My spy diary

Chapter 642 Qian Xiaosan (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
"Go be Zhang Yi's secretary, understand? Alright, it's settled then, get out!"

A sense of unease swept through Mao Zhongxin. He realized that Mao Qiwu had sent him to monitor Zhang Yi, but was Zhang Yi really that easy to deal with? He was tempted to back down and wanted to object, but looking at Mao Qiwu's gloomy face, he didn't dare to speak and had no choice but to bite the bullet and agree.

After Mao Zhongxin left, Mao Qiwu sat down abruptly, his expression gloomy.

He couldn't tell Boss Dai about the mission's failure yet, because that would demonstrate his incompetence. The most important thing right now was to find a way to get Zhang Yi out of the secretariat.

With that in mind, he picked up the phone and dialed a number.

Secret agents were peering into the office of the Judicial Department, while plainclothes officers hurried back and forth, seemingly spreading some major news.

In the office, Qian Xiaosan was idly flipping through the newspaper when Monkey wearily pushed the door open and walked in. Seeing him return, Qian Xiaosan immediately stood up:
"Is your injury getting better?"

The monkey didn't even look at him, but instead made himself a cup of tea and sat down opposite him.

Seeing his appearance, a bad premonition rose in his heart, and he said:
"The secretariat just called; Boss Dai and the Director will be back soon."

After saying that, he sat down in his seat.

The monkey blew on the steaming tea, looking at Qian Xiaosan who was hunched over, flipping through the newspaper with his head down, and felt a mix of emotions.

This was the first meeting between the two after they had gone through the "screening" process.

A huge question remained in the monkey's mind: what exactly did Qian Xiaosan say that day?

The monkey held a cup of tea, pretending to casually blow on the steaming hot tea, while glancing at Qian Xiaosan, hesitating about how to start a conversation with him.

"Want one? Your favorite Three-Cannon!" Qian Xiaosan flicked out a cigarette and handed it to him.

The monkey looked up at him, all the words stuck in its throat.

Time seemed to stand still; both of them remained silent. A growing sense of foreboding crept into Qian Xiaosan's heart, making it hard for him to breathe. Did he know something?
Since he couldn't avoid this premonition, he decided not to hide anymore. He steeled himself and stared straight at the monkey, waiting for him to speak.

"I've given it up." Finally, the monkey spoke, waving his hand as if he had made up his mind:

"Old Qian, there's something I'd like to talk to you about."

Suddenly, the phone rang, interrupting what he was about to say.

Both of them turned their gazes to the phone. After a pause, Qian Xiaosan got up and walked over. When he picked up the receiver, he hesitated for a moment, but finally answered it:

"Hey?"

On the other end of the phone, Mao Qiwu's voice was very deep: "Don't forget what you promised."

Qian Xiaosan said calmly, "I understand."

He put down the phone, stood for a while, and then returned to his table and sat down. He picked up the newspaper again, started reading, and stopped talking.

After a long silence, the monkey broke the silence first: "When did you start work? Is your injury healed?"

Qian Xiaosan cut him off by saying, "I just got out of the hospital today."

The monkey said "Oh," and then continued drinking his tea without even glancing at him.

Qian Xiaosan froze, a sudden wave of panic washing over him from those profound words. Scars can be medals or shame. Scars don't lie. He understood that what was coming would inevitably come.

The monkey chewed on a tea leaf and then added, "Can you really fool yourself?"

Qian Xiaosan stared at him intently without saying a word.

The monkey gulped down water, and Qian Xiaosan didn't say anything. When he saw the monkey tilt his head back, it seemed like he was almost finished with his tea. He wanted to go over and get the thermos to refill the water for him, but the monkey had already grabbed the thermos and refilled his own.

Qian Xiaosan put down the crumpled newspaper and looked at him.

"Is there anything to say?" the monkey asked.

Qian Xiaosan felt uneasy.

"I'll ask you one more time, is there anything you want to say?"

Qian Xiaosan remained silent, not uttering a single word.

The monkey picked up his teacup again, never once glancing at him. He seemed to be talking to himself: "If you have nothing to say, then listen. We've been partners for a long time, fighting side by side all these years. You know what I'm going to say. If you don't want to say it now, you'll have to eventually. If not to me, then to the Chief. I've been waiting for you to say it. If you don't want to, then I will."

Qian Xiaosan listened the whole time.

"You can still tell me what you did and said that night. You can tell me or go directly to the section chief and apologize. If you still don't tell me after today, don't blame me for being ruthless."

He finished speaking and slammed his teacup heavily on the table.

Every word was both comfort and warning. Qian Xiaosan met the monkey's gaze, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "I'll think about it some more."

The monkey looked up at him.

"Old Hou, I also have my reasons."

The monkey didn't say anything more; he turned and walked towards the door.

Qian Xiaosan, standing behind him, said with a wry smile, "Old Hou, I really have my reasons. I have a wife and children, unlike you guys."

The monkey didn't respond; it just pulled out its pistol to check the bullets.

Qian Xiaosan pleaded, "Let's talk about it when the section chief gets back, okay?"

The monkey put the pistol back in its holster, said nothing, opened the door, and resolutely walked away.

Qian Xiaosan stared in despair at the empty doorway, his heart filled with bitterness, his spirits trembling.

The sky at dusk was as dark as night. The air was damp, and in the distance, dark clouds loomed overhead, accompanied by muffled thunder.

The streetlights cast dappled shadows, and the dim light shone through the car window onto Mao Qiwu's face, making it appear somewhat unpredictable.

The car arrived at the airport quickly.

At this time, all the directors of the Military Intelligence Bureau who had been notified had arrived at the airport, waiting for the plane to land to welcome Director Dai.

Two long banners were unfurled: one read, "Warmly welcome Director Dai back to Chongqing"; the other read, "Congratulations to Director Dai on his successful return from the anti-traitor campaign in Southeast China."

Mao Qiwu frowned, shook his head, and immediately beckoned the deputy director of the general affairs department over:

Why put up so many banners and signs?

Deputy Director: "It's to create an atmosphere; Director Shen asked them to do it." Seeing Mao Qiwu frowning, he quickly asked:

"What? Is it inappropriate?" "This kid just knows how to be clever." Mao Qiwu cursed inwardly, but not wanting to criticize Shen Xishan directly, he said, "Of course it's inappropriate. The boss likes to make a show of things, but there are times and occasions to consider."

The deputy director was silent for a moment, then said, "Yes, I'll have someone take the banner down immediately."

A short while later, Dai Chunfeng's plane landed. When Dai Chunfeng, dressed in a khaki short-sleeved shirt and walking with a steady gait, stepped out, Mao Qiwu immediately led a group of agents, both high and low, to greet him, beaming with smiles.
"Mr. Dai, you've had a long journey. The car is ready. Shall we head back to headquarters now?"

He grasped Dai Chunfeng's hand and shook it slightly, his tone earnest and concerned: "It's good that you're safe, Director. You don't know how sleepless I was when I heard the news of your assassination attempt. Thankfully, it was just a false alarm."

Dai Chunfeng nodded: "You've worked hard too. Is everything alright at home?"

Mao Qiwu sighed and said, "Everything is fine at home, but the Japanese planes have been bombing for several days, causing damage to many parts of the headquarters. The buildings of the intelligence department and the personnel department were hit by bombs, killing five people and seriously injuring more than ten."

Upon hearing this, Dai Chunfeng's face darkened: "Brothers and sisters who join my ranks must handle their funeral arrangements properly and comfort their families. Here's what I'll do: you go and make the arrangements. I will personally preside over the memorial service tomorrow, and the funeral procession for the deceased will be held at Gele Mountain." Before Mao Qiwu could speak, he continued, "We must learn from the past to prevent future tragedies. To avoid such a tragedy from happening again, I intend to move the headquarters to the silk reeling farm in the countryside."

"Yes, I'll make the arrangements right away," Mao Qiwu replied, then added, "Will they all be moved over?"

"The internal affairs staff will move there first, as for the intelligence department, they will move to the Bai Mansion at the foot of Gele Mountain. As for their families..."

Zhang Yi had been listening quietly to Dai Chunfeng and Mao Qiwu's conversation. Seeing Dai Chunfeng deep in thought, he coughed lightly. Dai Chunfeng noticed this and looked him directly in the eye, asking:
"What are your thoughts, Deputy Director Zhang?"

Upon being asked this question by Dai Chunfeng, Zhang Yi immediately stepped forward. He frowned and said, "The Japanese planes have been bombing for several days in a row, causing widespread panic. In order to appease the public and resolve the concerns of both internal and external staff, the evacuation of their families is of paramount importance."

Dai Chunfeng nodded in agreement, signaling him to continue.

“When I was handling the Japanese spy case last time, I went to Tangjiatuo, which was managed by the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics. Their so-called collective living failed and the place is now deserted. But the houses are ready, so we might as well make use of them. It is relatively spacious and should be able to accommodate thousands of families.”

Dai Chunfeng understood his meaning and glanced at Mao Qiwu:

"What do you think?"

Mao Qiwu said with a forced smile, "Deputy Director Zhang is indeed meticulous. I think it's a good idea. Let's entrust this matter to Deputy Director Zhang for full handling."

Zhang Yi shook his head: "Let's leave it to the General Affairs Department. Hey, where's Director Shen?"

Shen Xishan was standing nearby. Upon hearing this, he immediately came over. After Zhang Yi briefly explained the situation, he immediately said:

"This is my job. I'll go talk to the city government people in a bit."

Dai Chunfeng nodded: "Alright, I'll leave this to you. Make sure every family member has a place to live."

Shen Xishan: "Yes! The General Affairs Department guarantees to complete the task." He smiled at Zhang Yi without making a sound.

Seeing this, Mao Qiwu felt somewhat uncomfortable, but Boss Dai had already made his decision, and he was helpless.

Just as I was lost in thought, I heard Dai Chunfeng ask menacingly:
"Have Zhang Ye, Liu Pan, and the others been arrested?"

Mao Qiwu: "They have all been detained at Shulu."

"What are you doing detaining him in the reception area? You're feeding him well, fattening him up like a big pig waiting for the New Year?" Dai Chunfeng said with a gloomy face. "Director Zhang, immediately transfer him to the Judicial Department prison. After I report to the Chairman, I will execute him immediately and display his body to the public."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yi and the others exchanged bewildered glances.

Dai Chunfeng snorted coldly: "Is there a problem? This kind of scum who doesn't care about students should be used as an example to warn others."

Shen Xishan looked at him, seemingly wanting to say something, but unsure whether he should speak.

Seeing his hesitant expression, Dai Chunfeng said irritably:
"If you have something to say, just say it."

After a long pause, Shen Xishan said, "Mr. Dai, please calm down. Liu Pan's crimes are indeed unforgivable, but he is, after all, a graduate of the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy. Shouldn't we reconsider?"

Dai Chunfeng stared intently at him: "Are you pleading for him? Is it because he graduated from the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy, or because he's from Hunan?" Before Shen Xishan could answer, he snorted coldly, "No one is allowed to plead for him."

Shen Xishan's expression changed, and he was speechless, wanting to say something but not knowing how to say it. He could only look to Mao Qiwu and Zhang Yi for help.

Mao Qiwu remained expressionless, as if he hadn't seen his gaze.

Zhang Yi and Liu Pan had no personal relationship. He inwardly agreed with Dai Chunfeng's proposal, but out of practical considerations, he reluctantly said:

"Director, shouldn't we reconsider? Director Shen is right; after all, he graduated from the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy."

Dai Chunfeng's expression shifted several times, then he looked at Mao Qiwu: "Director Mao, what's your opinion?"

Mao Qiwu said respectfully, "I will listen to the Director."

Dai Chunfeng snorted and pondered to himself. Of the 635 students in the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy, as many as 184 were from Hunan. He also knew that the old man had always been very fond of Whampoa students, especially those who graduated from the first and second classes, and would not take any drastic measures unless absolutely necessary. If he forced his way in, the old man might not agree, and he might even offend more officials from Hunan.

In the end, Dai Chunfeng, filled with helplessness and anger, came to a conclusion on this matter:
"Liu Pan's crime can be redeemed by death, but he cannot escape punishment. He should be dismissed from his post immediately and imprisoned in Wanglongmen Detention Center."

"Yes."

After dealing with this matter, Dai Chunfeng was exhausted. He waved his hand and said, "That's it. Lock up Li Jue for now. I'll go see the Chairman now."

"Yes."

Dai Chunfeng got into the car and left. Zhang Yi exchanged a few pleasantries with the others and walked towards the car that had come to pick him up.

Monkey: "Attention! Salute!"

"Hello, Director!"

Zhang Yi gave a polite smile: "Everyone, it's been a long time."

Monkey: "Chief, you're finally back! I heard you were injured, and I was so worried. Thankfully, you're alright."

Qian Xiaosan stood behind the monkey. He wanted to go up and speak to Zhang Yi, but hesitated after opening his mouth. Having followed Zhang Yi for so long, through wind and rain, through gunfire and bullets, he subconsciously always felt that he was Zhang Yi's confidant. But at this moment, he suddenly realized with sorrow that he was no longer, and could hardly ever be, Zhang Yi's confidant again. He lowered his head sadly, a bitter feeling welling up in his heart.

"I'm fine, you've had a long day too!" Zhang Yi smiled and shook Monkey's hand, everything understood without words. After a few pleasantries, he took a suitcase from Shen Ruozhu, solemnly handed it to Monkey, and patted him on the shoulder, saying:

"There's something I need you to do."

What was it about? It was, of course, giving gifts.

Before taking office as acting deputy director secretary, it is natural to visit and contact various section chiefs and departments. This is a common practice and rule in officialdom.

This visit has two meanings.

Firstly, although he still holds a position in the Judicial Department, his main work will be in the Secretariat from now on, leaving him with limited time and energy. Therefore, he naturally needs to arrange the work of the Judicial Department properly. Previously, as the director, he had good relationships with the other directors, but times have changed. Now that he is the deputy director's secretary, he needs to project an image of humility and modesty.

Secondly, I'll be dealing with various department heads frequently in the future, and with my new position, I don't know what they're thinking. Since that's the case, I might as well pay my respects to all these important and lesser officials before taking office; it'll make it seem like I'm being courteous and respectful from the start.

(End of this chapter)