My spy diary

Chapter 571 Giving Gifts (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

At the Chaoximen Wharf in the mountain city, the river stretches out in a vast expanse. A light rain falls from the overcast sky, making the river appear misty and ethereal.

Zhang Yi stood on the dock, the drizzle falling on him, making him feel a little chilly.

After three days of travel, they finally made it back to the mountain town.

He turned to look at the delighted monkey and Qian Xiaosan, gave each of them a few gold bars, and then said:
"You should go back first, buy some things, and spend more time with your families."

The two could not refuse and had no choice but to accept it.

The monkey thought for a moment and asked, "Chief, is there anything else you need to do? If it's convenient, why don't you let me do it for you? My family is all back in my hometown, and I'm a bachelor, unlike Qian Xiaosan, who was put in a bridle after getting married. Old Qian, having a wife, children, and a warm bed is a good thing, but having family is also a major taboo for those engaged in intelligence work."

Upon hearing this, Qian Xiaosan objected. He had bought quite a few gifts on his way back, and now, waving the things in his hand, he said:

"Director, please tell me what's wrong. I'll come to report to you as soon as I finish delivering the things home."

The monkey looked at what he was holding and asked curiously, "What gift did you buy? You've been so secretive the whole way."

Qian Xiaosan said with a grin, "This isn't a gift, it's a surprise. What do you mean by being put in a bridle after marriage? You're a bachelor, what do you know?"

Seeing the two joking around, Zhang Yi said quietly, "I'm just a reclusive old bachelor now."

"Chief, you've misunderstood!" Qian Xiaosan snapped out of his daze, realizing his slip of the tongue, and quickly explained, "That's not what I meant."

Zhang Yi disagreed, waving his hand and saying, "Everyone's joys and sorrows are different. You are not a fish, how can you know the fish's joy? Some people pursue happiness, some pursue freedom. Just know what you should do and how to do it, live up to your youth, and don't follow the crowd."

"You're right," Qian Xiaosan echoed in a low voice, then turned his attention to Monkey, winking and saying, "Chief, you probably don't know, do you? I heard that Secretary Mei from the Justice Department is quite interested in Deputy Director Monkey. Hehe, it's said that pursuing a woman is like climbing a mountain, but pursuing a man is like piercing a thin veil. As long as Deputy Director Monkey agrees, I think it's guaranteed to work out. If you're not satisfied with Secretary Mei, I can have my wife introduce you to someone else."

"Secretary Mei?" Zhang Yi looked at Qian Xiaosan curiously.

"Deputy Director Ruan's secretary."

The monkey knew that Qian Xiaosan was a frivolous fellow, so he shook his head and said seriously:

"Old Qian, what nonsense are you talking about? This is fine to talk about in private, but you must not go outside. Secretary Mei is Deputy Director Ruan's niece. Don't ruin her reputation. Besides, the Japanese invaders have not been defeated yet. How can we go home? It's not the time to think about this."

Qian Xiaosan smiled sullenly upon hearing this.

"Okay, you all go back."

Zhang Yi waved his hand, dismissing the two men, then found a teahouse to sit down and made a phone call to Lu Genquan.

This man, originally a Shanghai construction contractor, is Boss Dai's direct informant. He is now being used by Zhang Yi as an inside man to infiltrate the circle of Lin Shiliang, the adopted son of the Kong family, and to collect evidence of Lin Shiliang's smuggling activities.

After waiting for half an hour, Lu Genquan arrived, looking travel-worn.

"Director Zhang, weren't you on official business? When did you get back?"

"Just arrived." Zhang Yi poured him a cup of hot tea and handed it to him. "Has Lin Shiliang made any moves lately?"

"As you know, the British closed the Burma Road a while ago due to the coercion of the Japanese invaders. It has only been open for a short time and has been under construction, so things have been relatively peaceful."

Zhang Yi nodded, then changed the subject: "You're familiar with the black market, are there any rare items on it lately?"

Hear the string song and know its elegant meaning.

Lu Genquan breathed a sigh of relief. As a businessman, no matter how perceptive and shrewd he was, he was not a professionally trained businessman. He lived in constant fear and trepidation while working undercover for Lin Shiliang. He was afraid of being criticized by the Military Intelligence Bureau for not obtaining valuable intelligence, and he was also afraid of being exposed and silenced by Lin Shiliang. He lived a very cautious life.

Hearing Zhang Yi inquire about the black market, he calmed himself down and laughed, "That depends on what Director Zhang needs. Money makes the world go round. The Kong family's black market is getting bigger and bigger. As long as you're willing to spend money, they can get famous cigarettes and wines, watches, cars, and luxury goods in all sorts of ways."

"Kong San is quite capable." Zhang Yi was somewhat surprised, but also felt it made sense. With power and influence, what couldn't he handle? He tapped the table. "Tell me, what kind of stock do you have on hand, for women?"

Lu Genquan smiled knowingly, thought for a moment, and said, "Since you're going to give it to a woman, you have to cater to her tastes. Lately, the wealthy ladies in Chongqing have been quite fond of foreign luxury goods. Things like Van Cleef & Arpels' ballerina and fairy brooches, Patek Philippe's recently launched rose gold watch, Chanel dresses, and Penhaligon's perfume, which is said to be a brand favored by the British Royal Family."

Lu Genquan spoke eloquently, leaving Zhang Yi speechless. He had heard of Patek Philippe and Chanel, but he had never heard of Van Cleef & Arpels or Penhaligon's. He didn't know if they had declined in later generations or if he was just ignorant.

Regardless, even in later generations, these luxury items were only available to the wealthy, and ordinary people could only dream of owning them.

Moreover, there is a hierarchy of contempt in this circle. You go to great lengths to buy a Chanel bag, only to be told by others that Chanel is nothing special, and Hermès is the real benchmark.

Sure enough, no matter when, even if the Heavenly Palace only showed a corner of itself, it was already dazzling. Heh, what ordinary people see as treasures is actually waste material in the Heavenly Palace.

Seeing Zhang Yi hesitate, Lu Genquan assumed he thought it was too expensive, so he carefully chose his words: "If Director Zhang is short of funds, I can pay for it in advance."

Despite saying that, Lu Genquan still couldn't help but feel heartbroken. Take, for example, the Patek Philippe rose gold watch he just introduced. Its factory price is $2200, but it's smuggled to Chongqing and sold for $3000.

The US dollar is pegged to the ounce of gold. At the current rate, about $35 is equal to one ounce of gold. The small yellow croaker weighs 31.25 grams, which means that this watch alone is worth 56 small yellow croakers.

"I appreciate your kind offer," Zhang Yi waved his hand. "Since I'm the one giving the gift, how can I let you, Lao Lu, pay for it?"

"Giving roses to others leaves a lingering fragrance on your own hands, Director Zhang is too polite to me," Lu Genquan said with a beaming smile.

Zhang Yi smiled and said, "Since you insist, then I shall accept your offer."

Lu Genquan was speechless for a moment, his face turned red, and he awkwardly rubbed his hands together, meeting Zhang Yi's ambiguous gaze.

"Alright." Zhang Yi stopped teasing him, opened his briefcase, and pushed all the gifts he had received during his trip to Yuzhou over to him. "The money is all here, more or less. You decide what to do with it."

Lu Genquan took the bag of small yellow croakers, glanced at it, and secretly calculated that the bag of small yellow croakers plus cash, after exchanging them and paying a little extra himself, would indeed be enough. His mood improved: "When do you need it, Director Zhang?"

"Right now." "Okay, I'll go take care of it now."

An hour later, the two met again, and Zhang Yi arrived at Yangjiashan Villa in Lu Genquan's car.

This is a villa that Dai Chunfeng specially built for Hu Die, the "Queen of Movies".

The road in front of the gate was built in the shape of the Chinese characters for "happiness" and "longevity," and was decorated with precious trees and exotic flowers and plants. Its luxurious and grand appearance was astonishing.

Logically, when giving gifts to superiors, one should act alone, secretly, and avoid doing so in pairs. This way, if something goes wrong in the future, it will be a one-on-one situation, leaving no one to testify.

However, Zhang Yi had specifically inquired that Boss Dai was not at home before coming. This time, the main target of his attack was Hu Die, but he could not come alone. If a rumor spread about a lone man and woman, it would be impossible to clear his name even if he jumped into the Yellow River. Therefore, he brought Lu Genquan along to leave a witness and avoid any suspicion of impropriety.

After showing his identification to the guards, Zhang Yi led Lu Genquan to the front of the villa.

He walked ahead, carrying a box of newly bought pastries in his left hand and his bullet-riddled briefcase in his right, looking somewhat comical. But don't underestimate that simply packaged box of pastries; it held a secret: inside was not only a watch but also a decades-old ginseng root.

Just now in the car, Lu Genquan watched Zhang Yi casually stuff his watch and ginseng into the snack box, and asked with some concern:

"If you leave it like this, what if someone doesn't notice it and just throws it away? Wouldn't that be unfair?"

Zhang Yi couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Old Lu, you call yourself a businessman? You look cunning and shrewd, but your true colors are revealed the moment you open your mouth. It's obvious you haven't given many lavish gifts. Think about it, this area isn't just home to Boss Dai; there are other high-ranking officials and dignitaries, and plenty of rivals for the boss. With so many people coming and going, you need to be discreet. With these simple pastries as cover, even if the Chairman sees them, there's no need to hide them. But the recipient understands that the simpler the packaging, the more valuable it is. Why would someone handle it carelessly? Even if she doesn't understand the meaning, you have to subtly imply it."

Lu Genquan was extremely impressed. But despite his admiration, he couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment when he thought about the box of small yellow croakers he had given Zhang Yi back then. However, this time, Zhang Yi was in charge of delivering the gift to Hu Die, and Lu Genquan was merely following along, pretending to know nothing and walking behind him.

The doorbell rang, and an ordinary-looking nanny came out. After asking her name and learning that Zhang Yi was a section chief, she welcomed him in, made tea for the two of them, and repeatedly gave them instructions:
"Madam is still taking a nap and said that no one should disturb her. Please wait a moment."

Zhang Yi glanced at his watch. It was already four in the afternoon. Was he still taking a nap? Everyone says that sleeping is good for a woman's complexion, but he wondered if there was any scientific basis for that.

After sitting down, he glanced around the room. Although this wasn't Boss Dai's old lair, as a place where he kept his mistress, the house's decorations and furnishings were incredibly luxurious, especially the dazzling array of valuable items in the display cabinets, which dazzled Zhang Yi.

A moment later, soft music from a record player filled the bedroom, and Hu Die gracefully walked out, dressed in a well-tailored silk cheongsam.

After some time apart, she had gained some weight, but her complexion looked rosy and healthy than before. She had drawn her eyebrows and applied lipstick, and her hair was neatly styled and pinned up.

She was no longer the helpless movie star who fled to the mountain town and lived as a dependent; she now had the air of a noble lady.

Seeing Zhang Yi help her find her luggage, the surprise was fleeting. Although she could still feel warmth in her eyes, her expression clearly carried a condescending tone.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Hu Die said to Zhang Yi, "Yu Nong isn't here. Should I call him?"

These words clearly mean to send the guest away.

Zhang Yi pretended not to understand and handed over the gift he had carefully prepared.

Hu Die looked at the simply packaged box of pastries, said politely but her expression was somewhat disdainful. What hadn't she seen? The fruits she ate were all air-freighted. Why would she care about a box of pastries?
Zhang Yi guessed that Hu Die, being a new official's wife, probably didn't understand the etiquette of gift-giving. While secretly regretting his mistake, he earnestly introduced the pastries. Unexpectedly, it would have been better if he hadn't introduced them at all. Before he finished, Hu Die directly called the nanny: "Take the pastries away, bring up some fruit, and help me take care of the guests. I'm going to check on Afu."

With that, she got up and went to take care of her pet dog.

The master's behavior was one thing, but she never expected that the nanny, a mere maid, would also be someone who "only respects clothes and not people." She picked up the pastry, gave a disdainful snort, and turned to leave.

Upon reaching the kitchen, the nanny threw the pastries onto the floor. Perhaps she used too much force, because with a "bang," the packaging box broke, and a beautifully packaged box rolled out.

The nanny walked over curiously, carefully picked up the box, unwrapped it, and found a very luxurious rose gold watch inside. She called out to Hu Die repeatedly:
"Madam, Madam, come here quickly!"

Hu Die, bewildered, carried Afu over. The moment she saw the watch, her previously indifferent face immediately lit up with surprise, like a blooming chrysanthemum. She was quite knowledgeable and immediately recognized it as a new rose gold Patek Philippe watch. Madam Song owned one, supposedly a gift from Miss Kong. Everyone at their social gatherings had been envious; she had long wanted one, and now it had unexpectedly been delivered to her door.

She quickly had the nanny carefully check the snack box, and unsurprisingly, she found another ginseng root. She was even more satisfied and immediately told the nanny to get the fruit that had been airlifted in.

After arranging all these things, Hu Die repeatedly verified that the watch was not a fake, which made her even more fond of it. When she came out again, her attitude had completely changed; she was all smiles and kept saying:
"That's too extravagant, Director Zhang. You're too kind. You should have come, but you brought such an expensive gift."

Zhang Yi smiled, exchanged a glance with Lu Genquan, and thought to himself, "It's good that you know your stuff," before humbly saying:

"It's just a small token, I'm glad you find it pleasing to the eye, Madam. I heard that your birthday is on the 23rd of the third lunar month, so on behalf of the Judicial Office, I wish you a happy birthday and eternal youth."

"Birthday? Oh, I almost forgot if you hadn't mentioned it." Hu Die stroked the heavy watch, her expression immediately becoming more solemn. She pondered for a moment and asked, "Such an expensive gift, is there something you need my help with? Just tell me directly, and I'll definitely tell Yu Nong if I can help."

“Madam, you misunderstand. I just returned from a business trip to Yuzhou and was thinking of visiting Boss Dai. Since he is not home, I will go to the headquarters.”

"You're only just back? Have you eaten? Why didn't you come home for dinner earlier?" Hearing that she wasn't being asked for a favor, Hu Die breathed a sigh of relief and scolded her playfully.

"We ate out so as not to disturb Mr. and Mrs. Dai."

"That's good. Don't be shy in the future, make yourself at home here," Hu Die instructed in an elder's tone.

"I'll gladly accept your kind offer and will certainly visit you more often in the future. Madam, I won't disturb you any longer today. Farewell!"

Hu Die smiled, her crescent-shaped eyes narrowing into slits: "Then it's settled. You should come often in the future. I'll see you off."

As Zhang Yi emerged from the Dai mansion into the drizzling rain, he sighed. When does a person begin to loathe themselves and become hypocritical?

"Director Zhang, what's wrong?"

"It's alright, just take me to headquarters."

There's another test waiting for him there.

(End of this chapter)