My spy diary

Chapter 614 Can only be understood but cannot be expressed in words

Upon receiving the call from Station Chief Tong, Deputy Officer Jia, who was resting in the room next to Dai Chunfeng's, hesitated for a moment before agreeing:
"Okay, see you in the room downstairs in half an hour."

After hanging up the phone, Station Chief Tong finally relaxed and leaned back in his chair. In the light, a faint smile appeared on his tired face.

Although Dai Chunbang's mistake was unintentional and was exploited by Japanese spies, as the saying goes, "One's own mistakes need not be concealed. If they cannot be concealed, they will only add to one's shortcomings. Unintentional mistakes should be discussed openly; everyone makes mistakes." However, this matter involved Dai Chunbang's life and reputation, and was therefore a sensitive topic. Everything had to be decided by Dai Chunbang himself. Whether to punish or punish him was a family matter, and it was not his place to interfere.

But Deputy Jia was different. He was not one of the "Four Great Assassins" or "Eight Great Vajras," nor was he a powerful and strategizing officer. In fact, within the Military Intelligence Bureau, his reputation was not prominent, and many people did not even have a deep impression of him. His most prominent label was "the person that Boss Dai trusted the most."

Deputy Jia was from Nanjing. In fact, he was a few years older than Dai Chunfeng. He had been following Dai Chunfeng since he first started working in intelligence, before the Fuxing Society was even established.

When the Special Service Department was established, the rudiments of the Military Intelligence Bureau had already taken shape, with a leadership team of three: Dai Chunfeng, Zheng Mingyuan, and Tang Heng. Their first soldier, the first ordinary member to join, was Jia Jinnan.

Jia Jinnan was honest and kind. Because he had spent many years with Dai Chunfeng, he not only knew Dai Chunfeng's temperament, daily life and habits very well, but also developed a special relationship with Dai Chunfeng, being both a superior and subordinate and a close friend.

Lieutenant Jia was also extremely loyal to Boss Dai. Although he was called a lieutenant, he was more like Dai Chunfeng's personal servant, driver, cook, or even nanny. In addition to assisting with work, he was also responsible for daily shopping, cooking, food tasting, and sometimes even helping Boss Dai with household matters.

Therefore, Station Chief Tong felt that it was most appropriate for Deputy Officer Jia to report the matter, while he himself could stay out of it and cleverly avoid the specific issues between them, so as not to be caught in the crossfire.

After all that, he actually started to feel a bit self-satisfied with his thoughtfulness.

Twenty minutes later, Station Chief Tong arrived at the agreed-upon room ahead of schedule. Lieutenant Jia was already seated. He quickly apologized, instructed the waiter to bring teaware and a kettle, and also gave instructions to the guards:

"Close the door. No one may enter without orders."

The water boiled, the tea was brewed, and we chatted about the weather, our health, and everyday family matters as a warm-up before getting to the main topic.

After drinking a cup of tea until it was no longer too hot to drink, it was almost time. Lieutenant Jia turned his head to look at the gradually appearing dawn outside the window and asked:

"Station Chief Tong, has something gone wrong with the arrest operation?"

Station Chief Tong pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Yes." After a few seconds of silence, he shook his head and said, "Not entirely. Although one of our Japanese accomplices escaped, we have issued a city-wide manhunt, and I believe his capture is only a matter of time. However, during the detailed investigation of the Japanese spy's background, we learned something that might involve the boss's family."

"The boss's family?" Lieutenant Jia paused, then sat up straight. After a long while, he turned to Station Chief Tong and asked softly:
"Is it the young master?"

Station Master Tong didn't want to lie, so he shook his head and said, "It's not Zang Yi, it's Brother Chunbang."

"Huh?" Lieutenant Jia's eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly asked:
"What exactly did he do?"

"According to the madam's confession, the owner behind Yicui Tower was none other than Chunbang's younger brother, and the female spy who used the alias Su Jingyi was recruited into the brothel by him. Of course, this is only the madam's side of the story, and whether it is true remains to be seen."

Even if it were true, I believe Chunbang was misled by that woman. After all, a woman's words can be deceiving, especially those of a well-trained and cunning female spy. An unintentional mistake is understandable.

Station Master Tong spoke casually, then his face darkened, and he said uneasily, "What I'm worried about isn't Brother Chunbang, but the aftermath. After all, Brother Chunbang is the boss's own brother, blood is thicker than water. If someone uses this to stir up trouble and attack Boss Dai, it will be detrimental to the boss's reputation."

Lieutenant Jia paid no attention to Station Chief Tong's defense of Dai Chunbang. He was already speechless with astonishment when he heard that the Japanese spy who assassinated the boss was personally recruited into Yicui Tower by Dai Chunbang. He never expected that such a complicated relationship was hidden behind a case of Japanese spy assassination. Japanese spies were everywhere and even plotted against Mr. Dai's family.

"Moreover, according to the madam's confession, another female spy on the run was recruited by a guy named Manager Zhou. This guy is also a cousin of Li Jue's brother-in-law, and their relationship is complicated. As you know, Boss Dai and Li Jue had a falling out because of what happened before," Station Chief Tong continued, seeing that Deputy Jia was stunned and silent. "Fortunately, I had a backup plan. I have separated Manager Zhou and the madam and put them in separate custody. No one is allowed to approach them without my order, and the information has been temporarily kept under control."

Lieutenant Jia had regained his composure and gave him a meaningful look: "It's rare that Station Chief Tong is so thoughtful. I'll go report to Mr. Dai right away. What you said earlier is very true. The information must be kept under control and must not be known to irrelevant people."

"Lieutenant Jia, you're too kind. It's my duty, and I wouldn't dare take credit for it. I'm just trying to make a living under Boss Dai, so naturally I have to do my best to help him. Don't worry, everything is under control." Station Chief Tong said modestly, reassuring Lieutenant Jia. After saying this, he got up to take his leave.

"Station Chief Tong, don't go yet," Deputy Officer Jia called out to him.

Station Chief Tong thought that Lieutenant Jia wanted to take him along to report, and his heart skipped a beat. He quickly turned around and said:

"I was a little worried about the intelligence gathered during the interrogation, so I went to keep an eye on it myself."

Lieutenant Jia shook his head and said, "I'll go report first. You stay here for now; the boss might want to see you later."

"That's fine." Station Chief Tong breathed a sigh of relief, as long as he wasn't dragged along to report.

A dozen minutes later, Station Chief Tong received a summons.

He cautiously entered the room and saw a teacup lying on the floor, smashed to pieces, with tea spilled everywhere.

Dai Chunfeng sat on the sofa with a gloomy face, his thick eyebrows furrowed together, and the veins on his forehead bulging, looking like several wriggling earthworms, which sent chills down one's spine.

Upon seeing this, Station Chief Tong felt a pang of fear, yet also a sense of relief. Thankfully, he had relayed the message through Deputy Officer Jia; otherwise, the teacup might have ended up on his own. While inwardly grumbling, he maintained his composure, stepping forward with utmost respect and offering a salute.
"Director."

Dai Chunfeng glanced at him a few times but didn't speak. Instead, he wearily rubbed his temples, as if trying to suppress his surging anger. After a while, he finally raised his head again, looking at the slight weariness on Station Chief Tong's face, and said gently:
"Old Tong, you've worked hard."

Station Chief Tong felt a surge of warmth in his heart upon hearing this, a warmth that brought tears to his eyes and his soul. He wanted to cry, yet he also felt incredibly happy. His boss was finally treating him like one of his own. "It's all just ordinary stuff, nothing particularly strenuous," he said, his tone respectful but firm. "But Director, you must take good care of yourself."

"What, have you noticed any changes?"

"You've only been back in your hometown for a few days, but you've already lost some weight."

"Oh, really?" Dai Chunfeng gave a wry smile, then changed the subject, "Is the evidence conclusive?"

Station Chief Tong said in a serious tone, "That's just the madam's side of the story. I suspect this woman is just using someone else's name to intimidate others. Under Sanmu, she's definitely..."

"You don't need to comfort me, nor do you need to make excuses for him!" Dai Chunfeng interrupted him with a sneer. "How could I not know my good brother?"

Speaking of his younger brother, Dai Chunfeng was furious. For years, he had repeatedly tried to promote Dai Chunbang, but the man was utterly hopeless. After Dai Chunfeng became the head of the Special Service Department, he sent his brother to the Lushan Military Officer Training Class, where he barely managed to obtain the rank of colonel. On the eve of the Chang'an Incident, he then placed him as the head of a subordinate station of the Shaanxi Military Intelligence Bureau.

Logically speaking, having connections in the court makes it easier to get an official position. With Boss Dai as his backer, Dai Chunbang should have no problem making a name for himself. However, as the saying goes, "It is easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature." His younger brother has been undisciplined, uneducated, and lazy since childhood, just like his father.

Dai Chunfeng, fearing that Chunbang might cause trouble by using his name outside, wrote several letters to Ma Zhichao, the station chief of the Shaanxi station: "Chunbang, you must earnestly request that you strictly forbid him from engaging in any external activities. In particular, please investigate his life and strictly prohibit him from associating with any people. If he is not obedient and dutiful, please dismiss him from his post."

Dai Chunfeng never imagined that he had entrusted the wrong person. This Ma Zhichao was a notorious incompetent among the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy. While his classmates were all in command of army groups and had made great military achievements, he was unknown. Later, he was recommended to serve as the police chief of Chang'an Police Station and later the station chief of Shaanxi Station by currying favor with his old classmate, Hu Zongbei, the "King of the Northwest".

This man and Dai Chunbang were birds of a feather; the two, a pair of brilliant minds, spent their days eating, drinking, gambling, and whoring together, completely ignoring Dai Chunfeng's warnings.

When the Chang'an Incident occurred, Ma Zhichao was publicly wanted by the Northeast Army and fled directly to Lanzhou. Even there, he still remembered his good brother Dai Chunbang and recommended him to serve as the magistrate of Jingtai County.

As the head of a county, he was, in a sense, the people's father and mother. Dai Chunfeng felt that this position was too heavy a responsibility, and that his younger brother was not capable of handling things independently and would only cause trouble and criticism for him. So he ordered Ma Zhichao to be dismissed from his post and asked his good brother Hu Zongbei to recommend him to the Central Army Senior Class for training.

Dai Chunfeng thought that strict military training might change his lazy and undisciplined habits, but unexpectedly, a leopard can't change its spots. Dai Chunbang continued to do as he pleased, repeatedly violated school rules, and provoked his superiors. He was soon expelled from school.

This time, Dai Chunfeng was truly enraged and immediately ordered him to be imprisoned.

If military reform is not possible, then go to prison for reform.

After being locked up for several months, it finally had some effect, and he became much more obedient. He was once again recommended by Hu Zongbei to enter the academy, and finally managed to graduate with difficulty. However, after he stayed to work in Hu's jurisdiction, he quickly revealed his true nature again. Thinking that his elder brother and Hu Zongbei were protecting him and backing him up, he swaggered around and caused chaos wherever he went.

This time, Dai Chunfeng could no longer tolerate it and directly ordered him to return to his hometown to take care of his mother. But after all, he was his own brother, and blood is thicker than water, so he still gave him the title of Major General Advisor of the Loyal and Patriotic Army and the status of Major General Specialist of the Military Intelligence Bureau.

It is said that a person should know his own limitations, but Dai Chunbang is arrogant and his old habits are hard to change. He feels good about himself. Now that he has a higher position and a more famous reputation, and there is no one to restrain him when he returns to his hometown, he lets himself go and flaunts himself everywhere.

Fortunately, after a while, he himself found it boring to flaunt his title of major general in remote villages, and he eventually became discouraged.

Dai Chunfeng was initially pleased, thinking that he had finally reformed, but now he truly understood that the scoundrel had simply moved to a different place, not only infiltrating the county town but also secretly running a brothel.

Running a brothel is one thing, but to be so stupid as to not even realize that spies have infiltrated his inner circle every day is another.

With a wayward son in the past and a good-for-nothing younger brother in the future, Dai Chunfeng was heartbroken and frustrated.
"That bastard, I'll skin him alive when I get back!"

Station Chief Tong quickly advised, "Director, please calm down. I've met Brother Chunbang before. He's a good person at heart, but he's young, arrogant, and inexperienced. Besides, it was an unintentional mistake, so it's understandable. I believe he can learn from this experience and correct his mistakes."

"Repent and change his ways? Wolves travel a thousand miles to eat meat, dogs travel a thousand miles to eat excrement. I've already given up hope on him." Dai Chunfeng scoffed, then changed the subject, "Haven't the Japanese spy's accomplices been caught yet?"

Station Chief Tong feigned dejection: "Yes, sir. I am ashamed and was just about to apologize to the Director when the station, in coordination with the Investigation Department, the Police Station, and the Military Police Inspection Division, issued arrest warrants."

“Once an agent’s identity is exposed, he is doomed; being caught is only a matter of time,” Dai Chunfeng said casually, waving his hand.

Station Chief Tong hesitated for a moment, then stammered, "Yes, that's true, but I'm still uneasy if we can't catch her. I'll go back and immediately redeploy my forces, laying a tight net to try and capture her in one fell swoop."

Dai Chunfeng paused for a moment, then showed his appreciation: "Station Chief Tong, I admire your work attitude. Whether you are a station chief or the director of the investigation office, you must have this kind of serious and responsible attitude."

"Thank you for your encouragement, Director. However, I am a little uneasy. After all, I have made mistakes before and have not achieved any merit. How can I have the face to take on such an important position?"

Dai Chunfeng narrowed his eyes and stared at him: "No one is without fault, but to err is human, to forgive divine. Let us learn from the past and take it as a warning."

"The Director's advice is correct." Station Chief Tong said humbly, but he knew very well that his precarious position as station chief and head of the investigation office had been secured once again.

As for the aftermath—the madam and the steward didn't even need to express it verbally; it was entirely a matter of understanding rather than words.

After all, only the dead are the best at keeping secrets.

On the other side, Zhang Yigang parked his car on the side of the road, preparing to cross the street. Just then, a strange figure suddenly peeked out from the shadows of the hotel building.

(End of this chapter)