Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 512 Old Xie's Loyalty

Hong Zhiyou knew that Dai Li was a vengeful person who was not to be trifled with.

If Lao Wu hadn't been forced into a corner by the people in Shancheng, he would never have rushed to push himself out like this.

He looked at Wu Jingzhong, opened his arms, and said:

"We can send them on missions, but what about the funding?"

"Funding?"

Wu Jingzhong snorted coldly:
"I heard from my friends in Chongqing that Boss Dai mentioned his name by name at a banquet not long ago."

"Some of our people have made a fortune in the Northeast and are so happy that they've forgotten about the great cause of the Party and the country."

Wu Jingzhong raised his eyelids and stared at Hong Zhiyou with a half-smile.

Who do you think he's talking about?
"It's already good enough that Boss Dai didn't send anyone to ask you for money, how dare you ask him for funding?"
"I think you've really gotten too big for your britches, you've forgotten who you are."

Hong Zhiyou knew it was another freebie.

He waved his hand helplessly.

"Okay, I'll go."

He paused, then changed the subject, a mischievous smile spreading across his face:
"Teacher, since I'm going on a long and arduous journey, is there anything you'd like me to bring to your wife and Rui Rui?"

A flicker of wariness flashed in Wu Jingzhong's eyes.

"No."

His tone was crisp and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

"It's too dangerous to make the mother and daughter run around like this at this critical juncture."

Hong Zhi nodded in agreement: "That's true."

"When you get to Tianjin, be smart."

“Call me immediately if you find any signs that Zeng Che is about to back down,” Wu Jingzhong said.

Hong Zhi grinned and said, "Got it, so you can run away easily."

He turned to leave.

He had barely taken a step when Wu Jingzhong grabbed his arm.

Powerful.

Hong Zhi turned around: "Is there anything else?"

Wu Jingzhong stared into his eyes, speaking slowly and deliberately.

"Remember, safety first."

Hong Zhiyou's smile faded, and he nodded: "Thank you."

Wu Jingzhong didn't let go, but instead asked an unrelated question: "I heard that you have a child with that female bandit?"

Hong Zhi felt a chill run down his spine, but he still forced himself to admit it.

"Yes, yes, we have it."

Wu Jingzhong forcefully shook off his hand, his eyes as cold as ice: "Get lost."

Hong Zhiyou shrugged, turned around and strode away.

Watching his figure disappear at the courtyard gate, Wu Jingzhong's Adam's apple bobbed, and finally he let out a soft sigh.

A while ago, my wife called from the mountain city.

On the phone, Qiuju said with great concern that Ruirui had been like a lost soul ever since she returned from Jinhai, completely absent-minded.

Then, recalling the scandalous incident where Rui Rui and Hong Zhi went out alone for several hours at night in Jin Hai and didn't return home until very late, I can't help but think about it.

Wu Jingzhong couldn't help but have doubts.

Did Hong Zhi do something to Rui Rui in order to completely bind himself to the cause?

After all, this guy is good-looking and a smooth talker when it comes to charming women.

how to say.

Given Hong Zhi's talent for making money and his ability to navigate the chaotic world with ease, Wu Jingzhong didn't necessarily have to break them up.

However, this guy is a complete womanizer.

He had just used the Japanese to send his lover, Jia Huizi, to her death without batting an eye.

He then got a female bandit from the mountain pregnant.

This style of doing things was truly unacceptable to Wu Jingzhong, who was very traditional at heart.

Hey.

He sighed again and rubbed his throbbing temples.

Take a step, take a look.

……

Jiamusi.

Inside an elegant Japanese-style villa.

Zhu Yi, the head of the Special Affairs Section, had prepared food and wine early in the morning and sent away all his family members and servants.

In the vast mansion, he was left alone, quietly waiting for the arrival of the distinguished guest.

At noon, the sun is just right.

Two men of average height, dressed in well-tailored suits, appeared at the door right on time.

"Old Zhu, it's been a long time. Several years have passed since we last met."

The middle-aged man on the left, who was nearly fifty years old and had a mustache, spoke fluent Northeastern Mandarin.

Zhu Yi put on a warm smile and went to greet him.

"Yes, Miyagawa-kun."

"When we met, we were still in Fengtian. At that time, Marshal Zhang was still alive."

"Later, Chief of Staff Seishiro Itagaki gave an order, and the three northeastern provinces changed hands."

"In the blink of an eye, many years have passed. Time waits for no one, and we've both grown old."

He led the middle-aged man inside.

"Miyagawa-kun, please have a seat."

He then glanced at the silent young man beside the middle-aged man and asked him politely.

"Who is this?"

Yoshio Miyagawa introduced with a smile:

"This is Momomura Jiro."

"He is Director Ma Wendong's younger brother. He came with me from Tokyo this time to go to Harbin to receive his elder brother's inheritance."

Zhu Yi sneered inwardly.

Harbin?
With Hong Zhi and that local tyrant around, Ma Wendong's assets would probably have been devoured long ago, leaving not even a bone fragment.

On the surface, he calmly greeted Momomura Jiro and then invited the two to sit down and have tea.

After a few perfunctory pleasantries, Yoshio Miyagawa gave Jiro Momomura a look.

Momomura Jiro wisely stood up, bowed to the two of them, and took his leave while bowing.

Only Miyagawa and Zhu Yi remained in the living room.

Yoshio Miyagawa picked up his teacup, blew on the floating tea leaves, and stopped circling around.

"To be honest, Lao Zhu, I came to Harbin this time on orders from the Ministry of the Army to take up the post of Director of the Police Department."

Zhu Yi's eyes narrowed.

Yoshio Miyagawa put down his teacup, his voice becoming somber.

"The capital of Binjiang Province has seen two successive directors die violently, which has even affected the interests of the South Manchuria Railway Company. The Ministry of the Army is furious about this."

"Therefore, there are clear instructions from above that surveillance of Harbin must be strengthened."

He looked at Zhu Yi with a meaningful gaze.

"Especially for certain people."

"They are very worried that if things continue like this in Harbin, the city will have to change its name."

Zhu Yi chuckled dryly: "Yes."

"Harbin nowadays is a monolithic entity. The Military Police Headquarters, the Police Department, and the Security Bureau are all under the Hong family's control."

"There's nothing we can do, they're just rich."

"In this world, who doesn't love money?"

Yoshio Miyagawa nodded: "Yes, that's exactly why I didn't go to Harbin first, but instead took a detour to Jiamusi to find you."

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze intense.

"I know your methods, Old Zhu."

"Furthermore, I know that you are one of the few people in this world who will not be tempted by wealth or lust."

"Your only hobby is getting promoted."

Zhu Yi stroked his beard and burst into laughter: "Hahaha, after all these years, Miyagawa-kun still remembers this little hobby of mine."

Yoshio Miyagawa smiled too.

"Being an official is good."

"If you want money, I may not be able to give it to you. But if you want to become an official, that's easy."

He stared into Zhu Yi's eyes and threw out a huge bait.

"I've made my decision. I'm transferring you to Binjiang Province to serve as the Deputy Director of the Police Department, specifically in charge of the HEB City Police Department and the City Security Bureau."

"Old Zhu, if I remember correctly, you and Gao Bin from the Police Department have always been rivals, right?"

"Back then, he became the head of the Harbin Special Service Section, while you were sent to Jiamusi. You must have been resentful."

"Gao Bin is still struggling in his position as head of the Special Affairs Section, waiting for Bai Qiming to retire so he can take his place."

"And you, with my help, can directly become his superior."

"It is not good?"

Zhu Yi's smile froze instantly, and his eyes flashed with a burning light:

"Miyagawa-kun, is that... really true?"

Yoshio Miyagawa nodded firmly: "We Japanese value our promises the most."

"If you're willing, you can come with me to Harbin this time."

"The day I take office will be the day you take office."

After the initial euphoria, Zhu Yi quickly calmed down:
"Miyagawa-kun, don't try to fool me."

"I am only a First Class Sergeant now. It is not in accordance with the rules for someone of this rank to serve as the Deputy Commissioner of Police."

"Gao Bin and I both hold the rank of First Class Police Officer."

"To become the deputy director of the General Police Department or the Municipal Police Department, one must at least hold the rank of Third-Class Police Commissioner."

"That's a whole level difference."

Yoshio Miyagawa smiled confidently.

"I know."

"But isn't it easy to earn merit and get promoted?"

“You don’t even need to go to Harbin. Right here in Jiamusi, I can help you achieve this great feat.”

Zhu Yi perked up: "Oh?"

"Please teach me, Miyagawa-kun."

Yoshio Miyagawa held up two fingers:

"Right now, there are two extremely favorable opportunities ahead."

"The first incident involved the arrest of Zeng Che, the head of the Military Intelligence Bureau's Tianjin-Haikou Station."

"According to intelligence from our informants within the Military Intelligence Bureau, Dai Li has sent a secret telegram to Harbin, ordering the head of the Manchurian station to rescue Zeng Che at all costs."

Zhu Yi asked with some curiosity, "Why did you send Manchukuo's military intelligence personnel to rescue people in the Pingjin incident?"

Yoshio Miyagawa explained:
The reason is simple.

"This person is either very familiar with the intelligence agencies in Beijing and Tianjin, or... money can make the devil turn the millstone."

"In response to this news, I, in my capacity as a special envoy of the Army Ministry, have secretly contacted His Excellency Kenjiro Shibayama, the head of the Tsukai Special Service Agency, and together we have devised a plan."

"If anyone from Manchukuo takes the initiative to actively search for or rescue Zeng Che, then that person is very likely a secret agent of the Military Intelligence Bureau."

"Once captured, we immediately resort to torture and interrogation."

"Our goal is to wipe out all the rats that Dai Li has planted in Manchukuo, at all costs!"

He looked at Zhu Yi, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"At that time, I will entrust you with full responsibility for the entire interrogation process."

"Old Zhu, think about it, what an earth-shattering achievement this is!"

Are you worried about not getting a mere third-class police superintendent rank?

Zhu Yi's lips curled up slightly, forming a cruel smile:

"It really is a great job."

"And the second one?"

Yoshio Miyagawa lowered his voice: "The second thing is related to Harbin."

"I heard that Zhou Yi's wife is currently giving birth at a hospital in Jiamusi."

Before his death, Ma Wendong secretly sent some materials to his younger brother, Momomura Jiro, including some of his findings from his investigation of Hong Zhiyou and Zhou Yi, as well as his suspicions about the death of Shibuya Saburo.

"Based on the analysis by myself and some colleagues in the Army, Zhou Yi and Hong Zhiyou are indeed suspected of having major fraudulent transactions."

“Now, Zhou Yi’s wife and children are on your territory.”

He chuckled sinisterly.

"Look, can we think of some ways to dig out this big fish, Zhou Yi?"

Yoshio Miyagawa paused, then added.

“Hong Zhiyou has a strong and deep-rooted influence in Harbin, so we will not confront him directly for the time being.”

"But we can start with his friends and his family."

"For example, Zhou Yi."

"Moreover, I believe that, given Gao Binjun's personality, he would be very willing to get involved in this matter."

"We three are old friends."

"How about it, interested in teaming up again for another big heist?"

Zhu Yi's smile grew even brighter as he raised his teacup to toast Yoshio Miyagawa.

"That's a pretty good plan."

"it is good.

"I, Zhu, am not talented, but I am willing to serve Miyagawa no Takashi with utmost loyalty."

Yoshio Miyagawa waved his hand, smiling amiably.

"Oh, you can't say that."

"We help and support each other."

……

Jin Hai, Mu Mansion.

A faint fragrance of flowers and tea filled the air. Mu Wanqiu was learning flower arranging from Madam Huizi. Her nimble fingers held a freshly cut white rose, her eyes crinkling with a smile.

"Madam, will Mr. Hong really attend your wedding with your uncle?"

Huizi wore an elegant cheongsam, exuding a gentle and graceful air. She carefully trimmed the flower branches with delicate movements.

"Perhaps. I've already had the butler send out the invitations."

Wanqiu placed the white roses into the celadon vase, tilted her head, and said playfully, "He will definitely come."

Keiko's gaze fell on her. "Why are you so sure?"

"I guessed, it was a premonition."

A faint blush appeared on Wanqiu's cheeks.

Huizi put down the flower shears in her hand and couldn't help but laugh.

"Are you really hoping he'll come?"

Wanqiu stuck out her tongue, her voice carrying a hint of girlish naiveté: "A little."

"When he left last time, he said he would write some new scores for me, but he disappeared without even saying goodbye."

"If he comes this time, I'll definitely demand compensation from him."

Huizi looked at her beautiful face, which was free of makeup, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly covered by a gentle smile.

"You should focus on your studies first."

Wanqiu nodded obediently: "Mm."

As they were talking, Butler Pang stepped in and bowed slightly.

"Madam, Mr. Xie has arrived."

Huizi whispered, "Let him in."

Soon, Xie Ruolin, dressed in a white suit, appeared at the door, holding a large bouquet of lilies.

As soon as he entered, he nodded and greeted Huizi, then flashed a big smile at Wanqiu and stammered:
"Miss Wan... Miss Wanqiu, congratulations... congratulations on being admitted to Beiyang University."

"From now on, we'll be alumni, and I'll be your senior."

"Thank you, senior."

Wanqiu accepted the flowers and handed them to Butler Pang, who was standing next to her.

As Keiko watched this scene, the smile in her eyes deepened.

She said softly to Wanqiu:
"Wanqiu, you go back to your room first. I need to talk to Mr. Xie alone."

Wanqiu responded obediently.

"Okay, ma'am."

In her heart, this soon-to-be aunt, Mrs. Keiko, was gentle, generous, and kind to both her and her uncle; she had already accepted her in her heart.

Watching Wanqiu's departing figure, Xie Ruolin's smile faded somewhat.

Huizi didn't linger in the living room, but gestured for him to follow. The two of them walked one after the other into the lush green back garden.

The early autumn wind carried a hint of coolness, rustling the flowers and plants in the garden.

Huizi stopped and turned to look at him:
"Xiao Xie, the boss is coming."

"You know how to answer questions about the company's accounts, right?"

Xie Ruolin immediately forced a fawning, dry laugh, and bent his back slightly.
"You...you don't need to worry, I know whose livelihood I'm holding onto."

"Mr. Hong is far away beyond the Great Wall, and his influence is beyond our reach."

"And you are the one who directly decides my wealth and status, so naturally I have to side with you."

He carefully took out a brand-new ledger from his briefcase and presented it with both hands.

"This is the newly completed ledger. Please take a look."

Huizi took it and carefully flipped through the pages one by one with her slender fingers.

The accounts were done flawlessly.

A satisfied look appeared on her face.

"You are very smart."

"They were able to divide these accounts equally down to every minute detail, doing it very cleanly."

"Old Mu often praises you in front of me, saying that you are a rare talent."

Xie Ruolin's smile widened, tinged with pride: "Of course, it's all thanks to you... to your excellent guidance."

"If we raise labor costs slightly and lower the price list, then...won't that squeeze out some money?"

Huizi closed the ledger and handed it back to him: "Work hard, and I'll give you a raise later."

She changed the subject, her gaze returning to Xie Ruolin with a peculiar undertone:

"By the way, I noticed you were quite attentive to Wanqiu."

"She's in college now, and she's reached the age where she can date."

"You could try pursuing her."

Huizi always felt that Wanqiu's feelings for Hongzhi were not right.

Moreover, this girl's figure and face are becoming more and more outstanding every day, like a delicate flower bud about to bloom, attracting more and more attention.

If one day she really falls for Hong Zhi, many things will become unfavorable for both her and Mu Liancheng.

Since arriving in Jinhai, she quickly became a sought-after socialite in Jinhai's high society thanks to her connections with Hong Zhiyou and her brother.

And Mu Wanqiu's connection allowed her to easily uncover Mu Liancheng's terrifying wealth.

The two hit it off immediately and quickly got engaged.

Mu Liancheng was middle-aged and his physical strength was far inferior to Hong Zhiyou's, but the sense of security and control brought by Hong Zhiyou's extravagant spending and obedience was unprecedented.

She enjoys this feeling.

Since she was going to be Mu Liancheng's woman, she would naturally have to allocate more business opportunities to her own family.

The most important step was to bribe Xie Ruolin, the accountant.

Fortunately, this stuttering boy was quick-witted and a smart person who understood things immediately.

If we could bring him and Wanqiu together, that would be even more secure.

Upon hearing Huizi's words, Xie Ruolin's smile froze, then he put on a helpless expression:
"I...I am pursuing her, but...unfortunately, she doesn't even like me."

"Who...who made us poor?"

Huizi was amused by him, and gave him a charmingly disdainful look:
"You're still poor?"

“Mr. Hong gave you a lot of money back then, plus your salary from the company and the bonuses I gave you privately, you now earn more than those department heads in the city hall.”

Her voice suddenly lowered, carrying a hint of seduction:
"How about... I help you?"
"for example……"

Huizi blinked her expressive eyes, the implication of which was self-evident.

Xie Ruolin felt a cold sweat instantly break out on his back. He quickly waved his hand, his smile looking more like a grimace.

"No...no, madam, let's just forget about it."

"I... I enjoy the feeling of pursuing her. If I were to use some dirty tricks to get Wanqiu, then... then it wouldn't be interesting."

He racked his brains and came up with an excellent reason.

"Besides, Boss Mu treats Miss Wanqiu like his own daughter, he cherishes her very much."

"If he finds out about this, it won't be good for you... it will ruin your image as a virtuous and gentle person in Boss Mu's eyes."

"Are you right?"

Huizi gave him a deep look, and her smile returned to its radiant form.

"Alright, you know how to talk, kid."

"Tonight, could you pick up Mr. Hong at the train station for me?"

"After all, I'm about to become Mrs. Mu. It wouldn't be difficult for anyone with a keen eye to find out about what happened between Mr. Hong and me in Harbin."

"If I go to see him now, Boss Mu will probably be unhappy."

Xie Ruolin understood immediately and nodded with a dry laugh:

"I understand, new love is always better than old love."

Huizi's eyes turned cold: "Watch your mouth."

"Go."

Xie Ruolin felt as if he had been granted a pardon and bowed as he withdrew from the garden.

As he stepped out of the imposing gates of the Mu residence, he let out a long sigh of relief, then wiped his forehead, which was covered in cold sweat.

This woman has such a cruel heart.

They actually wanted to use such despicable methods on Wanqiu.

His words just now had given her a hint.

Judging from her current demeanor, in order to maintain her image as a "virtuous aunt" in front of Mu Liancheng, she probably won't dare to go too far with Wanqiu for the time being.

But who knows what will happen in the future.

……

As night deepened, outside the Tianjin Railway Station.

A black Ford sedan was parked quietly on the side of the road.

When Hong Zhiyou led Xiao Guohua and Peng Hu out of the station exit, Xie Ruolin immediately opened the car door to greet them.

"Mr. Hong."

He greeted him warmly.

Peng Hu and Xiao Guohua exchanged a glance, tacitly checked the vehicle, and after confirming that there were no problems, got into the back car.

Hong Zhiyou then sat in the passenger seat.

He glanced at Xie Ruolin.

This guy is now ruddy-faced and his cheeks are much rounder. His clothes are quite expensive, and he seems to be living a very comfortable life in Jinhai.

Hong Zhiyou laughed and said:
"Nice car."

Xie Ruolin started the car while chuckling, "Hey, Mu Liancheng's."

"Mrs. Hui is busy setting up the wedding venue and really can't get away, so she can only ask me, the errand boy, to do it for her."

Hong Zhi nodded calmly: "That's good."

"The main reason I came to Jinhai this time is to see you."

"See? My prediction back then was correct, wasn't it?"

Hong Zhiyou's words were like a pebble thrown into Xie Ruolin's heart.

He gave a genuinely convinced smile, took out another ledger from his briefcase with one hand, and handed it over.

"Mr. Hong, you...you are truly a prophet."

Not long after you returned to Harbin, Madam Huizi got together with Mu Liancheng.

"The two of them are now working together to falsify accounts and take kickbacks."

"The profit margin that Mrs. Huizi set for you may seem unchanged, but in reality, they have driven up the prices outside by claiming that there is a shortage of goods."

"Let me put it this way, the actual profit they made was at least twice the figure on this ledger."

Hong Zhi didn't open the ledger; he casually put it back into his briefcase.

His face remained completely expressionless, as if the enormous profits that had been swallowed up never existed.

Let them earn it.

"You only need to do one thing well."

"Find out Mu Liancheng's assets, what he has invested in, and what precious antiques and paintings he has recently acquired."

"Try to find ways to get more information about this from him."

"As for how they want to drag you down, just play along and don't arouse their suspicion."

Xie Ruolin understood instantly: "Understood, President Hong."

Hong Zhi smiled:

"Call me brother."

As he spoke, he took out several thick wads of banknotes from his bag and handed them to Xie Ruolin:

"Oh, right, this is for you."

"I exchanged Japanese yen for you specifically in Harbin when I came here."

The thickness and pristine feel of the banknotes startled Xie Ruolin, and he quickly tried to push the money back.

"No...please don't, brother."

"I'm a big shot now, and I'm swindling your money every day. I can't sleep at night without my conscience hurting."

"How could I possibly ask for your money again?"

Hong Zhi grabbed his hand, preventing him from retreating: "Based on the account books you just showed me, you're only worth this much money."

He looked out the window at the rapidly receding night view of Tianjin and slowly began to speak.

"Jinhai is a good place, it's full of gold."

"You're not an ordinary person anymore. When you're looking for a woman, remember to find someone clean."

"And that opium stuff, you can't touch it."

Xie Ruolin felt a warmth in his heart, nodded heavily, and put the money away.

"Don't worry, brother."

"I value my life very much."

"What's the black market intelligence's report on Zeng Che's matter?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"I know, the head of the Military Intelligence Bureau's Jin Hai Station, a major case that the Japanese intelligence agency rarely cracks."

"It is said that Shibayama Kenshiro tortured him so badly that he was almost unable to continue, and then he was taken to a hospital in Beiping to receive intravenous nutrition to keep him alive."

"This guy is a tough guy, he'd rather die than confess."

"The Japanese are still single-mindedly trying to extract some useful information from him."

"I think it's going to be difficult."

Xie Ruolin said this in a low voice:

"I heard they've already been brought back to Tianjin, and I reckon they're about to make a move. Mr. Hong, I advise you not to get involved."

Do you know what the black market price is for rescuing Zeng Che?

"What's the price?" Hong Zhi asked.

“One thousand taels of gold…” Xie Ruolin said.

"Oh? The black market can take on this kind of work?" Hong Zhi said.

"Of course, in this world, if you have money, what can't you do?"
"The Zeng family is wealthy. Given this momentum, the price should increase by at least 1,200 taels or more."

"But this is Dai Li's confidant. Do you think money can solve this problem?"
"There are more people secretly taking on missions."

"Now, anyone in Jinhai with any means wants to try their luck. You don't know that Shuitun Prison is heavily guarded now, and it seems the Japanese have no intention of releasing people."

"Brother, I advise you not to get involved in this business, you might lose your head."

"The Japanese devils are ruthless and don't know how to repay kindness."

Xie Ruolin reminded him.

……

(End of this chapter)