Chapter 164: The treacherous game of the immortals

"Old Lu, the General Affairs Section isn't something you can just manage if you want to; here with me, isn't everything just a matter of a word from you, brother?" Hong Zhiyou used evasion to deflect, never taking a clear stance.

"You, you are too devious.

"I know you, brother, are afraid that I will stumble and get implicated.

"You underestimate your Brother Shan.

"Within three days, I can dig out the one surnamed Yuan, believe it or not."

Lu Qiao shook his head and sighed with a devious laugh.

"With your methods, brother, I naturally believe it," Hong Zhiyou nodded with a certain look on his face.

"However, aren't you afraid that I will sell you out?"

He raised his eyebrows and laughed lightly.

"No.

"If you were going to sell me out, there would have been no need to save me in the first place.

"I believe you also understand that Li Ya is merely a chess piece of Jiang Jianfeng.

"And I am a fellow townsman of Director Zheng.

"Director Zheng is very sentimental.

"Yes, today he was set up by the old man and fell behind Mao Renfeng.

"But tomorrow, could he not transform and become the Minister of National Defense?

"Not to mention the distant future, Director Zheng's younger brother, Zheng Tingfeng, has already been transferred to the 94th Army as Deputy Corps Commander and will sit in the main seat before long.

"When that time comes, without me, will the people you know still be able to speak effectively?

"The most important point, don't forget that Director Zheng is also a classmate of Jiang Jianfeng; that is a life-and-death friendship, deeper than his relationship with the Station Chief.

"Could an old classmate not compare to a pawn that repeatedly makes mistakes?

"Don't forget, Jiang Jianfeng values ability.

"Li Ya mistakenly killed Ye Xiufeng's people and sabotaged military procurement; he has endured it again and again.

"If he loses Yuan Peilin again, can Jiang Jianfeng still endure it, and will he still value him?

"I suspect he might even arrest Li Ya as a Red Ticket!"

Killing intent filled Lu Qiao's eyes as he said in a low voice.

"That makes sense.

"Success is because of Yuan, and failure is because of Yuan; I wish you success."

Hong Zhiyou stood up and shook hands with him.

"It's about time for lunch.

"Perhaps this move will uncover the bottom line.

"Let's go, please help me announce it."

Lu Qiao gave a devious laugh and gestured for Hong Zhiyou to walk out.

Hong Zhiyou arrived outside the Station Chief's office and knocked on the door:

"Station Chief, Division Chief Lu has an urgent matter to see you."

"Let him in," Wu Jingzhong responded from inside.

"Go ahead."

Hong Zhiyou opened the door, not intending to go in.

Lu Qiao winked at him and walked in alone.

"Station Chief, Station Chief Qiao," Lu Qiao bowed and greeted them.

"Station Chief Qiao, let me introduce you.

"This is the number two figure of our Jinhai Station, Intelligence Division Chief Lu Qiao.

"He is a veteran of the Nanchang Investigation Section.

"He is also a fellow townsman of Director Zheng."

Wu Jingzhong introduced him with great importance.

"In front of you and Station Chief Qiao, Qiaoshan is willing to act as a vanguard, charging into battle to await your orders," Lu Qiao said with a smooth laugh.

"No need to be so polite.

"In a few more years, we old bones will have to retire; by then, the Party and State will have to rely on you to bravely shoulder the burden."

Qiao Jiacai reached out his hand.

Lu Qiao hurriedly shook it with both hands, his smile bright: "I dare not, I dare not."

"Is there something?" Wu Jingzhong asked with a beaming smile.

"The Red Ticket built a tomb for Ma Kui at the Jizhong Martyrs' Cemetery.

"Ma Kui's wife, Zhou Gendi, called from Shanghai, saying the Red Ticket Jizhong Committee wants a few photos of Ma Kui for the purpose of paying respects and propaganda."

Lu Qiao said.

"Oh.

"Previously, Ma Kui's house was raided very cleanly, and Zhou Gendi left in a hurry, so she didn't bring Ma Kui's photos," Lu Qiao added.

"How preposterous!

"They planted spies in my station to cause destruction, and they have the nerve to engage in paying respects?

"Simply bullying people too much.

"Tell that stupid woman to roll wherever it's cool!"

Wu Jingzhong put his hands behind his back, glared, and scolded.

"Yes, it is indeed quite excessive.

"I will call Mrs. Ma back right now."

After Lu Qiao finished speaking, he raised his hand and looked at the two with a smile:

"Station Chief, it is rare for Station Chief Qiao to come to Jinhai, and it is almost lunch time; how do you plan to arrange it?"

Wu Jingzhong and Qiao Jiacai looked at each other, both with vigilance in their eyes, then turned to look at Lu Qiao and asked faintly:

"Qiaoshan, what arrangements do you have?"

"A new Halal restaurant called Fu Man Lou has opened on Fuxing Road, and the reputation of the dishes is quite good; would you like me to book a table?" Lu Qiao asked.

"Jinhai's Halal food is not bad; would you like to try it?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"A restaurant might not be very convenient, isn't there another friend coming?" Qiao Jiacai frowned.

"Is there a quieter place?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"Yes.

"There are separate courtyard-style luxury private rooms, which are specifically used for high-ranking officials to eat and discuss business.

"This restaurant was opened by a relative of Gu Zhutong.

"The original intention was specifically to book for the municipal government, the upper echelons of the garrison, and literary celebrities to dine.

"The decor inside is more high-end than the Donghai Tea House.

"The privacy is very good.

"At worst, we can just book all the connected courtyards so that no one will disturb the peace of you two."

Once Lu Qiao heard this, he knew there was a chance and hurriedly continued to pass the message.

"Division Chief Lu is truly meticulous.

"Station Chief Wu, you two arrange it."

Qiao Jiacai smiled and kicked the ball to Wu Jingzhong.

At such a sensitive time,

Lu Qiao's repeated pushing is likely to cause trouble.

However, this was Wu Jingzhong's family business.

He saw through it but didn't say it.

"Alright, you go and book it," Wu Jingzhong made the decision decisively.

After Lu Qiao left,

his eyes became gloomy and cold.

His heart was both relieved and helpless.

What he was relieved about was that it wasn't Yu Zecheng or Hong Zhiyou who came; Li Ya's move to lure the snake out of the hole didn't lure his own people.

What he was helpless about was that Lu Qiao was definitely not a Red Ticket.

This person was just here to sabotage Li Ya's business.

Purely driven by the heart of a petty person.

Sigh!

That's fine too; let them fight, and he would just watch the show with peace of mind.

Anyway, the one who ultimately covers the bottom is Jiang Jianfeng.

He has a big head and broad shoulders; even if the sky falls, he can carry it.

Lu Qiao walked out and gave Hong Zhiyou a slight smile, signaling that the mission was accomplished.

As long as Wu Jingzhong went to the restaurant he arranged,

he could confirm whether Yuan Peilin was hidden in Jinhai.

Moreover, he had informants in Jinhai there, who could further track Yuan Peilin's whereabouts.

Hong Zhiyou responded with a smile.

Old Lu's little schemes were likely to come to nothing.

He sat quietly at the reception desk, waiting for the Station Chief's summons.

A moment later, he saw Wu Jingzhong and Qiao Jiacai walk out.

"Station Chief Qiao, you go to the car and wait for me for a moment," Wu Jingzhong said.

Qiao Jiacai went ahead.

"Zhiyou, don't go to the working lunch at noon today.

"Don't invite trouble."

Wu Jingzhong signaled in a low voice.

"Understood, Teacher," Hong Zhiyou stood straight and accepted the order.

"Also, for that batch of inventory seized from the Dahe Maru, go to the warehouse and count it, and pick two valuable items.

"Landscape paintings, brushes, and ink—the set of things that literati love to use.

"Station Chief Qiao has a literary sentiment in his bones.

"He won't want anything else, but he will fall for this elegant set."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at his chest and instructed him in detail.

"Alright, I will go handle it right away," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm."

Wu Jingzhong walked downstairs quickly.

"Zhiyou, where are you eating at noon?" Yu Zecheng poked his head out of the office and asked.

"I'm going to Ruirui's mother's house.

"The Station Chief said, in the afternoon, I am to accompany Mrs. Qiao to stroll around Jinhai City," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Wait for me, let's walk a segment."

Yu Zecheng "slapped" the office door shut and walked over.

"You were the one who gave the advice about Mrs. Ma, right?" Hong Zhiyou said as they walked.

"Yes.

"This was Zuo Lan's idea; I originally wanted to go in and probe the bottom.

"Fu Man Lou was also chosen by me.

"But didn't you warn me?

"It just so happened that Old Lu wanted to mess with Li Ya, so I gave this errand to him."

Yu Zecheng laughed.

"Whether Yuan Peilin came to Jinhai is hard to say.

"But I suspect this is a trap set by Li Ya.

"If you ask too much, you will invite trouble."

Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.

In fact, with Yu Zecheng's steadiness, if not reminded, he probably wouldn't do such a stupid thing.

In the original story, he was mostly driven to the wall by Luo Anping's urging.

That was why he risked exposure to inquire everywhere in the station.

"Understood," Yu Zecheng nodded.

"Lu Qiao is going to openly fight Li Ya.

"You had best temporarily cut off contact with that side, including the clear and cipher calls on the radio.

"This game is a game of immortals; we can't afford to play.

"I received a call from Old Xie this morning.

"The Party-Affairs Bureau knows about Yuan's news.

"Ye Xiufeng suffered a big loss at Li Ya's hands last time and definitely wants to get it back from Li Ya.

"People can face the Generalissimo directly; they have much more weight than our Director Mao.

"If Li Ya messes up this time, he might lose his head."

Hong Zhiyou whispered as they walked.

"Director Ye is also entering the game?

"The Red Ticket, the Secret Service Bureau, and the Party-Affairs Bureau are all mixed together; Yuan is afraid he won't be able to fly away this time.

"What is the Station Chief's attitude?"

Yu Zecheng asked.

"The Station Chief is probably just playing along.

"He is happy to see Lu Qiao step forward.

"Don't underestimate this Deputy Station Chief position; Mao Renfeng tacitly approved Li Ya, a person who repeatedly makes mistakes, to replace Lu Qiao—isn't this openly slapping Zheng Jiemin in the face?

"Lu Qiao must have received instructions; that's why he dared to openly play with Li Ya.

"The Station Chief actually doesn't want to set up a Deputy Station Chief.

"If he wanted to, he would have done it long ago.

"This was forced by Mao Renfeng's bullshit restructuring.

"Besides, if Li Ya becomes Deputy Station Chief, the Station Chief won't have an easy life either.

"Doesn't Li Ya want to jump?

"He simply lifts Li Ya higher, so that when he falls, he falls even harder.

"Even if he doesn't die, he will completely lose the thought of being Deputy Station Chief.

"As long as Li Ya messes up,

"Ye Xiufeng and Zheng Jiemin will find fault at the same time, and Jiang Jianfeng won't be able to hold them off.

"Just watch, this show is going to be spectacular."

Having spent a long time with Wu Jingzhong as "father and son," Hong Zhiyou had long since thoroughly understood the old man's thoughts.

"You really are Zhuge Liang; I feel like you can foresee one hundred... days ahead," Yu Zecheng laughed.

"Alright, I have to go eat with the wives.

"I'm leaving first."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and got into the car.

Lu Qiao stood by the window.

Watching the Station Chief and Qiao Jiacai get into the car.

A moment later.

He looked at his watch, estimated the travel time, put down his coffee cup, and dialed the number:

"Hello, it's me.

"Have Station Chief Wu and the others arrived?

"Alright, I know.

"You wait a bit more; if they haven't arrived in half an hour, call me back."

Didn't go?

Delayed?

Half an hour later, the phone rang.

"Alright, I know."

Hanging up the phone, Lu Qiao gritted his teeth and let out a breath:

"Didn't go?

"Playing it quite cautiously.

"Li Ya, aren't you good at hiding?

"Interesting, I'll play with you slowly!"

Noon.

Yu Zecheng returned home.

Cuiping had already prepared lunch.

"Old Yu, did you find that traitor?" She served rice for Yu Zecheng and asked.

"No.

"No one came to the bookstore today, right?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"No," Cuiping nodded.

"Eat quickly, the weather is nice today; let's go for a stroll after eating," Yu Zecheng picked up his bowl, picked up some food, and ate in large mouthfuls.

"I was playing mahjong at the Station Chief's house yesterday.

"Mrs. Lu and Sister Mei said you used to be in a relationship with Zuo Lan.

"You wouldn't admit it before, but now it seems you two were truly in love.

"Are you two truly in love, or is it a mission like with me?"

Cuiping glanced at him and asked with a hint of sourness.

Yu Zecheng was almost choked.

He pretended to drink soup.

"Well, speak up?" Cuiping wouldn't let it go and pounded him.

"Yes!

"We were truly in love; if I had stayed in Shancheng back then, maybe we would have been married by now, and the child would be two years old."

Yu Zecheng didn't hide it from her.

"So it's true.

"She is so beautiful and capable.

"If I had known you two were lovers, I shouldn't have beaten you last time.

"You are really something, not even going to see her off when she went back to Yancheng.

"If I had known you two were lovers, I would have told her that night that we were fake.

"That way, she would have felt at ease when she went back.

"Saving her from always missing you, you heartless guy."

Cuiping heard the definitive answer and said in a lonely tone.

Yu Zecheng looked at her.

He wanted to say something, but in the end, said nothing.

After eating.

The two came to the back street.

The plaque for the Zhu Family Instructions was hung at the door.

"Let's go in and buy a calligraphy copybook."

Yu Zecheng pulled her inside.

Cuiping stayed outside to provide cover, while Yu Zecheng and Luo Anping entered the warehouse.

"Comrade Zecheng, is there any news about Yuan Peilin?" As soon as they met, Luo Anping asked anxiously.

"No.

"This person is hidden very deep; it will be very difficult to find him for a while," Yu Zecheng said.

"How can you not have any?

"The situation is very urgent; Yuan knows the information of many comrades in the Central Plains intelligence network.

"Hundreds of comrades in Luoyang, Xi'an, and Beiping don't know whether to withdraw or stay.

"I received news.

"Qiao Jiacai came to Jinhai secretly this morning; Yuan is very likely in the hands of your Secret Service Bureau.

"You are Wu Jingzhong's favorite, the Director of the Confidential Room.

"How can you not have a single clue?

"I am anxious!"

Seeing his cold expression, Luo Anping couldn't help but get angry.

"Old Luo, the situation right now is very critical.

"The Party-Affairs Bureau has also intervened.

"And this is very likely Li Ya's trick, specifically aimed at me and you.

"Let's observe the changes, don't move rashly."

Yu Zecheng reminded him patiently.

"Lives are at stake, and you tell me to observe the changes?

"Why does a comrade like you retreat at the first sign of difficulty?"

Luo Anping hadn't dealt with Yu Zecheng before and couldn't help but question his working style and ability.

"This is not called retreating.

"The task Ke Gong gave me is to infiltrate, not to be a tiger-hunting hero who knows there is a tiger in the mountain yet heads toward the tiger mountain.

"Do not act without authorization.

"This is very likely a trap; let the muddy water clear up first, and then I will find a way, okay?"

Yu Zecheng frowned and said.

He was equally dissatisfied with Luo Anping's work.

When Manager Qiu was around, he never for a moment failed to prioritize his safety.

But this Luo Anping seemed to only have the task in his eyes.

This approach made him very disgusted.

Especially at such a treacherous time.

"Forget it.

"You go back first, I will find a way myself," Luo Anping waved his hand, full of anger.

"Do not act.

"Before there is definitive news about Yuan Peilin, I will suspend contact with you.

"Comrade Anping, I hope you consider it carefully."

Yu Zecheng said with a gloomy face and stood up to leave.

He knew that the organization was in Jinhai and there must be capable people.

Moreover, there are many immortals in the black market.

Intelligence can always be obtained.

He was just afraid that Comrade Luo would fall into Li Ya's trap.

Yu Zecheng had said everything he could.

He was just a small infiltrator and had no qualification to order Luo Anping.

Nor did he have the right or channel to report to the higher-level organization.

Sigh.

Let everyone be safe in their own fate.

"Bang!"

Luo Anping looked at Yu Zecheng's back and slammed his fist heavily on the table.

After leaving the bookstore.

Cuiping saw his expression was wrong, "Old Yu, what's wrong?"

"Nothing.

"Cuiping, the situation is very bad right now; we might be exposed at any time.

"We need to prepare for withdrawal."

Yu Zecheng let her hold his arm and whispered as they walked.

Once Luo Anping fell into the trap,

he would be exposed; this had to be considered.

"Does this Yuan know you?" Cuiping was shocked.

"No.

"Don't come to the bookstore for a while; Jinhai is not peaceful, and I always have a bad premonition that something is going to happen."

Yu Zecheng shook his head, feeling tired in his heart, and didn't offer more explanation.

By the Hai River, in a small restaurant.

Li Ya sat by the window, watching the steamships on the river.

Sitting opposite him was a middle-aged man wearing a wide hat and gray cloth clothes; his hat brim was pressed very low, making that large, sallow nose look particularly striking.

This person was Yuan Peilin.

Beside him was Guo Liang.

"When are they arriving?" Yuan Peilin asked.

"Soon.

"Two Station Chiefs are hosting a welcome banquet for you; only you, Mr. Yuan, have this kind of face."

Li Ya laughed.

"You are very unprofessional," Yuan Peilin slammed his wine glass onto the table and said with dissatisfaction.

"Don't worry, there are no outsiders.

"I have booked the entire second floor under the guise of renovations.

"The downstairs is sealed off with wooden bars, so outsiders can't come up.

"The Station Chiefs will come over via the suspension ladder of the opposite attic; I have put a lot of thought into this meal for you."

Li Ya said with a faint, cold laugh.

"Mr. Yuan, Captain Li is an old student of the Qingpu Special Training Class, a top student of Yu Lexing, participated in the Jinshanwei battle, and is one of the few Party-State elites who have infiltrated Yancheng.

"You don't need to doubt his craft."

Guo Liang said from the side.

Yuan Peilin then picked up his wine glass again and took a sip.

"Boss."

A moment later, Qi Da Fu walked over and whispered a few words in Li Ya's ear.

Li Ya frowned slightly, feeling somewhat surprised and disappointed.

"Understood, you go down," he waved his hand and said.

Soon.

Wu Jingzhong and Qiao Jiacai, under the guidance of guards, walked over from the suspension ladder of the opposite attic.

After a simple exchange of warm pleasantries.

Wu Jingzhong had no appetite to pick food from the same bowl as Yuan Peilin.

That disdainful attitude from the bottom of his bones made Yuan Peilin feel very unhappy and humiliated, yet he was helpless.

After picking at a few chopsticks of food,

Wu Jingzhong and Qiao Jiacai called Li Ya outside:

"Are the arrangements made?"

"Hmm.

"I plan to arrange Guo Liang into the Xiuchun Tower, as for Yuan..." Li Ya smiled and didn't say.

Wu Jingzhong didn't ask either.

"Will the Xiuchun Tower be too conspicuous?" Qiao Jiacai frowned and asked.

"The most dangerous place is often the safest.

"My people will disguise themselves and go in, setting up only secret posts.

"Moreover, this guy surnamed Guo has no value; acting mysterious is just to look professional, so as to use this bait to lure the Red Ticket to take the hook."

Li Ya said.

"I think it's feasible," Qiao Jiacai nodded in satisfaction.

"What do you need us to do?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"I would trouble you two to go to the Xiuchun Tower tonight.

"What I am more interested in right now is not the Red Ticket in the city, but the mole in the station," Li Ya said.

Hearing this,

Qiao Jiacai yawned: "How about this, you two talk, I'll go to Station Chief Wu's house to catch up on some sleep.

"I stayed up half the night, and at my age, if I don't catch up on sleep, my soul will run away."

Saying this, he left first.

"Who is the mole you are talking about?" With no outsiders, Wu Jingzhong asked with a cold look.

"Yu Zecheng," Li Ya said.

"Then you guessed wrong; the one who came to inquire was Lu Qiao," Wu Jingzhong said, looking out the window with his hands behind his back.

"I heard.

"He is still inquiring about my whereabouts last night in the dispatch room.

"Heh, this is strange.

"The one who should appear doesn't appear, and the ones who shouldn't appear are fighting to be eyesores."

Li Ya frowned and said.

"Lu Qiao is no pushover.

"You had best hide Yuan Peilin well,"

Wu Jingzhong gave a suggestive pointer.

"Rest assured.

"I guarantee that from tonight on, this person will disappear; except for me, no one will be able to find him."

A disdainful, light laugh appeared at the corner of Li Ya's mouth.

Lu Qiao.

Respectfully, he is the senior brother.

If I don't respect him,

what is he? Is he enough to play with?

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 165 =====