My spy diary

Chapter 643 Giving Gifts (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

"Chief, who are we sending gifts to?" Monkey asked thoughtfully as he took the heavy briefcase.

"Let me think about it." Zhang Yi said, and after a quick mental calculation, he realized that there were dozens of people to visit, and there was bound to be some omissions.

Among these people, apart from Deputy Director Zheng Mingyuan, Tang Heng, and Mao Qiwu, there are also various current division chiefs in the bureau, all of whom hold positions of real power and will be dealt with frequently after taking office.

Some are deputy directors, inspectors, anti-smuggling deputy directors, or deputy directors of the investigation office at the bureau headquarters; some are inconspicuous, while others are lying low and accumulating seniority.

Some are directors of various committees, field directors, technical directors, or are temporarily sidelined, or have already stepped down to the second line.

These people may not be of much help or accomplish much, but once offended, they can easily sabotage things by plotting against you from behind. As the saying goes, "A bad person's elaborate schemes are no match for a fool's quick thinking." No matter how clever a bad person is, they cannot break free from the constraints of logic in a short time. Evil requires motive, and the result is the goal. If you are vigilant enough, you can guard against it; it's simply a matter of reacting to what comes your way. But a fool is different. He himself is the cause, and the effect is imperative, giving you absolutely no chance to prevent it.
In addition, although Zheng Mingyuan and Tang Heng did not work in the Military Intelligence Bureau, they still had close ties with it. One was in the Second Department of the Military Command and the other was in the Sixth Group of the Attendant Office. They dared to speak and were willing to speak even though they were no longer in the bureau. Moreover, the interaction and radiation effect of their speeches were quite strong, and they often had a miraculous effect at critical moments.
There are also graduates from training classes in Linli and other places who are now serving as mid-to-high-level cadres in the Military Intelligence Bureau. For example, Li Jiafu and Liu Ziying, graduates of the Linli training class, are now assistant secretaries in the Jia Office. The others have been assigned to various departments, offices, groups, districts and other internal and external units of the Military Intelligence Bureau, and are all in important positions such as section chief, deputy section chief and section chief. This group always refers to "Director Dai", always showing that they are different from other agents, praising each other, protecting each other, and colluding with each other.

When these people join forces to say nice things, it's a grand chorus; otherwise, it might generate a tidal wave of dissent and boos. After all, the slogan "Don't look at anything other than Li, don't use anything other than Li" is not without reason.

Rights are never a one-way gift—they are granted from top to bottom and created from bottom to top; without one, they cannot continue.

For Zhang Yi, when he was the director of the judicial department, he only needed to be responsible to his superiors and Dai Chunfeng, without overstepping or neglecting his duties.

Those at the same or equal level should respect boundaries, cooperate and fill in gaps, and each should simply perform their respective duties.

He takes responsibility for those below him and unites people's hearts. Apart from his own subordinates, most other people are insignificant and unimportant, and many of them even have to flatter him.

But now that I'm working in the secretariat, I have to deal with these people all the time, so naturally I have to make sure to give them a heads-up in advance and take care of their feelings, so that at least they feel that I, Zhang Yi, care about them.

It's easy to deal with officials in sinecure positions such as committee directors and field directors. Just choose a restaurant of decent standard, set up a high-class banquet, and as long as there's plenty of good wine and food, all the hospitality will be poured into the wine glasses. Everything will be settled in the midst of toasts and clinking glasses.

Even if someone is sidelined or relegated to a secondary role, it's easy to handle. Just send each person some daily necessities, make a phone call to exchange pleasantries, or sit in their office for a few minutes. Keep being humble and modest, and flatter them. You can get it done in a day.

Those graduates from training courses in Linli and other places are not difficult to deal with. Young people like to party, drink, play cards, etc. They can do whatever they want and lead people to wherever there is excitement. Using their position as instructors, they can make empty promises and call everyone brothers. As for whether they will really be moved to tears when they meet again in the future, that's another story.

This round of fighting is fast-paced, with machine guns sweeping across large areas with a burst of bullets. Although most of those involved are insignificant people, it can give you a good reputation before you even take office—Director Zhang Yi is a good person, loyal and kind, and he doesn't put on airs even as the deputy director's secretary.

As for the various section chiefs at the bureau headquarters, they were naturally Zhang Yi's focus, and he had to treat them differently and with specific intentions. Among these key figures, there were those who required special attention, and he had to ensure that no detail was overlooked.

Having made up his mind, Zhang Yi said to the monkey:

"Here's what you'll do: first buy some gifts, then choose one or two restaurants of varying quality. I'll give you a list later."

"Yes, sir, rest assured! I will do my utmost to handle this matter properly and without any mistakes."

"Relax!" Zhang Yi put his arm around Monkey's shoulder and patted him gently. "I trust you to handle things!"

Qian Xiaosan listened from behind, watching their intimate figures, and felt increasingly uncomfortable.

His gaze was fixed on Zhang Yi and the monkey, but it gradually became unfocused. He wondered if the monkey would report to Zhang Yi, or when, and whether Zhang Yi knew anything. Lost in thought, he kept glancing at Zhang Yi. Whenever Zhang Yi looked at him, he would immediately tense up, trying to read something from Zhang Yi's face, but he dared not look.

"Hey, Qian Xiaosan, what are you standing there for? Aren't you welcoming me back?"

"Director!" Qian Xiaosan jumped up and quickly stepped forward, stammering, "My stomach feels a little uncomfortable, I think I ate something bad."

Zhang Yi asked with concern, "Are you alright? Did you take your medicine?"

"After eating, I feel much better than before."

"That's good." Zhang Yi nodded and patted him on the shoulder. "Won't it delay the arrest? Boss Dai has ordered that Zhang Ye, Liu Pan, and the others be immediately transferred to Wanglongmen Prison. Go and carry it out."

"Yes, Your subordinate guarantees to complete the mission!" Hearing Zhang Yi's words, Qian Xiaosan straightened up and saluted. He glanced at Zhang Yi and, seeing that Zhang Yi's expression was calm, finally breathed a sigh of relief. The fact that the section chief had entrusted him with such an important task meant that he still trusted him, and he subconsciously felt a little happy. Only then did he realize that from the moment he confessed to Mao Qiwu that night, he had already begun to regret it.

What's done is done, and once the arrow is shot, there's no turning back. Do you have any other choice?
After the two finished speaking, Deputy Director Ruan Qingyuan, along with Lai Guomin, the head of the judicial section, and others, came over.

"Director Zhang, you must be tired from your long journey!" Ruan Qingyuan saluted. "Director Zhang, let's have dinner together tonight to welcome you back."

"You're too kind. I'm still recovering from my injury, and the plane ride was so bumpy that I'm practically falling apart. Let's eat later. I appreciate your kindness."

Zhang Yi's politeness was somewhat distant. Ruan Qingyuan, thinking that Zhang Yi had been promoted and was busy cultivating relationships with various influential figures, could no longer afford to use the judicial department as a stepping stone, could only say somewhat resentfully:
"Alright, when you get to Room A, don't forget to take care of us old subordinates."

Zhang Yi chuckled and said, "That sounds too formal. I also hold a position in the Judicial Department." As he spoke, he gave him a meaningful look, "Of course, I can't be in two places at once, so you'll have to pay more attention to the work of the Judicial Department and share the burden more in the future."

Hear the string song and know its elegant meaning.

Upon hearing this, Ruan Qingyuan felt a surge of warmth in his heart and humbly replied:

"Thank you for your kind words, Director Zhang. The work in this department is my duty, and I will certainly not forget your instructions!"

After saying this, he glanced at Shen Ruozhu, who stood behind Zhang Yi, with a beautiful face and outstanding demeanor. He hesitated for a moment, then couldn't help but ask:

"And who is this young lady? Director Zhang, won't you introduce her?"

He was really curious. Zhang Yi left without a sound, and he only found out that he had gone to the southeast with Boss Dai for an inspection after receiving a notification from the Jia Division.

He left alone, without even his trusted confidants, so how come he came back with another person?
She's a beautiful woman!
Upon hearing this, the people from the judicial department curiously glanced at Shen Ruozhu, while simultaneously pricking up their ears.

“This is Miss Shen, she takes care of me,” Zhang Yi answered without hesitation. Ruan Qingyuan, however, was taken aback: “Take care of me?”

"Taking care of daily life" is such a sensitive and ambiguous phrase!
"Yeah, what's the problem?"

"No, no!" Ruan Qingyuan quickly waved his hand, smiled ambiguously, took a step closer, and lowered his voice to say:
“Director Zhang, you really do need a woman to take care of your daily life.” After saying that, he winked at Zhang Yi, looking like he was happy about the relationship.

Shen Ruozhu, who was being stared at by everyone, simply smiled calmly and remained silent.

Zhang Yi smiled but remained silent.

Ruan Qingyuan tactfully said, "Alright, Director Zhang is still recovering from his injuries and has had a long journey, so we won't bother you any longer. Well then, we wish Director Zhang all the best in his work in Room A and that he will rise through the ranks."

He reached out his hand to Zhang Yi, who smiled and shook it.

From the car to home, Zhang Yi and Shen Ruozhu remained silent the entire way.

Once inside the house, Zhang Yi treated her like a servant, ordering her around to clean while he went to the bedroom.

As soon as the bedroom door closed, Zhang Yi carefully searched every corner for any possible listening devices.

After searching around without finding anything, Zhang Yi went out of the bedroom and saw Shen Ruozhu already rummaging through the kitchen looking for ingredients. In the blink of an eye, she tied on an apron and got busy.

Zhang Yi observed for a moment, pondering how to handle his future relationship with her, before turning and slipping into the study.

A light rain began to fall outside the window, and the sky gradually darkened.

Zhang Yi turned on a small orange lamp, found paper and pen, and began to write thoughtfully.

Yang Rong, Wang Xinheng, He Zhiyuan, and Wei Daming, these section chiefs from the bureau headquarters, were naturally Zhang Yi's main targets of attention.

Yang Rong controls the Military Intelligence Division, and Wang Xinheng controls the Second Party and Government Intelligence Division. The importance of these two divisions is self-evident; they are of paramount importance and require Zhang Yi to make a special visit to them.

Especially Wang Xinheng.

For Zhang Yi, Wang Xinheng was his former superior who had taken good care of him in the past. Now that he had returned to headquarters from Hong Kong, he naturally wanted to deepen their relationship. In addition to normal work coordination, they should also have closer private interactions.

Whether this kind of interaction is described as mutual explanation and entrustment, or as a junior seeking guidance from a senior, the closer the relationship, the better.

“Wei Daming?” Zhang Yi put a question mark on the name of the head of the four telecommunications departments. He and Wei Daming usually exchanged polite greetings. Moreover, the telecommunications department was a special department, located in Ma'anshan and operated independently, separate from the other departments of the bureau headquarters. Therefore, the two rarely interacted.

In addition, Wei Daming is arrogant and conceited, and he is unreasonable. Except for Dai Chunfeng, he doesn't give face to anyone. He is indeed not an easy person to deal with.

But then he thought, "It's not scarcity that's worrisome, but inequality." If he doesn't give gifts to others, he'll offend people for no reason.

After thinking it over, Zhang Yi added this person to the list again.

Next was Xu Renji, the head of the Seventh Management Office. This man was "handpicked" by Chang to assist Dai Chunfeng in establishing the Special Service Department. He was also tasked with monitoring Dai Chunfeng's activities financially. Therefore, even Boss Dai had to show him some respect, and Zhang Yi kept his distance and rarely interacted with him. Naturally, this man had to be treated differently.

As for Director Gong of the Personnel Department of the Sixth Division, there's no need to discuss him further; just treat him with the usual courtesy.

The General Affairs Department need not say more; they have already done Shen Xishan a favor today, and everyone knows it without saying a word.

In addition to these major division chiefs, the inspection office, and the investigation office, the bureau headquarters also has two other offices—the chief audit office and the budget office.

The General Audit Office was headed by Zhang Guanfu, Dai Chunfeng's fellow townsman, elementary school classmate, and cousin-in-law. Back when Dai Chunfeng was a smuggler in Shanghai, he was penniless and had to sleep on the floor at Zhang Guanfu's house, where he suffered all sorts of scorn from his cousin. As a result, after he became successful, he harbored great hatred towards his cousin, but entrusted Zhang Guanfu with important responsibilities.

This person would naturally want to give a gift as well, to save face.

After some deliberation and careful consideration, Zhang Yi added the name of Deng Baoguang, the head of the Economic Section of the Second Division. This economist, who had studied in Japan, was adept at social maneuvering and had the deep trust of Dai Chunfeng. He also served as the deputy director of the Military Intelligence Bureau's Economic Research Office and directly commanded the Ministry of Finance's Anti-Smuggling Bureau, Freight Management Office, and economic inspection teams across the country on behalf of Dai Chunfeng. His power was so great that it attracted attention.

In addition to these departments, there are also the Confidential Affairs Group, the Special Political Issues Research Group, and the Special Technology Research Office, among others.
Before he knew it, a long string of names had been written on the scrap paper. Zhang Yi sighed, "In broad daylight, it's not innocent at all!"

There was a time when Zhang Yi felt extremely disgusted and even loathed this vulgar custom of gift-giving.

But that's the rule.

Once rules are established, they possess power.

Of course, in order to remain in hiding, he had to learn to be patient and roundabout. This wasn't just something he had to do, but something he had to do beautifully, without drawing attention or revealing his true abilities. He had to take root in the darkness and accumulate strength in silence, all to welcome the ray of dawn that pierced through the gloom!

Outside the window, the night is deep, and a light drizzle is falling. The night in this mountain town in June is as tranquil as a baby's smile, yet as turbulent as the speed of a raging river.

Zhang Yi walked to the window and stared blankly at the vast night outside.

The Military Intelligence Bureau was like a game of chess, but most people were just pieces. Only a few at the very top were actually playing the game and making moves. These few were then divided into different factions because of the needs of the game, like a vine with the root at the top and a whole bunch of leaves and flowers attached to it.

Dai Chunfeng is a chess player, Zheng Mingyuan is a chess player, and Tang Heng is a chess player as well. Each of them clutches their chess pieces, a dynamic interplay of forces unfolding, the air thick with the smell of gunpowder. So, how can one, in this grand game, seize the opportune moment to balance the advantages and disadvantages, and advance further?

(End of this chapter)