Chapter 924: The Real and Fake Qingzhi
Editor: Henyee Translations

Lou Ze regained his composure, curious about how Jinghong had recognized him.

Tang Jinghong didn’t look at Lou Ze anymore; his attention was on the surroundings. Although it seemed peaceful, the faint traces of killing intent in the air were unmistakable to him.

The people trying to kill him were clearly from the Yun Organization, but why choose this place?

Lou Ze, while watching the performance on stage, discreetly extended his divine consciousness to envelop the entire theater.

He understood what was happening now; an interesting show was about to unfold.

At a commanding position on the second floor of the theater, a woman in theatrical costume stood puzzled. Why was Lou Ze here? And why did he enter just before or after Tang Jinghong?

With the recent failures within the organization, could Lou Ze have betrayed them?

If he was a traitor, thinking through the implications made too much sense. She quickly turned and headed to a room.

“Master, I suspect Lou Ze is the traitor.”

“On what grounds?”

“Last time, when we attempted to assassinate Chu Qingzhi, only Zeng Huo and Lou Ze returned. I’m unsure about Zeng Huo, but just now, Lou Ze and Tang Jinghong entered one after the other; they must be connected.”

The person called Master’s expression turned cold, and after a moment of silence, they ordered, “Regardless of their relationship, go and lock the doors. Once we deal with Tang Jinghong, we’ll take care of Lou Ze as well. Better to kill wrongly than to let go.”

“Yes, Master.”

After leaving the room, she immediately instructed her subordinates to lock the front and back doors, preparing to trap Tang Jinghong inside.

Tang Jinghong, seemingly oblivious, sat calmly in his seat, enjoying the lively performance on stage.

“Many a soul sighs, yearning for the endless mortal realm…”

Clang, clang, clang—

Tang Jinghong rested his arm on the chair, glanced at Lou Ze, “Brother, have you had enough?”

Lou Ze popped a peanut into his mouth and patted his hands cheerfully, “I’m done eating, but it wasn’t very tasty. I’ll buy something better from a shop later.”

Tang Jinghong smirked, “Buying your own is indeed more fitting.”

As they spoke, a woman in a red theatrical costume took the stage and began to sing, “Fury boils over, leaning on the railing, as the gentle rain stops, I look up…”

Lou Ze admired the performer on stage, recognizing something admirable.

They say the world might harbor two people who look alike. If he didn’t know she wasn’t his twin, he might have thought she was his sister.

The performer looked nearly identical to Chu Qingzhi, even her gestures and expressions resembled her. Anyone not familiar with Chu Qingzhi wouldn’t be able to tell them apart.

Tang Jinghong also seemed momentarily stunned. Although the performer wore stage makeup, it didn’t obscure the facial features. He instinctively compared her with the Chu Qingzhi in his mind; she did look very similar. The only discrepancy was the eyes.

The emotions and thoughts of a person are often reflected in their eyes.

Chu Qingzhi’s eyes always conveyed calmness, fearlessness, and confidence, while this imposter’s eyes carried a clear purpose and an artificially crafted fragility.

Lou Ze tapped his fingers on the table lightly, “Brother, any thoughts?”

Tang Jinghong calmly observed, “The real Qingzhi is elegant and confident, not petty like this. Even if their faces are similar, their auras are worlds apart.”

Lou Ze felt amused, “Later, that lady will invite you to meet. What will you do?”

“I won’t let her continue impersonating you,” Tang Jinghong paused, a flash of murderous intent briefly visible in his eyes.

A chill passed through the air, causing a few strands of Lou Ze’s hair to flutter.

Lou Ze grabbed a handful of sugared beans, “Brother, these beans are quite sweet.”

Tang Jinghong’s eyes softened slightly, “Want anything else? I can ask the staff to bring it.”

Lou Ze adjusted the dishes on the table to be more orderly, “No need, this is enough.”

Tang Jinghong tried a sugared bean; it was indeed quite sweet. “Let me know if you need more.”

“Alright,” Lou Ze continued eating.

As the act ended, the performer dramatically swung her long sleeve, pausing with a meaningful glance at Tang Jinghong before leaving the stage.

Lou Ze finished the beans in his hand, “Brother, she’s inviting you to meet. Are you not going?”

“The one who should be anxious isn’t me.” Tang Jinghong calmly sat, took a sip of tea, then after a short while, stood up and headed backstage.

Lou Ze raised an eyebrow slightly, admiring Tang Jinghong’s strategic demeanor, which was full of allure. He called out to Tang Jinghong’s retreating figure, “Well said.”

Tang Jinghong gave a slight smile, turned the corner of the corridor, and disappeared from sight.

The second act on stage began, and not a single spectator had left the hall. It seemed as though they were there to watch the play, yet also waiting for something else.

Lou Ze grabbed another handful of sugared beans to munch on.

As Tang Jinghong made his way through the corridors behind the stage, a maid approached him, her demeanor respectful, “Is this General Tang?”

Tang Jinghong scrutinized her; she was clearly trained, possibly a martial artist. “Yes.”

The maid’s face lit up with surprise, “If you are General Tang, Miss Chu has been waiting for you for a long time.”

Tang Jinghong feigned surprise yet remained composed, “Who is this Miss Chu you speak of?”

The maid observed Tang Jinghong’s expression and responded, “Miss Chu Qingzhi, of course. Surely you haven’t forgotten her? She was in trouble, but our theater saved her. Initially, she wanted to find you, but due to the numerous assassins and her injuries, we had to keep her hidden. Out of desperation and concern for her safety, we couldn’t risk exposing her. However, Miss Chu couldn’t bear the separation any longer and thus risked arranging this meeting.”

They had crafted quite the story, and it seemed they had prepared thoroughly. Tang Jinghong pretended to be anxious, “Please, take me to her quickly.”

The maid hesitated for a moment, “General, please wait just a moment. Miss Chu is removing her makeup and changing clothes. She will come to meet you soon.”

Tang Jinghong acted impatiently, “Where is she? I’ll wait by her side.”

The maid inwardly thought his expressions were too genuine to be faked, “Seeing how deeply you care, follow me, please.”

She led Tang Jinghong through several corridors, then up to a room on the second floor, “General, please wait here. Miss Chu will be out shortly after she changes.”

Tang Jinghong thought to himself that the theater wasn’t as large as the route they took suggested. There must be hidden mechanisms or secrets within these walls.

It would be a shame to damage such a beautiful theater.

While Tang Jinghong waited, Lou Ze had disappeared from his original spot. By the time others noticed, he had made his way to the theater’s kitchen.

The kitchen housed a cellar that was more than it appeared to be.

The first level of the cellar was used for storing vegetables, but the second level revealed an underground theater mirroring the grandeur and decor of the one above, equally luxurious and splendid.