[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-spy-survival-guide":3,"chapter-spy-survival-guide-spy-survival-guide-chapter-176":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},2366492,4634,"Chapter 176: Yan and His Friends","spy-survival-guide-chapter-176",176,"\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong, I am Duan Wang, the steward of the Zhang residence,\" Duan Wang said with a respectful bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Steward Duan, quickly, please sit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be nervous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tea or coffee?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou closed the door and asked, raising his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tea... tea.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duan Wang sat down tremblingly, placing his hands on his knees, acting extremely deferential for fear of angering a key official in this \"den of demons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou poured him some tea and handed him a cigarette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not rush to ask questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After making some small talk and seeing Duan Wang’s expression gradually relax, he said, \"Steward Duan, you came to see me for a reason, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I read the newspaper this morning; Ke Chengwu is dead,\" Duan Wang said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He failed in his assassination attempt on me last night and became a ghost,\" Hong Zhiyou nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You all know Ke Chengwu’s background.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This man used to trade for the Qing royal family and had a very close personal friendship with Zhang Cuiting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After Ke Chengwu was defeated and severely wounded by Sun Lutang, he had been hiding in Zhang’s residence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was personally responsible for all his daily needs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, in order to distance himself, Zhang Cuiting has conspired with Zhao Chuncheng to kill me to silence me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong, you must show mercy and pull me out of this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I beg you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duan Wang’s eyes turned red, and he stood up, ready to kneel to Hong Zhiyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't do that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Duan, I am not a Prince or royalty; I can't afford to take such a gesture.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry, I will take you to see the Station Chief now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou held his shoulders and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They arrived at the Station Chief’s office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Duan Wang confessed everything in detail and revealed many explosive facts about Zhang Cuiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, manipulating connections to help Japanese officers evade military tribunal trials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Expressing sentiments unfavorable to the Party and State with remnants of the royal family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially when he was with Ke Chengwu; the two shared a mutual admiration and repeatedly boasted about taking the head of the Generalissimo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was just worrying about not finding anyone to target for purging traitors.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Adding Ke Chengwu to the mix, it’s all tied together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This Zhang Cuiting is the one!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong was overjoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since returning from Jingling, he had been thinking about how to perform a meritorious service to gain the trust of Jiang Jianfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had finally played the Ke Chengwu card and even gained recognition in front of the Generalissimo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to dig deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Call Lu Qiao over,\" Wu Jingzhong ordered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Lu Qiao walked in: \"Station Chief, did you call for me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qiao, the Action Team needs a field officer in charge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Someone has to do the work Ma Kui left behind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are capable and hardworking; take on this role concurrently for now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong instructed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Station Chief. Qiao will certainly not fail your trust,\" Lu Qiao said, his heart wild with joy as he straightened his posture respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qiao.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve heard about the Ke Chengwu affair, right?\" Wu Jingzhong asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is a notorious anti-people element.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Juntong Bureau’s number one wanted criminal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He died last night... the whole world should celebrate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ke Chengwu had been hiding in Zhang Cuiting’s residence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This Mr. Duan is Zhang’s steward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He can testify.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that the witness and evidence are solid, take your men immediately and arrest this Zhang Cuiting and his nephew for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong ordered coldly with his hands behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Station Chief!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But Ma Kui... he wants to see his wife right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Otherwise, he would rather die than go to Jingling.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao said, looking troubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Like a stone in a latrine, smelly and hard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He still harbors fantasies about Director Mao.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong’s eyes sharpened, and he tilted his head slightly, sneering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhiyou, you have a good relationship with him; go talk to him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qiao, you go arrest the people immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his hand and ordered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two accepted the orders simultaneously and walked out of the Station Chief’s office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Qiao, you are incredible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re carrying both the Intelligence Section and the Action Team on your shoulders.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk tsk, even if you look at all the A and B stations in the country, this is unique.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn't this job better than those deputy station chief positions?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said as they walked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao tried hard to suppress his joy, pursing his lips and smiling: \"Brother, it’s not that exaggerated; it’s just a life of toil.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Qiao, you’re not being sincere.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re still being modest with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn't it obvious that the Station Chief is grooming you to be the deputy station chief?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Li Ya might come, so he raised Lu Qiao up now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The future infighting would be even more intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since getting his major rank, Hong Zhiyou also wanted to advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The station was full of old foxes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing could be achieved overnight, so laying the groundwork was always good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... I suppose so.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough talk, I have to go make the arrests; this first shot cannot misfire,\" Lu Qiao patted him and headed to the Action Team, full of energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he entered the Action Team, Song Fei, Qi Physician, and others were smoking and chatting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong had always been lenient with his subordinates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as it didn't affect his money-making, he turned a blind eye to his subordinates smoking, drinking tea, and reading newspapers in the office most of the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you all doing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you all so idle that you have nothing to do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You still dare to smoke; are the station’s discipline and rules just for show?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Lu Qiao entered, he put on a stern face and threw his weight around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Section Chief Lu, Captain Ma is under investigation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We are leaderless, and we have no work on our hands, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Physician, who had a short beard and a slightly chubby build, tilted his head and retorted unhappily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who told you that you are leaderless?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Station Chief has ordered that from today on, I will concurrently lead the Action Team.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am not like Ma Kui.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You all better straighten up; whoever doesn't want to work can pack their bags and go home to hold their babies right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao pointed at the crowd in a circle and scolded them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing that Lu Qiao was concurrently holding the position of the Action Team leader, everyone felt it was unbelievable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Intelligence Section was already a unique entity on its own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he took on the Action Team as well, wouldn't the Jinhai Station become Lu Qiao's personal property?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still smoking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Smoke, smoke.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll tear your mouth to shreds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao raised his hand and gave Qi Physician a heavy slap across the face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corner of Qi Physician’s mouth twisted, his cigarette fell to the ground, and he was stunned by the blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do it, or don't you?\" Lu Qiao pointed at him and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll do it, I'll do it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Physician nodded repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The establishment and benefits of the Juntong Bureau were among the best of all units.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the credentials were shown, who would dare to complain about extortion or bribery?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao had always been overbearing; while he might not necessarily fire someone, he was an expert at making things difficult for others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who in the station dared to offend him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Follow me to the Zhang residence to make an arrest,\" Lu Qiao said, waving his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou arrived at the underground interrogation room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Kui was shirtless and covered in blood, but his gaze remained arrogant and sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Wu, you go out; I want to have a private chat with him,\" Hong Zhiyou instructed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong, stay a little further away from him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Wu gave a reminder, then waved his hand and led the others out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou pulled up a stool and sat down opposite Ma Kui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Snap!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lit a cigarette and handed it to Ma Kui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Kui bit down on it, closed his eyes, and took a deep drag: \"I want to see Adi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Adi has returned to Shanghu,\" Hong Zhiyou said indifferently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We were husband and wife; won't she even come to see me once?\" A trace of bitterness flashed in the depths of Ma Kui's eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There was no affection; your marriage certificate was just a piece of paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why should she come to see you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To be imprisoned, to live as a widow? It’s already benevolent of her not to be celebrating your downfall.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou curled his lips and sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hoo!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Kui exhaled a puff of smoke, tightened his jaw, shook his head from side to side, and stared straight at Hong Zhiyou:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, how have I treated you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's alright, I suppose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've mooched a few meals of pig head meat and drank a few cups of cheap bulk liquor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There doesn't seem to be anything else worth mentioning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou thought about it very seriously before saying this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that all?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have always known about the dirty business you did for the Station Master, but I never investigated you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because I knew you weren't a Red agent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just as you should know, I am not Emeifeng either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Ma Kui could finish, he was interrupted by Hong Zhiyou: \"Does Captain Ma mean that I should thank you for your grace in not investigating me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, I didn't mean that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Kui felt an inexplicable chill in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the station, the only person he felt still had a human touch was Hong Zhiyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, it seemed he had lost that touch as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do me a favor and call Director Mao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Report the situation here truthfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I served as his bodyguard, risked my life for him in Jingling, and recovered gold; he has to pull me out of this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Kui was getting anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Station Master has already called.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all, you are Director Mao's man; no one dares to dispose of you privately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go back to Jingling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps that is your last glimmer of hope.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou advised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll go!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway, the person I want to see, I might not be able to see her anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Kui licked his torn lips, slowly closed his eyes, and let the cigarette smoke drift away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, these past few days, he had been missing Adi especially.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He missed the first time he carried out a mission in Shanghu, seeing her for the first time and being completely captivated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He missed their wedding night, their intimate entanglement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He missed Adi’s warm, soft body and her moving voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the faint fragrance on her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had even thought, if only he were an ordinary person, without all the killing and fighting, just the two of them together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Adi was gone now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly had nothing left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go to Captain Ma's office and bring back all his clothes, hat, and leather shoes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then take him to the dormitory to take a bath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let Captain Ma leave with dignity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou walked to the door and slipped a few silver dollars into Old Wu's hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Secretary Hong,\" Old Wu accepted them gladly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are still a kind-hearted man.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Kui, wearing handcuffs, looked at Hong Zhiyou and said gratefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Wu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have someone go to the street and buy Captain Ma a bowl of honey water, and some cat-ear fried cakes or something,\" Hong Zhiyou said with a light laugh as he walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he returned to his office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou leaned back on the sofa and began to doze off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw Xiao Guohua walk in with a worried look on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there something you need, Section Chief Xiao?\" Hong Zhiyou perked up and asked with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong, I, I...\" Xiao Guohua hesitated, stopping mid-sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Xiao, we aren't outsiders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whether you need to draw your salary, borrow money, or have some other difficulty, just speak plainly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou poured him a cup of tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My, my daughter's left eye has developed a problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Ding of the Army Hospital said that the medical conditions in Jinhai are insufficient and she needs to be transferred to see a foreign doctor in Shanghu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or go to Germany, North America, or Xiangdao to seek treatment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The child is only a few years old, she, she cannot go blind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the thought of his daughter's illness, Xiao Guohua's eyes turned red, and he was on the verge of tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Station Master said that you know more people in this regard than he does.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He told me to come and beg you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou waved his hand and said: \"What is there to beg for? Let me think.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't have any acquaintances in Shanghu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go to Xiangdao; the facilities and medical standards at the hospitals run by the British there are decent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it really can't be cured there, I will find a way to send her to North America.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's wonderful, thank you, Secretary Hong, I, I...\" Xiao Guohua was so moved he didn't know what to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You, I, and the Station Chief are all one family.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your daughter is my daughter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right now, the safety of the entire station rests on your shoulders; I'm still counting on you to keep me safe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou knew he was a decent man who didn't want to deliberately show off his kindness or appear superior, so he used a simple, joking remark to bring their relationship back to an equal footing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry, sir.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as I, old Xiao, am alive, this life belongs to you and the Station Chief.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Guohua patted his chest and declared with tears in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get the medical treatment as soon as possible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But the child will have to suffer a bit, changing planes a few times.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll ask the garrison if anyone is heading to Jingling for a meeting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou was efficient; he stood up and made a phone call:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, Staff Officer Shen, this is Hong Zhiyou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there any official aircraft heading to Jingling today?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow morning, is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, please reserve two seats for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, I'll invite you to play tennis another day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hanging up the phone, he turned to look at Xiao Guohua.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's a military flight to Jingling at seven tomorrow morning; if you trust me, I'll have the Cao Gang send an experienced hand to take the child to Jingling.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are more flights from Jingling to Yuezhou.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once there, they'll transfer to Yuezhou, where friends from Xiangdao will meet the child at the airport.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for which hospital to go to, they will have full authority to arrange it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you think that will work?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou held his teacup and cleared his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I trust you, I trust you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong, you are my Duoduo's second...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Guohua knew this secretary had great influence and immediately nodded like a chicken pecking at rice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be so formal, go back and get busy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cuiting was playing chess with Zhao Chuncheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle, the company has decided to send Mr. Yin to Jinhai to hold the fort for me; he should arrive by noon today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actually, I don't quite understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With the Big Boss's power, one word could take down these petty people like Wu Jingzhong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why go through all the trouble of fighting a price war?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Chuncheng shook his head and placed a piece on the board.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's where you don't understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wu Jingzhong is a classmate of Jiang Jianfeng.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jiang Jianfeng is very protective of his own, and right now he wants to use Wu Jingzhong to fight corruption in Jinhai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If too many things are brought out into the open and it gets too big, it won't look good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cuiting smiled and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But President Yin is the Big Boss's cousin; him coming to hold the fort should be more than enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I imagine Wu Jingzhong wouldn't dare to challenge him,\" Zhao Chuncheng said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The real proprietor behind Longdong Company was Jinshan Trading Company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The company's largest shareholder was Song Ziliang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The younger brother of Lady Jiang, Lin Tai, and Song Ziwen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brother-in-law of the Generalissimo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How else could Longdong Company dominate the foreign liquor industry in the country?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just that very few people knew about this connection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, I suppose he can't stir up any trouble,\" Zhang Cuiting said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was already a connection that reached the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mere Major General trying to arm-wrestle with Longdong was simply not qualified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as they were chatting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A servant ran over in a panic:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, Section Chief Lu from the Jinhai Station has brought people here, saying he wants to invite you to the Jinhai Station for questioning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Steward Duan is also with them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You and Master Zhao should go take a look.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Duan Wang? Damn him, he must have sold us out!\" Zhang Cuiting exclaimed, fiercely smashing his teacup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle, what are you waiting for? Let's run!\" Zhao Chuncheng took off running.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cuiting knew that if the matter of Ke Chengwu were exposed, it would be very troublesome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ran first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would secretly find someone to pull strings and return once the storm had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You go stop them first and tell them I'll be there immediately,\" he ordered the servant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the servant left, Zhang Cuiting hurried toward the backyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ladder was propped up in the backyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two of them had just reached the base of the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiaoshan, guided by Duan Wang, had already chased after them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chuncheng, a mother's brother is like a father; let me go first,\" Zhang Cuiting shoved Zhao Chuncheng aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle, you have no descendants, and I am the only bloodline left in the family; if I die, who will carry on the glory of the Aisin Gioro?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry, if anything happens, I'll find President Yin to rescue you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are well-connected and have great prestige; they won't do anything to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Chuncheng didn't care about all that and started struggling with Zhang Cuiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You little beast, I must have been blind to raise you, you ungrateful wretch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get out of the way and let me go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both were desperate to save their lives; how could Zhang Cuiting be willing to yield?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew that the Military Statistics station was a den of demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how strong your connections were, you'd be skinned alive once you went in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was old; could he endure such suffering?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, you think you're something special, don't you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old man, why can't you understand plain speech?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Chuncheng was furious; seeing Lu Qiaoshan's men closing in, he kicked Zhang Cuiting over and climbed up the wall using the ladder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To delay the pursuers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He casually flipped the ladder over with a violent shove.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To hell with a mother's brother being like a father!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heaven and earth are vast, but I am the most important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cuiting was halfway up; how could he withstand this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fell to the ground along with the ladder and let out a miserable \"Ouch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Trying to run?\" Lu Qiaoshan sneered and ordered them to be taken into custody.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Song Fei, Mi Zhiguo, go outside and chase the one who got away,\" he ordered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Fei and the others hurried outside to give chase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take him away!\" Lu Qiaoshan said, raising his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little Hong, is the Station Chief in?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to the station, Lu Qiaoshan asked with a face full of joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou stood up and led him inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lu Qiao, was the person caught?\" Wu Jingzhong asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Caught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I arrived, the old thief was just climbing over the wall to escape, and I dragged him down on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He is in the interrogation room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His mouth is both foul and stubborn; I cannot keep him in check.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Station Chief, why don't you go interrogate him yourself?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao rubbed his forehead and said with some helplessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is still someone who dares to act wildly in the Juntong Bureau station?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How preposterous!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go, come with me to meet him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong slapped the table and stood up, annoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the corridor, they happened to run into Yu Zecheng returning from finishing his business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zecheng, you come along too.\" Wu Jingzhong called out to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cultivated his subordinates with very clear objectives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao was for utilization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou were money-bringing boys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The difference was that Yu Zecheng was positioned as a martial boy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Extortion, blackmail, and interrogation—he was a sharp and clean blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou was a literary god of wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Playing cards, building connections, and drumming up business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a ruthless task like interrogation, one naturally could not do without Yu Zecheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They arrived at the interrogation room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cuiting had his eyes closed, humming Peking opera under his breath, his head swaying rhythmically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing footsteps, he did not open his eyes, maintaining his arrogant posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhang Cuiting, the Station Chief is here; you had better behave yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao shouted with a straight face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yo, Station Chief Wu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this not the wrong place for you to invite me for tea?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ever since the days of old Beijing city, I have never had tea in a place like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I say, shall we change locations?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cuiting drawled, putting on an act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lao Wu, the soft approach.\" Wu Jingzhong watched him with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lao Wu stepped forward and, facing Zhang Cuiting, slapped him left and right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slap! Slap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dozen slaps in a row left Zhang Cuiting dizzy and his mouth full of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't know about old Beijing affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In this place, there is no tea, only wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you refuse a toast, you will be forced to drink a forfeit!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong sat down and said with a cold, sinister laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You, you dare hit me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am of the Aisin Gioro lineage, royalty; if you go back a few decades, when the Empress Dowager was alive, I could have had your entire family executed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cuiting paused for a breath, but his mouth remained very stubborn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that so?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be in a hurry; there will be a time for you to pay your respects to Empress Dowager Cixi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Try the hard approach.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong lifted his chin with an expressionless face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lao Wu, well-versed in the routine, found the pliers in the wooden box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gripped Zhang Cuiting's chin, locked onto a large molar, and pulled it out with a burst of force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cuiting screamed in agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large puddle of blood and saliva mixed together spilled from his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wu Jingzhong, I curse your ancestors for eighteen generations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, I am a close friend of Mr. Chen Bulei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to call him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am going to report you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cuiting was still shouting with a savage, unyielding face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Chen Bulei has quite a few friends, doesn't he?\" Wu Jingzhong looked at those around him with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Quite a few.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Scholars, you know, they flatter each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With confidants everywhere, it is normal to have many friends.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao chuckled and nodded, teasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Mr. Chen Bulei knew he was acquainted with a thing as stupid as a wild donkey like you, he would likely break into a cold sweat right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I now suspect you of colluding with Ke Chengwu to plot the assassination of high-ranking officials of the party-state and my own secretary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The testimonies of Duan Wang and Secretary Hong are sufficient to prove this point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you don't behave, I will send you to see the Empress Dowager right now!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong's smile vanished, and he pointed at Zhang Cuiting, shouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, I didn't.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cuiting was suppressed by Wu Jingzhong's imposing manner, and his tone began to soften:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Station Chief Wu, this is a misunderstanding, a false accusation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A false accusation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong smiled, stood up, and said to Lu Qiao:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qiao, you have worked hard; continue the pursuit of Zhao Chuncheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leave the work in the interrogation room to Zecheng.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Station Chief.\" Lu Qiao, who was already finding the place foul-smelling, agreed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much better it was to pursue on the outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Travel, food, and fuel expenses—all of these could be reimbursed at the maximum rate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, these perks all belonged to Ma Kui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it was his turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zecheng, interrogate well, ask well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For a treacherous person like this, if you don't use methods, there are many things he will not confess.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong squinted and hinted to Yu Zecheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood, Station Chief.\" Yu Zecheng nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to the Station Chief's office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong paced with his hands behind his back, in a pleasant mood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cuiting, Wu Taixun, Zhang Mengchao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were all remnants of the previous dynasty and the Beiyang period; what this group lacked least were old treasures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was another day of a bountiful harvest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher, have some fruit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With Director Yu's methods, the old fellow will surely spit everything out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When the time comes to raid his home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The items on the surface will be turned in, but the treasures and such—won't they all be yours?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou cut the fruit platter and brought it up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Many old friends have gone into business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know why I still insist on holding my ground here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Honestly, the matter with Dai Li last time was very dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Politics is a gladiator arena; the slightest carelessness, and one must pay with their life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong said faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because Jiang Jianfeng has risen,\" Hong Zhiyou said after some thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the only trump card I have left to play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The day Jiang Jianfeng no longer values me will be the day I lay down my armor and return to the fields.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong looked quite pleased between his brows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he was speaking, Yu Zecheng walked in with a gloomy expression:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher, the interrogation has run into trouble.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4411,"2026-06-25T10:22:48.848Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","64d62e92339846e0f426f8263af16a4874a32e58698241402aa92eedeb0cf8fb","spy-survival-guide-chapter-177","spy-survival-guide-chapter-175",395,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fspy-survival-guide-cover.jpg"]