I explained the matters of the Southern and Northern Factions. Wang Ren was speechless, "The Schemer is just a title. Those trainees of Old Jiu have made it sound like a martial arts world, with Southern and Northern Factions."
"Isn't that what they said?"
"'Chinese Style' does have an old lady. After the founding of the People's Republic, she used fortune-telling and divination to hide her identity."
"Hide what identity?"
"The old lady is Japanese!"
"Ah~"
These events were completely beyond my expectations; it wasn't what I had imagined at all. Come to think of it, an old woman who told fortunes and divined fates, who would have thought she was actually Japanese?
"What on earth is going on?"
"It's all about the entanglements of the previous generation. The old lady was a kind girl whom Teacher Wende met in Japan during his spy operations. They were lovers. Later, due to national issues, they couldn't be together. However, the old lady did not return to her country. Instead, she lived in Yunnan under a Chinese identity. Her fortune-telling and divination skills were also taught to her by my master."
"This child~"
After chatting for a while, he invited me to stay for dinner, but I declined, having a prior engagement.
In the evening, I was meeting my sister Yu Xiaoluo...
When I saw Yu Xiaoluo, I quickly went to support her. Her pregnancy belly was very prominent, and she had gained a lot of weight, her face a bit swollen.
"Sister, seeing you, it feels like you're about to give birth?"
"Don't talk nonsense. The due date is still over a month away. I heard you stayed in Hong Kong for a while. How was it? Have you adjusted your mood?"
So, Yu Xiaoluo wasn't aware of the recent events in my life. Logically, Luo Bo should know what's been happening with me, especially since I had sought assistance from the Criminal Investigation Bureau in Beijing and Guangzhou upon my return.
It's okay if she doesn't know. It's better this way. Yu Xiaoluo is an impatient person, and we've been through life-and-death situations together. If she knew I had been on the brink of death during this time, the child in her womb wouldn't be calm either.
"It's been great. Look at me, full of energy."
Yu Xiaoluo wasn't the type to read people's expressions. She smiled faintly and sat down with some difficulty. "This restaurant has nice decor, and it's an old establishment. No strange smells? The aroma of food inside is making me hungry. I want to eat something delicious. Hurry and order."
"Don't you still throw up after eating?"
"That phase is long gone. You really have no experience. That guy Luo Bo starves me every day. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
I was just wondering, Luo Bo dares to mistreat you? He wouldn't have the guts, nor the ability! Just then, Luo Bo's call came through.
"Your sister is at the restaurant?"
"She is!"
"Tell her to eat less?"
"Why? She doesn't look well."
"She has high blood sugar, and the baby is already quite large. If she eats more, she won't be able to have a natural birth."
These things were completely outside my experience. I could only agree, "Okay, I understand."
"After dinner, come to the Criminal Investigation Bureau. I have something to tell you."
"Why don't we eat together at the restaurant?"
"Too busy. I'll hang up now. Take care of your sister, and don't tell her about your matters; she'll worry."
"I understand!"
...
After I hung up the phone, I saw Yu Xiaoluo looking troubled and quickly asked with a smile, "What's wrong, Sister?"
"Are you not letting me eat?"
"Yes, but it's with me now, and I have to listen to you, right? Today, we'll eat whatever you want."
I thought Yu Xiaoluo would be sensible, especially with the child involved. But this Beijing girl was still the same, not taking her health seriously at all. As soon as the waiter came over, she excitedly started ordering: "First, a sweet and sour fish!"
Hearing the dish name, my head buzzed. Sugar?
"Candied Yam!"
This one has sugar, no doubt!
"Candied..."
I interrupted Yu Xiaoluo: "Sister, let's order a vegetable. It's good for the baby."
Yu Xiaoluo gave me an unhappy look. "Forget the candied apple, let's have candied potato."
"Pot... potato? We still want candied apple, right?"
"Okay, fine!" Hearing that she could eat, Yu Xiaoluo's eyes lit up again. She picked up the menu. "Braised pork!"
The waiter spoke up: "Sir, Madam, our braised pork is on the sweeter side."
I seized the opportunity: "Then we won't have it. Meat shouldn't be sweet; it's all mushy!"
Yu Xiaoluo: "You don't understand, don't talk nonsense. Braised pork must be sweet."
I remained silent. Seeing Yu Xiaoluo still glancing at the sweet dishes, I quickly said, "How about we just have these? Four dishes are enough for the two of us."
"Are you short on money?"
"How could I be short on money!"
"Then I'll order four more. Even if we can't finish, it'll be nice to look at. Finally escaped Luo Bo's clutches, I can have freedom in my diet."
...
I deeply regretted it even now. Why did I invite Yu Xiaoluo to dinner? Actually, I didn't plan to contact Yu Xiaoluo. Yesterday, while drinking with my brothers, Yu Xiaoluo called and asked why I was in Beijing. I said I had just arrived. She cheerfully told me to treat her to dinner the next evening, and I agreed.
To be honest, even if Yu Xiaoluo had asked me for a favor, I wouldn't have refused.
But I never expected it to turn into this... I, the dignified leader of The Schemer, was being led around by the nose. I regretted it so much I could just die.
...
In the end, we ordered eight dishes, all sweet, which made my head spin.
This was also the first time I felt Yu Xiaoluo's smile was like that of a devil. Watching her devour the food, I quickly urged, "Sister, let's eat slowly. I'll settle scores with Luo Bo later. Is he not letting you eat?"
"Yes, you must talk to him. Every day, 'sugar high, sugar high, sugar high,' so what? As long as the baby is healthy, isn't that good?"
"Exactly, he doesn't understand anything!"
Yu Xiaoluo laughed heartily. She was quite happy, but truthfully, my heart was bleeding. How was I going to explain this to Luo Bo?
...
Yu Xiaoluo was very satisfied with this meal. I helped her walk out, and just then, a taxi arrived. I hailed it and helped Yu Xiaoluo into the car.
I glanced at the taxi driver. He was wearing a mask.
"Are you sick?" I asked the driver.
"Yeah, a cold!" The driver's voice was a bit hoarse, sounding like he had a cold.
I nodded and said to Yu Xiaoluo, "Sister, how about we switch to another one?"
"What's wrong?"
"There's something wrong with the taxis around here. I have a feeling someone is setting a trap."
"Where's your sister?"
"She just left in a taxi."