Chapter 115: The Boss has taken a fancy to Wanqiu

Wu Jingzhong walked into the conference room and stood with his head bowed:

"Bureau Chief, I have arrived."

Dai Li glanced at him, a smile blooming at the corners of his mouth: "Jingzhong, what are you having for dinner?"

Wu Jingzhong breathed a sigh of relief inwardly, knowing that the corruption matter had been cleared.

"Bureau Chief, there are a few good Halal restaurants in Jinhai.

"There are also a few places for seafood.

"If you don't like any of those, I have a Cantonese chef at home."

He asked with a smile, his head still bowed.

"Getting particular, are we!" Dai Li pointed at him.

"My wife is from Yuezhou; she isn't used to the local flavors here.

"I had no choice but to be a bit particular."

Wu Jingzhong dared not hide anything and explained with a fawning smile.

"Back then, when your wife and Mrs. Qiao fell into the hands of the devils in Beiping, they suffered immensely but never once cracked.

"Now that the restoration is won, it is only right that they live a little better."

Dai Li closed his notebook and waved his hand, signaling for Wu Jingzhong to sit and speak.

"Thank you for your consideration, Bureau Chief!" Wu Jingzhong sat down in fear and trepidation.

"Jingzhong.

"You have followed me since the days at Ji'e Lane; you are not an outsider.

"I still trust you."

Dai Li smiled faintly.

"Thank, thank you, Bureau Chief!

"Jingzhong swears to serve you to the death and strives to make further..."

Wu Jingzhong stood up excitedly and raised his hand in a salute.

"Sit, sit!"

Dai Li pressed his hand down and continued:

"You and Shen Zui handled the anti-corruption case well last time.

"What is your take on the Yang Wenquan affair?"

"An officer taking a concubine, defying the wind to commit a crime—he deserves to be executed." Wu Jingzhong stroked his hair.

"Has the man been arrested?" Dai Li nodded.

"No, not yet," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Hm?" Dai Li frowned, clearly displeased.

"I won't hide it from you, Bureau Chief.

"The 94th Army is currently suffering from a cholera outbreak. Last time, when Commander Chen and I went to fetch him, Yang Wenquan was covered in red rashes and running a high fever; it looked like he had caught it.

"His compound is currently under quarantine, with specialized doctors watching over it.

"We can arrest him whenever we want.

"I was just afraid that bringing him to the compound would affect your mood, Bureau Chief."

Wu Jingzhong explained in a low voice.

"That is very troublesome.

"If this man is not brought to Jingling to set an example, it will damage the grand plan of the Party and State," Dai Li said coldly.

To establish his authority and suppress the restless elements like Mao Renfeng and the three Chens, he had made up his mind to take down Ma Hansan and Yang Wenquan.

Ma Hansan had not been fully interrogated.

If he couldn't even handle Yang Wenquan, where would he put his face?

"Bureau Chief.

"Yang Wenquan has already softened.

"He and that concubine are preparing to divorce, and he has made a profound self-criticism at the 94th Army headquarters meeting, expressing his firm obedience to your punishment, Bureau Chief.

"Here are the minutes of the army meeting and the confession of guilt he submitted.

"Please take a look."

Wu Jingzhong picked up the documents and handed them over.

"By the way, the broadcasts in Jinhai and Beiping have also publicly aired Yang Wenquan's confession multiple times.

"This man has already been scared into a bird startled by the mere twang of a bowstring by your majesty."

After a pause, he added with flattery.

Dai Li's brow smoothed, and he felt a bit more satisfied.

Yang Wenquan had fought hard battles.

In the army, he was definitely a thorn, a tough nut to crack.

To cave in to this extent, he was still considered sensible.

"What is your take?" Dai Li asked.

"This subordinate feels that whether his repentance is true or false is secondary.

"Such a person must be punished.

"However, at the moment, he is riddled with poison. If we bring him to Shancheng or Jingling and he happens to stir up a plague there, it would be unfavorable for your reputation, Bureau Chief.

"After all, cholera is no small matter; if it spreads, people will die.

"It would be better to keep him locked up in Jinhai first, in solitary confinement.

"Once this evil wind of cholera passes and Yang Wenquan's illness is cured, I will immediately send military police to escort him to headquarters. You can then make your final decision, Bureau Chief—whether to kill or flay him, isn't that all up to you?"

Wu Jingzhong answered "thoughtfully."

"Hm.

"That is all we can do for now."

After some deliberation, Dai Li agreed to the plan.

He could tell that Wu Jingzhong was blowing wind and saying nice things.

But he could not afford the risk of cholera.

Once cholera broke out in Jingling or Shancheng, this Yang Wenquan would become the target of public criticism, and he himself would be splashed with dirty water by those grandsons like Zheng Jiemin and the three Chens.

The loss would outweigh the gain.

Since he had already saved enough face, he might as well sell an old subordinate a favor.

In the future, he could handle a few more "major cases" for him, just like last time.

"I won't go eat that Cantonese food of yours.

"Find a cleaner Halal restaurant," Dai Li ordered.

"Understood, this subordinate will go arrange it immediately." Wu Jingzhong accepted the order happily.

Downstairs.

Dai Li and his party exited the lobby.

"Bureau Chief Dai..."

Ma Kui was unwilling to give up and was just about to chase after him to report.

Sun Xing walked over quickly and whispered in his ear:

"Captain Ma, something terrible has happened.

"Wen Chong just suffered internal hemorrhaging; they couldn't save him, and he died."

"What!" Ma Kui was shocked.

Once Wen Chong died, there would be no one to directly point the finger at Yu Zecheng.

"That idiot Ding Defeng!

"Where is the body?"

Ma Kui asked through gritted teeth.

"Isn't there a cholera outbreak recently?

"The municipal government has a directive: once someone dies, they are taken directly to the funeral home to be cremated," Sun Xing said.

"The year is unlucky.

"Even drinking cold water gets stuck in my teeth; it's truly damn unlucky."

Ma Kui squeezed his fists in frustration.

"That woman in Jixian—make sure Chen Wenbin watches her well.

"She is my last trump card. If there is any more slip-up, the mission entrusted by Director Mao will be completely ruined."

His gaze sharpened as he gave the solemn instruction.

"Understood." Sun Xing nodded.

Evening, 7:35 PM.

Tongfahao Restaurant.

Wu Jingzhong sat in a private room with Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng.

As a dish of braised oxtail was placed on the table, Wu Jingzhong glanced at his watch:

"Boss Dai won't be coming."

"It's still early, isn't it?" Yu Zecheng smiled.

"Zhang Tinge, Commander Fang of the Military Police Headquarters, Li Hanyuan, and the garrison troops.

"They are all busy trying to host Boss Dai for dinner tonight.

"Right now, some are doing seafood, others are setting up grand banquets.

"I'm afraid it will all come to nothing.

"We are all decoys; it's the Boss's usual tactic,"

Wu Jingzhong sighed with a crafty smile.

"Indeed, Boss Dai is like a divine dragon—you see his head but never his tail; he is not someone we can fathom," Yu Zecheng smiled.

"Fathom my ass.

"He ran off to his sworn brother Wu Taixun's house.

"Who doesn't know Boss Dai's little hobbies? Wine, women, wealth, and power—he likes them all.

"Isn't Hu Die an example?

"He even called over a secret contact from Beiyang University.

"Such secret contacts exist in many universities in Beiping, Lunan, Shanghai, and Shancheng, specifically responsible for collecting data on beautiful female students.

"What does Wu Taixun do?

"Isn't he just spending money in both Jinhai and Beiping, specifically hunting for all kinds of beauties?

"I heard he's holding a social gathering tonight, inviting many female students and wives.

"Just watch, this is a selection process."

Wu Jingzhong was in a good mood today and lowered his voice to complain.

After today's events,

he had come to regard Yu Zecheng and Zhiyou as his confidants, so he naturally spoke more freely than before.

"Indeed, there is nothing in Jinhai that the Teacher doesn't know; I have learned much today," Hong Zhiyou flattered.

"Enough about him.

"Zhiyou, later you go to the garrison and send Yang Wenquan directly to the Shuitun Prison.

"Tell them to make it look convincing.

"Even if he doesn't want to die, he has to hold on until Boss Dai leaves."

Wu Jingzhong instructed solemnly.

"The student understands; I will go handle it now," Hong Zhiyou said, standing up.

He was worried about Wanqiu.

Wanqiu had previously been the campus beauty of Beiyang University and had participated in many activities.

To clear his name, Mu Liancheng had also frequently made her attend various social gatherings.

It was hard to say whether she might be on Wu Taixun's list.

"Don't rush, finish this meal first."

Wu Jingzhong narrowed his eyes, noticing the worry in the depths of Hong Zhiyou's eyes.

"Yes, Teacher."

Hong Zhiyou sat back down obediently, but his mind was a tangled mess.

At this hour, if Wanqiu received an invitation, Mu Liancheng would definitely send her off.

Social gatherings usually started at eight.

Wanqiu might still be putting on her makeup.

There was still time.

But seeing Old Wu's gloomy gaze, he could only endure it with patience.

Wu Jingzhong had wanted to break him and Wanqiu up all along.

Today, he had even called him 'son-in-law'.

This was clearly a test for him.

"Teacher, I'll go get a food container to save some for Cuiping," Yu Zecheng said, seizing the opportunity to stand up.

"Go ahead."

Wu Jingzhong nodded with a smile.

Yu Zecheng walked quickly downstairs.

"Boss, bring me a few containers and plates."

He called out, and then, while the boss was getting the items, he secretly slipped a few silver dollars to a waiter nearby:

"Trouble yourself to make a phone call to my wife.

"Her surname is Chen.

"Tell her to make this call and ask if Miss Wanqiu is feeling any better.

"Did you remember?"

The waiter clutched the silver dollars and nodded repeatedly in excitement.

"Repeat it." Yu Zecheng quickly wrote down two landline numbers and placed them in his pocket.

"Call Mrs. Chen, tell her the number, and ask if Miss Wanqiu is feeling any better?" the waiter repeated.

"Go."

"Don't use the shop's phone; use the public phone booth outside.

"If someone or your boss asks where you went,

"just say the restroom was occupied and you went to the public toilet to take a dump.

"Did you remember?"

Yu Zecheng instructed steadily.

"Got it." The waiter lowered his head and left quickly.

Wanqiu's matter was something Hong Zhiyou had entrusted to him.

Both of them had emergency matters entrusted to each other and had laid their cards on the table.

Just now, seeing Hong Zhiyou's eyes, he knew it was time for him to act.

Yu Zecheng didn't rush to get the food containers.

Instead, he went to the restroom.

Enduring the stench, he stood in the restroom for seven or eight minutes before coming out.

"Thanks."

He smiled at the boss.

Coincidentally, the waiter walked back and nodded slightly.

"Second Pillar, where the hell did you go?

"Don't you know we're busy? You dare to hide away for leisure."

The landlady scolded the waiter sharply.

"My stomach wasn't feeling well; the restroom was occupied, so I went to the public toilet," the waiter named Second Pillar said.

"Lazy people always have so much shit and piss."

Amidst the landlady's scolding, Yu Zecheng carried the food containers back to the restaurant.

"Zecheng, why did it take so long to get a food container?" Wu Jingzhong asked suspiciously.

"Oh, I went to the restroom."

He took off his coat and shook it, and a stench of urine wafted out.

Only then did Wu Jingzhong feel at ease.

After chatting for a few sentences, Wu Jingzhong couldn't stand the stench on Old Yu and ended the meal hastily, taking Xiao Guohua downstairs.

"Where are your men?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"Zhang Yi, come here." Xiao Guohua waved at the staff member at the door.

"Did Director Yu make a phone call just now?"

Wu Jingzhong pointed at the telephone on the counter and asked.

His suspicion was like a bladder—it had to flare up every now and then.

Today, thinking of Hong Zhiyou's damn look,

or perhaps influenced by Boss Dai's "cunning rabbit with three burrows,"

this impulse flared up.

"No, Director Yu asked the waiter for food containers and then went to the restroom.

"He stayed for about ten minutes and then came straight upstairs."

The subordinate named Zhang Yi answered.

"Is the telephone bureau monitoring Yu Zecheng's house?"

Wu Jingzhong asked while walking out.

"No.

"You gave the instruction yourself not to monitor the two of them, Yu and Hong," Xiao Guohua reminded.

"Hm.

"Let's go back." Wu Jingzhong nodded.

Ordering the monitoring to be lifted was out of fear that people at the telephone bureau might hear something they shouldn't.

This actually served as a reminder to Wu Jingzhong.

Yu and Hong were now in the same boat as him, having just entered Xianyang to support the imperial order today.

For him to be suspicious over such a trivial matter was truly going too far.

Wu Jingzhong shook his head with a smile and led the people out.

"How was it?"

Hong Zhiyou stood by the window, and seeing Old Wu get into the car, he asked anxiously.

"I've already had Cuiping make the call.

"It should still be in time," Yu Zecheng said.

"Thanks, Old Yu."

Hong Zhiyou breathed a sigh of relief, suddenly feeling that Comrade "Plague God" was still somewhat useful.

"US dollars." Yu Zecheng mimicked him, rubbing his fingers greedily.

"Wen Chong's three thousand dollars—it's settled."

Hong Zhiyou patted him and walked quickly downstairs to drive straight to Mu Liancheng's house.

Wu Taixun's mansion.

Dai Li sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, flipping through the photos in his hand.

He had far too many mistresses.

He had them in every style.

When he saw Wanqiu, who was pure yet full and sexy, his eyes couldn't help but light up: "Who is this?"

"The niece of the great traitor Mu Liancheng.

"She used to be at Beiyang University; when the devils were here, she even went to the lobby to play the piano.

"She is currently getting very close with Wu Jingzhong's little secretary."

Wu Taixun introduced respectfully from the side.

Secretary Hong?

A thing like an ant.

"Was she invited?" Dai Li asked.

"She was.

"I reckon she should be on her way here by now.

"Once she arrives, I'll have someone call her over."

Wu Taixun smiled with tacit understanding.

"She's the one."

Dai Li put down the photo, a look of natural anticipation in his eyes.

Mu Residence.

Mu Liancheng and Huizi nodded and bowed, serving tea to the guards sent by Wu Taixun.

Wu Taixun.

Known as Prince Wu, Dai Li's sworn brother.

Dai Li was currently in Jinhai.

No one was unaware of his little hobbies.

Sending someone to personally invite Wanqiu to the social gathering at this time—the intention was self-evident.

"Boss Mu, it's rumored all over Jinhai that you are the richest man.

"It seems it's not false."

Guard Chief Wang looked at the grand mansion and sneered with emotion.

"Not at all.

"After the restoration, various officials have come and gone frequently; most of my family fortune has been donated.

"Now, only this house remains."

Mu Liancheng answered fawningly.

"Madam Huizi, why don't you come along to the social gathering too?"

Guard Chief Wang's gaze fell on the ripe Huizi nearby, and he swallowed greedily.

"Guard Chief Wang.

"I'm sorry, I'm having my period today and am not feeling well; I'm afraid I cannot comply."

Huizi covered her chest and answered with a polite, calm smile.

"What a pity."

Guard Chief Wang sighed inwardly.

When the big shots eat the big fish, they often get to eat some shrimp.

Huizi was in her prime, but the timing was wrong.

No rush.

As long as they were in Jinhai, there was no woman who could escape Prince Wu's grasp.

"Urge Miss Wanqiu."

He was getting impatient.

"Steward Pang, go call the young lady downstairs," Mu Liancheng waved his hand.

Steward Pang was just about to go up when he saw Wanqiu, who had finished her makeup, walking down.

She was wearing a white evening gown and wrapped in a shawl.

Her youthful, beautiful, yet charming and gentle appearance instantly caught Guard Chief Wang's gaze.

Truly a beauty that everyone would pity.

Boss Dai's eye for beauty was truly superb.

"Miss Wanqiu, the car is ready; please," Guard Chief Wang said with a gentlemanly gesture and a smile.

"What is your surname, sir?" Wanqiu asked with a smile.

"My name is Wang De; I am Mr. Wu's security guard chief," Wang De said with a look of pride.

"Guard Chief Wang, sorry to trouble you."

Wanqiu raised her hand with a smile.

She had only walked a few steps when her willow brows suddenly furrowed, her expression turned terrified and pained, and her whole body trembled involuntarily.

"What's wrong?" Wang De asked.

"I, I suddenly feel so cold, my body is so itchy, my face is so itchy."

Wanqiu began to scratch her face.

Irregular red spots could be seen protruding from her cheeks, neck, and arms.

"Uncle, Aunt..." Wanqiu screamed in panic.

"Lep... Leprosy?"

Wang De subconsciously took a few steps back, covering his mouth and nose as he shouted.

"Guard Chief Wang, quickly, quickly send me to the hospital," Wanqiu pleaded.

"Send your mother!

"Damn!

"How unlucky!"

Wang De couldn't hide fast enough and slipped into the car and ran off.

"Sigh.

"You girl..."

Mu Liancheng saw this and realized it was the same symptom as her past allergies.

He immediately understood Wanqiu's intention.

"Uncle, I'm having trouble breathing," Wanqiu said with a pained expression.

Mu Liancheng quickly called the hospital.

A while later, an ambulance came and took Wanqiu away.

"We can't stay in Jinhai anymore.

"This girl has offended Dai Li; I'm afraid she won't survive.

"Pay Captain John extra; we are leaving now."

Huizi's beautiful eyes sharpened, and she made a decisive decision.

As an elite of the former Ume Kikan, she knew well how terrifying and horrible Dai Li was.

Moreover, that Wang De had set his sights on her.

Staying one more day, no one knew what accidents might happen.

"Wanqiu..." Mu Liancheng hesitated.

"Why bother with her? With Dai Li's nature, he will definitely keep a close eye on her.

"If we take her, none of us will survive."

Huizi said coldly.

"Fine, I'll go pack," Mu Liancheng nodded sadly.

"Keep it simple; mainly pack the US dollars.

"If you can't take the gold bars, forget it."

Huizi was afraid he would be attached to wealth and reminded him specifically.

"Understood."

Mu Liancheng responded with a pained heart.

The good things in the house had long been moved to the American John's ship.

Originally, he had wanted to settle Wanqiu before leaving.

Now it seemed this girl could only pray for her own luck.

"Wanqiu!

"May the Lord bless you."

Mu Liancheng made a cross on his chest, prayed silently, and turned to go upstairs to pack.

"Steward Pang.

"The Madam and I are going to the Shengping Theater to listen to an opera.

"You keep an eye on the house."

Mu Liancheng instructed the steward, put on a black round hat, and drove away with Huizi.

Hong Zhiyou parked the car on a side road, lit a cigarette, and watched Mu Liancheng's house from afar.

Soon, the ambulance came roaring over.

Hong Zhiyou took a deep breath and slowly exhaled the smoke.

Trouble.

Dai Li definitely wouldn't stay in Jinhai for just a day or two.

He had a top-secret mission.

Wanqiu's allergy wouldn't be able to fool the hospital and that old fox.

After two bottles of IV, it would have to be suppressed.

The good news was that Dai Li didn't have many days left to live.

He had to endure.

Thinking of this, he drove and turned toward the club.

Then he dialed Ding Defeng's number:

"Director Ding, there is a woman named Mu Wanqiu; she has leprosy.

"You must isolate her immediately.

"Remember, isolate her with real leprosy patients; the faster, the better.

"Good, thanks, Old Ding.

"Let's play tennis at the Donghai Tea Garden another day."

After speaking, Hong Zhiyou hung up the phone.

Wang De returned to Wu Taixun's mansion.

"Did you pick her up and take her to the dance hall?" Wu Taixun asked impatiently.

"No.

"The woman suddenly got leprosy; her face and body are covered in rashes, and she was just taken to the hospital."

Wang De reported truthfully.

"Cheap trick!"

Dai Li heard this, and a cold sneer appeared at the corners of his mouth.

"Useless thing.

"What are you still standing there for?

"I don't care if she has leprosy or is oozing pus; bring her back to me immediately!" Wu Taixun raised his hand and slapped him.

"Get out!"

"Yes!"

Wang De covered his face, tucked his tail between his legs, and called people to run out.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 116 =====