Chapter 156: I Will Make You Happy

Guilin Road, Western-style house.

Lu Qiao is currently balancing the accounts, with a large box of cigars sitting on the table.

"Ooh!"

"Smells so good."

He picks one up, closes his eyes, and takes a blissful sniff.

"Guifen, last month we brought in six large yellow croakers and over two thousand three hundred US dollars," Lu Qiao says with satisfaction.

"How did we bring in so much?" Li Guifen asks in surprise.

"Dai Li's secret mission to Jinmen last time—Sheng Xiang sold for a pretty good price.

"And there are quite a few people asking me for favors.

"But the main thing is the high profit from Hong Zhiyou selling liquor.

"The quality of the liquor this kid gives us is good, and he leaves us a good margin; Lu Ming and his classmates just flip it and double their money," Lu Qiao laughs.

"You tell me, where does Hong Zhiyou get such great ability?

"A little secretary, no power base, no background, yet he knows everyone and can get his hands on anything.

"Just look at how overbearing Yang Wenquan and his bunch are; when you went to install the listening devices before, you almost got into a gunfight.

"Hong Zhiyou settled it with one sentence."

Li Guifen asks with a puzzled look.

"Long hair, short insight—who says he has no background?

"The Station Chief is his backer.

"The Station Chief's backer is Jianfeng, our fellow townsman Zheng Jiemin.

"With that background, what can't he get done?

"All things in the world are nothing but profit.

"Hong Zhiyou's greatest skill is that he can get things done with money, and he does them beautifully.

"Who wouldn't like a person like that?"

Lu Qiao says with a knowing laugh.

"Qiao, I heard that when he takes on a job, the US dollars are counted in the tens of thousands.

"Why don't you let him get you a few big jobs too?

"With just these two or three thousand, how long will it take us to save up?" Li Guifen says.

"What are you thinking?

"You eat according to the size of your bowl.

"The big jobs are all held in the hands of Wu Jingzhong.

"When the day comes that I become Station Chief and hold down a post, then I'll have that qualification."

Lu Qiao sighs with a bitter expression.

"Hey, when do you think our position as Deputy Station Chief will be finalized?" Li Guifen says.

"Who knows?

"Old Wu has finally loosened his mouth, so we're just waiting to perform a great service and catch a big fish.

"It's a pity that Ma Kui is in the way, always blocking my path.

"I had already gained control over a key official of the regional committee, but Ma Kui is the one in charge of that matter, so I can't get a hand in.

"This guy used to be a bodyguard for Mao Renfeng, and he wears the title of an imperial envoy on his head.

"It's not easy to handle."

Lu Qiao shakes his head and sighs softly.

"Let's not talk about this.

"Contentment brings happiness; at least the harvest is getting better by the day right now.

"Let's not talk about this.

"Let's have a taste of something foreign today."

He raises the cigar in his hand, his smile extremely bright:

"Hong Zhiyou gave it to me.

"Top-tier goods imported from Cuba, the kind Churchill smoked.

"One stick is worth two US dollars on the black market.

"Quick, get the torch and toast one for me."

Li Guifen's eyes widen, and she snatches it away:

"Two dollars a puff for you.

"What kind of daydream are you having?"

"You..." Lu Qiao pouts and stiffens his face, just about to scold her.

The housemaid calls out from outside the door:

"Mr. Lu, there is someone named Hong Zhiyou outside who wants to see you."

Lu Qiao is overjoyed:

"Speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives; I just love it when this kid comes looking for me.

"The God of Wealth is here.

"Go, prepare some fruit."

As he speaks, he changes into his leather shoes and goes out to welcome him personally.

"Brother Shan, Sister-in-law.

"It's so late, I hope I'm not disturbing you."

Hong Zhiyou carries gifts and changes into slippers as he greets them.

"How could you be?

"My Old Lu was just saying that you, his younger brother, haven't been by in a while, and he wanted to invite you over for a meal," Li Guifen says with a tactful smile.

"Brother Shan and Sister-in-law haven't eaten yet?" Hong Zhiyou asks with a smile.

"No.

"He was just balancing the accounts; thanks to you, we made a little money," Li Guifen doesn't hide it from him.

"Go, go.

"A woman, why so much talk?

"Hurry and call Hongyun Teahouse, order a few good dishes; I'm going to have a couple of drinks with Zhiyou."

Lu Qiao orders with a masculine air.

"Don't, Old Lu.

"It's perfect that you haven't eaten; someone is treating you.

"I'm here today to bring you a business deal," Hong Zhiyou laughs.

"Good.

"I love business deals, brother, tell me quickly," Lu Qiao says with great joy.

Hong Zhiyou explains the situation regarding Meng Dejun's family.

Lu Qiao ponders for a moment: "I know Meng Dejun, but who is the backer of the party his nephew injured?

"If it's the garrison..."

He pauses, looks at Hong Zhiyou, and starts to laugh:

"Even if it's someone from the garrison, I'm not afraid—don't I still have you, brother?"

"Qiao, Secretary Hong can solve it himself; why would he need to find you?" Li Guifen brings over the fruit and laughs as she interjects.

"Sister-in-law, look at what you're saying.

"Brother Shan's prestige and seniority are not things I can compare to; the little bit of face I have is all bought with money.

"If we really need to get things done, it has to be Chief Lu.

"You probably don't know, but the entire Jinhai Station is carried on his shoulders..."

Hong Zhiyou takes the opportunity to flatter him.

"Brother, you are just too kind, too honest," Lu Qiao says, pointing at him with delight.

"Just speaking of this person, he is actually quite hard for me to handle.

"You know Lu Yuxi from the Garrison Command Inspection Team, right?" Hong Zhiyou asks.

"I know him, he's a fellow townsman of mine, and our relationship is quite good," Lu Qiao says.

"That's perfect.

"Lu Yuxi is highly valued by Staff Officer Li of the Garrison Command, and the Inspection Team has been very active these past two years.

"This guy has always been quite arrogant.

"The one who was injured was his nephew, and he has already put the word out that Director Meng's nephew must pay with his life.

"It is said he is even looking for people on the black market to carry out a hit.

"Director Meng's family is panicked, so they had someone come to me.

"Brother Shan, I've given you the job.

"It's not much, just this amount."

"A big one."

Hong Zhiyou gestured with his five fingers, signaling.

Five large gold bars... Lu Qiaoshan was overjoyed and lightly patted his chest:

"Brother, I can't speak for others, but I can definitely handle Lu Yu."

"Bureau Chief Meng has booked a table at the Wanjia Restaurant.

"Why don't you make an appointment with Captain Lu now, and we can settle this matter today.

"Bureau Chief Meng said that as soon as it's settled, he will have someone deliver the gold bars to your house overnight."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Easy enough."

Lu Qiaoshan stood up, walked to the telephone, and dialed the number:

"Hey, what's up, it's your brother Shan.

"Wanjia Restaurant, we haven't gathered in a long time, I'm treating you to a casual meal.

"Right, let's go now."

Hanging up the phone, Lu Qiaoshan smiled: "It's settled, brother, are you coming along to eat?"

"I think I'll pass.

"Bureau Chief Meng has already booked a table on his side.

"If I go, they might think I also want a cut, don't scare them off."

Hong Zhiyou said with a humorous smile.

"That's fine, you and I are brothers.

"No need for polite talk, if you need your brother Shan in the future, just speak up."

Lu Qiaoshan patted his shoulder and said.

"Alright, brother Shan, you go ahead and get busy.

"I have things to do, I'm leaving!"

Hong Zhiyou greeted Li Guifen and left by car on his own.

Eight o'clock in the evening.

Fude Teahouse, second-floor private room.

Zuo Lan arrived a step early.

She walked to the window and glanced at the Wanjia Restaurant across the corner.

From the window opposite, one could see this position perfectly.

A smile rose at the corner of her mouth, and she called out:

"Waiter, bring the wine and food."

Eight o'clock sharp.

Ma Kui, wearing a black trench coat and a round hat, walked quickly into the private room.

He did not speak.

Instead, he looked around vigilantly.

The private room was clean and bright enough.

Out of professional habit, he walked to the window, stared at the opposite side for a few moments, and only sat down after confirming there were no issues.

"Speak, what do you want with me?"

Ma Kui took off his hat, set it aside, picked up his chopsticks, and began to eat and drink.

"Aren't you afraid I've poisoned the wine?" Zuo Lan asked with a smile.

"What's there to be afraid of?

"That Huang Zhong of yours dumped a bucket of filth on my head.

"I'm neither human nor ghost now, how is that any different from being dead?"

Ma Kui sneered.

"What do you want with me?

"Don't tell me you want to defect or something, that's all nonsense."

After a pause, Ma Kui said bluntly.

"Defect?"

Zuo Lan shook her head with a faint, cold smile, then continued:

"Our local committee and transportation station have suffered repeated setbacks in Jinhai over the past half year.

"Especially Wu Jingzhong's Sky Net Plan last time, which nearly caused the organization to suffer heavy losses.

"Now that Dai Li is dead, the Military Statistics Bureau is facing a reshuffle.

"We want to change the station chief in Jinhai."

"Change the station chief? Are you the Chairman, or are you Zheng Jiemin?" Ma Kui sneered.

"Of course we are not.

"But you can change it!

"I know you have been investigating Wu Jingzhong.

"You know, Wu Jingzhong was originally one of our people; although he defected to the Military Statistics Bureau, his roots are still there.

"And this person is good at opportunism.

"He defected to the Military Statistics Bureau in the past, and now, he also wants to bet on his old masters.

"So, there are some things you know..."

Zuo Lan stopped mid-sentence.

"Know?

"Know what?" Ma Kui looked at her with cold eyes.

"The leak of the secret personnel list for the Military Mediation last time.

"Dai Li's secret mission to Jinhai.

"And some matters regarding Shopkeeper Qiu..."

Zuo Lan slid her teacup, her beautiful eyes revealing a hint of mystery.

Ma Kui was somewhat tempted.

"He has already leaked intelligence to you, and you still want to get rid of him?" he asked, puzzled.

"I can't say that..." Zuo Lan smiled.

"I know even if you don't say it.

"The station chief had Liu Xiong secretly send a Buddha niche to Yancheng, and found some clues about Yu Zecheng.

"You want to get rid of Wu Jingzhong to protect Yu Zecheng.

"Or perhaps the one newly sent from above will be one of your people?"

Ma Kui said suspiciously.

"Believe whatever you want to guess," Zuo Lan said.

"I'm curious, why don't you look for your own comrade, Yu Zecheng!" Ma Kui enunciated clearly.

"Captain Ma, you've misunderstood.

"First of all, Yu Zecheng is not our comrade.

"I had a past relationship with him, and I don't want him involved in this.

"Most importantly, Dai Li is dead.

"He is not like you, able to reach the ears of heaven and having Mao Renfeng as a backer.

"Actually, you don't need to be so depressed; according to our reliable information, the one who will likely hold actual power in the Military Statistics Bureau is still Mao Renfeng.

"Your Chairman will not cripple his own martial arts and discard this sharp sword."

Zuo Lan said.

"Then I'll take your word for it.

"You're right, the reason why you're doing this isn't important.

"Wu Jingzhong colluding with traitors, repeatedly ruining my important arrests, and plotting to murder Liu Xiong and Li Ping—these are all ironclad facts.

"Since there is evidence, then bring it out."

Ma Kui said.

"Captain Ma, I'm helping you, so you must show some sincerity," Zuo Lan put down her teacup and asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Fine, what do you want me to do?" Ma Kui asked.

"Huang Zhong has been locked up in your station.

"He doesn't yet know about our mutual exchange plan.

"I have two requests.

"One, have your people stop the torture against him.

"Two, at the appropriate time, I will give you a secret letter for you to pass to him, so he doesn't break or choose to die for his cause.

"This request isn't too much, is it?"

Zuo Lan said.

"Hmm, these are all minor matters.

"I can satisfy your requirements.

"However, you must give me conclusive evidence of Wu Jingzhong's collusion." Ma Kui nodded and said.

"Rest assured.

"I kept a telephone recording regarding Mu Liancheng's leak.

"Inside, it clearly explains how Wu Jingzhong leaked the contents of this intelligence.

"Moreover, we still have archives of some telegrams.

"When the time comes, I can hand them over to you."

Zuo Lan said.

"That's great.

"If I can get the recording and the telegrams, I will surely put the old thief Wu to death."

Ma Kui said with great joy.

"At least show a little sincerity.

"Tomorrow..."

Zuo Lan slowed her speech, dragging it out, and she finally saw Lu Qiaoshan sit down across the street.

Opposite at Fude Teahouse.

"Section Chief Lu, I have been awaiting your arrival, please take a seat."

Meng Dejun hurriedly raised his hand to invite him.

"Bureau Chief Meng is too polite."

Lu Qiaoshan walked straight to a seat by the window and sat down.

"Indeed, the Wan Family Restaurant was renovated not long ago, and the proprietor specifically saved us a window seat.

"It's well-ventilated.

"The key is that this restaurant's dishes, especially the golden pig trotters, are famous throughout Jinmen."

Meng Dejun's younger brother, Meng Wen, hurriedly explained.

"Window seats are good.

"I just like window seats," Lu Qiaoshan said.

In his earlier years in Ganxi, he was also a veteran of the intelligence line and had been sent on many missions.

For an intelligence agent.

A window seat has many advantages.

Once there is danger, one can jump out the window at any time.

Also, one can see many things.

They took their seats.

After chatting for a few sentences, Lu Yuxi arrived, wearing a black suit, with greasy hair and a full beard.

"Brother Shan, why trouble yourself to invite..."

Lu Yuxi was all smiles, but just as he was about to speak, he saw Meng Wen and Meng Dejun.

Instantly, his face fell and he turned to leave.

"This!"

The Meng brothers were dumbfounded at the sight.

"Xizi, Xizi."

Lu Qiaoshan hurriedly stood up, grabbed him, and pulled him to the side, asking with a gloomy face:

"What, now that you're an Inspection Team Captain, you won't even give me face?"

"How could that be?

"If it weren't for you, Brother Shan, feeding me intelligence, how could I have become a captain?

"You are my second parent.

"I was just putting on an act to show you respect, Brother Shan."

Lu Yuxi chuckled dryly.

"Hmm, that's more like it.

"I remember you don't have a younger sister, so how did he become your nephew?" Lu Qiaoshan asked.

"What kind of bullshit nephew.

"It's just someone who used connections to find me, to scare these pen-pushers and make a little money.

"Since you've stepped in, Brother Shan, I'll just take a detour.

"Heaven and earth are vast, but your face, Brother Shan, is the biggest."

Lu Yuxi said obsequiously.

"We are fellow townsmen; I am very happy that you keep me in your heart.

"I won't treat you poorly later."

Lu Qiaoshan patted his shoulder with satisfaction and said.

Saying this, he hooked his arm around his shoulder and brought him to the table.

Lu Yuxi put on a cold expression.

This made the Meng brothers very nervous.

After a round of drinking and lively chatting, the Meng brothers offered their price on the spot.

Two small gold bars for Lu Yuxi.

Five small gold bars for Lu Qiaoshan.

The matter was considered settled.

Everyone had made money, so naturally, it was all harmony.

"Section Chief Lu, Captain Lu, then I'll leave this matter to you both."

After eating and drinking their fill, the Meng Dejun brothers stood up, preparing to take their leave.

Lu Qiaoshan and Lu Yuxi stood up to see the two off.

"Give me one of the gold bars." With no outsiders left, Lu Qiaoshan spoke up.

"Brother Shan, you..."

Lu Yuxi smacked his lips, somewhat reluctant.

"When drinking water, don't forget those who dug the well.

"This job was taken on by Secretary Hong, shouldn't we give him a share?" Lu Qiaoshan said.

"Brother Shan, you got five, I only got two," Lu Yuxi pouted and said.

"Can you compare yourself to me?

"The intelligence I feed you is all bought from the black market at a high price.

"Besides, you are a bachelor; one person is full and the whole family is not hungry.

"As for me, I have a wife and children.

"Lu Ming is handling relations at the Second Bureau, and the annual expenses are a massive amount of money.

"Hand it over!"

Lu Qiaoshan said with a straight face.

"Alright."

Lu Yuxi reluctantly took one back and handed it to Lu Qiaoshan.

"Small-minded.

"Even if I help you climb higher like this, I see you're still a good-for-nothing."

Lu Qiaoshan was very dissatisfied with his attitude.

"Don't be like that, my dear brother.

"We are fellow townsmen; fat water doesn't flow into outsiders' fields, so you must think of me when there's a good opportunity."

Lu Yuxi chuckled dryly.

As he was speaking, his expression suddenly changed, and he gave Lu Qiaoshan a look:

"Brother Shan, look quickly."

Lu Qiaoshan turned his head to look across the way.

He saw Ma Kui and Zuo Lan chatting and laughing, and the two were even clinking glasses.

"Ma Kui?"

Lu Qiaoshan's expression tightened, then he gritted his teeth, shook his head, and chuckled to himself:

"Good.

"They're even drinking together now.

"No wonder when I asked Yu Zecheng to turn Zuo Lan, he was unwilling either way.

"So the root of it is here."

"Emei Peak!"

"Brother Shan, there is a mole in your house." Lu Yuxi naturally recognized Ma Kui.

"Do not spread word of this matter."

"If things go wrong, say the wrong thing, and you will lose both your head and your hat."

Lu Qiao warned sternly.

He had not brought his camera tonight; without solid evidence, Ma Kui would not confess.

Just like last time outside the courtyard of Huang Zhong.

He had even photographed him.

But because his face was not clearly visible, he simply could not nail him down.

"Understood, I will act as if I never came tonight."

"Brother Shan, this ghost Ma Kui is very sinister."

"Last time at the wharf, he was investigating the union's red tickets, and damn it, he even punched me; I am still taking traditional Chinese medicine now."

Lu Yuxi reminded him.

"I know."

"He won't be able to jump around for many more days." Lu Qiao closed the window, speaking while watching through a thin crack.

"Captain Ma, then I wish us a pleasant cooperation."

Zuo Lan noticed the window opposite had closed and knew Lu Qiao had already seen; she stood up and extended her jade hand, preparing to take her leave.

"Pleasant my ass."

"Beating around the bush, not a single bit of substance."

Ma Kui downed his drink in one gulp and cursed unhappily.

"Today was just to get acquainted with you first."

"Three days from now, at this same time and this same place, I will make you pleasant."

Zuo Lan smiled, stood up, and left.

The next day.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the station.

Even after a night, he still felt dizzy and weak.

He hurriedly brewed a cup of the velvet antler powder the station chief had given him; the effect was quite good, and he felt much more energetic immediately.

Damn it, lust is a bone-scraping steel knife.

He had to exercise restraint.

As soon as he sat down, the office phone rang.

Upon answering, it was actually Rui Rui calling:

"Zhiyou, I have a surprise for you. Guess what it is?"

"What surprise?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"I'm pregnant!" Rui Rui said.

"You have money?" Hong Zhiyou's first reaction.

"We have a baby of our own!

"Congratulations, you are about to become a father!"

Rui Rui's playful laughter came from the other end.

(End of chapter)