Chapter 155

"Now, immediately, get out of here right now."

"Mr. Yu, I really am..."

Luo Bing still wanted to speak, but Yu Zecheng had already opened the safety catch.

He hurriedly raised his hands and retreated cautiously: "Sorry, sorry, sorry to bother you."

Bang!

The door slammed shut.

"Old Yu, this was sent by the organization, why did you..." Cuiping was very puzzled.

"The radio was destroyed.

"We couldn't agree on safety categories, passwords, etc., for meetings.

"Right now, anyone could be a ghost impersonating someone from the organization.

"Of course, they can only choose this kind of hard-contact method, but we'd better not trust them."

"The more it's like this, the more cautious and careful we must be.

"Remember, the next time this person comes, tell him to get lost directly.

"Especially when I'm not home."

"If he tries to pester you to get information, call me, and I'll take him directly to the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics for some training."

Yu Zecheng instructed solemnly.

"Hmm, understood.

"Sigh, I wish he really was from the organization; Jinhai needs some new atmosphere.

"By the way, I've noticed Hong Zhiyou acting strangely lately.

"I heard from the wives at the military dependents' association that he's been dealing with the Americans recently.

"Do you think the Station Chief has assigned him some work?"

Cuiping scratched her neck and asked.

"Possible.

"The situation is on the verge of breaking out; Shandong, Northeast, North China, Shaanxi-Gansu, any of them could spark a conflict at any time.

"Intelligence regarding this is more precious than gold.

"Tomorrow I'll go find Long Er and ask around."

Yu Zecheng thought for a moment and said.

"Do you think the Station Chief doesn't trust you anymore?" Cuiping asked.

"Trust is out of the question.

"He won't trust anyone.

"It's just that he still has use for me right now; not telling me many things can also be considered a form of protection.

"Li Ya has come, and he's also having a headache."

Yu Zecheng said lightly.

Actually, he suspected the Station Chief had already guessed his identity.

It was just that, hindered by the need to deal with Yong Jianqiu and others to make money, he chose to shield him secretly, even going so far as to eliminate Liu Xiong for this reason.

But Li Ya was harder to deal with than Liu Xiong.

Therefore, the Station Chief chose to put him on ice.

"Anyway, the traffic station is paralyzed, so it's good not to participate in anything.

"Sleep."

Cuiping lifted the quilt, lay down, and soon the sound of snoring began.

……

Hong Zhiyou worked until very late before returning home.

Fortunately, the Americans didn't have a high tolerance for alcohol, so he didn't drink too much.

Just as he entered the room, Hong Xiaohui hurriedly hid the book in her hand behind her back: "Brother, why are you back today? Didn't you go to the Mu family?"

"No.

"Are parades and rallies interesting?" Hong Zhiyou sat down, poured a cup of tea, drank two sips, and asked.

"Brother, how can you call it interesting?

"This is what our generation of youth should do.

"Shedding blood and sacrificing lives to struggle for the cause of human unity for a lifetime.

"This is what our Senior Guo said."

Hong Xiaohui was mischievous and began to propagate to her big brother in reverse.

"Senior Guo?

"Guo Youliang and Xu Zhao?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Brother, you know them." Hong Xiaohui said happily.

"Your flag-bearers, after all." Hong Zhiyou said.

Guo Youliang was the person in charge of the underground student union.

Xu Zhao was a municipal councilor.

Both of them were important flag-bearers for the Red Ticket propaganda front.

Unfortunately, in the end, they unfortunately became souls under the gun in the struggle between Wu Jingzhong and Li Ya to calculate Lu Qiaoshan, causing immeasurable losses to the Jinhai underground organization.

"Brother, what do you do?

"Sister Manzhu invited me to her house today and mentioned you to me." Hong Xiaohui said.

"What did she say about me?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"She said you are her friend.

"You're a good person; except for being a bit lecherous, everything else is very good." Hong Xiaohui said.

"I'm a good person?"

Hong Zhiyou felt quite surprised; he didn't expect to hear this word from the third young lady's mouth.

He thought she would call him a secret agent, a bully, or a big gangster.

"Hmm.

"That's exactly what she said.

"When she mentioned you, her eyes were like they had stars in them; they were so bright.

"Brother, you are too amazing.

"Do you know all the pretty girls in Jinhai?"

Hong Xiaohui looked at her big brother with eyes full of admiration and a bit of playfulness.

"Pretty much.

"You watch slowly, I'm going to the Yong family."

Hong Zhiyou was too lazy to persuade her.

Just like he could never wake someone who was pretending to sleep.

He would give her a set meal later.

Suffering a bit would be much stronger than saying a thousand or ten thousand words.

……

Yong family.

Yong Jianqu had returned from North America; with no miscellaneous matters to tie him down, he had clearly gained a lot of weight.

"Dad, a few days ago, Guo Youliang and I held several poetry readings for Wen Yiduo at Nankai and Beiyang.

"We also organized a speech at the wharf with Councilor Xu.

"Now the underground student union is developing quite well.

"We have also formed linkages with student unions in Beiping, Shandong, Baoding, etc.

"Once Chiang acts perversely, we can organize large-scale parades at any time."

Yong Manzhu reported to Yong Jianqu very calmly.

"My third child has grown up and finally looks like a fighter." Yong Jianqu looked at his daughter with affection.

"I heard quite a bit of wind when I went to North America this time.

"The Americans are uniting with the Western world, including Britain and France, to increase their support for Chiang.

"The future situation is not very favorable for us."

After a pause, he sighed and said.

"Dad.

"The Nationalist Army has weapons and equipment, but we have the support of the common people.

"Wasn't Liu Bang a grassroots person? Facing the iron cavalry of the Great Qin, didn't he still beat them until they threw away their armor?

"We will definitely win."

Yong Manzhu said with great confidence.

"Hmm.

"Manzhu, you still need to pay attention to struggle strategies.

"Right now, Commander Fang of the Jinhai Garrison Headquarters and Wu Jingzhong of the Jinhai station belong to the moderate faction, and the garrison has your brother-in-law's connections, so everyone mostly turns a blind eye to student protests.

"But as the situation becomes more intense, if a hawk-like figure comes from above, they might engage in bloody suppression.

"So, you still need to be careful.

"You can appropriately distribute easy-to-understand leaflets among workers and common people.

"Large-scale rallies and parades should be kept to a minimum.

"This is also for the safety of you and those friendly individuals."

Yong Jianqu reminded her.

"By the way, call Hong Zhiyou and ask him to come home; later, a friend of mine will be coming through the underground secret passage." After sipping his tea, he said again.

"Dad, I'm not calling him.

"Recently, I developed his sister into an active member of the student union.

"I heard from Hong Xiaohui that Hong Zhiyou was furious and threatened to strangle me.

"If I look for him now, he definitely won't pay any attention to me."

Yong Manzhu curled her lips and said.

"Foolish!

"How could you develop Hong Xiaohui?

"This will make Hong Zhiyou think we are deliberately dragging him into the water.

"He is a centrist with many conveniences more flexible than internal personnel; you dragged his sister in, and even if he wasn't red, he's been dyed red.

"If he is suspected by others in the future, how can he help us do things?"

Yong Jianqu frowned upon hearing this.

"Dad.

"I didn't want to either, but Xiaohui is very active and enthusiastic; every time I see her, I think of myself a year ago." Yong Manzhu explained with a bit of helplessness.

"So, you want her to sit in the electric chair of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics too?

"Starting tomorrow, immediately have the student union expel Hong Xiaohui.

"Refuse her participation in all student union activities.

"This is to protect Hong Zhiyou, do you know?

"There are many ways to struggle.

"Propaganda is a struggle.

"Connections, transporting materials, these are all struggles.

"Weighing locations and times, distinguishing between primary and secondary, this is very important.

"This is the quality a mature fighter should have.

"Otherwise, your struggle is blind and paranoid.

"Without Hong Zhiyou, you shout slogans; can Chiang give you medicine, food, guns, and ammunition?"

Yong Jianqu said with a bit of annoyance.

"Dad.

"I was wrong, I know what to do." Yong Manzhu lowered her head and said in a low voice.

Just as they were talking.

The bodyguard outside the door walked in: "Sir, Hong Zhiyou from the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics requests an audience."

"Speak of the devil, and he appears.

"Invite him in quickly."

Yong Jianqu said with great joy.

Hong Zhiyou walked in carrying gifts.

"Mr. Hong, what wind blew you here? Please sit down." Yong Jianqu gestured with his hand.

"Naturally, it was the fragrant wind of the Third Young Lady.

"Thank you, Third Young Lady, for successfully developing my sister; I am here specifically to thank you."

Hong Zhiyou glanced at Yong Manzhu and said with a cold, half-joking smile.

"Secretary Hong, the matter with your sister is a misunderstanding; I have just sternly warned my daughter to cut off all of Xiaohui's activities with the student union." Yong Jianqu explained hurriedly.

Yong Manzhu rolled her eyes at Hong Zhiyou and didn't chatter and sing the opposite tune like before.

"Forget it.

"It's already too late.

"Mr. Yong, you returned from North America this time; you must have dug quite a few US dollars out of your eldest daughter's pockets, right?"

Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"Naturally, I had to dig a little." Yong Jianqu spoke very casually with him.

"Hurry up and give Old Yu some.

"He owes me several thousand US dollars and has been defaulting on the debt.

"By the way, there's a deal recently.

"The Americans have a batch of firearms, medicine, and flour; it was originally bought for Fu Zuoyi, but I kept some privately and intend to sell it to you.

"It just so happens that the investigation is relatively loose recently, so you can take the opportunity to transport some to the border area."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Excellent.

"These are what we lack the most right now." Yong Jianqu said with great joy.

"The price is the same as before.

"Once the goods arrive, you can settle the payment with me." Hong Zhiyou said.

"No problem.

"Even if I paid you in full in advance, I would be at ease." Yong Jianqu said readily.

"That's not necessary, let's follow the rules." Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"Giving it to Fu Zuoyi, does this mean they are going to attack Zhangjiakou?" Yong Jianqu frowned and asked.

"I reckon they will."

Hong Zhiyou pondered slightly and answered.

In the two major government offices of Zhang Yuan and Baoding, there were Red Ticket staff officers at the major general level.

Even if I don't say these things, the people above will know.

"This batch of supplies and weapons is very important.

"I will report it to the people above.

"By the way, I want to ask you to meet someone."

Yong Jianqu said.

"I only want to see the Third Young Lady." Hong Zhiyou looked at the youthful and moving Yong Manzhu and cleverly refused.

He was just a businessman.

He would help if he could; being able to get arms and supplies at this time, especially penicillin which was more expensive than gold, was already doing his utmost.

Deeper involvement was unnecessary.

"I understand what you mean.

"It's just that the Jinhai underground organization is paralyzed, and the radio was destroyed by Li Ya; it will take time to change the codebook, etc.

"We cannot make clear-text calls.

"This leads to organization members only being able to remain silent.

"But intelligence work in Jinhai cannot wait.

"Therefore, the people above sent a reliable person who is also very familiar with Yu to come and act as a guarantor to reconnect this line.

"Yu has always been cautious.

"Compared to our internal comrades, in this complex situation, he trusts you, a third-party individual, more.

"Mr. Hong, I trouble you."

Yong Jianqu cupped his hands and said with utmost sincerity.

"Is there money?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Three thousand US dollars." Yong Jianqu said readily.

"Money-grubber." Yong Manzhu muttered with a sideways glance.

"Three thousand US dollars to pass a message; this deal can be done.

"Also, I remember the peach blossom cakes the Third Young Lady made last time tasted good.

"I wonder if I can have the honor of tasting them again?"

Hong Zhiyou glanced at her and said with a smile.

"Manzhu, go make some." Yong Jianqu instructed.

"You have quite high demands.

"I'll make them, but don't blame me if they don't taste good."

Yong Manzhu stood up and said.

"As long as it's made by the Third Young Lady, I, Hong, will love to eat it." Hong Zhiyou said.

After chatting for a bit, he went upstairs with Yong Jianqu.

Knock knock!

Yong Jianqu knocked lightly on the partition.

The door opened.

A middle-aged man with half-grey hair combed back, a square face, and a gentle appearance walked out.

"Let me introduce you; this is the Border Defense Foreign Affairs Director Dong Cheng, Mr. Dong."

"Mr. Dong, this is a friendly individual, Hong Zhiyou."

Yong Jianqu introduced the two to each other.

"Mr. Dong, I really didn't expect you to actually come to Jinhai.

"Last night, Li Ya even used your name to almost hook Old Yu."

Hong Zhiyou reached out to shake his hand and said.

"The enemy is chaotic, and I move; the best strategy is to attack the enemy's strategy.

"Now, even if I say I've come, I reckon the people in your Bureau of Investigation and Statistics won't believe it.

"I came to see you in the hope that you could set up a meeting so I could meet Comrade Zecheng."

Dong Cheng smiled.

"Three thousand US dollars might not be enough." Hong Zhiyou said.

"I'll pay ten thousand." Yong Jianqu said readily.

"Hmm, there are quite a few secret agents around Yu Zecheng right now; how about this, tomorrow I'll have Old Yu come here to meet with you." Hong Zhiyou thought for a moment and answered.

If he arranged it outside and something happened, who would take the responsibility?

If they were caught at Yong Jianqu's house, it would be their own security loophole, and it would have nothing to do with him.

He would avoid getting involved as much as possible.

"That's fine, it's settled then." Dong Cheng said.

"You all talk."

Hong Zhiyou didn't want to get too involved and walked downstairs quickly.

"Sigh, Mr. Hong is very cautious." Dong Cheng smiled.

"Yes, otherwise how could he be so highly valued by the key personnel of the No. 1 line? For such friendly individuals, we must protect them well.

"Meeting here is also fine.

"I've been feeding Wu Jingzhong for over a year, so I reckon he won't come here to search."

Yong Jianqu nodded and said.

Hong Zhiyou went downstairs, and Yong Manzhu brought over a plate of pastries, lifting her chin and saying:

"Here, yours."

"This doesn't look like peach blossom cakes." Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"Of course not.

"How could I make them in such a short time? I'll send them to you next time when they're ready." Yong Manzhu said.

"Alright.

"Then I'm leaving." Hong Zhiyou said.

As he spoke, he glanced at Yong Manzhu's chest: "Still the same."

"Still the same?"

Yong Manzhu was stunned for a moment, then realized what he meant, her pretty face blushing as she scolded: "Is that all you see in women?"

"And the buttocks.

"Also the same." Hong Zhiyou said.

"Stinking hooligan!" Yong Manzhu was so angry she gritted her teeth.

"I hope next time I see you, you'll have changed more.

"Become more mature."

Hong Zhiyou reminded her with a hidden meaning and got into the car.

"Mature?

"Only knowing how to look at those things.

"Superficial man!"

Yong Manzhu snorted, turned around, and went back into the house.

……

The next day.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the station.

Wu Jingzhong was reporting to Jianfeng:

"Old classmate, Ye Xiufeng just panicked, so he bit me first.

"Everything has been investigated clearly.

"It was the Economic Investigation Group of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, collecting gold and silver in Jinhai; the evidence is solid.

"And this Zhong Wangguo.

"He's only been in Jinhai for a few days, and he's already hooked up with the traitor Liu Qingsheng's concubine.

"The two are inseparable.

"Crucially, when on the scene, the Red Ticket local committee was fighting to the death to protect him, and Zhong Wangguo even drew his gun and fought back, killing two of my field personnel.

"And even more were wounded; the deputy captain of the action team even had his arm shot through.

"These are top-tier talents from Luojiawan; every one lost is one less.

"Old classmate, you must seek justice for me and Captain Li."

Wu Jingzhong cried out for justice on the phone.

"Yes.

"Rest assured, the evidence is solid.

"If Ye Xiufeng still bites me, your subordinate is willing to fly to Jingling with Captain Li and confront him face-to-face!"

He continued.

"Yes, yes.

"I understand.

"Thank you, Chairman, thank you, old classmate; in this anti-corruption campaign, Jingzhong fears no one, I will definitely draw my sword first and make new contributions.

"Alright.

"Goodbye."

After hanging up the phone, he took out a handkerchief to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead, then said angrily:

"This damned Ye Xiufeng.

"I have no grudge against him.

"The evidence is right in front of him, yet he still insists that I sent someone to deliberately assassinate Zhong Guowang.

"He is determined to put me to death.

"If Jianfeng hadn't been able to speak directly to the old man, I would have really fallen into his hands this time."

Hong Zhiyou handed him tea to comfort him:

"Teacher, Jinhai is a piece of fat meat; who doesn't want it?

"The Bureau of Investigation and Statistics finally managed to get the name of an Economic Investigation Group and was showing off in Jinhai, only to have it botched by Captain Li.

"It's understandable that Bureau Chief Ye is angry.

"In the final analysis, it was still Captain Li who started it."

"This Li Ya is not a fuel-efficient lamp." Wu Jingzhong sighed.

"Don't think about it.

"Teacher, I heard yesterday that Yong Jianqu returned, so I took the opportunity to see him using the Third Young Lady's name.

"He returned from North America.

"His eldest daughter is mining gold; it is said he brought back quite a lot of US dollars and rare items.

"Didn't his girl hold some Wen Yiduo poetry reading with Guo Youliang last time?

"Catch her and scare her, and we can get a bit more.

"As long as his precious third daughter is here, that is our endless money bag."

Hong Zhiyou leaned in and offered a "bad idea".

"Your memory is still good; if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten this landlord.

"It's good he returned.

"His daughter is mining; isn't that all earned from the blood and sweat of our Chinese laborers?

"We must take this money; we must take from the people for the people and act on behalf of heaven."

Wu Jingzhong frowned and squinted his eyes, saying solemnly.

"Yes, yes, we must act on behalf of heaven.

"Why don't we let Section Chief Xiao go catch people? If Captain Li goes to catch them, and he plays for real and kills someone, it will be troublesome.

"I'm really afraid of him."

Hong Zhiyou proposed.

"Makes sense; catch them but don't use torture, just scare them.

"Everyone already knows it tacitly.

"If you take action again, that would be excessive and heartless.

"I am a person who values feelings."

Wu Jingzhong nodded and said.

"Yes, if they get scared and run abroad, we won't be able to control this landlord in the future." Hong Zhiyou echoed repeatedly.

"Let Section Chief Xiao go catch them." Wu Jingzhong said.

"After catching them, let Section Chief Yu talk to them.

"He is ruthless.

"Still the same old rule, I'll find the trouble, he'll get the money." Hong Zhiyou added.

"Very good.

"Let's do it!

"Go arrange it."

Wu Jingzhong agreed happily.

"Station Chief, can we catch one more person when catching people?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"Catch who?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"My sister... Hong Xiaohui." Hong Zhiyou took a slight breath and said with a look of helplessness.

……

(End of chapter)