My Dearest General: It Has Always Been You

"This is quite a tricky situation." Ru Meiqi commented, her arms crossed in front of her chest. In the dim car, only the light from the screen illuminated her and Xu Binchen's face.

"I know." Jin Renguang's solemn voice resounded from the other side of the video. Exhaustion evident on his brows and his whole person looked unkempt. "But this is a priceless clue, too precious for us to let it go."

"I understand it, but..." Ru Meiqi sighed. "Are you really sure that it's trustworthy?"

Headlights from cars shone onto their faces once in a while. Xu Binchen's hands rested on the steering wheel as he squinted his eyes. His line of sight went to the billboard up above which signed 'Dreamscape Bar'. This was one of the most luxurious and official bars in the Capital. Its owner was mysterious, but rumors had it that it was opened by a high rank official.

It was unlike any other bars who was soaked in lascivious atmosphere with waitresses wearing skimpy clothes sauntering around selling cheap beers that could be found in supermarkets. Promiscuous and scandalous acts could be seen in every corner, even dirty condoms weren't an uncommon sight in the bathroom stalls.

On the other hand, Dreamscape Bar upheld strict regulations. People who could enter had to be verified and only when their identity was confirmed by a string of unknown procedures could they finally receive entry. Crouching tigers and hidden dragons swam freely inside like fish out of water. Moreover, Dreamscape Bar could keep secrets well.

That's why, even though many bars and clubs emerged in the Capital for the past few years, Dreamscape Bar remained at the top as the kaolin flower on the edge of a high cliff that was untouchable by mortals.

It was also because of this strict regulation that the government overlooked them.

"I trust Director Fen." Jin Renguang said. "From all of our people, he's the one who's most worthy of our trust. Even under the blade of death, he will not betray his comrades. Now that he has discreetly passed me this clue, I am willing to gamble on it."

Xu Binchen's fingers tapped on the steering wheel, his sharp eyes scrutinized every single person who passed through the door.

"How is it, Xu Binchen?" Jin Renguang turned to him. "Do you know anything about this place?"

Xu Binchen pondered for a moment before slowly opening his mouth. "Dreamscape Bar was opened six years ago and its management was handed to someone surnamed Si. Allegedly, he's quite young, less than thirty five years old and he has a great relationship with the owner. The owner himself has almost never appeared on the scene. It proved that he trusts this surnamed Si very much."

Ru Meiqi doubted. "Can it possibly be a screen? Surnamed Si may be the real owner disguised as the manager."

"Many people have seen him before. If you're a regular guest of this bar, you may even talk to him sometimes. From his background up to his bearing, it's impossible for him to open this kind of tightly closed fancy bar. He doesn't have this kind of qualifications nor authority."

Jin Renguang nodded. "So there is definitely someone behind him."

They fell silent for a moment, digesting the information slowly.

Xu Binchen asked, unrelenting. "Captain, exactly what kind of clue do we have to focus on? Does it have to do with the owner? If so, then we could have directly inquired about him without this roundabout method."

"No." Jin Renguang shook his head slowly. "I have a feeling that it's not that simple. Dreamscape Bar has operated for six years but is it normal for it not to have even one accident? Clear water has no fish and for this pond to hold such big kois, the water must be a special kind. We have to investigate what kind of water there is."

Xu Binchen nodded albeit he still had some suspicions. "Fine. Then, we shall go in and probe a bit for the situation."

Jin Renguang: "Keep on updating. If there's something wrong, directly retreat, got it? Safety first." The last sentence was directed toward the yawning woman who was draped in gorgeous makeup.

Ru Meiqi blinked her damp eyes and turned to Xu Binchen. "Then, shall we go in now, boyfriend?"

After successfully making Jin Renguang's face turn green, Ru Meiqi ended the video call with a satisfied smile. Xu Binchen glanced at her but didn't want to comment. He changed the topic swiftly. "The matter with that person who came to Shi Nian's house…how is it?"

"Comrade Wang is still working on it. The CCTVs in that area are seriously problematic, if it's not broken then its screen isn't working well. He's trying to extract as much footage as possible. We should be able to find that person in a few more days."

Xu Binchen nodded. "Tell me if there's any further development." He opened the car door and went out. The wind blew his hair which was combed up with hair gel, showing his clear forehead and highlighting his deep set eyebrows and eye-catching features.

He wore a branded trench coat, two piece suit and his tie loosened around his collar and stuffed into the breast pocket casually. His cold and elegant bearing swept the crowd and people couldn't help but give him another glance. He perfectly depicted the role of a mature, successful entrepreneur. His whole person exuded a 'not to be trifled with' aura.

Xu Binchen went to the passenger seat and opened the door gentlemanly. A fair, tender hand came out and rested on his arm, followed by a blindingly sexy leg and a captivating woman in glittering black gown who gave him a flirtatious smile.

Truly...a very well matched couple.

But actually, the conversation between them went on like this:

Ru Meiqi swept a glance toward the red string bracelet around Xu Binchen's wrist. A meaningful smile on her face. "I don't know that you're such a devoted Buddhist, Comrade Xu."

"I'm not, but someone does." The man put his palm on the canopy to protect her head. His gesture was intimate yet his dead eyes betrayed his thoughts. "Anyway, why should we pretend to be a couple? Why can't I be the boss while you're my secretary? It's easier to act like that anyway. I can also evade Captain's ire."

Ru Meiqi was almost angered to death. She covered her mouth and laughed charmingly. With a yank, she pulled on Xu Binchen's tie so that the man's head lowered. Their distance was so close that it seemed like they were going to kiss anytime soon.

A cold glint flashed through Ru Meiqi's eyes as she smiled sweetly. "If you talk to me like this later on, I will make sure to expose your secret to her, got it boyfriend?" Both of them knew who the 'her' Ru Meiqi was referring to.

Xu Binchen's jaw ticked and it looked like he had to expend all of his effort not to go out of character. Ru Meiqi smoothly descended and slipped her hand around Xu Binchen's arm. Together, they tangoed toward Dreamscape Bar's gate.

A bouncer with bulging muscle and a ferocious scar on his cheek stood guard. He looked suspiciously toward them. "First timer?"

Xu Binchen's character was arrogant, the true proud son of Heaven. It was beneath him to speak to such a lowly character so he remained silent with a condescending glance. It was Ru Meiqi who took care of it. She hugged Xu Binchen's arm, batted her eyelashes while her lips pouted adorably.

"Hubby, this is it~ I really want to visit this bar since ages ago!" she whined like a pampered sugar baby.

That sickening sweet tone almost made Xu Binchen puked. Fortunately, when his face turned ugly, he directed it toward the bouncer.

His face remained deadpanned as he ordered. "Open the door."

The bouncer didn't budge. "May I see your identity, Sir?"

Xu Binchen dug into his pocket and threw a golden card to him. The bouncer caught it steadily and his eyes instantly changed as he caught sight of the card. His attitude turned a hundred eighty degrees as he lowered his head deferentially. "Turns out that it is an esteemed guest. Please forgive my insolence." He opened the door for them and gestured. "Dreamscape Bar welcomes you. Please enter and enjoy yourself, Sir."

Xu Binchen harrumphed coldly and stepped forward. Ru Meiqi winked seductively toward the bouncer and blew him a kiss but actually, she was quite shocked inside.

There was very little information regarding Dreamscape Bar's management and there was even less of what police could obtain. This operation was only known by a few of them, the less people knew of it, the better. They couldn't even seek Wang Chengbing's cooperation. Unexpectedly, there was another hidden dragon in their SCI squad.

After the door closed behind them, she steadily whispered in Xu Binchen's ears. "What did you give him?" The man's attitude directly changed after seeing Xu Binchen's card so there must be something special in it.

"VIP membership card." Xu Binchen replied casually. "After knowing that we have to go undercover, I created one." His tone couldn't be more leisurely. But what kind of identity was needed to make a VIP membership in this bar?

Ru Meiqi was rendered speechless.

It seemed like Xu Binchen's network was deeper than she thought it was. He was truly mysterious and hard to read.

But at this moment, she threw it to the back of her mind and focused on the sight in front of her.