Chapter 128: Jiang Aimei Bites Her Tongue

"Hong Zhiyou, what is he here for?" Wu Taixun asked with a frown.

"He says he's here to accompany Secretary Liu from Beiping," Wang De replied.

"Liu Yuzhu."

"She is quite a fascinating person," Dai Li said with a smile, though it was unclear who he was praising.

"This kid still knows how to be sensible."

"He went all the way to Beiping to invite a lobbyist," Wu Taixun scoffed with disdain.

"There are some mistakes one cannot make."

"Tell him to go back."

"Invite Secretary Liu in."

At the thought of Liu Yuzhu's beautiful voice and abundant stamina, Dai Li's mind immediately began to sway.

"Brother, could this be a trap set by Ma Hansan?"

"This woman is from the Juntong Bureau."

"In case she intends to harm you..."

Wu Taixun's brow furrowed, his face showing signs of vigilance.

"She is in telegraphy; she has never received assassination training!"

"Besides, we had a brief affair."

"Last time, she even revealed that she wanted to leave with me."

"Originally, I had planned to take her with me when I returned from Qingdao this time."

"I can only say that Ma Hansan is sensible."

Dai Li had had countless mistresses in his life; to him, women were nothing more than playthings to be toyed with.

Liu Yuzhu was not stupid.

Ma Hansan was finished, so clinging to him was only logical.

"Very well."

Wu Taixun stopped trying to persuade him.

Wang De arrived at the entrance and shouted at Hong Zhiyou with an arrogant air:

"That secretary or whatever, you can get lost."

Hong Zhiyou smiled, looking at him indifferently.

"What are you looking at?"

"Don't think that just because you know a few lowlifes, your tail can wag up to the sky."

"If you want to stay alive in Jinmen, keep your eyes peeled."

"This is the residence of Prince Wu."

Wang De circled around Hong Zhiyou, wearing the arrogant face of a lackey.

"Thanks for the reminder."

Hong Zhiyou did not care for a momentary dispute and turned to leave.

Heh.

Prince Wu?

Once Dai Li is gone, I will make you turn into Wu the Foolish Dog in a heartbeat.

"Your girlfriend Mu Wanqiu is not bad."

"Leprosy—you can hide from the first day, but you can't hide from the fifteenth; she won't be able to escape."

Wang De let out a lewd laugh behind Hong Zhiyou.

Hong Zhiyou acted as if he had heard a dog barking and turned to climb into the car.

Liu Yuzhu, standing to the side, exchanged a glance with him before following Wang De inside.

"Yuzhu, you've come at just the right time."

Seeing the beauty, Dai Li was in high spirits.

"Secretary Hong asked me to come."

"He knows he was wrong and hopes the Director will be magnanimous..."

Liu Yuzhu replied respectfully.

Dai Li waved his hand with a smile: "A mere mayfly, not worth mentioning."

"Have you eaten?"

"Eat first, and I will take you for a tour later."

Six o'clock in the evening.

Hong Zhiyou returned home.

In the courtyard, Cuiping and He Yinfeng were cooking.

Yu Zecheng had already set up the chessboard in the yard, waiting.

"You're back, how did it go?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"How did what go?" Hong Zhiyou countered.

"You clever devil." Yu Zecheng shook his head with a smile and made the first move with his cannon.

"Does your brother-in-law know anyone in air traffic control?"

"I need to make a trip to Qingdao later."

Hong Zhiyou asked.

"What, you really want to blow up..." Yu Zecheng could hardly believe it.

"Why would it be me?"

"It's Ma Hansan!" Hong Zhiyou glared at him, annoyed by his lack of tact.

"Yes, yes."

"Ma Hansan!"

Yu Zecheng smiled and admitted his mistake, then looked around and whispered:

"I'm in trouble again."

"Is there ever a day you aren't in trouble?" Hong Zhiyou stood up, intending to leave.

Yu Zecheng grabbed him: "Don't be in such a rush, the Station Chief asked me to discuss this with you."

"Oh." Hong Zhiyou sat back down.

"Jiang Aimei has been arrested."

"After Wen Chong defected and secretly met with Chen Wenbin's people, she risked everything to eliminate the traitor; ultimately, it was to cover for me."

"Now Ma Kui has captured her."

"He won't let the Station Chief touch her; Dai Li sent his adjutant Jiang Dongliang to oversee the situation personally."

"It's clear he wants to hold something over the Station Chief."

Yu Zecheng spoke a bit faster.

"Dai Li is truly courting death."

"At a time like this, he's still playing those pathetic little schemes of his." Hong Zhiyou shook his head with a cold laugh.

"It's all driven by this bit of power."

"Now that many people don't take him seriously, he can't deal with the powerful ones."

"So he can only take it out on those around him to establish his authority."

Yu Zecheng's brow relaxed as he reminded him:

"Let's not talk about him; Ma Kui is investigating the Station Chief."

"Originally, we were going to have Lu Qiao silence her, but now Jiang Dongliang is staying in our building."

"There's no way to act."

"The Station Chief wants to ask for your opinion."

"When is the interrogation?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Tonight."

"The Station Chief wants you to come along and listen; after we finish eating, we'll head back to the station together."

"I'm just afraid Jiang Aimei won't be able to hold out; the Fifth Brother is more ruthless with women than with men."

"They've already prepared wolf dogs and rats."

"Who knows, that dog Jiang Dongliang might even jump in to bite her himself."

Yu Zecheng said, full of worry.

"Jiang Aimei gave up the chance to flee to Beiping for your sake and went specifically to silence the traitor."

"She won't confess so easily."

"Hold on for a few days; once Dai Li is dead, many things will naturally resolve themselves."

Hearing this, Hong Zhiyou felt more confident.

"That's true."

"That is also true."

"If Ma Hansan could get rid of Boss Dai.

"The one who would most likely take over is Zheng Jiemin.

"In this power vacuum during the transition, perhaps I would have the opportunity to orchestrate a rescue."

Yu Zecheng nodded.

Hong Zhiyou held a chess piece, lost in thought and silent.

The facts were indeed so.

After Dai Li died, the Military Statistics Bureau was reorganized into the Confidential Bureau.

Zheng Jiemin took over as Director, and Mao Renfeng served as Deputy Director to manage daily affairs.

As the two were chatting, Liu Shan and Hong Xiaohui walked in, laughing and talking:

"Brother, Mr. Yu, playing chess?"

"Liu Shan bought you some sugarcane; it's very sweet."

"It's already peeled, Mr. Yu, Brother Hong, have a taste."

Liu Shan was very tactful and hurriedly handed it over respectfully.

Hong Zhiyou took it, bit off a piece, and chewed until the juice flowed:

"Liu Shan, is school busy?"

"It's alright.

"Xiaohui and I were sent to be student representatives for the Military Mediation these past two days.

"Today we visited Mr. Wu's Grass-Roof Hut Awakening Society."

Liu Shan said with quite a bit of pride.

"That's right.

"Brother, the tour guide even explained the past of Mr. Wu and Mrs. Deng.

"General Deng Ming even said that the love of revolutionaries is exceptionally romantic; we were so envious at the time."

As Hong Xiaohui spoke, she did not forget to look at Liu Shan tenderly.

Damn it, she has fallen into Liu Shan's arms.

"Yes, Mr. Yu was there too," Liu Shan said.

"Mm.

"I was."

Yu Zecheng was not only there, he even saw Zuo Lan.

It was just a pity that Zuo Lan still did not know his true identity.

So close, yet unable to acknowledge each other.

Otherwise, she would surely be very happy that she hadn't spent so much time accompanying him in Shancheng in vain.

"You two go chat, with all your commotion, I don't even know whose turn it is to move." Hong Zhiyou smiled and shooed the two away.

"I looked at the training list for this year's Political School today.

"That kid Liu Shan is on it.

"It seems he was already infiltrated by the station long ago.

"He is still a backbone of the student union, on the surface an activist close to us, a double-dealer; tell Xiaohui to be careful."

Yu Zecheng reminded him.

"I know.

"What's wrong with being a double-dealer? I am a double-dealer myself.

"Hanging out with Liu Shan is better than going to die like Yong Manzhu.

"My family doesn't have a mine to pay for someone's release."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

He had no real feelings for Hong Xiaohui or He Yinfeng.

Most of the time, he didn't even want to eat at home.

As for sleep, he only slept at the club.

He just didn't want to get entangled in too many human sentiments.

He wished Hong Xiaohui would marry Liu Shan right now.

As her "brother," giving a little push and arranging for Liu Shan to enter the Jinhai Station wasn't impossible.

That would be the extent of the favor.

"You!"

Yu Zecheng shook his head and smiled, completely helpless.

"Old Yu, time to eat."

Cuiping finished cooking and called out with a smile.

"Let's go.

"Eat."

Hong Zhiyou put down his chess piece and stood up.

"Wait, you're going to my house to eat?" Yu Zecheng had been planning to go to his house to freeload.

He really couldn't handle the overly salty food Cuiping made.

"You've freeloaded at my place for how many meals?

"Can't I freeload at yours for once? Don't be so stingy."

Hong Zhiyou strode away.

"Zhiyou, our food is ready."

He Yinfeng called out from behind.

"I'm eating at Sister-in-law's," Hong Zhiyou said with a wave of his hand.

"Oh."

He Yinfeng's full heart of joy instantly turned into a light sigh.

Carrying the dishes, she called Hong Xiaohui and Liu Shan to go into the house together.

"Secretary Hong, try my stir-fried meat and see how it is. Old Yu complains the flavor isn't right, but I think it's quite fragrant," Cuiping said with a big mouth, chewing on a steamed bun while laughing.

"Delicious.

"This flavor is spot on!

"So fragrant!

"Isn't Sister-in-law's cooking a hundred times better than Hongyun Tower?"

Hong Zhiyou picked up several bites with his chopsticks, eating with great relish.

Yu Zecheng tasted a bite.

It was even saltier today.

He looked at Hong Zhiyou speechlessly, admiring him to the point of prostration.

Even Cuiping was flattered to the point of blushing; she happily took a steamed bun and gave it to Hong Zhiyou:

"Big brother, you have to break it open and stuff the meat inside to chew it together; that's when it's truly fragrant."

"I'll try it!"

Hong Zhiyou picked up a chopstick of chili meat and ate it with the bun:

"Mm.

"Not bad, just right.

"With this way of eating, I wouldn't trade it for a full Manchu-Han feast."

"Look at Secretary Hong, that's what you call knowing how to eat, unlike you, always being picky." Cuiping laughed, not forgetting to roll her eyes and mock Yu Zecheng.

Old Yu didn't speak, silently drinking his porridge.

"Sister-in-law, have you ever met Master Sun Lutang?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"I haven't.

"Third Grandfather met him; he was the junior apprentice taught personally by Sun Lutang, and he could knock down a horse with one punch."

Whenever martial arts were mentioned, Cuiping's eyes would light up.

"Sister-in-law.

"Look at me, is it too late to start training now?

"Is there any quick way to improve reflexes, run faster, and increase strength?"

Hong Zhiyou took a big gulp of porridge and asked with a smile.

Yu Zecheng glared at him.

You dog, so this is what you were waiting for.

"If you're talking about training to be like me, it's probably a stretch to be able to hold back a galloping horse.

"But training for some strength, reflexes, and running a bit faster, that's all a piece of cake.

"It's just that you have to endure hardship and put in the effort.

"When I was training before, Third Grandfather used a big stick to beat it into me.

"Many strong young men in the village couldn't persist."

"You, a playboy, can you handle it?"

Wang Cuiping looked at him and asked with a smile.

"As long as you are willing to teach me, sister-in-law, I will learn no matter how hard it is," Hong Zhiyou said.

Is learning martial arts useful?

It is a little useful, but not much.

After all, no matter how formidable an expert is, they will still fall to a thunderbolt or a bullet.

But this little bit of utility might increase one's chances of survival.

Do you not see that even Rong Bin, who has enough money to last three lifetimes, is practicing hard?

What right does he have not to work hard?

Now that he has offended so many people, being able to run faster, jump higher, and punch harder are all bargaining chips for surviving a desperate situation.

"Fine, starting tomorrow morning, you will practice with me.

"I will teach you breathing, stance training, and basic forms.

"When you have free time, lift stone locks; in a month or so, I guarantee you will be as strong as an ox."

Wang Cuiping was a straightforward person; she patted her chest and agreed.

"Ahem, ahem.

"Wang Cuiping, don't mess around.

"Secretary Hong is the Station Master's prized possession; if you train him until he's broken, can you bear the responsibility?"

Yu Zecheng hurriedly interrupted.

"It's fine, Old Yu. Sister-in-law is a disciple of a grandmaster; it is a blessing cultivated over eight lifetimes for her to teach me.

"Sister-in-law, then it's settled."

Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"That's right.

"Don't listen to him. I try to teach him to practice every day, but he doesn't think much of it.

"Look at this now, if you don't learn, there are plenty of people who would cherish the chance."

Wang Cuiping glared at Yu Zecheng with indignation.

After the meal.

Hong Zhiyou went back to change his clothes, preparing to return to the station.

"Wang Cuiping, why on earth are you teaching him martial arts?

"What if you train him into a problem?

"I'm not joking; Secretary Hong is too important. For the Station Master, for you, and for me, we cannot afford any damage."

Yu Zecheng was somewhat dissatisfied with Wang Cuiping's rash actions.

"I know.

"I'm not stupid; can Master Sun's secret techniques be passed on casually?

"But according to our rules, since I taught him martial arts, even if I'm not his Master, at least I'm his Senior Sister.

"The bond of a martial sect is more reliable than your relationships as classmates or fellow villagers.

"With this bond, it will be convenient to ask him for favors in the future."

Wang Cuiping wrinkled her nose and grinned.

Yu Zecheng raised his eyebrows and pondered carefully; it actually seemed to make sense.

"Fine, you even know how to use your head now.

"You've made progress."

He smiled and offered a compliment.

"You think only you are smart? I'm not stupid; I'm better at managing friendships than you." Wang Cuiping curled her lip and carried the bowl to the stove.

"Yes, yes, you are more capable than I am." Yu Zecheng smiled and conceded.

Hong Zhiyou arrived in the courtyard.

Liu Shan had just finished his meal and was pushing his bicycle, preparing to go home.

"Shan, let's chat for a bit."

Hong Zhiyou stepped forward and hooked his arm around his shoulder, acting completely at ease.

"Mr., Mr. Hong." Liu Shan was a bit nervous.

"Why call me Mr. Hong? Call me brother.

"Take this."

Hong Zhiyou took a cigarette and handed it to Liu Shan.

He lit it for him.

"Brother." Liu Shan was somewhat flattered.

"Do you like my sister?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"We, we are classmates, looking out for each other." Liu Shan said, his eyes darting away.

"If you like her, you like her; why pretend?

"I can tell, my sister likes you quite a bit.

"Have you slept together?"

Hong Zhiyou puffed out a cloud of smoke and asked with a smile.

"No.

"Brother, believe me, even if you gave me a hundred guts, I wouldn't dare." Liu Shan was almost scared to tears.

"You're an adult.

"You have the right to pursue happiness.

"Enjoy yourself while you can, be a bit bolder, work hard, and in the future, we will be one family.

"I have high hopes for you!"

Hong Zhiyou patted his shoulder and turned to leave.

"I..." Liu Shan stood frozen in place, stunned.

He never dreamed that Secretary Hong would think so highly of him.

Oh my god.

The ancestral grave must be emitting blue smoke.

No, I must find my cousin-uncle and have a drink to tell him this incredible good news.

Liu Shan stepped on the pedal and flew toward Xie Ruo's home.

Eight o'clock in the evening.

Jinhai Station, underground interrogation room.

At the head of the table, Wu Jingzhong and Jiang Dongliang sat side by side.

Ma Kui, Lu Qiaoshan, and Yu Zecheng sat in a row to the side.

Hong Zhiyou was, as usual, serving tea and water to the big bosses.

Jiang Aimei, on the electric chair, was no longer human in appearance after the torture by Ma Kui and Lao Wu.

All of her fingernails and toenails had been pulled out.

Her entire body was a horrific sight, bitten by vicious dogs.

At this very moment, several mice were scurrying and biting inside her clothes, occasionally letting out shrill, strange squeaks.

Jiang Aimei's brows were tightly furrowed, her expression one of agony.

Even so.

Her gaze remained incomparably firm.

"Station Master Wu, let's begin." Jiang Dongliang, who wore a light stubble, took off his military cap and said solemnly.

It was clear that this stern adjutant was a qualified "hunting dog."

Expecting to bribe him would not work.

"Qiaoshan, call Huang Zhong in to talk to her," Wu Jingzhong said.

Huang Zhong was brought in.

Seeing Jiang Aimei, his heart ached until it bled:

"Aimei, just confess.

"I have already confessed, Team Leader Ma..."

Just as Huang Zhong was about to speak, Jiang Dongliang coldly interrupted him: "Shut up!

"You only need to persuade her to confess who exactly Emei Peak is!"

"Yes, Adjutant Jiang."

Huang Zhong nodded and bowed, then urged again: "Aimei, just say it."

He stared into Jiang Aimei's eyes:

"Stop fantasizing; there is no chance, no one can save you.

"Only by cooperating with Station Master Wu do we have any hope of living."

"He will give us a lot of money.

"He will send us to Singapore.

"Confess, I'm begging you, okay?"

As he spoke, Huang Zhong's eyes turned red, and tears welled up.

He had already hinted that no one could save her.

Death was the only option.

Jiang Aimei's gaze softened.

A cold sneer appeared on the corners of Ma Kui and Jiang Dongliang's mouths; after all, they had been husband and wife for so many years, even the toughest woman had to succumb to an emotional appeal.

"I, I'll confess." Jiang Aimei sniffled.

"Qiaoshan, record this," Wu Jingzhong frowned and ordered.

"Can you give me some water, give me something to eat?

"I haven't eaten for two days."

Jiang Aimei said weakly.

"You may," Jiang Dongliang waved his hand.

Old Five immediately brought her steamed buns and rice porridge.

Under the care of a designated person, Jiang Aimei finished the food, and a hint of vitality appeared on her previously ashen face.

"Mrs. Jiang, can you confess now?" Ma Kui urged impatiently.

"I can."

Jiang Aimei smiled slightly.

She lowered her head and glanced at her chest.

Her body struggled slightly, appearing somewhat painful.

Everyone thought she was being bitten by the rats and was in unbearable pain.

"Old Five, go get those ra..."

Jiang Dongliang was just about to give the order.

When he saw blood spilling out of the corners of Jiang Aimei's mouth in large gulps.

He immediately shouted:

"No good, she bit off her tongue.

"Quick.

"Quick!"

Everyone present was shocked.

Ma Kui lunged forward in one stride, gripped her chin tightly, and pried her mouth open violently.

"Wah wah!"

Jiang Aimei's mouth was forced open.

Only to see her mouth full of blood.

Her tongue was only half left, a bloody mess.

"Damn it.

"She swallowed her tongue.

"Ah!"

Ma Kui was so anxious he stomped his feet, dug around, but only found bits of flesh.

"Aimei!"

Huang Zhong let out a loud cry and fell to his knees on the ground with a thud.

Yu Zecheng felt a lump in his throat, his whole body trembling, forcing back the tears flowing in his heart.

Hong Zhiyou had seen Shopkeeper Qiu bite his tongue in the original drama.

But when he saw with his own eyes a delicate woman perform this tragic and heroic act with infinite courage and strength.

He was terrified to the point of his hair standing on end.

That's right.

At this moment, there was no admiration, sympathy, or worship.

Only fear from the depths of his soul.

In a desperate situation, fear is the most powerful weapon.

Even Wu Jingzhong and Jiang Dongliang were so shocked that their hair stood on end, and they stood up involuntarily.

Jiang Dongliang's face was livid, and there was no longer any playfulness or arrogant air in his eyes.

He stood straight, his Adam's apple trembling fiercely as he swallowed his saliva.

Then, he properly buttoned his military uniform, put on his military cap, didn't look at Jiang Aimei again, and turned to walk away with a steady, military gait.

He knew.

This woman had already lost her value.

No one could defeat her faith.

No force could make her submit!

"Ah!"

Ma Kui, acting like a madman, grabbed Jiang Aimei by the collar, shaking her and roaring at her:

"Why.

"Why?

"Isn't freedom good?

"Isn't money good?"

Jiang Aimei was already nearing unconsciousness, yet a peaceful, victorious smile hung on her face.

She could no longer answer.

But her expression gave Ma Kui the answer.

Red faith is invincible.

"Enough!

"Take her to the Lujunyi Academy immediately."

Wu Jingzhong fastened his collar, scolded sternly.

Then, he turned and walked away quickly.

The person was taken away.

Yu Zecheng returned to his office and stood by the window.

Letting the wind dry the hidden moisture in his eyes.

Wen Chong was dead.

No one dared to touch Shopkeeper Qiu.

Jiang Aimei bit off her tongue; there was almost no possibility of recovery.

He was already safe.

He wanted to do something for this female comrade.

Yes.

He had to rescue Jiang Aimei.

Thinking of this, Yu Zecheng took a deep breath, relaxed his tense facial muscles, and walked toward Hong Zhiyou's office.

Hong Zhiyou was wiping his sweat.

A cold sweat brought on by fear.

"Zhiyou, is there any hope?"

Yu Zecheng closed the door and asked in a low voice.

"Yes.

"Burn incense and pray to Buddha."

Hong Zhiyou rinsed the towel, wiped his hands, turned his head, and said in a deep voice.

……

Dear station chiefs, today's 11, 00-word update is complete (finally I can get an early sleep), thank you all for your subscriptions and monthly tickets, good night.

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(End of chapter)