[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-spy-survival-guide":3,"chapter-spy-survival-guide-spy-survival-guide-chapter-100":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Spy Survival Guide",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2366416,4634,"Chapter 100: Dai Li's Desperate Counterattack","spy-survival-guide-chapter-100",100,"\u003Cp>Jinhai, the foreign-style mansion on Machang Road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the side parlor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three women were tasting desserts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting at the very head was the long-absent Miss Hu Die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little Hong, come quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Qiuju stood up and, with a beaming smile, welcomed Hong Zhiyou to the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mrs. Wu, Miss Hu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou bowed to pay his respects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong, long time no see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard from Sister Mei that you like Napoleon cake, so Mrs. Zhu Jiu made it especially for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Die picked up a plate of pastries and handed it to Hong Zhiyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little Hong, you truly have great fortune.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Ninth Lady's culinary skills are peerless and rarely shown; if not for Miss Hu speaking up, how would you and I have the luck to taste this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Qiuju flattered him with a smile from the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Miss Hu, Ninth Lady.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou took it and bowed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you thanking me for?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard from Sister Mei that you play mahjong quite well; it just so happens you can accompany us for a few rounds,\" Hu Die said with a charming smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's alright, though certainly not as good as you ladies,\" Hong Zhiyou said politely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four of them started playing as soon as they said they would... playing for real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Basically, Hu Die won every hand of mahjong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them took turns feeding her tiles and letting her win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Hong Zhiyou also fed a few winning tiles to Sister Mei and the Ninth Lady in between.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These women were truly addicted to mahjong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they started, there was no end to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou was not in a hurry either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, this earth-shattering scheme of Ma Hansan was not something a small fry like him could resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the Station Chief's methods, he would certainly be able to stall Ma Hansan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They played until past nine in the evening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after the household servants had prepared a sumptuous dinner did Zhu Jiu suggest stopping the game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You all eat first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's a bit stuffy, I'm going out to get some air.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Die glanced at Secretary Hong, picked up her designer bag, and walked out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou hurriedly followed her out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You left in a hurry last time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That script of yours is quite good; my friends in Xiangdao who make movies are very interested.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Also, that piece 'Autumn Whispers' is excellent; Madame Jiang and Miss Kong both like it very much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they reached a quiet spot, Hu Die lit a slender cigarette and exhaled elegantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although she was a big star.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since she became involved with Dai Li, her popularity had long been far from what it once was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the eyes of socialites like Madame Jiang, she was merely a small fry who curried favor with the powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, ever since she presented this piece at the gala.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Madame Jiang, who had always admired and loved Western music, praised her highly, truly recognized her talent, and took the sheet music.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since then, she had even gone specifically to play for the Madame and exchange thoughts on the piano.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Lingyi even hired her specifically as a piano teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Hu Die, this was something no gold or jewelry could compare to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Boss appreciates your talent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He personally praised you, saying the Juntong Bureau needs a hundred Hong Zhiyous, and he intends to transfer you to the headquarters to take up a post.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The documents might come down in a few days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Die rested her chin in her hand, looking at Hong Zhiyou with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go to the headquarters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Miss Hu, I, I really can't.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm here mixing with the wives' circle, with no worries about food or clothing, and I can scrape together some wealth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I go to the headquarters, there are factions everywhere and nothing but big shots; with my wild temperament, I'll end up causing trouble for the Boss sooner or later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Hong Zhiyou's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly waved his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are such an interesting person; others would be overjoyed to hear they are getting a promotion, so why are you afraid?\" Hu Die asked with a charming smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Miss Hu, you don't know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good music requires a free heart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In Jinhai, I am a fish swimming in the ocean, free and unfettered, with inspiration colliding in my mind from time to time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At the Bureau, I would be tied hand and foot, walking on thin ice every day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let alone creating, I'm afraid I wouldn't even be able to sleep well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said with the sycophantic face of a small-minded man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think so too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's why I blocked it for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are mine; only when you are well can I be well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Die blew a smoke ring and laughed coquettishly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a genius like Hong Zhiyou, once he reached the upper echelons, he would sooner or later become a hot commodity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By then, what would become of her, Hu Die?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Miss Hu is wise!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To be favored by you is a blessing Zhiyou has cultivated over ten lifetimes,\" Hong Zhiyou hurriedly bowed to flatter her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Hu Die wouldn't be stupid enough to let him go to headquarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your mouth is so sweet, no wonder the ladies like you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Flattery alone won't do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have to give me a piece of music from time to time; that request isn't too much, is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Die tapped him lightly with her jade finger and laughed coquettishly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, I'll write one tonight when I go back,\" Hong Zhiyou said happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Hu Die finished her cigarette, perhaps feeling a bit tired, she walked toward a stone bench with her long legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou rushed a few steps ahead and used his sleeve to wipe the bench clean first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Die saw this and liked his cleverness even more; her lips curled into a smile like peach blossoms:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ma Hansan has arrived, hasn't he?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, the Station Chief is having a headache over it,\" Hong Zhiyou replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boss Dai still values Station Chief Wu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's just that right now, his days are not easy either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Chairman has been distant and suspicious lately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone in the world can see the sinister intention of Ma Hansan's 'borrowing a knife to kill,' so how could the Boss not know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh, as for that little business between Ma Hansan and Kawashima Yoshiko...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Die scoffed, clearly not taking Ma Hansan seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I knew the Boss's eyes were all-seeing; I suppose he already has instructions?\" Hong Zhiyou was overjoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ma Hansan is not the issue; the key is the Chairman's attitude.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here are a few photos.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Die took the photos out of her bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou looked at them by the light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were three photos in total.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first one showed two people he didn't recognize.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second one showed several people, and he only recognized one, Ye Ziming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last one was of a young officer talking to a female prisoner in a jail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is?\" Hong Zhiyou asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This one is a photo of Zhi Ying'er meeting secretly with Li Delin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This one is Ye Ziming meeting secretly with Okamura Yasuji's assistant in Shenyang recently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a photograph of Juntong assassin Ye Zhixiang and Kawashima Yoshiko in a Beiping prison.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Die explained indifferently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhi Ying'er?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou had a vague impression of the name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the person in charge of the Japanese Orchid Agency, long responsible for inciting the defection of high-ranking officers like Li, Bai, and Du.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This photograph must appear on Jiang's desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps in the newspapers; Jiang would inevitably become suspicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could this layout by Ma Hansan be targeting his throne on behalf of the Gui Clique?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third one is easy to understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Release the Japanese puppet agents, let the newspapers report it casually, and Ye Zhixiang, who is responsible for the assassination, will surely be exposed to the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the Americans and the Soviets start holding people accountable, Ye Zhixiang's meticulous plan will go down the drain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't understand, isn't Ye Ziming the Boss's trusted aide?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If this is published.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ye Ziming will become the target of public criticism and will surely die.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou asked, puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right, Ye Ziming was the Boss's trusted aide in the past.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Boss intends to compete for the position of Navy Commander.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Key American officials have already given their tacit approval and promised that as long as the Boss takes office, they will vigorously assist in the development of coastal defense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But the Chairman is not happy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chen Bulei has already let out word that he may arrange for Zheng Jiemin to take over the Juntong Bureau in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ye Ziming wants to jump to Zheng Jiemin's camp.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not only that, his reach is too long, and he has taken too many things he shouldn't have.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Therefore, it must be Ye Ziming.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Die sneered as she explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\" Hong Zhiyou felt a chill down his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vortex of power is too terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially with the various immortals at the Jingling headquarters fighting, even someone as glamorous and shrewd as Ye Ziming cannot escape being plotted against.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This photograph of Zhi Ying'er.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Chairman currently does not trust the Boss very much; furthermore, if he goes, it would smack of openly defying the superior's will.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This photograph must be delivered by your Station Chief Wu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Die reminded him, following Dai Li's exact words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Station Chief Wu...\" Hong Zhiyou had a moment of sudden realization:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood, I will go back and immediately notify the Station Chief to fly to Jingling.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Remember, you must say it was bought at a high price from the Red Ticket underground intelligence network,\" Hu Die said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm.\" Hong Zhiyou nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For these two photographs, find some connections and hand them over to the local Red Ticket.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let them publicize them extensively in some of the Democratic League-leaning newspapers in Jingling that have great influence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Firstly, it is a matter of public opinion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secondly, it can also serve as evidence that this information was obtained from the Red Ticket side, distancing the Boss from it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Die whispered her instructions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\" Hong Zhiyou nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked away in a hurry, but after two steps, he turned back, looking at Hu Die in horror:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Miss Hu, do I know too much?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only Boss Dai and I know about the photographs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You purchased the photographs and promptly discovered the collusion between Zhi Ying'er and the Gui Clique; Boss Dai and Station Chief Wu will claim credit for you,\" Hu Die smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm still waiting for your music.\" Seeing his face turn pale, Hu Die added a gentle word of comfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou turned his head and quickly got into the car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting inside the car, he was already covered in cold sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once in the world of intrigue, one is not the master of one's own fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He believed that for such a confidential matter, since Dai Li sent Hu Die, there shouldn't be a fourth person who knows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as he can keep Hu Die satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It won't be long before Boss Dai's plane crashes, Hu Die loses power and leaves the vortex, and he will basically be safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou returned to the station.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong was already as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth with his hands behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Station Chief, Zhiyou is back.\" Yu Zecheng stood by the window and said with great joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Hong Zhiyou walked in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh my, you're finally here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ma Hansan is making a scene.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I really can't handle this 'King Ma' anymore.\" Wu Jingzhong was so anxious he kept clapping his palms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Station Chief, you must handle him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please, take the trouble to go to Jingling and meet Mr. Jianfeng.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou handed the photographs to Wu Jingzhong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhi Ying'er and Li Delin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong narrowed his eyes, and they suddenly lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Miss Hu Die said that Boss Dai still values you,\" Hong Zhiyou smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's great.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You play mahjong well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've played your way out of a desperate situation and played your way into a bright future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong excitedly hammered Hong Zhiyou's chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both were smart men; he and Yu Zecheng exchanged a glance and saw Boss Dai's brilliant move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Zecheng also secretly breathed a sigh of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the photographs are published, the Chairman will be suspicious again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never mind assassinating, Ye Zhixiang will be drowned by the spit of the Democratic League bigwigs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou has performed a monumental service for the Jinhai Station and the Red Ticket organization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is absolutely a heaven-shaking achievement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhiyou, the current trouble is that Ma Hansan wants to take the prisoners and return to Beiping overnight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I drag it out any longer, he'll be rolling up his sleeves to spar with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong still had one major difficulty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Station Chief, isn't the public security in Jinhai not very good recently?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let Zhiyou ask Officer Yang and Colonel Xu to seal off the intersections, just say it's for martial law and inspections.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those slippery guys in the 94th Army are the best at stalling.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dragging it out until dawn is no problem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After you go to Jingling and catch a flight back, there will be plenty of time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Zecheng looked at Hong Zhiyou and suggested with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The 94th Army has always been at odds with our Juntong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They don't even take me, a local, seriously, let alone Ma Hansan, an outsider 'King Ma'.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhiyou, you take the trouble to make another trip to the 94th Army.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zecheng, Yong Jianqiu has vast connections, he knows the Red Ticket.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You go and hand the photographs of Ye Zhixiang and Ye Ziming to him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell their people to be quick.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to see these two photographs on the front page of tomorrow's newspaper.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong thought for a moment and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment of life and death, he couldn't care about what kind of ticket it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Survive first, and don't die by the blades of one's own people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the Green and Red sides have always had overlapping areas, and they keep secrets about things they both understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good, Zhiyou and I will go handle it immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two of them gladly accepted the order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They waited for the two to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong walked quickly to the reception room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Wu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You really are good at making suggestions; you've been suggesting for hours, and now there isn't even a ghost of a shadow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What, is my position as Director really that useless?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Hansan slapped the armrest of the sofa, pointed at Wu Jingzhong with his finger behind his back, and flared up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Ma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look at what you're saying; for matters you, old brother, have entrusted to me, how could I, Jingzhong, dare not do my utmost?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have already ordered Song Mingjie to bring the person; they are right outside in the car.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong raised his hand and smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's more like it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Hansan let out a cold laugh and strode out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Puchen smiled and nodded at Wu Jingzhong, following closely behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Hansan verified the identities against the list, too lazy to even greet Wu Jingzhong, and left in a huff with Wang Puchen and their men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guohua, go to the airport.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong watched the motorcade drive away, immediately tucked the photo away, got in the car, and headed straight for the airport.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>94th Army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhiwu, with a face full of stubble, draped his military uniform over his shoulders, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, watching his soldiers set up a roadblock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Wu, thank you for your hard work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just a small token.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou took out two gold bars and stuffed them over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're being too polite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of friendship do we have? You've already given me plenty when we play cards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For such a trivial matter, you're offering money? What do you take your Brother Wu for?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhiwu laughed heartily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Wu, even close brothers must settle accounts clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One thing is one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you really think highly of your brother, just let me win a few more hands next time we play cards.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou insisted, stuffing the gold bars into his pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You little brother!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Classy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Classy!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhiwu pointed at him and laughed, truly fond of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, I'll let you win next time.\" He shook his military coat and accepted it with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Wu, that is Ma Hansan's motorcade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can you stop them?\" Hong Zhiyou was quite worried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ma Hansan is nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if Li Zongren came, I'd stop him just the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Watch, I'll show you how I handle him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhiwu sneered with disdain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll leave it to you, brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Ma Hansan's motorcade arrived at the intersection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the checkpoint set up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his hand coldly at his secretary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The secretary quickly got out of the car, flashed his credentials, and said to the officer guarding the checkpoint:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am from the Beiping Juntong Bureau office; we have an urgent mission, please let us pass.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which office?\" The officer frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Juntong Bureau office,\" the secretary said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry, the city is under martial law; without orders from Army Commander Mou and Commander Chen, I cannot let you pass,\" the officer said coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The secretary returned to the car window: \"Director Ma, they've imposed martial law to welcome the military mediation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Martial law, my ass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even the Beiping Military Mediation Headquarters hasn't imposed martial law, and this tiny Jinhai Military Mediation branch is putting on airs.\" Ma Hansan was about to lose his temper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Puchen spoke up: \"Director, the 94th Army has always been arrogant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's a waste of time to reason with them; just send them off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Hansan waved his hand, and the secretary took several banknotes from his pocket and walked quickly toward the officer:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Officer, we are in a hurry to return to Beiping on business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A small token, please make it convenient for us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Easy enough, you can go.\" The officer stuffed the money into his pocket and chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, officer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The secretary returned to the car and smiled at Ma Hansan: \"Director, it's done.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The motorcade moved forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the roadblock showed no sign of being cleared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Officer, what's going on?\" the secretary leaned out and shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get out of the car, and I'll let you pass,\" the officer said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, I mean the motorcade,\" the secretary was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You didn't make yourself clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Without orders from the Army Commander and Commander Chen, no passage,\" the officer retorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Playing games on me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Hansan was furious; he got out of the car himself and walked up to the officer with his hands behind his back:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kid, you're not following the rules.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who are you?\" the officer asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am Ma Hansan of Beiping!\" Ma Hansan shouted angrily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, so it's Director Ma.\" The officer hurriedly saluted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Open the gate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can't open it; there are orders from above, Director Ma, please don't make it difficult for me.\" The officer refused to comply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Call your superior over here,\" Ma Hansan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pah!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhiwu spat out his cigarette butt and limped over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's the matter?\" he asked with a rogue's air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am Ma Hansan, let us pass immediately; otherwise, if important business is delayed, you will bear full responsibility.\" Ma Hansan pointed at him, throwing his weight around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Ma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Army Commander Mou and Commander Yang gave the same orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I let one car or one person through, I'll be held responsible too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You tell me who I should listen to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're the King of North China, you've got great ability, why don't you go talk to them yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhiwu squinted at him and sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, I'll shoot you.\" Ma Hansan was incensed and drew his gun, aiming it at Xu Zhiwu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Juntong Bureau was specifically meant to supervise the military.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One had to know that in Beiping, even Li Zongren had to give him face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never expected that in Jinhai, he couldn't even handle a few rogue soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Suit yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zhiwu waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers below all aimed their machine guns and submachine guns at Ma Hansan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying that, he was too lazy to pay any more attention to Ma Hansan and went straight back to his car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Son of a bitch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Hansan was humiliated, his face turning livid with rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forget it, Ma.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are a direct-line ace army; I reckon even finding Chen Zhangjie won't be of any use.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go back to the Jinhai Station first and let Wu Jingzhong resolve it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If that really doesn't work, we can just leave tomorrow morning once the martial law is lifted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Puchen walked over to smooth things over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go, find Wu Jingzhong,\" Ma Han said indignantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They returned to the Jinhai Station reception area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou had already gone back ahead of them to wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong, where is Station Chief Wu?\" Wang Puchen asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Station Chief's high blood pressure flared up, so he went back to rest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Ma, why are you all...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou asked with a look of surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The road to Beiping is under martial law.\" Wang Puchen took out his cigarette case and clicked on a cigarette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's troublesome.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The 94th Army has always been at odds with us; they even beat our men during the matter with the Cao Gang warehouse last time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm afraid that even if we find the Station Chief, it might not be of any use.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said with a helpless expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How about I call Commander Chen?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, at this hour, I'm afraid he...\" Hong Zhiyou added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forget it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Han vaguely knew that this was a trap being set.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his hand and returned to the reception room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Renchu, they are using tactics against us.\" He sat down and drank a few mouthfuls of tea in annoyance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's only one night; what could they possibly accomplish?\" Wang Puchen smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's true.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wu Jingzhong and Chen Zhangjie need to sleep.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Chairman needs to sleep too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter what medicine they are selling in their gourds, or what sinister winds and ghostly fires they are fanning behind our backs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't believe they can turn the world upside down.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Han slammed his teacup down heavily and snorted coldly, refusing to believe in such bad luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3803,"2026-06-25T10:22:48.848Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","459f44497a900c0bf83d622af939a90bcbf1b2c40a4929e5a54e05e3eb148443","spy-survival-guide-chapter-101","spy-survival-guide-chapter-99",395,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fspy-survival-guide-cover.jpg"]