Chapter 122: The Boss Has Taken a Fancy to Wanqiu

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

"Director, I have arrived."

Dai Li glanced at him, a smile blooming at the corners of his mouth: "Jingzhong, what are we eating tonight?"

Wu Jing felt a secret sigh of relief in his heart, knowing that the corruption matter had been cleared.

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

"There are also a few seafood places.

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

He asked with a bowed head and a smile.

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

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

"There was really no other way, so I had to be a bit particular."

Wu Jing dared not hide anything and explained with an ingratiating smile.

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

"Now that the victory of restoration has come, it is only right that they live a better life."

Dai Li closed his notebook and waved his hand, signaling for Wu Jing to sit down and continue.

"Thank you for your consideration, Director!" Wu Jing sat down, trembling with fear.

"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, Director!

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

Wu Jing jumped up in excitement 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?"

"A military officer taking a concubine, defying the wind to commit a crime—he deserves to be punished," Wu Jing said, stroking his mustache.

"Has he been arrested?" Dai Li nodded.

"No, not yet," Wu Jing said.

"Hmm?" Dai Li frowned, clearly displeased.

"I won't hide it from you, Director.

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

"His compound is now 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, Director."

Wu Jing 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 plans of the Party and State," Dai Li said coldly.

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

He hadn't fully unraveled Ma Hansan yet.

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

"Director.

"Yang Wenquan has already softened his stance.

"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, Director.

"These are the minutes of the military meeting and the confession and repentance letter he submitted.

"Please take a look."

Wu Jing picked up the documents and handed them over.

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

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

After a pause, he added with flattery.

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

Yang Wenquan had fought hard battles.

In the military, he was definitely a thorn, a hard nut to crack.

To admit defeat to this extent meant he was still sensible.

"What do you think?" Dai Li asked.

"Your 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 ends up spreading the plague there, it would be unfavorable for your reputation, Director.

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

"It would be better to keep him locked up in Jinhai for now 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 make the final decision then, Director—whether to kill him or carve him up, isn't that all up to you?"

Wu Jing replied "thoughtfully."

"Hmm.

"That is the only way for now."

After some deliberation, Dai Li agreed to the plan.

He could tell that Wu Jing was blowing wind and speaking kindly.

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 smeared by those bastards like Zheng Jiemin and the three Chens.

The loss would outweigh the gain.

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

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

"I won't eat the Cantonese food at your place.

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

"Understood, I will go make the arrangements right away," Wu Jing accepted the order happily.

Downstairs.

Dai Li and his party exited the lobby.

"Director 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 was dead, there was no one left 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 lately?

"The city has a policy: once someone dies, they are taken straight to the funeral home to be cremated," Sun Xing said.

"My luck is terrible this year.

"I'm even choking on cold water; I'm just cursed,"

Ma Kui squeezed his fists in frustration.

"Make sure Chen Wenbin keeps a close watch on that woman in Jixian.

"She is my last trump card; if anything else goes wrong, the mission Director Mao entrusted to us will be a complete failure."

His gaze sharpened as he gave the grave instruction.

"Understood," Sun Xing nodded.

Evening, 7: 5 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 said with a smile.

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

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

"Right now, some are arranging seafood, others are preparing the full Manchu-Han feast.

"I fear it will all be for nothing.

"We are all just decoys; it's a classic tactic of the Boss."

Wu Jingzhong sighed with a cunning smile.

"Indeed, Boss Dai is like a dragon that shows its head but never its tail; he is not someone we can fathom," Yu Zecheng said with a smile.

"Fathom my foot.

"He's run off to the home of his sworn brother, Wu Taixun.

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

"Isn't Hu Die a prime example?

"He even had a secret agent from Beiyang University called over.

"Secret agents like that exist in many universities in Beiping, Southern Lu, Upper Hu, and Shancheng, specifically tasked with collecting data on beautiful female students.

"What does Wu Taixun do?

"Isn't he just a playboy between Jinhai and Beiping, specializing in hunting down all kinds of beauties?

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

"Just watch, the selection process is about to begin."

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

After what happened today.

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

"As expected, there is nothing in Jinhai that you don't know, Teacher. I've learned something new," Hong Zhiyou said, buttering him up.

"Enough about him.

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

"Tell them to make it look convincing.

"If he doesn't want to die, he must endure until Boss Dai leaves."

Wu Jingzhong instructed solemnly.

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

He was worried about Wanqiu.

Wanqiu was formerly the campus beauty of Beiyang University and had participated in many activities.

To clear his name, Mu Liancheng had frequently made her attend various cocktail parties.

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

"Don't be in such a rush; finish this meal first."

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

"Yes, Teacher."

Hong Zhiyou sat back down obediently, though his heart was in a state of chaos.

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

Cocktail parties usually start at eight.

Wanqiu might still be putting on her makeup.

There was still time.

But seeing Wu Jingzhong's gloomy gaze, he had no choice but to patiently endure.

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 set aside some for Cuiping," Yu Zecheng said, seizing the opportunity to stand up.

"Go ahead."

Wu Jingzhong nodded and smiled.

Yu Zecheng walked quickly downstairs.

"Shopkeeper, bring me a few trays and plates."

He shouted, and while the shopkeeper went to get the items, he secretly slipped a few silver dollars to a waiter nearby:

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

"Her surname is Chen.

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

"Did you remember?"

The waiter clutched the silver dollars and nodded excitedly again and again.

"Repeat it back." Yu Zecheng scribbled down two landline numbers and placed them in the waiter's pocket.

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

"Go."

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

"If anyone or your shopkeeper asks where you went.

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

"Did you remember?"

Yu Zecheng instructed steadily.

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

The matter of Wanqiu was something Hong Zhiyou had entrusted to him.

The two had entrusted each other with emergency matters and had laid their cards on the table.

Just by looking at Hong Zhiyou's eyes earlier, he knew it was time for him to act.

Yu Zecheng did not rush to get the food trays.

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 shopkeeper.

Just then, the waiter walked back and gave a slight nod.

"Erzhu, where the hell did you go?

"Don't you know we're busy? You dare to slack off."

The proprietress scolded the waiter sharply.

"My stomach wasn't feeling well, the restroom was full, so I went to the public toilet," the waiter called Erzhu said.

"Lazy people always have so many excuses."

Amidst the proprietress's nagging, Yu Zecheng carried the food trays back to the restaurant.

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

"Oh, I had to use the restroom."

He shook his clothes, and a foul, pungent odor wafted out.

Only then was Wu Jingzhong reassured.

After chatting for a few moments, Wu Jingzhong couldn't stand the stench on Yu Zecheng, so he cut the meal short and went downstairs with Xiao Guohua.

"Where are your men?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

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

"Did Section Chief Yu make any phone calls just now?"

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

His suspicion was like a bladder; it had to flare up from time to time.

Today, once he thought of that damn look in Hong Zhiyou's eyes.

Or perhaps influenced by Boss Dai's 'cunning rabbit with three burrows' philosophy.

This urge took hold of him.

"No, Section Chief Yu asked the waiter for food trays and then went to the restroom.

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

The subordinate named Zhang Yi replied.

"Does the telephone bureau have a wiretap on Yu Zecheng's house?"

Wu Jingzhong asked as he walked outside.

"No."

"You gave the order yourself, forbidding the monitoring of Yu and Hong," Xiao Guohua reminded him.

"Hmm."

"Go back," Wu Jingzhong nodded.

He had ordered the monitoring to be lifted for fear that the people at the telephone exchange 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 today to support the imperial order.

For him to be suspicious over such a trivial, sesame-seed-sized matter was truly going too far.

Wu Jingzhong shook his head with a smile and led his men away.

"How did it go?"

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 let out a sigh of relief, suddenly feeling that Comrade "Plague God" was still somewhat useful.

"US dollars," Yu Zecheng mimicked him, rubbing his fingers in a mercenary manner.

"Wenchong's three thousand dollars, that settles it."

Hong Zhiyou patted him and quickly went downstairs, driving straight to the home of Mu Liancheng.

The residence of Wu Taixun.

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

He had far too many mistresses.

They came in every style.

When he saw Wanqiu, who was pure yet full-figured and sexy, his eyes lit up: "Who is this?"

"The niece of the great traitor Mu Liancheng."

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

"Now she is getting very close to Wu Jingzhong's little secretary."

Wu Taixun introduced her respectfully from the side.

Secretary Hong?

A mere ant of a thing.

"Have you invited her?" Dai Li asked.

"Invited her."

"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 a knowing look.

"She's the one."

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

The Mu residence.

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

Wu Taixun.

Known as Prince Wu, a sworn brother of Dai Li.

Right now, Dai Li was in Jinhai.

No one was unaware of his particular hobby.

Sending someone personally to invite Wanqiu to the cocktail party at this time, the intention was self-evident.

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

"Looking at it now, it seems to be true."

Chief Guard Wang looked over the grand mansion and remarked with a cold laugh.

"Not at all."

"After the restoration, various officials came and went frequently, and most of my family fortune has been donated."

"Now, all that's left is this house."

Mu Liancheng replied obsequiously.

"Lady Huizi, why don't you come along to the cocktail party too?"

Chief Guard Wang's gaze fell upon the ripe Huizi standing to the side, and he greedily swallowed his saliva.

"Chief Guard Wang."

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

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

"What a pity."

Chief Guard Wang sighed inwardly.

When the big shots eat the big fish, they can often manage to scavenge some shrimp.

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

No matter.

As long as they were in Jinhai, there was no woman who could escape the palm of Prince Wu.

"Urge Miss Wanqiu."

He was getting a bit impatient.

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

Just as Steward Pang was about to go up, he saw Wanqiu, who had put on makeup, walking down.

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

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

She truly was a stunner that anyone would pity.

Boss Dai's eye for beauty was truly peerless.

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

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

"My name is Wang De, and I am Mr. Wu's Chief Security Guard," Wang De said with a smug look.

"Chief Guard Wang, thank you for your trouble."

Wanqiu smiled and raised her hand.

She had only taken a few steps when she suddenly furrowed her brows, her expression turning fearful and pained, and her whole body began to tremble uncontrollably.

"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 blotches could be seen emerging on her cheeks, neck, and arms.

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

"Lep... leprosy?"

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

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

"Take you, my foot!"

"Damn it!"

"What rotten luck!"

Wang De couldn't get away fast enough, slipping into the car and driving off.

"Sigh."

"You girl..."

Mu Liancheng saw that these were the same symptoms as her past allergies.

He immediately understood Wanqiu's intention.

"Uncle, I can't catch my breath," Wanqiu said with a pained expression.

Mu Liancheng hurriedly called the hospital.

A moment later, an ambulance arrived 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 right now."

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

As an elite of the former Plum Agency, she knew well the terror and dreadfulness of Dai Li.

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

If they stayed another day, no one knew what accidents might happen.

"Wanqiu..." Mu Liancheng hesitated for a moment.

"Why bother with her? Given Dai Li's nature, he will surely keep a close watch on her.

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

Huizi said coldly.

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

"Keep it simple, just pack the US dollar bills.

"If we can't take the gold bars and such, just leave them."

Fearing he would be too attached to his wealth, Huizi deliberately reminded him.

"I know."

Mu Liancheng replied, his heart aching.

The good things in the house had long since been moved onto the ship of the American, John.

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 the sign of the cross on his chest, prayed silently, and turned to go upstairs to pack.

"Steward Pang.

"My wife and I are going to the Shengping Theater to listen to an opera.

"Keep an eye on the house."

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

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

Soon, an ambulance came wailing by.

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

This was trouble.

Dai Li certainly wouldn't stay in Jinhai for only a day or two.

He had a top-secret mission.

Wanqiu's allergy could not be hidden from the hospital and that old fox.

After two IV drips, 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 turned the car around and headed to the club.

Then he dialed Ding Defeng's number:

"Director Ding, there is a woman named Mu Wanqiu who has contracted leprosy.

"You must quarantine her immediately.

"Remember, quarantine her with real leprosy patients, the sooner the better.

"Alright, 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 came down with leprosy; her face and body are covered in rashes, and she was just taken to the hospital."

Wang De reported truthfully.

"A petty trick!"

Upon hearing this, a cold sneer appeared on the corner of Dai Li's mouth.

"Useless trash.

"What are you still standing there for?

"I don't care if she has leprosy or is oozing pus and sores, drag her back here for me right now." Wu Taixun raised his hand and slapped him.

"Get out of here!"

"Yes!"

Wang De clutched his face, tucked his tail between his legs, and called his men to run out.

(End of chapter)