Espionage codename: Shen Gongbao

It was afternoon.

A black sedan drove into No. 76.

Hu Junhe and two staff members led Xiao Yufeng and Bai Meigui into the building and detained them in interrogation rooms number one and number two, respectively.

office.

Li Shiqun, with a cigarette between his fingers, rubbed his aching temples: "Zhongwen, in the case of the high-ranking official leaving Shanghai last time, Hu Junhe mentioned the leak in his report to Warrant Officer Shibuya."

"Who do you think it could be?"

Liu Zhongwen smiled faintly and said, "I don't hurt anyone, but people hurt me. Since the director asked, there's no doubt that Hu Junhe is pointing the finger at me."

"After all, there was the case of Wang Xuesen going to jail last time."

"I spoke."

"Wang Xuesen is out, and he's even become a hero. The case report blames inaccurate intelligence. It's normal for Lao Hu to be dissatisfied with me."

Li Shiqun glanced at him and said with great emotion, "Yes, everyone outside says you are not a womanizer, do not smoke opium, do not gamble, and do not get married, but they have no idea that you were shot while saving me back then and were left with a hidden illness."

"I saved up some money and sent it all to my mother and relatives back in my hometown."

"Oh, you've really suffered. You've been subjected to so much suspicion, and I can't even defend you."

"The director knows me well, and the rest are not worth worrying about," Liu Zhongwen said calmly.

"Old Hu is capable, but he likes to play dirty tricks and is very ambitious. Don't take his words seriously."

"Let's talk about Professor Ji's case."

"Take a look."

Li Shiqun walked to the wall, lifted the black cloth, and revealed the small blackboard inside.

He started drawing with chalk:

"In the case of Tang Zengyang, Wang Xuesen is suspected of instigating Ji Qing and Tang Huimin. According to clues from the telephone bureau, someone called Tang Zengyang's home on the day he left Shanghai."

"Yang Jie has sent people to conduct a covert investigation, but as time has passed, the clues have become very vague."

"Wang Xuesen fired a gun in the Wu Kaixian case."

"In Professor Ji's case, Wang Xuesen and Bai Meigui slept together."

"In the case of the transfer of goods at the dock, Wang Xuesen got into a fight at the Dream Dance Hall."

"Don't you find it strange that we've linked these five cases together?"

Liu Zhongwen frowned: "Director, apart from the white rose case which has not been confirmed, the rest are just speculation. We have discussed this before and have already proven Wang Xuesen's innocence."

"We all know that Madam was a strong advocate for Director Tang's case. She has a long-standing grudge against Tang Huimin, even if Wang Xuesen hadn't sent that seesaw."

"The lady would also find other excuses to argue with Tang Huimin."

"The dock case, the dance hall incident, and the fight were all impromptu acts by Yang Jie and Si Bao. It's unfair to force them onto Wang Xuesen."

"Unless we find the person who made the call, or White Rose can provide some useful clues this time."

Li Shiqun nodded: "Yes, Ji Qing also said that I was being biased and overthinking things. Did Dafo find any useful clues in Shancheng?"

"No, after the Japanese secret service cracked the telegrams Dai Li sent to the Military Intelligence Bureau, Dai Li is currently conducting an internal investigation. I have already ordered the Buddha statue to remain silent; safety is the priority." Liu Zhongwen shook his head.

"That's right."

"As long as Wang Xuesen is at No. 76, we can investigate slowly," Li Shiqun said.

"Actually, it's easy to test him."

"If Bai Meigui really revealed to him Ji Lao's whereabouts and that it was Wang Xuesen who arranged the assassination, then what do you think his reaction would be?" Liu Zhongwen asked.

"He'll feel guilty."

"But you have to pretend to have a clear conscience while secretly preparing to escape."

"Could it be that they might defend the White Rose?"

Li Shiqun analyzed.

I disagree.

"If Wang Xuesen was just a playboy and had no criminal record, then his panic would be a normal reaction."

Why?

"He has no connections, and he knows that Xiao Yufeng has a close relationship with Yu Aizhen and Ji Qing. So, he faces pressure from the Japanese and Jinbao's wife."

"He will feel that you are very likely to frame him and close the case."

"Similarly, I think if he really is a playboy, it's not impossible that he would plead for White Rose out of consideration for their intimate relationship."

"We cannot deny that Wang Xuesen's eloquence, ability, and intelligence are all first-rate, but if a person's expression is examined under a microscope for a long time, there will definitely be flaws."

"Perhaps we can observe and see."

"Of course, we must also be prepared to arrest Wang Xuesen immediately should he flee."

Liu Zhongwen pondered for a moment, offering a shrewd and calculating analysis.

"Yes, Ji Qing thinks so too. It seems we're all on the same page."

"Old Hu entered through the main entrance."

"Wang Xuesen should see that Bai Meigui has been arrested and observe his reaction first."

"Ying Ying has a good personal relationship with him, so tell him to keep an eye on things."

Li Shiqun nodded with pleasure and gave the instructions.

……

Wang Xuesen leaned back in his chair, tilting his head back and exhaling one smoke ring after another.

He was trying to figure out what those old foxes, Li Shiqun and Liu Zhongwen, were thinking.

How should this play be performed?

Soon, he had his answer.

dong dong!

There was a knock at the door.

Ying Ying walked in with her hands in her pockets: "Director Wang, are you not busy?"

"Oh, not busy." Wang Xuesen pressed his fist against his forehead. When he saw Ying Ying come in, a hint of fatigue flashed in his eyes.

"Brother, are you sick? You don't look too well." Ying Ying smiled and tilted her head.

"It was caused by that little thing."

"Wan'er is afraid I'll go out and find other women. You know, when women get scheming, they can exhaust men," Wang Xuesen laughed.

"That's right."

"It's always the oxen that die from exhaustion, never the land that's been over-plowed."

"Come on, play a game of chess with me."

Ying Ying smiled.

"That's not a good idea, the director is very strict," Wang Xuesen said.

"What's there to be afraid of?"

"We're both idle people; they're all busy interrogating Bai Meigui and Xiao Yufeng."

"I heard they're going to use torture. The director suspects these two have leaked Elder Ji's whereabouts and wants to interrogate them thoroughly. This time they're serious." Ying Ying secretly intimidated him, following Li Shiqun's instructions.

Wang Xuesen's cheeks twitched: "No way, they're not nobody."

"There's no other way. Jinbao's wife said that if the director can't find out, the Japanese will have to investigate. Xiaoyufeng has connections with Mrs. Li."

"It won't do the Japanese any good to escalate this matter."

"Therefore, this case can only be closed here; there's no escaping it."

Ying Ying chuckled.

"Alright."

"Then I'll play with you for the next round, just one," Wang Xuesen said.

This game ended with Ying Ying's victory very early on.

Wang Xuesen glanced at his watch: "Brother, I still have to go see Director Ding, so I'll have to log off with you."

"it is good."

"We'll talk about it next time. Your chess skills weren't very good today, little brother."

Ying Ying stood up and said.

"I'm feeling dizzy, my mind is wandering," Wang Xuesen laughed.

……

3 PM.

Ying Ying walked into Li Shiqun's office.

"How is it?" Li Shiqun asked.

"As you instructed, I revealed that White Rose might be tortured, and Wang Xuesen seems a little flustered."

"He's good at chess, but he lost to me easily today and went to Ding Mocun, probably to ask for help."

"Also, lunch will be in the cafeteria."

"His appetite and food intake are noticeably less than usual."

"There's something wrong with this guy."

Ying Ying said.

"Okay, I understand. You may leave now," Li Shiqun said, waving his hand.

"He panicked." Liu Zhongwen, who was organizing documents nearby, turned around and laughed.

"Hmm, let's see if he tries to escape or stay. If he dares to escape, he'll die," Li Shiqun said coldly.

"How's White Rose doing?" he asked again.

"This woman is very arrogant."

"She admitted that Xiao Yufeng had told her about Ji Lao's whereabouts, but denied that she had revealed it to anyone, including Wang Xuesen."

"And she repeatedly asked to call Zhang Deqing and her Japanese and American friends."

"This put our interrogation in a very passive position."

Liu Zhongwen said.

Li Shiqun had previously spied on the interrogation through the window. The woman was arrogant and fearless. His intuition told him that Bai Meigui was unlikely to be the one who leaked the information.

"Do you think she's hiding something?" he asked Liu Zhongwen, as was his habit.

"Whether it was a cover-up or not, it seems more appropriate to look at Wang Xuesen."

"White Rose is a well-known socialite; what kind of grand occasion hasn't she seen? It's difficult to fool her, but Wang Xuesen is different."

"He may be smart, but he might not be able to stay calm in a life-or-death crisis."

"director."

"I think you can continue to escalate the tension and create an atmosphere where you won't give up until the case is solved."

"It would be best to invite Master Jinbao's wife over and make a big fuss about it."

"That's the only way to really scare the kid."

Liu Zhongwen offered his suggestions.

"Good plan."

"I will ask my teacher's wife to come over right away, under the pretext of reporting the case to her."

Li Shih-Chun applauded and adopted the proposal on the spot.

……

Five o'clock.

It was almost time to leave work.

Ji Yunqing's widow, Jinbao, wearing a white flower on her chest, led dozens of her gang members to No. 76 in a grand procession.

Wang Xuesen and other department members crowded around the second-floor railing to watch the spectacle.

"Jinbao's wife is here. It seems there should be progress in the case." Ying Ying stood next to Wang Xuesen and whispered.

"White Rose and Little Jade Phoenix must have given us some important clues," someone nearby chimed in.

"Let's break through sooner rather than later, otherwise the Japanese will keep coming here every few days, making everyone panic," another person said.

After watching the spectacle, Wang Xuesen returned to his office without saying a word.

5:30.

Li Shiqun personally helped Jinbao's wife downstairs.

As they passed Wang Xuesen's office, Li Shiqun deliberately raised his voice: "Master's wife, don't worry, the case will be resolved soon, and I will definitely give you a satisfactory answer."

"Yes, Shiqun, your master values ​​you the most. You must avenge him," Jinbao's mistress said, tears streaming down her face.

"Definitely, definitely." Li Shiqun nodded.

As he spoke, his face turned ashen, and he gave Wang Xuesen a cold look.

Wang Xuesen smiled slightly and bowed to him and Jinbao's wife.

After Li Shiqun and his group left.

Wang Xuesen immediately called home: "Wan'er, is everything ready?"

"Um."

"understood."

"good!"

hang up the phone.

Wang Xuesen packed his briefcase and left work as usual.

The real show is about to begin.

Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity for me to infiltrate Li Shiqun's inner circle.

……

night.

Li Shiqun sat on the sofa soaking his feet, while Ye Jiqing massaged his head from behind: "Sigh, I don't know what bad luck I've had lately."

"The high-ranking official with the red ticket has run away."

"And then Wang Tianmu popped up and started stealing credit everywhere. Look at Ding Mocun, that dog's tail is practically wagging in the air."

"We're constantly getting approvals for this or that funding from the Japanese."

"All our homework has been for nothing."

"What's most infuriating is that Wang Xuesen helped Shibuya falsify accounts, resulting in several thousand dollars more being added to the books every month, and I had to swallow my pride and accept it."

"That's absolutely disgusting."

Ye Jiqing muttered to himself from the side.

"Ji Qing, you should be grateful to Wang Xuesen."

"He only does a few thousand dollars of shady business each month. If he does it for ten or twenty thousand, he can just scribble something down, and we'll still have to pay for it, right?" Li Shiqun naturally knew the truth and said with a smile.

"Besides, since you're paying, Shibuya hasn't treated us badly; they've done us a lot of favors."

"The materials we secretly reported to Ding Mocun and the First Department were also truthfully reported to the Military Police and the Mei Agency."

"That's good enough."

He continued to comfort her.

"Hmm, if you put it that way, spending tens of thousands of yuan a year on insurance isn't a bad idea." Ye Jiqing's mood instantly improved.

"By the way, how's that kid Wang Xuesen doing?" she suddenly asked.

"snort."

"He called Su Wanjia in the afternoon."

"It's said that Su Wanjia went to the club and retrieved a suitcase, which most likely contains money and valuables for her escape." Li Shiqun's eyes instantly turned cold.

"Oh no, is he trying to run away?" Ye Jiqing exclaimed in alarm.

"Don't worry, I've already sent Yang Jie to keep an eye on things."

"If he dares to run away, I'll take him to Jinbao's wife and send him to keep my master company."

Li Shiqun said expressionlessly.

"Ah, what a pity." Ye Jiqing was silent for a moment, then suddenly sighed.

"What's a pity?" Li Shiqun asked.

"Stop playing dumb."

"Suspicion aside, we have to admit that this kid is meticulous and discreet in his work, and is indeed a rare talent."

"Let's talk about Shibuya and Tang Huimin."

"They did a great job, and we all benefited from it."

"If you give him an important position, we'll benefit from more than just this."

"After all, being a traitor is not a good thing. The Japanese couldn't even take Changsha, so it's hard to say who will win in the future."

"We have to leave Yunxiang and Yunshu a way out."

"It would be best to make more money, so that even if our family retires to Hong Kong or overseas in the future, we'll have something to live on."

Ye Jiqing started rambling on and on.

"Yes, we need to raise more money, otherwise the Japanese will keep cutting off our funding, and we won't be able to maintain morale."

"Get the company up and running as soon as possible."

"As long as we can get involved in the control and resale of supplies, we'll never have to worry about anything for the rest of our lives."

Li Shiqun strongly agrees with this viewpoint.

"I'd like to."

"Zhang Xiaolin's Hongji Charity Hall was plundering military supplies such as rice, coal, and cotton everywhere, and made a fortune by dumping them into the hands of the Japanese. The Japanese even treated him like their own father."

"Not only was he provided with a bulletproof car, but a military police unit was also set up near his residence to protect him."

"When Elder Ji was still alive, our Sanhetang could at least get a small share of the profits."

"Now that he's gone, even if you set up a company, Zhang Xiaolin will still send people to smash it up."

"No wonder it's such a bad year; nothing goes right."

Ye Jiqing began to complain in annoyance.

"yes."

"Zhang Xiaolin took advantage of the situation and became arrogant and boastful, even publicly declaring: 'Even with the Japanese around, I'll still live a life of luxury.'"

"With Elder Ji dead, he'll become even more lawless. As long as he's in control of the Green Gang, we'll never have a chance to rise up."

Li Shiqun also let out a rare sigh.

How much money can you make just by robbing?

Yu Qiaqing complained to the foreign concession authorities and the Japanese multiple times, and the Japanese were already keeping an eye on these acts of vandalism and looting.

Security in the concessions became increasingly stringent.

Making money is getting harder and harder.

"You say Dai Li is a useless piece of trash? Isn't he supposed to be capable? How come he had such a hard time killing Zhang Xiaolin? He couldn't kill him from either side."

"So annoying."

Ye Jiqing said angrily.

"Alright."

"Wait patiently for the right opportunity; there will always be one."

It's almost ten o'clock.

"If all goes well, Yang Jie should have caught Wang Xuesen by now."

Li Shiqun glanced at the alarm clock on the wall, his tone tinged with regret.

Regardless of whether Wang Xuesen was a spy in Chongqing.

This kid is quite good at accounting and making money, it's a real shame that he failed so badly without even trying to see if they could work together.

"All you do all day is arrest, arrest, arrest. You should focus more on making money and having kids." Ye Jiqing was inexplicably angry and swayed her hips as she walked upstairs.

I just stepped onto the stairs.

The guard came in and reported, "Director, Wang Xuesen requests an audience."

……