Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 519 Hong Zhiyou's Solution
A cold glint flashed in Gao Bin's sinister eyes.

Hong Zhiyou's words were like a needle precisely piercing through the fog of obsession that had enveloped his heart.

He frowned deeply.

"You mean I was misled by my obsession and fell into Zhu Yi's trap?"

Hong Zhi nodded and analyzed the situation calmly.

“I know that my uncle has always suspected Zhou Yi.”

"But think about it, if this matter is really investigated and something is found out, or even if a fabricated crime is leveled against him, let's not talk about what will happen to Zhou Yi or what will be involved."

"Zhu Yi is... destined for promotion."

"Given his resentment towards you over the years, he will either apply to be transferred to the Harbin Police Department as deputy director, or be promoted to the Binjiang Provincial Police Department as deputy director."

"No matter which path you take, he will always be one step ahead of you, to settle old scores."

Hong Zhiyou stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and shrugged: "I really don't see any benefit in this self-destructive, albeit beneficial, way for us."

"Of course, I am a businessman at heart, and I consider profits more than anything else, which may not be as much as your loyalty to this business and His Majesty the Emperor."

Gao Bin waved his hand and glared at him irritably: "Stop being sarcastic here."

"Puyi couldn't even manage his own wife."

“I know very well whose job I’m working for, and you should know that too, it’s a matter of life and death.”

He picked up his pipe, filled it with tobacco, and his tone revealed a clarity that came from being awakened:

"However, you used the term 'unfounded' very well."

"That old bastard Zhu Yi has always been insidious."

"It seems that Yoshio Miyagawa is not someone to be trifled with. If the two of them really join forces, we'll be in big trouble in the future."

"The key point is that you're right. I've suppressed that old guy my whole life, so why should I end up benefiting him?"
"Zhou Yi can release all the red tickets, but Zhu Yi must be trampled on!"

Hong Zhiyou quickly smiled obsequiously and echoed, "Uncle, you are wise!"

Gao Bin lit his pipe, took a puff, and squinted as he said:

"The question now is, how do we counter Zhu?"

"And what would be the consequences of doing this?"

Hong Zhi was confident, "A countermeasure is a must."

"As for the consequences..."

He paused, then leaned forward slightly.

“I investigated Yoshio Miyagawa. He was a member of the Imperial Way Faction and his ideas were once very radical. After the February 26 Incident, he was protected and turned to the Control Faction.”

In other words, this person is a fence-sitter and doesn't have a very deep foundation.

"Otherwise, he wouldn't have needed to go to Jiamusi first and rush to recruit Zhu Yi."

Gao Bin exhaled a long puff of smoke, his face full of weariness: "I wish that was all the background and ability he had."

"If another Ma Wendong or Shibuya Saburo comes along, my old bones and heart can't take the strain."

"Even if he doesn't die from the fight, he'll be scared to death by all your tricks."

"Tell me, what brilliant plan do you have this time?"

Hong Zhiyou revealed a mysterious smile, lowered his voice, and whispered in Gao Bin's ear, explaining in detail.

The gloom on Gao Bin's face gradually faded, his brows relaxed, and finally he couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, okay!

"What a brilliant two-birds-with-one-stone strategy!"

He slapped his thigh, his face full of admiration.

"This is a brilliant idea. It will not only allow Zhou Yi to escape, but also thoroughly outmaneuver Zhu Yi, making him give up his ambition to seize Harbin!"

The laughter subsided, and Gao Bin lowered his voice:

"Gu Qiuyan gave birth, didn't you even think about going to see her?"

Hong Zhi smiled, looking like he was thinking of his friend. "Uncle, is it too hasty for me to go now?"
"There were already rumors circulating outside, and if I rush into this, it won't look good for Captain Zhou."

Gao Bin nodded thoughtfully, "That's true, I was too hasty."

He sighed, a rare hint of tenderness appearing in his eyes.

"To be honest, I've been dreaming about my big, chubby granddaughter these past few days."

His gaze unconsciously drifted towards Xu Yunying's room upstairs.

“I noticed that Master Xu’s belly is showing. Your aunt took her to see a doctor yesterday to check her pulse, and he said it’s a boy.”

"If it's a boy, then we'll have a boy and a girl, making a perfect family."

Hong Zhiyou also laughed.

"Uncle, just you wait, you'll see what happens."

Gao Bin smiled with satisfaction, "Great! If I ever feel unhappy, I'll just quit this damn job and come home to take care of your kids."

He changed the subject and waved his hand.

"Alright, it's getting late. You should hurry up and eat a couple of bites before heading back."

Hong Zhi was taken aback for a moment. "No, Uncle, I just got back. I haven't even talked to Aunt and Yunying yet."

Gao Bin said with a stern face and disdain:

"What are you saying?"

“You young people are prone to problems when you stay together. Listen to me, no matter how hard or difficult it is, you have to endure this period of time.”

"It's just a trivial matter, it won't kill anyone if you just bear with it."

He stood up and waved his hand dismissively: "Get out of here right now."

Hong Zhi pouted and muttered under his breath, "You guys are being way too domineering."

Gao Bin smiled:

“That’s a must!
“My grandson comes first now, you should take a backseat.”

Helpless, Hong Zhi picked up the bowl, scooped out two large spoonfuls of sauerkraut and fish soup, mixed it into the rice, and then quickly ate it all up.

He wiped his mouth and shouted at the top of his lungs in the living room, "Auntie, Yingying, I'm leaving."

Then he picked up his coat and walked out without looking back.

Hearing the door close, Gao Bin's fierce but cowardly expression melted away instantly, replaced by a smug look.

You little rascal, I knew all about your philandering ways.

You dared to act recklessly when Gu Qiuyan was pregnant; it's a miracle the baby didn't get miscarried.

Do you think I'd let you take that risk again?
……

Hong Zhi returned home and dialed Lao Hei's number.

"Old Hei, help me find someone at the dock, his name is Chun San."

Half an hour later, the phone rang again, and Lao Hei told him that the person had been found.

Hong Zhi grabbed the car keys and drove directly to Yong Sheng Kui.

I entered the office on the second floor.

Soon Peng Hu brought Chun San in, and Hong Zhi looked him up and down a few times.

Chun San was slightly overweight, with a face full of the unique humor of Northeasterners, and his small eyes revealed an undisguised cleverness.

When Chun Sam saw Hong Ji-yoo, he immediately bowed and scraped, forcing a fawning smile onto his face.

"Young Master Hong, you...you were looking for me?"

He rubbed his hands together, his eyes darting around.

"Let me make this clear first, I don't owe any money to our casino."

Hong Zhi waved his hand expressionlessly, signaling everyone else in the room to leave.

The door closed, and the private room instantly fell silent.

Hong Zhi picked up his teacup, his voice devoid of any warmth, "Are you one of Zhou Yi's men?"

Chun San's smile froze, and he was completely stunned:
"Zhou Yi? Which Zhou Yi?"

Hong Zhiyou's face darkened, and he abruptly reached into his robes, pulled out a pistol, and slammed it on the table.
"Zhou Yi, captain of the Special Operations Team."

"Don't tell me you don't know him."

Chun San smiled as if he had suddenly realized something, but the smile was more like a grimace:

"Oh, Captain Zhou, he's a big shot like that. Everyone in Harbin knows him."

Hong Zhi sneered, "That's not what I meant."

His gaze was fixed on Chun-san's face like a nail.

"There is evidence that you are Zhou Yi's informant."

Chun San's face turned pale instantly. "An informant? What informant?"
"Young Master Hong, I... I really don't know what you're talking about."

Hong Zhi lost his patience: "Still pretending?"

He called out towards the door.

"Someone come!
"Drag him away and beat him to death! Beat him until he confesses."

Peng Hu and another burly man rushed in immediately, each grabbing one of Chun San's arms like a chick and dragging him out.

Old Hei stood to the side, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke up.

“Young Master Hong, this Chun San usually just hangs around with some petty thugs doing some food and drink, he’s not really a bad person.”

Hong Zhi blew on the tea leaves on the rim of his cup and gave a faint reply.

"I know."

He didn't say anything, and Lao Hei didn't ask any more questions.

After chatting with Lao Hei for a while, Hong Zhi raised his wrist to check his watch; it was almost time.

He put down his teacup and gave instructions to Lao Hei.

"Have Peng Hu bring the men up."

Old Hei nodded, turned around and walked out.

A moment later, the door to the private room was pushed open again.

Peng Hu grabbed Chun San by the collar with one hand and, like dragging a dead dog, threw him onto the carpet in front of Hong Zhiyou.

At this moment, Chun San was no longer the clever man she had been before. Her mouth was full of blood, and her face was swollen like a pig's head. She was crying out in pain.

Hong Zhi lowered his eyes and looked at Chun San, who was lying in a muddy mess at his feet.

He asked Peng Hu, who was standing next to him.

"Have you confessed yet?"

Peng Hu shook his head. "This kid is very tight-lipped; he'll never admit it."

Hong Zhi waved his hand, signaling Peng Hu to go out first.

Peng Hu turned around and closed the door with steady steps.

Hong Zhiyou slowly walked up to Chun San, squatted down, and his face was expressionless.

He pulled out his gun and pressed it against Chun San's swollen forehead.

"Chun San.

I know about your relationship with Zhou Yi.

"If you don't behave, I'll send you to reunite with Commander Guan."

"You know, in Harbin, killing you is as easy as crushing an ant for me."

Chun San's whole body began to tremble violently, like a leaf, and he knelt down with a thud.

"Young Master Hong, I... I'm really not an informant..."

His voice was hoarse, trembling with sobs:

"Please, please investigate! Please investigate!"

Hong Zhi laughed, but there was no warmth in his smile. "Looks like you're really not afraid of death."

Chun San kowtowed even louder, making a series of thuds.

"Young Master Hong, even if you beat me to death, I would never make up a story to deceive you!"
"I really am not!"

Hong Zhiyou suddenly put away his gun, stepped forward, and reached out to support his trembling shoulder.

Chun San froze completely.

"Brothers Haru."

Hong Zhiyou's voice instantly softened, even carrying a hint of approval.

"You really are a man."

"Old Zhou was right about you."

Heart is under the kyte.

Hong Zhiyou had no choice but to use this most direct and cruel method to test the waters.

Now it seems that Chun San is indeed quite tough, no wonder Zhou Yi, such a shrewd and cautious person, would regard him as a confidant.

Hong Zhiyou opened the drawer, took out a thick wad of brand-new banknotes, grabbed a few small, bright yellow croakers, and handed them to Chun San. Chun San raised his swollen face, seemingly staring blankly at Hong Zhiyou, but inwardly he became increasingly wary: "Young Master Hong, what... what do you mean by this? I don't understand."

Hong Zhi pulled him to sit down on the sofa next to him and personally poured him a cup of hot tea.

"Chun San, I had no choice but to do this today."

“Captain Zhou is in danger right now. I need a trustworthy new face to go to Jiamusi.”

He pointed to the injury on Chun-san's face.

“Your identity is well-hidden. In the police department, apart from me, no one knows about your relationship with Lao Zhou.”

"Old Zhou only recognizes you."

"This is a very important matter, and I have no way to contact Captain Zhou directly by phone, so I can only trouble you to make a trip to Jiamusi in person."

"This injury is just a little bit of disguise for you."

As Hong Zhiyou spoke, he pushed the money and gold bars on the table toward Chun San, saying, "This is a reward for your hard work."

Chun San said with a helpless expression, "Young Master Hong, I really like money, but I really don't know Captain Zhou. You've really put me at a loss for words."

“If I lied to you and said I knew Zhou Yi, and took this money, and you found out later, wouldn’t I still be doomed?”

"Please, just let me go. I really don't know Zhou Yi."

Although he was a petty hoodlum, he understood the meaning of loyalty.

Captain Zhou treated him like an elder brother; how could he let someone trick him with just a few words?

He knew that Hong Zhiyou and Zhou Yi were very close, but this concerned Captain Zhou's safety. He couldn't even bring his own father into this mess, let alone Hong Zhiyou.

"Winter is coming soon, have you cleaned out your cellar?" Hong Zhiyou suddenly asked.

Chun San's eyes widened, and she immediately replied in a trembling voice, "It's all cleaned up. Now we're just waiting to put out radishes and cabbages for winter."

"Well, now you should believe me, right?" Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

Chun San nodded repeatedly: "I believe you, I believe you."

This was a secret code between him and Zhou Yi, known only to the two of them. Given Zhou Yi's cautious nature, he knew that Hong Zhiyou was not a reliable person and would never pass it on.

"I knew it! Everyone in Harbin knows how righteous you are, Master Hong."

"We usually keep to ourselves, I don't need to get fat from this."

He looked at Hong Zhiyou with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

"Since it's Lao Zhou's business, I'm definitely going to run."

"Let's forget about the money."

Chun San chuckled, reached into the pile of gold bars, and picked up only one. "I'll just collect the medical and nutritional fees."

Hong Zhiyou laughed and said, "Take them all."

"Consider this an advance payment for the expenses I'll incur when I need your help in the future."

Chun San shook his head. "You should keep it."

"It must be difficult for you to come to me in person."

"If I die in Jiamusi, please use the remaining money to find someone to take care of my mother, make sure she eats well, and help her through her final days."

Hong Zhi looked at him and remained silent for a moment.

"it is good.

"I'll keep this money for you for now."

Chun-san grinned, but the movement aggravated the wound on his lip, causing him to gasp in pain.

"Mr. Hong, just tell me what you want me to do."

Hong Zhiyou took a folded piece of paper out of his pocket and handed it to Chun San.

"If you go to Jiamusi, you'll be near this address."

"Pretend to be a vegetable farmer or a street vendor, anything is fine, just be natural."

"Old Zhou will come out to buy groceries. When he meets you, give him this note."

The note was written in a secret language that only he and Zhou Yi could understand. Even if outsiders got their hands on it, it would just be a bunch of meaningless gibberish.

Chun San took the note, didn't even look at it, and put it directly into his pocket.

"Master Hong, don't say anything more."

"Saving Lao Zhou is the priority. I'll go to the train station right now and take the earliest train to Jiamusi."

He stood up and was about to walk out.

"and many more."

Hong Zhi called out to him.

Don't take the train.

"Jiamusi is definitely on guard, especially for people whose tickets are from Harbin; they will check very strictly."

"Can you drive?"

Chun San paused for a moment, then nodded, "I used to drive trucks for the Japanese."

Hong Zhiyou's face showed a satisfied expression:
That's enough.

"I've gotten you a car with a Jiamusi license plate. Just drive there, and when you get there, hide the car first, and then go to that address."

Chun-san looked at Hong Ji-yoo with even greater admiration in his eyes.

"Young Master Hong, I used to think that Old Zhou was meticulous enough."

"I didn't expect you to be even more meticulous than him."

"Needless to say, I just love driving; it's more comfortable than taking the train."

"Alright, I'm off."

Chun San cupped his hands in greeting, turned around and strode out, his back showing no trace of his previous timidity.

……

Two days later.

Jiamusi.

Zhou Yi carried a vegetable basket and walked out of the courtyard gate.

Gu Qiuyan held the child and followed behind him, her face filled with unconcealed worry.

"Be careful."

Ever since Cui Wannian visited her a while ago, Gu Qiuyan has been feeling very uneasy.

These spies are all incredibly shrewd; their noses are sharper than dogs'. If they manage to figure out something, we'll be in big trouble.

Zhou Yi turned around and gave her a reassuring look.

"I know, I've closed the door properly."

He walked out of the courtyard, and as usual, strolled leisurely out of the alley and onto the nearby street.

Among the crowd, a vegetable farmer squatting by the roadside spotted him immediately.

The man shouted at the top of his lungs in a unique tone.

"Boss, want to buy some groceries?"

"Okra, fresh okra!"
"It's so delicious when served cold to help clear away stagnation!"

Zhou Yi paused almost imperceptibly.

It is the third day of spring.

He walked to the vegetable stall with a normal expression, squatted down, and casually picked up a bunch of okra.

How much is the okra?

Chun San quickly quoted a local price.

Zhou Yi didn't haggle and simply took the money out of his pocket.

Chun San took the money, and while giving change, he quickly slipped a small piece of paper into the change and stuffed it back into Zhou Yi's hand.

The entire process was smooth and seamless, without attracting anyone's attention.

Zhou Yi visited several more stalls in the market, bought some meat and other vegetables, and then returned to his courtyard with a full basket of vegetables.

As soon as he entered the house, he quickly put down the vegetable basket, closed the door, and took out a note from his pocket.

Gu Qiuyan, holding the child, immediately came over.

"Our people?"

Zhou Yi shook his head. "No, it's Chun San, my informant in Harbin."

Gu Qiuyan frowned. "What's written on this paper?"

Zhou Yi looked at the secret message on the note and a smile appeared on his face.

"A secret between men."

As he spoke, he lit the note and watched it turn into a handful of ashes:
"The newly appointed Commissioner of Police Yoshio Miyagawa is currently in Jiamusi."

"He and Zhu Yi set a trap, just waiting for me to fall into it."

“If I’m not mistaken, they’ll be coming to me soon.”

Gu Qiuyan's heart jumped into her throat. "What kind of condom?"

"You better explain yourself clearly, you're driving me crazy!"

Zhou Yi spoke slowly, his voice calm:

“There are traitors within our organization, either at the Harbin Transportation Station or the Manchurian Provincial Committee.”

"This traitor leaked a lot of information about our comrades."

"Zhu Yi and his group are now planning to use this list to lure me in."

"If I didn't know, they would only tell me that this was a crucial secret mission concerning the survival of the Harbin Red Ticket Organization, and they would even intentionally or unintentionally reveal some information about the list to me, arousing my curiosity and making me open the sealed document."

"Once I break the seal..."

“I would immediately fall into their trap and be secretly arrested by the military police hidden in the shadows by Yoshio Miyagawa, and taken away for investigation.”

Gu Qiuyan's face turned deathly pale instantly.

"Then...what should we do now?"

Zhou Yi looked at her, his eyes conveying a sense of reassurance. "Zhiyou has already made a move."

"Don't worry, he's arranged everything. There won't be any problems."

Gu Qiuyan breathed a slight sigh of relief:
"Yes, I trust Zhiyou to handle things. Just be careful."

No sooner had she finished speaking than a knock came from the courtyard gate.

Boom, boom, boom.

Both of them were on edge at the same time.

Zhou Yi almost instinctively drew his gun from his waist and quickly released the safety.

He gestured for Gu Qiuyan to be quiet, indicating that she should stay inside and not come out, then calmly and efficiently walked to the courtyard gate.

"Who?"

A familiar yet repulsive voice came from outside the door, carrying a hypocritical amiability.

"It's me, Lao Cui."

It was Cui Wannian.

Zhou Yi put away his gun, put on a slightly lazy smile, and opened the courtyard gate.

Cui Wannian stood at the door, his face beaming with smiles:

"Old Zhou, did I disturb you?"

"Section Chief Zhu wants to see you. He says he has something important to discuss."

Zhou Yi leaned against the door frame and yawned lazily.

"Let's make this clear first: if you're going to conscript men to do hard labor, I won't do it."

"I only have a few days off, I can't spend them all at your police station."

Cui Wannian smiled and waved his hand.

"Who knows? Maybe it's a really great thing."

"Let's go, Section Chief Zhu is waiting."

Zhou Yi turned his head and called out into the house.

"Qiuyan, I'm going to the police station. I'll be back later."

"Save me lunch!"

Gu Qiuyan chased after her, saying, "I know, come back soon."

Cui Wannian said, "Sister-in-law, look at what you're saying. Does our police station really need a pair of chopsticks from Captain Zhou?"

"Listen to me, don't keep him."

After exchanging a few jokes, Zhou Yi got into the car and headed straight for the Jiamusi Police Station.

……

(End of this chapter)