Chapter 158: Wu Jingzhong's Thoughts

About to become a father?

Hong Zhiyou was a bit thunderstruck.

This was no pleasant surprise.

It was a shock.

He had anticipated this possibility.

He just never expected this day to come so soon.

For a moment, he was caught off guard.

"What's wrong, panicked?"

"You miser!"

"I know your little schemes all too well."

"Isn't it just that you're afraid of having to support them and splitting your money?"

"Don't worry, I won't cling to you."

"This young lady doesn't need that little bit of child-rearing money from you."

Wu Rui chirped coquettishly on the other end of the line.

"Rui, how could that be?"

"Money is something you can't bring with you when you're born, and you can't take it with you when you die."

"If I don't leave it for our child, should I hand it over to the Chairman instead?"

Hong Zhiyou calmed himself and said.

"It's good that you can think that way."

"I won't talk anymore, I have to go sunbathe; the doctor said getting more sun helps with calcium, which is good for both me and the baby," Wu Rui said happily.

Hong Zhiyou was suddenly overcome with an inexplicable sense of emotion.

Rui might not be the best woman, but she was certainly the most suitable one for him.

"Rui, did you miss me?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"I didn't miss you."

"I missed the money."

Wu Rui giggled, as money-minded as ever.

"Missing the money is good."

"I'm already in negotiations; soon you'll have your own castle and winery in Falanxi."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"That's great, what should I do, I'm starting to miss you a little," Wu Rui immediately turned into a well-behaved baby.

"Miss where?"

"You're annoying, I won't tell you."

Hanging up the phone, Hong Zhiyou went to the bathroom to splash his face and sober up.

He had to change his way of thinking now.

In the past, Hong Zhiyou winning over Rui had an element of using her as a protective talisman.

But now it was different.

Rui was carrying his child.

He and Wu Jingzhong had become a true family.

In other words, helping Wu Jingzhong rake in money was actually raking in money for his future child.

The two of them were now completely in the same boat.

It didn't matter whose pocket the money fell into.

Or who was playing what kind of tricks.

Whether it was more or less, it was all for the child.

Then, there was no need to keep the matters of the arms, Mu Liancheng, and the white-label goods from old Wu anymore.

Proactively revealing it in advance and having old Wu find out on his own were two completely different things.

Thinking of this, he wiped his face dry and walked toward the station chief's office.

As soon as he entered, Wu Jingzhong was pacing with his hands behind his back.

"Yu Zecheng."

"Teacher, what's the matter?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"The Buddha Niche exchange plan, Deng Ming and I have already finished the preliminary discussions."

"Now the question is how to explain it to Director Mao."

"The Buddha Niche was arranged by me personally."

"Back then, in order to investigate Zecheng... Liu Xiong secretly activated the Buddha Niche behind my back."

"That was what led to the exposure of the Red Ticket excavation."

Wu Jingzhong said, quite distressed.

"Teacher, one word: muddle; two words: bluff," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Bluff?"

Wu Jingzhong's brow furrowed, and he pointed at the telephone:

"I just received news from Zheng Jiemin that the Chairman intends to promote Mao Renfeng and elevate him to Deputy Director of the Juntong Bureau."

"Boss Dai was the Deputy Director before he passed away."

"What does this mean?"

"Zheng Jiemin is too senior, a veteran of both the Whampoa and intelligence systems."

"The old man is clearly afraid he will become a second Dai Li."

"Giving him the title of Director is just to shut other people's mouths."

"The one who will actually run things is Mao Renfeng!"

Speaking of this, he worriedly pinched the space between his eyebrows: "You know that my relationship with the three Maos has always been bad."

"Mao Sen was offended last time."

"Mao Wanli has been eyeing my position eagerly."

"Mao Renfeng is even more of a notorious smiling tiger, and his skill at making things difficult for people is world-class."

"Now that he's in charge, and with Ma Kui stuck in the middle, I'm afraid I won't have a good time in the future."

"Teacher, I think you're overthinking it," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Mao Renfeng is indeed sinister and cunning, but he is well-versed in the rules of officialdom."

"Regarding the Buddha Niche, he will definitely blame you; that's to establish his authority."

"But at the same time, you are a Major General station chief, and your seniority is right there."

"Even if he is dissatisfied with you, he wouldn't dare do anything, right?"

"On the contrary, his position is not stable, and he will have to find ways to win you over."

"Don't forget, you are the Director of the Anti-Corruption Commission who is highly valued by Jianfeng; if he makes things difficult for you now, he's going against Jianfeng."

"Mao Renfeng won't be that stupid."

As Hong Zhiyou spoke, he cut watermelon and washed fruit for him.

"Even if we take a step back."

"By the time his position is secure, Jianfeng's wings will surely have grown."

"Zheng Jiemin, the nominal head, won't just sit by and watch him throw his weight around."

"So, for the present and for the future, Teacher, you have nothing to worry about."

He handed the cut watermelon to Wu Jingzhong's side.

Wu Jingzhong ate two pieces; it was cool, crisp, and sweet, and the tension and gloom in his heart gradually dissipated.

He took the towel Hong Zhiyou handed him, wiped his mouth and hands, and smiled with relief:

"What you say makes sense."

"I will call Director... I mean, Director Mao, right now."

Wu Jingzhong quickly dialed Mao Renfeng's private line:

"Hello, Director Mao, this is Jingzhong."

"Congratulations on your promotion, Director Mao; I hope for your continued guidance in the future."

"Oh, you are too modest."

"My old classmate already told me; Director Zheng is the nominal head of the Juntong station, but you are in charge of the military."

"Don't worry, Jingzhong will absolutely obey the Chairman's arrangements."

"Wherever you point, Director, Jingzhong will strike, without even blinking an eye!"

After some flattery, Wu Jingzhong got to the point:

"Director Mao, it's like this."

"Back when Boss Dai was still with us, he secretly sent one of our people to Yancheng, who left from Jinhai."

"This person's codename is Buddha Niche."

"Not long ago, Buddha Niche was in Yancheng, but for some reason, he was exposed.

"Now the Red Tickets are proposing to exchange him for the two Red Tickets I captured; I ask for your approval, Bureau Chief."

From the other end came Mao Renfeng's angry reprimand:

"Wu Jingzhong, was it you who contacted Buddha Niche privately, leading to his exposure?"

"Bureau Chief, that is a truly massive injustice.

"I have absolutely never contacted Buddha Niche privately.

"Is it possible the intelligence was leaked from headquarters, or perhaps it was his own fault?

"The Red Tickets have always been very strict when investigating the CC Clique, the Three People's Principles Youth League, and the like.

"These are all possibilities."

Wu Jingzhong immediately stood straight, explaining with an innocent face.

After enduring a round of scolding, he said again:

"Bureau Chief, the person is already exposed.

"This Buddha Niche is an old hand from the Qingpu Special Training Class and even participated in the Battle of Jinshanwei.

"As for those two Red Tickets, one won't spit out any useful information.

"The other has bitten off his own tongue; there is simply no value to be dug out of him.

"Why don't we just go ahead with the exchange?"

Wu Jingzhong requested.

"Yes, agreed to the exchange!

"Thank you, Bureau Chief Mao!"

Hanging up the phone, Wu Jingzhong wiped the cold sweat from his forehead:

"The higher-ups have agreed."

"Of course, Mao Renfeng is just putting on airs; he still has to give face to the Teacher," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Sigh.

"Mao Renfeng is nothing; there is a more headache-inducing matter at hand right now," Wu Jingzhong said.

"What matter?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Mu Liancheng has run away!"

"It is said he slipped away while Boss Dai was in Jinmen.

"I was being worked to the bone by Boss Dai at the time, what with the leprosy outbreak and being busy arranging the funeral for Boss Dai.

"One thing led to another, and I let my guard down.

"To think I let this old thing run away."

Wu Jingzhong was so angry he had a headache.

As he spoke, he leaned in closer and whispered: "Zhiyou, I heard from the people at the naval warehouse that the old thief's crates occupy more than half of the ship's cargo hold.

"Think of how many national treasures and fine valuables must be in there.

"Sigh, to lose half the landscape of Jinmen.

"My great China, how tragic, how sorrowful!"

As Wu Jingzhong spoke, he slapped the back of his hand in deep distress.

Hong Zhiyou answered with frankness, without a hint of hesitation:

"Teacher, you don't need to worry.

"Have you forgotten that I have an old classmate in the Marine Corps?

"He has people at the naval warehouse and has been keeping an eye on Mu Liancheng's warehouse all along.

"Last night, because of engine trouble and a storm in the direction of the Ghost Island, the ship had no choice but to temporarily divert and dock at Xiangdao.

"Do you remember that Young Master Rong who saved Cao Qingming last time?" he asked with a faint smile.

"Mm.

"The second young master of the Rong family, a true tycoon of Xiangdao," Wu Jingzhong said.

"It is his family's dock where the ship is docked.

"I have already secretly hinted to Young Master Rong that these crates of Mu Liancheng's are illicit assets from colluding with the Japanese invaders.

"The Anti-Traitor Association must confiscate them.

"Young Master Rong, mindful of the Teacher's kindness last time, agreed to help detain those crates.

"If all goes smoothly, they are likely already on their way back to Jinhai by now."

Hong Zhiyou said with a beaming smile.

"Oh my, that's wonderful!

"Zhiyou.

"If this batch of items were to end up overseas, it would be a misfortune for the nation, and a misfortune for you and me.

"You have done a great deed that will benefit generations to come!"

Wu Jingzhong squinted and beamed with joy, slapping his thigh in high praise.

"Teacher, the student does not seek to leave a name for eternity.

"I just feel that the things of our ancestors should remain in the hands of those who cherish and protect them.

"The Teacher's sincere love for antiques can move heaven and earth.

"This batch of items should be guarded by a virtuous person like yourself."

Hong Zhiyou continued to flatter him with his usual submissive demeanor.

He knew that as his own wings grew stronger, Wu Jingzhong felt insecure.

Be it as a son-in-law.

Or as a capable subordinate.

The more this was the case, the more he had to appear respectful and obedient.

The key point.

Whether the items fell into his hands or Old Wu's, in the end, they belonged to his own children.

Since that was the case, why not do Old Wu a favor?

"Well said.

"Very well said.

"Heaven bless, may this batch of items return to Jinhai quickly.

"My heart is in a panic every extra day they drift outside."

Wu Jingzhong said, both happy and anxious.

"Teacher, the Americans and the Rong family are both involved in this matter, so we might have to give them a share.

"My meaning is, I have saved up quite a bit of capital following you over the past year.

"I will pay them in US dollars.

"Every single one of the treasures will return to you!"

Hong Zhiyou said respectfully.

"You, is your money still enough?

"Should I take some from the station, or should I chip in for you?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"It's enough.

"If it's really not enough, Rui Rui wouldn't just watch me starve to death," Hong Zhiyou said with a humorous smile.

"Good, good!" Wu Jingzhong nodded in appreciation.

He also knew that Hong Zhiyou was one of his own.

But at the thought of having to reach into his own pocket, he couldn't help but feel the pain.

At his age, he couldn't bear that kind of pain.

Better to let the young man feel the pain.

"By the way, Teacher, there is one more thing I would like to report to you," Hong Zhiyou said.

"What is it?" Wu Jingzhong said.

"Mrs. Ji of Renji and Jack, the agent for Hennessy, are currently collaborating.

"They have tasted our family's wine.

"They believe the taste is in no way inferior to imported red wine from Falanxi.

"They want to sell it under their own label.

"The profit margin is roughly over three times."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Three times?

"These damned foreign devils, isn't it all just brewed from grapes? Is their grape made of gold? So precious."

While Wu Jingzhong sighed with emotion, he raised his eyebrows and asked in a deep voice:

"Then this business can be done."

"It can be done.

"I have discussed it with Rui Rui; we will bring in a train car full this month and start by labeling them."

"Master, you just wait to collect your share of the profits."

Hong Zhiyou said in a deep voice.

"Is there any risk?" Wu Jingzhong asked with the caution of an experienced man.

"None."

"Even if there were risks, they are within a controllable range."

"With the endorsement of the Marine Corps Deputy Commander, Philson, and the Americans involved, what could possibly go wrong?"

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm, the Americans are very arrogant right now."

"You just handle it; I only need to see the money, as long as it's more than what I earned working with Mrs. Ji before," Wu Jingzhong said with a nod.

"Go on, that old warlord Wu Taixun's son has deep pockets."

"Have Yu Zecheng give him a good beating."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Rest assured, Director Yu will certainly be able to squeeze something out of him!" Hong Zhiyou laughed.

Just as he walked out of the office.

He happened to run into Xiao Guohua.

"Secretary Hong, as per your instructions, the matter with Mrs. Ji's family has been resolved."

"As for that couple, the man endured a few rounds and was subjected to electric shocks."

"The woman had all her teeth pulled out."

"Even if they leave alive, they will be half-crippled for the rest of their lives."

"The two of them have now been locked up in the Shuitun Prison, where there are people continuing to 'serve' them."

Xiao Guohua said with a very respectful expression.

"Thanks, old Xiao, I'll treat you to a meal another day," Hong Zhiyou said.

"No need for such formalities, it's part of the job," Xiao Guohua said.

Arriving at the office, Xiao Guohua handed over the files in his hand:

"Station Chief, I've found it."

"Mu Liancheng's ship is currently in Xiangdao."

"What's very strange is that one of the proprietors of the shipyard where it's docked is Long Er."

"This person is very close to Secretary Hong."

"It cannot be said that Secretary Hong is not involved in this."

He handed over a document.

Then he pointed to the second one and said: "This is the past cash flow of Renji; Mrs. Ji has been very prominent in Jinhai these past two months."

"The best-selling liquor among them is the Axe brand from Hennessy."

"Ji Qing is very close to Secretary Hong."

"Among them, there is also the Jinhai person-in-charge for Hennessy, Jack."

"The source of the liquor might be your Yuezhou distillery brand."

"I suspect they are using your liquor to sell at high prices under a fake label."

"Hmm, I see," Wu Jingzhong took the documents, showing no surprise.

"I know you and Secretary Hong are on very good personal terms."

"But work is work, and personal feelings are personal feelings; you must keep them separate."

He gave Xiao Guohua a cold look.

"Understood, Station Chief."

"Loyalty to my superior is my duty," Xiao Guohua said righteously.

"Hmm, let this matter be known only to heaven, earth, you, and me."

"It ends here."

Wu Jingzhong instructed sternly.

"Understood," Xiao Guohua bowed and retreated.

"Zhiyou is still a man with a conscience."

"It wasn't in vain that Rui Rui conceived the Hong family's seed!"

A faint smile appeared on the corner of Wu Jingzhong's mouth; he took out a lighter, ignited the documents, and placed them in a porcelain basin.

Once Mu Liancheng went missing.

He immediately launched an investigation.

This included Ji Qing, who was working with him, to grasp the opponent's sales situation and ensure everything was under his control.

Even the fact that Hong Zhiyou and the Americans were secretly selling arms to the Red Party, he knew some of the inside story.

These things had already been investigated thoroughly during the Liu Xiong era.

Wu Jingzhong had once thought about using some methods on Hong Zhiyou to straighten out the kid's crooked ways.

However, things were different now.

Rui Rui was carrying this guy's child.

He was about to become a grandfather.

Wu Jingzhong stood up, walked to the window with his hands behind his back, and gazed at the peace doves flying outside.

He suddenly felt a bit dazed.

He didn't know who was actually making money for whom.

Hong Zhiyou was making money for him.

He was making money for his grandson.

It seemed that no matter how much was made, it all ended up in the pockets of the one surnamed Hong.

Sigh!

He shook his head and let out a soft sigh.

Thinking that he was about to become a grandfather, and to the offspring of a little fox, he felt a bit of comfort.

His father's worldly wisdom, his mother's intelligence.

His own network of connections.

And enough capital to buy an entire county.

This child's future would not be bad.

Jinhai, Machang Road.

Wang De's brothers and Kou Zhengguo were drinking and toasting each other.

"Brother-in-law, the price of flour has doubled again this month."

"As long as the Civil Affairs Bureau keeps a lid on the flour warehouses, in my opinion, it will rise another two-fold in a while."

Wang De's younger brother, Wang Bin, laughed.

"Brother-in-law, this is the dividend from the factory for last month."

As Wang Bin spoke, he took out several envelopes of silver dollars and pushed them over.

Kou Zhengguo was stern and serious, naturally tucking them into his briefcase.

"Recently, Jiang Jianfeng wants to fight corruption, especially in the economic sector; it's like that over in Beiping."

"The person in charge for us in Jinhai is Wu Jingzhong."

"That is Jiang Jianfeng's old classmate, so you must be low-key in your dealings."

"In my opinion, we should release a batch of goods this week."

"Otherwise, it won't be easy to explain to those above."

Kou Zhengguo reminded him coldly.

"Release what goods?"

"These lowly wretches won't starve to death."

"Only when they are starved to the point of desperation and there's panic in the city will the wealthy families be willing to open their purses."

Wang De said disdainfully, with a cigarette hanging from his mouth.

"Money can never be earned in full."

"If you don't give up a little, how can you gain a lot? Listen to me, release a batch of affordable flour tomorrow morning."

"Let's stabilize the people's livelihood in Jinhai first."

Kou Zhengguo instructed.

"Understood, brother-in-law," Wang Bin nodded.

"Understood what?"

"Don't forget Prince Wu's share," Wang De said arrogantly, with his cigarette dangling at an angle.

As the former personal bodyguard captain of a warlord's young master.

Don't look at his brother-in-law as the director of the Civil Affairs Bureau.

In his eyes, he was worth nothing.

Their Prince Wu is, after all, a sworn brother of Dai Li.

Even if Dai Li is gone, relying on his status as the son of the old Viceroy, who in the Pingjin area would dare not show him respect?

"Brother, rest assured.

"No matter who gets less, Prince Wu will never be shorted his share.

"Without him, could this batch of flour we brought over from North America have cleared customs at the Waterway Inspection Office so smoothly?"

Wang Bin laughed.

"It's good that you know.

"I'm off; I heard that the girlfriend of that little secretary in Jinhai has been discharged from the hospital.

"Prince Wu has taken a fancy to her.

"He's taking her out for coffee tonight, and I have to go find that woman.

"I'm leaving."

Wang De stubbed out his cigarette and stood up.

"A-De, sit down.

"So rash!"

Kou Zhengguo glared at him and scolded, then continued:

"Dai Li is already dead, and right now, all of his past networks are facing a purge.

"If you don't hurry up and distance yourself from Wu Taixun at a time like this,

"why are you still going over to join in the fun?

"That woman has a connection to Secretary Hong.

"Back then, he even dared to use tricks and go head-to-head with Boss Dai for the sake of a beauty.

"If you go and provoke him now, aren't you just asking for trouble?"

"Yeah, brother, if it really comes to it, just stall him with a few words and say that the woman's health hasn't recovered yet," Wang Bin also advised.

"You two don't understand.

"That little girl has a beautiful voice and a curvaceous body; she's a rare little beauty.

"Prince Wu has a rule.

"Once he's tired of playing with them, we subordinates get a turn too.

"Enough talk, I eat the master's salary, I must bear the master's worries.

"I'm off!"

At the thought of Wanqiu's graceful figure, Wang De couldn't help but feel a surge of heat in his heart.

"Sigh."

Kou Zhengguo shook his head.

"If this keeps up, sooner or later there will be..."

Before the word "trouble" could be spoken, *bang*, the main gate was kicked open, and dozens of burly men wearing grey Zhongshan suits stormed in with menacing expressions.

(End of chapter)