Siheyuan: I am a trader in both worlds!

"A whole day has passed, and there's still no news?"

In the heart of Beijing, at the guard battalion's garrison, after a long and anxious wait, there was still no news of Ximen Lang and Bai Ling.

With his hands behind his back, Lao Luo paced back and forth for a long time, repeatedly clenching and unclenching his fists. Finally, he couldn't help but ask Hao Pingchuan beside him once again.

"We haven't heard anything from here. What about Beijing? What about Tianjin? And Huludao and Dalian, places we've stayed in for a long time, building shipyards, railways, and highways? We haven't heard anything from there either."

I saw that Lao Luo had come again.

Although Hao Pingchuan was also very worried at this moment, the longer time passed, the more worried he became.

They were afraid that Bai Ling and Ximen Lang would really leave and never come back, just as everyone feared.

Even if you're worried or anxious, this isn't the way to be worried or anxious!
Goodness, he asked me eight hundred times in just a short while!

Everything has been explained clearly. The local authorities will definitely inform us as soon as there is any news. Asking about it here will only lead to endless questions.
"Boss, you're asking me? Who am I supposed to ask? Can't you have some self-control? Where's your self-control from when you were fighting? You need to straighten up! You can't even keep up with me, you can't even last a day, how can this be acceptable!"

Hao Pingchuan genuinely felt that what Lao Luo was doing was somewhat unnecessary.

"Of course, I know. You're under a lot of pressure right now, so much so that just thinking about it makes me feel dizzy and even suffocated. But no matter how much pressure you're under, you have to hold on!"

"You need to understand that you are our backbone. If even you, our backbone, start to lose your composure, have you thought about what the people below will think? How panicked will they be?"

Of course, Lao Luo knew that it was precisely at times like these that composure was most needed.

But that's easier said than done!
Just kidding, the hopes of two worlds are now resting on his shoulders!
Compared to him, even the young Grand Secretary, the weightlifting champion of the Ming Dynasty, has to take a backseat, or even be ranked below him!

The pressure was immense, like a tidal wave crashing down on him. It would be a miracle if he could remain calm under such circumstances!
But he also knew that now was not the time to lose his composure.

Anyone else might give up, but he's the only one who has to hold on.

So, after struggling with it, Lao Luo quickly adjusted.

At least on the surface, it has indeed been adjusted so that no one can see any flaws.

Then, he asked with a frown.

"How's things going with Gao Cheng? It's been a whole day; has he done anything unusual?"

"No, Gao Cheng behaved perfectly normally. He neither asked any questions nor said anything extra."

"That's good"

"But it was precisely because he acted so normally that I was even more certain that Gao Cheng had definitely noticed something."

Luo's expression froze for a moment after hearing this, and Hao Pingchuan said helplessly.

"Old Luo, none of us are stupid. Although we blocked the news immediately and prevented it from leaking out, they're not stupid either. And this is ostensibly to let our soldiers get to know the soldiers over there better and learn from their experience, but actually... well, it's not exactly a glorious thing."

"The reasons are indeed high-sounding, and no one can find fault with them. But when it comes to actually implementing them, that's not so good. The intention is too obvious; as long as he's not stupid, he'll definitely realize something."

"Didn't I tell you to keep telling them to be extra careful and not to let them see through our scheme and affect our relationship?"

Seeing that Lao Luo was questioning him directly, Hao Pingchuan said innocently.

“I gave instructions, and I’ve explained everything to the soldiers below! But Lao Luo, the men under our command are iron-blooded warriors who wield steel guns and fight on the battlefield. They are battlefield heroes who have crawled out of piles of corpses, not professional actors performing on a stage.”

"They weren't professionals to begin with, but after spending this time together, the two sides have developed a very deep bond. It's no exaggeration to say that if war were to break out again, our people would be willing to take bullets for them, and in return, they would treat us the same way!"

"This is the purest camaraderie that only exists between comrades who truly trust each other and can completely entrust their backs to one another. It's a bond forged through thick and thin! We're not professionals to begin with, and now we're making our soldiers do this kind of thing against their conscience!"

"His face would frequently show embarrassment, even shame, which I found unbearable to look at! If Gao Cheng still couldn't notice something was amiss! As for why he's managed to hold back until now without asking..."

"Firstly, he hasn't figured out what exactly happened or why we took this action. Secondly, they're probably waiting for further instructions from the other side."

"So, Lao Luo, although things seem calm and nothing's happening right now, just you wait and see. Higher-level inquiries are definitely being prepared in earnest. It probably won't be long."

As they were talking, Lao Luo's guard battalion jogged up to him, picked up the telegram, and reported the latest situation to him.

As for what exactly is the new situation?

What other new situation could it be?

Of course, this refers to the new situation where the Liaison Office in Beijing has formally issued an inquiry and made representations to the authorities in Beijing, urging both sides to exercise restraint as much as possible.

Luo Yonghao was already under immense pressure, and now this has happened.

The pressure was immense, and Lao Luo's brows immediately furrowed into a deep frown.

And to his surprise, his prediction was so accurate.

"See? What did I tell you? They've even formally proposed negotiations and called on both sides to exercise restraint. I reckon it won't be long before Gao Cheng, at their behest, questions you on their behalf."

"What do we do, Lao Luo? This is getting serious. Should we just tell them that Lang Ge and Bai Ling have both disappeared and we haven't heard from them yet? Or should we withstand the pressure from all sides and stall for time?"

This decision was absolutely an extremely difficult one for Luo Yonghao.

Whether they inform him directly or withstand pressure from all sides and delay further, either option is very likely to result in Luo Yonghao taking the blame.

Of course, Luo Yonghao isn't afraid to take the blame.

As long as we can get through this difficult time, Lao Luo is willing to take the blame no matter how big or many other problems we face.

The problem is that making a decision might lead to a series of unexpected chain reactions and potentially serious consequences, which is something Lao Luo definitely doesn't want to see.

Just as Lao Luo was feeling extremely tormented, repeatedly weighing the pros and cons in his mind and pondering what to do.

Just like that, a head suddenly appeared between Lao Luo and Hao Pingchuan.

Moreover, it's suspended in mid-air.

The sudden scene startled Hao Pingchuan, who immediately got into character and placed his hand on his waist.

Seeing that Hao Pingchuan was about to pull out his gun and shoot her, Bai Ling immediately shouted angrily.

"Hao Pingchuan, what do you want to do?!"

"So that's how it is! So that's how it is! It really is! This, this, this..."

The city of Beijing, the location of the guard battalion.

Seeing that Lao Luo and Hao Pingchuan were like two flies buzzing around him, chattering on and on.

They kept repeating the same few sentences over and over again.

Bai Ling was speechless.

"Seriously, are you two crazy? Are you never going to stop? You're either circling around here or buzzing around like flies. I've already said I'm just getting used to my abilities and haven't mastered control yet. That's why I've only shown my head. I've repeated it so many times, and you're still looking at me like I'm a ghost. Are you never going to stop?"

The truth, of course, is not as Bai Ling described.

That scene just now, which was exactly like something out of a horror movie, wasn't something she lost control of at all. It was Bai Ling doing it on purpose, trying to scare Lao Luo and Hao Pingchuan.

After all, the ability had only just been acquired, and it was a supernatural ability that had never been heard of or seen before.

If we don't show off a bit, and make a good impression on Lao Luo, Hao Pingchuan and the others, how can we do justice to Bai Ling, who is only 20 years old and at the age where she gets hungry again at 12:30 after eating at 12:00?

As a result of this showing off, Lao Luo and Hao Pingchuan ended up showing off like this.

However, this was completely different from what Bai Ling had assumed—that they had been completely frightened by her sudden attack.

Although Bai Ling's cameo as a female ghost had a significant impact on Hao Pingchuan and Lao Luo, who had never encountered such events before.

But even if it's big, how big can it get?

Don't say there are no ghosts in the world; there are ghosts.
We still have to go around them!
Otherwise, we'll deal with them just the same way, no questions asked!
What truly shocked them was Bai Ling's recklessness. Despite Lao Luo's repeated warnings to be extremely careful and cautious, she still acted impulsively. And Ximen Lang's remarkable capacity for acceptance; with just a simple "You can always trust me," he completely believed Bai Ling.

Not only did he directly give Bai Ling a portion of that incredibly valuable "golden finger" ability, but he also entrusted her with the entire massive task of inter-realm trade.

Indeed, Bai Ling, or rather Ximen Lang, gave very compelling reasons.

Whether it's genuine trust in Bai Ling or simply a desire to avoid the hard work and become a hands-off manager, it's certainly very convincing.

"But it's going so smoothly, it's almost like my wishes have come true, is this really right?"

Although Lao Luo had indeed fantasized about this scenario and had always wanted to make it happen, even in the most ideal situation, it would have to be after Bai Ling and Ximen Lang got married.

Even what?
Only when the two actually have a child, and use their wife and child to completely bind Ximen Lang to the great ship of Beijing, can all of this truly be realized.

So smoothly, this
"And the most crucial point is, Bai Ling, I know you. You've never been a reckless person. Let's not talk about your previous recklessness. But after I reminded you, there's absolutely no way you would still be so reckless and greedy for credit! Yet things still turned out this way, and this can't be explained away with just a few words."

This is precisely the point that Bai Ling is most conflicted about.

And the more you think about it, the more conflicted you become.

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that he had been led into a trap by Ximen Lang step by step.

Of course, the result was good.

Whether it's the further development of their relationship, the stripped-down version of the cheat system she obtained from Ximen Lang, or the power to manage transactions between the two worlds, all of these can truly bring tremendous help to Bai Ling and the entire world of Beijing.

But the naive kid from before suddenly evolved into someone who could set traps for himself, a veteran who had been making a living from intelligence for so many years.

It wasn't until after the incident that I belatedly realized something was amiss.

This really surprised Bai Ling.
I wouldn't say I can't accept it at all, but I just don't feel right about it, and I feel awkward about everything.

However awkward it may be, this is definitely the result Bai Ling most wanted to see.

Especially after their relationship took another leap forward, they truly achieved the ability to share a bed in life and a grave in death, sharing life and death together.

She didn't want Ximen Lang to remain so naive, to be manipulated by the combined forces of two worlds.

Even if both worlds are wholeheartedly devoted to Ximen Lang, Bai Ling still cannot accept it!
So, after a brief period of hesitation, Bai Ling was genuinely happy and overjoyed.

Especially after seeing Lao Luo and Hao Pingchuan become suspicious of Ximen Lang's unusual behavior.

They even developed a desire to watch the spectacle.

Not only did they not want to answer their questions, they also added fuel to the fire.

That's right, Bai Ling stated her guesses clearly and directly.

This really surprised Lao Luo and Hao Pingchuan, who hadn't expected this situation at all.

Even Bai Ling only realized what was happening after she had been tricked.

In just a moment, Lao Luo immediately thought of many things.

After glancing subtly at the ever-present smile on Bai Ling's lips, Lao Luo immediately used the opportunity of reminding Hao Pingchuan to indirectly express his attitude.

"Pingchuan, you need to be careful from now on. It's fine to eat, drink, and have fun with Alang, but you absolutely cannot use tricks to achieve your own goals. You must always keep this in mind and never cross the line, or you will be court-martialed!"

Hao Pingchuan's serious demeanor immediately made him stand at attention and make a promise to Lao Luo.

This unspoken assurance, though not explicitly stated, finally satisfied Bai Ling.

Then, in a harmonious atmosphere where everyone was happy, I was happy, and everyone was happy.

Snap

Bai Ling directly filmed the video footage of the traitor Zhao Er, Colonel Liu Haizhong, and Kuomintang high-ranking general Yi Zhonghai and put it on Lao Luo's desk. (End of this chapter)