Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 488 The Bet Won

The office was filled with the delicate fragrance of fine Longjing tea.

When Hong Zhiyou went in, Liu Zhenwen was slowly and deliberately adding water to two cups from a purple clay teapot.

This kind of spectacle is quite rare.

Aside from customs clearance matters for the leather goods business, he has had almost no communication with this deputy director recently.

“Zhiyou, come and sit down.”

Liu Zhenwen gestured and pushed a cup of tea in front of him.

"Try it, a friend brought it from inside the pass."

Hong Zhiyou sat down, picked up his teacup, smelled it, and said with a smile, "Then I'll have to savor it properly."

Liu Zhenwen sat down opposite him, a gentle smile on his face.

"I received this month's bonus."

He held up two fingers to indicate.

"Another two hundred yuan more, Zhiyou, you are not only honest, but also a kind person."

Hong Zhi put down his teacup: "That's all thanks to the director. Without your connections, I wouldn't be able to do this business."

After finishing the pleasantries, Liu Zhenwen finally got to the point.

"Is such that."

He leaned forward slightly, and his tone became much more intimate.

"Wenwen's mom, I haven't seen you for a long time, and I really miss you. I'd like to invite you over for a casual dinner tonight."

"See, is this convenient?"

Hong Zhi immediately smiled and replied, "Since Madam has invited me, I must do so, even if it's inconvenient for me."

Liu Zhenwen nodded in satisfaction, but the smile on his face faded, revealing a hint of seriousness.

"Actually, it's true that I wanted to invite you to dinner, but there's something else I'd like to ask you for a favor."

He sighed, a hint of sorrow creeping into his eyes.

"Wenwen, that girl, has a few classmates from Beiping who are coming to Harbin soon."

"According to intelligence provided by the North China intelligence agency, there are likely some people with red tickets among these students who secretly entered the country."

Liu Zhenwen's voice was very low.

"One of them, Zhang Tao, is Wenwen's senior."

"When this person was studying at Yenching University, he was a well-known red standard-bearer on campus."

“I’m very worried that Wenwen will get involved if she comes into contact with him.”

He looked at Hong Zhiyou, his eyes filled with the worries of a father.

"Now you see Ma Wendong clearly. He doesn't care much about suppressing bandits and catching red flags, but that doesn't mean he's a kind-hearted bodhisattva."

“When necessary, in order to gain favor with his superiors, or if he has any thoughts about me, someone who is about to be removed from my position, he can make a big fuss about these things.”

Hong Zhi nodded.

He understood the stakes involved better than anyone else.

The Japanese have almost zero tolerance for red tickets; if caught, it's basically a death sentence.

Even if it were the village head, who was extremely close to him, he would have absolutely no say in protecting him if he were caught in such a situation.

We can't let Wenwen take this risk.

Seeing that he had taken it to heart, Liu Zhenwen continued, "So, I hope you can go and talk to her."

"Tell her to stay away from these people."

Of course, there was another reason he didn't elaborate on.

Ever since Hong Zhiyou stopped seeing the Liu family, his daughter Liu Wenwen has been absent-minded all day long, unable to muster any energy to do anything. Anyone with eyes can see that she is in a bad mood.

Liu Zhenwen had to admit that Hong Zhiyou's talent, appearance, and abilities were top-notch among young people in Harbin, so it was perfectly normal for his daughter to have feelings for him.

But there was always a thorn in his heart.

Hong Zhiyou is too restless and too dangerous.

Especially under Ma Wendong's watchful eye, a slight misstep could lead to a major setback.

Therefore, even though his wife had already given her the green light, Liu Zhenwen remained silent about the marriage and decided to observe the situation further.

He couldn't gamble with his daughter's entire life's happiness.

“Okay, I understand. I’ll find a chance to talk to Wenwen tonight,” Hong Zhiyou agreed.

Liu Zhenwen took a document out of the drawer and pushed it over.

"This is the list, there are three people in total, and their basic information is on it."

“It’s still unclear which port they will enter through. I mean, it would be best to get them under control before they meet Wenwen.”

Hong Zhi picked up the list, glanced at it, and nodded: "I understand."

Liu Zhenwen then solemnly instructed him, "You must investigate this matter secretly and not make a fuss about it."

"Also, there is one more thing."

He changed the subject.

"Last night, the Yamazaki Special Forces returned from the mountains, saying they had captured a group of people from the gold mine, and the leader was named Guan Weilong."

"Director Ma has given instructions that you are to interrogate these people."

"Take some time to get this done."

Hong Zhi understood that Ma Wendong was trying to curry favor with him and fulfilling their agreement.

He stood up: "Okay, I'll take care of it now."

Watching Hong Zhiyou's departing figure, Liu Zhenwen paced back and forth in his office with his hands behind his back.

Ma Wendong's decision to hand over Guan Weilong suggests that the two may have reached a reconciliation.

This Hong Zhiyou is really capable.

By killing Lao Qiu and eliminating Guan Weilong, he managed to extricate himself from Ma Wendong's clutches.

Although it's unknown what price this kid paid, at least he kept his position, and Yong Sheng Kui Tea House and the fur trade are still operating.

Money is no longer a worry.

We need to continue to observe and wait.

But perhaps it's time to loosen the reins a bit and allow him to have more contact with Wenwen.

……

As soon as Hong Zhiyou returned to his office, Lu Ming approached him with a smile.

"Section Chief Hong, you're amazing!"

He gave a thumbs up, his face full of fawning flattery.

Lu Ming wasn't stupid. He had previously wanted to remain neutral between Ma Wendong and Hong Zhiyou, but now that Lao Qiu had died so tragically.

As it turns out, Hong Zhi was one step ahead and had already overcome Ma Wendong's hurdle.

If we don't latch onto this powerful figure now, when will we ever get another chance?

Hong Zhi glanced at him, his attitude neither warm nor cold: "What is it?"

Lu Ming was taken aback by his attitude, but still forced a smile and said, "Um... Guan Weilong has been arrested. Section Chief Gao wanted to ask your opinion, would you like to go and take a look?"

Hong Zhiyou gave a cold laugh: "What's the point of keeping someone who colludes with bandits and bribes Nationalist officers?"
"He was executed by firing squad in accordance with the strict wartime disciplinary regulations."

His words were spoken casually, but to Lu Ming, they sent chills down his spine.

Hong Zhi had no interest in even interrogating a minor character.

This ruthless decisiveness sent a chill down Lu Ming's spine.

"Yes, yes, I'll take care of it right away."

Lu Ming nodded hurriedly, then quickly added, "By the way, Section Chief Hong, the Madier Hotel is having a promotional event recently. Tonight... I'd like to invite everyone over for dinner, to have some fun."

"No time."

Hong Zhiyou refused outright, without even bothering to give a reason.

Lu Ming's smile froze. He was humiliated and left feeling quite uncomfortable.

Hong Zhi ignored his ulterior motives and turned to go to Zhou Yi's office.

He placed the list that Liu Zhenwen had given him on Zhou Yi's desk.

"Look, Yenching University might be sending over a few promising young talents."

Zhou Yi picked up the list, and his brows immediately furrowed.

"I haven't received any relevant notification."

"We need to go to the transportation station to inquire about the situation."

Hong Zhiyou, with his hands in his pockets, slowly began to speak:
Be careful.

"These people are very likely anti-submarine agents."

Zhou Yi frowned even more deeply.

Hong Zhiyou continued his analysis: "Liu Zhenwen leaked the information to me at this time, and even gave me the list. What do you think his intentions are?"

"This old fox is very likely using these people as bait to test you, or even to test the entire underground transportation system in Harbin."

"This method is undeniably ruthless."

Zhou Yi's face darkened, and he instantly realized the seriousness of the situation.

If these people were indeed turned by the Japanese and infiltrated the transportation station, the consequences would be devastating.

But what if... what if they are actually gay?
Just because there's a risk, are we supposed to stand by and watch them fall into the Japanese's trap and die without offering any help?

This is truly a hot potato that's causing a headache.

Hong Zhiyou looked at Zhou Yi's increasingly thick white hair at his temples, walked over, patted him on the shoulder, and comforted him with a smile:
"Don't look so gloomy. They may have just entered the pass. We still have time to figure out a countermeasure."

"The person who can come up with this idea is a genius."

"It leaves people wondering how to respond."

"If you submit a report to send these people back, Liu Zhenwen will know that there is a problem on my side."

"If you don't fight back, you'll have to take it all; whoever touches you will be exposed."

He joked, then continued, "But it doesn't matter."

"Solve problems when they arise."

"Conflicts don't just disappear or shift away because you don't want to face them, do they?"

Zhou Yi looked up at him, somewhat surprised. He smiled and said, "I didn't expect you to be a philosopher."

Hong Zhi raised an eyebrow smugly: "People who do great things all need to know a little bit about philosophy."

Zhou Yi smiled, closed the file in front of him, and asked solemnly, "Any news about Lao Fu? The anti-traitor team couldn't find him last night."

"He and Jiang Ping were taken to the Security Bureau."

"Old Qiu was assassinated, and the Anti-Japanese United Army made such a big commotion at Eagle Ridge. Now we can only gamble."

Hong Zhi paused for a moment, then continued his analysis: "Betting on Ma Wendong, he will take these things into consideration and release Fu Jun in order to keep the peace."

"Or perhaps he was furious and felt he had lost face, so he chose to launch a strong counterattack and use Fu Jun as a sacrifice."

"It's a 50/50 chance of life or death, but I lean towards the former. Of course, I rarely lose bets."

Zhou Yi nodded, his expression grave: "That's the only way."

On this land, the Japanese maintained absolute oppression over the red tickets. Those who were arrested had no choice but to die or betray the country.

It's incredibly difficult to find a way to rescue people from them.

A 50% chance is already frighteningly high.

Hong Zhi brushed the ash off his clothes and took the document from Zhou Yi after he finished reading it:
"I have to go. The exploration experts sent by the South Manchuria Railway are already on their way."

"Ma Wendong just gave me a strict order to urge Xu Yunying's mountain stronghold to disband and to bring her to Harbin so that he can keep her under his watchful eye."

"It'll only be a few months, let him be for now. I need to bring Master Xu back first."

He sighed and rubbed his temples.

"Sigh, there's so much to do, I can't possibly finish it all."

Zhou Yi laughed and said, "When a beautiful woman descends the mountain, it's time to go and welcome her."

Hong Zhi waved his hand and turned to leave.

……

Police Commissioner's Office.

Just as Ma Wendong hung up the phone, Chen Jingyu knocked on the door and came in, holding a document in his hand.

"Director."

Ma Wendong raised his eyelids slightly, gesturing for him to sit down, and asked bluntly, "How's the investigation into Fu Jun going?"

Chen Jingyu placed the documents on the table and reported respectfully: "Fu Jun only admitted that he was a hunter. We sent people to investigate in the mountains, and there was no problem with his identity. He is indeed a hunter from the mountains."

"But it's hard to say whether they were part of the Anti-Japanese United Army, because quite a few hunters in that area did join the Anti-Japanese United Army."

He paused for a moment, then added, "Of course, it's also possible that Lao Qiu was eager to make a name for himself and randomly grabbed a mountain villager to torture him into confessing."

"By the way, Lao Qiu's assistant, Jiang Ping, has confessed everything."

Would you like to see him?

Ma Wendong waved his hand, a hint of disgust on his face: "I'm not going anywhere."

"Since it was torture to extract a confession, you should just follow the normal procedures for execution."

Chen Jingyu felt a chill run down his spine.

He heard it clearly: Ma Wendong said "execution," not "disposal."

One word difference makes a world of difference.

Ma Wendong leaned back in his chair, his fingers interlaced, his gaze fixed on Chen Jingyu's face, and then asked, "What do you want to do with Fu Jun?"

He knew very well that Chen Jingyu was now Hong Zhiyou's mouthpiece, and there were some things that didn't need to be said.

Chen Jingyu appeared very composed, bowing slightly.

"It is up to you, Director, to make the decision. I dare not presume to speak."

Ma Wendong didn't respond to that, but changed the subject: "Last night, the Anti-Japanese Alliance attacked the South Manchuria Railway's coal mine and also destroyed a police station. What do you think about this?"

Chen Jingyu kept his eyes down, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings, displaying a completely businesslike demeanor.

"The Anti-Japanese United Army had previously suffered from bacteriological warfare, which severely damaged its strength, and it had been lying low for a long time."

"It's normal to come out for some fresh air after staying in the mountains for so long. The police department and the National Guard are investigating and increasing the number of personnel at the checkpoints."

The most sensible thing he did to get to where he is today is to refrain from expressing his opinions.

If you're right, you have to get things done, even if it means you're asking for trouble.

If you say something wrong, you'll definitely have to take the blame.

The best way is to say something plausible that no one can find fault with.

Seeing that he couldn't get a straight answer out of him, Ma Wendong gave up and made his own decision.

"How about this."

He waved his hand, his tone indifferent.

"Since Fu Jun is just an ordinary hunter, let's release him. It'll save us from wasting food by keeping him in the Security Bureau."

Chen Jingyu immediately stood up: "Yes, I'll take care of it right away."

Watching Chen Jingyu's departing figure, Ma Wendong's eyes grew deep.

He could certainly order martial law to be imposed on the entire city of Harbin, conduct a large-scale manhunt for red tickets, and send troops into the mountains to suppress the Anti-Japanese United Army.

But this requires the full cooperation of the National Police Agency and the National Guard stationed in the mountains.

Those people have close ties with Hong Zhiyou and Hao Guifang.

He feared that if someone secretly sabotaged him, he would not only fail to gain any benefits but would also suffer losses.

He is a very clear-headed person, only concerned with tangible benefits.

Hong Zhiyou handed over the gold mine, which was a huge favor.

Everything else is just fluff.

……

In the afternoon, Hong Zhi drove to the mountain road checkpoint outside the city.

Before long, two fast horses galloped up from the mountain road.

The woman on the lead horse wore a large black cloak that fluttered in the wind, making her look heroic and dashing.

Upon approaching, she nimbly dismounted; it was Xu Yunying.

She handed the reins to her attendant behind her and said in a deep voice, "Old Tu, have the brothers disperse and lay low for a while."

"When I have the chance in the future, I'll go up the mountain again and lead my brothers to fight the Japanese devils, and we'll live a life of luxury!"

Several Kuomintang soldiers at the nearby checkpoint listened with twitching eyelids and embarrassed expressions.

After Xu Yunying finished speaking, she didn't even glance at them. She strode over, opened the car door, and got directly into Hong Zhiyou's car.

Hong Zhi reached out and grabbed her hand, which was ice-cold to the touch.

"Cold?"

It had been a long time since I'd seen her, and she looked noticeably thinner, with a sharper chin.

Xu Yunying shook her head and said she wasn't cold, but she didn't let go of his hand.

Hong Zhi leaned closer, blinked, and asked with a mischievous grin, "Did you miss me?"

Xu Yunying turned to look out the window and said stubbornly, "I'm busy occupying hilltops and seizing territory every day, I don't have time to think about you."

Hong Zhiyou's smile deepened: "I meant... that thought."

Xu Yunying's ears turned red instantly, and her eyes welled up with tears, but she still stubbornly snorted.

"I don't want to either."

Hong Zhi smiled and chuckled. "Hehe, little girl, once you get home, let's see if you still dare to be so stubborn."

Back home, Xu Yunying looked around the room and was quite surprised.

"Everyone says you're the richest person in Harbin, but your place isn't that great."

Hong Zhi smiled and explained, "I'm a bachelor, so having a place to live is enough for me."

"But now that you're back, let's go pick out a nicer house."

Xu Yunying pursed her lips and glanced at him sideways: "You brought a bandit woman home, aren't you afraid people will gossip behind your back?"

Hong Zhiyou said matter-of-factly, "I recruited you into the government, and now you've reformed. This is a story that can be told in storytelling, and everyone will praise you for it."

"Besides, my aunt and uncle are hoping that I will carry on the Hong family line. They don't care whether you are a soldier or a bandit, as long as you are not a prostitute."

Xu Yunying suddenly realized and said, "Oh, so after all this time, you called me back just to have your baby?"

Hong Zhiyou put his arm around her waist and said with a smile, "Isn't this what we agreed on before?"
"If you're going to have a litter of little bandits, you have to set an example first."

Xu Yunying blushed slightly and chuckled lightly:

"That works too."

"I'm free right now and have nothing to do."

"So that I won't be unable to ride a horse on the mountain when I'm heavily pregnant later."

As she spoke, she walked straight to the bathroom, then turned back and ordered, "Go, turn on the hot water for me, I want to take a shower."

"Yes, Grandma." Hong Zhiyou hurriedly went to do so.

A moment later, the sound of running water came from the bathroom.

She called out from inside again, "Husband, bring me a towel!"

Hong Zhiyou walked to the bathroom door with a clean towel. He had just pushed the door open a crack when a wet hand suddenly pulled him inside.

The door slammed shut.

Xu Yunying wrapped her arms around his neck, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him without saying a word.

Hong Zhi was a little breathless from her kisses. He finally found a moment to breathe and asked with a smile, "Didn't you say you didn't want to?"

Xu Yunying's eyes shone brightly in the mist, possessing a wild charm.

"After being touched by you, you bad guy, how can I not want to think about it?"

She urged, "Hurry up, you're dawdling over taking off your clothes."

Hong Zhi teased her on purpose: "Hey, woman, can't you be a little more reserved?"

Xu Yunying gave a domineering snort.

"Does being reserved still make one a bandit wife?"
"Come into my arms right now."

Hong Zhiyou liked her spirit. He had dated so many women in his two lifetimes, but this bandit woman was the first.

Needless to say, this flavor is truly unique.

……

(End of this chapter)