Ming Tai was worried about Ming Lou's safety, so he said solemnly, "Big Brother, why don't you come with me? Otherwise, I won't leave you here alone."
Seeing how stubborn Ming Tai was, Ming Lou signaled to Ming Cheng and said gravely, "Take them outside first. I have something to say to Ming Tai, and I don't want anyone else to hear it."
Ming Cheng understood that Big Brother was probably about to reveal his identity to Ming Tai, so he said seriously to Cheng Jinyun, Zhao Di, and Kainan, "Please come outside with me."
Cheng Jinyun, Kainan, and Zhao Di understood that the two brothers had something to discuss, so they went outside. They also helped Ming Cheng keep watch in every direction, in case anyone tried to sneak in.
After everyone else had left, Ming Tai said gravely, "Big Brother, just tell me what's going on. Don't say you're my superior in the Military Statistics Bureau. I already know that."
Ming Lou didn't answer. He looked at Ming Tai and asked solemnly, "Do you happen to have a cigarette?"
At first, Ming Tai was about to say that he didn't smoke. But then he remembered what Uncle Li had told him before he came, and his eyes widened. His voice trembling, he said, "Sorry, I just quit smoking!"
Ming Tai could hardly believe his ears. He had always thought his big brother was a traitor, and had only learned that he was with the Military Statistics Bureau after his own cover was blown. He never expected him to have yet another identity.
After answering Ming Lou's question, he asked in a trembling voice, "Big Brother, are you with Yan'an?"
Ming Lou nodded and continued solemnly, "I'm speaking to you now as the leader of the Shanghai underground intelligence