Chapter 102: The scheming man Liu Shan

"Hey, why don't I like hearing you say that!

"You weren't here.

"Furniture, your sister's schooling, eating, drinking, and shitting—wasn't it all my Old Yu running around busy taking care of it?

"Not saying you're grateful, but you're nagging.

"What's the matter, Secretary Hong, do you want to spar?"

Cuiping, who was watering the vegetables with a manure scoop, was unhappy; she threw the scoop and rolled up her sleeves.

"Sister-in-law, don't misunderstand.

"I'm just afraid of troubling Old Yu, aren't I?"

Hong Zhiyou didn't dare to spar with her and hurriedly apologized and softened his tone.

"Let me tell you, don't go too far.

"To get your sister into Nankai, my Old Yu didn't spend little money.

"Old Yu is easy to talk to, but I'm not used to you!

"If you provoke me, I'll shave your head!"

Cuiping compared her fists to him and scolded him fiercely.

"Yes, yes."

Hong Zhiyou admitted defeat and nodded:

"Sister-in-law, make a list later, I'll pay it all at once."

"That's more like it." Cuiping said.

Second floor.

Yu Zecheng hid behind the curtains, watching the play happily.

Hong Xiaohui was young, full of energy, and had ideals.

The organization needed fresh blood.

Campuses were important propaganda and public opinion fronts.

Now that the country was liberated, the competition between the Blue and Red sides for campuses and the youth front was extremely fierce; they indeed needed ambitious young students like Hong Xiaohui.

But ever since Hong Zhiyou was determined not to get into the water, Yu Zecheng had cut off thoughts in this regard.

He didn't want to provoke Hong Zhiyou.

Everyone had their own principles and bottom lines.

Yu Zecheng had no intention of using Hong's family as leverage.

Such stupid things would only make him completely lose a friend he could entrust his life to.

He worked hard to help Hong Xiaohui.

It was purely to do what he could to repay Hong Zhiyou.

"Zhiyou is back."

Seeing that the argument was about enough, Yu Zecheng walked downstairs quickly to greet him.

"Can you be any more shameless?"

Hong Zhiyou pulled Yu Zecheng aside and said unhappily.

"You're overthinking it.

"Nankai is the best university in Jinhai; is there a problem with your sister going in to learn knowledge and culture?" Yu Zecheng explained.

"Your faction is there." Hong Zhiyou said.

"So what?

"Who says that people who study must choose a side?

"She can totally just focus on academics, like Bing Xin and the others."

Yu Zecheng argued.

"You..."

Hong Zhiyou originally wanted to argue a few more sentences.

Then he thought:

Damn it, am I sick?

Why care so much about Hong Xiaohui.

Let her go parade if she wants.

If she becomes a target, I... can collect the corpse.

"Forget it, let's talk business, I need a favor." Hong Zhiyou waved his hand and changed the subject.

"What is it?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"Go wipe out the Nanfeng Company, arrest a few people and lock them up for ten days or half a month, and let them out after paying a fine.

"Make up any excuse.

"Once it's done, five hundred US dollars."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"These are all small matters.

"Why talk about money between us?" Yu Zecheng laughed.

"Don't!

"Old Yu, from now on, let's only talk about money between us."

Hong Zhiyou glared at him, counted a few banknotes, and stuffed them into Yu Zecheng's shirt pocket.

Nanfeng Company had already been investigated by Liu Xiong.

It would be very troublesome if Ma Kui kept an eye on it again.

Moreover, this was a matter personally pointed out by the Station Chief, it absolutely could not be delayed.

This was a matter of attitude.

No matter how good the relationship and human feelings are, one must never get arrogant.

Otherwise, one won't go far.

As the two were chatting, a woman in her early fifties, looking honest and dependable, walked out of the small house:

"Director Yu, your leather shoes are polished."

"Thanks, Liu Ma." Yu Zecheng laughed.

"Ma'am, you rest for a while, let me do it."

Liu Ma couldn't stay idle and went to Cuiping's side to help out.

"Fine.

"You come water the vegetables, be careful not to trip.

"It's mealtime, I have to cook."

Cuiping smiled readily and handed the manure scoop to Liu Ma.

"Who is this?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a frown.

"Arranged by the Station Chief, said it's to help Cuiping and your mom.

"Usually, she helps wash quilts and brush shoes.

"Besides that, there's another task: specifically to accompany your mom to chat; she's a local, knows Jinhai like the back of her hand."

Yu Zecheng lowered his voice and said.

"What about Zhou Yafu?"

"Back to the station."

"The Station Chief still has a bit of human touch, huh?" Hong Zhiyou sneered.

"Of course, he must arrange things clearly for both of us."

Yu Zecheng laughed with tacit understanding.

Hong Zhiyou knew that Liu Ma must be an experienced operative.

Compared to Zhou Yafu, she could get closer to his family and Cuiping.

To probe for more favorable intelligence.

To put it bluntly, Wu Jingzhong was suspicious by nature and would never truly trust anyone.

Even him, this "son-in-law."

"Military mediation is coming soon; I heard that during the time we were away, the Station Chief and Lu Qiaoshan made many moves.

"I'm currently blind, and being guarded against by the Station Chief.

"Ma Kui has to come back today too.

"The situation is not good, Zhiyou, you have to help me out."

Yu Zecheng pulled him to the corner and started whispering.

"Can't help.

"I have elders above and a sister below.

"Matters of losing one's head, play by yourself."

Hong Zhiyou refused without even thinking.

They chatted for a while.

Then they heard the crisp ringing of a bicycle bell.

Hong Xiaohui and a boy with acne on his face and thick eyebrows and big eyes walked in side by side.

"Xiaohui, quick, your brother is back.

"Haven't seen him for two or three years, hurry up and get warm."

He Yinfeng greeted them hurriedly.

Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng walked over.

Xiaohui was about 1.6 meters tall, her figure slightly lean, but as a Jiangnan person, her skin was snow-white, her features lively, barely qualifying as clear and beautiful.

"Brother, you've become better looking.

"I remember you used to have a crew cut, yellow and black, now you look like a city person."

Hong Xiaohui jumped to Hong Zhiyou's side, gesturing and looking at him with joy.

"That's right, slightly better than your boyfriend.

"Who is this?"

Hong Zhiyou touched her head and looked at the boy with a smile.

"Brother, what are you saying.

"This is my senior, his name is Liu Shan."

Hong Xiaohui introduced him innocently.

"Mr. Hong, hello." Liu Shan bowed respectfully.

"Liu Shan?

"Hmm, it's indeed shining enough.

"Shan, there's a sugarcane seller across the street; when you bring my sister back tomorrow, invite me for two stalks."

Hong Zhiyou patted his shoulder and laughed.

"Mr. Hong, you like eating sugarcane?

"Easy, I'll go buy it now."

Liu Shan knew how to handle things and turned to leave.

"No need, just a joke.

"Want one?"

Hong Zhiyou took out a cigarette and handed him one.

"Thank you, Mr. Hong." Liu Shan took it with both hands and thanked him with a bow.

"Senior, don't you not smoke?" Hong Xiaohui asked curiously.

"I..." Liu Shan's face turned red, feeling a bit awkward.

"Men, you know.

"Smoking, drinking, perming hair, you have to have a bit of everything.

"I'll light it for you."

Hong Zhiyou took out a lighter, lit it, and handed it over.

Liu Shan leaned in and took a puff, very unaccustomed to it.

He coughed straight away.

Hong Zhiyou tried it and knew this kid was aiming for him.

He is calculating and shrewd.

It's just that his acting was slightly clumsy, lacking experience.

"It's mealtime, let's eat together." Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"No... no need."

Liu Shan was a bit tempted and hesitant.

"Fine, come often in the future." Hong Zhiyou didn't keep him.

"Xiaohui, how did you meet?"

After Liu Shan left, he asked.

"Senior Liu received me when I entered school.

"He's a very good person, also a cadre in the student union, said he wanted to introduce me to join."

Hong Xiaohui had a good impression of Liu Shan.

"Are you eighteen this year?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"Passed last week, you weren't home.

"Senior Liu even bought me a foreign small cake, it was delicious."

Hong Xiaohui shook her head, extremely happy.

"Eighteen, huh.

"Then do whatever, just be happy."

Hong Zhiyou watched Liu Shan's back, a playful smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

He would rather Xiaohui play with this "high-level mole."

At least the Station Chief and all parties would give some face and be able to cover her.

Mixing with Old Yu.

Heh, who knows where her head would fall.

After chatting for a few moments, the brother and sister went inside.

Soon it was mealtime.

In the courtyard, two earthen stoves.

Cuiping and He Yinfeng were making a clattering noise with pots and pans, Liu Ma was helping on the left and right, and the air was full of the lively atmosphere of life.

"Son, eat.

"Today there's potato stewed with braised pork, and also..."

Soon, his mother, He Yinfeng, served several big dishes.

She kept putting food into Hong Zhiyou's bowl.

"Mom, you're too biased." Hong Xiaohui pouted on the side.

"Your brother hasn't been home for three years.

"I have to cherish him, besides, without your brother, would we have the good life we have now?"

He Yinfeng glared at her ignorant daughter.

"I... where's Dad?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Say no more.

"Ever since he moved into Mr. Wu's big house, your dad can't tell east from west.

"Those people in your unit take him out to brothels, smoke opium, and gamble every day.

"Who knows where he's having fun right now."

He Yinfeng sighed.

"Brother, that Uncle Wu gave Dad a lot of silver dollars and gold bars.

"Hmph, men turn bad when they have money.

"Before coming, he told us nicely that coming here was to urge you to start a family and help look after children.

"Now he goes to brothels every day, who knows when we'll have to look after children for him."

Hong Xiaohui mentioned her dad, also full of complaints.

"Fine.

"Suffered for a lifetime, half his body is in the grave, can't we let him enjoy himself.

"Let him smoke, gamble, and visit brothels.

"And you, Mom, let Liu Ma take you to the best shops to buy a few good clothes.

"When idle, go to the Shengping Theater to listen to operas, go to the Hongqiao Teahouse to listen to crosstalk, or play mahjong.

"Your son is not short of money."

Hong Zhiyou took out his wallet, counted a thick stack of banknotes, and handed them to her.

He had only one thought.

Don't cause trouble, especially don't get dragged into the water by Old Yu; spending a bit of money is just a drizzle.

"Yo, my son has really become successful.

"Fine, he plays, I play too.

"Starting today, I'll dress up and be a rich lady for once."

He Yinfeng took the money and said happily.

After eating.

Hong Zhiyou said goodbye and went back to the station to work.

He Yinfeng looked at the leftovers on the table, and the smile on her face gradually solidified.

Coming to Jinhai this time.

She clearly felt that her son was distant, his eyes revealing a coldness that made people palpitate.

He used to love potato stewed with braised pork the most.

But today, he didn't eat a single potato.

And the cold eggplant with cilantro.

Zhiyou used to not touch cilantro at all.

But he ate it with great relish.

Could it be that after entering a big city, his taste changed too?

Really evil!

Liu Shan rode his bicycle, leaned it in a corner, and went straight into Xie Ruolin's house.

As soon as he entered, Xie Ruolin was eating steaming dumplings.

"Uncle." Liu Shan called out.

"What uncle, we're relatives eight poles away.

"Come, eat a bit together."

Xie Ruolin divided a plate for him and poured some soy sauce and vinegar.

"How's the romance going?" he asked with a smile.

"Pretty good, Xiaohui has a good impression of me." Liu Shan said while eating dumplings in big mouthfuls.

"Not good enough.

"Women, especially... virgin girls, are all valuable goods.

"You must take her down as soon as possible to be secure.

"There's a saying... what was it, first love is the most unforgettable.

"You have to use methods; only what you eat into your mouth is fragrant."

Xie Ruolin laughed and drank a mouthful of dumpling soup.

"Uncle, I'll listen to you, I'll strive to take Xiaohui down as soon as possible." Liu Shan said with a flushed face.

"Let me tell you.

"If you become Secretary Hong's brother-in-law, you can play with whatever you want in Jinhai, black or white.

"Want to go to which department, go to which department.

"Money, you'll be scooping it until your hands are soft.

"By then, maybe Uncle will have to mix with you."

Xie Ruolin knew Hong Zhiyou's strength far better than others.

"Hmm.

"Also thanks to Uncle's guidance, otherwise who would know this village girl Hong Xiaohui has such a big background, letting me pick up a leak." Liu Shan nodded and laughed dryly.

"How about it, have you met Secretary Hong?" Xie Ruolin asked.

"Met him.

"He even gave me a cigarette and told me to come to his house often to play." Liu Shan said excitedly.

"Not... not right." Xie Ruolin frowned and shook his head.

"Why not right?" Liu Shan's smile stalled, a bit panicked.

"Logically speaking.

"Secretary Hong should be picking at you."

Xie Ruolin's eyeballs rolled suspiciously, then he said again:

"Of course, maybe you kid are clever and have an eye for people.

"Secretary Hong saw your potential.

"In a word, you must perform well and grasp this wealth that falls from the sky."

"Yes, Uncle.

"I'm full, I still have to go to Mr. Zhou's house to tutor his little daughter, I'm leaving first." Liu Shan stuffed the last dumpling into his mouth and stood up to leave.

"Mr. Zhou, which Mr. Zhou." Xie Ruolin asked.

"It's Zhou Yunyi from the Education Bureau, Section Chief Zhou.

"His daughter wants to take the university entrance exam.

"I go to their house to tutor every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday night, two silver dollars a week."

Liu Shan said quite proudly.

He was a famous top student at Nankai.

Otherwise, how could he be recommended by the school director to Mr. Zhou to be a tutor.

"Fine, go." Xie Ruolin waved his hand.

A mere section chief, and in the education sector.

No oil or water, not worth his attention.

Two o'clock in the afternoon.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the station.

As soon as he entered, he saw Old Wang from the General Affairs Department nailing a sign with a hammer.

Ma Kui, who hadn't been seen for a long time, in a trench coat and black round hat, was watching with his hands behind his back.

"Captain Ma?"

Hong Zhiyou feigned surprise.

"Brother, how's my new office?" Ma Kui raised his hand proudly.

"Headquarters Supervision Special Office.

"Impressive!

"Much brighter than the Action Team." Hong Zhiyou praised.

"Of course.

"Boss Dai personally appointed me, Director Mao specially dispatched me."

Ma Kui smiled, lowered his voice, and sneered coldly:

"Jinhai Station, Military Police Enforcement Team, I have the right to mobilize freely.

"Anyone who wants to block me again, no way."

"Understood, Imperial Sword!" Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"In this station, I'm most compatible with you.

"Adi told me that you take good care of him.

"I treat you as a brother, you just obediently watch the show on the side." Ma Kui laughed.

"Fine, watching the show is best.

"Just don't drag me in, thanks, brother."

Hong Zhiyou greeted him and came to the reception table outside the station chief's office.

Station Chief's office.

Lu Qiaoshan took out a list and handed it to Wu Jingzhong:

"Station Chief, the Youth Army intends to develop a batch of people to go to the Political University and Group School for annual training; this is the list I picked, please take a look."

"You handle it."

Wu Jingzhong scanned it and said again:

"Has the female opium smoker surnamed Lin you were watching last time been investigated clearly?"

"Investigated clearly.

"Her name is Lin Tao, she used to be a nurse at the Eighth Route Army Logistics Hospital.

"In '44, she was injured fighting the devils.

"Later she returned to Jinhai.

"Her husband is the Personnel Section Chief of the Education Bureau, named Zhou Yunyi; his handwriting is said to be good, and he has a good relationship with the Democratic League."

Lu Qiaoshan said.

"This person must be focused on and guarded against.

"Wang Puchen sent me a secret telegram; Ma Hansan caught a big fish, said to be the secretary of a certain key figure in the Beiyang underground.

"Now the person has been turned by Ma Hansan, and is deeply embedded.

"This person revealed that he had seen Zhou Yunyi.

"You first control Lin Tao, then secretly arrest Zhou Yunyi, and strive to turn him to fish out all the big fish in Jinhai.

"If there's not enough manpower, you can find Ma Kui."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Station Chief, finding him, he's a special commissioner, isn't that inappropriate?" Lu Qiaoshan smiled unnaturally.

"Ma Kui is stupid, but he is active in catching the Red side.

"I'll tell you the truth.

"Director Mao wants to handle this matter personally; in case Ma Kui can't get anything out, or fails, he can take the blame, understand?"

Wu Jingzhong narrowed his eyes, frowned, and sneered in a low voice.

"Understood, I'll go find Old Ma right now." Lu Qiaoshan nodded.

"Go."

Wu Jingzhong said.

He was passive about investigating Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou.

But Wu Jingzhong spared no effort in catching the Red side.

Boss Dai didn't trust him as much as before.

It was time to show his face in front of the boss.

"Director Lu, leave me a cup of coffee later." Seeing Lu Qiaoshan come out, Hong Zhiyou whispered.

"Always at your service."

Lu Qiaoshan liked this god of wealth the most; as long as he was looking for him, there was good news.

"Secretary Hong."

Wu Jingzhong called out from inside.

"Station Chief." Hong Zhiyou walked in.

"No rush, eat something first.

"Ruirui made it for you.

"Called fruit scoop, put a bunch of messy things in it.

"I was originally sleeping at home today.

"Look, for this scoop of yours, I was forced to come to work."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him and smiled dotingly.

Hong Zhiyou made a move and cut off the chaos in Xiangdao for him.

Ruirui was now carrying a large amount of savings in her pocket.

The antiques had also been transported back to the winery.

Wu Jingzhong liked this "son-in-law" from the bottom of his heart.

"Thank you, Station Chief." Hong Zhiyou said.

Can't say, Ruirui's craftsmanship was not bad; the cream and red bean paste were added just right, sweet but not greasy.

"Zhiyou, since you're back, that club business should be picked up and operated."

Wu Jingzhong hugged his arms and laughed on the side.

"Station Chief, the military mediation is having a meeting tonight, I have to share your worries, let's put the club aside for now."

Hong Zhiyou truly wanted to cry.

He had been back for two days, and hadn't even found time to meet Wanqiu.

And now he was being urged to operate.

"Look, you can't distinguish primary from secondary.

"Your official business is mainly with those ladies in the club, and secondly in the station.

"Go to the military mediation if you should.

"Women, it's just a matter of taking time, playing a round of mahjong doesn't take long.

"You have to support the work!

"To tell you the truth, day after day without... I'm panicking in my heart.

"I've long been tired of looking at the ones at home.

"Put your heart into it."

Wu Jingzhong frowned and rubbed his fingers, feeling he didn't understand the taste.

"But Ruirui is still here." Hong Zhiyou suspected Old Wu was testing him.

"Men.

"Career is the most important thing.

"You accompany her every day, and you won't produce old goods.

"If you open your mouth later, it'll be over a hundred thousand; will you pay, or will I pay?"

Wu Jingzhong sneered vulgarly.

"Fine.

"With your words, I'm at ease.

"I'll go play mahjong now."

Hong Zhiyou stood up and said.

"Pass through ten thousand flowers, keep a good woman in your heart, just have a count." Wu Jingzhong patted him again.

"Yes."

Sure enough, in Old Wu's heart, money was always the most important thing.

"By the way, take this list of hall personnel to Captain Ma.

"Most of his previous personnel have been replaced.

"Communicate, to avoid trouble in scheduling."

Wu Jingzhong stood up and took out a document to hand to Hong Zhiyou.

"Station Chief, let Captain Ma come get it himself.

"I'll still specialize in the club.

"When Section Chief Liu was here, he scared me.

"I don't want to touch these things that are easy to leak secrets."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and refused.

"Not bad, this is the awareness you should have.

"Go."

Wu Jingzhong nodded in appreciation.

Hong Zhiyou breathed a sigh of relief in secret.

Monitoring and personnel arrangements were mainly the responsibility of Lu Qiaoshan.

It was not difficult for Yu Zecheng to find out these lists.

By now, he should have already leaked the intelligence to the higher-ups.

At tonight's meeting, Old Wu would leak his butt again.

At this time, one more look would mean getting into trouble.

Let Old Ma carry the pot.

Anyway, his blood is thick enough!

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 103 =====