Espionage codename: Shen Gongbao

Wang Xuesen knocked on the door and gave the secret signal.

Li Lu opened the door and happily welcomed her lover into the house.

After washing up and taking a shower, I sat down at the dressing table to touch up my makeup.

Wang Xuesen hugged her from behind, glanced at himself in the mirror, and smiled:

"You don't need to wear makeup, you're already so beautiful."

Li Lu's ears turned red, but she didn't stop applying the eyebrow pencil in her hand: "A woman dresses up for the one who appreciates her, so I'll get some makeup."

Wang Xuesen smiled, let go of her, and went to the bathroom to take a shower.

When he came out wrapped in a bath towel, Li Lu was already lying obediently on the bed, looking at Wang Xuesen with a sense of surprise.

How can there be such a person in the world?

That's completely unscientific.

No wonder I was with him for the first time... I'm so lucky in this life.

Thinking of this, her pretty face turned even redder.

Wang Xuesen got into bed, embraced the beautiful woman, and teased, "Did you miss me?"

"I miss it, I miss it every minute and every second," Li Lu said sweetly.

"What are you thinking about?" Wang Xuesen whispered in her ear.

Li Lu tickled and pouted coquettishly: "I want to go anywhere."

"What are you mainly thinking about?" he continued.

"You're so annoying, what else could I be thinking about? My heart, of course." Li Lucai stopped him from succeeding and giggled playfully.

"Yeah?"

"You're just kidding. Did you like the handmade gift I gave you?" he asked with a mischievous wink.

Li Lu is much more witty and interesting than Wan Jia.

We can talk about anything, learn anything, and discuss anything.

Li Lu's face was flushed, and her voice was barely audible:

"I'm not a white rose who needs a man with her every night... but you come here every few days."

She buried her face in the pillow and mumbled, "I... I'm quite content. There's no point in having that."

Seeing her shy and coy appearance, Wang Xuesen raised his hand and slapped her pert bottom, teasingly saying:

"Keep pretending."

Li Lu bit her lip, her face turning red all the way to the roots of her neck:

"You're so annoying... Fine, I'll use it, okay? I'll think about you every day, alright?"

Wang Xuesen hummed in agreement, his fingers tracing the smooth surface of her shoulder.

"I don't come here often either, I'm too busy. If you feel lonely, just take care of it yourself."

Li Lu glanced shyly at Wang Xuesen and whispered:

"You're really different from others, you're so open-minded about things like this."

Wang Xuesen rolled his eyes at her:

"You're twenty-six this year, in the prime of your life. What else can I do but come like this? I really don't have the time or the stamina to keep up if I come every day."

He spoke from the bottom of his heart.

There's a formidable tigress in the house too.

Li Lu lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously clutching the corner of the blanket, her voice growing softer and softer: "Actually... it's not that important. I didn't think about it that much when you weren't here."

"Learn a foreign language, learn to cook, read books, grow flowers, and go to bed at nine o'clock sharp."

Wang Xuesen nodded.

This woman truly has her heart set on me.

No fuss, no drama, no clinginess; knows how to behave appropriately and understands the bigger picture.

If it were any other woman, she would call and cry if she didn't come for three days, and threaten to hang herself if she didn't come for ten days.

Li Lu never did.

She swallowed all her waiting into her days, living like a quiet little flower that only blooms when he comes.

A warm feeling welled up inside him, and his love for her deepened even more.

"My darling is such a good boy/girl, so I have to reward you properly today."

He swept her up in his arms, threw her onto the bed, and buried his face in her mouth to kiss her.

……

An hour later.

After washing up, Li Lu opened the window to let in some fresh air.

Despite feeling weak and exhausted, she began to massage Wang Xuesen.

"Your skills are quite good."

Wang Xuesen hummed contentedly, feeling quite pleased with himself.

Compared to Wanjia, who forbids this and that, every time she comes to Li Lu's place, she really acts like an emperor.

Pure enjoyment.

For this, it's worth any amount of money and effort.

While giving him a massage, Li Lu casually remarked, "My mom used to massage my dad all the time, so I've learned a thing or two from seeing it so often."

"By the way, I made plans to go swimming with Wanjia the other day. It seems like she's gained weight and her figure is getting better and better."

"What method did you use? Can I try it too?"

Wang Xuesen almost burst out laughing.

Wanjia was just developed, you've been married for several years, how can you be the same?

Of course, these words could not be said aloud.

He wouldn't do anything to hurt a beautiful woman's feelings.

Wang Xuesen coughed lightly and said in a nonchalant tone:

"Wanjia is just idle. She eats and sleeps all day long, so naturally she's gotten fat."

"Unlike you, you have to worry and work hard every day, and she's overweight, so you can't compare."

Li Lu pouted in disappointment: "Okay, I used to think that it was bad for women to be fat, but now I think it's better to be a little chubby."

"Nonsense." Wang Xuesen turned over and pinched her chin.

"To me, you are the most beautiful. Even Wanjia doesn't have your flair."

Li Lu's face was flushed, and her voice was so soft it was almost inaudible: "Well, wasn't it all your fault?"

Wang Xuesen smiled and said, "You two each have your own strengths."

He reached for the leather bag on the bedside table, rummaged through it, and pulled out something, hiding it in his palm:

"Oh, by the way, I've got something nice for you, something I made myself."

"It's a token of my appreciation."

As he spoke, he opened his arms.

A heart-shaped stone.

It was woven with red thread, worn smooth, and the name "Li Lu" was engraved on it.

He picked it up by the river, had it polished at a jewelry store, and had a hole drilled to thread a red thread through it.

He made seven or eight such heart-shaped stones. Except for Wanjia, who kept them, later on, every woman, including Miyako and Huixiang, had one.

The main point is to show sincerity.

Simple, practical, and cost-effective.

"Wow, it's so beautiful!" Li Lu exclaimed, holding the stone in both hands with delight.

"Thank you, darling, I love it so much."

Her eyes reddened, her nose tingled, and she almost burst into tears.

Xuesen is extremely busy, with so many things weighing on his mind at No. 76, yet he still has the time to make a gift for himself.

This favor is probably unique.

This man was worth it.

"Ahem, I'm glad you like it."

Wang Xuesen patted the back of her hand, sat up, and began to get dressed.

"Remember to change the sheets. It's cold, and damp sheets can easily make you catch a cold."

He buttoned up his shirt and added, "I have to go home now."

Li Lu suddenly remembered something and grabbed his sleeve:

"Wait, I have something to tell you."

Wang Xuesen stopped buttoning his shirt halfway through: "What's wrong?"

Li Lu was no longer the shy girl she had been, and said seriously:

"Dean Yang said that starting from the next phase, the amount of medicine supplied to us will be reduced by at least two-thirds."

Wang Xuesen's brows immediately furrowed: "Why?"

Li Lu said, "The Green Gang recently seized a batch of drugs in Zhenjiang. Following the clues, they found that the drugs came from Renji Hospital. Yu Yefeng spoke with Dean Yang."

"If they don't cooperate, we'll kill their whole family."

Wang Xuesen's eyes sharpened.

Yu Yefeng.

Zhang Xiaolin's godson and in-law, the second-in-command of the Green Gang.

Zhang Xiaolin's health has been deteriorating over the years. He is sensitive to wind and cold, and he has basically delegated all his affairs, big and small, to Yu Yefeng.

This guy claims to be an agent, but he's actually the real person in charge of Zhang's faction.

This guy's got his eye on pharmaceuticals, that's troublesome.

Li Lu continued:

"He even forced Dean Yang's daughter to work as a recruiter at Hongshanjitang, ostensibly to help her find a job, but in reality it was extortion and threats."

"Dean Yang had no choice but to ask me to pass on your message."

"However, he did not implicate us, only saying that he was smuggling the goods privately."

Wang Xuesen inwardly cursed his headache.

Old Yang resold some of the sulfonamides, quinine, and iodine he acquired on the black market to make a profit, while the rest was sold to the rear through Old Du and Mao Liying.

It can be said to be one of the most stable sources of profit for Longteng Company.

If this line breaks, the loss will be significant.

But what's even more challenging is Dean Yang's situation.

Yu Yefeng detained someone's daughter; this isn't a business negotiation, it's a forced sale.

Damn it!

"Does Zhang Xiaolin know about this?" Wang Xuesen asked.

Li Lu shook her head: "I don't know."

"It's also possible that Yu Yefeng was eating alone."

"When you have the chance, try to find someone to sound out what they're thinking."

Wang Xuesen nodded, already making plans in his mind.

Yu Yefeng is not a fool like Bai Junqi.

To touch him is to touch the Zhang family.

He had just established a connection with Liu Fabao, with the aim of bringing Li Shiqun and Zhang Xiaolin together.

At this critical juncture, a direct confrontation with Yu Yefeng would be a mismatch in strength and also contrary to the overall situation.

But if we don't take any action, the drug distribution channels are about to be cut off.

Moreover, Dean Yang's family members are still in Yu's hands.

We need to find another way.

"I see." Wang Xuesen looked up at Li Lu, his tone steady:

"Your recent suspension of drug sales is fine; just keep an eye on things at the hospital with Lao Si."

"Yu Yefeng's matter is not easy to handle. I need to work out a detailed plan with Lao Wang."

"Remember, safety first. Call me immediately if anything happens."

"Okay," Li Lu replied, reaching out to straighten his coat collar. "You too, be careful."

Wang Xuesen quickly went downstairs.

The door closed.

Li Lu turned around, her gaze falling on the dressing table. She picked up the heart-shaped stone and placed it on her chest.

She looked at the pearl necklace in the jewelry box, then at the stone pendant in her hand.

Suddenly, I realized that pearls didn't smell good at all.

Starting tomorrow, she will wear this heart-shaped stone around her neck.

Okay, it's settled then.

……

Wang Xuesen opened the car door and climbed into the passenger seat.

Zhan Shen glanced at his watch: "One hour and thirteen minutes."

"Hehe, you and Miss Li talked for quite a while."

Wang Xuesen glared at him: "You're just jealous."

"Tch, who doesn't have a few tricks up their sleeve?" Zhan Shen said sourly.

Wang Xuesen was too lazy to argue with him and urged, "Let's go home."

Zhan Shen started the car and drove out of the alley: "Why do you smell like urine?"

Wang Xuesen said without changing his expression: "Oh, I just had a mutton hot pot."

Zhan Shen opened his mouth, then closed it again.

Lamb hot pot.

What a liar!

Back home, Wang Xuesen quickly went upstairs to take a shower.

I left in a hurry today and forgot to take a shower at Li Lu's house.

Wanjia is asleep.

He tiptoed into the bathroom, then took a change of clothes downstairs and woke up Xiaomin.

She was asked to wash and hang the clothes up overnight.

The reeds of the province smelled sweet.

……

The next day.

After washing up, Wang Xuesen rolled up his white shirt sleeves and went downstairs.

A rich aroma of meat broth wafted through the living room.

"Good morning, big brother," Xiaomin greeted him with a smile.

Wang Xuesen pulled out a chair, sat down, and stretched.

Wanjia placed the casserole on the table, lifted the lid, and a fragrant aroma of steaming donkey offal soup wafted out.

"Try it, I made it."

She sat down opposite me, tidied her stray hairs, and blinked while resting her chin on her hands.

"I told Mom that your stomach hasn't been feeling well lately, and I'd like to try some northern cuisine to help soothe it."

"My mother had donkey meat, donkey offal, and millet delivered overnight."

She pouted, "So, how about it? Your mother-in-law treats you well, right?"

Wang Xuesen picked up a spoon, scooped up a mouthful, blew on it, and put it in his mouth.

The broth was simmered until thick and white, and the donkey offal was incredibly delicious.

"Of course." He raised an eyebrow and smiled, his tone sincere. "She's not my biological mother, but she's better than one."

"That's more like it." Wanjia smiled with satisfaction.

"Big brother, sister-in-law, I'm going out to buy groceries." Xiaomin picked up her shopping basket and went out the door briskly.

With no outsiders around, Wang Xuesen asked while drinking his soup, "Is Pingping feeling better?"

Wanjia nodded, lowering her voice slightly: "He's in pretty good spirits, he can talk and laugh."

"However, many of my wounds have become infected and suppurated. The doctor said they need to heal slowly and can't be rushed."

She paused, then lowered her voice and leaned closer: "Old Du's bonus came through, and District Chief Chen also gave us a portion. Together, it's over sixty taels of gold."

Wang Xuesen wiped his mouth and nodded with satisfaction: "Not bad, Old Chen is still a good friend."

Sixty-odd taels of gold—that's quite a sum.

Currently, Longteng Company is expanding its various business lines, which requires spending money everywhere. Every penny saved is a penny earned.

After finishing breakfast, he changed his clothes and went out.

Just then, Li Shiqun ran out of medicine, and yesterday Ye Jiqing specifically sent someone to tell him to bring some back.

This reason is perfectly legitimate, and no one can find fault with it.

Jishi Pharmacy had just opened.

Old Du, dressed in a gray cloth long gown, was wiping the medicine jars on the counter with a rag.

Seeing Wang Xuesen push open the door and come in, he led him into the consultation room with a smile.

Wang Xuesen followed him inside and closed the door behind him.

"Why are you here so early?" Old Du threw a rag on the table, disgruntled. "Didn't I already give you the money?"

"Ye Jiqing needs medicine." Wang Xuesen smiled and pulled up a chair to sit down.

He stopped laughing and said seriously, "Two things."

"First, Liu Zhongwen from No. 76 has been keeping an eye on me. He is Li Shiqun's trusted strategist, and he is quick-witted and has a keen sense of smell."

"If he isn't eliminated, he'll become a big problem sooner or later."

"Can you help me think of a solution?"

Old Du raised his eyelids slightly but didn't reply.

Wang Xuesen continued, "Secondly, my drug supply chain at Renji Hospital was disrupted by Yu Yefeng, Zhang Xiaolin's godson."

"He not only cut off the supply of goods, but also detained Dean Yang's daughter at Hongshanjitang."

"If this line breaks, the loss will be significant."

He was frank.

The drug business was not kept secret from Lao Du; in fact, a batch was even sold privately through Lao Du's connections.

As for who Lao Du sold it to, he didn't ask.

As long as I get the money, that's fine.

Old Du frowned and said, "The Military Intelligence Bureau previously investigated the background of an important traitor in the 76th Division."

"Liu Zhongwen was not on the assassination list not because he was not qualified, but because there was no clean opportunity to assassinate him."

He changed the subject, his tone becoming serious:

"Sulfonamides and quinine are now rarer than gold, so we really can't delay."

"Okay, I'll discuss it with Lao Chen about Yu Yefeng and resolve it as soon as possible."

"This kind of traitorous dog deserves to be killed by everyone."

Wang Xuesen rubbed his hands together: "We need to hurry, Lao Du. Every day we delay means another day of lost money, and it hurts. I'm in a rush."

Old Du glared at him: "What's your hurry! Killing someone isn't like hosting a dinner party."

He unscrewed the cabinet, took out a porcelain bottle, and handed it over: "All you ever think about is money, money, money. You're a reincarnation of a money-grubber."

Wang Xuesen took the medicine and put it in his coat pocket: "Oh, by the way, did you send the tonics and jewelry to my master and mistress?"

"Don't worry, not a single item is missing."

Old Du said irritably, "You two, master and apprentice, use the transportation station for all sorts of random things."

"Do you really think this place is some kind of freight depot for the two of you?"

Do you know how strict the lockdown is right now?

"They all have no sense of propriety."

Wang Xuesen chuckled and said, "There's nothing I can do. You're so capable, so you have to do more."

"I haven't seen you give me anything." Old Du gave him a sour look.

"Here's a woman for you, do you want her?" Wang Xuesen asked with a smile.

"Get out!" Old Du waved his hand and shooed them away.

Wang Xuesen chuckled, took the medicine, and left on his own.

……

We drove to No. 76.

As soon as he entered the gate, Wang Xuesen sensed that something was wrong.

Several armed Japanese military police officers appeared on both sides of the entrance hall.

Could it be that another Japanese superior has come to inspect?

"Xuesen, you've come at the right time. The director is looking for you."

Hu Junhe strode up from the other end of the corridor, his expression not very good.

"What happened?" Wang Xuesen asked.

Hu Junhe leaned closer and lowered his voice: "What else could it be? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs suffered a loss last time in the Dingmo Village incident, and now, that old devil Iwai has made up for it."

"They sent some kind of telecommunications envoy, ostensibly to provide guidance and standardize telecommunications regulations."

His lips twitched, and his voice lowered even further: "They're actually here to supervise us."

Wang Xuesen frowned: "Would the head of the Shadow Agency agree to this?"

"There's nothing we can do if you disagree," Hu Junhe said with a bitter face. "They're using the guise of technical guidance."

"The Japanese love to play this game of mutual restraint."

Even if Chief Kagesa is furious inside, he has to grit his teeth and swallow this.

He sighed and complained, "My intelligence department is the worst off."

"From now on, all intelligence and telegrams will have to go through these people."

"I've had the worst luck lately, nothing's going right. People get lucky, but I feel like a pot of blood is falling on my head, chasing after me and hitting me."

"From now on, all intelligence and telegrams will have to go through these people."

"I've had the worst luck lately, nothing's going right. People get lucky, but I feel like a pot of blood is falling on my head, chasing after me and hitting me."

Wang Xuesen patted him on the shoulder: "Alright, don't say such unlucky things so early in the morning. Let's go take a look."

The two arrived at Li Shiqun's office.

The door was open, and several men in suits were standing inside, all speaking Chinese.

Li Shiqun was sitting behind his desk when he saw Wang Xuesen come in. He stood up and waved, "Xuesen's here."

He pointed to the man who was about thirty years old and in the lead.

This person was of medium height, with delicate features, slicked-back hair, and a gentle and refined appearance.

"Let me introduce you. This is Mr. Yuan Lou, the assistant to Consul General Iwai."

At this point, Li Shiqun chuckled and said, "Mr. Yuan is quite something. He was the one who dug the tunnel under our No. 76 a few months ago."

"It's also thanks to Mr. Yuan that he didn't set off the explosives back then, otherwise we probably wouldn't be able to gather here today."

Wang Xuesen's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly smiled and stepped forward to shake hands: "I have long admired Assistant Yuan's name. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Yuan Lou returned the handshake with a polite smile: "I dare not accept such praise. Director Li, you flatter me. It was all a false accusation and a misunderstanding in the past."

His voice was clear and resonant, conveying competence and magnanimity: "We are all contributing to the construction of a new Asian nation, we are all one family."

Li Shiqun nodded: "That's right, they're on our side."

He turned his head and said, "Old Hu."

Hu Junhe took a step forward.

"You're in charge of the telecommunications department, come over and get to know the people." Li Shiqun pointed to a slightly green-looking young man next to Yuan Lou.

"As instructed by Consul Iwai, starting today, Yang Siyuan (Xiao Yang) will be in charge of supervising and guiding the work of our Telecommunications Department."

"From now on, you'll have to cooperate with Xiao Yang."

Wang Xuesen glanced at the young man.

In his early twenties, he appeared youthful and slender, but his eyes and brows revealed a sense of composure, unlike a naive young man.

"Don't worry, I will definitely cooperate with Mr. Yang's work," Hu Junhe nodded.

Yang Siyuan nodded neither humbly nor arrogantly: "Thank you, Director Li and Section Chief Hu."

Yuan Lou looked around and patted Yang Siyuan on the shoulder: "Alright, I've delivered the person as ordered, so I won't bother you any longer."

He straightened his suit jacket, stood up straight, nodded slightly to Li Shiqun, and turned to walk out briskly.

Li Shiqun didn't move an inch.

There was no intention whatsoever to send it.

Once everyone in the office was out of sight, he got up, closed the door, and his smile turned grim.

"Did you see that?"

"They think I'm having too easy a time, so they've sent a spy over here."

He paced back and forth, then pointed out the window: "Chen Mingchu once said that this Yuan Lou is definitely a member of the Military Intelligence Bureau."

"By the way, you weren't here then."

"If it weren't for that blind old devil Iwai taking him away... sigh, we should have listened to Old Ding and just shot that kid."

Iwai is indeed a bit blind.

Yuan Lou is not only a member of the Military Intelligence Bureau, but also...

Wang Xuesen knew exactly what was going on, and smiled, saying, "Brother, let him investigate if he wants. Just make sure he doesn't come into contact with important criminals."

"As for intelligence and telecommunications, we have always relied on Japanese technology and equipment."

"Always keep some information on yourself, just be careful not to get blamed on others."

Li Shiqun thought for a moment with his hands behind his back, then slowly nodded: "That's what I was thinking too."

He turned around, and a smile returned to his face:

"How did the talks with Zhang Xiaolin go?"

He took two steps closer to Wang Xuesen, lowered his voice, and raised his eyebrows slightly: "To be honest, I'm actually a little nervous that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is planting a spy at this time."

What does this tell us?

He flicked his finger: "The Japanese don't trust you or me."

"If those people in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs find a handle on us, they might really support Zhang Xiaolin and the Bai family, or even bring Ding Mocun back to start anew."

"I won't feel at ease until I've got that Zhang guy under control."

Wang Xuesen met his gaze and said firmly, "Don't worry, brother."

"I've already gotten in touch with someone close to Zhang Xiaolin, and we're arranging a meeting."

"We should get a response within the next day or two at the latest."

Li Shiqun patted him hard: "Brother, it's up to you now, otherwise this hurdle won't be easy to get through."

"Brother, what are you saying? Your business is my business, isn't it?"

"We are in the same boat."

"Let's get through these difficult times together."

Wang Xuesen smiled.

"Yes, yes, we'll get through this together." Li Shiqun nodded and smiled repeatedly.

Wang Xuesen took out a medicine bottle and handed it to him: "Brother, your wife asked me to get this for you."

Li Shiqun clicked his tongue and said unhappily, "A woman like me is in a real crisis, how could I possibly have the time or inclination for that?"

"Okay, you can go ahead and do your work."

Even so, he pocketed it as if it were a precious treasure.

……