Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 561 Those Who Betray Me Must Not Be Allowed to Live

Police Department.

Gao Bin was looking down and flipping through two books, "Zeng Guang Xian Wen" and "San Zi Jing".

I was chatting with someone the other day, and they said that reading these classic primers to children from a young age can make them smarter and more intelligent.

He then asked someone to get him two copies, intending to read them to Chengzong when he had nothing to do at home in the evening.

Oh, and Sasha too.

That child is clever and adorable, and will be able to speak soon.

I need to talk to Zhou Yi about this later and ask Qiu Yan to teach her as well.

dong dong.

There was a knock on the door.

"Come in." Gao Bin casually put the book into the drawer.

"Section Chief."

Liu Kui walked in, his expression somewhat strange.

"It's strange that Director Qian from Daowai was taken to the police station by his subordinate, Li Xiong."

He paused and added.

"They said Zhiyou sent him over."

Qian Bai?

Gao Bin raised an eyebrow slightly.

"what's the situation?"

Liu Kui immediately reported: "I asked, and it is said that Section Chief Hong found red-paper leaflets in his son's schoolbag and suspected him of using a general ticket."

After hearing this, Gao Bin's face showed an expression of disbelief.

"Qianbai pass? Did I hear that right?"

He chuckled.

"That guy's a master at taking bribes and kickbacks, a favorite of Director Liu. Could he be a corrupt official?"

Liu Kui lowered his voice and said, "Section Chief, even someone as cunning and greedy as Lao Qiu is a high-ranking official in the mountains, and he's also a red-ticket official."

"I'm afraid this matter can't be discussed in that way."

Gao Bin's smile faded, and he nodded: "That's right, you're absolutely right."

He slowly leaned back in his chair.

"As the saying goes, you can know a person's face but not their heart. In this world, whether someone is a human or a ghost is never written on their face."

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

What does "Qian Bai" mean?

Liu Kui said, "He kept insisting that he was innocent and wanted to see Director Liu and you."

Gao Bin shook his head.

Qian Bai was promoted by Liu Zhenwen and was of equal rank to him. He was also personally supervised by Hong Zhiyou.

Zhiyou has always been prudent in his actions.

He wouldn't be so bored as to go to the 20th Middle School specifically to check on elementary school students.

This is clearly aimed at Qian Bai.

He didn't want to get involved in this mess, nor could he.

"I cannot get involved in this matter."

"Here's what you'll do: detain him first."

"Wait until Zhiyou returns, then have him give Director Liu a heads-up before proceeding."

Liu Kui nodded immediately.

"Okay, section chief, I'll make the arrangements."

……

after an hour.

Hong Zhiyou and Lu Ming walked into the Special Service Section, smoking cigarettes and chatting happily.

Liu Kui came forward and repeated Gao Bin's exact words verbatim.

Hong Zhi nodded.

"understood."

Lu Ming glanced at him, a hint of hesitation in his eyes.

"Zhiyou, Qian Bai is Director Liu's favorite after all, so I won't participate in the interrogation."

Hong Zhi smiled and turned his head to look at him.

"What, are you scared?"

Lu Ming's face flushed, and he said stiffly, "What, what am I afraid of!"
"If you want me to conduct the trial, then I will."

He seemed to have made up his mind, and gritted his teeth.

"Anyway, I'm sticking with you, brother, to the bitter end."

He knew perfectly well that there was no such thing as having it both ways in this world.

Ever since he went to No. 20 Middle School with Hong Zhiyou, it's like he's completely fallen out with the guy upstairs.

There was no way around it; Liu Zhenwen's flippant "fully responsible" was too hurtful.

Being sold out every few days, doing thankless work, anyone could stand it.
Hong Zhiyou reached out and patted his shoulder heavily.

"You first tell Lao Tu to start the torture."

"I reckon Liu Zhenwen will have to personally intervene later, and then we'll interrogate him together."

Lu Ming glanced around, leaned closer and lowered his voice, saying, "Brother, Lao Qian is a veteran in the police system and has some connections."

"What I mean is, if it's a matter of saving face, since the person has already been brought to the hall in handcuffs, it's enough to teach him a lesson. We should let him go."

He looked at Hong Zhiyou and asked tentatively.

"If we're really going to get serious, then we'll go all out to kill them."

"Do you two... have such a deep grudge?"

Hong Zhi smiled and said, "Let's follow the procedure."

Now that he has arrested Qian Bai, he should naturally interrogate and sentence him accordingly.

This guy usually bullies the villagers and is no good person.

As for whether Qian Bai will die, that's not his concern.

Lu Ming nodded and said, "Okay."

He finally understood that Hong Zhiyou usually seemed amiable and easy to talk to, but once he set his sights on someone, it would be a huge problem.

……

in the afternoon.

Hong Zhiyou sits in his office approving reports.

Although the economics department has manpower to handle things, he still needs to personally review and sign many documents.

There are potential pitfalls in any part of government work.

Especially important documents, once someone sets a trap for them, could become a killer weapon at certain times.

The door rang.

Liu Zhenwen pushed open the door and walked in.

Hong Zhiyou immediately stood up from his chair and quickly went to greet him:

"Hey, Director Liu, what brings you here?"

"Since I came to the police station, if I remember correctly, this is the first time you have come to my office. It is truly an honor to have you here."

Liu Zhenwen stood with his hands behind his back, glanced around the office, and spoke in a calm tone.

"Yes, if we don't go out and explore, I'm afraid I won't be able to find a way in."

Hong Zhi smiled faintly.

"You're joking. The entire police department is your backing. You can go wherever you want, it's all up to you."

As he spoke, he brewed Liu Zhenwen a cup of fine Longjing tea.

The fragrance of tea lingers.

After the two sat down, Hong Zhiyou asked casually, "Director Liu, is there something you need for me today?"

Liu Zhenwen picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, and didn't drink it.

"I heard you arrested Qian Bai?"

Hong Zhi leaned back. "To be precise, it's his son who has the problem."

"Section Chief Lu and I found red leaflets in his son's schoolbag. According to the department's regulations, we summoned him back to cooperate with the investigation."

Liu Zhenwen put down his teacup, looked at him with a half-smile, and said:

"Section Chief Hong not only manages the business and audits the economic reports in the hall, but also personally goes to the primary school to supervise the matter of the pass. He is truly admirable."

These words sound like a compliment, but they are actually a sarcastic remark that he has overstepped his bounds.

Hong Zhiyou, however, seemed not to understand and readily accepted the offer.

"You flatter me, you flatter me. I was just doing my duty."

Liu Zhenwen gave him a deep look.

"Why don't we go ask him together? After all, he's a second-class police officer, and there's a lot going on at the Daowai Police Station. It's not good for Lao Guan to stay here."

Hong Zhiyou immediately stood up and gestured for him to proceed.

"Okay. We're just waiting for your final decision."

……

Inside the interrogation room.

Qian Bai was stripped of his police uniform, soaking wet, and tied to the electric chair like a dead dog.

His body was covered in cuts and bruises, and he was trembling and panting heavily, showing no trace of his former imposing manner.

Lu Ming and Lao Tu were sitting to one side, smoking.

Upon seeing Liu Zhenwen and Hong Zhiyou enter, the two quickly stood up to greet them.

Upon seeing Liu Zhenwen, Qian Bai clung to him like a lifeline, and began to wail in his hoarse voice.

"Director Liu! Director Liu, please, I beg you to do me justice!"

"These bastards started torture without even asking any questions; they're trying to extract a confession through torture!"

Liu Zhenwen's face darkened, and he coldly stared at Lu Ming.

"what happened?"

Lu Ming calmly stubbed out his cigarette: "Director, I've tried everything to persuade him, but he just won't talk. I have no choice but to use the torture according to the rules."

Qian Bai was so angry that he trembled all over and started cursing.

"Hey, you surnamed Lu, stop spouting nonsense!"
"I'm not a red ticket, why should I confess!"

Liu Zhenwen, a man of great composure, calmly waved his hand, signaling Qian Bai to stop making a fuss.

He turned to look at Lu Ming:
"Lu Ming, you say Qian Bai colluded with the red ticket company to distribute flyers, do you have any evidence?"

As he spoke, his eyes sharpened, revealing his deep dissatisfaction and warning towards Lu Ming's betrayal.

Lu Ming felt a chill run down his spine and instinctively avoided his gaze.

I didn't know how to answer for a moment.

"Section Chief Lu, the director is asking questions, so just say what you want to say. Isn't this a contribution too?" Hong Zhi took a puff of his cigarette to embolden Lu Ming.

Seeing that his "elder brother" had taken the initiative to take the blame, Lu Ming immediately said loudly, "Director, this is the evidence found in Qian Bai's son Qian Xiaocong's schoolbag."

Qian Bai immediately shouted.

"I didn't! This is a frame-up!"
"I had no idea these things existed!"

Liu Zhenwen nodded.

"Yes, Section Chief Lu."

"It is difficult to convict someone based on just a few flyers."

"What if someone deliberately put it in Qian Xiaocong's bag in an attempt to frame Director Qian?"

Lu Ming remained silent.

He took a black tape recorder out of his briefcase.

Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, the play button was pressed.

The conversation came through the tape recorder in clear audio.

After the recording finished, Lu Ming turned off the recorder and looked at Liu Zhenwen, whose expression had changed slightly.

"Director, I'm not wronging him."

"This is Qian Xiaocong's own testimony, and the students and Teacher Zhai who were present at the time can also testify to it."

"Moreover, I have questioned him many times, and Qian Xiaocong has personally admitted it many times."

He paused, then delivered the most fatal blow.

"Son, you can't possibly be wronging your old man, can you? You agree, right?"

Qian Bai was speechless.

That brat, he's really gotten himself into trouble this time.

Liu Zhenwen smiled faintly: "Is there a possibility?"

"The child is too young to understand what a flyer is."

"That's why you answered that way?"

Hong Zhi flicked his cigarette ash and calmly continued the conversation: "Does the director mean that Section Chief Lu is trying to extract a confession?"

"Of course I believe in Section Chief Lu's professional abilities."

Liu Zhenwen, being a seasoned veteran, quickly changed the subject and brought the issue back to the present.

"But children are children after all, and their comprehension abilities are very likely to be flawed."

"At least, we can't completely rule out that possibility, right?"

Hong Zhi smiled.

He stubbed out his cigarette, leaned back, and adopted a listening posture: "You are the director."

"We'll do whatever you say."

Seeing that Hong Zhiyou had softened his stance, Liu Zhenwen felt somewhat relieved.

He pondered for a moment and offered a seemingly fair solution.

I think so.

"As the director, Qian Bai failed to properly manage his family, resulting in the appearance of red-paper propaganda materials in his home. He is indeed responsible for negligence."

"I suggest suspending Qian Bai's salary for three months and deducting all performance bonuses and performance-based pay."

"Let him go home and thoroughly investigate what these flyers are all about."

"Let's see if someone is deliberately framing us behind our backs."

"Section Chief Hong, what do you think?" "It's good."

Hong Zhiyou spoke slowly, shattering Liu Zhenwen's wishful thinking.

"However, since this has happened, and the item was indeed found in Director Qian's son's backpack, simply deducting a little salary might not be enough to appease the public."

Liu Zhenwen frowned: "Then what brilliant idea do you have?"

"I suggest that we submit a report to the Police Headquarters to transfer Qian Bai out of Harbin."

"Zhuhe, or any of the surrounding counties, will do."

"In addition, I think Hu Changqiu, the deputy director of Daowai, is quite capable. He can be promoted to director, which will not affect the normal work of the department."

Qian Bai, slumped in his chair, looked as if struck by lightning:

"Director Liu!"

"No, no, I can't! I..."

"you shut up!"

Liu Zhenwen interrupted him with a stern rebuke.

Qian Bai's voice was stuck in his throat as he looked at Liu Zhenwen in despair.

Liu Zhenwen turned his head and said, "Section Chief Hong's suggestion is good."

"How about this, we'll transfer Qian Bai to Zhuhe County to serve as the police chief."

Hong Zhi nodded, a satisfied look on his face.

"The director is wise."

As he spoke, he waved to Old Tu, who was standing to the side.

"Take Director Qian to the reception room to tidy up and change into some clean clothes."

……

Stepping out of the cold, damp interrogation room.

Lu Ming followed behind Hong Zhiyou and let out a long sigh of relief:

“In a place like Harbin, everyone is in a specific position. Once Lao Qian leaves, it will probably be difficult for him to come back in this lifetime.”

Hong Zhi stopped in his tracks:
"Section Chief Lu, shouldn't you call Hu Changqiu now?"

"He has to treat us to a big meal tonight, right?"

Lu Ming was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized: "My dear Section Chief Hong, so that's what you were up to!"

He now understood that the entire drama of today, from arresting people at No. 20 Middle School to the standoff in the interrogation room, was ultimately aimed at making room for Hu Changqiu.

Yes, that's in line with Hong Zhiyou's style.

They take the money to do the job, and incidentally plant one of their own people in Daowai.

However... Hong Zhiyou certainly wasn't doing it for Hu Changqiu.

His reason for proposing Hu Changqiu was simply to find the most reasonable explanation for today's grand gesture.

This diverted everyone's attention away from Sun Jiaqiao.

He looked at Lu Ming and laughed, "What else did you think? I'd rather be playing house with kids when I'm bored."

"Got it!"

Lu Ming understood immediately and rubbed his hands together excitedly.

"I'll make the call now, let's go out for dinner tonight... to celebrate!"

Hong Zhi raised an eyebrow: "What merit have you made?"

Lu Ming patted his chest, looking pleased with himself.

"Look, wouldn't you say I've done a good deed for you today, brother?"
"Just tell me if this body is tough or not!"

Hong Zhi nodded solemnly: "Then it has to be tough."

"This merit is deserved."

"okay!"

Lu Ming received an affirmative answer and was very satisfied. He happily ran off to make the call.

Watching his departing figure, Hong Zhiyou's smile gradually faded.

He turned and walked towards the other end of the Special Operations Section.

……

Zhou Yi's office.

When Hong Zhiyou pushed the door open, Zhou Yi was standing by the window, looking solemn.

"Why did you bring up Jia Qiao?"
"He's just a child."

"This is too dangerous."

Zhou Yi turned around, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible worry and reproach.

"That child is so pitiful."

Hong Zhi walked over to him and poured himself a glass of water.

"I figured that instead of hiding it, I should just be open about it."

"He deserves a few good days."

He took a sip of water and continued explaining.

"And don't worry, everyone's attention has now been drawn to Hu Changqiu."

"Hu Changqiu had given me gifts a few times before, and now I'm just returning the favor."

"When I personally went to the primary school to confront Qian Bai, everyone thought the only explanation was that I had accepted bribes from Hu Changqiu to clear obstacles for him."

"After this incident, I will not contact Jiaqiao and Zhai Jiao again for a while, and I will give this relationship the cold shoulder."

"Therefore, no one will pay attention to Jia Qiao; at most, they will think he is a lucky guy who got lucky by sheer luck."

He paused and added.

"In addition, I will replace the school's security guards with Peng Hu's men in a few days."

“They are all very vigilant. If anyone tries to do anything malicious to Jia Qiao, I will know immediately and take action.”

Zhou Yi listened quietly, his tense nerves gradually relaxing:

"I'm sorry, I got carried away."

"fine."

Hong Zhi waved his hand.

"It's only natural to feel sorry for your son, I can understand."

Zhou Yi's eyes dimmed slightly: "Is Jia Qiao... alright?"

"not good."

Hong Zhi shook his head.

"The child lacks self-confidence and has a somewhat withdrawn personality."

"but……"

He took a torn piece of composition paper from his pocket and handed it over.

"The child's composition is quite good."

Zhou Yi took the paper.

On the paper, it says, "I only have a mother, not a father."

Zero points!

Zhou Yi gripped the paper tightly, his eyes bloodshot, and said:
"Zhiyou, thank you."

"You're welcome."

Hong Zhi stood up and stretched:

"Alright, I have to go to the train station to see Zhou Xi and the others off. I'm off now."

……

Three days later.

Mountain city, Chaotianmen Wharf.

The river breeze was damp and carried a distinctive fishy smell.

Zhou Xi and Ma Kui walked down the ship's gangway one after the other and stepped onto solid ground.

He had only taken a few steps when a young man in a gray Zhongshan suit came up to him, his gaze landing precisely on Zhou Xi.

"Mr. Zhou, the boss requests your presence."

Zhou Xi's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously glanced at Ma Kui beside her.

Ma Kui merely glanced at him coldly and left without even saying hello.

Zhou Xi reluctantly followed the young man into a black sedan.

The car drove along the rugged mountain road and finally turned into a quiet house nestled among the green trees.

Zhou Xi was led into the living room.

Dai Li stood with his hands behind his back in front of a landscape painting, his figure appearing somewhat desolate.

"Director."

Zhou Xi quickly stepped forward and bowed in greeting.

Dai Li turned around, his eyes sharp as knives:

"What about nine thousand taels of gold?"

Zhou Xi's scalp tingled, and cold sweat streamed down her temples.

“Boss, Hong Zhi did indeed take out nine thousand taels of gold. At that time, the train cars were all ready and waiting to be loaded.”

He swallowed hard and hurriedly blurted out the words he had already prepared.

"Who would have thought that Ma Kui and his men got into a fight with a local soldier while eating at a restaurant, and a gunfight broke out. As a result... they were captured by the Japanese, and the transport of gold was delayed."

Dai Li asked, "Could it be that Hong Zhiyou is playing a trick?"

"It doesn't seem like it."

Zhou Xi quickly shook her head.

Dai Li's gaze sharpened: "Then why don't you bring the gold back?"

"I...I thought I'd come back to report to you first and hear your next instructions."

Zhou Xi's voice was weak.

Dai Li gave a cold laugh:
"I heard that you lost a suitcase at Jinhai Railway Station?"

"You stayed there for seven whole days because of that box."

"That box must be very important to you."

Zhou Xi's mind raced, and cold sweat had soaked the back of her shirt.

What he lost was the five hundred taels of gold that Hong Zhiyou had given him.

"Just...just some local specialties from Northeast China!"
“It was Hongzhi who asked me to bring this to you!” he replied.

"is it?"

Dai Li's tone was unreadable.

"Absolutely true!"

Zhou Xi answered decisively.

"Have a heart."

Dai Li nodded, a slight smile appearing on his face.

After saying that, he turned and left.

The door opened.

Two sinister-looking agents walked in and stood on either side of Zhou Xi.

Zhou Xi's heart sank suddenly, and an ominous premonition instantly enveloped her.

"You...what do you want to do?"

He screamed in terror.

The two men didn't answer at all. One of them pulled a thick hemp rope from his pocket, suddenly looped it around Zhou Xi's neck, and then slung it over his shoulder.

"Woo...Woo..."

Zhou Xi's cry instantly turned into a muffled sob.

Within seconds, his body stopped convulsing and slumped down limply.

He died on the spot.

……

In the pavilion of the courtyard.

Dai Li held a cup of tea, watching the rain outside the pavilion.

Mao Renfeng stood behind him, respectfully bowing his head.

"Qi Wu."

Dai Li put down his teacup and sighed.

"This team is getting harder and harder to manage these days."

"Especially in the Northeast."

“This Hung Chih-yu has mountains of gold and silver in his hands, but he refuses to let any of it out of him, so as to share the burden of the Chairman and the Party and the country.”

A cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"They even tried to collude with Wu Jingzhong and outsmart me."

"I think he's willing to risk his life rather than part with his money."

Mao Renfeng stepped forward and lowered his voice.

"Yes, after going through such a long and complicated process, we didn't bring out a single gold bar. Hong Zhiyou has completely fooled us."

"Director, I request permission to send another capable team to the Northeast to secretly execute Hong Zhiyou!"

Dai Li shook his head, his gaze deep.

"Let's wait a bit."

"This matter has alarmed Puyi and Yoshijiro Umezu."

“Sending people to the Northeast to carry out sniping at this time would be very troublesome if the Manchukuo regime found a handle against us.”

Mao Renfeng nodded:
"Too.

"That kid is just a greenhorn, let him make more money."