Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 445 The hero is sad about the beauty

“That’s easy. I’ll find someone to ask right now,” Wu Jingzhong said.

"Can I take a trip to the casino and get it done within an hour?" Hong Zhi wasn't worried about Lao Wu's methods; whether it was money or threats, he would definitely get things done.

"More or less." Wu Jingzhong's eyes were full of confidence.

When Hong Zhi arrived at Yong Sheng Kui Tea House, he had to admit that with Peng Hu as a capable assistant, Lao Hei and his gang had become increasingly shrewd and efficient.

"Tiger, come with me to Jinhai sometime later." Hong Zhiyou picked up his teacup, blew on the fragrant tea blossoms, and sipped it.

"How many people do you need to bring?" Peng Hu asked expressionlessly.

“No need. I’ll find someone else later. The two of you will be enough,” Hong Zhi said.

"Okay." Peng Hu nodded.

"Old Hei, are there any tough guys left in Harbin?" Hong Zhi asked.

“There’s a guy named Wang Ergan in Nangang who used to have a bad relationship with Commander Guan. This guy gathered a bunch of poor beggars and refugees, and his men were fearless. They opened a casino and an opium den in Nangang.”

"We also have a good relationship with the Nangang Police Station."

"General Guan looked down on his small business and was wary of the scoundrels under his command, so the two sides kept to themselves."

"What, Master Hong, are you going to devour Nangang?"

Old Hei knew everything about the docks, so he couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.

"It's nothing, I just want to have fun."

"A few days ago, I was passing through Nangang when these jerks smashed my car window. It seems like it's time to clean things up."

"Tiger, I want to see Wang Erganzi's head before midnight tonight, no problem?"

Hong Zhiyou crossed his legs and looked at Peng Hu with a cold gaze.

The purpose of clearing out Nangang was twofold: first, to muddy the waters there, making it impossible for Old Qiu's wife to sell her teahouse, thus giving Zhou Yi time to eliminate the traitors.

Secondly, it would also be a test of Peng Hu's courage and skill.

In the past, this was called "paying a blood oath".

Hong Zhi wouldn't feel at ease if this kid didn't have a drop of blood on him.

“Wang Erganzi’s men are all ruthless. We’ll need to prepare at least seventy or eighty men.” Old Hei clearly didn’t realize the seriousness of the situation.

"Seventy or eighty people, no, just Peng Hu alone."

"It's just a tiger entering a pack of wolves."

"What, you're afraid to go?"

Hong Zhi looked at Peng Hu, who had no expression.

“What’s there to be afraid of? In my eyes, they’re not even wolves, they’re just sheep!” Peng Husen said coldly.

"Very good, it's up to you now." Hong Zhi nodded approvingly.

……

An hour later, it was getting dark.

Hong Zhiyou came to Futai.

Wu Jingzhong was eating wide noodles, the bright red chili oil emitting a strong aroma.

"Would you like a bowl? Authentic Shanxi knife-cut noodles," he asked.

Old Wu has a typical northern palate. Back in Lanzhou, he was used to eating beef, mutton, and noodles. He wouldn't feel comfortable if he didn't have a bowl of mutton soup or a flatbread for two days.

"No, what's wrong?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"I've found out. A waiter at Hongyun Teahouse said that the Zhang Hua you're looking for has a very close relationship with the proprietress, Li Hong."

It is said that the two met when they were in Fengtian.

“Zhang Hua would stay overnight at Li Hong’s place every time he came to Harbin, but he was quite stingy, and Li Hong didn’t like him very much.”

Wu Jingzhong said.

Hong Zhiyou immediately understood.

Old Qiu was cheated on by that special envoy.

Li Hong had previously worked as an intelligence agent in Fengtian, so it wasn't surprising that Zhang Hua knew her.

Judging from what his friend said, Zhang Hua must have come to Harbin more than once.

If Li Hong seduces him with her beauty and then whispers in his ear as "one of their own," Zhang Hua is very likely to reveal important secrets of the organization.

For example, the incident where Sun Yuejian transported medicine and radios.

"Thanks, Lao Wu," Hong Zhi said.

"Judging from the intelligence, there's probably trouble on the Red Ticket side. This special envoy has a serious problem."

"Even heroes can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman."

"Many people in the intelligence network have fallen at this hurdle."

"Especially the harsher the conditions, the greater the vulnerability people have when they relax."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"What, you want to help them out?" he asked.

“It concerns my business on the mountain. I can take a look if necessary, but for now, I have no plans to take action.” Hong Zhi shook his head slightly.

"That's right. People who are set up without even realizing it are far more despicable than traitors."

"Because he is still trusted."

"Sometimes things go wrong precisely because of this."

Wu Jingzhong said with great experience.

"Thank you for your hard work, I have to go now," Hong Zhiyou said.

“Yeah, you’ve been coming here every few days. To be honest, I’ve been having nightmares every night lately. I open my eyes and I’m being arrested.” Wu Jingzhong glared at him and snorted.

"Don't worry, now the whole of Northeast China knows I'm a leather dealer."

"What's wrong with me caring about my own business?"
"Right now, the only person who can investigate me is Shibuya Saburo, but don't worry, I'll take care of him."

Hong Zhi smiled confidently, put on his gloves and hat, and went out.

As Wu Jingzhong walked outside, he looked at the streetlights coming on and saw that straight, sharp back, as straight as a sword. A relaxed smile appeared on his lips.

Originally, he came to Northeast China with resentment towards Boss Dai, and even thought about messing around for a few years and then spending money to buy it out.

Unexpectedly, Hong Zhiyou appeared out of nowhere.

They have an incredibly strong background, act decisively and efficiently, and are always true to their word, allowing them to amass a fortune.

Compared to when he was in the Northwest Region and the Sino-Soviet intelligence cooperation station, where he had to constantly curry favor with people like Zheng Jiemin, he now runs a small shop and makes a fortune every day, with no one giving him orders.

Wu Jingzhong felt that this life was really quite wonderful.

It's a pity that Rui Rui and her wife Mei Qiuju weren't around. Otherwise, it would have been perfect if she could have made some money for a few more years and then returned to the interior.

……

night.

Zhou Yi sat by the fireplace, warming himself, his whole body trembling slightly.

Gu Qiuyan took a thick blanket and draped it over him: "You really look terrible. I went to Zhang Pingru's father today to get you some traditional Chinese medicine."

“Foolish! After the Zhang Pingjun incident, his whole family was blacklisted. Gao Bin has people stationed there all year round. It’s too dangerous for you to go there,” Zhou Yi said, frowning.

"Can you please not be so fierce?"

“I’ve thought about it. It’s no big deal for me to go. Many officials’ wives go to him for treatment. Besides, Gao Bin knows you’ve been seriously ill. It’s perfectly normal for me to get you some medicine, especially tonics.”

"Besides, I just went to a Western restaurant to play the innocent type. If I buy you some medicine on my way home, it will make me feel guilty and make amends."

"This fits the character perfectly and makes perfect sense."

Gu Qiuyan said with some grievance.

"Okay, at least you've made progress by thinking of that."

"How did your trip to the restaurant go today?"

Zhou Yi did not criticize him further.

"It was alright. I successfully attracted his attention and even listened to 'Sulliko.' He smiled at me and raised his glass in a toast."

"But you're right, this person does have a problem."

“I saw several fierce-looking Russians go to see him.”

Gu Qiuyan said.

"You didn't go to investigate, did you?" Zhou Yi asked.

"Am I that stupid? Can you stop judging people with prejudice? I admit I lacked experience in underground survival, but that doesn't mean I'm stupid, okay?" Gu Qiuyan said, pouting.

“Yes, you are very clever. Even a fool could not learn how to use a telegraph,” Zhou Yi said with a faint smile.

"That's pretty much it."

Gu Qiuyan laughed happily, and as she spoke, she went downstairs and soon brought up the medicinal soup:

"Drink it while it's hot. If it's bitter, I'll get you some brown sugar."

"No need," Zhou Yi said, "Good medicine tastes bitter, so be it." He slowly drank the medicine from the bowl.

"Today, while I was in Gao Bin's office, I received a phone call from a woman who said she had some very important information to share with Gao Bin."

"Although it looks like a trap, it's hard to tell what's real and what's fake."

"I was being watched by Gao Bin, so I didn't dare to contact Lao Wei."

"I wonder if the organization has taken any special actions recently."

Zhou Yi frowned slightly, unsure whether it was because the medicine was too bitter or because he was worried.

"Hey, don't worry about it. You and Lao Wei are in single-line contact, and my line in Jiamusi is also cut off."

"Apart from Lao Wei and Pingru on the mountain, no one in Harbin knows our identities."

"You always say that if they make a mistake, they must bear the consequences."

Is our goal survival?

"You should take good care of your health first."

Gu Qiuyan said.

"Okay, hopefully nothing will happen tomorrow," Zhou Yi said.

……

Hong Zhi often goes to see Hui Zi.

Perhaps he had been coming too often lately, which had taken a toll on his energy. The next morning, he slept until 8:30 before arriving at the police station, looking utterly dejected.

Upon entering the hall, one immediately feels a sense of tension, as if facing a formidable enemy.

Ren Changchun was waiting anxiously in the corridor.

"Section Chief Hong, you've finally arrived! Section Chief Gao has sent people to urge you several times." Upon seeing Hong Zhiyou, he hurriedly came over to greet him.

"What happened?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Judging from what Section Chief Lu said, it seems there's some major operation going on. The section chief probably wants you to get a share of the profits, so it's been delayed. Everyone's waiting for you in the conference room," Ren Changchun said.

"understood."

Hong Zhi hurried into the conference room.

Gao Bin glanced at him, inwardly annoyed that he had gone to Huizi's place again, but outwardly maintained a warm smile:

"Zhiyou has arrived. Our meeting can begin now."

"I've called everyone here today because there's something very important."

"A special envoy named Zhang Hua, who is holding a red ticket, will leave Harbin for Fengtian at 10:00 a.m. today. His carriage number is 9 and his seat is eleven."

"Remember, this person has a thin face, big eyes, and a thick beard."

"According to the custom of red tickets, they usually wear makeup, but it doesn't matter. This person only has four fingers on his left hand, and people with this feature are relatively rare."

"Once we catch someone, we can basically confirm their identity by comparing their information with the records."

"Time is running out, everyone, let's get started."

"Everyone must be in plain clothes and act cautiously. Don't alert them. This is a big fish. If we catch it, it will be a great achievement for our Special Service Section," Gao Bin said.

"Yes, Section Chief," everyone replied in unison.

Zhou Yi's heart pounded, but his face remained impassive.

The special envoy's whereabouts have been exposed.

This might be related to the woman with the hoarse voice from yesterday.

Damn.

How did she know the special envoy's train number?
If this woman is the same person who betrayed Sun Yuejian and Lao Wang.

Based on the previous analysis, how could someone on the periphery know such an important and confidential information about the special envoy's whereabouts?

If the special envoy is arrested, Lao Wei and his men will be in danger.

Thinking of this, Zhou Yi secretly groaned.

Everyone boarded a car and headed to the train station together.

Gao Bin got directly into Lu Ming's car.

"Is everything arranged?" Gao Bin asked.

"Don't worry, we have two people in that carriage, and we have people in the train station hall and on the platform. As soon as he enters the station, we can arrest him," Lu Ming said excitedly.

If we manage to capture the special envoy with the red ticket this time, he will be the one to deserve the greatest credit.

There's a rumor going around the department that Director Bai is going to retire. Once Section Chief Gao gets promoted, even if I can't become the head of the Special Affairs Section, I can still take over as the captain of Zhou Yi's action team.

With this achievement, Liu Kui and the others were naturally convinced of their worth.

"Very good. How is the situation with Zhou Yi?" Gao Bin asked.

“He made and received several phone calls in his office yesterday, and there was nothing unusual. After returning home, he did not leave the house or make any phone calls.”

"Everything is still normal."

“However, there’s something wrong with his wife, Gu Qiuyan. She went to a Russian café on Central Street, and the owner of the café is none other than that anti-Soviet vanguard, Vasilyev,” Lu Ming said.

"What did she do?" Gao Bin asked expressionlessly.

"My people saw her sitting there drinking coffee and quietly reading a book, but that's normal. This Gu Qiuyan always wears makeup and tries to look young, and she often goes to coffee shops in Harbin to act elegant."

"Perhaps this is the unique romance of those who play the piano and engage in art."

"Anyway, I wouldn't be interested in sitting in a place like that for even ten minutes, let alone an hour."

Lu Ming pursed his lips and then said:

"Some people even saw her exchanging glances with that Vasilyev and singing together."

"Sigh, Captain Zhou is a big shot, it's really bad luck that he ended up with such a wife."

"What else did she do?" Gao Bin asked again.

"It is very suspicious that she went to Zhang Pingjun's father's pharmacy, got some Chinese medicine, and then went home and never came out again."

"Section Chief Gao, Zhang Pingjun's ticket is clearly a pass."

"We once suspected that Sister Lan was Gu Qiuyan, could it be..."

Lu Ming frowned and clicked his tongue.

"That's possible."

"But I think if she really is Sister Lan, she wouldn't be so foolish."

"How should I put it, I'm more inclined to believe it's the restless mind of a harlot trying to comfort herself by buying medicine."

"Captain Zhou was seriously ill some time ago."

"Buying some medicine is normal."

Gao Bin sneered.

"That's right, even Pan Jinlian fed Wu Dalang medicine. I wonder if our Captain Zhou will follow in Wu Dalang's footsteps," Lu Ming joked.

"Lu Ming, tell your men not to spread this around. Zhou Yi is a man who cares a lot about his reputation."

"If you push them too far, and they end up making up, you'll be the ones who suffer, understand?"

Gao Bin's smile faded, and he gave him some instructions.

"Understood." Lu Ming nodded.

In the other car, Zhou Yi was driving, and Hong Zhiyou was sitting in the passenger seat smoking a cigarette.

"You guessed right, something really bad has happened."

"Section Chief Gao didn't ride in the same car as you, so he must have already arranged things with Lu Ming. He still doesn't trust me."

Zhou Yi sighed with slight anxiety.

“Of course he won’t ride in the same car as me. If something happens, at least the other one has a chance to survive and won’t be wiped out along with everyone else.” Hong Zhi smiled and didn’t mention the special envoy.

"Will there be an opportunity later..." Zhou Yi pondered.

“There’s no chance at all. There are a hundred eyes watching you right now. Once we catch you, we’ll send a message to tell your men to leave as soon as possible.” Hong Zhiyou idly blew smoke rings out the window.

He's just a guy who's worse than a traitor.

They arrested him, and that was that.

As for Lao Wei and his bunch of idiots, Hong Zhi wouldn't have to worry about them at all if it weren't for needing them to deal in leather goods.

Zhou Yi looked at Hong Zhiyou with some envy.

This kid always seemed so carefree and composed, and even when he was brought into the mansion by Shibuya Saburo, he never showed the slightest hesitation or unease.

He always seems to be on the side of victory and light, always has an inexhaustible supply of trump cards, and no one can defeat him.

As it turns out, both General Guan and the formidable Dr. Shiro Ishii were defeated by Hong Zhiyou's composed sword.

While feeling envious, Zhou Yi suddenly felt a warm glow in his heart.

He recalled a statement made by Hong Zhiyou: the Japanese would only have three or four years left before they were driven out of China, and justice would ultimately prevail over evil; the Chinese people would surely win.

At first, he was skeptical, thinking that Hung Chih was too optimistic.

Now it seems that perhaps he really was a prophet!
So much so that every one of his "outrageous" statements came true.

In an instant, the gloom in Zhou Yi's heart dissipated, and he was filled with confidence for the future.

……

In a secluded alley two streets away from the train station, everyone got out of the car and opened their trunks; some carried luggage, while others hawked cigarettes.

Then they went their separate ways and headed to the train station.

Nine forty.

Inside the station, loudspeakers, broadcasting in a mix of Japanese and Chinese, began announcing that passengers heading to Fengtian should proceed to the station.

"Captain Zhou, you stay here and keep watch with me."

"Zhiyou, Luming, Liu Kui, go to the baggage car and change into your police uniforms. Arrest Zhang Hua immediately."

"There are security checks, so the other party probably wouldn't dare to carry weapons, but we still have to be careful."

"I've practiced using many of the red tickets."

Gao Bin carefully gave instructions.

"Understood." The group acknowledged the order and quietly made their way to the staff passage. They then went to the empty platform, boarded the train, and changed into the uniforms and armbands of the train police officers.

I waited quietly for more than ten minutes.

Passengers officially pass through ticket inspection and enter the station.

Zhang Hua was dressed in an old, coarse cotton coat and wore a dog-skin hat, looking like a poor man going to seek refuge with relatives far away.

As a special envoy, he was still very cautious.

"Fellow countryman, my daughter is in this carriage, and I'm in carriage number nine. Can we switch seats?"

Zhang Hua arrived at his position in carriage number three and, before the carriage door opened, pleaded pitifully with a person who looked somewhat similar in build and age.

When the man saw Zhang Hua pointing to a little girl behind him, he frowned slightly, but still agreed to exchange the tickets.

"Thank you, fellow villager. May you be rich and prosperous, and live a peaceful life."

Zhang Hua quickly bowed to express his gratitude.

Once on the bus, he cautiously looked around to make sure everything was alright before finding a seat and sitting down.

Bang, bang, bang.

The train started moving quickly, its wheels screeching against the rails.

Zhang Hua looked out the window and breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Soon, several Japanese military police officers carrying guns and wearing white armbands walked over from another carriage.

Following behind them were three people, Hong Zhiyou, who were disguised as train police officers.

"Please take out your tickets so I can check them," Lu Ming shouted at the top of his lungs.

……

(End of this chapter)