Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 501 Presenting the Director with a Handkerchief

Binjiang Provincial Police Department.

Zhang Ling put down the phone, a disdainful sneer on his lips.

The old steward of the Zhang family came forward, his wrinkled face full of worry, and whispered a reminder: "Young master, everyone in Harbin knows that this Chen Jingyu is Hong Zhiyou's man."

"His request to meet you at this time is probably like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken; he has no good intentions."

Zhang Ling picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, and didn't even bother to lift his eyelids.

"what are you thinking?

"Chen Jingyu knows I'm Director Ma's man. Does he dare to openly plot against me? That's like lighting a lamp in the outhouse—it's suicidal."

Zhang Ling put down his teacup, leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms in front of his chest, and said smugly:
"I reckon he probably heard rumors that Director Ma was going to take action against Hong Zhiyou's fur shop, so he came to pay his respects and pledge his allegiance in advance."

"This guy is a smart man, he knows how to assess the situation, which is normal."

The old butler was still uneasy, his brows furrowed: "That's true, but you never know what might happen."

"What if he has some malicious intentions?"

"The situation on the front lines is critical right now, and the Kwantung Army is suffering repeated defeats. If the situation changes, Director Ma may not be able to protect us."

"We can't put all our hopes and fortunes on Ma Wendong alone."

"It's better to be cautious."

"enough!"

Zhang Ling slammed his hand on the table, his face showing extreme impatience.

"In war, winning and losing are normal."

"As far as I know, Dr. Ishii's troops are already planning to rush to the front lines. Once they use biological weapons, the Soviets will be finished very quickly!"

He stood up and walked to the window, his tone filled with blind worship:
"The Soviet Union, a regime that started as a feudal agricultural country and was pieced together from various sources, could never be a match for the Great Japanese Empire!"

He turned around and stared intently at the old butler.

"Besides, Director Ma holds military and political power over the entire Binjiang Province. Which of the National Army, police, and military police doesn't listen to him?"

“If Hong Zhiyou doesn’t obediently hand over the fur trade, he’s courting death!”

A cruel smile curled at the corner of Zhang Ling's mouth.

"To be honest, I'm really afraid he's a spineless coward who'll just give in."

"Wouldn't that mean I'd miss the chance to kill him with my own hands?"

The old butler sighed inwardly as he looked at him.

He frowned and said, "Hong Zhiyou is ruthless and not someone to be trifled with. I always feel that he is hiding something."

"Perhaps... we should consult Director Ma first?"

"What do you mean?"

Zhang Ling's face instantly darkened, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

"You look down on me?"
"Do you think I'm incapable of handling such a small matter?"
"If I have to ask Director Ma for permission even to have a meal, wouldn't I become a complete waste in his eyes?"

He took a step closer, his voice filled with suppressed anger.

"Besides, if I could poach Chen Jingyu, Hong Zhiyou's confidant, that would be a great achievement!"

Seeing his aggressive attitude, the old butler had no choice but to compromise, saying, "Alright, alright, young master, you're right."

"Then... I'll go with you. Let's bring more people, just in case."

You're so annoying!

Zhang Ling waved his hand dismissively.

"Let's make it clear first, you can only bring one bodyguard at most."

"The Ono Restaurant is located in the Japanese quarter, where Japanese soldiers and police patrol everywhere, so it's very safe."

"If I bring too many people, Chen Jingyu will think I'm afraid of him!"
"I can't afford to lose face like that."

As an illegitimate child, Zhang Ling's deep-seated inferiority complex stemming from being unacknowledged since childhood, combined with his arrogance after returning from studying abroad, had long been twisted and intertwined.

He is extremely sensitive and cares most about what others think.

Now that we've finally "taken off to great heights," we certainly won't tolerate the old steward pointing fingers and nagging here.

……

Hong Zhiyou returned to the police station.

I had just finished dealing with a few official tasks when there was a knock on the office door.

Zhou Yi pushed open the door and walked in.

The two sat down tacitly, and Zhou Yi lowered his voice and got straight to the point: "Do you have any operational plans from the Japanese army?"

Hong Zhi nodded, took a cigar from the drawer, and cut it.

"have.

"Kenkichi Ueda and the General Staff have approved the germ warfare plan of Shiro Ishii's anti-epidemic unit."

He lit a cigar, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled the smoke.

"A junior officer named Tsuneshige Ikari will lead a suicide squad of about thirty men, carrying biological weapons, to the Khalkha River."

"An attempt to release the virus there and inflict mass casualties on the Soviet-Mongolian coalition forces."

Hong Zhiyou pushed a summary of intelligence over.

"It roughly includes typhoid fever, cholera, plague, and glanders."

"They're all deadly infectious diseases."

After reading it, Zhou Yi looked serious. He put the note away, but a troubled expression appeared on his face.

"Now there are several more German-made signal monitoring vehicles in Harbin, and the risk of sending telegrams is too great."

"Qiuyan hasn't had a chance to test the new radio you had assembled last time."

"The matter is so urgent, can you think of a solution?"
“I know you have connections, so I can send it out.”

Hong Zhi flicked his cigarette ash and laughed, "This is a huge achievement, and you're just going to push it away like that?"

"Besides, my sister-in-law should also do some work and contribute her strength."

"Otherwise, when it comes time to reward those who have contributed to the restoration, she will be empty-handed and won't be able to explain herself to her superiors."

Zhou Yi smiled and said, "It seems you've already decided on a place."

"My house."

Hong Zhiyou said matter-of-factly.

"The street where I lived was full of important figures from the government and the security bureau, as well as many important members of the Japanese military police and chambers of commerce."

“There are police patrolling 24 hours a day, and the signal monitoring vehicle will never drive in that direction.”

“Squad Leader Xia isn’t a stubborn fool like Jin Xiaoyu. He’s a smart man who knows where he should go and where he shouldn’t go.”

Hong Zhiyou leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs.

Even if they did monitor the signal, let's say they did.

"Several Japanese officers on that street had private radios in their homes, which made it convenient to contact Xinjing (Changchun)."

"Even if the police department knew there was a radio signal over there, they wouldn't dare to actually send people to investigate house to house, even if they had ten times the courage."

"Especially now that the Japanese army is suffering setbacks on the front lines and there are undercurrents in Harbin, anyone who investigates will die."

"Makes sense."

Zhou Yi nodded. "I trust you to handle things."

"Then let's arrange it as soon as possible."

Hong Zhi grinned, revealing a set of white teeth: "There's no time like the present, how about tonight?"

He winked at Zhou Yi and teased:
"After all, my aunt has detained Master Xu, and I've been feeling lonely and restless all these long nights. It's only natural that I would have some improper thoughts about my sister-in-law."

Zhou Yi shook his head with a wry smile: "Okay."

"It just so happens that I need to go and interview a few witnesses in Lao Qiu's case in Nangang. I'll work overtime tonight to create an opportunity for you two."

Hong Zhi joked, "As long as you can keep your composure, that's fine."

"What face do I have left?"

Zhou Yi chuckled self-deprecatingly.

"The children are all yours now."

“There are a lot of gossips at the hospital, and it’s already spread far and wide. People often point and whisper about me behind my back, but I just pretend I don’t hear them.”

He changed the subject abruptly, asking, "By the way, I heard Zhang Guaizi was arrested by Ma Wendong's men? Is that guy up to something again?"

"Ah."

Hong Zhi nodded.

Before he could finish speaking, the phone on the table suddenly rang urgently.

Hong Zhi picked up the microphone, listened for a few minutes, and replied, "Okay, I'll be right there."

He put down the phone, looked at Zhou Yi, and laughed.

"See, speak of the devil, and he appears."

"Ma Wendong wants me to go to the police station now."

Zhou Yi's expression immediately turned serious: "Will there be any danger?"
"Don't forget the scene in 'Water Margin' where Lin Chong mistakenly enters the White Tiger Hall."

Hong Zhi smiled nonchalantly, stood up, and straightened his collar.

"We haven't reached that point yet."

"Even if he really wants to set up a White Tiger Hall for me, it won't be until after 12:30 today."

Zhou Yi was taken aback, then smiled.

"It seems something big is about to happen?"

Hong Zhiyou winked mysteriously.

"Just wait and see what happens."

……

Eleven o'clock noon.

Ono Restaurant is doing exceptionally well today; the usually empty parking spaces in front are now completely full.

Chen Jingyu had no idea how Lao Wu and his men planned to blow it up.

All he knew was that his task was to invite Zhang Ling into the restaurant so that they could have a peaceful meal.

At 11:20, a black sedan slowly drove up.

Zhang Ling sat in the back seat, looking at the crowded parking spaces in front of the restaurant, his brows furrowed, his face full of displeasure.

Just as his driver was about to complain, a car in front started moving, perfectly clearing a great parking spot.

Zhang Ling's bodyguard immediately understood, turned the steering wheel, and smoothly parked the car.

As soon as the car door opened and Zhang Ling stepped out, Chen Jingyu greeted him with a beaming smile, his enthusiasm bordering on excessive.

"Oh, Young Master Zhang, you've finally arrived! I've been waiting here for ages!"

"Please come upstairs."

"Director Chen, you've worked hard. Please lead the way."

With a mature demeanor, Zhang Ling, accompanied by bodyguards and the old butler, followed Chen Jingyu into the Japanese-style private room on the second floor.

After they sat down, they exchanged pleasantries about all sorts of things, creating a warm atmosphere.

After the geisha in kimonos finished their dance, Chen Jingyu seized the opportunity and waved for them to leave.

The door to the private room was gently pulled shut, shutting out the noise from outside.

Chen Jingyu leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and his expression became solemn and earnest.

"Young Master Zhang, I'm sure you know why I invited you here today."

He raised his glass, first toasting Zhang Ling, then let out a long sigh.

“In the past, I did indeed share the same boat with Hong Zhi.”

"But there was nothing I could do. That kid was stringing me along with shares in the gold mine, making empty promises. What could I do?"
“Things are different now. Director Ma is here, and you are here too. The weather in Harbin should have changed a long time ago!”
"I heard that even a tough nut like Zhang Guaizi has followed you."

“These past few days, Mr. Chen has been unable to eat or sleep properly, and his heart has been filled with fear and unease!”

His words were delivered with great emotion, making him seem like a fickle opportunist.

Looking at his obsequious and fawning manner, Zhang Ling felt extremely pleased, but still politely said, "Director Chen, you flatter me. We are all serving Manchukuo."

"Director Ma has always cherished your talent. If you can sincerely serve him, he will be overjoyed."

The two clinked glasses and chatted happily for a while, as if they were old friends.

……

Outside the restaurant.

The manhole cover directly opposite Zhang Ling's car chassis was silently pried open with an iron hook.

Xiao Guohua skillfully reached out from the gap, quickly took out the prepared high-explosive, deftly connected the fuse, and then used thick tape to firmly fix the entire explosive device near the fuel tank of the car chassis.

After doing all this, he gently put the manhole cover back in place, leaving no trace.

He then climbed out of the other end of the sewer and turned into a quiet alley next to the restaurant.

Liu Xiong had been waiting there for a while, and when he saw him come out, he immediately offered him a cigarette.

"nailed it?"

"All done." Xiao Guohua took the cigarette, lit it, took a deep drag, and said fiercely. "If anything goes wrong, and this kid is lucky enough to survive, Xiao Jia will rush out of the attic across the street and give him a few more shots."

"Don't worry, no matter what, this kid is going to die here today."

Liu Xiong nodded, his eyes filled with bloodthirsty excitement.

"That's right, anyone who dares to mess with the stationmaster must be crushed to pieces!"

……

Hong Zhiyou walked into Ma Wendong's office at a leisurely pace, right around lunchtime.

As soon as he entered, he put on an apologetic smile.

"Director Ma, I'm so sorry, something came up on the way and I was late. Please don't mind."

Ma Wendong sat behind his desk with a warm smile on his face and gestured for him to sit down.

"It's not late, it's not late, it's just the right time for dinner."

"I asked someone to get some food from the cafeteria. We won't be eating out today. Let's just have a meal here."

Hong Zhiyou sat down without any hesitation: "Okay, I'll listen to the director."

Ma Wendong gave an instruction to the guard outside the door.

Soon, someone brought in two exquisite plates and placed them on the table.

The office door was closed again.

Ma Wendong personally got up, took a bottle of red wine from the wine cabinet, and poured a glass for each of them.

He raised his glass in a gesture.

"Having been in Harbin for so long, this is the first time I've had a meal alone with Section Chief Hong."

Hong Zhi clinked glasses with him, took a sip of wine, and said with a smile, "Yes, Director Ma is very busy, how could I dare to disturb him so easily?"

"By the way, Director Ma, how's the gold mine going?"

Ma Wendong put down his wine glass, picked up his chopsticks, and a satisfied look appeared on his face: "The exploration work is going very smoothly, and the reserves are very considerable."

"The engineering team is now deepening the mine shaft, and the new equipment will soon be delivered from Japan. Once everything is in place, the output will be at least ten times that of before."

Hong Zhiyou slapped his thigh in feigned surprise: "Then I'm really fortunate to have you. I'm making money just by lying down!"

Ma Wendong looked at him with deep eyes, then changed the subject.

"Brother, you really know how to make money."

"But as far as I know, gold mines aren't the only way you make money, are they?"

He slowly picked up a bite of food and chewed it carefully.

"I heard that your leather goods business is thriving and very profitable."

"As you know, gold mines are ultimately the property of the South Manchuria Railway Company, and for me personally, they don't offer much practical benefit."

"Brother, you're making a fortune all by yourself, shouldn't you... help me out too?"

He spoke subtly, but his undisguised greedy eyes revealed his intentions.

He wanted Hong Zhi to be sensible and take the initiative to cut off this piece of fat meat and put it to his mouth.

Hong Zhiyou's smile remained unchanged, but he did not answer directly.

He put down his chopsticks and looked at Ma Wendong with concern:
"Director Ma, I've noticed that you've become increasingly thin lately, which I imagine is due to overwork."

"Your health is the foundation of everything, so you must take good care of yourself."

"Come on, eat more to nourish your body."

As he spoke, he picked up the untouched plate and pushed it directly in front of Ma Wendong.

This action was extremely rude and outrageous.

Ma Wendong's smile froze instantly, his eyes turning so dark they seemed to drip water.

But just a second later, he started laughing again, a smile that carried a chilling undertone.

"Brother is right, being able to eat is a blessing."

"To be honest, I've been feeling hungry a lot lately, and I just can't seem to get full no matter how much I eat."

As he spoke, he reached out with his chopsticks, picked up the largest and fattest piece of braised pork from Hong Zhiyou's plate, and put it into his own bowl.

“I welcome all comers!” he said coldly, his eyes narrowed.

Hong Zhiyou gently swirled the wine glass in his hand:
"Director Ma has quite the appetite."

He paused, looking at the other person with a playful expression.

"Although this meat is good, eating too much of it can easily harm your health."

I advise you to eat less.

Ma Wendong's brows furrowed suddenly. He put down his chopsticks, his gaze sharp as a knife, and stared coldly at Hong Zhiyou.

The air in the office instantly dropped to freezing point.

Hong Zhiyou, however, remained calm and fearless, meeting his gaze without flinching.

"Brother," Ma Wendong sneered, "it seems you're reluctant to part with this piece of meat?"

Hong Zhiyou also smiled.

"That's natural.

"I'm not a monk who has given up all worldly desires. Who doesn't like to eat meat?"

"Director Ma, if you like it, I like it too."

"Then I'll have to try it." Ma Wendong picked up the piece of fatty pork and ate it with his mouth full of oil.

Hong Zhi looked at him, his smile growing even brighter:
"Then you'd better be careful not to get indigestion."

Ma Wendong slowly wiped his mouth with a napkin, completely tearing off that fake smile.

"Brother Hong, it seems you're determined to have a showdown with me."

Hong Zhiyou also finished the last sip of wine in his glass and stopped beating around the bush.

He took a clean envelope from the inside pocket of his suit and placed it on the dining table.

Then, he stood up and straightened his collar.

"Use it slowly."

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the door.

Upon reaching the door, he seemed to remember something, turned around, and wore a mischievous smile.

"By the way, I know a very skilled traditional Chinese medicine doctor who specializes in treating all kinds of indigestion."

"If Director Ma feels too full, feel free to call me anytime, and I'll help you find someone to help you."

"Stop him!"

Ma Wendong was shocked that he dared to be so arrogant and was about to lash out.

Two Japanese policemen at the door immediately stepped forward and blocked Hong Zhiyou's way.

Hong Zhi turned around, his face showing no sign of panic, and pointed to the parking lot downstairs.

"My men put dozens of kilograms of explosives in that black car."

"If I don't get out of this building by 12:30, they'll drive straight into the lobby and detonate the bomb."

He looked at Ma Wendong, his smile unchanged.

"Director Ma, the guys under me have some bad tempers; they're all money-grubbing types."

"I won't stay any longer."

After saying that, he pushed aside the two policemen blocking his way and swaggered out amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd.

"Sir, should we give chase?" a guard asked in a low voice.

Ma Wendong waved his hand and slumped back into his chair.

"That's all."

He never expected that Hong Zhiyou, who had always been subservient and obedient to him, would retaliate in such a direct and violent way.

This completely disrupted his plans, causing him to punch the diamond.

After all, Hong Zhiyou is no pushover. Taking action against him rashly without thorough preparation and irrefutable evidence would bring enormous trouble.

He stared at the white envelope on the table, frowned, and opened it.

There was no letter inside, only a neatly folded handkerchief.

A delicate cherry blossom is embroidered in the corner of the handkerchief.

Ma Wendong's brow twitched suddenly, and an ominous premonition welled up in his heart.

He quickly opened his briefcase and took out another identical handkerchief from a hidden compartment.

These belong to his wife, Jia Huizi.

Same style, same color, same cherry blossom embroidery.

Is it...

A crazy and humiliating thought exploded in his mind.

The man who was having an affair with Jia Huizi was Hong Zhiyou!

That bastard, he's openly provoking me!
He slept with his own wife!

Damn!

"what!"

Ma Wendong let out a suppressed roar, grabbed the wine glass on the table, and smashed it to the ground.

He lost.

Even if he rushes out now and shoots Hong Zhiyou dead, he will have already lost miserably.

His most esteemed wife, the eldest daughter of the South Manchuria Railway Chairman, had already been slept with by Hong Zhiyou.

Hong Zhiyou must have also learned the secret of his impotence in that area.

His most vulnerable and shameful weakness, which he had desperately tried to hide, was brutally exposed and laid bare to the light of day.

The intense pain and humiliation caused his body to spasm, and his stomach churned violently.

Wow!
He suddenly bent over and vomited up the piece of braised pork he had just eaten.

so disgusting!
……

12:40 noon.

Zhang Ling, having finished his meal, left the Xiao Ye Restaurant with Chen Jingyu.

"Young Master Zhang, I hope you will take good care of me in the future. My future is entirely in your hands."

"I have some urgent business to attend to, so I'll head out first."

Chen Jingyu saw Liu Xiong standing on the street corner not far away, made a gesture without making a sound, and quickly said.

"Oh, by the way, I left you a small gift at the counter. Don't forget to pick it up later."

Zhang Ling waved his hand magnanimously: "Director Chen, you're too kind."

He stood on the steps, watching with disdain as Chen Jingyu's car sped off and disappeared around the street corner at an almost fleeing speed.

"Pah!" Zhang Ling spat at the back of the car. "What a piece of trash! After I deal with Hong Zhiyou, you'll be next!"

He turned around, waved to his bodyguard, and gestured for him to go to the counter to get something.

He and the old butler leisurely got into the car.

"How about it?" Zhang Ling said smugly to the old steward, "I told you this bastard came to surrender, look at his servile face."

The old butler frowned: "Young master, I always feel that this person is a bit slippery, not sincere."

“These days, where are there any truly sincere people left? It’s all about profit.” Zhang Ling interrupted him impatiently. “Alright, stop babbling on and on, you’re ruining my mood.”

Just then, the bodyguard returned with a paper package and handed it to Zhang Ling.

Zhang Ling casually opened it and his expression instantly changed.

Damn it, two old bastards!
If it were two packs of top-quality Cuban cigars, he might think more highly of Chen Jingyu.

Old Ba won?
That stuff was so pungent that even the laborers at the Harbin docks found it suffocating!
"Hold!

"This guy specially invited me to dinner, sought refuge with me, and all he gave me was this piece of junk?"
"Do you think I'm the kind of person who needs two packs of cigarettes?"

Zhang Ling cursed loudly, rolled down the car window, and casually tossed the two packs of cigarettes out.

The old butler, looking at the discarded cigarettes and recalling Chen Jingyu's hasty driving earlier, had a terrible thought flash through his mind.

Given Chen Jingyu's status and tact, it's highly unlikely he would do something so tasteless and offensive.

There is only one answer.

He's playing the young master for a fool!
"Oh no!" The old steward's face changed drastically, and he cried out in alarm.

Before he could finish speaking, the bodyguard of the part-time driver had already turned the car key.

Da da!

The moment the engine ignited, it set off a death trap that had been waiting for a long time.

boom!
A deafening explosion followed as high-explosive charges detonated beneath the car.

The black sedan was instantly engulfed by a massive fireball, tearing apart metal fragments that scattered with thick smoke, causing the entire street to tremble violently.

Blasted!

……

(End of this chapter)