On the morning of Friday, July 3, 1998, Rui Xiaodan was called into the director's office as soon as she arrived at work.
Unlike usual, the director didn't offer her a seat but got straight to the point. "Xiaodan, you have two hours to prepare. After that, I'll send a car to take you to the provincial criminal investigation department. This assignment might take some time, and confidentiality is paramount. Any questions?"
Rui Xiaodan thought for a moment. "There's not much to prepare. The fridge is nearly empty, and the utilities are all off. Just have the car stop by my place so I can grab a few clothes."
The director handed her a letter of introduction. "Alright, you can leave now. I'll notify the driver."
When Rui Xiaodan got downstairs, Xiao Liu, the driver, was already waiting by a Santana police car. Rui Xiaodan grabbed a few clothes and toiletries from home and set off for Mingchuan.
Mingchuan was 180 kilometers from the ancient city, connected by a closed highway, making the journey just two and a half hours. They drove straight into the provincial police headquarters. Rui Xiaodan reported alone to the criminal investigation department, where she was taken to Director Xu's office.
Director Xu warmly welcomed her, standing up to shake her hand and inviting her to sit. He glanced at the introduction letter and said, "Your director called ahead. We were expecting you. Everyone else is here too. Take a look at this, and then we'll discuss the case in the meeting room." He handed her a wanted notice.
Ministry of Public Security Wanted Notice (Class A) No.: Public Wanted...
Wu Chengxiang, male, born April 17, 1954, Han nationality, native of Yan'an, Shaanxi. ID No.: ... Passport No.: ...; University education, former president of the Mingchuan branch of the Bank of China, currently a fugitive. Height about 1.76 meters, medium build, speaks Mandarin with a slight Shaanxi accent, understands English. Suspected of embezzling 37 million yuan of public funds. All local police authorities are to immediately deploy efforts to capture him. Upon discovery, detain and promptly notify the Ministry of Public Security Criminal Investigation Bureau. A reward of 200,000 yuan will be given to informants and units or individuals who assist in his capture.
Rui Xiaodan noted that the notice was over a year old. It was a case directly handled by the provincial criminal investigation department, widely reported in the media and online, especially well-known within the province.
Director Xu smiled kindly. "Xiaodan, if I recall correctly, this is your third time being seconded? The first was the human trafficking ring, the second the armored car robbery and explosion. You performed well in both."
Rui Xiaodan replied, "I just played minor roles, nothing worth mentioning. I know my limits; it's an honor to assist the veterans."
At that moment, the director's secretary entered, informing them that everything was ready.
Director Xu stood up. "Let's go to the meeting room."
They joined three others in a small meeting room. One person was setting up a projector, clearly a technical staff member. Rui Xiaodan recognized the other two casually dressed men in their thirties—Huang Wenxian from the Mingchuan criminal police team and Zeng Hua from the provincial criminal investigation department. They had worked together before.
Rui Xiaodan greeted them warmly, and they exchanged a few pleasantries before sitting down. The staff pulled the blackout curtains and started the projector. The screen showed early footage of the suspect Wu Chengxiang participating in a cultural event with bank employees.
The secretary, holding a pointer, introduced the case. "Wu Chengxiang, the former president of the Mingchuan branch of the Bank of China, is suspected of embezzling a large sum of public funds. After fleeing to Colombia, he disappeared, and no reliable leads have emerged since, causing the case to stall. Current information suggests most of Wu's stolen funds are still hidden domestically. He planned contingencies from the start—if foreign assets were seized, he could start over. Wu changed identities in Colombia, entered Honduras, and used a Honduran passport to enter the United States. Many economically underdeveloped countries sell passports, a significant source of revenue. Wu used this to evade police."
The screen switched to a fitness center in Guangzhou. A young woman in her twenties was teaching an aerobics class, surrounded by various fitness equipment.
The secretary pointed to the young woman. "This is Shen Nan, 27, originally from Qin Valley County, Shaanxi, Wu Chengxiang's hometown. Formerly a dancer with the Mingchuan City Dance Troupe, she was closely involved with Wu. She resigned 16 months before Wu's crime came to light and opened this fitness center in Guangzhou. They haven't contacted each other for three years, likely part of Wu's meticulous planning to avoid leaving trails. Wu needs to solve three problems: securing his legal long-term stay in the U.S., laundering money, and legally migrating Shen Nan to the U.S. These tasks require substantial resources and skilled individuals. Ultimately, Wu aims to live in the U.S. with Shen Nan."
The screen switched to New York's Times Square, showing a middle-aged man in a gray trench coat walking. He had a calm demeanor and the mannerisms of the upper class.
The secretary pointed to the man. "With assistance from Hong Kong police and Interpol, we created a profile for Lin Qing, a Hong Kong native involved in money laundering and illegal immigration activities between the U.S., Hong Kong, and China. His public identity is the fifth-largest shareholder of the New York-based St. Louis Guarantee Company. Wu's contacts, through our orchestration, have started engaging with Lin Qing. If all goes well, substantial transactions will occur soon."
The projector was turned off, the curtains were drawn, and everyone sat around the oval conference table. The technical staff left the room.
Director Xu handed out cigarettes, even offering one to Rui Xiaodan. "You should have one too."
Rui Xiaodan smiled awkwardly. "I quit after that mission where I picked up smoking for a while."
Director Xu laughed, "It's Lin Qing's design. Smoking isn't just necessary; you need to smoke a specific brand—Duke. Your mission is to pose as Lin Qing's mistress in a villa in Guangzhou. You're part of the authentic details verifying Lin Qing's identity, displaying the elegance and charm of that social class."
Rui Xiaodan took the cigarette awkwardly. "Why is it that I always end up playing roles like a hostess or mistress? Can't I do something else?"
Everyone laughed.
Director Xu continued, "This special task force is divided into four independent groups. The three of you form one group, with Zeng Hua as the leader. The briefing just now was limited to what your group needs to know. Groups do not interact, share information, or inquire about each other's members and tasks. All actions are coordinated by the command center. Your group's task revolves around ensuring no issues arise with Shen Nan. She will likely approach you to probe and test. Any slip-up will make Wu Chengxiang suspicious, potentially causing him to retreat, wasting all our efforts and resources. The stolen millions would disappear."
Zeng Hua nodded solemnly. "Understood."
Director Xu signaled to the secretary, who retrieved a set of role-specific documents from a briefcase and placed them before Rui Xiaodan. "Xiaodan, hand over your credentials and weapon. From now on, you must fully assume your assigned role. Your gun will be provided when needed."
Rui Xiaodan handed over her driver's license, firearm permit, ID card, work badge, pistol, handcuffs, holster, ammo clip, house keys, and cell phone, spreading them out on the table.