Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 422 Take one step at a time, and do two steps at a time

Hong Zhi looked at Liu Yawen, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

She is still very simple.

With proper guidance, there's room for improvement.

However, he may not be quite ready to take on the main responsibility or run the household yet.

Liu Yawen lacks Rui Rui's overall perspective and judgment, and Ji Qing's agility and efficiency.

In short, he can only do small tasks, not big ones.

This is determined by nature.

Hong Zhi could talk himself hoarse talking to Rui Rui, but it probably wouldn't make any difference. He might as well just throw money at her as soon as he came in. If he had enough money, he could get things done; if not, he could just give up.

Liu Yawen is probably only a bit more shrewd than the love-struck Wanqiu, more cultured than Zhou Gendi, and more reasonable and intelligent than Gu Qiuyan.

Of course, she wasn't as obedient as Wanqiu; she was a little arrogant.

"Whether it works or not depends on you," Hong Zhiyou said.

"I'll call you when I have news." Liu Yawen nodded indifferently.

"Wenwen, you look so beautiful today," Hong Zhiyou said softly, looking at her fair and rosy profile.

"I still have a lot of things to do, can you go now?" Liu Yawen rolled her eyes in boredom.

“Of course.” Hong Zhi smiled, without pressing the issue further.

A woman.

The key is to strike a balance between relaxation and moderation.

When a woman starts to not mind being called by her given name, it means that she doesn't reject it, or at least doesn't find it offensive.

This is a positive sign.

We're not far from taking it down.

……

Near Jihong Bridge.

A man wearing a blue Mitsubishi Municipal Services Company uniform rang the doorbell of the Zhou residence.

A moment later, Aunt Liu came over:

"Sir, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Gas inspection." The man in overalls showed his work ID.

"Aunt Liu, who is it?" Gu Qiuyan called from upstairs.

"The service company is here to check the gas," Aunt Liu called out, turning around.

"I understand." Gu Qiuyan didn't go downstairs, but stood on the second-floor railing and glanced at the view.

The man in overalls inspected the kitchen and pulled out an inspection notice from his bag: "Who is the homeowner? Please sign here."

"Madam, the master wants you to come down and sign something," Liu Ma called out.

Gu Qiuyan frowned as she got off the bus: "Why is it so troublesome?"

"The gas pipes can now be replaced. You can choose to replace them or not."

"Please write 'I agree to the replacement' or 'No replacement needed'."

"Just sign your name here."

The man in overalls said.

Gu Qiuyan glanced at him, took the book, and with a few swift strokes, wrote "No need to replace" and signed her name.

"Thank you."

The renovation workers left quickly.

Gu Qiuyan went back upstairs and stood by the window to watch the person leave.

Sure enough, Zhou Yi guessed right again.

In the next couple of days, you'll definitely receive calls from repairmen, gas technicians, or people from all sorts of other sources coming to your door.

A deep chill ran through Gu Qiuyan's heart.

She finally realized how terrifying and difficult underground work in Harbin was.

Gao Bin is like a devil, omnipresent.

You must always be extremely careful, or you will fall into his trap.

……

3pm.

"Section Chief, Xiao Song from the communications team compared the handwriting on the form and the envelope and confirmed that it wasn't written by the same person."

Lu Ming took the form signed by Gu Qiuyan and walked into Gao Bin's office.

"No?" Gao Bin raised an eyebrow, looking quite suspicious.

"Yes.

"Xiao Song also consulted several famous calligraphers in Harbin to verify that the writing style, including the way the brush was lifted, the finishing strokes, and the strength of the strokes, did not seem to be the work of one person."

"Have we mistaken Gu Qiuyan for someone else?"

Lu Ming blinked a few times as usual.

"Is it possible that she has already seen through our investigation?"

"Don't forget that Captain Zhou is a master at surviving behind enemy lines."

"It wouldn't be difficult for a smart and cautious person to discover these things."

Gao Bin remained suspicious.

"Hmm, that's also possible." Lu Ming was more inclined to believe that Zhou Yi was innocent, but he just didn't say it out loud.

"What is Captain Zhou doing?" Gao Bin asked.

"Didn't you tell him to go to the Military Police Headquarters for a meeting?" Lu Ming asked back.

"Yep.

"Look at my memory. I'm getting old, and my brain, like my prostate, malfunctions from time to time," Gao Bin said with a self-deprecating laugh.

Section Chief.

“I feel that you value Captain Zhou highly, why…” Lu Ming gestured and asked tactfully.

"There is no conflict."

"I've said it before, we spies are like Sun Wukong, we need to be cunning and resourceful."

"Doubt is like Lao Tzu's Eight Trigrams Furnace, the best catalyst."

"You have to withstand the heat to forge your piercing eyes and immortal body."

Gao Bin used a very serious analogy.

"Hmm, I can't be Sun Wukong anyway, I'll be Zhu Bajie at best."

"Alright, I'll go check out the interrogation room."

Lu Ming smiled, a chill running down his spine.

“Go ahead.” Gao Bin nodded.

Stepping out of the office, Lu Ming shook his head and sighed softly:
"With this method of refining, not to mention Sun Wukong, even the Jade Emperor and Buddha would have to refine him."

……

night.

Liu Zhenwen returned home.

"Dad," Liu Yawen greeted him cheerfully.

"Why are you back so early today? I passed by your restaurant and it seemed to be doing good business."

"I heard Hongzhi went to see you."

Liu Zhenwen smiled and took off his coat, handing it to his daughter.

"Yes.

"He's a pretty...annoying person," Liu Ya-wen said with a slight chuckle.

"is it?"

Liu Zhenwen keenly noticed something unusual.

The daughter didn't treat her old classmate's son, Zhang Feng, the same way.

Although it's still very annoying.

But her eyes and brows were filled with cold indifference and disgust, while when Hong Zhiyou was mentioned, she showed more of a girlish shyness.

Damn it, is that kid from the Gao family about to succeed?
"Of course." Liu Yawen nodded firmly.

"Hong Zhiyou is good. After all, he graduated from the Tokyo Military Academy and has a good background. He still has a future."

"Between him and Zhang Feng, who do you think is better?"

Liu Zhenwen came to the dining table and asked with a smile.

"None of them are good."

"They're all... Anyway, I just don't like them."

"I will stay by my parents' side and will not marry anyone else," Liu Yawen said.

"Dad, I need to ask you for a favor." She said, pulling on her father's arm.

"What is it?" Liu Zhenwen asked.

"I've been having stomach aches lately, and my periods are irregular. I found a doctor who was treating me and he was doing great, but now that doctor has been arrested by your people."

"We can't even get the medicine anymore."

"Could you please release that doctor?"

Liu Yawen said.

"Are you talking about Zhang Zhongnian, the one from the family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners on Zhanqian Street?" Liu Zhenwen asked.

"yes.

"He's just a doctor, what bad intentions could he possibly have?"

"The shop has been closed for several days. If you don't have anything else to do, just let it go," Liu Yawen advised obediently.

His son delivered a message to the mountain.

"His eldest son, Zhang Pingru, is very likely a member of the Anti-Japanese Alliance in the mountains."

"My daughter-in-law is also a member of the underground Communist Party."

“No matter how skilled a doctor is, there’s no way to make money off someone like that,” Liu Zhenwen said, shaking his head.

"Dad, have you thought about this?"

"There's a lot of complexity behind this."

"Since this Sister Lan is a relative of a high-ranking official in the Harbin Police Department, once it is discovered that she has connections with the people in Xinjing, those big shots will hold a grudge against you."

"Since Director Bai is going to retire anyway, he'd love for you to suffer so that Gao Bin can make a name for himself and take your place."

"It would have been better if Gao Bin hadn't solved the case."

"If this breaks down, he can promote you to the position of a department head, which has little real power, and rightfully replace you in your current position."

"So, even if this case is solved, you won't benefit from it at all."

"Not to mention that Hong Zhi has just taken over the position of Commander-in-Chief of Xiaguan."

"If you are promoted to Xinjing, or take over a sinecure as a department head, will they still give you their share?"

"It's not worth it."

Following Hong Zhiyou's instructions, Liu Yawen cautiously offered her advice.

Upon hearing this, Liu Zhenwen's face immediately darkened and became serious: "Wenwen, who taught you to say that?"

“Hong Zhi has it,” Liu Yawen said.

"He's Gao Bin's nephew. He can ruin me without spending a penny less. Why should he side with me?" Liu Zhenwen asked with a sneer.

"Dad, I'll just be blunt."

Hong Zhi said that his uncle was not interested in making money and was very rigid in some ways.

"Besides, he felt it wasn't appropriate for the whole family to get involved."

"The key is that Gao Bin's interpersonal skills are far inferior to yours, especially when dealing with people from inside the city or Ding Mocun of No. 76. You are the one who has more influence."

"Therefore, he hopes that you will live a long and healthy life and remain in your position forever."

"And... he was willing to do this also because..."

Liu Yawen blushed and was too embarrassed to continue.

"You seem quite interested in his proposal?" Liu Zhenwen raised an eyebrow.

"I... I was just worried that you had suffered at Gao Bin's hands, and I also wanted Dr. Zhang to come out as soon as possible," Liu Yawen said.

"OK.

"My daughter has finally grown up and can think about things from her father's perspective."

I will consider this matter.

"Let's eat."

Liu Zhenwen didn't go into any further discussion.

After dinner.

He gestured for his wife to go upstairs. "Wenwen seems to have a good impression of Hongzhi," Liu Zhenwen said.

"certainly.

"Handsome, polite, and smart. I heard from Old Huang in the shop that Wenwen's business improved as soon as he gave her a suggestion."

"She also plays the piano well."

Even Lao Huang said they were a match made in heaven.

"He is indeed much stronger than Zhang Feng from Zhang Chunyuan's family."

Li Lan smiled.

"Sigh." Liu Zhenwen sighed.

"What's wrong?
"Are you that disgusted with Hong Zhiyou?" Li Lan asked.

I don't dislike him.

“Wenwen is not young anymore, and Hong Zhi is a suitable candidate.”

"I'm just worried it's a trap."

“Hong Zhiyou’s words do make some sense, but what if Zhang Zhongnian’s family really is a corrupt official? If I release Gao Bin, will they try to shift the blame onto me?” Liu Zhenwen frowned.

"I think Hong Zhi's motives might not be so dirty."

Think about it.

"Gao Bin is his uncle. If he and Wenwen get together, you'll be his father-in-law."

"You two are already working together very well."

"He least wants you to be promoted or leave Harbin."

"Furthermore, if this matter is accomplished, it will indeed be detrimental to you. If you offend people, they will only keep an eye on you, and it will be Gao Bin who gets promoted."

"With one promotion and one demotion, you've just filled Bai Qiming's vacant position."

"Gao Bin, please take your seat."

"They're right, you're bound to lose no matter what."

Li Lan analyzed.

"If he's hoping to become my son-in-law, that would be great."

"I'm afraid this kid isn't a good person."

"My position is fine, but don't let Wenwen get dragged into this," Liu Zhenwen said.

"You should take it one step at a time and see what happens."

"There's still a long way to go, and Wenwen might not even really like him. Let's observe her for a while longer."

"For now, you should think about Zhang Zhongnian's matter first."

Li Landao.

"There's no rush."

"I expect that the Japanese will call tomorrow."

"The wife of Takeo Ida, a high-ranking executive at Mitsubishi Corporation, had a hidden illness that was cured by Zhang Zhongnian. This woman is the niece of Hideki Tojo."

"Moreover, many Japanese expatriates, military and political figures knew Zhang Zhongnian."

"No one is immune to illness or death."

"Zhang Zhongnian actually has a certain influence in Harbin."

"If we can get her to put pressure on the police department, we might be able to get out of this predicament."

"That way, when you go to the club tomorrow to play mahjong with those ladies, you can subtly mention that one of them knows Takeo Ida's wife."

“I believe that if Hong Zhiyou is truly sincere in his heart to support me as his ‘future father-in-law’ and genuinely wants to push this matter forward, we will receive a call tonight.”

Liu Zhenwen said shrewdly.

"Yes.

“As long as the Japanese put pressure on you, you can distance yourself from the situation and legitimately put pressure on Gao Bin,” Li Lan said.

Just then, the phone rang.

Liu Zhenwen stood up and answered: "Hello, it's me."

He immediately switched to Japanese.

After rambling on for a while, he hung up the phone.

I had just hung up when another call came in.

In just half an hour, he received a total of six phone calls.

"Sigh."

"I was right. It seems Hong Zhi is serious about this kid." Liu Zhenwen said cautiously.

"Mrs. Ida, Major Kiyono Miyamoto of the Hama Special Service Headquarters."

"Some Japanese business friends also called to question or plead for leniency."

"I reckon Gao Bin should be receiving the call around this time."

He smiled and said.

“Yes, that’s called putting knowledge into practice. He takes one step at a time and does two steps at a time. He’s much better than that sweet-talking brat from the Zhang family,” Li Lan praised.

"You think highly of him too?" Liu Zhenwen asked.

"Listen to their words and observe their actions."

"They handled things beautifully, and their donation to our family was truly heartfelt."

"The main thing is, don't you think our little darling has been in a good mood these past few days?"

“She used to act like everyone owed her a huge debt.”

“Xiao Hong is really clever. You and Gao Bin should give him a hand. With his resume, it wouldn’t be a problem for him to climb to the rank of director or even the police headquarters in the future.”

"How should I put it, don't you think he's just like you were when you were young?"

"He's smart and knows how to handle things."

Li Lan smiled knowingly.

Let's take a look first.

"Rescuing Zhang Zhongnian doesn't necessarily mean the case will be closed."

"Let's see how Hong Zhiyou gets the person out of Gao Bin's hands."

Liu Zhenwen did not deny her opinion; on the contrary, he became more interested.

……

The next day.

Gao Bin arrived at the police station and went straight to Bai Qiming's office.

Bai Qiming did not come to work.

This police chief has been spending most of his time soaking in hot springs lately, clearly resigned to retirement.

He then went to Liu Zhenwen's office.

The door wasn't closed, and Gao Bin knocked:
"Director Liu."

"Old Gao, come quick, I need to talk to you." Liu Zhenwen waved and said.

Gao Bin sat down opposite him.

Liu Zhenwen got up, made some tea, and pushed it towards him, saying, "You should have received the call by now, right?"

"Yes.

"Hideki Tojo's niece."

"The Special Higher Police and the headquarters of the Binjiang Special Service Agency are also calling me."

"In my opinion, the next one should be Okamura Yasuji."

Gao Bin was as humorous as ever.

"What do you think about this?" Liu Zhenwen asked.

"This was within my expectations."

"To be honest, my wife and I even went to Zhang Zhongnian to pick up Chinese medicinal herbs."

"So when it came time to carry out the torture, I didn't dare let Liu Kui go; I just wanted to scare him."

"Zhang Zhongnian is very stubborn; you could also say he has a lot of backbone."

"Neither the father nor the son confessed anything."

“His son is on the mountain. Even after we tricked him into revealing his true identity, he still insists that his eldest son, Zhang Pingru, went to the mountain to pan for gold.” Gao Bin’s eyes narrowed, and he said with some annoyance.

"Who cares if he's panning for gold or logging?"

"He just insists that he doesn't know what his son is doing, and there's nothing you can do about it."

"The Japanese don't usually rely on evidence."

"But when they encounter people and things they want to get involved in, they become gentlemen and saints, able to break things down into the finest detail. If you want to investigate, you need irrefutable evidence."

"We have to take Zhang Pingru to the Special Higher Police and slap him in the face for it to count."

"Old Gao, in my opinion, we should release Zhang Zhongnian first."

"His youngest son is still in our hands. We have a confession and evidence from Jiamusi. It was sent to the underground party, indicating that he planned to defect to the Anti-Japanese United Army."

"It doesn't really matter whether the old man is reviewed or not."

What do you think?

"After all, we still have to give face to Hideki Tojo's niece."

Liu Zhenwen smiled gently.

"Sigh, it's really hard to get things done these days. There are so many departments above us, even the Japanese have so many departments blocking our way."

That's fine.

"I'll go release them."

Gao Bin stood up and said.

Passing by the second interrogation room.

He saw two interrogators drinking tea, and Gao Bin's expression instantly turned stern: "Ahem."

"Section Chief!" The two men were startled and quickly stood up.

"You guys have a lot of free time, huh?" Gao Bin said coldly.

When he gets stern, his narrow, single-eyelid eyes become exceptionally stern, sharp, and cold, making people afraid to look directly at him.

"Section Chief, yes, Section Chief Hong said these people don't need to be interrogated."

"One was an underground party member, one was a cart driver, and one was an anti-Japanese guerrilla."

"We've already done enough fighting."

“If we keep hitting them, we won’t get anything out of them except crippling or killing them.”

One of them answered with his head shrugged.

"Ok.

"Since it was Section Chief Hong who said so, then so be it." Gao Bin turned and left with his hands behind his back.

Both of them breathed a sigh of relief.

Gao Bin has always believed that kindness is the most foolish thought in humankind.

However, in order to enhance his nephew's prestige, he had no choice but to help carry the sedan chair.

However, Zhiyou is right.

These three are no longer of any value; it's time to get rid of them.

We arrived at a room.

Gao Bin personally released Zhang Zhongnian and escorted him to the door:
"Oh dear, Dr. Zhang, I'm so sorry."

“The military police and the security bureau are keeping an eye on me, so I can only do things officially. Please understand.”

"Section Chief Gao, my son and that girl are innocent. They were just misled by the red tickets. Please have mercy and release them," Zhang Zhongnian pleaded, cupping his hands in prayer.

"Dr. Zhang, whether it's true or not, it's not up to me to decide."

"We need to ask the Japanese for their permission."

"You've gone through all this trouble, please go back."

Gao Bin raised his hand and sneered.

"Section Chief Gao, I have accumulated quite a bit of wealth over the years. I am willing to give it all away if it can save my son. Please, I beg you to show your mercy and speak kindly to me," Zhang Zhongnian pleaded earnestly.

"Old Zhang, I will definitely say what needs to be said," Gao Bin said.

"Thank you for your trouble." Zhang Zhongnian sighed helplessly and got into the car.

back home.

Just as Zhang Zhongnian sat down, the waiter brought in a letter: "Manager, a beggar at the door just handed you a letter, saying it's for you."

"Oh?"

Zhang Zhongnian, disregarding his injuries, quickly disassembled the device.

After reading it, his eyes lit up, and he quickly took a bath before instructing the waiter:
"Quickly, drive to Harbin Institute of Technology immediately."

……

(End of this chapter)