[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-spy-survival-guide":3,"chapter-spy-survival-guide-spy-survival-guide-chapter-172":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Spy Survival Guide",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2366488,4634,"Chapter 172: Cuiping Encounters a Formidable Rival","spy-survival-guide-chapter-172",172,"\u003Cp>After some comforting, the two went downstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanqiu had already had the maid prepare dinner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gendi’s face was as charming as a peach blossom, and she looked very shy when she saw Wanqiu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister, it seems you have truly had a miserable time these days, crying and shouting so much that you made me send away all the servants in the house,\" Wanqiu teased her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm hungry, let's eat first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou laughed heartily and lowered his head to eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's all your fault.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gendi gave a soft rebuke and pinched Hong Zhiyou’s thigh under the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou drove her to the train station.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the century clock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gendi’s sorrow at parting rose again; her nose grew sore, and she began to shed tears inside the car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhiyou, what should I do without you in the future?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wept sadly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Without me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You still have your parents and your younger brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once you become a big star and have money, you will discover that this is a different world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will go to Shanghai to find you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou lifted her hand and kissed it lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, I promise you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In this life, besides you, I don't want anyone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you don't come, I would be willing to die of loneliness and sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I only hope you have a conscience and don't forget me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gendi bit her lip gently, wiped away a tear, and got out of the car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are so good, how could I ever forget you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will go to Shanghai sooner or later; it's a bustling world. When you become a big star, you can take me along to pick up money.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou held her face and gave her a reluctant kiss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I become a big star and have money, I'll support you,\" Zhou Gendi said with a tearful smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then wouldn't I become a kept man?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou smiled and urged her again:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I left some money for you in the suitcase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dress well, eat well, and don't wrong yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is still a long life ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We will meet again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll be waiting for you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Gendi carried her small suitcase, swaying her hips and looking back every three steps, until she finally disappeared into the vast crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou was not lying to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would go to Shanghai sooner or later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just that his wings were not yet full, and he lacked connections with the local garrison and gangs there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once those connections were established, making money there would only be more lucrative than in Jinmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to the Mu residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou flicked away his cigarette butt at the entrance, calming his lingering sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He went upstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanqiu was tidying up the bedding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou leaned against the doorframe and chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you laughing at?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I lent the room and the bed to you two; do you expect me to keep the scent of another woman?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanqiu turned her head away, looking charmingly indignant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I still prefer your scent,\" Hong Zhiyou said, hugging her soft, slender waist from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Disgusting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What scent do I have? It's more like the smell of Chinese medicine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanqiu turned her head and breathed the medicinal scent from her mouth onto him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou knew she was still recovering, so he didn't dare tease her further and accompanied her to the balcony to chat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did she really just leave like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To be honest, it's quite good. Without Jinmen, without you, and without Ma Kui, she can be as free as a bird.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanqiu’s sentimental streak had surfaced again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you tired of it?\" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't envy her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is a kind of happiness called freedom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is also a kind of happiness called weathering the storm together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanqiu held his hand, her eyes as gentle as water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It has been hard on you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You must take care of your health, and don't forget to practice those songs recently; be ready at any time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In case Lady Jiang comes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is an opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only when you are strong enough will people like Wu Jingzhong not dare to touch you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you understand?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou urged her softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, I remember,\" Wanqiu nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stayed at the Mu residence until eight o'clock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou drove back to the small courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a \"Hongmen Banquet\" at the Navy Club tonight, and he had to be prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, he could have made a move against Zhao Chuncheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the station chief was busy with anti-corruption efforts against Wu Taixun, and with the Ma Kui incident intervening, he had to put that matter aside for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving at the small courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Zecheng was tirelessly nagging Cuiping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's just a fight, why are you nagging so much, just like a woman.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cuiping waved her hand and walked out wearing a black cloth martial arts uniform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, sister-in-law, you're going to wear that?\" Hong Zhiyou was a bit surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it was a cocktail party, not an official martial arts tournament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I don't wear this, should I wear a qipao and high heels?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In those things, I can't even lift my legs, how am I supposed to hit anyone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cuiping said with a look of annoyance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That works too, safety first,\" Hong Zhiyou nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhiyou, I'll leave your sister-in-law to you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She has a hot temper, keep her in check.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Zecheng still followed them out, worried, and gave these instructions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou shook his head and laughed, then stepped on the gas, leaving Yu Zecheng behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister-in-law, Old Yu really does care about you,\" Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s a hypocrite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In front of outsiders, he acts like a little lamb, so thoughtful and obedient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But once he gets home, he pulls a long face and doesn't say a word for half the day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s just like the air; it makes no difference whether he’s home or not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ping lifted her chin, her tone slightly bitter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had spent a long time with Yu Zecheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ping felt heartache for his hardships.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had long since come to regard Yu Zecheng as her own kin, or even... her husband.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister-in-law, when we get to the reception later, just watch my lead and act accordingly,\" Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Yu said you’ve got a sharp mind, so listening to you is never wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s so nice; every day is either playing mahjong with the Station Chief’s wife or cooking at home. I can finally go out and get some fresh air.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ping looked out the window, her face full of innocent joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jinhai, Zhang Residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A grand gate with a large plaque, two massive lions outside, vermilion walls, high pavilions, and gilded, upturned eaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Chuncheng was standing respectfully before an elderly man in a Tang suit, who wore his hair in a queue and was sniffing a snuff bottle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle, I have already investigated clearly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is this Hong Zhiyou who is selling knock-off liquor with Jack; the source of the liquor is some manufacturer in the south.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excluding shipping costs, the profit is at least three times over.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, with the backing of the Americans, the entire Jinhai municipal government and the upper echelons of the garrison are being supplied exclusively with Hennessy Axe Brand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The few brands we handle simply won't sell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Longdong head office in Shanghu is putting a lot of pressure on me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If there are no more sales, they will revoke my Jinhai agency and cooperate directly with Hong Zhiyou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said with an indignant expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn't you go to report it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The person in charge of Hennessy, Powell, has come over, so what are you afraid of?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man sniffed his snuff bottle and said calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was none other than the Qing Dynasty loyalist Zhang Cuiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Jinhai, relying on his imperial family reputation, he had long-standing dealings with people like Zhang Tinge and Du Jianshi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even exchanged poetry with Chen Bulei and Liu Yazi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The problem is, this Jack is very cunning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His accounts are very well-prepared.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The amount of liquor sold is ten percent higher than the previous period.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The foreigners are very stubborn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They don't care at all what kind of liquor is being sold.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as the accounts match and the money arrives.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everything is acceptable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Powell came this time specifically to audit me and Hong Zhiyou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I represent the Longdong Company.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jack and Hong Zhiyou represent Renji.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once Powell is persuaded by Jack, they will definitely terminate the cooperation between Hennessy and Longdong, or prioritize the Axe Brand in Jinhai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The few brands I have been responsible for will all be ruined.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The head office will certainly revoke my position as Assistant Manager of Longdong Jinhai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle, the foundation I have worked so hard for all these years will be for nothing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Chuncheng said anxiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is kidnapping his father of no use?\" Zhang Cuiting asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No use.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This kid doesn't recognize his own kin at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I still have to feed that old bastard every day; I can't kill him, and I can't let him go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Chuncheng said irritably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you want to do?\" Zhang Cuiting asked indifferently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to ask Uncle Ke to take action; at the reception later, he can first test Hong Zhiyou's background, and when the reception ends, have Uncle Ke take the opportunity to kill that kid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once Hong Zhiyou is dead, won't Jinhai be ours?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Chuncheng looked at the man wearing a round hat beside him, his expression showing a bit more respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ke Chengwu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior martial brother of the last Martial Champion of the Qing Dynasty, who once followed the Qing court to assassinate Mr. Sun in Xiangdao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a famously ruthless man and a master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, after failing to challenge Sun Lutang in Jibei, he went into hiding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a few people knew his true identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Ke, can you do it?\" Zhang Cuiting asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ke Chengwu nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Many thanks, Mr. Ke.\" Zhao Chuncheng was overjoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s not that I don't trust Mr. Ke's methods, but one must be careful and cautious in all things; don't forget that Hong Zhiyou is a favorite of Wu Jingzhong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Juntong Bureau is not to be trifled with.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If word leaks out, I fear you and I will have nowhere to be buried.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cuiting toyed with his snuff bottle, still shaking his head with some hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had always been calculating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he lacked depth, how could he have lived as comfortably and freely as he did today?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry, Uncle, I'm not stupid enough to confront the Juntong Bureau head-on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can still play the fool.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides, if we do this, there will absolutely be no traces left behind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhang Xun's son, Zhang Mengchao, will go to the Naval Club tonight to attend the reception.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He has been pursuing Ji Qing of Renji for a long time; that woman now only sleeps with Hong Zhiyou, and Young Master Zhang has repeatedly threatened at the dinner table to kill Hong Zhiyou to possess the beauty's heart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At the reception later, I will provoke him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With Zhang Mengchao's pig brain, he will definitely find trouble with Hong Zhiyou, and then Uncle Ke can take the opportunity to eliminate him on Hong Zhiyou's way back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In this way, everyone will lock their suspicions onto Zhang Mengchao.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't forget that his father's Queue Army recruited quite a few experts from the Imperial Guard back in the day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Chuncheng said with a steady, shrewd smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, the best way to win is to defeat the enemy's strategy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your mother was, after all, of royal blood; you have some spirit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go and do it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cuiting said nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never underestimated the Juntong Bureau, but Hong Zhiyou's biological father had been secretly kidnapped for several months, and the Juntong Bureau still had not the slightest suspicion toward his nephew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could only be said that perhaps this Hong Zhiyou had a grudge against his biological father and chose not to save him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had specifically found someone to investigate this point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, the relationship between the father and son back home had been quite good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then there was only one possibility left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou's, or rather the Juntong Bureau's, intelligence-gathering capability in the vast Jinhai had been largely diluted due to red tickets, infighting, and greed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, with Zhang Mengchao as a well-known \"scapegoat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter seemed feasible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle, it's getting late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll trouble Mr. Ke to accompany me to kill the thief.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his head and cupped his hands respectfully toward Ke Chengwu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I await your good news,\" Zhang Cuiting said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou parked the car in a concealed spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he took out the pistol and several grenades from his person and handed them to Cui Ping:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister-in-law.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The club has American security checks; these things cannot be brought inside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing will happen inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You wait for me in the car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Later, if you hear footsteps, get out of the car and hide in the alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have a bad feeling that someone might try to stab me in the back tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Ping loved guns and grenades and the like, so she immediately took them in her hands and began to fiddle with them:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother, you're quite something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With so many treasures, you could fight a defensive battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry, I'm more familiar with this stuff than you are.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whoever dares to stab you in the back, I'll blow them away with one shot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou believed this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was a Mobile Corps Commander leader, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the original story, being able to blow away Lu Qiaoshan with one shot from inside a car through the glass, her marksmanship was naturally not bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou got out of the car, crossed the alley to the main road, and walked into the club.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the hall, there were quite a few acquaintances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from Renji and the Kang family's Fang Min and other lovers, most of the Jinmen business circle had come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cups were clinking, and it was very lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhiyou, you're here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Qing and Fang Min came to greet him at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Fang Min was a concubine, she didn't dare to show too much intimacy in front of others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Qing, on the other hand, was now the head of Renji and single.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She very generously took Hong Zhiyou's arm, and the two of them—one handsome, one peerlessly beautiful—walked into the venue like a perfect couple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou greeted everyone generously and then found Jack and Powell to chat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this day and age, only diplomats could speak with a pure London accent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou's fluent foreign language and confident speech immediately drew the attention of many socialites and wealthy merchants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the wealthy wives and young ladies, who all considered it an honor to get to know Hong Zhiyou and came over one after another to offer toasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once there were too many people offering toasts, Hong Zhiyou couldn't quite handle it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his partner in the \"business circle,\" Ji Qing's charm as a socialite came into play, and amidst the laughter, she blocked quite a few for Hong Zhiyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the wine went down her throat, her already beautiful face became even more enchanting with a rosy flush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dance began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The plump Ji Qing let Hong Zhiyou hold her waist as they danced lightly on the dance floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou deliberately placed his hand on her perky buttocks and gave them a light squeeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're annoying, there are outsiders here,\" Ji Qing whispered coquettishly in his ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What's wrong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm touching my own treasure's butt, do I have to care about their expressions?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While smirking, Hong Zhiyou pinched her waist again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think Minmin doesn't seem very happy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Am I hogging the spotlight too much?\" Ji Qing let out an \"Mm-ya\" sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have you heard a saying?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even a pig can be blown away if it stands in the path of the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tonight, we've grabbed enough of the spotlight and caught Powell's eye; in the future, Renji will be able to replace Longdong and become the leader in Jinmen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm, I understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Powell is very interested in cooperating with the two of us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But the foreigners aren't stupid either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He wants us to compete with Zhao Chuncheng; the one who sells more liquor than the other by thirty percent in one month gets the partnership.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhao Chuncheng has the support of the Longdong headquarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If he's determined to go against us to the death, our chances of winning are very slim.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Qing said as she swayed her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We have the support of the Jinmen municipal government and the garrison, but what do they have?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Company subsidies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides, if they want to keep selling their brand, clearing relations and lowering prices are all blood-letting businesses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And we have an absolute advantage in a price war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if we cut the price in half, we still make a profit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can they afford to compete?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believe the top brass at Longdong aren't fools either; they'll have to admit defeat after struggling for half a month at most.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said, having anticipated this long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as you have a plan,\" Ji Qing said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While dancing, Hong Zhiyou's gaze quietly fell on Zhao Chuncheng and another man in a suit in the corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His name is Zhang Mengchao, the son of Zhang Xun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An old lecher who has always wanted to be with me, but I didn't agree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This guy is very arrogant and his behavior when drinking is especially bad; he'll definitely look for trouble later, don't provoke him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Qing glanced at Zhang Mengchao with cold eyes and whispered a warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, who told you to have such a big butt that it makes men crave it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhang Mengchao...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A playful smile flashed across the corner of Hong Zhiyou's mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was just worrying about how to swindle this young master's mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn't he just deliver himself to the door?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other one was Zhao Chuncheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kid had tied up his old man and hadn't made a move yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging from his chat with Powell earlier, he was steady and shrewd; he had to be guarded against.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Annoying!\" Ji Qing gave a coquettish smile, her perky buttocks swaying more subtly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Mengchao's eyes were fixed on Ji Qing, swallowing his saliva with jealousy and greed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He liked this slut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, he owed a large sum of money at the casino.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was in urgent need of funds now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although his father was once said to be as wealthy as a nation, those assets had long been carved up by his concubines and other brothers and sisters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Mengchao knew deep down that he only had the name left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And those foolish women in Jinmen, in order to squeeze into high society, were very susceptible to this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, he had used this trick to play with women and swindle money more than once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he had locked his target on Ji Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman whose husband had passed away less than half a year ago and who solely controlled the flourishing Renji.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could devour such an enchanting rich woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be enough for him to live happily for several years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, Zhang Mengchao had been pursuing Ji Qing relentlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only annoying thing was that the Western romanticism that worked on other women didn't seem to move this woman at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Ji Qing and Hong Zhiyou being lovey-dovey now, he couldn't help but be consumed by rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master Zhang, it doesn't feel good to watch your beloved woman being sweet with another man, does it?\" Zhao Chuncheng poured him a drink and began to stir the fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, a mere little secretary is riding on my head,\" Zhang Mengchao downed the drink in one gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn't he just relying on Wu Jingzhong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wu Jingzhong is nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back then, Fourth Master Zhang suppressed him like a dog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what is Fourth Master Zhang? Wasn't he just someone who held the horse and stirrup for your old man in the past?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh, compared to you, Young Master Zhang, a mere Hong Zhiyou isn't even fit to carry your shoes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Chuncheng said, pouring him another glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who does he think he is? Ji Qing is mine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Mengchao downed another glass, his face flushed crimson, his tongue already slurring as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Zhang, I wish you success in winning the beauty tonight,\" Zhao Chuncheng said, raising his glass in a toast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Mengchao walked with unsteady steps toward the center of the dance floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qing'er, I, I want to dance with you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Mengchao reached out a hand toward Ji Qing with a hazy look in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry, it's not convenient for me right now,\" Ji Qing said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not convenient?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You stinking bitch, do you really think you're some precious jade? Stop putting on airs, you piece of trash.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, your father, am doing you a favor by asking you to dance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dance with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Mengchao acted aggressively, reaching out to grab Ji Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master Zhang, you're drunk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou grabbed his arm firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn't been training in vain these past few days; dealing with a spoiled rich kid like this was no problem at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, I'm drunk, your mother's...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Mengchao casually grabbed a glass of wine from a passing waiter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He splashed it onto Hong Zhiyou's face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou smiled inwardly; this was the moment he had been waiting for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She is my friend; I hope you can show me some respect, Young Master Zhang,\" Hong Zhiyou continued to provoke him subtly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of dog thing are you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A mere secretary dares to ask me for respect? Go and ask around—when my father Zhang Xun was in his prime, were you even around?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get lost immediately, or I'll find someone to kill you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me tell you, Fourth Master Zhang, who scares your Station Chief Wu like a dog, used to be a lackey for my father.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you're smart, get lost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Mengchao stepped forward and shoved Hong Zhiyou hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master Zhang, you're drunk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou stumbled slightly and took a silk scarf from Ji Qing to wipe the wine off his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not drunk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today, one of us must die in Jinhai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ji Qing is mine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He roared ferociously and went to grab Ji Qing again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a look from Hong Zhiyou, Anderson walked over with several American security guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't cause trouble!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the Navy Club, not the Qing Imperial Palace or your home, OK?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anderson gestured, and two security guards escorted Zhang Mengchao toward the side corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hong Zhiyou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm going to kill you, you just wait for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ji Qing is mine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the hallway, Zhang Mengchao was still shouting and yelling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now everyone in Jinhai knows that Zhang Mengchao wants to kill me... This was the effect Hong Zhiyou wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not rush to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they reached the private room upstairs, Ji Qing and Fang Min helped him clean his face and clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, they had chatted about everything they needed to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou grabbed the two women: \"Since my face is already washed, why don't we take a bath together?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, I still have to reconcile the accounts with Jack; you go wash with Minmin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Qing slipped away, feeling a bit shy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew she had stolen the spotlight tonight and needed to give Fang Min some compensation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Min was very good at seizing opportunities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She practically used all her skills to serve Hong Zhiyou comfortably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the pleasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou walked to the window and lit a cigarette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was thinking about Zhao Chuncheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, that guy was clearly plying Zhang Mengchao with alcohol, and what he said was nothing more than fanning the flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhang family was already in decline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was he plotting by inciting Zhang Mengchao to go against him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou rubbed his brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered that Zhao Chuncheng had a group of death-sworn followers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be that he wanted to use Zhang Mengchao to secretly send those followers to strike?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This fit the man's sinister and cunning character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he died, everyone in Jinhai would know about this grudge, and it would very likely be blamed on Zhang Mengchao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh, how sinister.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou had been worrying about how to get some injuries so he could blackmail Zhang Mengchao tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, all the good things had come together at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then let them come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having made up his mind, Hong Zhiyou had Fang Min tidy him up, and too lazy to bathe, he went straight down to the lobby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He greeted everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had Anderson and the armed security guards escort him for a distance, only saying goodbye when they reached the entrance of the alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Anderson and his group left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the dim light of the alley, a figure appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A black long gown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A round hat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Zhou Yan, he arrived silently, as if he were naturally one with the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou took a deep breath in secret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, he was waiting here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn't some ordinary lackey shooting a stray bullet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a true assassination expert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister-in-law, I'll leave this to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou retreated a few steps and hid behind a car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't shoot!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhiyou, you get out of here, I'll deal with him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cuiping's gaze never left Ke Chengwu, but her words were directed at Hong Zhiyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister-in-law, you have a mission.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The gun and the grenade must be used.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't push yourself; I have a feeling you can't handle him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nonsense, I know, you go quickly,\" Cuiping whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sun Lutang's Xingyi School?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man saw Cuiping shift her stance and immediately recognized the style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes,\" Cuiping gathered her strength in secret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ke Wenwu took off his round hat, revealing a long whip hidden on his head, which he coiled around his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a drawn sword, he flew toward Cuiping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This chapter has been revised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4456,"2026-06-25T10:22:48.848Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","61fe281177d18ceea567cb2815a9ea948ead21cf62186054ebedda14284dcf40","spy-survival-guide-chapter-173","spy-survival-guide-chapter-171",395,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fspy-survival-guide-cover.jpg"]