Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 416 Madam, I want to eat fish

"Who is it?" Liu Zhenwen asked.

"He said it was your subordinate, Hong Zhiyou," the butler said.

"Oh?

"Speak of the devil, and he shall appear."

"Did he come empty-handed, or did he bring something?" Li Lan asked.

"He was carrying a large suitcase and a black bag; I don't know what was inside," the butler replied.

"Did you bring something?"
"Have the security team search them thoroughly before letting them in," Liu Zhenwen solemnly instructed.

"Yes."

The butler went out.

A moment later, Hong Zhiyou came in and greeted him with a smile: "Director Liu, Madam."

"Zhiyou's here, please sit down." Liu Zhenwen said, raising his hand without any emotion.

"You guys chat, I'll go check on the kitchen." Li Lan gave the young man a careful look, then left with a smile.

"Zhiyou, you've been making headlines lately."

"You captured Commander Guan and quelled the banditry. Even Mr. Wei praised you highly."

"The future is bright."

Liu Zhenwen is very shrewd and speaks in a calm and approachable manner.

"Thank you, Director."

"I was just assisting Captain Zhou. Without your command and coordination, our operation would not have been successful."

"You are the one who truly deserves the greatest credit."

Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"I dare not accept such great merit."

"You young people shouldn't think that we old bones are in the way or blocking your path."

"Zhiyou, I wasn't blocking your way, was I?"

Liu Zhenwen's smile is warm and approachable, making people feel comfortable like a spring breeze.

Hong Zhiyou knew very well that this man was a true wolf in sheep's clothing.

Hidden behind his kindness and amiability are terrifying swords and poisons. Anyone who believes his smiling face and gentle, humble words will not even know how they died.

"Director Liu is joking."

"You are the pillar of strength in the hall, and my uncle and I admire you very much."

"My uncle often says that the Harbin Police Department is where it is today because of its excellent equipment and personnel, which are all thanks to Director Liu's strategic planning."

"During this bandit suppression campaign, the director personally went to the front lines to help the younger generation make contributions and build their careers."

"Wisdom is deeply appreciated."

The more approachable he became, the more respectful Hong Zhiyou appeared.

"Ah."

Liu Zhenwen nodded with satisfaction, his anger slightly relieved, and asked:

"I heard you went to see Bai Qiming this morning?"

"yes.

"After General Guan fell, my subordinates confiscated a lot of things and gave some of them to him."

"Director, you know that."

"Director Bai is my uncle's former leader and my elder. Out of respect, I, as a junior, must show him some respect."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Yes, respecting teachers and valuing the way is a virtue, and you've done a very good job." Liu Zhenwen looked at him with a cold gaze.

I was planning to visit you this morning.

"But my subordinates feel that some things are not discussed fully in the office."

"Furthermore, I feel that placing you in a position relative to others is extremely disrespectful and fails to demonstrate any respect for you."

"My transfer to the department was approved not only by Commander Shibuya's signature, but also by your personal approval."

"I'm not confused yet; I know who my true benefactor is."

"Official business is conducted in the hall, while family matters are handled privately."

"My subordinates can distinguish who are their own people and family."

Hong Zhiyou said sincerely.

"family?
"Well said, you and Gao Bin are uncle and nephew." Liu Zhenwen smiled and finally picked up the purple clay teapot to pour Hong Zhiyou a cup.

"Thank you."

Hong Zhiyou continued, "Gao Bin is my uncle, but he can tell who is in charge of the hall."

"He's too old, he has no choice."

"But I have a choice."

"I have to walk my own path."

"Such a sharp mind at such a young age, good, good." Liu Zhenwen nodded and smiled.

"Director, this is what I copied from General Guan."

"As the person in charge of this matter, I feel that these things should be handled by you."

"Take a look."

Hong Zhi handed the bag over.

Liu Zhenwen took it, opened it, and saw that it was full of gold bars and gold ingots. With a slight shake, he knew that it weighed at least two hundred taels.

What a big deal.

"Leave it to me to handle? Director Bai will probably have to look into these financial accounts." Liu Zhenwen smiled and, instead of accepting it, pushed it back.

"If you want to handle this officially, then it's an economic matter."

"If you treat me like family, then it's a family matter, known only to heaven, earth, you, and me."

Hong Zhi smiled and pushed it back.

“My uncle always says that a family shouldn’t keep two sets of accounts, right?” He raised his teacup in place of wine as a toast.

"Yes.

"We're family, so I'll just let it go?"

Liu Zhenwen has seen his fair share of sycophants, but it is rare to find someone who can capture such a refreshing and genuine feeling in their work.

"certainly.

“As a leader, handling stolen goods and money is simply a matter of duty,” Hong Zhiyou said, raising his hand.

"What a convenient excuse for being a public official."

"I'm starting to like you, Xiao Hong."

Liu Zhenwen nodded with considerable appreciation.

He carefully examined Hong Zhiyou.

This kid is so worldly and shrewd at such a young age, and he handles things so flawlessly. He reminds me quite a bit of myself back then.

"Thank you, Director."

"I've heard that your cook's iron pot stewed fish is exceptional, and my uncle has always longed to try it. I wonder if I'll ever have the chance to taste it?" Hong Zhi picked up his teacup, took a sip, and showed no intention of leaving.

Liu Zhenwen didn't speak, but turned his head and called out, "Madam."

Li Lan walked out with a cold expression and a swaying hip.

This is a unique characteristic of the couple.

If it can be done, is easy to do, and is something they want to do, Li Lan's mood will change, and the couple will warmly welcome her.

If things are difficult, the money isn't in place, or they don't want to proceed, Li Lan will pretend to be impatient and tell them to leave.

"Aren't you done talking yet?" She glanced at Hong Zhiyou and said indifferently.

“Madam, this is the stolen money that Xiao Hong seized from Commander Guan. Please register it, and I will deal with it later.” Liu Zhenwen smiled and handed the cloth bag to Li Lan.

"Well, Xiao Hong wants to eat fish," he added.

This is the "code".

If the wife is not satisfied, she will say that the family is short of money recently and that Songhua River fish are expensive, using this as an excuse to refuse, and then criticize the person who gave the gift for not being tasteful or thoughtful.

"Is it satisfactory?" Li Lan said with a long face, taking the bag and glancing at it.

I'll be a good boy.

So much gold, how much is it worth?

Her cold face instantly blossomed into a smile as beautiful as a peach blossom, her lips as sweet as honey: "Hey, we're all family, eating fish is just something we can do whenever we want."

As she spoke, she shouted into the kitchen in a shrill voice:
"Xiao Cui, tell the cook to stew fish, the best kind of sauerkraut fish."

"Yes, madam," came Xiao Cui's reply from inside.

"Thank you, madam."

"I just finished some official business. I also have some personal gifts that I would like to give to the director and his wife."

Hong Zhi expressed his gratitude and then took the suitcase and opened it.

Inside are a pair of rooster-shaped bowls from the Chenghua period.

A pair of crystal-clear green jade bracelets.

There were also some cosmetics and face powders from Shanghai.

"During my visit to Shanghai, I stayed for a few days and specially selected some small gifts for Director Doihara and Director Ding Mocun."

"These two rooster bowls from the Chenghua period and these two Hetian jade bracelets depicting water and green mountains were acquired by my younger generation at the largest antique market in Shanghai. This is the certificate."

"A small gift is not a sign of respect."

He took out a pair of exquisitely packaged small bowls and a jade bracelet, and carefully placed them on the table.

"Tsk tsk, from the Chenghua era, what a treasure."

"This thing must be very valuable."

Liu Zhenwen picked it up and saw that the bowl was as thin as a cicada's wing, with a clear and crisp texture, like a piece of fine jade. Its colors and patterns were also exquisite. He couldn't help but love it.

Li Lan picked up the bracelet and held it up to the light, grinning from ear to ear: "Good quality, good material, Zhiyou, you've really gone to great lengths."

In her delight, she addressed him by his given name.

"If Madam is pleased, then I am relieved," Hong Zhi said with a very polite smile.

"I like it, I like it," Li Lan said, putting it directly on her wrist.

"These are just a little bit of rouge and face powder."

"I bought it from a time-honored brand in Shanghai. It's not an expensive item, but it has a delicate fragrance and a soft foundation."

"This one was specially made for Zhou Xuan, the golden-voiced singer who starred in 'Street Angel'."

Please accept this as a gift, Madam.

Hong Zhiyou then introduced the rouge and face powder on the table.

Women, what woman doesn't love beauty?

Although Li Lan was not very knowledgeable, she had heard of Zhou Xuan's name. Upon smelling the fragrance, she was immediately delighted.
"I've long heard that Shanghai's rouge and face powder are exceptional, and they really are extraordinary."

"Zhiyou, thanks."

"You're too kind, Madam. I'm glad you like it," Hong Zhi said. "Xiao Cui, bring out that bottle of fine wine that the master has in his collection," Li Lan called out again.

"Okay," Xiao Cui said.

Soon, a large bowl of sauerkraut fish was served, along with a variety of hot and cold dishes, filling the entire table.

While the dishes were being served, Xiao Cui kept stealing glances at Hong Zhiyou.

Aside from Japanese dignitaries, the lady rarely treats people with such hospitality.

Just as we were about to start eating.

The door opened.

A woman dressed in luxurious clothes walked in, took off her hat, revealing a head of black hair, an oval face with fair skin and rosy cheeks, willow-leaf eyebrows and red lips, somewhat resembling Kim Hee-sun in her youth.

However, his cold and aloof demeanor revealed a hint of pragmatism.

They're clearly not someone easy to please.

She took off a smooth cloak made of some kind of fur.

This accentuated the curves of her figure.

Even through her slightly thick sweater, you could tell she was definitely cleavage-prone, with a slim waist, a pert bottom, and a height of at least 1.75 meters—a true model's figure.

It was exactly the kind of one that Hong Zhi liked.

"Wenwen, let me introduce you. This is from the Economic Section of the Police Department..." Liu Zhenwen introduced.

He deliberately hung it up at the police station.

Because my daughter dislikes the police, feeling that these police officers not only bully people and act as lackeys of the Japanese, but also have no masculinity whatsoever.

Hong Zhiyou gave lavish gifts, but in Liu Zhenwen's view, he was far from being qualified to pursue his daughter.

Sure enough, Liu Yawen didn't even glance at Hong Zhiyou, changed her shoes and went straight upstairs.

"Hey, this child... Zhiyou, don't mind her, she's our only son, and her father spoiled her so much that she's become wild." Li Lan said with a smile, trying to smooth things over.

Hong Zhi subtly withdrew his gaze from Liu Yawen's shapely buttocks.

The father has power, and the daughter is so beautiful.

Damn it, are we going to let the Liu family off the hook?
I'll get you sooner or later!
"Zhiyou, what are you going to do about General Guan's affairs? He left behind quite a lot of assets," Liu Zhenwen asked.

"I accept all of Mr. Wei's and Murakami's suggestions."

“I doubled their share.”

"As for your tribute, Director, I plan to increase it fivefold, to 1,500 yuan per month. In addition, the profits from the opium den, casino, and fur shop will be distributed as usual at the end of each year."

"Moreover, I intend to merge all industries into corporate entities."

"The company name is Far East Hongsheng Company."

"At that time, these industries will be spun off one by one into separate subsidiaries, and will operate in a systematic and large-scale manner."

"I will clearly include you as original shareholders. To be precise, I will sign a contract with you, with your monthly salary and dividends clearly stated."

"This way, as long as the company exists, you can steadily profit from it."

"It can also prevent situations like Guan Dashuai, who forgets his roots and acts like a big shot, and who is hesitant and haggles when it comes to distributing money."

Hong Zhi gave a very professional explanation.

"Very good.

"When it comes to sending money every month, General Guan deliberately delays, just to make people angry."

"You say he's back up? There aren't that many things in Harbin that require people to get involved."

“It’s nothing, he’s just making excuses.”

"It's like they're making my husband do things for them, and the little money he pays isn't enough to make me feel wronged."

These words hit Li Lan's sore spot, and she immediately started complaining.

"Cough cough!" Liu Zhenwen glared at her.

“I’m glad you have this idea, but have you thought about it? This is too blatant. Will Mr. Wei and the others agree?” Liu Zhenwen said, swirling his wine glass.

"Of course they won't."

"The shareholders written into the contract are either subordinates, nephews, nieces, or business associates who are completely unrelated to each other."

"Director Liu, you must have quite a few people like this under your command, right?"

Hongzhi has the Way.

"You should get the company set up first." Liu Zhenwen took a sip of his drink and said no more.

Hong Zhi knew that the conversation had stopped there.

He deliberately glanced upstairs a few times, pretending to be very disappointed.

"Director Liu, it's getting late."

"I still need to go to Gogol Street to look for the radio station tomorrow, so I'll head out now."

Hong Zhiyou got up to take his leave.

"Zhiyou, come over often when you have time. Call me and let me know what you'd like to eat, and I'll have someone make it for you in advance." Li Lan personally saw him to the door.

"Thank you, aunt."

Hong Zhi bowed slightly, got into the car, and drove away.

Li Lan returned to the living room, picked up the bag of gold, took out a gold ingot and played with it, saying, "Tsk tsk, this kid is really generous."

"When did General Guan ever send such a nice thing to our family?"

"Yes, he's quite generous. This kid is talented and has connections," Liu Zhenwen said.

“I think he’s quite interested in Wenwen; he keeps looking up at the building,” Li Lan said.

She had a good impression of Hong Zhiyou; he was good-looking, had good manners, was well-mannered, had a good background and education, and was also very good at getting along with people, which made him quite likable.

"I know what you mean.

"Don't be too optimistic about things. Harbin is not a place where just anyone can survive."

"Let's see how he performs in the future."

"In my opinion, as long as Shibuya Saburo and Shirokura Lieutenant General are in Harbin, he won't be able to accomplish anything significant."

"These two are not people Wei Huanzhang can order around, and they don't listen to any of this stuff."

"As for his background, Doihara went to Shanghai and although he left some roots there, they are all in Fengtian. This kid may not live long."

Liu Zhenwen knew his wife was trying to play matchmaker, so he waved his hand and said...

That's true.

"Sigh, Wenwen is already twenty-two this year. In the countryside, she's considered an old maid. Her marriage is really a worry."

"Let's not talk about Lieutenant General Shirokura's son, we're not good enough for that."

“Take your old colleague Zhang Chunyuan for example. He’s now the head of the investigation department of the Security Bureau. Even the bureau chief has to give him some face.”

"His son, Zhang Feng, has been pursuing Wenwen."

"I think that kid is pretty good, why don't we play matchmaker?"

Li Landao.

"I think so too. Old Zhang watched this girl grow up. Logically speaking, they are a perfect match, but Wenwen doesn't like him."

"This girl is focused solely on making money, and I don't think she's interested in finding someone."

Let's take a look first.

“I’ve already talked to her. If she still can’t find a suitable partner next year, I’ll tie her down and force her into the Zhang family.”

Liu Zhenwen snorted coldly.

Politics is always about powerful alliances.

The Security Bureau is now at its zenith, and even the military police have to defer to them. Don't underestimate Zhang Chunyuan just because he's only a section chief; he has more power than Zhang Chunyuan, who is a deputy director.

If a marriage alliance could be formed, that would be ideal.

……

The next day.

Gogol Street.

"How is it?" Gao Bin asked.

"Section Chief, don't even mention it. As per your instructions, we've thoroughly searched every household, including warehouses, basements, and all places where people could hide, including the sewers."

No radio stations or suspicious persons were found.

"This building has been locked all night. There are many wealthy people living here, as well as a lot of Japanese expatriates and businessmen. The city hall has made several phone calls."

"Do you think we should lift the lockdown?"

Lu Ming came over and reported.

"Beat the red tickets and the Kuomintang secret police, and the city hall doesn't have to risk its head to do the work."

"These people just like to whine and complain to get attention."

Zhou Yi said coldly.

"What about the checkpoint?" Gao Bin asked again.

"They checked over there too. They searched every car thoroughly last night, and found nothing wrong," Lu Ming said.

"This is bizarre. Do these red-ticket agents and Kuomintang underground members have grown wings and become invisible?" Gao Bin looked at the crowd with considerable annoyance.

"Section Chief, could it be that there's a problem with the intelligence?"

“After Jin Xiaoyu’s death, Xia Fei had only recently taken over, so there might be a problem with the data algorithm, and it’s possible that the street was misidentified.” Hong Zhi took out an exquisite pure gold cigarette case and handed it out to everyone.

"Clap!"

He then pulled out a gold-plated lighter, lit it with a flourish, and took a drag.

Everyone stared at him with envy, their eyes wide with admiration at his cool and extravagant demeanor.

"That's also possible."

“These underground party members are all as slippery as rats. I think this is another disappointment. Let’s retreat.” Gao Bin waved his hand and walked to the car.

After taking only a few steps, Liu Kui stepped forward, saying, "Section Chief, can I get in my car? I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

Zhou Yi and Hong Zhi both looked at him.

Liu Kui's face tightened as he opened the car door.

“Okay, let’s talk in the car.” Gao Bin got in.

Liu Kui got into the driver's seat, stepped on the gas, and drove off.

"Hey, do you think this Old Liu has some clues and wants to keep them all to himself?" Lu Ming chuckled dryly from the side.

"He's the head of the intelligence section, so it's normal for him to have some leads."

"Section Chief Lu, shall we go together?"

Zhou Yi said calmly.

"No, I still have a lot of contraband waiting to be inventoried. You guys go first," Lu Ming said.

……

In the car.

Gao Bin, unusually, sat in the passenger seat, turning to look at Liu Kui with a curious yet stern gaze:
"I remember you don't have a habit of keeping things to yourself."

"Section Chief, I have a report to give you about Captain Zhou," Liu Kui said.

……

(End of this chapter)