My spy diary

Chapter 600 Summoning (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

After making arrangements for the position of director of the investigation office, Dai Chunfeng thought for a moment, then picked up the roster of the "Zhao Family Gang" and looked at it. He took out a pen and marked the names of more than a dozen people from Jiangshan, then handed it to Director Gong:
"Get me the detailed resumes of these people; I want to meet with them individually."

"Yes," Director Gong replied respectfully.

This is the advantage of bringing the head of the personnel department with you when you go out. Since joining the Military Intelligence Bureau, Director Gong has never left the organization and personnel system. He is good at learning, has a great memory, and knows the resumes of cadres like the back of his hand. When Boss Dai wants to adjust the cadres, he can always understand and put forward suitable candidates. He is an indispensable assistant to Dai Chunfeng.

Although Zhao Longwen has fallen, it is impossible to discard all his men. Naturally, it is necessary to divide and win them over and reorganize them. The spies from Jiangshan are naturally close to him and are therefore ranked first.

Due to the need for disguise and infiltration, the intelligence work of the Military Intelligence Bureau often involved father-son or husband-wife teams. Therefore, when the Military Intelligence Bureau expanded, there were many cases of "father-son teams", "husband-wife teams", "relative teams", and "brother teams". On this basis, "hometown teams" were formed, and agents from Jiangshan accounted for a very high proportion in the Military Intelligence Bureau.

Besides their relatively high proportion, the agents from Jiangshan form a unique system. They are bound by their hometown sentiments and closely protect Boss Dai's interests. They have a strong sense of "a scholar will die for one who understands him." As long as Dai Chunfeng gives the order, they will not hesitate to carry out even the most dangerous missions, and they will not hesitate to give up their lives.

Of course, with high risk comes high reward, and agents from Jiangshan also get promoted faster than others.

These need not be elaborated upon.

With the personnel issues resolved, Dai Chunfeng finally remembered his son and snorted coldly:
"Where's that traitor?"

Lieutenant Jia lowered his head and said, "Director, he saw me and knew you were here, so he went back first."

Dai Chunfeng stared at him expressionlessly and said coldly:

"Didn't I tell you to arrest him?"

Lieutenant Jia remained silent and meek. He thought to himself, "Your precious son acts like a mouse before a cat when he sees you, but he's so arrogant in front of me. I don't think I'd dare arrest him."

Dai Chunfeng looked disgusted and said, word by word, "You're quick to slip away, but if you've got the guts, don't go home. I'll teach you a lesson when I get back."

Then, changing the subject, he asked, "What about that guy? Yao Zechong's son?"

“Yao Jinbao,” Station Chief Tong said, “This kid gathered a few people, brandishing knives and guns, and spied around the police station entrance, claiming that he had an irreconcilable hatred for his father’s killer and wanted to avenge him. I was worried that things would escalate, so I disarmed them and locked them up.”

“Forget it. Even if Yao Zechong deserved his fate, he died a pathetic death.” Dai Chunfeng pondered for a moment, then pointed to the gold bars and US dollars seized from the Yao family on the table and said to Station Chief Tong, “Give them a portion and handle the aftermath properly.”

"Yes, it is my duty!" Station Master Tong replied respectfully.

"Alright, that's settled then. Director Zhang, please stay."

"Yes."

After the others left, Dai Chunfeng slumped wearily into a chair, rubbing his temples as he said:
"Investigating a case has led to so much trouble, leaving people physically and mentally exhausted."

Zhang Yi nodded empathetically, pretended to recall for a moment, and then asked thoughtfully:
"Director, was this really done by Li Jue and Zhao Longwen?"

"If it's not you, if it's not me, then who else could it be?" After a pause, Dai Chunfeng looked at Zhang Yi. "What do you think I should do with Zhao Longwen?"

"This matter can be decided by the Director with a single word; your subordinates dare not offer any objections."

Dai Chunfeng remained noncommittal, sighed, and picked at her nails, as if speaking to Zhang Yi, yet also seemingly to herself:

“Zhao Longwen’s actions have truly chilled my heart. I once trusted him so much. But what did he do? He cultivated his own power base, embezzled and accepted bribes, fought for power and profit, alienated the headquarters, and even harmed his colleagues for personal gain.” As he spoke, Dai Chunfeng became somewhat agitated. “This time, I absolutely cannot let him off lightly.”

Zhang Yi chimed in, "Yes, who would have thought that Director Zhao would do something like this? He's so hysterical, and his behavior is just too disgusting."

Dai Chunfeng glanced at him, seemingly preoccupied: "But in the end, he is, after all, an old-timer from the Special Service Bureau. If we punish him too severely, wouldn't that be problematic? Besides, it's not good to publicize Yao Zechong's matter. What reason do we have to deal with him?"

Zhang Yi didn't know what he was trying to say, so he followed up by asking:

"So, what does the Director mean?"

Dai Chunfeng shook his head helplessly: "I've been thinking about this. Yao Zechong's death, turning a mistake into an opportunity, is very beneficial for us to rebuild the image of the Military Intelligence Bureau. Zhao Longwen is the person in charge of this case, and his glorious deeds are still published in the newspapers. Now, no matter what pretext we use to arrest him, it will cause public opinion chaos. Thinking about this, I have many concerns."

Public opinion? Does Dai Chunfeng really care about public opinion? It should be noted that those in power and making decisions are sometimes not afraid of differing opinions and heated debates, but rather of unanimous opinions and uniform public opinion. Moreover, they are most unwilling to let ordinary people guess their thoughts and concerns.

Zhang Yi pretended to suddenly realize something, then became worried again: "If that's the case, it's really difficult to handle. Maybe we should use the pretext of embezzlement and perverting the law? That's not appropriate! Or, we could find someone to talk to him and have him resign voluntarily, saying it's due to health reasons."

“That’s a good idea.” Dai Chunfeng smiled meaningfully. “How about this, let’s go see him now, and you can talk to him for me later and tell him that I’m treating him to dinner at the Shancheng Hotel tonight.”

After receiving emergency treatment from the doctor, Zhao Longwen, having quickly washed up and changed into clean clothes, was taken to the office.

Holding Dai Chunfeng's large, thick hand, Zhao Longwen felt especially warm and close, and a surge of strength welled up in his heart, instantly making his injuries much better.

He had a thousand words to say to Director Dai, but for a moment he didn't know how to begin. He wanted to say, "Director Dai, it's all my fault. I didn't handle things well and failed to live up to your high expectations. But it was an unintentional mistake. I had no intention of harming Yao Zechong, much less assassinating Zhao Wenwu."

However, after he hesitated for a long time, only two lines of tears flowed down his cheeks.

Boss Dai quickly took out a handkerchief and handed it to him, comforting him:
“Longwen, it’s okay, everything will be alright.” Then she whispered in his ear, “Remember an old saying: As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn.”

Zhao Longwen nodded vigorously. He knew that Boss Dai's words had a deeper meaning; as long as Boss Dai still trusted him, he still had a bright future.

"Mr. Dai, it's me..."

Before he could finish speaking, Lieutenant Jia knocked on the door and entered at just the right moment:

"Director, it's time for the meeting."

Dai Chunfeng glanced at his watch, sighed helplessly, and patted Zhao Longwen on the shoulder, saying:
"If you have any grievances, tell Director Zhang. Let's have a good talk when I'm done with my work."

Zhao Longwen opened his mouth, but what else could he do?

As soon as Boss Dai left, he couldn't wait to ask, "Director Zhang, Brother Zhang, what exactly is the boss thinking?"

Zhang Yi sighed sympathetically, "Boss Dai is also helpless. Although the Plum Blossom spy case has been calmed down, Director Yao is dead after all. Director Zhao, you may not know this, but Director Yao's son is preparing to take revenge on you, saying that the hatred for killing one's father is irreconcilable. Fortunately, the boss stopped him. Alas, although you did not mean to do it, the person is dead after all. We can fool the outside world, but what about the inside world?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Longwen immediately asked, "Then, what can I do?"

Zhang Yi seemed to think for a long time before hesitantly offering a solution: "Now, we can only ask Director Zhao to put up with some hardship and make do for a while."

"What do I need to do? Just tell me." Zhao Longwen felt like a chicken waiting to be slaughtered. Whether he stuck his head out or not, he was bound to be cut anyway, so he might as well adopt a calm attitude.

"Resign to take responsibility, say it's due to health reasons, and then make a comeback once the storm has passed."

"No, this is absolutely not possible!"

Hearing this, Zhao Longwen was completely dumbfounded. Power is the best aphrodisiac; unless you've never possessed it, once you do, consciously reducing or relinquishing it becomes incredibly difficult. Even if he escaped Yao Jinbao's retaliation after losing power, his former political enemies wouldn't let him off the hook. At that point, he would truly be at the mercy of others.

"Director Zhao, Boss Dai is a man of his word. He said that once this matter is over, he will find a way to bring you back to your original position. What is there to worry about?"

“But—” Zhao Longwen hesitated for a moment, still wanting to explain.

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Yi waved his hand and said, "Alright, Director Zhao, you haven't fully recovered yet. Take a good rest first. The boss will treat you to dinner tonight."

As Zhang Yi left the meeting room, he encountered Station Chief Tong, who seemed somewhat distracted.

"Brother, what exactly does the boss mean? He's got me all confused."

Zhang Yi glanced at him and replied, seemingly unrelated, "I heard that Station Chief Tong used to be a history teacher?"

Station Chief Tong was taken aback: "Yes, but what does this have to do with anything?" As he spoke, he glanced furtively toward the conference room, looking worried.

Zhang Yi, of course, understood his thoughts, smiled, and asked:

"Station Chief Tong is a history teacher, so he must be very familiar with the story of the Feast at Hongmen, right?"

Station Chief Tong was even more confused, and frowned: "Director Zhang, what time is it? Can't you just say what you want to say?"

“I’ve said everything I needed to say.” Zhang Yi shook his head and muttered to himself, “At the Feast at Hongmen: the king is too lenient. If you go forward to offer a toast, after the toast, ask to perform a sword dance, then strike Liu Bang and kill him. Otherwise, all of you will be captured.”

Upon hearing this, Station Chief Tong shuddered, instantly understanding. Zhang Yi was advising him not to become a second Xiang Yu due to indecisiveness, thus missing a golden opportunity to eliminate his opponent and remove potential threats.

By bringing Zhao Longwen down, he served two purposes: firstly, to curry favor with Boss Dai; secondly, to gain leverage for his own promotion; and thirdly, to eliminate a rival. The power struggles in officialdom are cutthroat and cutthroat, and now he and Zhao Longwen had completely broken ties, becoming sworn enemies. If Zhao Longwen were to never recover, that would be one thing, but if he were to rise again, the consequences would be dire.

Upon thinking this, Station Chief Tong instantly broke out in a cold sweat: "What should we do?"

Zhang Yiming was clearly confident: "Sun Tzu's Art of War is not just about tricks like stealing beams and replacing pillars or crossing the Chencang pass in secret."

"Huh?" Station Chief Tong was taken aback, then suddenly remembered Zhao Longwen's use of the substitution technique, and exclaimed, "You mean, using someone else to do the dirty work?"

Zhang Yi smiled meaningfully: "I didn't say anything. Oh, by the way, Boss Dai is hosting a banquet for him at Jiangshan Hotel tonight."

Station Master Tong's eyes lit up immediately: "Okay, I understand!"

In another office, Dai Chunfeng was summoning senior military and political officials and special agents from Jiangshan who had been waiting for him.

After shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, they presented each person with gifts brought from the mountain city and helped them resolve some of their problems.

Dai Chunfeng was well-versed in human relationships and social customs. He simply spoke to different people depending on who they were, offering them official positions or gifts of money as encouragement, thus making everyone happy and satisfied.

During the meeting with the agent, he already had a list in his hand, which contained detailed information about the person being met, including their background, education, qualifications, abilities, social connections, work achievements, current position, and so on.

Dai Chunfeng compared the list with the list, observed and inquired in detail, and discovered and selected talents from them, either for promotion, transfer or training.

To win people's hearts, each person received a cash gift, either two thousand yuan or five hundred yuan, the amount depending entirely on the conversation. But since everyone received a sum, and even the smallest amount was equivalent to one or two months' salary for a colonel, the spies were naturally overjoyed and extremely grateful to their boss.

"next."

As soon as he finished speaking, the door opened. If Zhang Yi were here, he would probably be very surprised.

"General Dai! Captain Shen Ruozhu from the Investigation and Statistics Bureau of the Military Commission of the National Government greets you, sir." Shen Ruozhu walked in with a smile, stood at attention, and saluted.

Dai Chunfeng glanced at her: "It's Major, Major Shen Ruozhu."

Shen Ruozhu looked completely bewildered.

Dai Chunfeng explained, “You graduated from the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Police Academy. Although you weren’t in the top class, I’ve seen your grades, and they were pretty good. Your rank in the police station is Police Sergeant, and your military rank should correspond to Major. Of course, Major is just the beginning.”

During the Republic of China era, police ranks were divided into three categories: junior officers, recommended officers, and commissioned officers. The police officer was a junior officer, roughly equivalent to a major in the military.

Shen Ruozhu was overjoyed, but feigned modesty: "Am I qualified to be promoted to major?"

Dai Chunfeng took a sip of tea and said casually, "I promoted you; that's your qualification."

He looked Shen Ruozhu up and down seriously for a few moments, then said, "Let me make a formal correction. From now on, you are a major intelligence officer in the Military Intelligence Bureau."

"Thank you, Director Dai!" Shen Ruozhu was somewhat dazed. She had hoped to use her looks to take a shortcut through Zhang Yi, but in the end, it all came to nothing. Unexpectedly, just when she was feeling utterly hopeless, a glimmer of hope appeared. She couldn't help but wonder, could it be that Boss Dai had taken a liking to her?
Thinking this, her face radiated a charming glow as she displayed her beauty to Dai Chunfeng while carefully organizing her thoughts in her mind.

However, Dai Chunfeng glanced at her and then looked away, asking instead, "What do you think of Director Zhang?"

"Director Zhang?" Shen Ruozhu was surprised. She hadn't expected Boss Dai to ask this question at all. She stammered, "I've only met him once. We're not close."

"I don't think so?" Dai Chunfeng put down his teacup and said with a half-smile, "There's no such thing as natural familiarity between people. The fastest way to understand a man is in bed, don't you think?"

(End of this chapter)