Chapter 154: Nothing That Cannot Be Settled

"She said nine o'clock tonight, at Fude Teahouse on Pingyao Road in the HQ District, and that she would wait ten minutes at most," Mi Zhiguo said.

"Ten minutes."

"Alright, I understand."

"Go back to selling your goods, and remember, don't mention this to anyone."

Ma Kui furrowed his brows and pondered for a few seconds before speaking.

"Understood!" Mi Zhiguo nodded and said.

It was still early.

Ma Kui walked to the window and stared at the people coming and going below; his jaw tightened and relaxed in turns as he sank into deep thought.

A moment later, it was as if he had gathered his courage.

He picked up the telephone on the desk and quickly dialed Mao Renfeng's number.

The phone rang for a long time, but no one answered.

Ma Kui kept calling.

Finally, the line connected. Knowing this was a rare opportunity, Ma Kui spoke at a rapid pace:

"Director Mao, it's me, Ma Kui."

"I have discovered important evidence of Wu Jingzhong's collusion with the Reds!"

From the other end came Mao Renfeng's weary, annoyed voice:

"Collusion with the Reds?"

"Do you have proof?"

"My men saw Wu Jingzhong and the Military Mediation Director Deng Ming drinking tea at the Donghai Teahouse," Ma Kui said.

"Seeing them drink tea is evidence?"

"Military mediation is currently underway; Wu Jingzhong talking with a military mediation representative, what kind of evidence is that?"

"Wu Jingzhong is currently highly valued by Jiang Jianfeng."

"Don't go looking for trouble where there is none."

"Clear your dog brain before you call me again."

Clack!

Mao Renfeng angrily hung up the phone on the other end.

"Damn it!"

"Treacherous officials hold power, and people like us are left in the dust."

"Wu Jingzhong, Yu Zecheng!"

"Even if I, your father, am just a dog, I will still tear a piece of meat off you!"

Thinking of this, Ma Kui picked up his round hat, placed it on his head, and walked quickly outside.

He still had a trump card in his hand.

Zhou Yunyi and Lin Tao.

Over these days, through Lin Tao, Zhou Yunyi had already been fundamentally shaken.

At the very least, he was no longer resistant to talking with him and Lu Qiaoshan.

Once Zhou Yunyi opened his mouth, this number-one figure of the local committee could potentially fish out Yu Zecheng and Zuo Lan.

It was just a matter of how to use him.

He and Lu Qiaoshan still had disagreements.

Not long after Ma Kui left, Mi Zhiguo returned to the Second Section and greeted Song Fei:

"Section Chief Song, I'm going to find Secretary Hong to draw next month's salary."

"Go ahead, your entire salary goes to supporting your father."

"It's only because Secretary Hong manages the General Affairs Section that everyone's life has become easier."

"If it were the old Lu from before, you'd have a hard time with this."

Song Fei laughed.

Mi Zhiguo gave a shy smile and walked quickly to Hong Zhiyou's office.

Hong Zhiyou was playing chess with Yu Zecheng.

"Secretary Hong, Section Chief Yu." Mi Zhiguo knocked and entered, greeting the two respectfully.

"It's Zhiguo."

"What is it, do you have something to discuss?"

"If so, I'll step aside."

Yu Zecheng smiled and stood up to leave.

"No need, it's actually nothing much."

"The Red representative Zuo Lan asked me to contact Captain Ma to meet at Fude Teahouse on Pingyao Road in the HQ District at nine tonight," Mi Zhiguo said in a low voice.

"Understood, anything else?" Hong Zhiyou nodded with a smile.

"I, I would like to draw an advance on next month's salary, I hope you can make it convenient for me." Mi Zhiguo's tone was nearly pleading.

"Easy enough, Zhou Yaofu hasn't finished his shift yet, go ahead, I'll go sign for it in a moment," Hong Zhiyou readily agreed.

"Thank you, Secretary Hong," Mi Zhiguo said, overjoyed.

"How is your father's illness?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"After Physician Ding had someone look at him last time, he just needs to rest at home now," Mi Zhiguo said, his expression somewhat dim.

"Old Yu!"

Hong Zhiyou glanced at him.

Both men reached into their pockets at the same time, neither holding back.

The two pooled together over a dozen silver dollars and two hundred and sixty US dollars, stuffing it all into Mi Zhiguo's pocket.

"I can't take this."

"This, this is too much."

Mi Zhiguo was flustered.

"Take it, for your father's medical treatment. How is the pursuit of Zhang Li going?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"She looks down on me."

"She thinks my father is a burden, and that me having no rank is a burden."

"She even said Sheng Xiang already bought a small western-style house... I have no chance in this life."

Mi Zhiguo shook his head, feeling depressed.

"Zhang Li having such thoughts is correct."

"Women, after all, who doesn't want to find something to rely on."

"Work hard, when the opportunity for meritorious service comes, the Station Chief won't treat anyone unfairly, and he will apply for a rank for you."

As Hong Zhiyou said this, he winked at him:

"As for the small western-style house, you will have one."

"Go on."

Mi Zhiguo was a bit dazed by what he heard; after coming to his senses and bowing repeatedly, he left the office.

"Secretary Hong..."

Yu Zecheng was just about to speak when Hong Zhiyou tossed a chess piece and stood up.

"One thousand US dollars!"

Yu Zecheng said from behind.

Hong Zhiyou remained unmoved, his pace unchanged.

"Two thousand."

"Three thousand."

"It's just a matter of a meal."

"Deal!"

Hong Zhiyou turned back and said in a deep voice:

"It's not appropriate for either of us to come forward in this matter."

"To beat a dog, one must consider its master."

"Ma Kui served as a bodyguard for Director Mao and was sent back as a special envoy."

"If we kill him, what will Director Mao think?"

"If he happens to take charge of the Juntong Bureau one day, you and I will never hear the end of it."

"Hmm, that's what I was thinking too," said Yu Zecheng, who was always very cautious, nodding.

"It seems you have an idea?"

Yu Zecheng looked at Hong Zhiyou.

Then, the two looked at each other and smiled, simultaneously glancing toward Lu Qiaoshan's office.

"That's right."

"Old Lu has always been at odds with Ma Kui."

"I have a job on my hands; a deputy director at the Education Bureau named Meng Dejun.

"His nephew got into a fight with someone and beat the person into critical condition.

"The police station has now issued a wanted notice and is currently trying to catch the kid.

"Meng Dejun's younger brother is willing to put up five gold bars to have the case dropped.

"Take advantage of the fact that the police system hasn't kicked us out yet; Old Lu has a say in this, so you can go talk to him."

Hong Zhiyou had let slip a business deal.

"It's not appropriate for me to talk to him.

"I have to let Meng Dejun and his brother go themselves," Yu Zecheng said.

"That's right, it would be too obvious if you went.

"Old Lu might get suspicious.

"He is a very conceited man who only trusts himself.

"If you try to guide him too deliberately, once he notices, he's bound to turn hostile."

Hong Zhiyou reminded him.

"I know.

"Alright, I have to get going.

"Diagonally across from Fude Teahouse is the Wan Family Tavern; I need to go pick out a spot."

After saying this, Yu Zecheng stood up and left.

Hong Zhiyou got up and went to the station chief's office, but seeing that the station chief hadn't returned from the Garrison Headquarters, he drove straight to the Navy Club to meet with Anderson.

When he arrived, Ji Qing, Anderson, and the foreign agent for Hennessy, Jack, were drinking tea.

Unlike Fang Min.

The boss of Renji had recently died of an illness, and Ji Qing was now the head of the household.

Since starting the white-label business, with the endorsements of Anderson, Jack, and Brigadier General Philson, her connections in the upper echelons of the municipal government and military had seen a qualitative leap.

The money in her pockets was overflowing.

She had truly become a powerful businesswoman in the Jinhai business circle.

Today her makeup was exquisite, with her hair in a bun and wearing a pale pink cheongsam, she was charming without losing her allure.

Especially since her chest was slightly padded.

The already D-cup curves looked even rounder and fuller, simply mouth-watering.

This could be seen from the glances the two foreign devils at the side would steal from time to time.

However, these two were sensible.

There are fragrant grasses everywhere under the heavens.

This woman was the treasure of their god of wealth, Hong Zhiyou.

No matter how itchy they felt, they couldn't go against money.

Looking was fine, just to feast their eyes.

"Hong, my dear brother!"

Upon seeing him, the two foreign devils opened their arms and rushed over enthusiastically, hugging him tightly from left and right.

"We're all insiders, let's split the money."

Hong Zhiyou sat down beside Ji Qing, his large hand stroking her beautiful legs as he spoke.

Ji Qing had excellent self-restraint.

Her body trembled slightly, but her smile remained as gentle as a spring breeze.

"This is the income from the past quarter.

"You weren't here, so aside from General Philson and the expenses for greasing palms, the remaining profit is all here."

Anderson took a black leather suitcase from under the table and placed it on the table with a "bang."

He opened it.

It was full of US dollars.

Hong Zhiyou knew that Anderson must have skimmed quite a bit.

But this was inevitable.

In the face of money, there is no such thing as one hundred percent integrity.

As long as there is profit to be made and it stays within an acceptable range, it is a win-win.

Several people reached out at the same time and took their respective shares.

After splitting the money.

Jack took out an extra two thousand dollars and handed it to Hong Zhiyou:

"Brother, if it weren't for your sales channels in the south.

"I couldn't have made this much money.

"This ten percent must go to you."

"NO, Jack.

"There is no one who doesn't like money.

"In business, only when you are comfortable with what you take, and take more, can our cooperation last long and continue.

"This is what you deserve!"

Hong Zhiyou smiled and pushed the money back.

"I told you, Hong wouldn't take it," Anderson laughed heartily while chewing on a cigar.

"Hong.

"You are different from everyone I have ever met."

Jack thought about it seriously and tried to describe it using broken Chinese and vocabulary:

"You are like a businessman, but even more like a philosopher, as if you can see through everything in this world.

"Every time I see you, I wonder if you are a messenger sent by God.

"Because there is a kind of radiance on you.

"Very charming, very... lovely."

Hong Zhiyou laughed heartily:

"A philosopher? A messenger of God?

"My brother, there is no light on me, only that wretched smell of copper, which is what attracted all you damn fellows here."

"That's right, let's toast to the smell of copper together," Jack laughed loudly.

After a few drinks and some small talk, Jack said worriedly:

"Hong, I'm in a bit of trouble now.

"The assistant manager of Longdong Company, Zhao Chuncheng, is preparing to complain about me to the Hennessy headquarters.

"He says I'm engaging in malicious competition; the wine they get from my company can't be sold at all in Jinhai.

"I'm very worried that headquarters will come to audit the accounts.

"You know, last month we sold six thousand bottles, but I only reported two thousand bottles to the headquarters company.

"Longdong only sold less than a thousand bottles.

"Adding these together, it doesn't match the usual product sales in Jinhai.

"You have to know that in the past, Longdong alone could sell over five thousand bottles.

"If they investigate, I'll be in big trouble."

"Jack, what are you panicking about? Hong has great power in Jinhai; there's nothing he can't handle," Anderson laughed from the side.

"Jack.

"These are all small matters; you first report three thousand more bottles to the top.

"If the money on the books isn't enough, we'll cover it for you first.

"Send a batch of goods to the south this month, and just treat it as an advance payment."

As Hong Zhiyou said this, he generously put the money he had already received back into the suitcase.

Anderson and Ji Qing also followed suit and put theirs back.

"Hong, you, you really are my good brother.

"I absolutely love you to death!"

Jack was moved to tears and wanted to hug him again.

Hong Zhiyou quickly stopped him: "Don't, you'd better not love me.

"I only love Lady Ji."

As he said this, he kissed Ji Qing.

"I love you too," Ji Qing said with a blushing face, blinking charmingly.

"As for Zhao Chuncheng.

"He won't be able to jump around for two more days; just leave him to me."

Hong Zhiyou smiled faintly.

"Hong, you are this," Jack gave a thumbs up with extreme admiration.

"I want to go to Falanxi to buy land and build a winery."

"If you ever return to the country, or have relatives or friends, you could help me look around."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"No problem. A friend of my uncle, Sir Edward, has an old castle and manor he intends to sell. If you are interested, I can make contact," Jack said.

"That works."

"Once I'm done with this current business, I'll head over," Hong Zhiyou said, glancing at him and Ji Qing.

Both were sensible people; they stood up and walked out.

"Long Er has opened a new company. The arms smuggling business cannot stop, and Philson is resigning next month to go to North America specifically to resell arms."

"You are about to have a civil war here; this is a golden opportunity to make a fortune."

"You absolutely must not miss it."

Anderson lowered his voice and said.

"Hmm, it can be done. Tell him to bring as many guns and cannons as he wants," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

In the past, old Wu did not trust him, and Liu Xiong kept a tight watch, so he naturally dared not be reckless.

But things are different now; Wu Jingzhong and he are already family.

Many things can be done openly now.

"That's great, I was waiting for those words from you."

"As long as you give the word, I know there will be no problem," Anderson was overjoyed.

"Mu Liancheng, how are things going with you and Long Er?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"The captain of the North American merchant ship he boarded has already been heavily bribed by me; it will temporarily dock in Xiangdao under the guise of repairs."

"Once it arrives there, it will be up to Long Er."

"However, I've seen the goods, and there are quite a lot. If you pull off this haul, it should be enough for you to buy a manor in Falanxi."

Anderson said.

"Tomorrow, I will fly over personally with Long Er."

"The merchant ship will dock at your shipping company's pier, rest assured."

He paused, then added.

"Hmm," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"By the way, this Mrs. Ji likes you very much."

"Jack and I have asked her out many times, but were ruthlessly rejected."

"Even offering a share of the profits didn't work."

"She seems different from other ladies; this kind of woman is rare."

Anderson shook his head, feeling quite depressed.

"So, you can only be envious, jealous, and hateful."

Hong Zhiyou laughed aloud and walked out.

"Are we going to my place?" Ji Qing looked at Hong Zhiyou with her beautiful eyes.

"I recall the old man has a son, right?"

"Wouldn't it be inappropriate to go to your place?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"That couple of theirs eats, drinks, gambles, and visits brothels; they play very wildly."

"The little money they had from me was long ago squandered."

"Now that they see me selling wine and doing well, they are trying to scheme again."

Ji Qing walked in her high heels as she spoke.

"Understood."

"Let's go, let's take a look," Hong Zhiyou said.

Then, he took the initiative to step forward and open the car door: "Boss Ji, please."

"Annoying."

"Isn't this boss position of mine supported by you?" Ji Qing pouted coquettishly, gently stroked her shapely buttocks, and got into the passenger seat.

"Yes."

"Supported by me, supporting the wall," Hong Zhiyou got into the car, teasing with a roguish smile.

Ji Qing knew what he meant; her pretty face flushed, and she took a small breath: "I want to be with you."

"What do you want to do with me?" Hong Zhiyou raised an eyebrow with a wicked smile.

"Make a fortune with you."

"I know you have many businesses that always need someone to manage them."

"And being... with you is truly very happy."

"I feel like I've become younger."

Ji Qing looked at him and said affectionately.

"Oh, by the way, I know about you and the daughter of Station Master Wu."

"Don't worry, I don't want any status."

"I just want to follow you peacefully and enjoy some glory and wealth."

Ji Qing was afraid he would misunderstand, so she added.

To be a mistress and still be so righteous, you are truly something else.

"Wu Rui has the same thoughts as you."

"How should I put it, I need you, to make money and... that."

"But you had best not hold too high expectations for me."

"Perhaps one day you will wake up and find that I have vanished without a trace."

"But as long as I am by your side for a day, business, and the happiness you want, will not be a problem."

Hong Zhiyou never did addition; it was better to make some things clear.

"Good."

"One day counts as one day; if you ever really leave me, I will never blame you," Ji Qing bit her lip and said.

"Let's go!"

"Let's find some fun first!"

Hong Zhiyou drove the car to the club and pulled her inside.

"Are we not going to my place?" Ji Qing said.

"Beauty, please, can you not be so mercenary!"

"If you want to kill, you have to sharpen this blade of mine first."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Alright, I was indeed too impatient," she nodded gently.

They arrived at the room.

Ji Qing was like a well-behaved little lamb.

Her cheongsam fell away.

Her skin, like mutton-fat jade, shone white.

She reached out to undo Hong Zhiyou's belt, but he grabbed her hand and said with a beaming smile:

"Don't be impatient, beware of illness entering through the mouth."

"Annoying, I'm just afraid you're the one who's impatient, aren't I?"

Hong Zhiyou took her to the bathroom.

The two of them bathed together like mandarin ducks.

When the passion reached its peak, he turned the beauty's delicate body around and officially supported the wall.

The bath pool.

By the windowsill.

On the bed.

The two of them indulged themselves in each other.

"The wall has been supported, time to get down to business," Hong Zhiyou picked up the phone by the bed and dialed Xiao Guohua.

"Old Xiao, the young master of Renji seems to have provided wine to the devils in the past."

"Take some men and go over; first throw him and his wife into the Shuitun Prison to let them suffer for a while."

Hanging up the phone, Hong Zhiyou leaned against the headboard.

Ji Qing tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, looked up, and asked: "Aren't you afraid Station Master Wu will say you are using public office for private gain?"

After speaking, she buried her head again.

"If it were anyone else, I certainly wouldn't be so open about it."

"But who are you?"

"You are Wu Jingzhong's financier; he is still counting on selling you a few more crates of wine."

"He will naturally be happy to oblige."

Hong Zhiyou closed his eyes and exhaled.

"Fine."

"I've finally realized that having connections in the government makes things easy."

"What I find agonizing and troublesome is just a matter of a single word for you."

Ji Qing said vaguely.

"What's so impressive about me?"

"No matter how impressive a man is, when he meets a White Bone Demon, he has to turn into a caterpillar."

Hong Zhiyou tucked her hair behind her ear and kissed her delicate, beautiful face.

"You are not a caterpillar."

"You are even more impressive than the Monkey King; he fought the White Bone Demon three times, but you have fought her five times."

Ji Qing gently flirted with him.

Eight o'clock in the evening.

Hong Zhiyou walked out of the room with a sore waist and weak legs.

Ji Qing held his arm, her high heels clicking loudly, looking at him with a very smug expression.

Hong Zhiyou looked at her flower-like, beautiful face.

He felt it was worth it.

It was not a waste of his hard work in watering her.

"Go back now, the house will be quiet from now on." Hong Zhiyou kissed her, and the two parted ways.

He drove directly to the residence of Lu Qiao on Guilin Road.

There was no help for it; he had accepted three thousand U. . dollars from Old Yu.

The matter still had to be handled.

(End of this chapter)