Courtyard House: A Start with Black Gold Swallowing 100,000 Silver Dollars

She had changed into a dark yellow military uniform, her long black boots clasped crisply, and her eyes shone brightly beneath the brim of her boat-shaped hat, exuding a dashing and heroic air.

Good heavens!

That's so awesome!

"Have you reached an agreement?"

Dong Haitang ignored the burning intensity in his eyes and spoke directly.

"Okay, let's go to your office."

Li Wenguo remained calm, as if nothing had just happened.

I entered her office in the blink of an eye, and the door clicked shut as it locked.

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

"You—you're insane?!"

"Let go!"

Dong Haitang was afraid that the noise outside would be heard, so she dared not struggle and only whispered urgently in a low voice.

"I've already spoken to Team Leader Chang—you'll have the day off on the day of the operation; just stay home. As for catching those three people, I'll lead the third squad in your place."

He mumbled as he kissed her.

"Are you sure you can do this? Don't ruin the show!"

"No, I'll go myself!"

Her heart pounded – her husband had never done this kind of work before.

"Did you think I grew up eating vegetables?"

"I grew up eating fatty meat, what's a little kidnapping? I could take down a kidnapper with my eyes closed."

Li Wenguo's tone turned serious, and the force in his hand increased.

"Oh, judging from this, you've been involved in kidnapping quite a bit in the past?"

Dong Haitang's ears twitched. Thinking of Wen San, Wu Xiaogou, and the strong guards in the yard, they didn't seem like well-behaved people at all.

"Hey, wife, why are you worrying so much? I married you to warm my bed and serve me, not to check my household register."

"I don't care what you do outside, but there's one thing—don't cause a huge uproar. If things really get out of hand, I won't be able to handle it."

She blurted out a sentence in a fit of pique.

"Huh? You underestimate your man! Do you think I need your money?"

"Ha, last time you were dragged away by those people, who pulled strings overnight to get you out?"

"That was an accident!"

"Okay, next time you get caught, you'll be in trouble yourself..."

"You—don't go too far!"

Before Dong Haitang could finish speaking, her mouth twisted and she changed to another breathless, panicked sentence. Then she shoved him away abruptly, her hand already touching her clothes button.

"I'm leaving now!"

In the office, at most you might just touch it a couple of times for fun.

"By the way, pack up the whole outfit you're wearing and take it back with you."

Before leaving, Li Wenguo casually remarked.

Dong Haitang knew perfectly well what her husband was thinking.

My heart was burning with anger—military uniforms are for carrying guns for the country, not for you to squander!

"You old lewd man!!!"

He grabbed the pen holder from the table and threw it at them.

"Clang!!!"

Unfortunately, it only hit the closed door panel.

……

The night was so dark it was almost impenetrable.

At nine o'clock sharp, Li Wenguo pushed open the door and went out.

He went specifically to find Yao Yao—that "pure" beauty disguised as a Japanese businessman. He had just won her over a few days ago, and was going to close the net in three days. Wouldn't it be a waste of time if he didn't take advantage of her now and squeeze her dry a few more times?

After drinking heavily and laughing and joking around at the club, they took each other and headed straight to the hotel.

Yao Yao caught a glimpse of several black-clad guards following closely behind her, and sighed inwardly.

She had already laid an ambush: once he entered the room, she gave a signal, and her men rushed in, subdued Li Wenguo, and forced him to sign irrefutable evidence of treason.

But this person was timid as a mouse, and always had a bodyguard with him when he went out. Even when he was doing business, the bodyguard would stand guard at the door, not allowing him to even squeeze through a crack.

Fortunately, spies are never afraid of waiting—she was certain that the opportunity would come sooner or later.

Little did she know that this opportunity would never come again.

"No... I really can't take it anymore..."

"I...I'm falling apart..."

For two whole hours without stopping, Yao Yao lay sprawled in the corner of the bed, like a soft-shelled shrimp with its bones removed.

This man is not human; he's a tireless beast.

The final game is in three days, and this is probably the last one, so Li Wenguo will naturally squeeze out every last bit of strength.

After another hour, he slowly strolled out of the room.

This was the longest he had ever "worked overtime".

As soon as he appeared, Ding Xiaoqi, Agui, and a group of guards all cast admiring glances at him.

Li Wenguo didn't bother to reply, took out a cigarette and put it to his lips. Ding Xiaoqi immediately stepped forward and lit his lighter with a "snap." He tossed the cigarette pack into the air, and everyone laughed and reached out to catch it. He then turned and walked away, leaving only a neat and upright silhouette.

"Let's go, let's fill our stomachs."

After all this commotion, my stomach is rumbling with hunger; my brothers who have been keeping watch outside must be starving too.

Not long after, a group of people turned into a small restaurant that was still lit up deep in the alley.

Outside the alley entrance, the river breeze, carrying moisture, rushed towards me. Not far away was the dock, its lights floating on the dark water, swaying gently.

"Waaah—"

The cargo ship sounded its long whistle, the sound deep and dull, hitting the blue brick wall and bouncing back.

"Master Li, this family's cooking skills are truly solid."

Ding Xiaoqi said while wiping the stool.

When he was a porter at the docks in his early years, he often came here to grab a bowl of hot soup noodles—cheap, filling, and so fragrant it filled his nose.

Li Wenguo wasn't picky, and seeing that it was almost midnight, he was happy as long as there was something hot to eat.

I got off the bus and glanced at the sign: Dock Restaurant.

Perfect, rough enough, flavorful enough.

A bamboo hat—a wide-brimmed hat woven from bamboo strips and covered with oiled paper—hangs above the door, used for sun and rain protection.

He initially thought it was just an ordinary decoration, but then his eyes suddenly twitched as he remembered an old drama he had watched years ago: those straw hats were a secret mark for underground Communist Party communication stations.

The thought arose, and he subtly glanced into the distance—

Sure enough, a similar straw hat was hanging steadily on a bamboo pole on the rooftop of a three-story building a hundred meters away.

It was exactly as described, like a set built according to a script.

That's a done deal now.

Holy crap!!!

Could you stumble upon an underground Communist Party hideout while casually grabbing a late-night snack?

Li Wenguo muttered something to himself, but pretended not to see it.

"Boss! Boss! Fifteen people, hurry up! Bring out the best food and drinks right away!"

Ding Xiaoqi knew the place well and spoke in a loud voice.

Soon, a chubby chef in his early thirties, nearing forty, with greasy hands, came running out with a big smile, rubbing his hands apologetically: "Oh, gentlemen, I'm so sorry, we're really closing for today!"

"What are you talking about closing down? We have fifteen mouths to feed, isn't that enough for you to cook another pot?"

"Hurry up!"

This is a place brought by Ding Xiaoqi. If we can't get a share, where will we put our faces?

Especially since Master Li was standing on the side watching.

We absolutely have to eat!

Li Wenguo glanced at the cook without making a sound—round face, thick lips, cloudy eyes, a typical street urchin covered in cooking fumes, not at all like someone doing underground work.

Ding Xiaoqi glared at him, and the cook had no choice but to grope his face and crawl into the kitchen.

Ah Gui quickly wiped the tables and chairs clean.

Before long, plates of steaming hot, glistening, and fragrant dishes were served one after another.

"Master Li, please try it, it tastes absolutely amazing."

Li Wenguo picked up a piece of shredded pork with garlic sauce and put it in his mouth. The moment his tongue touched the sour, spicy and savory flavor, his eyes lit up.

He nodded in approval, "Yes! Authentic, and flavorful—almost as good as the chef in your household!"

"Oh, Mr. Li, you flatter my humble shop! Your chef is the head chef of the renowned 'Fujulou' restaurant; our little stove can't even match their wok hei (wok aroma)!"

Ah Gui replied with a grin, his back bent three degrees.

Just as they were talking animatedly, the oil on the table reflected their shadows, and suddenly they heard footsteps approaching from outside the door.

Three figures stood outside the threshold.

The two men at the front had dark skin, wore coarse cloth clothes with several patches, were barefoot in straw sandals, and had old straw hats slung over their shoulders—they were clearly water people who spent their lives in the river wind pulling nets and rowing boats.

The third person was quite different: he wore a neatly ironed gray long gown, a top hat pulled low on his head, and shiny black leather shoes. In his left hand, he carried a gleaming leather suitcase, with long, slender fingers and a well-defined wrist.

Li Wenguo glanced at it and snorted inwardly—no wonder the boss was in such a hurry to shut down the stall; it turned out the backup had arrived.

Along with it, I also tasted a bitter flavor: the revolution is not something everyone can swallow.

The three people over there were also sizing up the group of people in the room. Their eyes swept over the table full of food and wine, the shiny leather shoes, and Ding Xiaoqi's crisp short jacket, and they looked slightly surprised.

But in an instant, the man with thick eyebrows, a broad face, and a simple, honest expression grinned and called out in a loud voice, "Hey! It's really lively today—shopkeeper, is there anything still hot?"

They are both steady and adventurous.

"Yes! The stove is still burning, what's a few extra bowls and chopsticks!"

A cook wearing an apron popped out of the kitchen, his hands still wet, and hurriedly responded.

He recognized the visitor and immediately arranged for an empty table to be set up diagonally opposite Li Wenguo.

"Old Pan? It's you! Still running errands on the river?"

Ding Xiaoqi saw it at a glance and blurted it out.

"Hey? Xiao Qi! It really is you!"

Old Pan's face lit up with joy, and fine lines appeared at the corners of his eyes.

One was a dockworker carrying bags, the other a ferryman carrying passengers; they would nod to each other when they bumped into each other and were acquainted, but not close friends.

"Sigh, I have a paralyzed mother to support and two kids who are obsessed with studying. If I don't work hard, how will I survive?"

He rubbed his hands together, then changed the subject, winking at Ding Xiaoqi: "But Brother Xiaoqi, are you having a stroke of good luck? This outfit, tsk tsk... I'm envious, can I hitch a ride with you?"

His slickness and cunning were evident on his face; the shrewdness of a seasoned veteran was written all over his body.

"This is Master Li. I now work for Master Li."

Ding Xiaoqi stepped aside to introduce him, her tone calm but carrying a hint of entrustment.

Seeing that Old Pan was having a hard time, and knowing that the boatman was strong and a good swimmer, he casually offered to help, to see if Master Li would be willing to give in.

Li Wenguo merely nodded slightly, acknowledging the greeting.

He knew in his heart that the other party was unwilling to get close, and he had no intention of getting involved—to be associated with the underground party now was tantamount to carrying a torch in the dark.

"Greetings, Master Li! Greetings, Master Li!"

Old Pan immediately adopted a flattered expression, bowing repeatedly, "No wonder that magpie on the eaves was chirping so happily this morning, it turns out a distinguished guest has arrived!"

They are sweet-talking and their ability to change their tune with the wind is ingrained in their very bones.

"I'm just a lowly clerk in a foreign firm, how dare I call myself a distinguished guest? It's a pleasure to meet you today, this meal is on me."

Li Wenguo responded with a smile, his tone neither cold nor harsh, just right.

"Hehe, thank you, Master Li! Thank you, Master Li!"

Old Pan spoke quickly, his body already moving half a step towards the table. His quick wit and eagerness to grab a bargain were just like a cat that had smelled fish.

Ding Xiaoqi frowned slightly, and the corners of her mouth turned down a little.

Li Wenguo remained unmoved.

He could see clearly that this "Old Pan" in front of him was deliberately putting on this street drama—both to draw a clear line and to leave each other a way out.

It's about protection, but more importantly, it's about understanding.

He looked up and gave the other person a deep look, then lowered his head to continue picking up food.

Just as the first plate of stir-fried vegetables was served, another series of hurried footsteps sounded outside the door, heavy and dense, like raindrops hitting a bluestone slab.

Everyone in the room turned to look at the doorway.

Patrol officers!

There were more than a dozen people, all dressed in crisp uniforms with their holsters fastened tightly. The sound of the leader's boot heels hitting the ground was particularly loud.

Li Wenguo and Ding Xiaoqi remained expressionless.

Old Pan and the other two tensed up, their breaths catching in their throats.

Even the cook rushing out of the kitchen trembled as he carried the plate, nearly spilling the soup over the rim of the bowl.

His heart pounded with anxiety, and he cursed inwardly: If I had known you insisted on adding more dishes, I should have locked the door after picking you up! How am I going to handle this now?

Li Wenguo also quietly tightened his grip on his chopsticks—the fact that such a large group was out so late meant that word had probably already leaked out.