My spy diary

Chapter 578 Taking Photos (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Headquarters, Party and Government Intelligence Division.

Section Chief Liu reported to He Shangyou with a dejected look: "Chief, I didn't expect that his sudden turnaround and departure from us was to change vehicles. By the time we caught up, he had already disappeared, and the other groups had no news of him either. He has completely vanished."

He Shangyou asked coldly, "A switcheroo?"

"Yes."

"Is the car owner in cahoots with him?"

"No, I'm sure of that. We've interrogated this guy; he's just a pretty boy. It must have been a spur-of-the-moment thing."

"Your people have been discovered by him?"

"No, we didn't dare get too close, and the cars weren't going in the same direction, so it was impossible for us to be spotted. My subordinate guesses that this might be one of his usual tactics. He would do this regardless of whether he was being followed or not."

"You mean he's already found Lin Jingyi's hiding place?"

"Yes, that should be it. What do you think we should do next?"

"You're asking me? Who am I supposed to ask?" Hearing Section Chief Liu's words, He Shangyou became even more furious. Looking at the group of dejected plainclothes officers, he said fiercely:
"So many cats, and a few mice got away? And they used some of the latest American high technology, and what happened? They were completely fooled. A bunch of good-for-nothings."

"Sir, please calm down. What do you need us to do next?"

He Shangyou stood up and said impatiently, "Do you even have a brain? Do I have to break everything down and feed it to you? Send some people to find that car, and the rest of you keep watch at the intersection near the headquarters. Notify me immediately when you see his men appear."

"Yes, sir." Section Chief Liu quickly saluted and left, trembling with fear.

On the other side, Tangjiatuo, Building No. 018.

The room was filled with smoke. In one room, the door was open, and four people were playing mahjong, while another person was cleaning, cursing and swearing, amidst the swirling smoke.

The newly arrived Zhao Dekai and Bai Shangyun were also at the table.

Bai Shangyun lit a cigarette and looked at the man opposite him, asking, "Director Lin, are you planning to stay here for the rest of your life?"

"It's restrictive here, but it's better than sleeping on the streets, right?" The man opposite him was Lin Jingyi, who had returned to the mountain city after a long journey from No. 76. He didn't mind the simple environment or his disheveled appearance in slippers. He chuckled as he played mahjong. "What director? I'm just a pawn under Boss Xu now, dispensable. If it weren't for the boss's sentimentality, I might have become a homeless dog long ago. Freedom is precious, but life is more valuable. Hehe, spending my remaining years here isn't bad either."

At this moment, Lin Jingyi was in a much better mood than when he was in Jinling and when he first returned to Shancheng. He originally thought that even if he got past Ding Mocun, he would at least escape with his life in Shancheng, but unexpectedly, he offered a bargaining chip and someone pleaded for him, and Xu Zeng actually forgave him.

"How could Ding Mocun bear to let you come back?"

"Director Ding isn't having an easy time either. Maybe it's because they're in the same boat, or maybe he's just leaving himself a way out," Lin Jingyi said with a hint of smugness.

Bai Shangyun's eyes flickered as he sized him up, asking meaningfully, "So, you're really lucky. Director Lin, didn't Ding Mocun assign you any tasks?"

Lin Jingyi feigned ignorance: "Mission? What mission? He just let me go out of consideration for our past relationship, leaving himself a way out. If the Kuomintang wins one day and he wants to come to us to save his life, I can be the key to prove that he has done things for the Kuomintang."

Bai Shangyun was skeptical. He exchanged glances with the others and continued to ask, "So you're content to just lie low here forever? Not letting Commissioner Zhou put in a good word for you anymore? He's a favorite of the Director now."

The so-called Commissioner Zhou is Zhou Yaguang. He is from Hunan and, like Xu Zeng'en's wife Fei Xia, was a student who studied in Russia and a traitor to the Communist Party. He once served as the fourth chief of the second group of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) in charge of intelligence on the Communist Party. He is currently a commissioner of the CBIS, in charge of the research office and reviewing the diplomatic passports applied for by senior members of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, government, and military when they go abroad.

Although this man degenerated into a traitor, he was undeniably a talented individual. He was not only fluent in Russian and English, but also had considerable expertise in philosophy, political science, and economics. He could speak fluently and eloquently about Marxist-Leninist theory, leaving people dazzled. He managed to subdue at least a reinforced company of defected Red Party members and was known as a "great scholar" within the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong).

In addition, this person was also a master of traditional Chinese studies, proficient in poetry, prose, and even divination; he was an expert in all fields.

Although this person is a learned man, hardworking, and well-liked, he is labeled a traitor, and no matter how upright his work attitude is, he cannot be fully trusted and used by Xu Zeng'en.

But things change, and after being neglected by Xu Zeng'en for five years, he was suddenly given important responsibilities after the outbreak of the War of Resistance against Japan.

This was because before the War of Resistance against Japan, the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong) had planted many informants within the Communist Party of China (CPC) and was said to be "fully aware" of the CPC's activities. Therefore, at that time, even towards traitors like Zhou Yaguang, who was known as an "expert on CPC issues," Xu Zeng'en was too lazy to inquire.

However, after the Red Party arrived at Baota Mountain, all the clues originally laid out by the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong) were cut off, and they lost control all at once. This made Xu Zeng'en anxious like an ant on a hot pan, forcing the second group to produce intelligence that could satisfy the higher-ups. Even if it was fabricated, they had to fool the higher-ups.

In this awkward and fearful situation, Zhou Yaguang's talent began to shine. He used the "Xinhua Daily," which the Red Party had openly discovered in the mountain city, to meticulously record, analyze, and synthesize the news about the Eighth Route Army and the New Fourth Army, day by day, to chart a course of development. Based on this, and combined with the Japanese offensive, he located the gaps in their rear, thus analyzing and predicting the future direction of the Eighth Route Army.

Thus, a mysterious intelligence report was generated. It is said that its accuracy is usually over 50%.

With this information, they were able to fool their superiors.

From then on, even when Xu Zeng'en attended special meetings chaired by Chang, he always received reports written by Zhou Yaguang.

In a short time, Zhou Yaguang, the neglected Red Party traitor, was transformed into an "intelligence master," a strategist who "knew everything under heaven without leaving his thatched hut." Xu Zeng'en regarded him as a treasure, consulting him daily and valuing him immensely.

Of course, Zhou Yaguang's ability was entirely due to his cultivation, qualities, and profound intelligence expertise. He was familiar with the basic principles of the Red Party's strategic and tactical methods, as well as the main characteristics of the Red Party's political line and policies, and its fighting style. He also grasped the battlefield situation of the Red Party and the Japanese army and knew how to use statistics for intelligence analysis, which enabled him to achieve such results.

"You mean Lao Zhou? We really owe him a lot this time." Lin Jingyi smacked her lips twice, then shook her head and said, "He's already repaid the favor he owed me, how could I trouble him again?"

Bai Shangyun disagreed: "Relationships are something you have to maintain. The more you maintain them, the more complicated things become. If things get complicated, they'll just fester in the pot. If you can always distinguish between 'yours,' 'mine,' and 'him,' then you'll become distant. What you need is to owe each other things often; once you owe each other enough, you won't have to worry anymore. Whether he does it once or ten times, it's still the same."

Lin Jingyi was surprised that a female spy who was ignorant and relied on her looks to serve others could say such things. She gave her a meaningful look and said, "Everyone has their own difficulties. Although Lao Zhou is favored and valued by the boss, he is not happy inside. He can't get rid of the label of traitor. He indulges in wine and women every day and gives up on himself. I don't want to bother him."

He sighed, then changed the subject, saying, "Great minds think alike. My trip to Nanjing was quite enlightening. According to Ding Mocun, the US and Britain are furious about Japan's encroachment on their interests in Southeast Asia and have already restricted and reduced steel and oil exports to Japan. The Japanese are very angry about this, and the pro-war and pro-moderate factions are fighting and arguing endlessly. But it's conceivable that under the strong pressure from the military, Japan will definitely take a tough stance against the US and Britain, and war might break out."

"Would it?" Bai Shangyun asked casually. "What does that have to do with us?" "How can it not have to do with us? If a conflict breaks out between Japan, the US, and Britain, the war situation will be rewritten very quickly. Once the Japanese are defeated, who will be our next enemy?"

Lin Jingyi's expression turned serious. He banged on the table and said, "Old Zhou is a Red Party intelligence expert. We are also in the intelligence business. I believe everyone is more aware than anyone else of the Red Party's vigorous growth. Our opponents are getting stronger every day. What about us?"

"Director Lin, why must you boost others' morale while diminishing your own? Are the Party and the State's million-strong army just sitting around doing nothing? If we can't defeat the Japanese, surely we can handle the Red Party?" Hearing this, another male agent next to him objected, saying, "Besides, even if there really is a war, who knows when that will be? If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up. Let's just live in the present, eight of a kind!"

"That's true, let's live for today, six of bamboo!" Lin Jingyi shook his head and just threw out a card when a clicking sound suddenly came from outside the door.

The men were startled and immediately drew their pistols. One of them went to check the door, while the others lay in ambush by the door.

A male agent opened the door with a gun slung over his back. A portly man stood awkwardly in the doorway, with a smiling man standing behind him.

Behind them were two men who appeared to be attendants; one stood with his hands behind his back, while the other was taking pictures everywhere with a camera, making a clicking sound.

The agent was taken aback and asked warily, "What are you doing here?"

The portly man was none other than Deputy Director Yu. He had thought he could finally leave this troublesome place, but Zhang Yi had unexpectedly brought him back. His hands, trembling slightly behind his back, were patted on the shoulder by Zhang Yi. He took a deep breath and forced himself to remain calm, saying:

"I am Yu Dacheng, Deputy Director of the Municipal Construction Bureau."

"From the Construction Bureau? What are you doing here?"

"What are you doing? When are you going to pay your rent, Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics?"

So they were debt collectors. The agent curled his lip: "You'll have to find our Director Xu for this." Seeing the unidentified follower still taking pictures, he pointed at him and rushed over.

"You're also from the Construction Bureau? Who gave you permission to take pictures here? Hey, haven't we met before?"

He finally recognized the monkey taking the picture.

The monkey ignored him and turned to Zhang Yi, asking, "Director, may I take these photos?"

Zhang Yi, with a gentlemanly air, turned to Deputy Director Yu and asked, "Deputy Director Yu, is this building belonging to your Construction Bureau?"

"Yes."

Then Zhang Yi smiled and said to the monkey, "Then you might need to ask your owner's permission."

Deputy Director Yu forced a smile: "Of course, I don't mind."

Monkey: "Thank you." He smiled politely at the male agent and continued taking pictures.

The male agent stood there, extremely embarrassed, and angrily said, "What master? Master? What are you doing here? Taking pictures is not allowed."

He then reached out to snatch the camera from the monkey's hand.

Zhang Yi stopped him, smiling, and said, "Brother, don't get excited. We're reporters from the Central News Agency, commissioned by the Executive Yuan and the city government to take some photos." He lowered his voice meaningfully, "There are reports that the houses in Tangjiatuo have serious quality problems, and since it's located in a remote area, the people are very unhappy and unwilling to relocate. We're here to photograph some positive things, especially the beautiful scenes of people living happily here and the country being peaceful and prosperous. I'll take a picture of you in a bit."

“I remember now, you came on the same ferry as us. Aren’t you a businessman? How did you become a reporter?” The male agent stared at him suspiciously. “I need to see your identification.”

Hearing the commotion outside, Zhao Dekai, Bai Shangyun, and another male agent who were lying in ambush inside the house couldn't hold back any longer. They came out with their pistols in hand and were all surprised to see Zhang Yi and the others.

"Your ID, right? I'll get it for you right now." As he spoke, Zhang Yi swiftly grabbed the agent's wrist, disarmed him, and pulled him in front of him. At the same time, he fired three shots at the three people who appeared at the door.

All of this happened in the blink of an eye; the three of them were caught off guard and fell to the ground.

The male spy stared in disbelief, a look of despair in his eyes. His right hand flashed out, pulling a dagger from his back waist, and lunged at Zhang Yi's neck. Zhang Yi reacted swiftly, dodging backward and kicking the spy away, then firing a shot to kill him.

In the blink of an eye, four people were dead. Watching Monkey and Qian Xiaosan rush into the house, Deputy Director Yu trembled, asking in terror, "Director Zhang, weren't we supposed to be questioning them? How did you kill them? If the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics finds out you killed their men, I'll..."

"What do you know? We joined forces and killed their men? Old Yu, we're all in the same boat now, sharing weal and woe. I'm not afraid, so what are you afraid of? As long as we disguise the scene as a robbery, who will suspect anything? This is the middle of nowhere. By the time the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics remembers them, their bodies will be rotting."

Looking at Zhang Yi's nonchalant attitude, Deputy Director Yu felt a chill run down his spine. "You're not afraid, you have the Military Intelligence Bureau as your backer, but what about me?" At that moment, he felt like dying.

Soon, the monkey dragged out Lin Jingyi, who was trembling all over and disheveled.

"what is it call?"

"Lin Jingyi, who are you?"

“You don’t need to know that.” Zhang Yi glanced at him a few times and found that he was the same person described by the intelligence department. He waved his hand, and Monkey knocked him unconscious with a chop to the vagus nerve in his neck. Then he tied his hands and feet, gagged him tightly, put him in a sack, and after setting up the scene, he carried him to Deputy Director Yu’s Ford and stuffed him into the trunk of the car.

"Deputy Director Yu, it's up to you now. Take your car back the same way you got here."

"I...I can't," Deputy Director Yu said nervously, waving his hands repeatedly.

"I have faith in you. Once the car reaches the other side of the dock, your mission will be accomplished. Go!"

Zhang Yi's words left no room for argument. Deputy Director Yu had no choice but to shakily climb into the driver's seat, take a few deep breaths to calm himself down, and then start the car.

(End of this chapter)