up.”
So that’s what he meant.
She was surprised by his sharpness but shook her head after a moment’s thought. “No, let’s not.”
What was the point of knowing where they hid the goods? With Huo Tingzhou by her side, she couldn’t just store them away in her space.
Even if she did, as long as Director Qi remained in power, his coffers would keep filling up.
Besides, since the items weren’t hers, using them would weigh on her conscience.
Better to use this chance to see if they could bring him down.
Just as this thought crossed her mind, Huo Tingzhou suddenly spoke in a low voice, “If you haven’t decided, leave this to me?”
Perhaps his tone was too grave, or maybe he’d said this often in the past, but the words instantly conjured images in Jiang Si’s mind.
Back then, the Jiang family had made countless enemies in business.
And Huo Tingzhou, as her personal bodyguard, had often resorted to fists and blades.
Once, over a dozen men had ambushed her near the school, intending to kidnap her.
She’d only been ten at the time, naive to the dangers.
Huo Tingzhou had shielded her with his body, his voice as calm as ever.
“Miss, wait in the alley for a while. Let me handle this.”
By the time she emerged, all those men were curled up on the ground.
Though they’d won, Huo Tingzhou had taken multiple injuries fighting alone.
Remembering this, her heart clenched. “Don’t do anything reckless.”
Her stance remained the same—such a person wasn’t worth it.
A single sentence softened Huo Tingzhou’s gaze. “Don’t worry, I know my limits.”
Back then, he’d fought desperately, afraid he couldn’t protect her.
Now, with more to cherish, he’d guard himself just as fiercely.
Knowing his wife was concerned, he felt warmth in his chest and explained, “Someone at Director Qi’s level won’t be fazed by a beating. We need someone higher up to deal with him.”
Jiang Si considered this. “You mean… Director Hu from the Military Committee?”
Currently, Shanghai was divided among three powers—the Military Committee and the Red Committee each held sway, while the Public Security Bureau struggled between them.
On the surface, tensions were minimal, but beneath, all three factions were locked in a silent struggle.
Recalling how Director Hu had pulled Huo Tingzhou aside before leaving that day, realization dawned on her.
“You and Director Hu… you’ve known each other for a while, haven’t you?”
Huo Tingzhou nodded. “Let’s go. We’ll talk in the car.”
Once inside, he elaborated on their connection.
Before being transferred to Shanghai’s Military Committee, Director Hu had served as a political commissar in Guangzhou’s military district.
Since Qiongzhou Island fell under Guangzhou’s jurisdiction, he’d visited the Fourth Division annually for inspections.
But mere inspections wouldn’t have fostered such familiarity.
Huo Tingzhou added, “After Director Hu’s father retired, he settled in the compound. He even attended our wedding banquet recently.”
Now it made sense.
No wonder Director Hu had been so openly protective—they were old acquaintances.
With that, her worries eased.
Over an hour later, Huo Tingzhou parked outside the Jiang family’s ancestral home.
“Go on inside. I might not be back for dinner.”
“Don’t wait up. Eat and rest early.”
Don’t wait?
Jiang Si checked her watch—it wasn’t even 3 p.m.
Reporting to the Military Committee shouldn’t take that long.
But if Huo Tingzhou said so, he must have his reasons.
She didn’t press, only reminding him, “Drive carefully when you come back tonight.”
“Mm.”
With one hand, he unfastened her seatbelt.
The other pushed the car door open. “Eat something first. Don’t skip meals.”
“Got it.” She shot him an amused look.
With the alley empty, she teased in a hushed tone,
“Always fussing over me—people might think you’re raising a daughter!”
A faint flush crept up Huo Tingzhou’s neck. “Not a daughter, but… not entirely different either.”
After all, he’d watched her grow up.
“Huh? What was that?” The door muffled his words.
“Nothing.”
He reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s cold. Hurry inside.”
Jiang Si chuckled, huddling into her coat as she pushed through the wrought-iron gate.
Midway, she abruptly turned back.
Sure enough, Huo Tingzhou stood statue-still by the car, eyes fixed on her.
She couldn’t help smiling. If they ever had a soft, doughy little daughter someday…
Wouldn’t he lose his mind over her?
Well, “lose his mind” might be an exaggeration, but he’d definitely be wrapped around her tiny finger.
“Go on,” she waved. “Come back soon.”
Huo Tingzhou silently mouthed “okay” before finally getting back into the car.
After a few minutes of thought, he drove first to the Public Security Bureau.
Two hours later, at the Military Committee office—
A firm knock made Director Hu lift his head from his documents.
“Come in.”
Seeing Huo Tingzhou, his eyebrows shot up in exaggerated surprise.
“Well, well—did the sun rise in the west today? What brings you here?”
The moment the words left his mouth, Director Hu felt a twinge of self-mockery.
In the past six months, this kid had only called him twice.
The first call came in early October. At the time, he’d assumed it was to pull strings—
After all, Shen Xiuwen’s arrest by the Red Committee was no secret in Shanghai.
Who would’ve thought this guy wasn’t here to fish someone out—if not for his intervention, the guy would’ve been ready to bury someone alive.
The second call came just a few days ago, and this time, his tone was surprisingly respectful.
At the time, Director Hu had sensed something was off.
Only after asking did he realize that Huo Tingzhou’s wife was in some kind of trouble.
He should’ve known—whenever this guy sought him out, it was never for anything good.
With that thought, Director Hu’s gaze toward Huo Tingzhou instantly sharpened with wariness.
“Let me warn you—don’t take advantage of our good relationship to boss me around without restraint. After all, I’m still your elder.”
That’s what he said, but Director Hu’s actions betrayed his words.
The moment he saw Huo Tingzhou towering there, he immediately pointed to a nearby stool.
“What are you standing around for? Sit down already. You expect me to pull out a chair for you?”
“Wouldn’t dare.”
Huo Tingzhou grinned, saluted playfully, and then took a seat.
Director Hu poured him a cup of water with a huff. “Alright, out with it. What brings you here today?”
Huo Tingzhou gathered his thoughts and recounted everything he’d heard.
Director Hu was stunned into silence for a long moment before finally managing, “You’re serious about this?”
