Dance Partner (Chapter 1)

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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Content

Chapter 1: The Erratic Kidnappers

Chapter 2: The Messenger in Paris

Chapter 3: Undercurrents

Chapter 4: I Am Not a Spy

Chapter 5: Project NextGen

Chapter 6: Dance Partner

Chapter 7: The Fourth Day of the New Year Chapter 8: A Pleasant Conversation

Chapter 1: The Erratic Kidnappers

“Lonely village, the setting sun paints the residual clouds, a wisp of smoke rises from the ancient trees, a solitary crow takes flight. Green mountains and clear waters, white grass, red leaves, and yellow chrysanthemums.” Gazing at the autumnal landscape below, Xia Xiaoyu suddenly recalled a poem, though he couldn’t remember its author – perhaps a poet from the Song Dynasty.

“Where are the green mountains and clear waters? All I see is yellow earth,” Qiu Tian murmured, her arm firmly linked with Xia Xiaoyu’s, her head resting on his shoulder. She didn’t move.

“Just imagine it. When we’re old, let’s come here and plant trees, transform it into a place of green mountains and clear waters.” Xia Xiaoyu shifted his hand, withdrawing it from Qiu Tian’s slender waist and instead gently stroking her head. Through the darkness of her sunglasses, he couldn’t see her eyes.

“Life here is too harsh. Neither of us has ever endured hardship like this.” Qiu Tian mumbled.

“I’ve always lived in the city, I truly haven’t known a single day of hardship, but you have experienced it,” Xia Xiaoyu turned his head to look at Qiu Tian, using his other hand to remove her sunglasses, staring intently into her eyes.

Xia Xiaoyu could never tire of looking at Qiu Tian’s bright eyes and radiant smile, especially those eyes – they were like a pool of water, every blink a story, a tenderness, a limpid, crystalline tenderness.

“Ugh, you’re going to burn my eyes!” Qiu Tian shifted her body, playfully scolding him.

Xia Xiaoyu quickly replaced her sunglasses.

“I haven’t experienced real hardship either,” Qiu Tian said.

“You haven’t experienced hardship? What you’ve gone through doesn’t count?”

“It doesn’t,” Qiu Tian adjusted her sunglasses. “I’ve always lived in a large house, never worried about food or drink, never gone hungry, and never had to struggle to make a living. That’s what I mean by not having experienced hardship.”

“But what about the dangers you’ve faced, the injuries you’ve sustained, the hardship you endured during training? Those should count!”

“I received compensation for those. My benefits, rank, position, medals – I earned them all. Do you remember the military camp we passed? Those soldiers truly lived a hard life. Just to give one example, they lacked water and could only bathe once a month. The training was grueling, the living conditions harsh, and when their service was up, they were discharged.”

“We’re talking about different things. It’s not the same situation,” Xia Xiaoyu gazed into the distance.

“So, who’s right?” Qiu Tian raised her right hand, extending it as if to pinch Xia Xiaoyu.

“You’re right, wife! Everything you say is right, but please don’t pinch me, it hurts!”

Qiu Tian had a week of leave, plus the two weekends before and after, giving them a total of nine days. Xia Xiaoyu also requested leave from the international student office, and the two of them went on vacation to Ningxia. The day before their return journey, they decided to go hiking, seeking to escape the noise of the city and the bustle of crowds, and experience the rugged beauty of the Loess Plateau’s barren mountains – hoping for a landscape different from the summit of Jizhou in Beidu.

Deep autumn in the north meant the sun set early, and the wind turned increasingly cold. They hadn’t even managed to watch the sunset before they began their descent, planning to rest early that evening as they had a long drive back to Beidu the next day.

Xia Xiaoyu drove their aging Jeep – a body of 80-year-old with the heart of a 20-year-old – down the winding dirt road. They hadn’t gone far when two military Jeeps came speeding towards them, blocking their path.

After confirming their identities, a sergeant handed a military satellite phone to Qiu Tian.

Director Hao informed Qiu Tian over the phone that she and Xia Xiaoyu were to follow the soldiers back to the 83992 Unit’s base. There, a transport helicopter would take them and their Jeep to Wuzhong, from where they would catch a military transport plane back to Beijing.

“I’m sorry, it feels like every time I take leave, it gets interrupted. It’s as if it’s my fate,” Qiu Tian said.

“Don’t worry about it, and honestly, the timing of this recall couldn’t be better!” Xia Xiaoyu’s face lit up with pleasure.

“What’s good about it? Did the sun fry your brain? Come on, let me take a look.” Qiu Tian reached out to touch Xia Xiaoyu’s forehead.

“Look, we were planning on driving back early tomorrow morning anyway – over a thousand kilometers. Now we don’t have to drive ourselves. I just hope you don’t get assigned to a dangerous mission.”

“It probably isn’t that. I suspect something urgent has come up, that’s why they’re rushing to bring me back.” Qiu Tian said this, but she wasn’t entirely convinced. Nothing short of an extremely special situation would have prompted Director Hao to send people to the mountains to find her.

The “All-Army Informationization Commission” had just undergone restructuring. While the name – “All-Army Informationization Commission of the Central Military Commission” – remained the same, the Chairman of the Central Military Commission no longer held the position of Director. Deputy Director Hao had been promoted to Director, with a planned Executive Deputy Director to assist him. However, this effectively vice-ministerial position was currently vacant, its responsibilities divided amongst several Deputy Directors.

Recently, Deputy Director Hao had been preoccupied with the Commission’s restructuring, spending most of his time at the Commission or in Xishan District attending meetings, with little time to focus on specific operations. Qiu Tian guessed that a major and urgent situation must have arisen, otherwise, Director Hao wouldn’t have been so eager to send people into the remote mountains to summon her to his office.

Qiu Tian and Director Hao entered the vehicle, and under the cover of night, Director Hao’s car sped towards the Xishan Hotel, escorted by security vehicles.

The entrance to the Xishan Hotel had been reinforced with two additional guards. Chairman Ding’s motorcade was parked in front of the main building, and the parking lot was filled with numerous vehicles and plainclothes personnel. The outwardly relaxed but inwardly tense arrangement and atmosphere created a sense of impending crisis.

Director Hao and Qiu Tian saluted Chairman Ding, then exchanged greetings with the assembled group: the Commander of the Central Guard Regiment, the Minister of the Ministry of State Security, the Minister of Public Security who also served as Director of the Public Security Special Operations Bureau, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

On the drive to the Xishan Hotel, Qiu Tian had already learned from Director Hao that Luo Wenbing, the only son of the former Chairman of the National People’s Congress, had been kidnapped along with four other members of his delegation while negotiating a cooperation project abroad.

Luo Jiangtai, Luo Wenbing’s father, was a senior member of the “second generation” – those whose parents were high-ranking officials – and had recently retired from his position as Chairman of the National People’s Congress. He still wielded considerable influence and connections. Some referred to him as Chairman Luo, while others affectionately called him Luo Lao [Translator Note: Addressing Luo Jiangtai as “Luo Lao” demonstrates a deep respect while maintaining a sense of familiarity]. Luo Wenbing was born when his father’s third wife was only 37, but Luo Jiangtai was considered to have fathered a child late in life. The couple doted on Luo Wenbing, but nonetheless maintained the Luo family’s strict disciplinary approach to raising their son.

After graduating from university, Luo Wenbing passed the civil service exam and joined the Ministry of Commerce. He subsequently held positions in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Agriculture, before leaving Beijing to gain experience at the local level. At 32, he became a Deputy County Governor in Gansu Province; two years later, he served as County Governor and Party Secretary of a county in Qinghai. At 37, he was appointed Party Secretary and Mayor of a prefecture-level city in Guizhou, and three years after that, he was promoted to Deputy Secretary of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee and Secretary of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection. Throughout this period, he worked primarily in underdeveloped regions. This year, at the age of 43, Luo Wenbing was transferred to Shandong Province as Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Committee and Vice Governor, overseeing economic affairs – his first return to the eastern coastal region since leaving Beijing at the age of 28.

Luo Wenbing was known for his integrity, diligence, and pragmatism. He enjoyed a good reputation for his interactions with people, and could be described as a “diamond bachelor” – a wealthy and eligible man. His father’s position spoke for itself, and he himself was a promising provincial and ministerial-level cadre. Whether it was due to being too busy with work, not having met the right person, or the influence of his father’s three marriages, Luo Wenbing not only lacked a girlfriend but hadn’t even been the subject of a rumor.

A key project Luo Wenbing was overseeing this year was mining cooperation between Shandong Province and the Cayabamba Province in Peru.

Cayabamba Province had recently discovered a large deposit of high-quality copper and molybdenum ore, attracting numerous international buyers. Shandong Metallurgical Group was also involved in the negotiations. After several rounds of talks, Shandong Metallurgical was on the verge of success, reaching a preliminary agreement with Peru to acquire 95.1% of the shares in the mine. Luo Wenbing’s trip to Peru was intended to represent the Shandong Provincial Government, inspect the copper mine firsthand, and negotiate with officials from Cayabamba Province, ultimately signing the cooperation agreement.

The copper mine was only 127 kilometers from the provincial capital, Cayabamba City, but the single-direction drive took over three hours. The on-site inspection of the mine went smoothly. The local Gueredo Mining Group and Shandong Metallurgical had already done extensive preliminary work. The officials from both provinces were essentially going through the motions to publicize and promote the cooperation, with the focus being on the final talks back in the provincial capital, where the agreement would be finalized. Luo Wenbing had even started planning to accept the Peruvian side’s last-minute request for China to provide a loan to build a road.

But fortune is fickle. On the way back to Cayabamba from the mine, the vehicle carrying Luo Wenbing broke down. The driver immediately attempted repairs. Luo Wenbing, known for his affability and lack of pretense, insisted that the other vehicles in the convoy proceed, while he waited for his car to be fixed. The chairman of Shandong Metallurgical Group proactively offered to stay with the leader. Luo Wenbing’s secretary and two personnel from the Shandong Provincial State Security Department’s Foreign Security Bureau, who were traveling in another vehicle, also remained with him. For security reasons, the Peruvian side left a police car and two officers to provide an escort. As soon as the car was repaired, the three vehicles and their occupants were kidnapped by a group of armed men. The two police officers and the local driver were released to report the incident, while the five Chinese personnel, including Luo Wenbing, were abducted, their lives and whereabouts unknown.

The kidnappers quickly issued a ransom demand of $1 million per hostage, totaling $5 million for the release of the captives. The Chinese Embassy in Peru dispatched personnel to negotiate with the kidnappers and stall for time, while simultaneously urging the Peruvian government to investigate the case swiftly and secretly. The situation was immediately reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which considered it a matter of great importance. The Ministry swiftly informed the Ministry of State Security and the Ministry of Public Security. After learning of the incident, Chairman Ding instantly convened an emergency meeting with relative departments to discuss possible solutions. For security reasons, the meeting was held in a small conference room at the Xishan Hotel.

After Minister of Public Security and Director of the Special Operations Bureau Bai Baoshan detailed the currently known information, Chairman Ding asked, “Minister Baoshan, what are the Ministry of Public Security and the Special Operations Bureau’s considerations regarding the current situation and potential solutions?”

A polite but serious smile stretched across Bai Baoshan’s face, but he didn’t answer immediately.

“The nature of this kidnapping is extremely serious and has a negative impact. It not only harms the development of Chinese enterprises abroad but also threatens the personal safety of Chinese citizens. In any case, ensuring the safety of the hostages and successfully rescuing them is the top priority, and something we absolutely must achieve.”

Hearing Chairman Ding say this, Bai Baoshan cleared his throat and said, “Special Operations Bureau takes full responsibility for this situation. I offer my apologies first.”

“Director Baoshan, no need for apologies. First, focus on solving the problem.”

“Yes, Chairman.” Bai Baoshan settled more comfortably into his chair and continued, “Based on the current situation, the local Peruvian police lack the capability to solve this case, and the Ministry of Public Security has no law enforcement authority on foreign soil. Even if we tried to coordinate with the local police and intervene in their investigation, we wouldn’t be able to fully utilize our resources. Ultimately, we would still have to rely on the local police, which puts us in a vicious cycle.”

“The kidnappers are making demands, aren’t they?” asked Chi Qiuran, Minister of the Ministry of State Security.

“Yes, but their demands are constantly changing. They’re currently asking for $8 million. I personally recommend meeting their demands to ensure the safety of our personnel. Of course, the embassy can’t be involved – we need to negotiate with them as private individuals and then pay the ransom in exchange for the hostages,” proposed Tang Sheng, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“That’s probably the best solution at the moment, but I have a question – or rather, a concern. If we pay the money, can we guarantee the safety of our people? Will the kidnappers keep their word? And if they don’t, what do we do? Do we have any follow-up measures?” Bai Baoshan asked.

“We certainly can’t rely on the kidnappers to be trustworthy,” Chi Qiuran commented with a wry smile.

“Of course, I know that. That’s why I’m voicing my concerns. We can’t locate the kidnappers, so a rescue operation is out of the question. Paying the ransom is simply a gamble, and we have no control over the process or the outcome,” Bai Baoshan said, shaking his head.

A silence fell over the conference room, as if everyone was lost in thought, yet no one could immediately propose a solution.

Finally, it was Minister Tang Sheng who broke the silence. “My thoughts may be limited, but I believe the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Public Security, and State Security aren’t the most suitable departments to quickly, safely, and effectively resolve this issue. Director Hao, does the All-Army Informationization Commission have any considerations or suggestions? It would be good for us all to hear them.”

Director Hao put down his pen and scanned the attendees. “I believe we must establish direct contact with the kidnappers to shift from a passive to an active position. We need to completely control the situation if we hope to rescue the hostages safely. Of course, we will work towards that goal, but I don’t think anyone can guarantee success.”

“Director Hao, that’s also what the Ministry of Public Security has been advocating, but it’s not feasible under the current conditions. Both the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of State Security have considered sending personnel to Peru to rescue the hostages, and we’ve discussed several plans. However, with our limited resources, we’re afraid we won’t achieve our objective, and may even increase the risk to the hostages. Is that right, Minister Chi?”

“That’s exactly the situation and dilemma that Minister Bai described,” Chi Qiuran frowned, her face a mask of seriousness and helplessness.

“Since we’re all on the same page, that leaves us with the execution plan.” Chairman Ding looked at Director Hao. “Director Hao, regarding execution, do you have any relatively mature considerations?”

“Chairman, I recommend assigning the rescue mission to Bureau Two of the General Staff.”

“Director Qiu, what do you think?” Chairman Ding turned to Qiu Tian, his gaze seemingly filled with all his hopes.

“Yes, Chairman! I guarantee completion of the mission!” Qiu Tian rose and saluted.

Chairman Ding gestured for Qiu Tian to sit down. Minister Bai Baoshan asked, “Director Qiu, can you share some of the specific arrangements, even just a preliminary idea? If there’s anything needed, the Ministry of Public Security and the Special Operations Bureau will fully assist Bureau Two of the General Staff. I believe the leaders of all the ministries and bureaus present will also render full support for Bureau Two’s work.”

“Minister Bai, Bureau Two of the General Staff will go all out to rescue the kidnapped Chinese citizens and guarantee completion of the mission,” Qiu Tian replied.

Hearing Qiu Tian say this, Chi Qiuran chuckled, not bothering to conceal his skepticism behind a dry smile. “Heh heh, so confident? As expected of a military intelligence agency, far more meticulous than the Ministry of State Security. Secrecy must begin immediately, hmm? Ha ha.”

Minister Tang Sheng quickly interjected to diffuse the tension. “As far as I know, Director Qiu rushed back from out of town urgently. I imagine she’s only just become aware of the situation, and the plan may not have been fully fleshed out yet. If further discussion is needed, we can organize another meeting with relevant departments. With the firm leadership of the Central Military Commission and the steadfast support of the All-Army Informationization Commission, as well as the full assistance of various ministries and, I believe Bureau Two of the General Staff will successfully rescue the kidnapped Chinese citizens and safely escort them all back home.”

“Good. Then it’s decided,” Chairman Ding made the final decision.

Although Chairman Ding had made a decision, Director Hao could still detect the underlying apprehension in his mind.

Chairman Ding had indeed been wanting to replace Qiu Tian for some time and had tacitly allowed Wu Degao and others to engage in their reckless schemes. However, when Wu Degao and Tian Jichang attempted to corner him, it was Qiu Tian who stepped forward at a critical moment and decisively regained control of the situation. Afterwards, Chairman Ding and Director Hao had a lengthy discussion about it, but neither of them mentioned those past events again. Chairman Ding wasn’t certain if Qiu Tian harbored any resentment towards him or if she would wholeheartedly devote herself to resolving the hostage situation. After all, everyone knew that Luo Jiangtai was a staunch supporter of Chairman Ding, and had proactively relinquished his position to create a vacancy after Chairman Ding took office. Chairman Ding had also been intentionally creating more opportunities for Luo Wenbing, and rumors circulated that Chairman Ding was grooming Luo Wenbing as his future successor.

“Chairman, if the meeting concludes, I’d like to share something as a private talk, if that’s alright?” Director Hao initiated.

“Of course, of course.”

“Chairman, let’s set aside work and speak purely from a personal perspective. I’m at that age where I can deeply understand the feelings of the hostages’ families – a parent’s love for their child is universal. I saw Chairman Luo in the hallway when I arrived, likely waiting for news. I urge you to advise him not to be anxious at this time. Let’s all work together to find a solution. The problem will be resolved, and Luo Wenbing and the others will return safely. With Bureau Two on the case, no parent should be disappointed, and none will be.”

“Director Hao, you’re right!” Chairman Ding turned to Qiu Tian. “Qiu Tian, here, in my personal capacity, as a father, I entrust you and Bureau Two to bring them all back safely!”

“Chairman, Director, please rest assured. Protecting every Chinese citizen is the responsibility of a soldier. I, on behalf of Bureau Two, guarantee the completion of the mission.”

“Director Qiu, I have one request: in short – ‘act pragmatically, make on-site decisions.’” Director Hao turned to Chairman Ding. “Chairman, do you think that’s appropriate?”

“Appropriate, I completely agree.” Chairman Ding immediately nodded. He glanced around at those present, and no one voiced any objections.

Director Hao had already discussed with Qiu Tian on the way to the meeting that Bureau Two would be responsible for the hostage rescue mission. Now, Director Hao wanted to add another layer of protection for Qiu Tian. If the mission failed, the repercussions would be self-evident. Even if it succeeded, there would inevitably be someone picking at nits later on, and who knew what trouble that would cause. Now that Chairman Ding had approved Bureau Two’s ability to act pragmatically and make on-site decisions, and no one had voiced any objections, it would be difficult for anyone to later find a pretext to criticize the operation.

After the meeting, Chairman Ding asked Director Hao to stay behind, and they personally comforted Luo Jiangtai, who had been suffering from tension and anxiety. Minister Tang Sheng hurried out of the Xishan Hotel and got into his car. At the entrance of the hotel, Bai Baoshan stopped Chi Qiuran. “Lao Chi, I know you don’t approve of Qiu Tian, and neither do I. But let’s keep that between us. It’s best not to be too obvious, let’s keep it unspoken. It’s easy to give people ammunition.”

“Look, Baoshan, now that I’ve said it, I realize it too. I just can’t stand her attitude – arrogant, dismissive, what’s she like? She’s so young and doesn’t know how to conduct herself. Is there anyone like that? I’m just feeling sorry for you! Putting the Ministry of Public Security and the Special Operations Bureau in such a position? We’re at least a ‘Ministry,’ while Bureau Two of the General Staff is just a ‘Bureau.’ Don’t you think?” Seeing that no one was around, Chi Qiuran finally let out his pent-up resentment.

“Lao Chi, I have to advise you again. We barely see her once a year. She’s in the military, and we’re in the local system. The military and the local authorities are two separate systems. Let it go. And she might just continue to be lucky, soaring through the ranks, who knows. I said it earlier, I also disapprove of her, but we still have to tolerate it.”

“Baoshan, you’re right. If she can really bring Luo Wenbing back safely from abroad, Chairman Ding will at least give her special consideration, if not outright favor her. I’ll listen to you, old brother, I’ll tolerate it, and accept it.”

“That’s right, we won’t stoop to her level. This Qiu Tian is always so energetic, not to mention affected. She loves to show off and is so fake, just like her face. A clear case of plastic surgery, she definitely had a breast augmentation too, and her priorities aren’t right. I think her character is highly questionable, and her style is likely problematic as well.” The Special Operations Bureau had failed to protect Luo Wenbing, and Bureau Two had come in to clean up the mess. Bai Baoshan felt resentful and continued to vent his frustrations.

“Goodbye, Minister Bai, Minister Chi.” Qiu Tian said, smiling as she glided past the two men.

“Scared me half to death! Is that a person or a ghost? Where did she come from?” Bai Baoshan murmured to Chi Qiuran, staring at Qiu Tian’s back.

Neither Bai Baoshan nor Chi Qiuran had heard her footsteps, hadn’t felt anyone approach, and didn’t know how much Qiu Tian had overheard. They could only stare after her retreating figure, exchanging embarrassed glances before getting into their cars and leaving the Xishan Hotel.

When Qiu Tian and Lucas Fernández entered, Roberto Fernández was playing indoor golf.

“Roberto, you still look so young, and in good shape!”

Roberto was delighted to see Qiu Tian. He put down his club and rushed forward, spreading his arms wide. “Oh, Tian, how terrible! Since when did you start telling lies?”

“If you can remember my lies, that will keep you young, won’t it?”

“Certainly. You can see, my body is indeed in excellent condition. As for my age, that’s not for me to say. Just like the Fernández family business now, I can’t decide that either. Lucas has been handling it very well; he’s my pride, and the family’s pride.”

“I do need Lucas’s help, and I also wanted to take this opportunity to see you. I was worried that you might have forgotten me with age, but it seems I was wrong, you still remember me.”

“Tian, you just said I was young, so how could I be old? I intend to live to 101. Let me tell you, I haven’t forgotten you, and I haven’t forgotten our agreement – to be friends in hell.”

“Roberto, I didn’t agree to that then, but I can agree to it now.”

“Wonderful, Tian. In fact, I’ve always had a wish—that you and Lucas could also reach an agreement.”

“What is it?”

“Lucas and you are not the same type of person. In this world, you may never be friends, but you will never betray each other.”

“I accept your proposal, Roberto, and Lucas.”

“I do as well. I agree, and I’m honored!” Lucas extended his hand.

Lucas and Qiu Tian shook hands firmly, then embraced warmly.

Qiu Tian didn’t depart for Colombia until she had spoken with both Roberto and Lucas on separate phone calls, and they had both agreed to help.

Lucas quickly located the kidnappers through his own channels. The leader was a Peruvian named Sebastián Gonzalo, who operated drug and entertainment venues. Ironically, Lucas had met Gonzalo once before, but had never heard of him being involved in kidnapping for ransom. Clearly, Gonzalo was now stepping into a new field, and his first venture was a significant one.

Gonzalo hadn’t anticipated Lucas’s personal involvement in the ransom negotiation. Business was business, and it was safer to deal with acquaintances.

After confirming the hostages’ safety, Lucas negotiated terms with Gonzalo on behalf of Qiu Tian. The total ransom for the five hostages was $10 million. The two sides agreed to meet in the Ecuadorian town of San Lorenzo, on the Ecuadorian side of the border with Colombia, with Gonzalo specifying the exact location. At the meeting, they would confirm the hostages’ safety again, and Lucas would pay half the ransom on the spot before Gonzalo released them. Once the hostages were confirmed safe, Lucas would pay the remaining half, with all the money transferred to an account designated by Gonzalo.

Just as Lucas and Qiu Tian were nearing San Lorenzo, Gonzalo suddenly requested a change of meeting location to Quito. The distance between San Lorenzo and Quito was approximately 300 kilometers, but the drive would take almost six hours. Gonzalo was considerate enough to also push the meeting back to the following day. Cornered, Lucas had no choice but to agree. He arranged for a private plane, planning to fly directly back to Medellín from Quito afterward. After everything was arranged, he and Qiu Tian drove towards Quito.

The Bolívar Stadium in Quito was already beginning to fill with spectators. Tonight’s Ecuador versus Paraguay soccer match had drawn a large crowd, with many fans traveling from out of town to attend, much to the delight of the scalpers.

Among the arriving fans was Sebastián Gonzalo. The early bird catches the worm, and he was already waiting in a VIP box with his bodyguards.

“Autumn waters reflect the wild geese in flight, I share a flask with my guest as we ascend the emerald hills.” [Translator Note: Poem by Chinese Poet Du Mu, Tang Dynasty.] Qiu Tian and Lucas, accompanied by two bodyguards, arrived as arranged.

“Sebastián, it’s good to see you again. Allow me to introduce you.” Lucas shook Gonzalo’s hand, and the two men bumped shoulders. “This is Miss Qiu, and this is Sebastián.”

Qiu Tian didn’t shake Gonzalo’s hand, merely nodding her head in greeting. Gonzalo didn’t seem to mind, waving his hand to gesture them to sit down, but his eyes remained fixed on Qiu Tian.

“Lucas, I didn’t expect you to come personally. This is a small matter, your assistant could have handled it.” Gonzalo said, handing both Lucas and Qiu Tian a glass of strong liquor.

“Miss Qiu is a friend of my father, and a friend of mine. I naturally had to come for a friend’s matter.” Lucas put down his glass, not drinking. “Sebastián, first I want to thank you. Everything has gone smoothly, at least so far. This will save a lot of time.”

“Of course, it’s been a pleasure working with you, Lucas. I think we can let your people and mine confirm via video that they’re still alive, and then we can begin.”

One of Lucas’s bodyguards followed Gonzalo’s men out, returning to the VIP box shortly and whispering something in Lucas’s ear.

“Sebastián, let me give you the money, $5 million first, as we agreed.”

“My dear Lucas, $10 million.” Sebastián extended a single finger.

“$5 million first, and when my people receive the five hostages, I’ll pay another $5 million. That’s what we agreed, Sebastián. And I’ll stay here until our transaction is complete.”

“Lucas, it’s now $10 million plus $10 million, in US dollars. If I were you, I’d agree for the sake of such a beautiful lady.”

Lucas hesitated for a moment, glancing at Qiu Tian, who showed no reaction. He said to Gonzalo, “Sebastián, you know I don’t like agreements being changed on a whim. It makes me uncomfortable. However, I can agree to a total of $20 million, $10 million now, and another $10 million when the hostages are safe. If we’re in agreement, please don’t change the terms again. Deal?”

Gonzalo raised his glass, attempting to clink it with Lucas’s and Qiu Tian’s. Seeing no response, he continued to grin. “Lucas, I promise you, I am a man of my word. You know, I always have been.”

Lucas paid the $10 million, and couldn’t help but smile when Gonzalo handed him an address. He casually passed the address to one of his bodyguards.

“Sebastián, you’re quite creative, to hide the hostages in a hospital morgue.”

“Of course, and my service is excellent. I’ve already had the people delivered to Medellín, right to your doorstep.” Gonzalo looked pleased with himself.

Once everything was confirmed, Lucas paid the remaining $10 million. He stood up, adjusting his suit jacket, and extended his hand to Gonzalo. “Sebastián, it was a pleasure meeting you. I hope you enjoy the soccer match.”

On the way to the airport, Lucas stared silently out the window.

“Lucas, you’re not in a good mood.”

“Yes, I’m angry.” Lucas didn’t look at Qiu Tian. “No one dares to tear up an agreement they’ve made with me, no one dares to break a promise they’ve made to me. Gonzalo’s actions will make my family look bad, and will make me look bad. I can’t let this go.”

“For me, no one can just kidnap Chinese citizens, and I won’t let this go either.”

“These Chinese citizens are special. You paid a high price, an unusually high price, and without hesitation.” Lucas finally turned to look at Qiu Tian.

“Every Chinese citizen is equally special. I must guarantee their safety. But someone must pay a price for kidnapping Chinese citizens.”

“Alright, Tian, what are your plans? Perhaps I can help you.”

“I just need to know where I can find Gonzalo. You only need to give me an address, and I’ll handle the rest.”

“I know where to find him, but my people will need to come along. I can’t let this go. I need to show everyone that no one can deceive the Fernández family.”

“Let me handle this. I need to talk to Gonzalo anyway. You need to step back from your anger immediately.” Qiu Tian looked at Lucas. “Lucas, I’m getting out here. I suggest you don’t take this plane either. Why would Gonzalo dare to tear up his agreement with you? Someone is backing him, someone has given him the confidence to cross you, without fear of consequence. You’re in a dangerous situation. Don’t be angry, Lucas.”

Sebastián Gonzalo’s businesses were concentrated in northern Peru, but he lived in the coastal city of Trujillo. For security, he had converted the ground floor of his three-story house into a restaurant. Not only did the constant flow of customers avoid raising suspicion, but his bodyguards could blend in with the staff. A staircase in the backyard led to his living quarters on the second and third floors, and two bodyguards guarded the yard around the clock. Gonzalo always entered and exited through the backyard.

The restaurant stayed open until after 1 a.m. tonight, and finally fell silent. Apart from the starlight, there was almost no light in the area.

Qiu Tian swiftly and silently killed seven of Gonzalo’s bodyguards. After binding the stunned Gonzalo and wrapping him in a blanket, she stuffed him into the trunk of his car and drove out of the city.

Qiu Tian parked Gonzalo’s car beside a dilapidated building on the outskirts of town. She lifted the bundle containing Gonzalo onto a pre-positioned motorized tricycle – a type of farm vehicle – and after a circuitous route, finally headed towards the coast. This area no longer belonged to Trujillo, but bordered the city, a slum district.

This slum, called Buenos Aires, had formed naturally along the coastline. It shared a name with the capital of Argentina, but the circumstances were worlds apart. The motorized tricycle was the most luxurious mode of transportation here. It was so poor that even stray dogs wouldn’t bother scavenging for food. Many residents, unable to make a living, had already left, leaving behind numerous battered houses and courtyards. For the remaining scattered inhabitants, simply having a full meal a few times a week was the biggest challenge of the week.

Gonzalo had already woken up from the bumpy ride, but he couldn’t see, move, or make a sound. He knew something was wrong, but he didn’t know what, and could only silently pray and contemplate various possibilities, planning potential solutions.

“Is that you? Where is Lucas? Have him speak to me. Where has Lucas hidden himself? He’s sending a woman to face me!” After all, they had met just four days ago. That aura, that face, and that figure – unforgettable. The methodology was equally unbelievable and unforgettable. Even in the dim light of the shabby room, Gonzalo immediately recognized Qiu Tian, but at that moment, he would rather be speaking with Lucas.

“You and Lucas had your discussion in Quito. Now it’s time for our conversation.”

“But we’ve already completed the transaction. You paid the money, I released the hostages. I didn’t harm them!”

“That was a deal between you and Lucas. I want to talk to you about something else. For example, who instructed you to kidnap the Chinese citizens?”

“You can’t do this. You can’t come after me after I released the hostages. You’re breaking the rules, you don’t understand the rules at all. Besides, no one instructed me. Do I need to be instructed? Don’t you know who I am? Don’t you know what I’m capable of? If I wanted to, I could kill all the hostages, I could kill you too, even your whole family!”

“Saying that will frighten me, and it will also bring you misfortune.” Qiu Tian spoke as she grabbed a long nail and a hammer from an old toolbox, seemingly talking to herself. “I gave you all the money. Now I have no money left. The money on me is only enough to buy these simple things. Let’s try it out, perhaps the effect won’t be bad.”

Using the nails as acupuncture needles, Qiu Tian began patiently introducing Gonzalo to the human pressure points, fully demonstrating her acupuncture skills. Although the needles were crude, the effect was immediate. Before the treatment session was finished, Gonzalo had already revealed the truth.

Sebastián Gonzalo was a relatively intelligent man. He always carefully analyzed suggestions before making the most reasonable choices. The Americans had suggested he earn a large sum of money by kidnapping Luo Wenbing, an idea he embraced. The planning and execution were meticulous – from the driver to the vehicle malfunction, the kidnapping, and the ransom demand, everything went according to plan. Later, the Americans told Gonzalo that Luo Wenbing was a very important political figure in China, and they could use the opportunity to demand more money, knowing that the Chinese would absolutely not dare to bargain. Gonzalo thought this was a reasonable suggestion and recklessly increased the ransom, even doubling the $10 million in front of Lucas. He was confident that the Chinese would absolutely not haggle over the price for the hostages’ safety. Of course, he also knew when to stop, settling on $20 million. The Americans even urged Gonzalo to eliminate the hostages after receiving the money, but this time Gonzalo didn’t listen. On this matter, he was able to think clearly and didn’t want to push things too far, inviting retaliation.

The Americans had assured Gonzalo after learning that Lucas would personally deliver the ransom that they would find a way to eliminate Lucas, and Gonzalo wouldn’t have to worry about him ever again.

Gonzalo later received confirmation from the Americans that Lucas’s private plane had malfunctioned and crashed en route from Quito to Colombia. He thought everything regarding Lucas was over, and the Chinese wouldn’t be coming back. He never imagined that, on the fourth night after receiving the ransom, he would be kidnapped by this Miss Qiu, and that after receiving acupuncture treatment, he would reveal everything.

Qiu Tian immediately called Lucas. He sounded in good spirits. “Tian, I’m fine, and I have to thank you!”

“Lucas, you don’t need to thank me. That money was originally yours, I just borrowed it to turn it over. And I should also pay you interest, you’re a businessman after all. It’s just that there was only this much money in Gonzalo’s account. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Tian, I’m not thanking you for the $8 million in interest. Do you know, I listened to your advice and didn’t take that plane. And sure enough, it crashed in flight. Mechanical failure. Can you imagine?”

“Sebastián Gonzalo just told me about the Americans’ careful arrangements. That’s why I called you immediately. I’m glad to hear your voice again, instead of someone else answering the phone.”

“So I have to thank you, Tian!”

“You don’t need to thank me for anything, Lucas. We aren’t friends.”

“Of course. But I think that’s perfect, don’t you, Tian?”

Lucas and Roberto had discussed their relationship with Qiu Tian. They agreed that as an active-duty military officer, Qiu Tian could not get too close to them, nor could they become friends. And as businessmen, they couldn’t have a relationship that was too intimate with her, lest they be accused of having ties to a foreign military power. Complete trust between them was impossible, but as long as they could avoid betraying each other, that would be the best outcome and the optimal way to interact.

The next morning, Sebastián Gonzalo’s body was discovered on a street in Trujillo. Local police believed it was a gang-related shooting and quickly closed the case without further investigation.

The bewildered Luo Wenbing and the other four hostages, after being held captive and then rescued, were dropped off at the gates of the Chinese Embassy in Bogotá.

Luo Wenbing approached his work with relentless energy. Insisting on continuing, and with the embassy’s urgent mediation and coordination, Luo Wenbing and the General Manager of Shandong Metallurgical Group returned to the provincial capital of Cayabamba, Peru. There, together with the provincial governor, they finally presided over the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Gueredo Mining Group and Shandong Metallurgical Group.

After experiencing immense setbacks and facing a threat to their lives, Luo Wenbing’s project had finally achieved success. He returned to Shandong with his delegation, where the provincial party committee and government held a brief welcome and celebration ceremony at the airport, also dispelling the online rumors about the kidnapping of Chinese officials and businessmen in Peru. Upon her return to China, Qiu Tian requested that Bureau Two’s Intelligence Division locate the American intelligence personnel who had instructed Sebastián Gonzalo, specifically the whereabouts of López Ribeiro, from the Commercial Section of the US Embassy in Peru.

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Truth drips slowly in the places light cannot reach.

§ The Alphabet Series §

§ Miss Qiu Series §

§ Stand Alone §