Chapter 120: Jingzhong, he really is a decent man

Zhou Gendi did not have her hair pinned up today; her long, slightly wavy hair hung loose.

She wore a pale purple cheongsam.

Below the slits of the skirt, her two long, plump, beautiful legs were as white as silk.

Her chest and hips were even more provocatively curvaceous.

"Sister-in-law, did you bring Captain Ma's suit?"

Hong Zhiyou suppressed the urge to touch her shapely hips and greeted her with a smile.

"You look truly handsome today."

Zhou Gendi looked at him with deep affection.

Damn it, what kind of time is this to be flirting with me? She must have read too many magazines and lost her mind... Hong Zhiyou swallowed hard:

"Stop being so flirtatious. If your old Ma runs into us, he'll kill me."

"Him?"

"He hasn't been home all night; who knows whose arms he's in right now," Zhou Gendi said resentfully.

"When are you coming to my place?"

"I've finished the magazines; give me some new ones."

She glanced outside and closed the door.

"Are you trying to steal me?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"Yes," Zhou Gendi nodded.

"Aren't you afraid Captain Ma will beat you to death?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Living this ghost of a life as a widow every day, without a shred of joy, I'd rather be beaten to death by him," Zhou Gendi said bitterly.

Just as she was speaking, Ma Kui pushed the door open and walked in.

He took a look.

Hong Zhiyou was leaning against the desk.

His wife was sitting in a chair, quite a distance away.

That was acceptable.

Even though Ma Kui was rarely home, he knew exactly who Zhou Gendi saw, what she did, and how long she stayed, all day long.

It had to be said.

Whether it was when he went to headquarters or now.

Secretary Hong was still quite upright; at least he hadn't crossed the line.

To be able to act this way in front of a beauty like A-Di, he was a decent man.

"Did you bring the suit?"

Ma Kui asked Zhou Gendi coldly and arrogantly.

"I brought it and put it in your office," Zhou Gendi said.

"Then why are you still standing here?"

"Don't you need to make lunch or buy groceries?"

"Or do you think your legs are very white and beautiful?"

Ma Kui barked coldly, his face expressionless.

"I, I came to ask Secretary Hong for books."

"I've finished all the books at home," Zhou Gendi said in a soft, sweet voice.

Don't let her tough talk with Hong Zhiyou fool you; she was actually quite afraid of old Ma.

"Sister-in-law, I'll send them to you later when I'm done with my work," Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"Okay, thank you."

"I'm leaving."

Zhou Gendi glanced at Ma Kui, picked up her bag, stood up, and walked away, swaying her hips.

"Acting like a vixen every single day."

"Back in Shanghai, she wasn't this flirtatious, swaying her hips when she walked."

Ma Kui stared at his wife's large backside, feeling both love and hate.

"It's a new era; one has to make progress."

"Look at those wives in the Military Families Association; who doesn't sway their hips as if they want to twist them into the sky?"

Hong Zhiyou joked.

"I don't mind them twisting into the sky, I just fear them twisting into another man's crotch."

Ma Kui stared at Hong Zhiyou and sneered, feeling very uncomfortable.

His mindset was completely different from before.

Previously, he only wanted to investigate the Red tickets.

This time, going to Jingling, he had a top-secret mission.

That was to find evidence of Yu Zecheng and Wu Jingzhong colluding with the Red tickets.

Once confirmed.

Mao Renfeng would have the opportunity to send his nephew Mao Wanli to preside over the Jinhai Station.

And he himself would surely achieve a great merit, be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and sit firmly as the Deputy Station Chief.

By then, Hong Zhiyou would be unable to escape the fate of being purged.

He was no longer qualified to take care of A-Di.

Entrusting his wife—void!

Of course, Ma Kui had also seen through it.

The gentle whispers of "Zhiyou" from A-Di in bed and while bathing had long left his heart riddled with holes.

Ma Kui knew that in this world, all marital bonds were fake.

This woman's heart had already gone bad.

He would rather keep Zhou Gendi a widow for the rest of her life than allow her to affect his reputation and advancement.

"Captain Ma is joking."

"Who would be so bold as to have designs on a Lieutenant Colonel's wife?"

Hong Zhiyou said without changing his expression.

"You're a sensible man, little brother; take care of yourself."

"I'm off."

Ma Kui waved his hand and returned to his office.

10: 3 AM.

Dai Li's motorcade arrived at the Jinhai Station.

Over a hundred elite agents from headquarters formed a human wall.

In the shortest time possible, they took over the high ground of the Jinhai Station and the guard duties.

Dai Li got out of the car, his polished leather shoes stepping onto the red carpet, and he looked up to scan the surroundings vigilantly.

Seeing the snipers on the roof and the guards in the watchtowers give their signals.

He felt slightly more at ease.

Hong Zhiyou followed Wu Jingzhong to the entrance to welcome him.

This notorious devil of the Military Statistics Bureau.

His slicked-back hair was shiny.

He wore a crisp, clean, dark-colored Zhongshan suit.

His face was cleanly shaven, but one could faintly see the pale blue tint of thick stubble beneath the skin.

Perhaps it was because his hands were stained with too much blood, and his murderous aura was too heavy.

Or perhaps it was the majesty of a superior.

Dai Li's deep eyes were like a bottomless cold pool.

Making everyone who met his gaze feel an inexplicable chill.

"Director Dai, welcome to inspect and guide us; thank you for your hard work."

Wu Jingzhong, like a lackey, nodded and bowed, making no effort to hide his sycophancy and respect.

"Hard work!"

Dai Li nodded slightly, his face stern.

It was not safe outside.

He was not accustomed to staying in the "sunlight" for long.

Surrounded by bodyguards, he walked quickly into the station.

Wu Jingzhong waved his hand, and everyone hurriedly followed.

Once inside the station.

Dai Li, along with the accompanying Section Chief Gong and several trusted bodyguards, went into the reception room first to take a short rest.

Conference room.

Wu Jingzhong led everyone to stand at attention.

"Captain Ma, fasten your buttons properly."

Wu Jingzhong cast a glance, reminding Ma Kui.

"Yes!"

Ma Kui looked down and saw that he had dressed too hastily, leaving one button in the middle undone.

"Zhiyou.

"Go and check the tables, chairs, and the portraits of the Chairman and Mr. Sun again.

"Not a single speck of dust is allowed."

Wu Jingzhong ordered nervously again.

He was truly afraid of Dai Li.

Deep and unfathomable, with a volatile temperament.

One second he was smiling, the next he might turn hostile and demand your head.

Yu Lexing, Tang Zong.

They had been tormented to the brink of death before; one could not be too careful.

Hong Zhiyou hurriedly checked everything once over.

"Director Dai has arrived."

Hearing someone announce the arrival outside.

He quickly stood to the side.

He was not a commissioned officer and had no qualification to receive the Director's condolences.

Soon, Dai Li and Department Chief Gong arrived at the office, following the procedure to offer condolences to the officers under his command.

"Jingzhong, thank you for your hard work."

He extended his hand, a cold smile appearing at the corners of his mouth.

"Director Dai, thank you for your hard work."

Wu Jingzhong bowed slightly to shake hands, answering respectfully.

"Hard work."

When it was Lu Qiaoshan's turn, Dai Li returned to his icy state.

"Director Dai, thank you for your hard work," Lu Qiaoshan said with a beaming smile as he shook hands.

"Director Dai, you, you have worked hard."

When it was Ma Kui's turn, this fellow was so excited his eyes were practically trailing threads.

Dai Li was not just a director or a leader.

He was a monument in his heart.

Ma Kui was overcome with emotion, grasping Dai Li's hand with both of his and shaking it several times.

This immediately aroused Dai Li's vigilance.

His brows furrowed slightly, and the bodyguard beside him reached for the pistol at his waist.

Wu Jingzhong was terrified and glared fiercely at the fool Ma Kui, who then reluctantly let go.

Even so, his gaze still lingered on Dai Li for a long time, unwilling to look away.

When Dai Li walked over to Yu Zecheng, a faint smile appeared on his cold face again:

"Those from the Qingpu Class are all warriors, but you are a meritorious official."

Yu Zecheng stood at attention and saluted:

"Thank you for your cultivation, Director; this subordinate will strive to render new meritorious service."

Dai Li nodded, then turned his gaze to Hong Zhiyou:

"You are Secretary Hong?"

"Yes, Director." Hong Zhiyou stood straight and replied.

"Your piano compositions are quite good; Madame Jiang has praised you," Dai Li said with a smile.

"Thank you for the praise, Director.

"This subordinate will strive to create more fine music," Hong Zhiyou said solemnly.

In front of such high-ranking officials.

Flattery and sycophancy, to put it bluntly, were Old Wu's specialty.

The only thing a junior could do was to be upright.

Try not to talk too much or make mistakes.

"Everyone, sit."

Dai Li sat down at the head of the table.

He briefly stated the purpose of his visit to Jinhai: first, to strictly investigate corruption per the Chairman's instructions.

Second, the matter of the 94th Army's Yang Wenquan taking a concubine.

"Jingzhong, has Yang Wenquan been controlled?" he asked.

"Reporting to the Director, after you conveyed the instructions last time, I went to the garrison with Commander Chen in person and coordinated with Corps Commander Mou to strip Yang Wenquan of his military power.

"He is currently detained at the garrison compound, awaiting your arrangements."

Wu Jingzhong stood up and answered respectfully.

"Good.

"Immediately send a telegram ordering Mou Tingfang to hand over Yang Wenquan; he is to be escorted directly to Jingling later."

Dai Li nodded and issued the order directly.

"Yes, Director." Wu Jingzhong accepted the order, his heart sinking.

After finishing, Dai Li stood up and left immediately.

Department Chief Gong instructed:

"Director Dai will conduct routine questioning; everyone prepare yourselves, I will call your names one by one shortly."

Returning to the office.

Wu Jingzhong could no longer hold it together, cold sweat pouring down his body.

He had not expected Dai Li to conduct individual questioning.

Could it be that he had been too greedy and caught the eye of this old fox?

Ma Hansan in Beiping had just been dealt with.

But Ma Hansan had a deep background, and Boss Dai hadn't been able to fully digest him, so he was likely harboring resentment.

He was very likely to be used as a punching bag.

What confidant, what "one of our own."

In Boss Dai's eyes, weren't they all just leeks to be harvested at any time?

Corruption.

As long as Zecheng and Zhiyou remained steady, others couldn't say anything.

Taking a concubine.

Fortunately, Zhiyou had taken over Mu Liancheng's niece.

If it had gone according to his original idea, it would have become encouraging a subordinate to take a concubine, adding a crime to his record.

Phew... he had managed to escape a disaster.

Work.

There were superficial achievements.

But he had to plug that foul mouth of Ma Kui's.

He quickly called Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou over.

"Oh my, you two finally came.

"Both of you, you know what Boss Dai is going to ask, right?

"Ma Hansan wasn't fully interrogated.

"The Boss is holding back anger and has come to Jinhai to flex his power.

"Yang Wenquan and I might just be the scapegoats."

Once inside, Wu Jingzhong closed the door and whispered urgently to his two favorite subordinates.

"Teacher, please rest assured.

"To be loyal to the Party and State, one must first be loyal to one's superior.

"The student knows what to say that will be beneficial to you."

Yu Zecheng said with a gentle smile.

"Teacher, I, Rui-Rui, you, and Director Yu are all one family," Hong Zhiyou said concisely.

"Good, good brother.

"Good son-in-law!

"It all depends on you two now."

Wu Jingzhong patted their hands hard, so nervous he couldn't even smile.

"Also, that Ma Kui.

"Zhiyou, you must find a way to seal his mouth," Wu Jingzhong added.

"Rest assured, he won't be able to see Director Dai," Hong Zhiyou said with a smile, guaranteeing it.

"Good, good."

"And then there's the matter of Yang Wenquan..." Wu Jingzhong was so flustered he had lost his composure.

"Teacher, you are our anchor; you must stay steady."

Yu Zecheng picked up the tea and handed it to him.

Wu Jingzhong took two sips to steady his nerves and said:

"Yes, I must stay steady."

"Zhiyou, you handle Ma Kui."

"Zecheng, how is that person at the hospital?"

"I just called Director Ding to ask; the person is already dead and is being taken to the funeral home."

"They are likely cremating him right about now."

Yu Zecheng replied.

"Fine, then I can rest easy," Wu Jingzhong nodded.

The two returned to the office.

Hong Zhiyou straightened his clothes and drank tea to steady himself.

Facing Dai Li directly would be high pressure.

His task was heavier than Old Yu's.

How to block Dai Li from seeing Ma Kui.

And he still had to protect Yang Wenquan; these were both bitter chores.

If a single word was said wrong, it would cost him his head.

"Secretary Hong, Director Dai wants to see you."

A guard delivered the message outside the door.

Hong Zhiyou walked toward the conference room, and Yu Zecheng walked toward him from the opposite direction.

Their eyes met, and they understood each other perfectly.

Old Yu should have cleared his hurdle.

Upon arriving at the conference room, Dai Li was looking through his files.

"You are from Jiangzhe."

"Sino-American Class."

"Wu Jingzhong is not your faction."

Dai Li looked up and asked.

"Yes," Hong Zhiyou replied.

"Jiangzhe people are good."

"Loyal."

"Hu Die likes you very much; she says you are very clever and a Jinmen expert."

"Tell me, how much has Wu Jingzhong embezzled by using the anti-traitor campaign?"

Dai Li asked coldly.

"Reporting to the Director, he has embezzled quite a bit."

"At the Liuwei Road grain market, he took five gold bars, a bracelet, and a porcelain bowl."

"He accepted a winery in Yuezhou from Mu Liancheng, worth eight thousand US dollars."

"And when a Mobile Corps Commander Tian pleaded for his son, he accepted ten thousand US dollars."

"These were all favors done through connections."

Hong Zhiyou answered loudly.

"Is that all?" Dai Li asked.

"Reporting to the Director, that is all I know," Hong Zhiyou said righteously.

Dai Li chuckled: "Jingzhong is still a kind-hearted man."

Of course, he knew that no official was not corrupt.

He also held some evidence of Wu Jingzhong's corruption in his hands.

What Wu Jingzhong embezzled was definitely not just the small amount the secretary mentioned.

But compared to Ma Hansan, it was merely a drop in the bucket.

Among the generals, he was considered the lowest tier.

At least, he had not yet provoked public outrage.

"You may leave," Dai Li waved his hand.

"Director Dai, there is one more matter I wish to report to you," Hong Zhiyou took a secret breath and said, emboldening himself.

"What matter?" Dai Li frowned.

"Jinmen has recently been suffering from cholera, or some say it is leprosy; currently, the various departments in the city are not paying much attention to it."

"I specifically report this to you."

Hong Zhiyou was afraid of making a mistake and did not dare to say too much.

"Cholera?"

Dai Li's expression changed slightly.

This was an infectious disease that could kill.

No matter how high the official rank or how much money one had, one could not afford to provoke it.

"I know now, you may go down first," Dai Li urged subconsciously.

Hong Zhiyou left quickly.

Dai Li hurriedly stood up, walked a few steps to open the window, stood in a ventilated position, and shouted:

"Chief Gong."

"Who else is left to see?"

"Lu Qiaoshan from the Intelligence Division, and Ma Kui from the Action Team," Chief Gong said.

"Cancel them immediately," Dai Li said.

"Ma Kui used to be Director Mao's guard; he said he has urgent intelligence and wants to report to you," Chief Gong added.

"Urgent?"

"Just now when I met him, I saw this person acting suspiciously, his eyes were not right; we must be on guard."

"Who knows if Mao Renfeng is already impatient to sit in my seat."

Dai Li sneered.

He was famously suspicious.

And it was precisely because of his suspicion that he had survived countless crises.

"Understood, should we control Ma Kui?" Chief Gong asked.

"Forget it."

"Better to avoid extra trouble," Dai Li said.

"Jinmen is suffering from cholera."

"Cancel all miscellaneous people, and have Wu Jingzhong come over."

"Remember to tell him to wear a mask and perform disinfection."

He paused and gave further instructions.

"Understood."

Chief Gong took the order.

"You also wear a mask," a cold voice came from behind Dai Li.

"Yes."

Intelligence Division office.

Lu Qiaoshan had just hung up the phone with Zheng Jiemin.

Officer Zheng naturally held Dai Li in contempt.

Li Shizhen and the three Chens were all currently targeting Dai Li.

But Lu Qiaoshan could not.

He knew that Zheng Jiemin's threshold was high, and one could not hang oneself from a single tree.

Therefore, he had to strive for a good impression from Dai Li as much as possible to make things convenient for his future bid for the position of Deputy Station Chief.

"How is this tie?"

He began to fiddle with it in front of the mirror.

"The red one is better, it's more festive," a subordinate suggested.

He was right in the middle of changing it.

Chief Gong's call came through.

"Good, understood."

Hanging up the phone, Lu Qiao loosened his tie and threw it onto his desk:

"Celebrate my ass, the meeting is canceled!

"Damn it!

"Is Boss Dai someone just anyone can see whenever they want?

"Missing this meeting, I'm afraid I'll never have another chance in this lifetime.

"God is blind, He's going against me."

Having lost a golden opportunity, he stood with his hands on his hips, looking up to the sky and saying bitterly.

Operations Team office.

Ma Kui was practicing hard in front of the mirror.

Ensuring his tone, expression, and movements could reach the ultimate perfection.

"Operations Team's Ma Kui, seeking an audience with the respect... respected Director Dai."

……

While practicing.

His heart was surging with hot blood.

He could see the Boss Dai he worshipped.

And even more so because he could face the boss directly and expose the hypocritical side of Yu Zecheng.

Just when he left the hospital.

Wen Chong had already woken up and could open his mouth to make sound.

Of course, Ma Kui did not need him to speak.

As long as Wen Chong could point his finger and blink his eyes at Yu Zecheng in front of Boss Dai.

He would be able to drag Yu Zecheng out.

Just as he was practicing.

The door rang.

Section Chief Gong walked in personally wearing a mask:

"Team Leader Ma, the meeting is canceled."

"No, Section Chief Gong, we are old acquaintances.

"Believe me, I really have extremely important intelligence.

"Please do me a favor and let me see the Director."

Upon hearing this, Ma Kui's eyes turned red with anxiety.

"Team Leader Ma.

"You should practice your words and behavior properly.

"Sneaky and ill-intentioned.

"This is the Director's assessment of you."

Section Chief Gong glared at him, sneered, and went to the Station Chief's office on his own.

"But..."

Ma Kui was stunned.

He prided himself on being upright and awe-inspiring, so how did he become sneaky and ill-intentioned?

Could it be that his display of loyalty was not enough?

Great Director Dai!

Are you senile and blinded by ghosts?

Heaven is helping Yu and not me!

Ma Kui was so angry he nearly vomited blood; he violently took off his suit, which was a size too big, and threw it hard onto the ground, while tears of resentment and frustration could not stop flowing down.

……

Wu Jingzhong took a deep breath, adjusted his mask, and walked slowly into the conference room.

From the moment Section Chief Gong asked him to wear a mask and spray disinfectant.

As a "father-son duo," Wu Jingzhong understood instantly that Hong Zhiyou had already set the hook.

A hook that Dai Li had no choice but to bite.

Dai Li was suspicious and cautious by nature.

With money, women, and power all in his possession, such a big shot standing at the peak would never risk his life.

This move of Zhiyou's... cholera.

High.

Truly too high.

This could be seen from Ma Kui's suit thrown on the ground and Qiaoshan's messy tie when passing by the Operations Team.

Director Dai had already canceled the meeting with Ma Kui.

That foul mouth had been completely blocked.

As long as he could get past the corruption issue.

The matter of Yang Wenquan.

He would be able to make his move.

……

Dear big bosses, today's two updates totaling ten thousand words are finished (my speed is a pathetic 1, 00 words per hour). Thank you all for the monthly tickets and subscriptions, and thank you to Kangfu and Jiqimao for the tips. Good night.

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(End of this chapter)