How to pronounce "起码"

[Silent Honor]

[Episode 11]

This fish is really good.

No need to pick anymore.

Okay.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Boss,

do you have Rabbitfish today?

The Rabbitfish is sold out.

Would you like some Sakura shrimps?

Today's Sakura shrimps are just the right size.

Perfect for making dried shrimp.

I don't see any Sakura shrimp.

On the boat. I saved some especially for you.

Help me watch the stall.

Let's go. I'll take you there.

The Keelung Work Committee is so busy.

How do you have time to come here?

I won't be handling committee matters anymore.

I just handed over everything yesterday.

What's wrong? What happened?

The Party is going to build

a new communication line on the sea.

I'm your direct handler.

We need you and Xue's boats

to rendezvous at sea for transfers.

You must be strictly punctual.

Nothing must go wrong.

Can you do that?

Rendezvous at sea?

How can I guarantee that?

There aren't even coordinates at sea.

It's difficult to determine locations.

We'd need to be closer to shore at least.

I know.

This is a challenge you must overcome.

Why not just use Xue's boat?

Wouldn't it be safer this way,

with one less step?

His boat is too big.

The provincial police are checking strictly for illegal crossings.

This communication line at sea

is extremely important.

We must ensure nothing goes wrong.

I understand what you mean.

Look.

Here, this spot should work,

and it's relatively safe.

This spot could work.

Is there any safer location?

How about this? You leave first.

It's not very safe here either, alright?

I promise to complete the mission.

I-I'll figure out the rest.

Alright?

Okay. I'm counting on you.

Take care.

Stay safe.

Are you full?

Yes, I'm full.

Now that you're full, come upstairs with me.

I'll read you some lessons.

Let's go.

Today,

you actually seem like a father.

So I didn't before?

Before,

you were more like a warlord.

Yuxun.

I know as a deputy chief,

you have many constraints.

I understand.

Jingcheng

is our regret.

Shaocheng and Lancheng are on the mainland.

We're willing but unable to help them.

But Xuecheng and Jiancheng are right here with us.

I really hope that no matter what,

we can make them as happy as possible.

Right.

And we need to keep them safe.

It sounds so beautiful.

But

why does it feel a bit sad?

I...

I'm homesick.

Today at the school gate,

when I saw Miss Wu crying,

I cried too.

It reminded me of leaving my hometown in Zhangzhou

and saying goodbye to my mom.

She held me and cried just like that,

as if she would

never see me again in this life.

I missed my mom.

Mom's idea today was really brilliant.

Everything sold out quickly.

I really didn't expect

that people here love spicy food so much.

Well, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan love it,

and Shaanxi and Shanxi also love spicy food.

How much was it again?

Now you see how amazing Mom is, right?

Yes, indeed.

Mom is really amazing.

Well, I was pretty amazing myself too,

having made all this money today.

Aren't you going to reward me?

The kids are asleep.

Don't mess around.

Where was I with the counting?

If we're giving credit, Mom deserves the most.

Remember to buy

more dried chili peppers tomorrow and take them to the pharmacy.

No problem.

But isn't that tomorrow's work?

Go to sleep.

By the way, Ju,

there's something

I'd like to discuss with you.

I'm thinking

of renting a place near you.

This way,

we won't have to live so cramped, right?

And being close,

we can look out for each other.

What do you think?

No, Mom.

You only have a special permit.

Without a household registration, you can't rent a place.

Then how about I rent under Ju's name?

Would that work?

Changcheng?

Mom, it's like this.

Since the government retreated to Taiwan,

large numbers of people have flooded into Taiwan.

So now, rental prices in Taipei have skyrocketed.

They're ridiculously expensive, right?

That's right, Mom.

We can squeeze in at home.

Why waste that money?

Better to spend it on food and drinks.

I was just thinking my staying here

might be inconvenient for you two.

Actually, your living elsewhere

might not be convenient either.

It's okay, Mom.

This way, we can save quite a bit of money.

Right, let's save money to buy nice food.

Here.

I'm done. You two eat, Mom.

We've finished eating too.

Mom.

Thank you for helping Changcheng with the business to make money.

Aren't we family?

No need to be so formal.

When you're not busy,

you can also lend a hand.

This way,

Changcheng will have less pressure.

Times are tough now,

and he's under a lot of pressure, right?

Thank you, Mom. It's so good to have you here.

Don't mention it.

I'll put this in the kitchen for you.

Mei's house

has been so quiet these days.

Right. Normally at this time,

she should be watering plants in the yard.

Could they have moved away?

I don't think so. We've been neighbors for so long.

If they were moving,

she would have told us.

Perhaps their whole family went on a trip?

Who knows? I'm off.

Be careful.

[Telecommunications Office, Taiwan Provincial Police Department]

Director.

Busy, huh?

Director.

Morning.

Good morning, Director.

Where are you rushing off to?

Delivering the call log.

To the BIS again?

They're always the fussiest,

asking for the call log every other day.

How could there be so many Communist spies?

[Call Log of BIS, Nationalist Government]

They say they need our assistance with investigations,

but if you ask me, they just like ordering people around.

Well, President said that fighting communism

and preventing espionage is our top priority now.

We have no choice but to comply.

Director, is something wrong?

No, nothing's wrong.

I just saw someone with the same name as my neighbor.

Oh, by the way,

I happen to be going to the BIS myself.

Let me deliver this for you.

Thank you so much then, Director.

I'll get back to work now.

Alright. Alright.

I'll have a copy of the People's Daily.

It's such a trivial matter.

Why did you go to the trouble of coming yourself, Director Wang?

It's what I should do. We're partner units, after all.

He just came to my house once for tea.

How could I possibly know he was a Communist spy?

I had no idea!

This is...

I had no idea!

That's a suspect on the list today.

Half a month ago,

she received a relative

from the mainland who came to visit at home.

That person had previously made

anti-Chiang statements in mainland.

For this kind of obvious collaboration with Communists,

we must bring her in for questioning.

Of course, absolutely.

Well, Director Ye, I won't disturb you any further.

I'll take my leave now.

Don't worry. I'll tell you later.

Isn't that Adjutant Nie?

Adjutant Nie.

Morning.

What is it?

How's it going? Any news from Chiang?

Chiang has discovered

that the PLA's main aim of attack isn't northern Sichuan,

so he's adjusting his overall deployment.

He urgently ordered

Sun Yuanliang's 16th Corps stationed in eastern Sichuan

to move to the outskirts of Chongqing,

Luo Guangwen's 15th Corps to be redeployed to southern Sichuan,

and the 1st Corps of Hu Zongnan's troops

stationed in northern Sichuan to move east to Chongqing,

so as to strengthen the defense line in southeastern Sichuan.

The PLA is advancing on multiple fronts,

forcing Chiang to frequently move troops

between eastern, northern, and southern Sichuan.

His troops are exhausted from constant movement.

This is very favorable for liberating southwest China.

Do not celebrate too soon.

Following the liberation of Wujiang River and Pengshui River,

Chiang set up

four new defense lines at Baima Mountain.

They've built fortifications on high ground,

and the fourth supply zone is rapidly preparing

large quantities of high explosives and other demolition materials.

Liu and Deng are focused on pursuing and eliminating Song Xilian's corps.

If the PLA were to enter Baima Mountain,

the consequences would be unimaginable.

We must send this intelligence out immediately

so the PLA can prepare in advance.

But we haven't heard from the courier yet.

It's been almost a month since we returned from Hong Kong.

They should be here by now.

We can't remain passive like this.

We can only wait two more days.

If there's still no word from the courier after two days,

we'll have to find another way

to send out the intelligence about the Southwest.

When Taiwan is liberated,

I'll bring my daughter to see this sea.

How's it going?

Any progress with Adjutant Nie?

Stop talking nonsense.

What feelings could I possibly have for him?

It's just that his cold, distant demeanor

has piqued a bit of my curiosity, that's all.

So what are you planning to do?

Treat him to a meal, maybe?

That should work.

How about I treat him?

After all, I'm the one who caused trouble.

What's wrong? Are you upset?

What's wrong?

We'll go together.

I rarely get to see him.

How am I supposed to have a meal with him?

Make some dishes and bring them to him.

He won't have the heart to refuse.

This way, you can show your domestic skills

while legitimately spending time alone

in a room with him.

He's... From Fuzhou, right?

I don't know how to make their food.

Just make what you're good at.

Chongqing food?

Can he handle Chongqing food?

Who cares?

It's the thought that counts.

Mom.

Look, I've knitted this long.

Is it enough?

I think... You need to make it this much longer.

It's been a while since I knitted a sweater.

But you still knit better than I do.

I learned it from your grandma.

Ju,

why do I feel like

Changcheng is acting weird today?

He's been like this since he got home.

Who knows what happened?

Why don't you ask him?

Breaking message:

Mount Tai calling East Sea—

new conditions detected in the East Sea area.

Please take note.

2917.

9716.

4726.

2951.

8715.

Over. Will repeat in one hour.

The courier has arrived.

Go quickly and arrange for

a missing-person notice

in the People's Daily.

Meanwhile, keep monitoring this frequency.

Got it.

So we don't miss any other messages from the Party.

I'm on it right now.

Come back early tomorrow morning.

Okay.

[Strategic Defense Deployment Map of the Southwest Region]

Clerk Li.

Anything wrong?

Adjutant Nie.

Zhenhua and I wanted to treat you to a meal.

Since you always say you don't have time,

we made some

hometown dishes and brought them to you.

Zhenhua had something to do,

and I was worried the food would get cold,

so I brought it over first.

As a thank-you gift,

it might not be much,

but I hope you don't mind.

It was nothing.

There's no need to be so formal.

Alright then, thanks.

Anything else?

Can I listen to music here with the radio

while you're eating?

Where's your radio?

Radios are so expensive.

I can't afford one.

When I was in college,

I always borrowed my classmates' radios.

It's okay.

If it's inconvenient for me to come in,

you can lend me your radio.

Then after you finish eating,

when I come to get the food container,

I can return the radio to you.

Sure.

It's not inconvenient at all.

Let me turn it on for you.

Thank you.

♪ Night Shanghai, Night Shanghai ♪

♪ You're a city that never sleeps ♪

♪ Bright lights shine ♪

Adjutant Nie.

Is the food too spicy?

I don't know how to cook without chili.

Actually, the weather here is quite humid,

so eating some chili pepper can help reduce dampness.

Right.

Back in my hometown during winter...

My brother would tell me to eat chili pepper in summer,

saying it could cool you down;

and in cold weather, he'd also tell me to eat chili pepper,

saying it could keep you warm.

Your brother...

What does he do?

My brother was a pilot in the Nationalist Army.

He died serving our country.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

I'm done eating.

Thank you for your hometown dishes.

It's getting late.

You should go now.

I noticed you've barely eaten anything.

Are you feeling uneasy with me around?

No, not at all.

Please eat a bit more.

Well, how about I leave first?

Take your time eating.

Have some more.

I'll go now. You're too skinny. Eat more.

I'm full.

You've barely touched your food and you're full?

Dou, go check.

Brother Nie.

You've finished eating?

Nie Xi, you're here.

Madam.

Have you had breakfast?

Sir. Not yet.

I knew you hadn't eaten.

Come on, eat.

We've even got the bowl and chopsticks ready for you.

Mom, I'm done too.

-I'm off to school. -You're done too?

I'm about to be late.

Qian.

Qian?

Have you posted the missing-person notice?

Yes, I have.

She should see it in no time.

Xuecheng needs to go to school. Give her a drive.

I've been thinking.

We'll meet Mrs. Chen

at the Power Company Guesthouse.

Has that place not been vacated yet?

Xuecheng!

Take two eggs to eat in the car.

I'm about to be late.

Xuecheng, don't run!

It hasn't been vacated.

There're only some old books left there.

No one will look for me there.

It's indeed a good place where we won't be disturbed.

Why did you buy two

copies of the People's Daily?

I bought one but the vendor gave me two.

Here.

I thought I'd leave a copy for Mom.

Thank you.

Good girl.

[Missing-Person Notice: Brother comes from the Northeast to Taiwan to seek sister.]

[20, tall and slim, in old red dress, double ponytails. No news since arrival.]

[For any information, contact 63 Xingyuan St. Reward offered.]

Mom, the meal's ready.

Okay, coming.

Rickshaw!

Coming.

This way, please.

This is Room 3.

Please come in.

Thank you.

I'm sorry.

I think I might got the wrong room.

You're not in the wrong room, Mrs. Chen.

Please have a seat.

Are you Comrade East Sea?

Was your journey smooth?

I've finally met you, Comrade East Sea.

Don't worry.

I came all the way here

and felt very safe.

There was no problem at all.

That's good.

You look so young.

Actually,

Comrade East Sea will be waiting for you at this address.

So,

you can have a rest here and have some tea.

There's no rush.

The address for your meeting with Comrade East Sea

can't be published in newspapers.

So,

for safety reasons,

we have to use this place as a relay point.

I hope you understand.

Alright.

If I remember correctly,

Hangzhou South Road

is quite far from here.

Then I won't stay longer.

I'll take my leave now.

Mrs. Chen, please be careful.

Okay, thank you.

By the way, I shouldn't take this with me.

Alright, goodbye.

Mrs. Chen.

I'm heading the same way.

Would you like me to give you a ride?

Sure, thank you.

Please.

Mrs. Chen, please wait for me a moment.

Okay.

You want to buy cigarettes, Sir?

Do you have Hatamen?

Okay, thank you.

Welcome back anytime.

You can smoke if you want.

I don't mind the smell.

Mrs. Chen, I don't smoke.

I was just worried about being followed,

so I stopped to check.

My mentor's wife also really dislikes the smell of smoke,

so nobody smokes in this car.

Who is this mentor's wife you're referring to?

Comrade East Sea is my mentor.

The Power Company Guesthouse we're heading to

was where they used to live.

They've moved out now,

so we won't be disturbed.

Deputy Chief Wu, you're really here.

I heard some noise from your room,

so I came to check.

Wait, why

haven't you moved out yet?

I came back to pack up my books.

Why haven't you moved out either?

Didn't the Ministry of Defense assign you housing?

Please don't get me started.

I was in Chongqing all this time,

and then Guangzhou fell,

suddenly a large group of people arrived.

While I was away,

they took over my house.

That's because your standards are too high.

If you lower your standards a bit,

you could move out tomorrow.

Seems like nothing escapes your notice.

Director Duan, pardon me.

My place is a mess,

so I won't invite you in.

Deputy Chief Wu.

I have some work matters

that I'd like to report to you in person.

Come in then.

Okay.

Mrs. Chen, I'll stop here.

It's on the second floor of that building ahead,

the room on the far left.

Aren't you coming up?

I'll stay outside.

It's the rule.

All right.

You truly have an impressive collection of books.

The books you left behind after moving

would be enough for me to read for a lifetime.

I haven't had time to tidy up since moving.

There's hardly a place to sit.

Let's make it short.

What's the matter?

Sir, about this matter,

I need to have a proper talk with you.

Please sit down.

This trip to Chongqing

has delayed so many of my plans.

I finally managed to return,

but you were never around.

I came looking for you several times recently,

but you were always away,

so I never had the chance

to apologize to you in person.

During your visit to Hong Kong,

our work was indeed inadequate.

Not only did we fail to ease your burden,

we even caused a scandal.

By the way,

we've severely reprimanded

Director Zhang.

But today,

on behalf of our Second Department,

I want to offer my sincere apologies.

That won't be necessary.

It's been a long time since that incident.

It's alright.

No, no, Sir.

Sir,

your willingness to overlook this

shows your focus on the bigger picture.

But internally, we must examine ourselves

to prevent similar issues in the future.

However, that being said...

Please sit, Deputy Chief Wu.

If the BIS

had given us advance notice,

we wouldn't have been caught off guard, right?

I heard Mao Renfeng

sent that troublemaker Gu Zhengwen

to the mountains in Taichung.

Think about that.

Is he really trying to acknowledge his mistakes

and solve the problems?

It's clearly a promotion disguised as punishment, right?

I'll get it.

May I ask who you're looking for?

Who else would I be looking for?

Your wife, of course.

We've been friends for so many years.

Can you believe

she actually moved without telling me?

Where is she?

Oh, you're a friend of my wife Bikui?

Didn't she tell you we recently moved?

She didn't say anything.

Think about it. Bikui and I

have been friends for so many years...

Please come in.

Moving is such a big deal.

How could she not let me know?

Is she planning to cut ties with me?

You know what?

I've been thinking about this for a while,

trying to figure out what went wrong.

I want to ask,

was it because

I didn't invite her that time we ate at Tan's Restaurant

that she got upset?

A few days ago, my wife did seem

to be in a bad mood.

But that was nothing serious.

We've been very busy lately.

She'll probably let it slip from her mind.

Please don't worry about it.

You see?

When they told me

that Bikui was upset,

I didn't believe it at first.

Who would have thought it turns out to be true?

Actually, about this matter,

I need to explain to you.

Because the people who went that day

were all smokers,

but Bikui doesn't like the smell of smoke,

right?

Yes, right.

That's why I didn't invite her.

That really wasn't my fault, don't you think?

Sir.

Since you have a guest visiting,

I'll take my leave now.

Alright.

Take your time.

Okay.

Enjoy your chat.

Take care.

Sure.

So don't you think you should

explain to Bikui for me

that this really wasn't my fault?

Comrade East Sea.

I'm Mrs. Chen, Zhu Feng.

Comrade Zhu Feng, welcome.

Just call me Wu Shi.

Who was that?

Director of the Second Department of the Ministry of Defense—

the head of secret service.

Is he dangerous?

He's alright.

We all used to live here.

I just didn't expect he hadn't moved out yet.

This is a letter from Mr. Wan,

Comrade Wan Jingguang.

Let me pour you some hot tea.

No need. Thanks.

You have relatives in the Police Department?

Yes.

My daughter and son-in-law are both former Military Intelligence members.

My daughter is a civilian

and doesn't know the operational work,

while my son-in-law has always worked in communications.

After Dai Li's plane crash,

the Military Intelligence downsized.

They were both assigned to the Provincial Military Affairs Department.

My son-in-law is now the director of the Telecommunications Office.

I live with them.

Have you made a rendezvous with the Taiwan Work Committee?

Yes, I have.

This intelligence is crucial to the front-line battle situation.

It's extremely time-sensitive.

We must send it out as soon as possible.

There's no time to waste.

This is a film roll.

It's very small.

There's too much information.

Paper would be inconvenient.

If something unexpected happens,

pull the film out from here

and it will be exposed.

The enemy won't know the contents.

I understand.

Also,

meeting here isn't a long-term solution.

Besides, with my current identity,

it's not convenient for me to appear in public places.

You were quick to react earlier.

We can use that to our advantage.

You can continue to pose as my wife's friend

and come to my home for the rendezvous.

But you'll need to wait for my notification.

No problem.

My identity is quite flexible.

Whatever's convenient for you.

Alright.

I need to talk to my family first.

I'll leave you a phone number.

You can call during the day.

My son-in-law won't be home since he's at work.

I'll have my adjutant Nie Xi give you a ride.

The car's downstairs.

Remember, he'll call you.

Okay.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

See you.

See you, Mrs. Chen.

[Silent Honor]

[Episode 11]

This fish is really good.

No need to pick anymore.

Okay.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Boss,

do you have Rabbitfish today?

The Rabbitfish is sold out.

Would you like some Sakura shrimps?

Today's Sakura shrimps are just the right size.

Perfect for making dried shrimp.

I don't see any Sakura shrimp.

On the boat. I saved some especially for you.

Help me watch the stall.

Let's go. I'll take you there.

The Keelung Work Committee is so busy.

How do you have time to come here?

I won't be handling committee matters anymore.

I just handed over everything yesterday.

What's wrong? What happened?

The Party is going to build

a new communication line on the sea.

I'm your direct handler.

We need you and Xue's boats

to rendezvous at sea for transfers.

You must be strictly punctual.

Nothing must go wrong.

Can you do that?

Rendezvous at sea?

How can I guarantee that?

There aren't even coordinates at sea.

It's difficult to determine locations.

We'd need to be closer to shore at least.

I know.

This is a challenge you must overcome.

Why not just use Xue's boat?

Wouldn't it be safer this way,

with one less step?

His boat is too big.

The provincial police are checking strictly for illegal crossings.

This communication line at sea

is extremely important.

We must ensure nothing goes wrong.

I understand what you mean.

Look.

Here, this spot should work,

and it's relatively safe.

This spot could work.

Is there any safer location?

How about this? You leave first.

It's not very safe here either, alright?

I promise to complete the mission.

I-I'll figure out the rest.

Alright?

Okay. I'm counting on you.

Take care.

Stay safe.

Are you full?

Yes, I'm full.

Now that you're full, come upstairs with me.

I'll read you some lessons.

Let's go.

Today,

you actually seem like a father.

So I didn't before?

Before,

you were more like a warlord.

Yuxun.

I know as a deputy chief,

you have many constraints.

I understand.

Jingcheng

is our regret.

Shaocheng and Lancheng are on the mainland.

We're willing but unable to help them.

But Xuecheng and Jiancheng are right here with us.

I really hope that no matter what,

we can make them as happy as possible.

Right.

And we need to keep them safe.

It sounds so beautiful.

But

why does it feel a bit sad?

I...

I'm homesick.

Today at the school gate,

when I saw Miss Wu crying,

I cried too.

It reminded me of leaving my hometown in Zhangzhou

and saying goodbye to my mom.

She held me and cried just like that,

as if she would

never see me again in this life.

I missed my mom.

Mom's idea today was really brilliant.

Everything sold out quickly.

I really didn't expect

that people here love spicy food so much.

Well, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan love it,

and Shaanxi and Shanxi also love spicy food.

How much was it again?

Now you see how amazing Mom is, right?

Yes, indeed.

Mom is really amazing.

Well, I was pretty amazing myself too,

having made all this money today.

Aren't you going to reward me?

The kids are asleep.

Don't mess around.

Where was I with the counting?

If we're giving credit, Mom deserves the most.

Remember to buy

more dried chili peppers tomorrow and take them to the pharmacy.

No problem.

But isn't that tomorrow's work?

Go to sleep.

By the way, Ju,

there's something

I'd like to discuss with you.

I'm thinking

of renting a place near you.

This way,

we won't have to live so cramped, right?

And being close,

we can look out for each other.

What do you think?

No, Mom.

You only have a special permit.

Without a household registration, you can't rent a place.

Then how about I rent under Ju's name?

Would that work?

Changcheng?

Mom, it's like this.

Since the government retreated to Taiwan,

large numbers of people have flooded into Taiwan.

So now, rental prices in Taipei have skyrocketed.

They're ridiculously expensive, right?

That's right, Mom.

We can squeeze in at home.

Why waste that money?

Better to spend it on food and drinks.

I was just thinking my staying here

might be inconvenient for you two.

Actually, your living elsewhere

might not be convenient either.

It's okay, Mom.

This way, we can save quite a bit of money.

Right, let's save money to buy nice food.

Here.

I'm done. You two eat, Mom.

We've finished eating too.

Mom.

Thank you for helping Changcheng with the business to make money.

Aren't we family?

No need to be so formal.

When you're not busy,

you can also lend a hand.

This way,

Changcheng will have less pressure.

Times are tough now,

and he's under a lot of pressure, right?

Thank you, Mom. It's so good to have you here.

Don't mention it.

I'll put this in the kitchen for you.

Mei's house

has been so quiet these days.

Right. Normally at this time,

she should be watering plants in the yard.

Could they have moved away?

I don't think so. We've been neighbors for so long.

If they were moving,

she would have told us.

Perhaps their whole family went on a trip?

Who knows? I'm off.

Be careful.

[Telecommunications Office, Taiwan Provincial Police Department]

Director.

Busy, huh?

Director.

Morning.

Good morning, Director.

Where are you rushing off to?

Delivering the call log.

To the BIS again?

They're always the fussiest,

asking for the call log every other day.

How could there be so many Communist spies?

[Call Log of BIS, Nationalist Government]

They say they need our assistance with investigations,

but if you ask me, they just like ordering people around.

Well, President said that fighting communism

and preventing espionage is our top priority now.

We have no choice but to comply.

Director, is something wrong?

No, nothing's wrong.

I just saw someone with the same name as my neighbor.

Oh, by the way,

I happen to be going to the BIS myself.

Let me deliver this for you.

Thank you so much then, Director.

I'll get back to work now.

Alright. Alright.

I'll have a copy of the People's Daily.

It's such a trivial matter.

Why did you go to the trouble of coming yourself, Director Wang?

It's what I should do. We're partner units, after all.

He just came to my house once for tea.

How could I possibly know he was a Communist spy?

I had no idea!

This is...

I had no idea!

That's a suspect on the list today.

Half a month ago,

she received a relative

from the mainland who came to visit at home.

That person had previously made

anti-Chiang statements in mainland.

For this kind of obvious collaboration with Communists,

we must bring her in for questioning.

Of course, absolutely.

Well, Director Ye, I won't disturb you any further.

I'll take my leave now.

Don't worry. I'll tell you later.

Isn't that Adjutant Nie?

Adjutant Nie.

Morning.

What is it?

How's it going? Any news from Chiang?

Chiang has discovered

that the PLA's main aim of attack isn't northern Sichuan,

so he's adjusting his overall deployment.

He urgently ordered

Sun Yuanliang's 16th Corps stationed in eastern Sichuan

to move to the outskirts of Chongqing,

Luo Guangwen's 15th Corps to be redeployed to southern Sichuan,

and the 1st Corps of Hu Zongnan's troops

stationed in northern Sichuan to move east to Chongqing,

so as to strengthen the defense line in southeastern Sichuan.

The PLA is advancing on multiple fronts,

forcing Chiang to frequently move troops

between eastern, northern, and southern Sichuan.

His troops are exhausted from constant movement.

This is very favorable for liberating southwest China.

Do not celebrate too soon.

Following the liberation of Wujiang River and Pengshui River,

Chiang set up

four new defense lines at Baima Mountain.

They've built fortifications on high ground,

and the fourth supply zone is rapidly preparing

large quantities of high explosives and other demolition materials.

Liu and Deng are focused on pursuing and eliminating Song Xilian's corps.

If the PLA were to enter Baima Mountain,

the consequences would be unimaginable.

We must send this intelligence out immediately

so the PLA can prepare in advance.

But we haven't heard from the courier yet.

It's been almost a month since we returned from Hong Kong.

They should be here by now.

We can't remain passive like this.

We can only wait two more days.

If there's still no word from the courier after two days,

we'll have to find another way

to send out the intelligence about the Southwest.

When Taiwan is liberated,

I'll bring my daughter to see this sea.

How's it going?

Any progress with Adjutant Nie?

Stop talking nonsense.

What feelings could I possibly have for him?

It's just that his cold, distant demeanor

has piqued a bit of my curiosity, that's all.

So what are you planning to do?

Treat him to a meal, maybe?

That should work.

How about I treat him?

After all, I'm the one who caused trouble.

What's wrong? Are you upset?

What's wrong?

We'll go together.

I rarely get to see him.

How am I supposed to have a meal with him?

Make some dishes and bring them to him.

He won't have the heart to refuse.

This way, you can show your domestic skills

while legitimately spending time alone

in a room with him.

He's... From Fuzhou, right?

I don't know how to make their food.

Just make what you're good at.

Chongqing food?

Can he handle Chongqing food?

Who cares?

It's the thought that counts.

Mom.

Look, I've knitted this long.

Is it enough?

I think... You need to make it this much longer.

It's been a while since I knitted a sweater.

But you still knit better than I do.

I learned it from your grandma.

Ju,

why do I feel like

Changcheng is acting weird today?

He's been like this since he got home.

Who knows what happened?

Why don't you ask him?

Breaking message:

Mount Tai calling East Sea—

new conditions detected in the East Sea area.

Please take note.

2917.

9716.

4726.

2951.

8715.

Over. Will repeat in one hour.

The courier has arrived.

Go quickly and arrange for

a missing-person notice

in the People's Daily.

Meanwhile, keep monitoring this frequency.

Got it.

So we don't miss any other messages from the Party.

I'm on it right now.

Come back early tomorrow morning.

Okay.

[Strategic Defense Deployment Map of the Southwest Region]

Clerk Li.

Anything wrong?

Adjutant Nie.

Zhenhua and I wanted to treat you to a meal.

Since you always say you don't have time,

we made some

hometown dishes and brought them to you.

Zhenhua had something to do,

and I was worried the food would get cold,

so I brought it over first.

As a thank-you gift,

it might not be much,

but I hope you don't mind.

It was nothing.

There's no need to be so formal.

Alright then, thanks.

Anything else?

Can I listen to music here with the radio

while you're eating?

Where's your radio?

Radios are so expensive.

I can't afford one.

When I was in college,

I always borrowed my classmates' radios.

It's okay.

If it's inconvenient for me to come in,

you can lend me your radio.

Then after you finish eating,

when I come to get the food container,

I can return the radio to you.

Sure.

It's not inconvenient at all.

Let me turn it on for you.

Thank you.

♪ Night Shanghai, Night Shanghai ♪

♪ You're a city that never sleeps ♪

♪ Bright lights shine ♪

Adjutant Nie.

Is the food too spicy?

I don't know how to cook without chili.

Actually, the weather here is quite humid,

so eating some chili pepper can help reduce dampness.

Right.

Back in my hometown during winter...

My brother would tell me to eat chili pepper in summer,

saying it could cool you down;

and in cold weather, he'd also tell me to eat chili pepper,

saying it could keep you warm.

Your brother...

What does he do?

My brother was a pilot in the Nationalist Army.

He died serving our country.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

I'm done eating.

Thank you for your hometown dishes.

It's getting late.

You should go now.

I noticed you've barely eaten anything.

Are you feeling uneasy with me around?

No, not at all.

Please eat a bit more.

Well, how about I leave first?

Take your time eating.

Have some more.

I'll go now. You're too skinny. Eat more.

I'm full.

You've barely touched your food and you're full?

Dou, go check.

Brother Nie.

You've finished eating?

Nie Xi, you're here.

Madam.

Have you had breakfast?

Sir. Not yet.

I knew you hadn't eaten.

Come on, eat.

We've even got the bowl and chopsticks ready for you.

Mom, I'm done too.

-I'm off to school. -You're done too?

I'm about to be late.

Qian.

Qian?

Have you posted the missing-person notice?

Yes, I have.

She should see it in no time.

Xuecheng needs to go to school. Give her a drive.

I've been thinking.

We'll meet Mrs. Chen

at the Power Company Guesthouse.

Has that place not been vacated yet?

Xuecheng!

Take two eggs to eat in the car.

I'm about to be late.

Xuecheng, don't run!

It hasn't been vacated.

There're only some old books left there.

No one will look for me there.

It's indeed a good place where we won't be disturbed.

Why did you buy two

copies of the People's Daily?

I bought one but the vendor gave me two.

Here.

I thought I'd leave a copy for Mom.

Thank you.

Good girl.

[Missing-Person Notice: Brother comes from the Northeast to Taiwan to seek sister.]

[20, tall and slim, in old red dress, double ponytails. No news since arrival.]

[For any information, contact 63 Xingyuan St. Reward offered.]

Mom, the meal's ready.

Okay, coming.

Rickshaw!

Coming.

This way, please.

This is Room 3.

Please come in.

Thank you.

I'm sorry.

I think I might got the wrong room.

You're not in the wrong room, Mrs. Chen.

Please have a seat.

Are you Comrade East Sea?

Was your journey smooth?

I've finally met you, Comrade East Sea.

Don't worry.

I came all the way here

and felt very safe.

There was no problem at all.

That's good.

You look so young.

Actually,

Comrade East Sea will be waiting for you at this address.

So,

you can have a rest here and have some tea.

There's no rush.

The address for your meeting with Comrade East Sea

can't be published in newspapers.

So,

for safety reasons,

we have to use this place as a relay point.

I hope you understand.

Alright.

If I remember correctly,

Hangzhou South Road

is quite far from here.

Then I won't stay longer.

I'll take my leave now.

Mrs. Chen, please be careful.

Okay, thank you.

By the way, I shouldn't take this with me.

Alright, goodbye.

Mrs. Chen.

I'm heading the same way.

Would you like me to give you a ride?

Sure, thank you.

Please.

Mrs. Chen, please wait for me a moment.

Okay.

You want to buy cigarettes, Sir?

Do you have Hatamen?

Okay, thank you.

Welcome back anytime.

You can smoke if you want.

I don't mind the smell.

Mrs. Chen, I don't smoke.

I was just worried about being followed,

so I stopped to check.

My mentor's wife also really dislikes the smell of smoke,

so nobody smokes in this car.

Who is this mentor's wife you're referring to?

Comrade East Sea is my mentor.

The Power Company Guesthouse we're heading to

was where they used to live.

They've moved out now,

so we won't be disturbed.

Deputy Chief Wu, you're really here.

I heard some noise from your room,

so I came to check.

Wait, why

haven't you moved out yet?

I came back to pack up my books.

Why haven't you moved out either?

Didn't the Ministry of Defense assign you housing?

Please don't get me started.

I was in Chongqing all this time,

and then Guangzhou fell,

suddenly a large group of people arrived.

While I was away,

they took over my house.

That's because your standards are too high.

If you lower your standards a bit,

you could move out tomorrow.

Seems like nothing escapes your notice.

Director Duan, pardon me.

My place is a mess,

so I won't invite you in.

Deputy Chief Wu.

I have some work matters

that I'd like to report to you in person.

Come in then.

Okay.

Mrs. Chen, I'll stop here.

It's on the second floor of that building ahead,

the room on the far left.

Aren't you coming up?

I'll stay outside.

It's the rule.

All right.

You truly have an impressive collection of books.

The books you left behind after moving

would be enough for me to read for a lifetime.

I haven't had time to tidy up since moving.

There's hardly a place to sit.

Let's make it short.

What's the matter?

Sir, about this matter,

I need to have a proper talk with you.

Please sit down.

This trip to Chongqing

has delayed so many of my plans.

I finally managed to return,

but you were never around.

I came looking for you several times recently,

but you were always away,

so I never had the chance

to apologize to you in person.

During your visit to Hong Kong,

our work was indeed inadequate.

Not only did we fail to ease your burden,

we even caused a scandal.

By the way,

we've severely reprimanded

Director Zhang.

But today,

on behalf of our Second Department,

I want to offer my sincere apologies.

That won't be necessary.

It's been a long time since that incident.

It's alright.

No, no, Sir.

Sir,

your willingness to overlook this

shows your focus on the bigger picture.

But internally, we must examine ourselves

to prevent similar issues in the future.

However, that being said...

Please sit, Deputy Chief Wu.

If the BIS

had given us advance notice,

we wouldn't have been caught off guard, right?

I heard Mao Renfeng

sent that troublemaker Gu Zhengwen

to the mountains in Taichung.

Think about that.

Is he really trying to acknowledge his mistakes

and solve the problems?

It's clearly a promotion disguised as punishment, right?

I'll get it.

May I ask who you're looking for?

Who else would I be looking for?

Your wife, of course.

We've been friends for so many years.

Can you believe

she actually moved without telling me?

Where is she?

Oh, you're a friend of my wife Bikui?

Didn't she tell you we recently moved?

She didn't say anything.

Think about it. Bikui and I

have been friends for so many years...

Please come in.

Moving is such a big deal.

How could she not let me know?

Is she planning to cut ties with me?

You know what?

I've been thinking about this for a while,

trying to figure out what went wrong.

I want to ask,

was it because

I didn't invite her that time we ate at Tan's Restaurant

that she got upset?

A few days ago, my wife did seem

to be in a bad mood.

But that was nothing serious.

We've been very busy lately.

She'll probably let it slip from her mind.

Please don't worry about it.

You see?

When they told me

that Bikui was upset,

I didn't believe it at first.

Who would have thought it turns out to be true?

Actually, about this matter,

I need to explain to you.

Because the people who went that day

were all smokers,

but Bikui doesn't like the smell of smoke,

right?

Yes, right.

That's why I didn't invite her.

That really wasn't my fault, don't you think?

Sir.

Since you have a guest visiting,

I'll take my leave now.

Alright.

Take your time.

Okay.

Enjoy your chat.

Take care.

Sure.

So don't you think you should

explain to Bikui for me

that this really wasn't my fault?

Comrade East Sea.

I'm Mrs. Chen, Zhu Feng.

Comrade Zhu Feng, welcome.

Just call me Wu Shi.

Who was that?

Director of the Second Department of the Ministry of Defense—

the head of secret service.

Is he dangerous?

He's alright.

We all used to live here.

I just didn't expect he hadn't moved out yet.

This is a letter from Mr. Wan,

Comrade Wan Jingguang.

Let me pour you some hot tea.

No need. Thanks.

You have relatives in the Police Department?

Yes.

My daughter and son-in-law are both former Military Intelligence members.

My daughter is a civilian

and doesn't know the operational work,

while my son-in-law has always worked in communications.

After Dai Li's plane crash,

the Military Intelligence downsized.

They were both assigned to the Provincial Military Affairs Department.

My son-in-law is now the director of the Telecommunications Office.

I live with them.

Have you made a rendezvous with the Taiwan Work Committee?

Yes, I have.

This intelligence is crucial to the front-line battle situation.

It's extremely time-sensitive.

We must send it out as soon as possible.

There's no time to waste.

This is a film roll.

It's very small.

There's too much information.

Paper would be inconvenient.

If something unexpected happens,

pull the film out from here

and it will be exposed.

The enemy won't know the contents.

I understand.

Also,

meeting here isn't a long-term solution.

Besides, with my current identity,

it's not convenient for me to appear in public places.

You were quick to react earlier.

We can use that to our advantage.

You can continue to pose as my wife's friend

and come to my home for the rendezvous.

But you'll need to wait for my notification.

No problem.

My identity is quite flexible.

Whatever's convenient for you.

Alright.

I need to talk to my family first.

I'll leave you a phone number.

You can call during the day.

My son-in-law won't be home since he's at work.

I'll have my adjutant Nie Xi give you a ride.

The car's downstairs.

Remember, he'll call you.

Okay.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

See you.

See you, Mrs. Chen.