Chapter 117: The Two Speculative Profiteers

In front of the Big Bowl Tea Stall, Lu Cheng sat on the rear seat of a bicycle, his feet on the pedals, watching the passengers coming and going at the tea stall.

"Binzi, your business is doing well, huh."

Zhao Bin placed both hands on the handlebars and said, "Isn't this because of your idea? You don't know, the ownership of our tea stall is very vague; although it belongs to Beijing Station logistics and the Street Office jointly, the Street Office takes the lion's share."

Since the stall's profits improved, my uncle could even hold his head up when he went to the Street Office; he said he's been looking for a chance to treat you to a meal, to thank you in person—how about today?

Lu Cheng thought for a moment and said, "I really don't have time today."

"You don't have time? Nonsense. No time to come over and hang around? No way. I finally caught you today, so this meal is a must."

"Alright, Binzi, our relationship isn't that formal. After a while, let's go ice skating at Shichahai."

"Sure, when the time comes I'll bring my three‑pronged bayonet; if anyone dares to bully us, I'll make them bleed on the spot."

Lu Cheng waved his hand and said, "Just ice skating, no fighting."

Zhao Bin leaned back in surprise and said, "You've really changed, now you want to be a progressive youth. Us backward types should learn from you."

Lu Cheng laughed and scolded, "To hell with you, stop being so sarcastic. Getting to business, for now, don't let Qing Yanjie go to work."

"Why? Things are going fine, why not work?"

"The organization has a mission; she'll be away for a few days. Don't ask."

"Alright, I'll call her over."

Lu Cheng lit a cigarette, and before long, Lin Qingyan stepped out of the tea stall.

"What's up, Lu Cheng? I'm busy—Zhao Bin said you asked for leave on my behalf?"

Lu Cheng looked up at her delicate face and said, "Your eyes are still red."

Lin Qingyan had indeed stayed up late last night, constantly thinking of her parents. She doesn't have great wishes now; she just wants to know their health condition, even a letter would do.

But such a simple request is already a luxury.

"I'm fine; you don't need to ask for leave for me."

"I know you've gotten used to it…" Lu Cheng paused; he was wondering whether to tell Lin Qingyan about the matter he promised Captain Lei.

He thought it over and decided it's better not to say for now.

After all, whether Lin Zhenfeng can be seen, Lei Zhan'ge hasn't guaranteed help; everything depends on the final outcome.

If he said it now and later couldn't retrieve the warship, and Lei Zhan'ge refused to help, wouldn't that just give Lin Qingyan false hope?

People only fear giving hope only to end up with disappointment.

"Hmm? It's like this: I asked you to take leave because I want you to do me a favor."

"Ask me for help? What is it?"

Lu Cheng briefly explained that they need to go to West Germany to purchase a warship and that he wants her to serve as translator for Lei Zhan'ge.

"Going abroad? That's far?"

"Yes, it's important. If you help the Beijing Station Office get this done, it'll be a great merit for me. Then the department might see my outstanding performance and maybe promote me to director; then you'd be the director's wife."

Lin Qingyan couldn't help but laugh, "Hmm, since it's a work matter you need, I can make the trip."

"Agree so readily? Going to West Germany means crossing oceans, a long trek, and we don't know how long negotiations will take—maybe a month before you return. Do you want to think it over? No pressure."

Lin Qingyan shook her head quickly, her gaze firm: "It's fine, no matter how far, I'm willing to go. I'm not afraid of hardship."

Lu Cheng has always helped her; now she has a chance to help Lu Cheng, and Lin Qingyan doesn't hesitate at all.

"Alright, the matter is urgent; Captain Lei wants to depart tomorrow. I've told Binzi that she doesn't need to work during this period."

Lu Cheng thought of anything else to tell: "By the way, she'll probably have to take a plane. Don't be scared; that thing isn't that frightening…"

Lin Qingyan's mouth lifted in a smile, "I rode one when I was a child; you don't need to worry."

Lu Cheng tapped his head, "Right, you're a young lady, you have more experience than us common folk; my concern is unnecessary. Fine, go home and get ready today; I have other business, see you later."

"Take it easy…"

Lu Cheng hopped onto his bicycle and waved.

He bought a few sesame cakes on the street and strolled to the Railway Bureau's temporary detention area for suspects.

"Hey, young comrade, no parking here," the old guard at the door shouted from the window.

"Sir, I'm from the Jingzhan Transit Police," Lu Cheng said, securing his bicycle and handing over a cigarette.

"Oh, a fellow, then you can park here; I'll watch over it for you."

"Sir, I'm not good at parking; I just want to ask you something. There are two southerners involved in Speculative Profiteering; when can they be released?"

The old man tilted his head, thought for a moment, put on his reading glasses, and flipped through the logbook.

"Southerners? I recall the disciplinarian gave a prior note… Look, found it: it's at two in the afternoon."

Lu Cheng craned his neck for a glance: one named Ding Shitou, the other Ding Yuanmin.

"Got it, Sir, thank you. I'll wait outside for a while, won't disturb your work."

The old man looked at the chilly weather outside and said, "No problem, come in and wait; there's a stove inside."

Lu Cheng didn't hold back, smoked and chatted with the old man; time passed quickly, and an hour later, a disciplinarian in a blue uniform entered the Grand Courtyard, followed by two people.

When the disciplinarian saw Lu Cheng, the two nodded to each other as a greeting, then had the two sign a document and released them.

Lu Cheng stepped out and called, "Hey, you two, wait a moment."

The two turned, and Ding Yuanmin asked, "Comrade, who are you?"

Lu Cheng tossed the remaining two sesame cakes over, "If you don't come out soon, I'll finish them. They're by the stove, still warm—eat while hot."

The two took the cakes but didn't eat, looking puzzled, "Comrade, we don't know each other, do we?"

"I'm from the Beijing Station Police; I need to consult you about something."

Hearing Lu Cheng's identity, the two dared not eat any more.

"No way, Comrade Police Officer, we've already given all the statements, and you seized the goods. We only sold a few cotton caps; why are you still hanging onto us?"

"Yes, Comrade, we're just trying to make a living, not smuggling contraband. We wouldn't do that kind of illegal thing…"

Lu Cheng waved his hand: "You two don't need to be nervous; I'm also acting on someone's request. There's a person named Li Minghao, you know him, right."

The two exchanged a glance and said in unison, "Hao Ge?"

Lu Cheng reached into his pocket and said, "You two just came out, the money on you has already been paid as a fine; here's five yuan for your travel fare."

Ding Shitou took the money, looked around at no one, leaned forward and whispered, "Returning the money? Then you're one of Hao Ge's people, that's great."

Ding Yuanmin was also pleased, because to smuggle his hometown company's goods for sale, Li Minghao devised a plan to cooperate with a Train Police on the train.

In other words, give some perks, pull a Train Police into the scheme, and then use the officer's authority to open a convenient gateway for them.