My spy diary

Chapter 629 A Chill Runs Through My Skin (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Zhang Yi's sudden change of expression caught Station Chief Tong off guard. He hurriedly tried to explain but couldn't find the right words, leaving him in an awkward situation.

In fact, the idea of ​​bribing Zhang Yi with a large sum of money was conspired by Tong Xiang and his secretary. He had already decided that Zhang Yi was a greedy person, and since he was giving Zhang Yi a gift under the guise of a congratulatory present, how could Zhang Yi not accept it?
Why not get the money, build a good relationship with someone, and reciprocate the favor?

However, the secretary suggested that if you're going to place a bet, you might as well increase the stakes and suggest giving away small yellow croakers, which are stable in value and easy to carry, but Station Master Tong was a little reluctant to part with them.

Last time I gave away two small yellow croakers, which was already painful enough. Are you giving them away again this time? How many?
We should increase the quantity to at least five sticks, wouldn't that be like cutting off a piece of our own flesh? How could Station Master Tong bear to do that?

Sending legal tender is a different story. Since the check is from the central bank and he can't cash it in Jiangshan County, he might as well give it to Zhang Yi. Besides, even with inflation and the devaluation of the legal tender, the black market exchange rate has been driven up to 1:2,000, but 50,000 legal tender is still worth 25 small yellow croakers. He doesn't believe Zhang Yi is unaware of the market rate.

Tong thought that once the check was delivered, everyone would be happy, but to his surprise, Zhang Yi didn't accept it at all. Station Chief Tong stood there awkwardly, thinking to himself:

"Could he really not know the market rate? Or does he think it's too little? Whether he genuinely doesn't know the market rate or thinks it's too little, I'm determined to send the check out."

While Station Chief Tong was deep in thought, Zhang Yi spoke up again:
“Brother Tong, don’t be suspicious. As the saying goes, a gentleman’s friendship is as light as water. I appreciate your kind intentions, but the gift is too valuable. If I accept it, it would make our friendship seem distant, and it would also go against my principles in dealing with people. What do you say?”

"What kind of sense do you have? Gift-giving is politics; without gifts, you can't be an official. And you're still complaining it's not enough, humph!"

Station Chief Tong inwardly grumbled, but outwardly said:

"It's not expensive at all. It's just a small token of appreciation, a reciprocal gesture. Strictly speaking, it's not really a gift."

"Yes, the amount of the gift isn't important; what matters is the attitude. It's about reciprocity. You gave me something, so naturally I should reciprocate. But what can I give in return? Would you dare accept such a lavish gift from me?"

Zhang Yi sneered inwardly, but his face remained impassive. He looked at him meaningfully, then changed the subject:
"It's said that Commander Li has made a fortune through smuggling and trafficking?"

Station Chief Tong was taken aback, unsure whether Zhang Yi was asking the question or Boss Dai was asking it through him, and cautiously replied:
"It seems so, but I've only heard about it. Back then, Yao Zechong was the director of the investigation office, so I couldn't get involved even if I wanted to."

“Yao Zechong, speaking of him,” Zhang Yi pretended to recall, “Speaking of him, I suddenly remembered something. Last time I was eating at the Jiangshan Hotel, I saw a few women whispering to each other. Out of curiosity, I went over to listen and heard them talking about Yajixuan and gold bars. Afterwards, I specifically asked about it, and it is said that it is owned by Commander Li’s wife.”

Upon hearing the words "Jiyaxuan, Huang Jin, and Commander Li's wife," Station Chief Tong felt a jolt of unease.

Could it be that Boss Dai is really going to make a move against Li Jue? And he wants me to be the first to do it?
An army group commander is not so easy to deal with. Don't try to steal a chicken and lose the rice instead. A cornered beast will fight to the death. If you are pushed to the limit, what if the other side becomes desperate and kills you all, and then blames it on the Japanese? You'll be left with no way to complain.

Thinking this, Station Chief Tong felt even more uneasy and said with feigned concern, "Deputy Director Zhang, you really have super hearing."

"Being sensitive to information is an agent's instinct, huh? Aren't you even a little bit tempted, buddy?"

"Who doesn't like gold? The problem is, sometimes you might have the life to enjoy it but not the life to spend it!" Station Chief Tong said dejectedly. "Since we're all serving the Party and the country, some things can be dealt with superficially, just to give an explanation to the higher-ups. But if we really go all out, I'm afraid..."

Seeing that Station Chief Tong was distracted, Zhang Yi suddenly had a flash of inspiration and said mysteriously:

"What if Boss Dai insists on doing so?"

Station Chief Tong was startled and wondered if Dai Chunfeng had given other instructions. He wanted to find out the truth, but on the surface, he pretended to be fearless and said, "If it is really Boss Dai's idea, then we will risk everything, even mountains of knives and seas of fire. After all, the interests of the Military Intelligence Bureau are above all else."

Zhang Yi smiled and said, "Okay, I understand. I will report to the boss truthfully."

Whether this was Zhang Yi's idea or Dai Chunfeng's instruction, Station Chief Tong was somewhat unsure. After a moment's thought, he handed over the check again:

"Brother, I hope you can put in a good word for me with the boss. I will be eternally grateful."

This time, Zhang Yi accepted the check and said something ambiguous: "Since Station Chief Tong is so kind, I will keep this check for you for the time being."

Station Master Tong was overjoyed. After exchanging a few more polite words, he took his leave.

After he left, Zhang Yi fell into deep thought again.

To be honest, he didn't want the position of deputy director's secretary at all. Although it wasn't a secretary, the work was very similar, mostly administrative tasks such as arranging meetings, drafting and organizing documents, communicating and coordinating, and assisting in decision-making. In short, he was a housekeeper.

Towards those below, he is a leader; to those above, he is merely a manager of miscellaneous tasks.

When Dai Chunfeng suddenly appointed him as acting deputy director's secretary, Zhang Yi felt surprised but also became more wary.

He had never done secretarial work before, but he had experienced many storms and risks in his years of espionage work. He believed that he could do secretarial work well. Although he would not say he was an expert, he would have no problem following the procedures.

However, once you take this job, not only will you have less freedom and your activities be restricted, but serving a powerful figure is like serving a tiger. Dai Chunfeng is neither a ruler nor a tiger, but he is a fox. He is arguably the most cunning person Zhang Yi has ever met in all these years. One wrong step, and he will become suspicious of you at every turn.

Therefore, we must proceed with even greater caution from now on.

With this on in mind, Zhang Yi summoned a guard and asked the hospital for a wheelchair.

A short while later, the wheelchair was brought over.

It's less of a wheelchair and more of a rattan seat with a metal frame underneath, two large wheels in the front and two small wheels in the back, looking rather odd.

With the help of the guards, Zhang Yi struggled to sit in a wheelchair, which was then pushed outside.

The sunlight was bright and somewhat dazzling. The May breeze rustled the leaves of the camphor trees in the yard, carrying a delicate fragrance.

Zhang Yi took a breath of fresh air and had someone push him towards Dai Chunfeng's office.

"Yunyi, what brings you here?"

"I have something to report to the Director."

Having just hosted his old friend Chai Luming and drunk quite a bit of rice wine, Dai Chunfeng was still a little tipsy. However, he had a high tolerance for alcohol and seemed to be in good spirits.

"Hmm, the past is so vivid in my mind. I can still remember that night when I went south to apply for the Whampoa Military Academy. Brother Luming encouraged me by quoting Mencius: 'When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it first tests their will, strains their muscles and bones, starves their body, empties their resources, and frustrates their endeavors, so that they may be moved to patience and perseverance, and increase their abilities.' He told me to remember Mencius's teachings and to strive for excellence, to return with a great banner in the future, and not to come back empty-handed like before." Dai Chunfeng gestured as he spoke. "Fortunately, I didn't disappoint him this time, hmm?"

This Chai Luming, originally named Chai Wanxi, was of middle status, literate, and from Qinghu Township, Jiangshan County. In the early years of the Republic of China, he became a platoon leader in the county government's security regiment, commanding a dozen soldiers stationed in Bao'an Village, where he met Dai Chunfeng. Chai Luming was honest and kind, with a chivalrous heart. When Dai Chunfeng was impoverished and struggling to make ends meet, Chai Luming often provided him with food and clothing, offering words of comfort and encouragement. Dai Chunfeng was deeply grateful and considered him a close friend, despite their age difference.

Zhang Yi sensed his smugness and knew it was inappropriate to say anything at this moment, so he simply smiled in agreement.

Dai Chunfeng was clearly not satisfied and continued, "Do you know what I said back then?"

Zhang Yi and his attendant, Deputy Jia, naturally had no way of knowing, and both shook their heads.

“I have memorized Mencius’ teachings perfectly. This time, I am applying to the Whampoa Military Academy and will change my name to Li, taken from the ‘Records of Customs and Traditions,’ which means that friendship should not be based on social status. If I don’t make something of myself, I will have no face to see you again, and I will never return to Jiangshan County. Your kindness to me is greater than that of my wife and mother, and I will never forget it. If I ever succeed in the future, I will definitely repay you. It is only right to repay kindness, don’t you think?”

"The Director's words are indeed wise." Zhang Yi sensed a hidden meaning in his words and cautiously asked:

"Is Mr. Chai going back to Shancheng this time?"

"Yes, of course. But he's getting on in years, and his hands and feet aren't very nimble. I'm planning to arrange for him to work in the mansion as an internal affairs manager, overseeing the daily expenses." Dai Chunfeng said, scrutinizing Zhang Yi's face, and continued, "How's your recovery going? By the way, you said you had something to report?"

"Much better, thank you for your concern, Director." Zhang Yi looked at him, carefully choosing his words, "Director, after much consideration, I feel I'm not cut out to be a secretary, therefore..."

"Even if you've never eaten pork, you've surely heard a pig squeal," Dai Chunfeng waved his hand and said, "Let's not talk about this anymore. Is there anything else?"

"There's one more thing. That Lu Shu'er performed well this time, but he's not from a professional background, so I'm planning to send him to a training course to learn more."

“Since you are a capable person, you should promote you if you should. You can decide these trivial matters yourself, there is no need to report them.” Dai Chunfeng waved his hand dismissively, then changed the subject, “I use secretaries not just to provide a writer or a puppet-like follower, but to help me reduce my burden and offer advice. You should learn from Director Mao in this regard.”

"Director, I told you I wasn't suitable."

"No need to say more." Dai Chunfeng snorted and looked at the two of them. "Since we've brought up this topic, let's discuss it. One of you is the new deputy chief of staff at headquarters, and the other is my adjutant. Both of you are closely involved in secretarial work. Today, I want to examine you two: what makes a secretary qualified and excellent? How can a chief officer and secretary achieve a tacit understanding? Or, in other words, what kind of relationship exists between a secretary and a chief officer?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yi seemed to be deep in thought, and looked at Deputy Officer Jia, signaling him to speak first.

After thinking for a moment, Lieutenant Jia said, "I think the most fitting description is eight words: 'lips and teeth are interdependent; if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.'"

Dai Chunfeng remained noncommittal, gesturing to Zhang Yi:

"Well, now that you're the head secretary, why don't you share your insights?"

Zhang Yi opened his mouth: "Director, shall I refrain from making a fool of myself before an expert?"

"Just say it when I tell you to."

Zhang Yi pretended to think for a moment before saying, "Shouldn't it be communication and coordination, and assisting in decision-making?"

Dai Chunfeng remained noncommittal, smacked his lips, and said, "To be honest, I know nothing about secretarial work either. But, as the saying goes, even if you haven't eaten pork, you can still hear pigs squealing. In my opinion, whether it's the principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold' or communication and coordination, these are just one aspect of being a secretary, a basic level. What's more important is assisting in the work and fostering emotional connection. What do you think?"

Before the two could speak, he continued, “A good secretary should be one with his superior, inseparable. It’s like a person; if the superior is the brain and the heart, then the secretary should be the ears, the eyes, the throat, and the hands and feet. Especially for those of us who do intelligence work, it’s the most special of the special, the most secret of the secrets. Without being quick-witted and having eyes in all directions and ears in all directions, you can’t do it well.”

Seeing that the two were listening attentively and seemed to be deep in thought, Dai Chunfeng couldn't help but feel proud of his profound argument and stood up with great interest.

"I remember Director Lin from the General Staff Office saying that the main measure of a secretary's excellence is the level of his relationship with his superior."

Don't be fooled by the fact that some people are always busy serving you, bowing and scraping, but they may not necessarily be on the same page or in the same rhythm as you.

Haha, there are several types of secretaries: the confidant type, the basically trusted type, and the superficial type.

A true confidant is someone with whom you share a deep understanding and can talk about anything, whether it's business, personal matters, or even your own feelings and privacy. You can trust each other completely, even more than your spouse.

Basic trust might be limited to official business, or simply something that's conveniently used at work. As for superficial trust—appearing polite and courteous on the surface but harboring strong resentment and suspicion—it won't last long.

At this point, Dai Chunfeng paused, looking at the two meaningfully: "Of course, there might be other types. On the surface, they are cautious, diligent, frugal, and devout, but outside they flaunt their power and cause trouble, or even harbor other intentions. After all, you can know a person's face but not their heart. Although everyone wears the same uniform, no one knows whose tail is hidden under their uniform. What do you think?"

Zhang Yi felt a chill run down his spine. Dai Chunfeng's words were clearly not casual; they were something he had been preparing for a long time. However, he pretended not to understand the implied meaning and simply said with admiration:
"A single conversation with you is worth more than ten years of study; I've truly broadened my horizons today!"

(End of this chapter)