Chapter 9: Qiao Er

Stepping up the wooden stairs, the "creaking" sound evokes a sensation that is almost tooth-aching. Room 304 is indeed adjacent to the stairs, although the door faces south

Of course, if a partner suddenly falls ill, as long as it is explained clearly, the audience will be able to understand

"No, it's not necessary. You don't need to come over tonight. As a young girl, it's not safe for you to go out alone at night," Chen Miao hurriedly said. "I can just make do with a little something to eat tonight."

Dr. Han said that it will be impossible to perform on stage for at least one week

Moreover, he and Liang Xueqin would occasionally engage in a segment privately, and they would even collaborate on research and improvements together. Liang Xueqin's selection as the "Queen of Pingtan" certainly owes at least part of its credit to him

These are all things I love to eat, including black fish soup, which is specifically for people with long wounds, though Qiaoer may not be aware of this

"Buddy, please book me a guest room, just by the stairway will do." Chen Miao arrived at the front desk and gently placed the Teng box on the ground

Alright, please register here, and I will take you to see the room next. The attendant handed Chen Miao a guest registration book.

No need, if anyone comes looking for 'Third Brother', just take them to my room. Chen Miao shook his head, suddenly remembered something, turned around, and gave a brief instruction

The night before last, he actually told a lie to Liang Xueqin.

Chen Miao can be considered a confidant of Liang Xueqin in this regard. In his youth, Chen Miao studied under the master of pingtan, Jiang Tiansheng. Although he has never debuted on stage for performances, he possesses a solid foundation in this area, with both his singing and playing skills being above average.

Roll, roll...

Temporarily changing partners carries significant risks, especially with an artist like Liang Xueqin, who is a prominent figure. Unless the other party is also of a high standard, collaboration may not be feasible. Additionally, there needs to be coordination in vocal style and artistic approach, which is the most challenging aspect.

"You should eat quickly. After you finish, put it in the box. I will come back in the evening," Qiao'er said as she set the bowls and chopsticks in front of Chen Miao.

"Continue to assign personnel to monitor the fixed point, and do not waste manpower on the others. It is sufficient to keep an eye on Chen Mingchu's side," Lin Shiqun said, slightly closing his eyes and tapping his fingers lightly on the desk as he instructed.

Lost track?

Suddenly feeling an uncomfortable pressure at his waist, he remembered that it was the Browning handgun given to him by Xiao Qi for self-defense. He took it out and casually placed it under the pillow

Isn't it sufficient for the Japanese military police to intervene

Given his current situation, can he be so high-profile

The room comes with an attached bathroom, which is very convenient and makes Chen Miao feel quite satisfied. After checking the facilities in the room, Chen Miao took off the outer long gown and lay down on the bed

Third Brother, I see that you sing quite well with Sister Xueqin, even better than Sister Xueqin sings with Old Gu. How about you help Sister Xueqin?" Qiao'er suddenly blinked her big, watery eyes, conveying a hint of hopeful pleading.

"Qiao'er, what brings you here?" Upon recognizing the bright-eyed young girl standing before him, Chen Miao was taken aback

"Elder brother, it is my failure in handling matters; my subordinates lost track of the person." Wu Yunfu, feeling dejected, immediately went to find Lin Shiqun to confess his wrongdoing and accept punishment

There is no need to go through so much trouble, it is actually not a big deal... Chen Miao truly felt very ashamed, for the most difficult to bear is the favor of a beauty

"Did Na Xueqin perform alone on stage? It must have been exhausting. Why didn't she find someone to partner with temporarily?" Chen Miao asked. People consume grains and vegetables; who doesn't fall ill? As long as it is not a terminal illness, it is acceptable.

Liang Xueqin has collaborated with Old Gu for many years, and both parties have developed a tacit understanding. At this moment, Old Gu suddenly falls ill, which has a significant impact on Liang Xueqin.

"Is Old Gu seriously ill?" Chen Miao's chopsticks, which were picking up food, paused slightly. The Old Gu mentioned by Qiao'er refers to Gu Shouwen, the three-string partner of Liang Xueqin.

... ...

... ...

This is correct. Chen Miao has a great fondness for Qiao Er, who possesses a kind of silly and innocent purity. In this day and age, it is truly rare to maintain such a sense of childlike innocence

Chen Miao couldn't help but feel a bit regretful. Qiao'er, that girl, was quite troublesome with her persistence. What if Liang Xueqin really agreed? Would he really have to partner with Liang Xueqin and take the stage together?

Well, alright, Qiao'er will listen to Third Brother

If not handled properly, one risks damaging their own reputation

"Third Brother, why don't you help Sister Xueqin?" Qiao'er pleaded with a pitiful look in her eyes, employing her charm, "Third Brother, just agree, okay..."

The office of the Horse Racing Club, the cipher machine must be hidden there! The most dangerous place is the safest. Chen Mingchu hurriedly said, "Director Ding, we will go to Chen Miao's office at the Horse Racing Club right away, I hope we are still in time"

Chen Miao would certainly not write his real name, instead he wrote the name "Cai Yougen" in the register. This person's information is genuinely existent, and the identification documents in his possession are also authentic

The program for this performance must have been determined well in advance; making last-minute changes to the repertoire is a behavior that shows a lack of respect for the audience

Chen Miao sat up, put on a long gown, and got up to open the door

It is unlikely that every time a top-secret telegram is received from the headquarters, it can be translated quickly. The distance to Nanshi is too far, and the round trip takes too much time. Moreover, the cipher machine should be closest to the telegraph operator who is receiving the telegram. Oh, how could I have overlooked this!" Chen Mingchu suddenly exclaimed in frustration

Currently, there is nothing. I have already sent someone to secretly search the place where he is renting, and there were no findings. Moreover, he has not returned to his residence in the past three days. It is evident that the cipher machine should not be hidden in his living quarters, and I believe he is not that foolish.

So, brother, what should we do now

Not long after lying down, I heard someone knocking on the door

This is your room key, located on the third floor, room 304. Would you like assistance with carrying your luggage upstairs? The attendant readily completed the room check-in for him

"Alright, Qiao'er, stop shaking, I'm feeling dizzy. It's not that Third Brother doesn't want to help, but even if I agree to this matter, it still requires Sister Xueqin's approval." Chen Miao said as he took out a handkerchief to wipe the soup stains from the corner of his mouth.

Understood

"Is it possible to hide in the Listening to Snow Tower?" Ding Mohan asked. He had an unusual interest in women, but the ones at home were not easy to deal with.

Captain, this kid must have discovered us," the subordinate said, justifying himself with a sense of grievance.

"What is going on? A group of useless people, how could a living person just disappear right under your noses?" Wu Yunfu angrily reprimanded his subordinates

... ...

Chen Miao has accumulated many such identification documents over the years while working in the military intelligence. These identity details may not be needed in everyday life, but they become extremely useful when one needs to conceal their true identity

"Alright, finding 'Third Brother' means finding you, I will remember that," the subordinate nodded and responded respectfully.

Chen Miao carried a wicker basket as he exited from Xiao Qi's house. Upon reaching the street corner, he paused and raised his hand to hail a rickshaw, saying: "To the Dongfang Hotel."

The cipher machine is something that may be needed at any time, so it must be located in places where he frequently appears or goes. Since there is none at home, it can only be found in the office and the places where he often spends his leisure time

I, cough cough..." Chen Miao took a sip of black fish soup, and upon hearing this, he almost choked in his lungs. Although he and Liang Xueqin were somewhat entertaining themselves with singing and playing, this was quite different from performing on stage.

"Hmm, let me think about it." Ding Mohan hesitated for a moment, considering that not every matter required the involvement of the Japanese gendarmerie; otherwise, wouldn't it make No. 76 appear too incompetent

On this hot day, with the door facing south and the window facing north, the room should be kept cool; the young man is quite perceptive.

"Do you know if he has any other safe houses or places to hide the password machine?" Ding Mohan asked, narrowing her eyes slightly

This is still hard to say. The Listening Snow Tower is located in the South City, and our influence in the South City is somewhat weak. It is already quite difficult to obtain this piece of information.

Third brother, Old Gu has been ill for several days

Director Ding, I have just received news that someone saw Chen Miao near the Listening to Snow Tower, and he is very likely hiding in the Listening to Snow Tower. Chen Mingchu also knocked on Ding Mohan's office to report to Ding Mohan.

Sister Xueqin said that if it is inconvenient for you to go out for a meal, I can come over to deliver food to you. Qiao'er opened the food box and began to take out the dishes from inside

He is an elderly man who came from the Hong Gong Shrine. Although he has always worked in internal affairs, he has studied tracking and counter-tracking. If he has not discovered you for such a long time, that would be quite incompetent. Are your people getting too close? Lin Shiqun did not pay much attention to this. Wu Yunfu's subordinates might manage a kidnapping, but when it comes to technical tasks like tracking, they are still far from capable. This is why he is desperately trying to convert the captured personnel from the two factions; it is these individuals who can truly help him deal with the two factions.

"Yes, as long as you agree, Third Brother, I will go and speak to Sister Xueqin." Qiao'er immediately broke into a joyful smile.

Sister Xueqin's discerning eye, Third Brother, do you not know? She does not regard ordinary people, and those who go to great lengths to get close to her are also looked down upon by her. This typical performance can still be managed, but tomorrow at Huaiquan Tower, there will be a calligraphy and painting performance where the renowned artists of Shanghai will compete on the same stage. Sister Xueqin is worried; if she cannot find a suitable partner, she will have to go on stage alone. "Qiao'er said with a frown, resting her chin on her hand, sitting across from Chen Miao.

You are thoughtful, Sister Xueqin, Chen Miao thought. If I had arrived a little later, I probably would have missed you.

Oh, can you confirm this

What happened?" Ding Mohan asked, puzzled.

That is a place of foreigners; it would be quite difficult for us to enter and conduct a search.

Have your people found the cipher machine

"Third Brother, Sister Xueqin said you live here, and asked me to bring you some food," Qiao'er said as she entered with a small food box.