Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 476 Offensive and defensive changes

"Do you like it?" Hong Zhi asked.

Xie Ruolin took another greedy drag, letting the pungent smoke swirl in his mouth, a look of near ecstasy on his face.

"like.

"This is the most enchanting... captivating flavor in the world."

As soon as he finished speaking, the intoxication on his face was instantly replaced by a shrewdness and vigilance unique to ordinary people.

He looked at Hong Zhiyou with some fear and stammered, "Mr. Hong... I am terrified."

"I know there's no such thing as a free lunch."

"You think so highly of me, you don't mean to make me a scapegoat or to make me do something that could kill me, do you?"
"I know my own limitations."

Hong Zhi leaned back on the sofa, legs crossed, looking at him with interest: "If so, would you be willing to do it?"

Xie Ruolin tilted his head, his ill-fitting suit making him look somewhat comical, but the mercenary look in his eyes was unmistakably real.

He chuckled and said, "As long as it doesn't violate business principles, I will definitely do what I promise. If it violates principles, no matter how much money you offer, I still won't do it."

"Principles? For example?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

“For example, if you want to call a girl now, but don’t want to pay her after you’re done, then, then I can’t do that.” Xie Ruolin carefully placed his cigar on the edge of the ashtray and gestured as he said, “Even if you kill me, I won’t agree. That’s my principle.”

The smile on Hong Zhiyou's face faded.

Are principles really that important?

Without warning, he pulled a gun from his waist and pressed the dark muzzle against Xie Ruolin's forehead.

The cold metallic touch made Xie Ruolin stiffen, and cold sweat instantly broke out on his body.

Despite his fear, he forced a smile that looked more like a grimace: "Brother... you don't need to scare me. In this world, everyone follows the same path; without principles and a good reputation, you won't make a name for yourself."

"I never dared to dream of becoming Du Yuesheng, but I do whatever I can with a clear conscience... I take my own money, and even if I die, I will have no regrets."

"Just tell me what you need. If I can do it, I will. If I can't, you can kill me and I'll just have to accept my bad luck."

Hong Zhi stared at him for a few seconds, then slowly put his gun away.

As expected of Lao Xie, his original aspirations have remained unchanged throughout his life.

"Very good, you're somewhat qualified now," Hong Zhi praised.

He pulled open the coffee table drawer, grabbed a handful of golden yellow croakers, and casually tossed them onto the table, making a clattering sound.

“These two are your reward for the information you provided.” He pointed to two of them, then pushed the rest aside: “These are the ones I need your help with.”

Xie Ruolin's eyes widened in disbelief. He picked up his two gold bars, weighed them in his hand, and then carefully pushed them back.
"Well... I already gave it to you last time. Mr. Hong, why don't you tell me about these few sticks?"

“I’ve set up a branch office here, which is being managed by Mrs. Huizi,” Hong Zhiyou said. “I would like to ask you to be her assistant.”

Upon hearing this, Xie Ruolin thought for a moment and said, "That depends on what your company sells. Selling opium, medicine, guns, or sugar? Don't come to me with those. The Japanese strictly control those kinds of jobs. I'm just a student and I don't have the connections. Getting even remotely involved would be a death sentence."

“We sell leather goods and mountain products,” Hong Zhiyou explained. “Mu Liancheng of the Jinhai Chamber of Commerce is in charge of the specific sales. We are responsible for pricing and delivery. Your job is to assist Madam Huizi.”

Xie Ruolin's eyes darted around, and he immediately understood what was going on.

“I…you don’t trust the Japanese, so you want me to…” He glanced towards the bedroom, his eyes carrying a hidden meaning.

“You are indeed very clever,” Hong Zhiyou said without any attempt to hide it. “That’s exactly what I mean.”

Even if Keiko had excellent hearing and eavesdropped through the door, she might not be able to understand the Tianjin dialect the two were speaking.

Xie Ruolin's brows immediately furrowed.

“Mr. Hong, this is a difficult matter. You are not in the area. If they collude to falsify accounts and take kickbacks, I won’t be able to stop them.”

He said with a bitter face, "Don't forget, I'm just a student. If you really push me too far, Mu Liancheng could bury me alive in no time."

"Openly acting as a hindrance is the act of a fool."

Hong Zhiyou picked up his cigar again and slowly exhaled a smoke ring.

"I'm hiring you as my assistant. It's only a matter of time before they try to win you over. All you have to do is integrate yourself into their lives. Don't refuse any offers of beauty, money, or kickbacks."

“If necessary, I can even give them the runaround and help them fool me.”

In short, do whatever makes things easy.

He took a sip of red wine and smiled.

Xie Ruolin was completely dumbfounded: "Mr. Hong, this job... is not fair to you. I've never taken on a job that loses money like this before, and I've never seen a boss like you before. To be honest, I don't understand it at all."

Hong Zhiyou, with a cigar in his mouth and a smirk on his lips, said, "You've seen it now, haven't you?"

Xie Ruolin still couldn't figure it out. He raised his hand and gestured, "Mr. Hong, you...you've confused me. Forgive my ignorance, but what are you after?"

"Do you know how I started my business?" Hong Zhiyou suddenly asked.

Xie Ruolin shook his head.

“There was a dock boss in Harbin named Guan Dashuai. I confiscated his assets.” Hong Zhiyou pointed at him while holding a cigar.

One sentence was enough to enlighten Xie Ruolin.

He suddenly realized what was happening, and his face showed a mixture of excitement and lingering fear.

"If you put it that way, then I understand!"
You want to be a fish farmer!
"Whether this fish is eaten a lot or a little, it will eventually end up on the chopping board!"

“You’re very smart, that’s why I came to you.” Hong Zhi nodded.

"No matter what they do, don't interfere."

"All you have to do is become one of Mu Liancheng's friends, treat him like his own son, and when you have nothing to do, touch Mu Liancheng's assets and learn about his business in the antique and calligraphy market."

"When I come to slaughter the fish on the day of liberation, I'll know how much it weighs."

He pointed it out.

"recovery?"

Xie Ruolin grinned, his eyes full of suspicion.

"The south...the south is in ruins now, Guangzhou is almost lost. Chairman Chiang has gone into hiding in Chongqing, how can it be recovered?"

“Of course.” Hong Zhiyou’s tone left no room for doubt. “It won’t be many years.”

Xie Ruolin didn't dare to refute, he just nodded.

He didn't trust the idea of restoration, but he trusted the gleaming gold bars on the table.

"Alright! Since Brother Hong appreciates it, I'll take the job!"

As he spoke, he pushed the large pile of gold bars on the table back: "This job isn't difficult, just pay me a normal wage. I won't take this money."

Hong Zhi pushed the gold bars back and patted him on the shoulder.

"A poor man has short ambitions, and a thin horse has long hair. If you don't have any gold in your pocket, you won't speak with a straight back, and you won't have any spirit."

"Besides, in this world, people respect clothes before they respect people. You're a vice president of the company, for goodness' sake. Going out to do business dressed like a monkey is beneath you, isn't it?"

"These are for your clothing and daily expenses. As for your wages, Mrs. Keiko will settle them with you every month."

"Once the company becomes profitable, we'll even provide you with a car. Just settle down and work with me. For now, don't bother with any of that 'intelligence' stuff. It's risky and not worth much."

Xie Ruolin was thrilled.

Vice President!
Company car!

This overwhelming wealth left him completely bewildered.

"Alright!" He rubbed his hands excitedly. "Brother, I... I still don't understand, how did this incredible wealth fall on my head? There are plenty of people in Jinhai who are more capable than me."

Hong Zhi smiled and said, "I prefer companies with potential. You have a talent for business, and I believe I won't misjudge you."

He paused, then added, "Of course, if you really can't figure it out, you can just consider it something I owed you in my past life."

These words deeply moved Xie Ruolin.

"With your words, I'll do this job for you with my life on the line!"

"If the day ever comes when we're liberated and reap the rewards, you'll be in for a treat!"

Hong Zhi pondered for a moment and asked, "If you don't want to stay in Tianjin, you can come back to Harbin with me."

Xie Ruolin quickly waved his hand: "Let's skip Harbin. The winters are too long and the summers are too short. I still prefer Tianjin."

"Okay, it's settled then."

Hong Zhi nodded, then whispered, "I've taken a liking to Mu Liancheng's niece, Wanqiu, but don't tell anyone, especially Madam Huizi."

“This Japanese woman is not simple. If she ever tries to use Wanqiu as a bargaining chip, you must stop her or tell me immediately.”

"Including the school, or if anyone is after her, if you can handle it, then handle it; if you can't, then tell me."

Xie Ruolin nodded repeatedly: "I understand, she's a protector of flowers. Don't worry, no man can touch a hair on her head. That's enough for me to buy a whole company of assassins."

“You understand me, Lao Xie.” Hong Zhi patted him reassuringly.

"Xiao Xie, Xiao Xie!" Xie Ruolin quickly bowed and corrected him.

After giving his instructions, Hong Zhi called out to Hui Zi from the bedroom.

Soon, the door opened.

Keiko, dressed in a silky kimono, stepped out, exuding a languid yet captivating charm.

Hong Zhi pointed to Xie Ruolin and introduced him: "This is Mr. Xie Ruolin, a top student from Beiyang University. You met him when he came to deliver intelligence last time. From now on, he will be your assistant and the company's vice president."

Huizi looked Xie Ruolin up and down, noticing his ill-fitting suit and awkward demeanor. She smiled and nodded on the surface, but a hint of wariness flashed deep in her eyes.

Hong Zhi glanced at Xie Ruolin.

Xie Ruolin immediately understood.

He immediately straightened his back, but his eyes, as if hooked, stared intently at the neckline of Keiko's loose kimono. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down as he feigned a lustful look, as if he had never seen a beautiful woman before.

Huizi was immediately delighted when she saw him. It turned out to be just a young lad, and a little lecher at that.

These kinds of people are the easiest to handle.

Her smile immediately became much more sincere, and she extended her hand to Xie Ruolin, saying, "Mr. Xie, please take care of me in the future."

"No, no, I wouldn't dare," Xie Ruolin quickly bowed.

His face was full of respectful smiles, like a lapdog seeing its master: "Although the place of Jinhai is complicated, I am quite familiar with its twists and turns. From now on, Madam can just drive around as she pleases."

Huizi covered her mouth and chuckled softly, a flash of disdain in her eyes.

After exchanging a few polite words, Xie Ruolin carefully tucked the heavy gold bar into his pocket, feeling light as a feather, and left the hotel as if in a dream.

It wasn't until he stepped outside and was hit by the cold wind that he shivered and pinched his thigh hard.

It hurts so fucking much!
I touched the gold bars in my pocket again, and damn, it wasn't a dream!

This time they've really struck it rich.

……

After seeing Xie Ruolin off, Hong Zhi breathed a slight sigh of relief.

He owed Lao Xie too much in his past life. Now that he can let his old brother live a good life ahead of time and no longer have to risk his life to sell information for a few dollars, he feels a little more at ease.

He turned his head, looked at the charming Huizi and asked with a smile, "How is the little assistant I found for you?"
“The student is quick-witted and knows the area well. Since you’re new here, you should be able to manage him easily.”

Hui Zi smiled and said, "I naturally trust Hong Sang's judgment."

"Just a naive little fellow who's never seen the world. I like him just the way I do. Thank you, Hong Sang."

As the two were talking, there was a knock on the door.

Ren Changchun walked in and stood ramrod straight: "Section Chief, the tickets have been bought. The train to Harbin departs at 10 PM tonight."

Hong Zhi nodded and said, "Get your men on the train and get ready. Check the inside and outside of our carriages thoroughly."

"Yes!" Ren Changchun accepted the order.

Just as he was about to turn around, Xiao Guohua strode in from outside, his expression somewhat grave.

He leaned close to Hong Zhiyou's ear and whispered, "Our informant just sent word that Zhang Shaobai went to a blacksmith shop last night."

“I sent someone to check it out. The blacksmith’s name is Yan Tieshan. He’s from Shandong and is a murderer. It’s said that he’s an expert in martial arts and is invulnerable to swords and spears. He doesn’t look like an ordinary person. He’s probably even more terrifying than that guy Qiao Niansheng.”

Hong Zhiyou listened and then sneered:
"These idiots always think they're in the shadows while we're in the light."

"Little did they know, we could be in the shadows while they were in the light."

He stood up, his eyes revealing a murderous intent.

"Come on, let's go meet him."

He turned to Xiao Guohua and Ren Changchun and instructed them: "Remember, when you meet him, don't waste words, just shoot and send him to heaven."

"Damn it, they all want to kill me. Do you think they can just kill me like that?"

Hong Zhiyou's face was full of ferocity: "Kill all these bastards first, then we'll go back to Harbin!"

Times have changed, and so have the ways of handling things.

In his previous life, Master Zhang's canal gang had a complex and unfathomable relationship with Yang Wenquan and his garrison, which even Wu Jingzhong was wary of.

But this was during the Japanese occupation, so there was no need to explain murder at all.

If they didn't like someone, they could just slap a label like "red ticket" or "military intelligence" on them and stuff them into a sack and carry them away.

Of course, things were slightly better in Tianjin, since the concessions of countries like Britain, France, the United States, and the Soviet Union were still there, and the Japanese had to be somewhat mindful of public opinion pressure.

In Manchukuo, with the options of severe wartime punishment and secret relocation, killing a person would be easier than crushing an ant.

However, killing only a fugitive murderer and a few opportunistic gang members is still not a big deal for Hong Zhiyou.

……

At the street corner, the unassuming blacksmith shop still had its furnace roaring.

Ding dong!

Yan Tieshan swung his hammer, sweat streaming down his taut facial muscles.

Several freshly forged kitchen knives were hanging at the entrance of the shop.

Peng Hu appeared on the street corner at some point, wearing a drab gray short jacket, looking like an ordinary laborer.

After arriving in Jinhai, he and his gang of Yongshengkui brothers spent most of their time keeping watch outside.

This guy is an oddball. He doesn't like staying in hotels or joining in the fun; he prefers to mingle with all sorts of people.

Hong Zhiyou let him be; security and defense mostly relied on the police department and Ren Changchun and Xiao Guohua.

Peng Hu walked to the front of the car, pointed, and whispered, "Master Hong, it's that shop."

Hong Zhi nodded and turned into a side alley to park the car.

He led Xiao Guohua and the others on foot to Yan Tieshan's shop.

Yan Tieshan was raising his hammer, ready to smash it down, when he caught a glimpse of several figures at the doorway out of the corner of his eye.

He spotted Hong Zhiyou walking at the very front.

As a professional assassin, he had naturally seen Hong Zhiyou's photos.

In almost a single glance, he immediately sensed the intense, undisguised killing intent emanating from Hong Zhiyou.

not good!

The thought had barely crossed his mind when Hong Zhiyou, Xiao Guohua, and the others drew their guns with lightning speed.

boom! boom! boom!
Gunshots suddenly rang out!

Yan Tieshan was indeed extremely skilled; the moment the thought arose, he reacted instinctively.

In a flash, he suddenly rolled on the ground.

Several bullets grazed his scalp and back, leaving holes in the wall.

Hong Zhi thought he was extremely quick to draw his gun, but he didn't expect Yan Tieshan to react so fast.

Yan Tieshan ran straight into the inner room. He knew he had met his match today and had to fight tooth and nail with his weapons.

He rushed into the inner room, grabbed two box guns hidden in a box, and prepared to start fighting.

Hong Zhi was furious.

He unbuttoned his suit jacket, and everyone exclaimed in surprise!
There was a ring of brightly lit hand grenades hanging on his vest, at least seven or eight of them!
Without saying a word, Hong Zhi tore off a piece of the fuse and threw it into the dark inner room.

Just as Yan Tieshan raised his gun, he saw a lump of iron roll to his feet.

His eyes almost popped out of his head.

Grass!
Boom!

A huge explosion suddenly rang out, and the entire blacksmith shop shook violently.

Wood chips, bricks, and ironware flew everywhere.

Yan Tieshan was instantly blasted away by the massive shockwave.

He felt a buzzing in his eardrums, couldn't hear anything, and felt a burning pain all over his body.

That once-proud iron shirt was now as fragile as paper in the face of grenade shrapnel, leaving several bloody gashes on its body.

Before he could recover from the excruciating pain and dizziness, another grenade was thrown in from outside.

Grass mud horse!
Yan Tieshan cursed inwardly.

This isn't a group of people coming to kill; they're clearly here to wage war!

Hong Zhiyou didn't care about any of that.

He didn't care about the screams coming from all around and the fear of his neighbors. He kept swinging his arm and throwing grenades in one after another.

boom! boom!
He threw eight grenades in a row, until he had blown up most of the blacksmith shop, before he stopped.

Thick smoke and dust filled the air.

Amidst the ruins, blood continued to gush from Yan Tieshan's mouth, his body pinned down by wood and broken stones, unable to move.

This top assassin, who considered himself highly skilled and up-to-date with the times, now had his eyes wide open, his face filled with resentment and despair.

A figure emerged from the smoke and dust, appearing before him.

Hong Zhiyou's face gradually magnified in his pupils.

There was no mockery.

There are no words.

Snapped!
Hong Zhiyou raised his hand to his forehead and pulled the trigger decisively.

The bullet pierced Yan Tieshan's skull, ending his life of crime.

"Don't panic, everyone. Just continue with what you were doing."

Hong Zhiyou walked out of the ruins and shouted to his neighbors on both sides who were trembling with fear after being hit by the explosion.

He casually pulled two gold bars from his pocket, one of which was lost by a family, and then, without looking back, led his men toward the car.

Once in the car, Hong Zhi coldly ordered Peng Hu, who was standing outside, "Before leaving Jinhai, I want Zhang Shaobai dead."

Peng Hu nodded expressionlessly.

"Don't worry, Mr. Hong, I'll go and take care of him right now."