Chapter 140: A Wave Subsides, Another Rises

Fang Xiaomin was once a young, capable officer carefully handpicked by Liu Xiong.

After Liu Xiong and Li Ping died, Xiao Guohua's management of his subordinates became rather lax.

Fang Xiaomin hit it off with the men in Sun Xing's operations team, engaging in everything from visiting brothels and gambling to extortion.

As for the Station Chief, he had a grudge against Ma Kui.

Therefore, he turned a blind eye.

He let this group of people run wild.

If the operations team wasn't rotten, where would he find a reason to suppress and accuse Ma Kui?

"The things left behind by Section Chief Liu and Li Ping?"

Fang Xiaomin waited until he got off work and arrived at the dormitory.

Sun Xing and the others were gathered around a table playing bamboo-stick poker.

Fang Xiaomin fanned away the acrid smoke and said in a low voice:

"Brother Xing, I have something to tell you."

"You guys keep playing." Sun Xing had just been dealt a bad hand, so he tossed it aside and went outside.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I saw Hong Zhiyou at the Security Section today.

"He was looking for the copies of telegrams and intelligence that Section Chief Liu had left behind after investigating Section Chief Yu.

"He pried open Liu Xiong's private cabinet and took away a whole stack."

Fang Xiaomin leaned into his ear and whispered.

"Are you sure?" Sun Xing asked in surprise.

"Sure.

"When Hong Zhiyou left, Section Chief Xiao was tidying up the cabinet and even muttering to himself," Fang Xiaomin said.

"Very good.

"You come with me to find Captain Ma right now."

Sun Xing patted his shoulder, and the two of them walked quickly to Ma Kui's office.

Ma Kui was drinking small cups of liquor with pig-head meat.

He couldn't help it; he just loved this snack.

He never got tired of eating it.

"Captain Ma, Fang Xiaomin has important intelligence," Sun Xing said as he pushed the door open to report.

"Speak."

Ma Kui said, feeling dispirited.

Even Section Chief Mao had lost heart; although he had grand ambitions, he couldn't think of a good entry point for the time being.

Even Zhou Yunyi had lost his spirit.

"Secretary Hong went to the Security Section today and took away the intelligence copies stored by Liu Xiong," Fang Xiaomin said.

"Intelligence copies?" Ma Kui frowned.

"Yes.

"Hong Zhiyou even gave him money.

"These copies were all locked in a box by Liu Xiong.

"Li Ping once revealed that Section Chief Liu had very likely found evidence of Yu Zecheng's communist ties.

"At the time, it was the Station Chief who ordered Section Chief Liu to investigate.

"I suspect Hong Zhiyou wants to take advantage of the Station Chief being away.

"He wants to steal this part of the intelligence."

Fang Xiaomin touched the pimples on his face and analyzed.

"Very likely.

"Hong Zhiyou may not be a communist, but this man is slick and smooth.

"He is very likely taking advantage of the Station Chief's absence to take this intelligence.

"Either to sell it to Yu Zecheng or to blackmail Yu Zecheng into doing things for him.

"I heard that his younger sister getting into Nankai University was through Yu Zecheng's connections."

Sun Xing nodded in agreement.

"That's possible.

"This guy Hong Zhiyou is too slippery; it's understandable that he wants to keep everything in his hands for peace of mind.

"After all, the communists' strength is growing day by day now.

"If the world changes hands, Yu Zecheng could be of great use.

"Where did he put it?"

Ma Kui asked.

"It should be in the office.

"I asked Old Chen at the guard room.

"He said that when Secretary Hong left, he checked that he didn't take any documents with him," Sun Xing said.

"Then it's still in the office.

"That's great.

"Who is on duty today?" Ma Kui immediately put down his chopsticks, his spirits lifted.

"It seems to be Wang Quanfa," Sun Xing said.

"Got it.

"Let me show you something."

Ma Kui took a letter out of the drawer and handed it to Sun Xing.

"Section Chief Yu's cousin is getting married?

"This, what does this..."

Sun Xing expressed his confusion.

"You don't understand, do you?

"When Section Chief Liu was here, he once revealed to me that Yu Zecheng's wife is very likely a Mobile Corps Commander.

"Yu Zecheng's marriage information was filled out by Lü Zongfang.

"Therefore, there is every reason to believe that this woman is a fake wife to him."

Ma Kui smiled and analyzed.

"Hmm, that's possible.

"Finding fake couples is also a common tactic used by our Military Statistics Bureau," Fang Xiaomin nodded with an expression of admiration.

Ma Kui, enjoying this, continued:

"Previously, Accountant Zhou at the station had lived downstairs from Yu Zecheng for a period of time.

"He often heard this couple arguing.

"Moreover, you have all seen that stupid woman.

"She is completely unsuited for intelligence work.

"Do you remember what I said last time, that the Baoding Group caught someone buying grain in Yixian?

"That was a fellow villager of Mrs. Yu.

"That person would rather die than submit; he didn't look like an ordinary person at all.

"At that time, they didn't just catch one person.

"There were two others, and Liu Xiong hid them away.

"It's a pity that before he could use these two trump cards, he was silenced by Wu Jingzhong."

Ma Kui's eyes turned cold, and he hated Wu Jingzhong even more.

"Captain Ma, do you know where these two people are?" Sun Xing asked hurriedly.

"I have been screening Section Chief Liu's activity tracks these days.

"Maybe it will be soon.

"This letter actually arrived a long time ago, and I have been holding onto it.

"As long as I find these two people.

"I can catch Yu Zecheng in the act before the Station Chief returns.

"Take him down directly.

"Then we'll see how he can argue his way out of it."

Ma Kui said coldly.

"Captain Ma's move is truly brilliant," the two of them flattered him.

"You two go back."

Ma Kui waved his hand and said.

After the two left, he picked up the phone and dialed a number:

"Hello, brother, have you found the people on your end?"

"Good."

"Do not make a scene; take them over first and keep them under control."

"I will come find you tomorrow morning."

Hanging up the phone, Ma Kui looked at his watch.

It was still early; he would wait a while longer.

Jinhai, Cai Family Lane.

In the deep, dark alley, there was not a glimmer of light.

Lin Tian led the way like a ghost.

They arrived at the gate of house number three.

He did not knock but climbed directly over the wall from the backyard.

A moment later, he crouched on the wall and nodded.

This is what you call a professional bodyguard.

This is the real deal.

Hong Zhiyou smiled slightly and stepped forward to knock on the door.

Sun Xing poked his head out to look around before ushering him into the courtyard:

"Secretary Hong, I have important intelligence."

"You picked a good spot."

Hong Zhiyou said as he looked around.

"I had no choice; with so many eyes and ears, it is best to be cautious."

"Ma Kui has already taken the bait."

"He will very likely go to steal the intelligence tonight."

"Additionally, he revealed an important piece of news: the fellow villager who was transporting grain for Mrs. Yu last time was not the only one arrested."

"There were two others who were very likely bought off by Liu Xiong."

"They are currently in Jinhai."

"Ma Kui has been investigating for a long time; he should be close to finding them."

"He has a letter in his possession."

"Once he hands that letter to Section Chief Yu, he will likely be setting a trap."

Sun Xing said.

"Very good."

"Do not let outsiders know about this matter."

As Hong Zhiyou spoke, he pulled a large gold bar from his pocket and handed it to him.

"Secretary Hong, this is too much." Sun Xing swallowed hard, not daring to take it.

"I am not Ma Kui."

"You did a job for me; this is what you deserve."

"Also, stay safe; that guy Ma Kui is still very cunning."

Hong Zhiyou cautioned.

"Don't worry, I'm the only one he trusts in Jinhai," Sun Xing laughed.

Leaving the alley.

Hong Zhiyou went straight to the home of Yu Zecheng.

He knocked on the door.

Chen Cuiping had just finished bathing, and her hair was still damp.

With her husband not at home, she did not dare let Hong Zhiyou inside.

That guarded look almost made Hong Zhiyou lose his composure.

Damn it, I may be down on my luck, but I'm not so desperate that I'd want to hit on you.

"Zhiyou, what is it?" Chen Cuiping asked, poking half her face out.

"Is Old Yu home?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"He went out."

"Oh, he left word that if anyone else asks, just say he went to look at mountain goods."

"If you ask, I have to tell the truth."

"He said he went to Mr. Yong's house."

"He said if you have an urgent matter, call his house."

Chen Cuiping said with a simple smile.

"Thank you, sister-in-law."

Hong Zhiyou drove straight to the club and then called Yu Zecheng.

He told him to go to the secretary's office to pick up a document.

Jinhai Station.

Wang Quanfa, who was on night duty at the Ma Kui agency office, had become a complete drunkard.

"Little brother, you're not bad-looking."

"And you work for the government."

"Our Jinhai Station's salary is among the best in the entire North."

"Not to mention the monthly subsidies for grain, oil, rice, and flour."

"Logically speaking, there should be many girls who like you; why haven't you settled down?"

Ma Kui clinked glasses with him, spilling liquor directly onto his shirt collar.

Wang Quanfa's eyes were already glazed over; he downed the drink in one gulp and mumbled dazedly:

"Ma, Captain Ma."

"You are a straightforward man; I hit it off with you at the station, and I truly think of you as my own brother."

"To tell you the truth, I have someone I like."

"She already has a family."

"But I can tell she is very empty and craves a man's affection."

Ma Kui laughed disdainfully upon hearing this: "Little brother, what are you afraid of?"

"What we in the Juntong Bureau are best at is taking things."

"Tell me, whose concubine or wife have you taken a fancy to? I'll help you check it out and see if we can pry her away."

"Really?" Wang Quanfa was overjoyed.

"Really!" Ma Kui poured him another glass.

"Then I'll say it."

"Hehe!"

"Actually, the person I like is your wife, A Di."

Wang Quanfa grinned foolishly at him.

"Are you fucking drunk out of your mind?" Ma Kui flew into a rage, slamming the table and cursing.

"Re-really."

"Every time she comes to the station, the way she wiggles her big ass makes my heart go numb and itchy, like it's being scratched by bugs."

"I can tell there's something wrong between you two."

"You sleep in the office every day, and sister-in-law looks at men with hooks in her eyes."

"And you still don't have children."

"Old Ma, are you not capable?"

"Ugh!"

He pointed at Ma Kui, giggling foolishly while letting out a foul-smelling burp.

"Damn it!"

"You're the one who isn't capable!"

"Everyone is eyeing my woman; are you looking to die?"

Ma Kui waved his hand in front of his nose, just about to raise his hand to slap him.

Wang Quanfa froze for a moment, then started giggling foolishly again:

"Captain Ma."

"I, I know you and the Station Chief are having a serious falling out."

"But you... you can't beat him."

"When you disappear one day just like Section Chief Liu, I, I can be with A Di."

"I will cherish her well."

"And have many, many little babies with her."

"Hehe."

Bang!

"Damn it!"

Ma Kui grabbed a transparent wine bottle and smashed it directly onto Wang Quanfa's head.

Wang Quanfa, already dead drunk, tilted his head and collapsed by the small table.

Ma Kui dragged him to the side.

He picked up Wang Quanfa's coat, wrapped it haphazardly around his head, and turned to walk out.

The corridor was completely empty at this moment.

The Jinhai Station compound had strict defenses day and night.

Therefore, inside the building, there was usually only one person on night duty.

Having dealt with Wang Quanfa.

Ma Kui looked around, and after confirming that the surroundings were completely empty, he walked straight to the secretary's office, took a thin wire from his pocket, and aimed it at the keyhole.

Click.

Soon, he opened the door and walked in.

After a brief search, he went straight to the drawer, and upon opening it, he saw a file folder.

Opening it to look, Ma Kui's expression changed drastically.

The Station Chief had actually planted a mole in Yancheng.

This person had impressive capabilities.

To be able to obtain so much intelligence in such a harsh environment as Yancheng.

"Shaanxi Guild Hall.

"Situ Guangzong.

"Zuo Lan and Yu Zecheng met in Jingling...

"Old Liu investigates quite thoroughly.

"Just as I thought, it is highly likely that Yu Zecheng was long ago turned by Lü Zongfang or this Zuo Lan.

"Old Liu, oh Old Liu, you have placed your trust in the wrong person.

"If the two of us had joined forces earlier, how could we have ended up in such a state?"

Ma Kui was shocked by what he saw and couldn't help but feel a sense of mutual sympathy.

Just as he was lamenting, a gloomy voice came from behind him:

"Captain Ma, what are you doing?"

Ma Kui was so scared his soul almost flew out of his body.

Turning his head, he saw Yu Zecheng pointing a gun at him:

"Oh, it's Director Yu.

"It's so late, what are you doing here?"

"Captain Ma, I should be the one asking you that." Yu Zecheng frowned and said.

"Privately entering someone else's office at night to steal intelligence.

"Leaking Military Statistics intelligence.

"Was it you who exposed Boss Dai's secret mission to Jinhai?"

After a pause, he scolded sternly.

"Yu Zecheng, stop barking like a dog.

"Don't you know in your heart who leaked it?

"Don't think Wu Jingzhong trusts you that much; open your eyes and see clearly."

Seeing that he still dared to make false accusations, Ma Kui was furious.

Slap!

He picked up the intelligence copy and threw it heavily at Yu Zecheng.

Yu Zecheng took a step back.

With one hand pointing the gun at him, he bent down with the other to pick up the intelligence on the floor.

It didn't matter until he looked; Yu Zecheng was breaking out in a cold sweat all over.

He truly hadn't expected that Liu Xiong, in order to investigate him, had even had people search as far as the Philippines.

The testimony of Situ Guangzong's family was extremely unfavorable to him.

And the Shaanxi Guild Hall being taken down by Wan Lilang.

Boss Tie's original testimony, as a Communist agent, had now become a sharp weapon pointed at him.

Sigh.

If not for the Empress Dowager's night-shining pearl and the blood coral, he feared Wu Jingzhong would have taken his head long ago.

Too dangerous.

Most importantly, he noticed the person who sent the telegram.

Buddha Shrine.

This telegram was sent from Yancheng.

Buddha Shrine was active in Yancheng and had collected quite a bit of intelligence.

Too terrifying.

During the Yancheng Rectification Movement, investigating the CC Clique and the Three People's Principles Youth League, under such incredibly strict screening, there was actually still such a capable person.

This person was too dangerous.

He must dig him out.

"How about it?

"Still think Wu Jingzhong trusts you that much?" Ma Kui sneered.

"The Military Statistics Bureau has always had an internal supervision mechanism.

"Any investigation by Director Liu is his right.

"If Captain Ma insists on believing that just by relying on these few sheets of scribbled scratch paper, you can slander me as a Communist agent, aren't you overestimating yourself a bit too much?

"Get out!"

Yu Zecheng tilted his gun barrel and shouted.

"Hmph.

"Keep up the act, let's see how long you can keep it up." Ma Kui sneered and walked out.

Reaching the doorway, he turned his head to look at Yu Zecheng:

"You're right.

"The Military Statistics Bureau has always had a tradition of internal surveillance; as a special inspector from headquarters, I suspect Hong Zhiyou is involved in Boss Dai's plane crash and am conducting a secret inspection, is there a problem with that?"

"That's fine.

"Tonight, I'll pretend I never saw you." Yu Zecheng had no heart for conflict or bickering with him, and nodded.

"Good.

"I really want to know, it's so late, what are you doing here?" Ma Kui asked again.

"Picking up something for Secretary Hong.

"If you don't believe me, you can ask him tomorrow."

Yu Zecheng quickly packed up the documents and handed them to Ma Kui:

"Put it back exactly how you took it."

Both were old hands; Ma Kui quickly resealed it, plucked a hair to place in the seal gap just as it was, and arranged it back.

"Let's go!"

Ma Kui sneered.

The two closed the door and left at the same time.

Leaving the building.

Yu Zecheng's heart was beating very fast.

Hong Zhiyou told him to come and get the documents in the middle of the night, and he happened to run into Ma Kui.

There was only one explanation: this was a trap set by Zhiyou.

This intelligence copy should be real.

If Liu Xiong hadn't already approached the truth, why would the Station Chief have developed the intent to kill?

He must see Zuo Lan as soon as possible.

Get this Buddha Shrine figured out, otherwise he would surely be restless all night.

Yu Zecheng drove directly to the front desk of a hotel, called Zuo Lan, and arranged to meet at their usual spot.

Upon meeting.

The two shared another passionate kiss.

Yu Zecheng told her about the matter of Buddha Shrine.

"This person saw me at the Liaison Office in the Yancheng Border Region. Back then, the Juntong Bureau sent a batch of agents to Yancheng. Old Lü obtained the list, but one person was missed at the time.

"The last time Old Lü was at the Shaanxi Guild Hall, he met with me and Shopkeeper Tie.

"He mentioned that he might have found that secret line planted by the Juntong Bureau and was conducting a final verification.

"Unfortunately, Old Lü sacrificed his life before he could finish.

"This Buddhist shrine is very likely the person Old Lü found."

Zuo Lan tried hard to recall, then said urgently.

"If Old Lü was certain.

"I might know who this person is.

"Finding him out would be perfect for exchanging our two comrades, Jiang Aimei and Huang Zhong."

Yu Zecheng said suddenly.

"That's great.

"We must find this person as soon as possible, otherwise it's too dangerous.

"Zecheng, I..."

After Zuo Lan finished speaking, her eyes became burning hot.

"Tonight is fine.

"To be precise, every time we meet is fine.

"I told the Station Chief that I am trying to win you over; this is Lu Qiaoshan's plan, and the Station Chief has tacitly approved it.

"So, we have the conditions for a date."

After the tension, Yu Zecheng's nerves also relaxed.

Nothing relieves stress better than a hearty, lingering intimacy.

The two embraced and kissed passionately, lingering together.

It was another romantic hour.

The next day.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the station and attended Lu Qiaoshan's long and tedious morning meeting.

Just as he walked out of the conference room, he was dragged into a room by Yu Zecheng.

"You got beaten again."

Looking at the increasingly dark purple slap mark on Old Yu's face, Hong Zhiyou couldn't help but laugh.

"Don't mention it. Now everyone in the station knows I have a shrew at home." Yu Zecheng shook his head and smiled bitterly.

They chatted for a few sentences.

After brewing tea, Yu Zecheng said in a low voice:

"Thanks to you last night, the Station Chief sent an agent to Jinhai; he might have gone there from Jinhai."

"I have no interest in knowing about this." Hong Zhiyou waved his hand and then asked:

"Did you mention to the higher-ups about letting Cuiping go back?

"I did." Yu Zecheng nodded.

"I mentioned it when Shopkeeper Qiu was still here.

"Later, after Shopkeeper Qiu was arrested and the transit station was destroyed, there was no follow-up on this matter.

"What's wrong?"

He looked at Hong Zhiyou with a worried face.

"The Baoding Group didn't just catch Little Wuzi in Yixian last time.

"There were two other people.

"These two people should know Cuiping.

"Your organization agreed at the time to let your wife leave, and this letter was sent via the postal service.

"As a result, it was secretly intercepted by Ma Kui.

"He seems to have found these two people.

"Right now, he is planning to use this letter and these people to stir up trouble for Cuiping."

Hong Zhiyou reminded him.

"Damn it!

"Why is this guy like a dog-skin plaster that just won't end?" Yu Zecheng said, depressed, hitting his forehead.

As they were talking, Lu Qiaoshan walked in, holding an envelope in his hand:

"Old Yu, you're here.

"The people from the Postal Inspection Bureau just sent a letter.

"Looking at the postmark and address, it should be from your hometown."

(End of this chapter)