Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 475 I believe it, really

"Uncle Yan, it's not that I don't trust you."

Just a reminder: don't underestimate your opponent.

"Qiao Niansheng, one of my father's men, was a big shot in Jinhai, but he didn't even manage to shave a hair off Hong Zhi before he was riddled with bullets."

"Moreover, Hong Zhi has skilled men by his side."

Zhang Shaobai didn't rush to leave; instead, he lit a cigarette.

Yan Tieshan finally stopped wielding the hammer.

The clanging noise suddenly stopped, and the entire blacksmith shop fell into a suffocating silence.

He plunged the red-hot iron block into the water tank.

Stab it!

Large plumes of white steam rose up, carrying a fishy smell that was a mixture of rust and moisture.

"He is him and I am me."

Eye-Stick turned around, his fierce eyes appearing particularly eerie in the firelight.

"Times have changed; even killing requires thinking."

"The days of trying to kill someone with a broken knife are long gone."

Seeing his confident demeanor, Zhang Shaobai felt much more at ease.

He stubbed out his cigarette and nodded.

"it is good.

"With Master Yan's words, I feel relieved."

After saying that, he turned and walked out of the blacksmith shop, quickly disappearing into the night.

Yan Tieshan strode into the inner room, opened the box, and inside were two box pistols.

……

Inside the hotel in Tianjin.

Ren Changchun strode in, stood ramrod straight, and spoke with considerable excitement:
"Section Chief, everything you requested has been prepared and loaded onto the train."

"To be honest, I never thought that security work could be done this way."

Hong Zhiyou sat on the sofa, his expression calm: "There's no other way, we have to minimize all possible risks. You'll see a lot more in the future, you'll get used to it gradually."

He instructed: "In addition, bomb checks must be conducted before the train departs, inside and out, in every corner."

"We cannot repeat the fate of General Zhang."

"Yes!"

Ren Changchun nodded and accepted the order.

Hong Zhiyou then asked, "What new developments have the Grand Canal Gang made?"

Ren Changchun immediately reported: "Zhang Siye's son, Zhang Shaobai, is lobbying some Japanese officers to try and get his father out."

"Zhang Shaobai?"

Hong Zhi smiled coldly:
"We're old acquaintances."

"Send someone to kill him before I leave Jinhai."

"We can't always wait for others to kill us; we also need to learn to take the initiative."

"Yes!"

Ren Changchun responded and turned to leave quickly.

After he left, Hong Zhiyou got up and went into the bedroom.

Keiko was sitting in front of her dressing table, carefully getting ready in front of the mirror.

She hummed a Japanese tune, her face radiant with joy and an undisguised happiness, showing no trace of the sadness of impending separation.

Hong Zhi smiled, walked over from behind, and skillfully slipped his hand inside her loose kimono.

"In the future, when doing business, try to collect gold and silver dollars."

"We can accept US dollars when necessary."

"As for Japanese yen, counterfeit currency, or even legal tender, we should avoid accepting them if possible."

“The wealthy people in Tianjin don’t lack gold bars and silver dollars.”

Huizi looked at him in the mirror, and her body trembled slightly.

"I know about counterfeit money and legal tender, but why is the Japanese yen bad?"

She asked, somewhat puzzled, "From now on, it will be the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, and the yen will be a hard currency."

Hong Zhiyou chuckled softly: "I only believe in gold."

Huizi turned around and stood up.

"I've finished getting ready, isn't it pretty?"

Hong Zhi withdrew his hand and looked her up and down: "Beautiful."

Huizi gave him a charmingly disdainful look and said softly, "Then I'll go make you some deer antler powder to nourish your body."

"Let's talk about it when we get back."

Hong Zhi stroked her cheek and said, "I have to go out for a bit."

Keiko wisely refrained from asking further questions and simply nodded obediently.

Hong Zhiyou changed into an inconspicuous set of coarse cloth clothes and put on some disguise on his face, looking like a rough and weary man.

Half an hour later, he turned into the alley and knocked on the door.

The door opened, revealing Mei Shao's face, which was etched with displeasure.

"Why are you here again?" Mei Shao's tone was filled with undisguised rejection.

Hong Zhiyou seemed oblivious to the barb in his words and simply squeezed in from the side.

“Madam, I’m going back to Harbin tomorrow. Before I leave, could I have a few words alone with Rui Rui?” Hong Zhiyou said to Mei Qiuju, who came out of the house to greet him, his attitude sincere.

Mei Qiuju glanced at him, then at Rui Rui who was standing silently to the side, and smiled politely: "Alright, you two chat."

She tactfully walked out, closing the door behind her.

When no one else was around, Hongzhi instinctively wanted to hug her.

Wu Ruirui, however, was like a startled fawn. She subconsciously put her hands behind her back, her cheeks flushed, and she shyly avoided his gaze.

Hong Zhi touched his nose sheepishly, but didn't press the matter.

"I'm leaving tomorrow." His voice was a few decibels lower than usual. "Have you... made up your mind?"

Wu Ruirui raised her head, looked into his deep and passionate eyes, and nodded gently: "I'm sure."

"I won't go to the United States, nor will I stay in Tianjin."

"I'm taking Mom back to the mountain town; it's the safest place. We can live well there, and wait for Dad, and..."

Her cheeks flushed, but she ultimately didn't say it.

Hong Zhi felt a surge of joy!
He could no longer restrain himself, and mustered his courage to take a step forward and pull her tightly into his arms!
"Well……"

Wu Ruirui gasped and instinctively tried to push him away, but Hong Zhiyou's arms were like iron hoops, holding her tightly and making her unable to move.

He buried his head in the crook of her neck, leaned close to her ear, and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear:
"Rui Rui, wait for me."

"At most five years, the Japanese will have to get out!"
"When the time comes, I will bring you back to the interior of China alive with lots and lots of money, and we'll come back in style to marry you! You just wait for me!"

Wu Ruirui's body trembled slightly in his arms, the scent of his masculine body mixed with the smell of tobacco lingering around her nose, and she was momentarily confused and infatuated.

She nodded, her voice barely audible: "I...I understand."

"You must also...live well."

This was the first time she had such intimate contact with a man.

Hong Zhi sensed her compliance, which emboldened him, and he kissed her soft red lips without saying a word.

Wu Ruirui's mind went blank for a moment.

She reluctantly accepted the sudden kiss, initially panicked, but gradually becoming immersed in it, enjoying the romantic feeling brought by this first kiss.

"Rui Rui, are you alright? Just call out if you need anything!"

Suddenly, Mei Shao's untimely shout came from the courtyard, like a bucket of cold water being poured over it.

"Okay, Uncle!"

Wu Ruirui suddenly came to her senses, her face turning so red it looked like it was about to bleed.

She hurriedly pulled Hong Zhiyou's hand out of her clothes and quickly straightened her slightly disheveled clothes.

“You’re right, my uncle does have a problem.” She lowered her voice and said quickly.

“He’s been making phone calls outside a lot lately, behind my and my mom’s back, acting all secretive. I feel like he’s plotting something.”

"You didn't tell your teacher's wife, did you?" Hong Zhiyou's eyes sharpened.

Wu Ruirui shook her head: "I'm not stupid."

"My mom doesn't have much of her own opinion; she listens to my uncle in everything."

“If I say I want to stay, my uncle will definitely find out, and then he will definitely give me advice, which will only ruin my plans.”

Hong Zhi couldn't help but kiss her on the cheek: "As expected of my wife, you're so smart."

"Since you've decided to leave, leave the rest to me."

After a brief silence, Hong Zhi said with great reluctance:
"Rui Rui, after this farewell, I don't know when we'll meet again."

"Could you... come for a walk with me? The night view of the Haihe River near the Five Avenues is beautiful, shall we go take a look?"

Wu Ruirui hesitated for a moment: "I'm afraid they won't agree."

"Where there's a will, there's a way. Let's give it a try." Hong Zhi straightened his clothes and opened the door.

Once outside, Hong Zhiyou said to Mei Shao and Mei Qiuju with a sincere expression, "Teacher's wife, Mr. Mei, I'm taking the train back to Harbin early tomorrow morning."

Before leaving, I want to take Rui Rui to see the scenery along the Haihe River.

Mei Shao's face immediately darkened, and he was about to refuse without even thinking.

Wu Ruirui spoke first: "Uncle, Mom, I'll just go take a look and I'll be back soon."

Hong Zhiyou immediately added, "That's right, the teacher really misses Ruirui."

"I want to take two photos of Rui Rui and bring them back to show him, so he can be happy too."

"Don't worry, I'll definitely bring the person back safely in half an hour, at most half an hour!"

Mei Qiuju always doted on her daughter, and her heart immediately softened when she heard that Old Wu missed his daughter.

Besides, it's only for half an hour, nothing should happen.

She nodded: "Go ahead, and come back soon."

When Wu Jingzhong was mentioned, Mei Shao, no matter how unwilling he was, could not say much and could only watch helplessly as Hong Zhiyou took Wu Ruirui out the door.

A gentle breeze caresses the face along the Haihe River.

Hong Zhiyou and Wu Ruirui walked slowly along the riverbank, hand in hand.

He told her a lot about the "past".

Wu Ruirui listened intently, increasingly convinced that there must be some kind of mysterious fate and destiny between her and the man before her.

Hong Zhiyou is not only handsome and witty, but more importantly, he brings her an innate sense of security.

That was something she had never experienced with her father, Wu Jingzhong.

After chatting for a while, Wu Ruirui said softly, "It's almost time, I should go back." "No." Hong Zhi squeezed her hand and stopped walking.

His eyes were filled with deep, unyielding affection.

"Stay with me a little longer."

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder, I really...miss you so much."

"or……"

His gaze fell upon the inn on the shore.

Wu Ruirui was a little flustered.

How could an eighteen-year-old girl not understand the implication behind those words?
Her cheeks instantly burned, turning a bright red that looked like they could bleed.

Looking at her shy and adorable appearance, Hong Zhi felt a surge of heat in his heart.

He squeezed her hand, his voice warm and gentle:
“Rui Rui, this world is in chaos and war, and cannonballs don’t have eyes.”

"None of us know if we'll live to see each other again."

"Perhaps... tonight will be the last time we see each other in this lifetime."

These words are not mere alarmist rhetoric.

The Japanese are utterly inhuman and kill without hesitation. Hong Zhiyou isn't a god; he might just fall into the hands of the Japanese one day.

Wu Ruirui's heart skipped a beat.

She lowered her head, not daring to look into his burning eyes.

She's eighteen this year; she's no longer an ignorant child.

She certainly knew what Hong Zhiyou meant.

The scenes that kept recurring in her dreams weren't just about waves and beaches, but also about the two of them entwined in a large bed.

She didn't know how to answer; her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to jump out of her throat.

She let Hong Zhiyou hold her hand, her mind blank, and walked towards an inconspicuous little inn not far away.

Once the door closed, the whole world fell silent.

Hong Zhi could no longer restrain himself and pulled her into his arms, giving her a passionate kiss.

"Well……"

Wu Ruirui was still somewhat reserved, and gently struggled in his arms:
"It's getting late, Mom and Uncle... they must be worried."

Hong Zhi whispered in her ear, "I... I'll be there soon, really!"

……

Three hours later, at one o'clock in the morning.

Hong Zhiyou had Xiao Guohua drive the car, and with Wu Ruirui, who was walking with a slight limp, he got into the back seat.

Xiao Guohua glanced at the rearview mirror and was completely dumbfounded.

Oh my God!
This is Station Master Wu's precious darling, his one and only daughter!
No...no, Hong Zhiyou didn't take advantage of me, did he?

If the stationmaster found out, he'd skin this kid alive!
"Old Xiao, don't misunderstand. It's cold outside. I just talked to Rui Rui about going to school. This is also the station chief's idea." Hong Zhi noticed the strange look on his face and explained calmly.

Wu Ruirui looked like a child who had made a mistake.

Of course, from tonight onwards she knew she was no longer a child, but a woman.

When Xiao Guohua saw Rui Rui's appearance, he realized it was no different from how his own wife had acted when they first ventured into the sorghum field together.

He uttered two words expressionlessly: "I believe you."

……

In the courtyard, Mei Shao and Mei Qiuju were extremely anxious, like ants on a hot pan.

Mei Shao paced back and forth in the courtyard, constantly complaining.

"Sister, you're so carefree!"

"What time is it now? It's a time of war and chaos!"
“Rui Rui is a young, unmarried woman. She’s been gone for so long with a man. If she’s been tricked and her brother-in-law gets involved, and falls into the hands of the Japanese, our whole family will be doomed!”

Mei Qiuju also frowned, feeling both anxious and angry: "This child is so insensible!"
"How can someone so old have no sense of propriety!"

As the two were talking, the courtyard gate was pushed open.

Hong Zhiyou and Xiao Guohua flanked Wu Ruirui as she entered.

When Mei Qiuju saw Xiao Guohua, she felt much relieved.

She knew that Xiao Guohua was her husband's most trusted confidant, and with him around, Rui Rui should be safe.

The moment Mei Shao saw Wu Ruirui, the anger he had suppressed all night instantly exploded.

He rushed forward, pointed at Wu Ruirui's nose, and angrily questioned:

"Coming back so late, what kind of behavior is this! How can a girl like you behave like this!"

"Didn't you say half an hour? Look, it's been several hours already."

Wu Ruirui felt wronged; she hadn't expected Hong Zhiyou to speak so quickly, so very quickly.

Hong Zhi stepped forward, shielding Wu Ruirui behind him, apologetic smile on his face:
"Mr. Mei, please don't be angry."

"It was quiet at night, and there weren't many people around, so I took Rui Rui to see the night view of Jinhai."

Wu Ruirui nodded quickly.

Hong Zhi bowed to the Mei siblings and said, "Madam, Mr. Mei, I have safely brought the person back, so I will take my leave now."

After saying that, he turned and left with Xiao Guohua.

Seeing her daughter's attitude, Mei Qiuju was furious: "You ignorant brat, go inside right now!"

Mei Shao watched Hong Zhiyou's departing figure, trembling with anger.

He gritted his teeth and said fiercely, "Tomorrow! We'll head back to Shancheng tomorrow!"

"Then I'll go to America right away! I can't stay even a day longer!"

……

Hong Zhi returned to the hotel.

Huizi was already asleep, her graceful curves faintly visible.

He didn't disturb her, and simply lay down on the sofa in the living room.

As is his usual habit, he would definitely take a shower.

But now, all he wants to do is preserve the girlish scent that belongs to Rui Rui on his body.

It was so delicious!

……

The next day, before dawn.

Hong Zhiyou was pulled up from the sofa by Huizi and forcibly dragged into the bedroom.

After a thoroughly enjoyable "breakup ceremony," Keiko lay lazily in his arms.

She is not stupid.

She wanted to start a new life in Jinhai, but a man as gentle, considerate, and caring as Hong Zhi is hard to find even with a lantern.

This parting is now separated by mountains and rivers; we'll probably only be able to meet in our dreams from now on.

Besides, a man's words are like a deceitful ghost.

Huizi didn't believe a word of the claim that he only came to see her once a month; she only knew that she had to cherish what she had in front of her.

"Hong-sang, what should I do if I miss you in the future?" Huizi asked in his arms, her voice so gentle it could melt your heart.

Hong Zhiyou laughed: "If you miss me, go count your money. Once you're counting, you won't miss me anymore."

"You're so annoying!" Huizi punched him lightly with her fist.

Hong Zhi pinched her cheek: "If you really want to, come to Harbin to find me. You have legs, it's easy for you."

Huizi was amused by his words and scolded, "You're so annoying! You said you'd come to Tianjin to see me, but now it's my turn to go to Harbin to find you!"

Hong Zhi straightened his back with a smug look on his face:
"no way."

Beautiful women are everywhere.

"But a man as strong as Lao Tzu, it's really hard to find another one like him on the Jinhai land."

"Just tell me whether you're going to look for it or not."

The two were flirting when there was a knock on the door.

Ren Changchun's voice rang out from outside the door: "Section Chief, Mr. Xie has arrived."

Hong Zhi patted Hui Zi's shapely buttocks and said, "Get ready, get ready. I've found you an assistant."

As he spoke, he casually put on a long, plush pajama set, tied the belt, and slipped on his slippers before coming to the living room.

The door opened, and Ren Changchun stood outside with Xie Ruolin.

This kid had slicked-back hair today, and I don't know where he borrowed this cheap suit from, it was at least two sizes too big, and it was wobbling around on him. He was also carrying a torn handbag.

"It looks quite professional, doesn't it?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"Well... that's right. Mr. Hong, you are a man of great importance. It would be too impolite of me not to dress up properly."

"I've heard about Matsuda Shin's matter. I... I knew you were a lucky person and would be alright." Xie Ruolin said politely, while secretly trying to gain some credit for himself.

Unlike the others who looked down on him as a student, Hong Zhiyou expressed his gratitude earnestly, saying, "That's all thanks to Mr. Xie's information."

"No, no, please call me Xiao Xie. Otherwise, I can't accept it, it makes me nervous," Xie Ruolin said.

"No, you have to get used to it. When doing business, you have to stand tall. As long as you have value and create value, you can speak with your head held high."

"Like now, you are clearly my savior, and you are fully entitled to a glass of red wine and the best cigars."

"People praise you, but you have to think highly of yourself first before others will support you."

"Didn't Du Yuesheng also start out selling fruit?"

"You'll have the chance to become Boss Du of Jinhai in the future."

Have confidence in yourself.

Hong Zhi poured him a glass of red wine, cut off a piece of cigar, lit it, and handed it to him.

Du Yuesheng!
Mr. Hong actually claimed that he was the second Du Yuesheng!
Xie Ruolin's eyes immediately lit up.

He grew up and was admitted to Beiyang University through hard work, but whether it was his master Shang Bo or all sorts of people at the dock, they all treated him as a lackey.

No one had ever taught him or thought highly of him like this before.

"Take it," Hong Zhiyou reminded him.

Xie Ruolin accepted the cigarette with trembling hands. Hong Zhi, holding a cigar, took a domineering puff and said, "A cigar doesn't go into the lungs, it's just a lingering, pleasant smoke."

"Draw it," he reminded him.

Xie Ruolin trembled slightly and took a breath with a flickering gaze.

“You look like a drug addict. Look at me, your eyes, your movements, imagine you are Wen Shizhen, and try again.” Hong Zhi patiently taught him.

Xie Ruolin knew that Hong Zhi was teaching him something, so he calmed down and started learning.

This person is very clever. Soon, with a simple movement, he exuded the demeanor of a superior who was both shrewd and capable.

"How does it feel?" Hong Zhi asked.

"It reeks of money and power," Xie Ruolin said, exhaling a puff of smoke.

……

(End of this chapter)