Chapter 134: A Life-and-Death Contest

"No rush, let me think."

Ma Kui's brows knit together as he began to ponder.

Sun Xing very tactfully retreated outside, smoking while he waited.

A fall into a pit, a gain in your wit.

He had to clear up the connections; Ma Kui took out paper and pen and scribbled down a few names.

Wu Jingzhong, Yu Zecheng.

Mu Liancheng, Deng Ming.

Hong Zhiyou, Zuo Lan.

He began drawing arrows between the relationships of these six people.

The Station Chief was once a member of the Red Ticket in his early days.

Later, he betrayed the revolution and sold out Xu Bing, was introduced by Shen Zui to meet Dai Li, and shared a casual meal.

Since then, having gained Dai Li's appreciation, he had flourished and risen rapidly.

Within the Party and the State.

People like Wu Jingzhong, Xie Ruo, and Wang Xinheng were mostly turncoat generals who held high positions.

Now that the Red Ticket had grown powerful.

These two-faced opportunists were highly likely to leak important intelligence to curry favor with the Red Ticket, hoping to hedge their bets on both sides.

This fit Wu Jingzhong's opportunistic nature.

Mu Liancheng and Deng Ming were classmates.

Wu Jingzhong could have leaked intelligence on military mediation personnel to Deng Ming through Mu Liancheng.

This was entirely possible.

Hong Zhiyou must be a tool for making money.

Thinking of this, he crossed out that name.

That left Yu Zecheng and Zuo Lan.

Meeting a military mediation representative at this time was very risky, unless it was intelligence of extreme importance.

Wu Jingzhong had to convey it to the Red Ticket side.

For example: the secret mission of Boss Dai coming to Jinhai.

Who would he send?

Was it Yu Zecheng?

*Scratch.

His pen tip swirled, and he drew a heavy circle around Wu Jingzhong's head.

Then he wrote:

"Red Ticket!"

"Let's go!

"Let's go find out the truth!"

Thinking of this, Ma Kui crumpled the paper into a ball, tossed it into the basket, shouted out, and walked outside.

Sun Xing nimbly returned to the room, picked up the paper ball from the wastebasket, stuffed it into his pocket, and then grabbed the round hat hanging on the wall to chase after him:

"Captain Ma, you forgot your hat.

"The autumn nights in the north are bitingly cold.

"You have to be careful!"

"Thanks." Ma Kui patted his shoulder.

Even if Jinhai was full of thieves, so what?

At least he still had an old brother who would risk his life for him.

"Don't mention it.

"We're like family.

"When you take down old Wu and become the Deputy Station Chief, don't forget to pull your brother up," Sun Xing said, fawning and flattering.

"Rest assured.

"When the time comes, this position of mine will definitely be yours," Ma Kui promised with a smile.

"Thanks."

They arrived at the Rose Café.

Ma Kui crouched in a corner, staring at the distance.

Soon, he saw Yu Zecheng walk over from the shadows, his expression somewhat furtive.

"It really is an intelligence trade."

Ma Kui sneered.

"Should I go in and catch them?" Sun Xing asked.

"Catch what?

"If there's no evidence, he'll just say it's a date, and you'll be the one getting slapped in the face."

Ma Kui let out a cold snort, a venomous light flickering in the depths of his eyes.

Besides.

The one he wanted to catch was no longer just Yu Zecheng.

This time, he wanted to catch the fattest, craftiest old fish.

"I'll make a bet with you.

"Tomorrow, Boss Dai's secret mission will be known to everyone."

Ma Kui looked at him, the corners of his mouth lifting in a dry laugh.

"No way.

"This is top secret!" Sun Xing shook his head repeatedly.

"Top secret?

"Once it passes through certain people's hands, it's not a damn secret anymore.

"I bet five silver dollars."

Ma Kui reached out his hand.

"Deal.

"I bet Yu Zecheng is just here to date Zuo Lan," Sun Xing said, smiling as he slapped his hand in agreement.

Yu Zecheng walked into the café lobby.

Mr. Guan was drinking.

"Would you like a drink, sir?" he asked upon seeing Yu Zecheng.

"Do you have whiskey?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"Follow me."

He stood up and led Yu Zecheng into room 308 on the second floor.

"It's not safe here; you might be being watched.

"Try to be quick."

Mr. Guan cautioned him carefully.

"Thank you."

Yu Zecheng pushed the door open and walked in.

Zuo Lan closed the door, her eyes filled with incredulous joy:

"Zecheng, it's really you.

"I, I didn't think you..."

As she spoke, she covered her mouth, and tears couldn't stop falling.

Yu Zecheng pulled her into a hug; long-lost longing turned into tenderness, and the two embraced and kissed passionately.

"Zecheng, did you come to see me because you have important intelligence?"

After a long while, they separated, and Zuo Lan asked softly.

"I do.

"Dai Li is secretly meeting with Commander Cooke of the U. . Seventh Fleet, selling out intelligence on both the Blue and Red sides to secure the position of Navy Commander.

"The Juntong commercial organizations in Beiping and Baoding have trained a large group of reactionaries and traitors.

"Next month, they will head to the Border Region and the Northeast Democratic Allied Army.

"Three batches, ninety people in total.

"I have photos of the list, but I didn't dare carry them on me; it was too rushed today to go get them, so I will hand them to Mr. Guan tomorrow.

"Also, the batch of medical and daily supplies being transported from Jinhai to the Northeast is fake.

"They are all weapons and equipment packaged by the Japanese, and they are the most advanced ones.

"They have already been shipped to the Northeast and the Fifth War Zone.

"..."

Yu Zecheng held her, kissing her as he spoke.

"Is there more?" Zuo Lan asked, panting.

"Yes."

"My liaisons Jiang Aimei and Huang Zhong have been arrested; the situation is very critical now."

"Can the organization do something about it?"

Yu Zecheng said.

"I will request instructions from Director Deng regarding this matter."

"Zecheng, I should go!"

Zuo Lan looked at him with tears in her eyes, reluctant to part.

"No."

"This place isn't safe, and I'm sure I've been followed. If you leave now, I won't be able to explain it." Yu Zecheng grabbed her.

"Then what should we do?" Zuo Lan frowned and asked.

"Don't be afraid."

"Wu Jingzhong and Ma Kui know that we had a past relationship."

"A date is the most appropriate excuse."

"Zuo Lan, I miss you so much; I think of you every single moment."

Yu Zecheng said this while taking off his clothes.

Zuo Lan understood his intent.

The two rolled together like dry tinder meeting fire.

Outside.

Mr. Guan frowned deeply.

It had already been an hour.

These two were far too disorganized and undisciplined.

Finally, Yu Zecheng walked out of the room, looking refreshed.

He exchanged a glance with Mr. Guan.

He smiled slightly, walked out, hailed a rickshaw, and left.

"An hour or so, Old Yu is quite something," Sun Xing checked his watch and chuckled.

Ma Kui's face turned livid, and he stared at him coldly.

"Captain Ma, what... what's wrong?"

Sun Xing felt unnerved by the look, not knowing how he had offended him.

"If you don't speak, no one will mistake you for a mute."

Ma Kui glared at him and turned to leave.

Damn it all.

Is he crazy?

Sun Xing spat on the ground and followed closely behind.

The next day.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the station early.

As usual, he went to the old dormitory to wash up briefly.

Mi Zhiguo secretly slipped him a crumpled piece of paper:

"Sun Xing picked this up in Captain Ma's office last night."

"Also, Captain Ma went to the Rose Cafe last night and discovered Director Yu and Zuo Lan on a date."

"Got it, thanks." Hong Zhiyou secretly slipped him two silver dollars.

Mi Zhiguo did not refuse and accepted them.

"Zhiguo."

"My bedding is fine, go ahead and air it out."

"When new people come to the station later, they can use it."

After calling out loudly, Hong Zhiyou walked quickly to the station.

Just as he reached the entrance of the main hall, he saw Yu Zecheng carrying his bag, his left cheek swollen with a faint, bruised palm print, walking over with a beaming smile.

"What happened?"

Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"You know perfectly well why." Yu Zecheng said with a low, bitter laugh.

"Then tell me, was it worth it?" Hong Zhiyou teased him as they walked.

"Worth it."

"Totally worth it; even a hundred slaps from Cuiping wouldn't be a loss."

Yu Zecheng said, savoring the memory.

"Was Representative Zuo tender?" Hong Zhiyou winked and smirked.

"Get lost."

Yu Zecheng raised the corners of his mouth; his happiness was self-evident.

"Ma Kui knows you went to the cafe," Hong Zhiyou continued.

"I know."

"In matters like this, he can't do anything to me without evidence," Yu Zecheng replied.

While joking, the two went into their respective offices.

Hong Zhiyou tidied up briefly and went to the Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong was already at work.

Hong Zhiyou walked in and closed the door behind him:

"Teacher, you're here so early today."

"Sigh, I didn't sleep all night."

"Received news last night that Boss Dai is on a flight this noon."

"Whether we live or die depends entirely on today."

Wu Jingzhong said, his face weary with dark circles under his eyes.

"As for Jianfeng..." Hong Zhiyou asked in a low voice.

"I have already hinted at it."

"It's impossible to speak directly about such things, and my old classmate didn't commit to a stance."

"We can only rely on this strong medicine from Zecheng."

"How is it on his end?"

Wu Jingzhong asked in a deep voice.

"Director Yu met with Zuo Lan last night."

"If the Red Ticket side is quick enough, we can go to the conference room to listen to the radio in ten minutes," Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"By the way, Teacher."

"This is the intelligence Sun Xing submitted, written by Ma Kui..."

Hong Zhiyou unfolded the paper ball.

Upon seeing the chicken-scratch handwriting, Wu Jingzhong knew without a doubt it was Ma Kui's own hand.

"Good."

"This is accusing me of being a Red Ticket and colluding with Mu Liancheng," Wu Jingzhong sneered.

"Teacher, should we arrest him?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Arrest him for what?"

"If Dai Li dies, he won't be able to jump around for many more days."

"If Dai Li doesn't die, it's nothing more than splashing another basin of dirty water on my grave."

Wu Jingzhong said indifferently.

"Let's go!"

"To the conference room!"

Upon arriving at the conference room, Wu Jingzhong turned on the radio.

He tuned it to the commercial station.

It was broadcasting back and forth the Red Ticket's protest regarding Dai Li's secret mission.

"Go, call Section Chief Lu and the others," Wu Jingzhong waved his hand.

Soon, Lu Qiaoshan, Yu Zecheng, and Ma Kui walked in.

Upon hearing the broadcast, Lu and Yu feigned astonishment.

Ma Kui, however, wore a cold sneer.

"Fine, the Director Dai had barely left when the intelligence was leaked."

"I recall that when we held the meeting at the Garrison Headquarters, no Red representative was invited. How did they come to know about it so clearly?"

"Section Chief Lu, you are in charge of intelligence, you tell me!"

Wu Jingzhong slapped the table and asked angrily.

Lu Qiao's heart hammered wildly, and he forced a smile to explain:

"Station Chief, during the meeting, weren't Commander Chen and Army Commander Mou also present?"

"Besides, there was also Boss Dai's adjutant Jiang Dongliang, as well as the guards. It is not certain that the problem originated from our Jinhai Station."

"Moreover, the 94th Army has always been at odds with the Military Statistics Bureau; it is not impossible that they did this to set Boss Dai up."

Hong Zhiyou chimed in: "That's right, I brought the document back and delivered it to Section Chief Qin right on time."

Lu Qiao gave him a look of secret gratitude.

His hanging heart relaxed slightly.

If Hong Zhiyou were to sell him out, it would be very troublesome to explain.

"I don't care about the 94th Army; I am asking you all, how was the intelligence leaked?" Wu Jingzhong asked, tapping the table.

"Teacher, please calm your anger."

"There are many factions involved in intelligence now; the Crown Prince, the Political Science clique, and the CC clique are all throwing money around like crazy."

"These people all want to topple Boss Dai."

"It is entirely possible for them to spend a fortune to obtain the intelligence."

Yu Zecheng answered accordingly.

"Is it certain that an outsider leaked it?"

"Don't just keep bringing up the 94th Army or the CC clique; don't you have any idea what you yourselves have been doing?"

"Director Yu, where did you go last night?"

Ma Kui said sarcastically from the side.

"I went to the Rose Café," Yu Zecheng answered righteously.

"What for?"

"Who did you meet?"

Ma Kui asked aggressively.

"The Red military mediation female representative, Zuo Lan," Yu Zecheng said.

"Going to see a Red representative at a time like this, don't you think you owe us an explanation?" Ma Kui sneered.

"Of course I owe an explanation."

"I had a past relationship with her."

"I went this time to try and turn her."

"What, is that not allowed?"

"Captain Ma, you wouldn't be suspecting that I leaked the intelligence, would you? If you are, please produce evidence."

Yu Zecheng reached out his hand and asked.

"Captain Ma."

"Turning Zuo Lan was my proposal."

"I discussed this with Director Yu last time. After all, since he and Zuo Lan have a past, it would be convenient to make contact. The military mediation is about to end, so it is normal to speed this up," Lu Qiao helped explain.

"How is the turning going?" Ma Kui asked with a smile.

"Not very smoothly."

"The people who come from that side are all very stubborn, but she didn't reject contact with me."

"I think if we talk a few more times, there should be progress."

Yu Zecheng took a breath and replied.

"Talk a few more times?"

"I'm afraid you'll sell the entire Jinhai Station to her," Ma Kui's face stiffened as he barked sternly.

"Captain Ma is at it again."

Yu Zecheng glanced at him and shook his head with disdain.

"Just wait."

"I will investigate this clearly."

Ma Kui picked up the hat from the table, slapped it onto his head, and walked out without even saying goodbye.

Wu Jingzhong watched his back coldly and did not stop him.

Whether it is life or death, everything will be decided today.

Leaving the Station Chief's office.

Lu Qiao broke out in a cold sweat from the narrow escape.

He grabbed Hong Zhiyou:

"Brother, how do you think such important intelligence was leaked?"

"God knows, anyway, it wasn't you, and it wasn't me," Hong Zhiyou shook his head indifferently.

"That's right."

"It absolutely cannot be you or me."

"If Boss Dai finds out, according to the house rules, the lightest punishment is life imprisonment, and the heaviest is immediate execution."

Lu Qiao wiped his sweat and said in a low voice.

As he spoke, he patted Hong Zhiyou: "The mess you made, brother, almost killed me."

"Yes, it's my fault."

"Don't worry, I will take the blame; you just need to make sure Section Chief Qin is handled," Hong Zhiyou said with an apologetic face.

"Hmm, old Qin is easy to talk to."

"Brother, you must stay steady; don't sabotage your own people," Lu Qiao poked his chest and warned him sternly.

"Hmm."

Hong Zhiyou responded and returned to the Station Chief's office.

He closed the door.

Wu Jingzhong pointed at the telephone, feeling uneasy:

"Do you guess Boss Dai will call?"

"He probably will. The important matter entrusted by the Leader has been completely exposed; right now, the old man is probably cursing up a storm," Hong Zhiyou said.

"I guess he won't call," Wu Jingzhong shook his head.

"You don't think so, Teacher?" Yu Zecheng said.

"When you are determined to have someone die, would you still curse them?"

"Just wait."

"If there is no call, then it will be the Inspection Team or the Enforcement Team."

"Everyone, let's leave it to fate."

Wu Jingzhong took a deep breath and sighed dejectedly.

Qingdao.

Dai Li and Ke Ke's assistant had just finished surveying the site for the naval port.

An excellent deep-water port.

The conditions were good.

Dai Li didn't understand much about these things.

He only knew that by sitting in the position of Naval Commander, having warships and cannons, and deeply hooking into the Americans, his status would be secure.

Otherwise, the open and secret attacks from the likes of the three Chens, Ye Xiufeng, and Li Shizhen.

And the pillow talk of Lady Jiang.

Sooner or later, they would blow him away.

He knew the Leader was dissatisfied.

But this was also a helpless move; nowadays, the Americans are God, they are the trump card.

If he doesn't cling to them, others will, so there is no reason not to use them.

"Director Dai, something has happened," Jiang Dongliang approached and reported in a low voice.

Returning to the office.

The radio was broadcasting the news.

"Director."

"It must be the intelligence leaked from Jinhai."

"These people are too arrogant; you had barely left when they dared to pull these little stunts."

"They must be severely punished."

Jiang Dongliang said indignantly.

Dai Li's expression remained calm, and he asked with a faint smile:

"The local specialties Wu Jingzhong sent me, has the train departed?"

"No."

"It seems a section of the mountain road has collapsed, all trains on the southern line have stopped running and are currently undergoing emergency repairs."

Jiang Dongliang replied.

"This makes it quite obvious."

"Some people think Zheng Jiemin is about to take power and want to switch sides; this is them openly challenging me."

Dai Li sneered coldly.

"Should I go back and arrest Wu Jingzhong in secret?" Jiang Dongliang asked, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.

"Hmm."

"Take the enforcement team with you."

"Don't say too much, just say you need him to cooperate with an investigation into his collusion with the traitor Mu Liancheng."

"Bring him to Shancheng first."

"I want to personally host a fine banquet for him at the Bai Mansion."

Dai Li nodded and gave his orders.

"Director Dai, the plane is ready."

"Would you like to have lunch before you leave?"

Section Chief Gong walked in and reported.

"What time is it scheduled for?" Dai Li asked.

"One o'clock," Gong Xianfang replied.

"Then we leave at twelve."

"It's just right to have lunch early so I don't get dizzy on the plane," Dai Li glanced at his watch and instructed cautiously.

Soon, the food was brought up.

Dai Li lowered his head to work.

Liu Yuzhu signaled the waiter to leave, picked up the chopsticks, and personally tasted every dish.

After confirming there was nothing amiss, she said respectfully:

"Director Dai, you may dine."

"Well done." Dai Li saw this and was very pleased.

"Jiang Dongliang has returned to Jinmen."

"I don't trust the people here; Section Chief Gong is not from an intelligence background and doesn't understand many things."

"You go with Section Chief Gong and Little Jin in a moment to inspect the plane."

"Be thorough and ensure its safety."

Dai Li sat down and gave orders while eating.

He didn't trust anyone.

Little Jin was a bodyguard.

Gong Xianfang had always wanted to climb the ladder and was very close to Mao Renfeng.

Liu Yuzhu was one of Ma Hansan's people.

Only by having all three go together would things be more secure.

"Very well, Director."

"Section Chief Gong and I will go inspect it now."

Liu Yuzhu bowed and retreated.

She knew the opportunity had finally arrived.

Liang Ruojie had already brought the bomb into the airport.

As long as the air traffic control there let her through, she could enter and wait for the chance to plant the bomb.

Of course.

She still had to keep Gong Xianfang and Little Jin steady.

According to the plan, this could only be done with the cooperation of air traffic control.

It was just unclear if Hong Zhiyou had managed to handle those people.

If all three went to inspect the plane together.

The plan would have to be declared a failure!

Wu Jingzhong, Hong Zhiyou, and Yu Zecheng sat in the office, feeling as if every second lasted a year.

After sitting for three hours, all three had cold sweat seeping from their foreheads.

There was no phone call.

Dai Li was indeed too lazy to even scold them.

This was the omen before the storm.

Dai Li was about to make his move.

"Ring-ring!"

The phone rang.

Wu Jingzhong hurriedly answered:

"Yes, I understand."

Hanging up the phone, he said with a panicked expression:

"Just received word that early this morning, Boss Dai sent Jiang Dongliang and the enforcement team, and they have already rushed from Qingdao toward Jinmen."

"It is explicitly stated that I am to be taken to stay at the Bai Mansion."

"I reckon they will be at the station soon."

"Gentlemen, I'm afraid our good days are coming to an end."

"Teacher, don't be so pessimistic; there is still a chance," Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

As they were speaking, the phone rang again.

Wu Jingzhong didn't dare to answer, so Yu Zecheng did:

"Good, I understand."

"Thank you."

"Zecheng, is it Jiang Dongliang..." Wu Jingzhong asked nervously.

"No."

"It was Station Chief Liang Ruojie calling."

"Good news, Jianfeng has relented; the air traffic control person in charge, Liang Song, and the pilot will do their utmost to cooperate with Liu Yuzhu," Yu Zecheng said with great joy.

"That's wonderful."

Wu Jingzhong was just about to clap his hands when he heard noisy footsteps in the station.

He walked to the window and looked:

"Jiang Dongliang is here."

"Zhiyou, the rest is up to you."

"Teacher, just cooperate with him."

"If Jiang Dongliang can walk half a step out of Jinmen city, then he's a formidable one!"

Hong Zhiyou stood up, his tone as cold as iron.

Dear station chiefs, posting one chapter first. I've been working during the day and pulling high-intensity all-nighters to write lately, and my body can't quite take it. Don't wait for the second chapter tonight; let me recover my energy and catch a breath before fighting again tomorrow morning. Thank you all for your understanding.

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(End of chapter)