Chapter 102: The Scheming Man Liu Shan

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

"You aren't around."

"The furniture, your sister's schooling, food and drink—isn't that all my old Yu running around taking care of everything?"

"Instead of being grateful, you're nagging."

"What is it, Secretary Hong, do you want to spar?"

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

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

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

Hong Zhiyou dared not spar with her and quickly offered a fawning apology.

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

"To get your sister into Nankai, my old Yu spent no small amount of money."

"Old Yu is easygoing, but I won't put up with you!"

"If you push me too far, I'll chop your head off!"

Cuiping shook her fist at him and scolded him fiercely.

"Yes, yes."

Hong Zhiyou nodded, admitting defeat:

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

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

Second floor.

Yu Zecheng hid behind the curtains, watching the show with a happy smile.

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

The organization needed fresh blood.

Campuses were important fronts for propaganda and public opinion.

Now that the country had been recovered, the struggle between the two sides for control of campuses and the youth front was extremely intense; they truly needed ambitious young students like Hong Xiaohui.

But ever since Hong Zhiyou had made up his mind not to get involved, Yu Zecheng had cut off those thoughts.

He did not 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 a stupid move would only cause him to completely lose a friend he could trust with his life.

He was helping Hong Xiaohui with all his might.

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

"Zhiyou is back."

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

"Can you be any more shameless?"

Hong Zhiyou pulled Yu Zecheng to the side and said irritably.

"You're overthinking it."

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

"Your people have their factions there," Hong Zhiyou said.

"So what?"

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

"She can perfectly well just focus on her studies, like Bing Xin and the others."

Yu Zecheng argued.

"You..."

Hong Zhiyou wanted to argue a few more sentences.

Then he had a second thought:

Damn it, am I sick?

Why do I care so much about Hong Xiaohui?

Let her go parade in the streets if she wants.

If she becomes a target for the firing squad, well... I can just collect the body.

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

"What is it?" Yu Zecheng asked.

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

"Make up any excuse you want."

"Get it done, five hundred dollars."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"That's a small matter."

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

"Don't!"

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

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

The Nanfeng Company had already been investigated by Liu Xiong.

It would be very troublesome if Ma Kui set his sights on it again.

Besides, this was a matter personally requested by the Station Chief; it absolutely could not be delayed.

This was a matter of attitude.

No matter how good the relationship or personal favors were, one must never get carried away.

Otherwise, one wouldn't go far.

As the two were chatting, a woman in her early fifties with an honest and simple appearance walked out of the small room:

"Director Yu, your leather shoes are polished."

"Thanks, Liu Ma," Yu Zecheng smiled.

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

Liu Ma couldn't stay idle and went over to crowd around Cuiping.

"Fine."

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

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

Cuiping gave a cheerful smile and handed the manure scoop to Liu Ma.

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

"The Station Chief arranged for her to come, saying it's to help Cuiping and your mother with chores."

"Usually, she helps wash quilts and brush shoes."

"Besides that, she has another task: to specifically chat with your mother. She's a local and knows Jinhai like the back of her hand."

Yu Zecheng lowered his voice and said.

"What about Zhou Yafu?"

"He went back to the station."

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

"Of course, he has to make sure everything is clearly arranged for both of us."

Yu Zecheng smiled with a tacit understanding.

Hong Zhiyou knew that Liu Ma was definitely an experienced operative.

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

She could gather more favorable intelligence.

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

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

"The military mediation is coming soon. I heard that while we were away, the Station Chief and Lu Qiaoshan made many moves."

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

"Ma Kui is also coming back today."

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

Yu Zecheng pulled him to the corner of the wall and whispered.

"I can't help."

"I have elders above and a younger sister below."

"You can play your own games involving heads on the chopping block."

Hong Zhiyou refused directly without even thinking.

They chatted for a while.

Then the crisp sound of a bicycle bell was heard.

Hong Xiaohui walked in side-by-side with a boy who had acne on his face and thick eyebrows with large eyes.

"Xiaohui, hurry, your brother is back."

"Haven't seen him in two or three years, go and warm up to him."

He Yinfeng hurriedly greeted them.

Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng walked over.

Xiaohui was about one meter sixty, her figure slightly lean, but as a southerner, her skin was snow-white and her features were lively; she could barely be considered pretty.

"Brother, you've become better looking."

"I remember you used to have a buzz cut, yellow and dark, but now you look like a city person."

Hong Xiaohui hopped over to Hong Zhiyou, gesturing as she spoke, looking at him with endless joy.

"That's true, a bit better than your boyfriend."

"Who is this?"

Hong Zhiyou patted 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 with innocent naivety.

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

"Liu Shan?"

"Hmm, it is indeed quite shining."

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

Hong Zhiyou patted his shoulder and laughed.

"Mr. Hong, you like eating sugarcane?"

"Easy, I'll go buy some right now."

Liu Shan was very eager to please 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 bowed in gratitude.

"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, and perming hair, you've got to have a bit of it all."

"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 drag, clearly unaccustomed to it.

He choked and coughed straight away.

With one test, Hong Zhiyou knew this kid was aiming for him.

He had schemes and depth.

It was just that his acting was a bit clumsy, lacking the right touch.

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

"No... no thanks."

Liu Shan was tempted and hesitant.

"Alright then, come often in the future." Hong Zhiyou didn't press him.

"Xiaohui, how did you meet?"

Once Liu Shan left, he asked.

"Senior Liu received me when I entered school."

"He's a very good person and an official in the student union; he said he wants 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.

"I had my birthday last week, you weren't home."

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

Hong Xiaohui shook her head, extremely happy.

"Eighteen, huh."

"Then do as you please, 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 various parties would give some face and be able to protect her.

Hanging out with old Yu.

Heh, who knows where her head might end up.

After chatting for a few sentences, the siblings went inside.

Soon it was mealtime.

In the courtyard, there were two earthen stoves.

Cuiping and He Yinfeng were making a clattering noise with pots and pans, while Liu Ma helped from the side; the atmosphere was lively and full of domestic warmth.

"Son, eat."

"Today we have potato stewed with braised pork, and also..."

Soon, Mother He Yinfeng served several large dishes.

She kept piling food into Hong Zhiyou's bowl.

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

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

"I have to dote on him, don't I? Besides, without your brother, would we have the good life we have now?"

He Yinfeng glared at her ignorant daughter.

"I... where is Dad?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Don't even mention it."

"Ever since we moved into Mr. Wu's big house, your dad can't tell north from south anymore."

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

"He's probably out having a grand time somewhere right now."

He Yinfeng sighed and said.

"Brother, that Uncle Wu gave our dad lots of silver dollars and gold bars."

"Hmph, men go bad when they have money."

"Before we came, he told us everything would be fine, saying he came over to urge you to start a family and help look after the kids."

"Now he visits brothels every day; who knows, one day we might even have to look after his kids for him."

Hong Xiaohui also had a bellyful of complaints when mentioning her father.

"Alright."

"He's suffered his whole life, half his body is already in the grave, can't we let him enjoy himself a bit?"

"Let him smoke, gamble, and go out."

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

"When you're free, go to the Shengping Theater to listen to operas, go to the Hongqiao Teahouse to listen to crosstalk, or play some mahjong."

"Your son isn't short on 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 go looking for trouble, especially don't get dragged into the water by old Yu; spending a little money is just a drizzle.

"Oh, my son has really made something of himself."

"Fine, if he plays, I'll play too."

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

He Yinfeng took the money and said happily.

After the meal.

Hong Zhiyou said his goodbyes and went back to the station to work.

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

This time coming to Jinmen.

She clearly felt her son had grown distant, his eyes revealing a coldness that made her heart tremble.

He used to love eating potato stewed with braised pork most of all.

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

There was also cold-tossed eggplant, which had cilantro in it.

Hong Zhiyou used to not touch even a bit of cilantro.

Yet he ate it with great relish.

Could it be that after entering the big city, even his tastes have changed along with it?

It's truly bizarre!

……

Liu Shan rode his bicycle, leaned it against a corner, and went straight into Xie Ruo's home.

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

"Uncle," Liu Shan called out.

"What 'uncle,' we're not even remotely related.

"Come, eat a bit together."

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

"How is the dating going?" he asked with a smile.

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

"That won't do.

"Women, especially... innocent maidens, they are all... valuable goods.

"You have to 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 truly fragrant."

Xie Ruo smiled and took a sip of dumpling soup.

"Uncle, I'll listen to you, I'll strive to take down Xiao Hui as soon as possible," Liu Shan said, his face turning red.

"Let me tell you.

"If you become Secretary Hong's brother-in-law, then in Jinhai, the black and the white... you can just play around as you please.

"You can go to whichever department you want to go to.

"Money, you'll even rake it in until your hands go soft.

"By then, Uncle might even have to hang around you."

Xie Ruo was far clearer than others about Hong Zhiyou's strength.

"Mm.

"It's also thanks to Uncle's guidance, otherwise who would have known this village girl Hong Xiaohui had such a big background, letting me pick up a bargain," Liu Shan nodded and laughed dryly.

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

"Met him.

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

"That... that's not right," Xie Ruo frowned and shook his head.

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

"Logically speaking.

"Secretary Hong should be picking at you."

Xie Ruo's eyeballs rolled suspiciously, then he added:

"Of course, perhaps you, kid, are clever and have a good look about you.

"Secretary Hong has taken a fancy to your potential.

"In a word, you must perform well and grasp this heaven-sent wealth."

"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, stood up, and left.

"Mr. Zhou, which Mr. Zhou?" Xie Ruo asked.

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

"His daughter is going 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 have been recommended by the school director to Mr. Zhou to be a tutor?

"Fine, go ahead," Xie Ruo waved his hand.

A mere section chief, and in the education sector at that.

There's no profit in it, not worth his attention.

……

Two o'clock in the afternoon.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the station.

Just as he entered the door, he saw Old Wang from the General Affairs Office holding a hammer and nailing up a sign.

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

"Captain Ma?"

Hong Zhiyou feigned surprise.

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

"Headquarters Inspection Special Mission Office.

"Impressive!

"It's much brighter than the Action Team," Hong Zhiyou praised.

"That goes without saying.

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

Ma Kui smiled, lowered his voice, and sneered:

"Jinhai Station, Gendarmerie Enforcement Team, I have the right to freely dispatch them.

"Whoever wants to block me again, there's no chance."

"Understood, the Imperial Sword!" Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.

"In this station, I feel a kinship with you.

"Adi told me that you have taken good care of her.

"I treat you as a brother, so you just obediently watch the good show from the sidelines," Ma Kui laughed.

"Sure, watching a show is best.

"Just don't drag me into it, thank you, brother."

Hong Zhiyou exchanged greetings and came to the reception desk 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 group of people to go to the Political University and the Youth Corps for annual training. This is the list I selected, please take a look."

"You handle it."

Wu Jingzhong glanced at it and added:

"Have you finished investigating that female smoker with the surname Lin you were watching last time?"

"Finished investigating.

"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 Japanese.

"Later she returned to Jinhai.

"Her husband is the Personnel Section Chief of the Education Bureau, named Zhou Yunyi; it is said he writes well and has a good relationship with the Democratic League."

Lu Qiaoshan said.

"This person must be monitored as a priority.

"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 Beiping underground.

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

"This person revealed that he had met 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 you don't have enough manpower, you can find Ma Kui."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Station Chief, finding him—he is a Special Commissioner, wouldn't that be inappropriate?" Lu Qiaoshan smiled unnaturally.

"Ma Kui may be stupid, but he is active in catching Red tickets.

"I'll tell you the truth.

"Director Mao wants to handle this personally. If Ma Kui fails to dig anything up or messes it up, he can take the blame. Understand?"

Wu Jingzhong narrowed his eyes, frowning as he let out a low, cold laugh.

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

"Go on."

Wu Jingzhong said.

He was passive about investigating Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou.

But when it came to catching Red agents, Wu Jingzhong spared no effort.

Boss Dai no longer trusted him as much as before.

It was time to show his face before the Boss.

"Department Chief Lu, save a cup of coffee for me later." Seeing Lu Qiaoshan come out, Hong Zhiyou whispered.

"At your service anytime."

Lu Qiaoshan liked this god of wealth the most; as long as he sought him out, there was always something good in store.

"Secretary Hong."

Wu Jingzhong called out from inside.

"Station Chief." Hong Zhiyou walked in.

"No rush, eat this first."

"Ruirui made it for you."

"Calls it fruit salad, put a bunch of messy things in it."

"I was originally going to catch up on sleep at home today."

"But because of this salad of yours, she dragged me to work."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him and laughed dotingly.

Once Hong Zhiyou made a move, he had cut through the tangled mess in Xiangdao for him.

Ruirui now had large amounts of savings in her pocket.

The antiques had also been shipped back to the winery.

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

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

Must say, Ruirui's skills were quite good; the cream and red bean paste were added just right, sweet but not cloying.

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

Wu Jingzhong stood to the side, arms crossed, laughing.

"Station Chief, the military mediation meeting is tonight. I must share your burdens, so let's put the club aside for now."

Hong Zhiyou genuinely wanted to cry.

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

And here he was, being urged to get back to business.

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

"Your official work is mainly with those ladies at the club, and only secondarily at the station."

"Go to the military mediation if you must."

"As for women, it's just a matter of finding a spare moment; a round of mahjong doesn't take long."

"You have to get the operation running!"

"Not to lie to you, day after day without... I feel very anxious."

"I'm already sick and tired of the ones at home."

"Do me the favor and put your heart into it."

Wu Jingzhong pursed his brows and rubbed his fingers, feeling that he was being a bit dense.

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

"A man, after all."

"Career is the top priority."

"If you spend every day with her, you won't be able to conjure up any old goods."

"When the time comes and she opens her mouth for another hundred thousand, are you going to pay, or am I?"

Wu Jingzhong laughed with mercenary craftiness.

"Fine."

"With those words from you, my heart is at ease."

"I'll go play mahjong now."

Hong Zhiyou stood up and said.

"Pass through the flowers, but keep the good ones in your heart; just keep your wits about you," Wu Jingzhong patted him again and said.

"Yes."

Sure enough, in old Wu's heart, money was always the top priority.

"Right, take this list of club personnel to Captain Ma."

"Most of his previous personnel have been replaced."

"Coordinate with him so there aren't any scheduling troubles."

Wu Jingzhong stood up, took out a document, and handed it to Hong Zhiyou.

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

"I'd rather focus on the club."

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

"I don't want to touch these things that are prone to leaking secrets at all."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and refused.

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

"Go on."

Wu Jingzhong nodded in approval.

Hong Zhiyou breathed a secret sigh of relief.

Monitoring and personnel arrangements were primarily Lu Qiaoshan's responsibility.

It wouldn't be hard for Yu Zecheng to find out these lists.

By now, he should have already leaked the intelligence to his superiors.

At tonight's meeting, old Wu would be exposed again.

At this point, one more glance would only invite trouble.

As for the pot, let old Ma take the blame.

He had thick enough skin anyway!

(End of chapter)