Chapter 181

Office.

Yu Zecheng was leaning back in his chair, closing his eyes to rest.

Having huddled on the sofa all night, half-asleep and half-awake, he was extremely exhausted now.

Knock knock!

Li Ya knocked on the door.

"Come in," Yu Zecheng called out.

"Old classmate, busy?" Li Ya walked in, beaming.

He understood a bit of social etiquette and knew how to beg, and also how to lower himself.

But that sense of pretense was a bit off, appearing very fake and artificial, something one could see through at a glance.

"Not busy.

"Congratulations to Captain Li on being restored to your original position," Yu Zecheng stood up to welcome him with a smile, as if nothing had happened.

The station chief had specifically run to Jingling to protect Li Ya.

If Yu Zecheng were to stubbornly oppose Li Ya on the surface, that would be ignorant.

One must still play the part.

Living in this world, everything depends on acting.

After all, they are all prominent figures in the office; who doesn't know how to act?

"Hey, what restored position.

"The Water and Land Inspection Section, the cold storage warehouse, and Delong Inn hadn't even warmed up in my hands before they were all taken away in one fell swoop.

"Now I'm not even allowed to take my salary.

"Life is impossible."

Li Ya sat down and talked like an old friend.

"That doesn't sound like you.

"I remember back in the special training class, you were always at the forefront during collective training sessions; how high-spirited you were.

"I feel like after going to Yancheng and becoming a hero, you've lost your heroic spirit instead?"

Yu Zecheng laughed.

"Poverty makes one lose ambition.

"You don't know what kind of life I lived over there.

"Every meal was corn buns and sweet potatoes with a bowl of boiled cabbage; I could only take a bath once a month, and I had to queue for limited water, and that was even a special supply for the school; other places didn't even have water to drink.

"Sigh, I was truly terrified by the suffering.

"Do you know? I wasn't even that scared during the battle against the Japanese at Jinshanwei.

"But staying in that ghost place, I was truly afraid that one day I would starve to death or die of illness; it was like a dull knife cutting flesh, every day was torture and pain.

"Food, clothing.

"Medicine, everything was in extreme shortage.

"Honestly, I can't understand how the Nationalist Army could lose battles against such a group of mud-legged people who couldn't eat their fill or dress warmly."

Li Ya counted on his fingers and sighed.

"Stop, let's not talk about this topic.

"If I say they have talent and faith, you'll suspect I'm a Red Party member again.

"This confidential room of mine must be in conflict with your action team's feng shui.

"Whoever sits in this position has to take a knife to me."

Yu Zecheng complained and joked while pouring him tea.

"Section Chief Yu, those of us in this line of work must always maintain suspicion.

"Look at Lu Qiaoshan, you, and Hong Zhiyou; didn't you also say I was a Red Party member regarding the matter in Baoding and Zhong Wangguo?

"A straight body doesn't fear a crooked shadow; I don't care.

"However, I was indeed impulsive these two times; in the final analysis, it was all due to the instigation of my subordinates and my eagerness to make a contribution.

"Thinking that I'm new here, you and the station chief are my closest people.

"Our relationship shouldn't be like this.

"Old classmate, I solemnly apologize to you for the past."

Li Ya said, standing up and bowing to Yu Zecheng.

"Don't!

"Aren't you trying to kill me?"

Yu Zecheng hurriedly supported him and persuaded him with a smile:

"You, my brother, are a lieutenant colonel, and I am a tiny sesame-seed major; in terms of promotion and wealth, I don't even have the qualifications to block your path.

"Let's cooperate sincerely in the future, you above and I below, working together."

"Yes, with that sentence from you, I can rest easy," Li Ya smiled and sat down, crossing his legs unconsciously.

"Old classmate, you... you are a very busy person; you didn't come here just to complain about the bitter life in Yancheng, did you?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"I'm thinking about how you plan to handle that batch of goods requested by Chief Xiong?" Li Ya asked.

"What else can I do?

"It was all detained by you; it can't pass the pass, so I'll just have to pay for the breach of contract.

"Anyway, it's Secretary Hong's stuff; he has wide connections, so if he can transport it, he will; if he can't, he'll be the one paying the damages.

"At worst, I'll just return the three hundred dollars in escort fees to him."

Yu Zecheng laughed easily.

"Don't do that.

"This concerns the grand plan of the Party and State; just think, if the Soviets lean towards us.

"What kind of bullshit Bolsheviks can the Red Party have a way out? They'll have to disband on the spot."

Li Ya didn't mention his own involvement at all, speaking of national righteousness.

"Brother.

"The grand plan of the Party and State is not something for small people like us to worry about.

"On the way to Shanhai Pass, there are bandits, soldier-bandits, and Red Party members; who knows where someone might rob you and put a bullet in your head.

"I'm only going there purely for Secretary Hong's sake.

"You, my brother, have wide connections; why don't I give you two hundred, no, three hundred dollars, and you help me finish this job?"

Yu Zecheng laughed suddenly.

"Don't do that.

"I don't have the ability to deal with the Red Party," Li Ya hurriedly waved his hand.

"Then go find whoever you want.

"Captain Li, there's a new batch of German goods at the equipment room, I have to go register them, so I won't chat with you anymore."

Yu Zecheng stood up and said.

"Don't, don't!

"Let's chat a bit more."

Li Ya bit his lip slightly, bit the bullet, and raised his hand to stop Yu Zecheng.

"Captain Li, you... what is this..." Yu Zecheng looked puzzled.

"Actually, I bought this batch of white sugar with my entire life savings.

"I originally wanted to sell it at a high price through Secretary Hong.

"I didn't expect..."

Li Ya shrugged and laughed awkwardly.

"It was indeed sold at a high price; Old Master Wang of the Northeast offered double the price, and you would have earned two houses in one turn.

"You say this Secretary Hong, he's too biased towards you.

"Old Lu and I have worn our lips out begging for white sugar, but we couldn't find a way.

"You've only been here a few days, and you're already reselling white sugar.

"Having Jiang Jianfeng's halo is different; you're quite the favorite."

Yu Zecheng pointed at him, insulting him with hidden barbs.

"The problem is, I... I ruined my own deal.

"Now I owe a mountain of bad debts.

"White sugar is a strategic material; if Lu Qiaoshan reports it to the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, it will be confiscated immediately.

"Otherwise, Chief Xiong wouldn't even dare pass Huludao.

"It must be transported away as soon as possible."

Li Ya looked at Yu Zecheng with a miserable expression.

"It's not just the deal that's ruined; I was almost ruined by you too.

"Captain Li, I really can't take this job; you should find Secretary Hong."

Yu Zecheng laughed and turned to walk away.

"Section Chief Yu, I'll give you half the profit," Li Ya shouted behind him.

Yu Zecheng ignored him.

"Six-four."

"Seven-three."

"Eight-two."

"How about this, all the profit goes to you, I'll just cover my costs, okay?" Li Ya shouted, his heart dripping blood.

"We're classmates; if I take your money, would I still be human?" Yu Zecheng turned his head and laughed.

"Section Chief Yu, you must help..."

Li Ya lowered his status and was just about to request, when Yu Zecheng raised his index finger: "Shh, don't let Old Lu hear."

After saying that, he walked downstairs with light steps.

"Damn it!"

Li Ya smashed his fist against the wall, so angry his lungs were about to explode.

Now he was in a stalemate.

He couldn't transport the goods himself; he didn't have the ability.

Find someone.

It's true he's Jiang Jianfeng's man.

But while using that signboard to save his life is fine, he didn't have the guts to do this kind of business.

In Jinhai, the only people he could find seemed to be the station chief and Hong and Yu.

Now that the two of them had a rift, what to do?

Li Ya hung his head in dejection and walked toward his office.

Hong Zhiyou returned to the station chief's office, where Wu Jingzhong was drinking tea.

"Station Chief, how should we handle the white sugar?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Do you think Li Ya is someone who can be tamed?" Wu Jingzhong asked in a deep voice.

"Very difficult.

"If he didn't have the experience in Yancheng, he would be the second Liu Xiong.

"He only recognizes the Red Party and doesn't talk about feelings.

"Or rather, he only talks about feelings with you."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Do you think Liu Xiong talked about feelings with me?"

Wu Jingzhong's eyes sharpened, and he turned his head away, snorting coldly and coldly:

"That's because he thought enjoying life was right, and tacitly allowed me to extort these landlords and wealthy people; if he knew I had any relationship with the Red Party, he would be the first to shoot me in the back.

"Li Ya is the same.

"That stubbornness and arrogance in his bones cannot be covered up by those pretty words and hypocritical smiles.

"This kind of person is a typical egoist; he only has his own spiritual sanctuary and cannot tolerate the slightest disagreement from others.

"You can be good to him a thousand or ten thousand times, but as long as you go against his will once, he will turn heartless.

"Even if it were his own father, he could shoot him."

Wu Jingzhong's index finger trembled; he had already seen through everything.

"Teacher is worthy of being someone who has studied philosophy; you distinguish every detail," Hong Zhiyou said.

"When you've seen enough of human nature, you can tell what kind of person someone is at a glance; it's not much of a skill," Wu Jingzhong waved his hand with a smile.

"Teacher, then what about this white sugar?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"Since he can't be tamed, then don't feed him; use some sticks and clubs.

"Make him hurt.

"Otherwise, he won't learn his lesson.

"In the past, I was always lenient with people, but now I think sometimes kindness isn't necessarily a good thing.

"If you're not careful, someone will ride on your head and shit and piss!"

Wu Jingzhong's eyes sharpened, and he said sternly.

"Understood.

"I know how to handle it," Hong Zhiyou said.

The station chief is right.

The premise of harmony bringing wealth is that the other party talks about harmony.

Whether from the original story or his own observations and experiences, Li Ya cannot tolerate people in his bones.

Since "harmony" is impossible, then only "sticks and clubs" can be used.

"Hello, is this the dispatch office?

"Is Xiao Kai there?

"Tell him to come to my office."

Hong Zhiyou returned to his office and picked up the phone.

Intelligence Section Office.

Driver Xiao Kai walked in quickly: "Section Chief Lu, Secretary Hong called and asked me to go over."

"Going to play chess with him again, I suppose," Lu Qiaoshan laughed.

"Yes.

"Below, only Mi Zhiguo and I play chess well; sometimes he calls Mi Zhiguo, sometimes he calls me," Xiao Kai said.

"Then go.

"Secretary Hong is a pretty good person; let him win a bit, maybe he'll reward you with some pocket money."

Lu Qiaoshan smiled gently.

"Understood, Section Chief Lu," Xiao Kai accepted the order and left.

"Secretary Hong."

Seeing Hong Zhiyou, he greeted him respectfully.

"Sit down quickly."

Hong Zhiyou signaled for him to sit.

He made tea, got him some dried fruits and pastries, and set up the chessboard, and the two ate and played.

"Secretary Hong, the biscuits here are really delicious," Xiao Kai said while eating.

"This is called Sachima, invented by foreigners.

"If you like it, I'll give you more later."

Hong Zhiyou said very casually.

"Secretary Hong, you're really a good person; everyone likes to be assigned tasks by you in private.

"If we were to vote for a deputy station chief in the station, you would definitely be elected unanimously."

Xiao Kai said from the bottom of his heart.

"A deputy station chief needs a rank; Section Chief Lu is about right; I definitely have no chance," Hong Zhiyou placed a piece and said with a faint smile.

Hong Zhiyou's expression changed, and he let out a muffled groan.

"Secretary Hong, Captain Li just came to find me, begging me to pull that batch of white sugar..."

"Oh, Xiao Kai is here."

Seeing an outsider, Yu Zecheng hurriedly stopped with a smile.

"Secretary Hong, Section Chief Yu, you two are busy; I... I'll play with you next time," Xiao Kai said very tactfully as he stood up.

"Good.

"Wait, take the food with you."

Hong Zhiyou took a few pieces of Sachima wrapped in colored paper and stuffed them into Xiao Kai's hands.

"Thank you, Secretary Hong."

Xiao Kai left happily.

Passing by the Intelligence Section.

Just as he was about to walk past quickly, he was called by Lu Qiaoshan: "Come in, why don't you know the rules?"

Xiao Kai then came to his senses.

He is Lu Qiaoshan's man.

When going to other offices to be assigned tasks, he must report back.

"Yes, yes," Xiao Kai hurriedly lowered his head and turned back.

"What did you take?" Lu Qiaoshan frowned with dissatisfaction.

"Kill... your horse," Xiao Kai stammered.

"Bring it here.

"No taste, this is called Sachima.

"You actually have quite the appetite.

"You dog who doesn't understand human affairs!"

Lu Qiaoshan grabbed it, opened it, and asked while eating: "What did Secretary Hong say to you?"

"Just asked how my parents are doing.

"Oh, he also asked if my brother-in-law's wonton shop business is good, if he wants to open a branch outside our station, saying he could help find..."

Xiao Kai got excited whenever he mentioned this.

"What kind of mess is this?" Lu Qiaoshan pulled a long face and interrupted him.

"What are you thinking about all day long? You are a driver for the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, not a green onion seller on the street.

"Just asking about trivial bullshit.

"Think carefully, did he say anything about station business, especially regarding the station chief, me, or Captain Li?"

Lu Qiaoshan pointed at him and said.

"Hmm, it seems not..."

Xiao Kai pondered for a while, his eyes lit up:

"Yes.

"Section Chief Yu just went to find Secretary Hong, saying something about Captain Li's batch of sugar, begging him to handle it.

"He saw I was there, so he didn't continue."

"Are you sure Section Chief Yu said Li Ya used the word 'beg'?" Lu Qiaoshan keenly grasped the word.

"That's right, it was 'beg'," Xiao Kai said very firmly.

"I understand, you go down," Lu Qiaoshan raised his hand to signal him to leave.

"Section Chief Lu, I, my..."

Xiao Kai laughed awkwardly and pointed at the pastries on Lu Qiaoshan's table.

"Take it, take it.

"Get out!"

Lu Qiaoshan clapped his pastry-covered hands and cursed unhappily.

"Yes," Xiao Kai took the pastries and ran away in a flash.

Beg?

Lu Qiaoshan drank some coffee and pondered carefully.

Could this batch of white sugar be Li Ya's?

Or perhaps Yu Zecheng's?

It definitely wasn't Hong Zhiyou's.

Otherwise, the station chief would have ordered it transferred away by now.

The problem is, how did Li Ya's white sugar end up being escorted by Yu Zecheng, and then detained by Li Ya himself?

Never mind.

Neither of them are good birds.

Yu Zecheng eats alone.

Li Ya is even more of a thorn in his side.

If it were his white sugar, how much money would that be?

Heh.

This is truly Heaven helping me.

Lu Qiaoshan quickly picked up the phone, sucked his cheeks, and then said with a beaming smile:

"Hello, is this Director Zhang of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics?

"It's like this, our Bureau of Investigation and Statistics has detained a batch of white sugar of unknown origin, about two trucks' worth.

"Bring your people over to take inventory.

"Yes, white sugar.

"At least one or two tons, I'd say.

"Good.

"Goodbye."

Half an hour later, Zhang Fenglai of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics led a group of law enforcement officers to the station.

"Director Zhang, what wind blew you here?" Wu Jingzhong, Lu Qiaoshan, and Hong Zhiyou welcomed him personally.

At present, it is wartime, and the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics is not simple; it belongs to the Material Supply Committee and is responsible for allocating civilian supplies—a proper lucrative government office.

For example, Ma Hansan in Beiping is now the director of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

Boss Dai not only failed to bring this person down.

But with the support of Li Zongren, he controlled all the materials in Beiping and made a fortune.

If there is any position that even Wu Jingzhong covets.

There is only one: Director of the Jinhai Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

Zhang Fenglai has the backing of Zhang Zhizhong, and his roots in the Ministry of National Defense are not shallow.

"Station Chief Wu, we are all guarding one side for the Party and State, so I won't use polite words.

"I just received news that your Jinhai Station detained two trucks of smuggled white sugar last night; I don't know if it's true or false."

Zhang Fenglai asked with a smile, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Is there such a thing?" Wu Jingzhong turned to look at Lu Qiaoshan.

"It seems there is.

"Captain Li detained it; why don't we call him over to ask?" Lu Qiaoshan said.

"No need.

"Since Director Zhang is already here, let him inspect it himself.

"If it is white sugar, according to the instructions of the superiors, just take it away directly; as for the people smuggling the white sugar, this is our Bureau of Investigation and Statistics' specialty; we will naturally investigate it clearly and give Director Zhang an explanation."

Wu Jingzhong said loudly.

"Station Chief Wu, then I will..." Zhang Fenglai said happily.

"Please," Wu Jingzhong raised his hand.

Soon, Zhang Fenglai took away two trucks of white sugar.

Li Ya stood by the window and witnessed all this, his face pale with anger, his whole body trembling.

That was his entire life savings.

Now it was all washed away, and he still owed Xie Ruolin a large sum of money.

Unreconciled, he came to the station chief's office.

"Station Chief, this batch of white sugar was detained by us; why did you let the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics take it away?" Li Ya asked with dissatisfaction.

"Smuggling white sugar is a heavier crime than selling arms.

"The Bureau of Investigation and Statistics came to our door; if I don't hand it over, should I wait for the Ministry of National Defense to send inspectors?" Wu Jingzhong asked him back.

"But this was secretly escorted by Section Chief Yu for Chief Xiong.

"If we let that man surnamed Zhang take it away, it won't be easy to answer to Chief Xiong," Li Ya frowned, trying to find a way.

"Chief Xiong's face is bigger than mine.

"But that is a matter between them, and has nothing to do with you or me.

"Captain Li, you don't need to worry about this matter.

"Anyway, the white sugar isn't yours; Yu Zecheng and Xiong Shihui aren't in a hurry, why are you in such a hurry?"

Wu Jingzhong comforted him with "good intentions."

"I..." Li Ya felt worse than if he had eaten a dead fly.

"Alright, I'll tell you the truth.

"I really wanted to hide this batch of white sugar in the warehouse; if we sold it, everyone in our station could have their year-end bonus tripled.

"We could also replace all the equipment with new ones.

"But Zhang Fenglai told me clearly that this was pointed out to him by Lu Qiaoshan.

"You tell me, how can I hide it?"

Wu Jingzhong told him the "truth" at the right time.

"I understand!"

Li Ya walked out of the station chief's office with a face like death.

Thinking that he had no money in his pocket, and that there was no hope for gourmet food, suits, or hair oil, his chest felt a sharp pain, and he couldn't breathe; he couldn't help but lean against the wall and groan in pain.

"Oh, what's wrong with Captain Li?

"Do you want me to send you to the infirmary?"

Lu Qiaoshan had been standing at the door for a long time, aiming for the opportunity to kick him while he was down.

"No need.

"Section Chief Lu, I wish you peace."

Li Ya gave him a cold, grim smile and limped toward his office.

"Heh heh.

"A thing like a dead dog, still wants to fight with me?"

Lu Qiaoshan looked at Li Ya's back and sneered with disdain.

Li Ya cannot be promoted for three years.

Now is the time when the civil war is frequent, not only a good opportunity to make contributions.

It is also an excellent time to make money.

This punishment basically pronounced Li Ya's "death sentence."

Making him lose the capital to compete with him for deputy station chief.

Staying behind is nothing more than a runner-up.

"Lu Qiaoshan!

"I'll go to your ancestors for eighteen generations!"

As soon as he entered the office, Li Ya smashed his fists on the table and cursed through gritted teeth.

Autumn leaves, winter comes.

Some are happy, some are sad.

No. 1 Changde Road.

Cuiping, Mei Qiuju, and Chou'er were wrapping dumplings.

"Big Brother loves mutton, let's wrap mutton filling first, so they can eat hot ones as soon as they return," Cuiping, dressed in a cheongsam, skillfully rolled the dough.

"Forget him.

"Let's wrap pork filling first, Zhiyou loves it," Mei Qiuju whispered with a wink.

"Don't look at Old Wu's high rank; now many things are handled by Zhiyou; he only knows how to play with antiques all day; he's at the age to retire," she paused and whispered again.

"Fortunately, my Zecheng is brothers with Zhiyou.

"Look at Li Ya, he even hid from me when eating wontons on the street a few days ago, as if he were afraid of losing face.

"He doesn't wear suits anymore.

"He doesn't put oil in his hair anymore.

"You say he's also the station chief's student, how did he end up like this?"

Cuiping said with a sigh.

"He brought it on himself.

"Like his teacher Liu Xiong, stubborn and not on the right path; your Big Brother doesn't look up to him anymore.

"However, this time he was also harmed by Lu Qiaoshan.

"I heard he entrusted someone to get two tons of white sugar, and the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics took it away.

"This kind of person, if he doesn't earn money but has to make trouble, he deserves it."

Mei Qiuju said with disdain.

"He deserves it.

"Each one like a mad dog, specifically staring at my Old Yu to bite.

"You say he's so annoying, why doesn't Big Brother get rid of him?"

Cuiping asked, puzzled.

"Can't get rid of him.

"A mad dog biting people is painful.

"If Li Ya leaves, the person Mao Renfeng sends will be a fierce tiger, one that eats people.

"Raising a mad dog is good; it can watch the door."

Mei Qiuju laughed.

Just as they were talking, Wu Jingzhong walked in wearing a thick hat, followed closely by Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou.

"This person, when he gets old, he's afraid of the wind; if he catches a slight cold, it hurts to the bone.

"Winter Solstice, eat dumplings.

"Very good.

"What fillings are there?"

Wu Jingzhong took off his hat and asked with a smile.

"There's the mutton filling Big Brother loves; we'll put them in the pot now," Cuiping said.

"Cuiping, call him Teacher.

"Big Brother, is Big Brother something you can call him? How do you expect Secretary Hong to call him?" Yu Zecheng reminded with a straight face.

"I'm just used to calling him that, I can't change it," Cuiping said.

Mei Qiuju originally wanted to say it didn't matter.

But thinking that would make Zhiyou a generation lower and dampen her son-in-law's prestige, she smiled and didn't speak.

"We are about to enter 1947.

"Before the liberation of Jinhai, Lu Qiaoshan and I came here to establish the station; in the blink of an eye, it's been almost two years; you say how fast time passes.

"I heard from the Ministry of National Defense that Hu Zongnan's recent battles have been very smooth.

"When reporting to the Generalissimo, he claimed that by March next year at the latest, he would be able to occupy Northern Shaanxi and strike directly at the Yellow Dragon!

"Everyone, for the Party and State, for the soldiers of the Party and State on the front lines.

"Let's raise our glasses in tribute together."

Wu Jingzhong said loudly.

"Tribute to Chief Hu and the fearless soldiers," Yu, Hong, and others raised their glasses one after another.

After eating.

Cuiping and Mei Qiuju went to the side hall to chat.

Wu Jingzhong tapped the table and said: "There is a troublesome matter at hand; Mao Renfeng insists that the Jinhai Station immediately appoint a deputy station chief, and Zheng Jiemin is naturally happy to agree.

"This Lu Qiaoshan is probably set for it; what are your opinions?"

Hong Zhiyou shook his head and said: "The deputy station chief must absolutely not be Lu Qiaoshan.

"This person is more insidious than Li Ya.

"He also can't be tamed; regarding the white sugar, I deliberately asked him to help Section Chief Yu.

"As a result, not only did he not help, he also said a lot of cool, sarcastic remarks.

"Teacher, this person cannot be relied upon."

Yu Zecheng took over the conversation: "Hmm, I heard that Director Zheng has already resigned as the director of the Second Department, and after the New Year, it is said he will enter the Ministry of National Defense as a vice minister.

"If this drags on until next year, it's even harder to say."

Wu Jingzhong nodded and said: "I am also worrying about this matter; now everyone is staring at this piece of fat meat in Jinhai!

"Actually, the person I have my eye on is Zecheng.

"But Boss Dai is dead, he has no backing, and furthermore, this rank has never had a chance to move up.

"At present, unless he goes to the front lines, the opportunities for meritorious service are fewer than beauties.

"It's difficult."

Having said this, he sighed in distress.

"Teacher, there are still ways.

"The only person in our station who can deal with Lu Qiaoshan is Li Ya.

"You first let Captain Li loosen up, creating a trend that Jiang Jianfeng wants to promote him, and let him clear a few printing plants to find his skills and prestige.

"Once Li Ya warms up, Lu Qiaoshan will inevitably be anxious.

"At that time, they will inevitably bite each other.

"Everyone has seen Captain Li's methods; perhaps he will send Lu Qiaoshan away."

Hong Zhiyou suggested.

"Hmm, makes sense.

"Let Li Ya deal with him.

"Promote Li Ya, Lu Qiaoshan will inevitably use underhanded tricks against Li Ya, and the two will counterattack each other, and we can sit back and reap the benefits.

"We can try.

"Zhiyou, you have a pretty good relationship with Li Ya.

"Go, send these two plates of dumplings to him, and by the way, give this to him, and just say Jiang Jianfeng spoke to me.

"He only recognizes Jiang Jianfeng; it will work.

"Tell him to pull himself together and get the action team's work going."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Yes, I'll go see Captain Li now."

Hong Zhiyou packed them up, put them in a tray, and drove straight to Li Ya's house.

After knocking for a long time, Li Ya finally opened the door.

"Oh, Secretary Hong, why are you here?" Li Ya asked, looking dejected and smelling of alcohol.

"It's Winter Solstice, time to eat dumplings.

"The station chief invited you but you didn't go, so he entrusted me to bring them to you.

"Just out of the pot, touch them, they're still hot.

"Hurry, eat while they're hot."

Hong Zhiyou entered the door and set them up for him.

"Dumplings!

"Dumplings again.

"The last time I ate dumplings was during the Spring Festival, when I was a natural science teacher at the Erbao Primary School in Yancheng.

"That fragrance.

"I'll never forget it in my life."

Li Ya's eyes turned red; he took some sesame oil and vinegar to dip them in, and his mouth was full of fragrance.

"This is for you."

Hong Zhiyou took out two gold bars, a thousand dollars, and a seal of silver dollars and placed them on the table.

"Brother, what is this?" Li Ya asked excitedly.

"The station chief entrusted me to give them to you.

"Actually, it's not the station chief.

"Jiang Jianfeng mentioned you to the station chief last night, saying you are still very capable, and told the station chief not to waste you."

Hong Zhiyou said whatever came to mind.

"Comrade Jiang Jianfeng really, really mentioned me?" Li Ya asked with tears in his eyes.

After losing his skills in the Yuan Peilin incident, Jiang Jianfeng had never contacted him again.

Li Ya had thought he would never be reused in his life.

He didn't expect...

For a moment, he was so excited his whole body trembled, and tears couldn't help but fall.

"Captain Li, would I dare to joke about that person?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"But this money?" Happiness came too suddenly; Li Ya was a bit dazed.

"Exactly, I talked to the station chief about the white sugar last night.

"The station chief knew long ago that the white sugar was yours, and no matter what, he couldn't let Zhang Fenglai take it away.

"He even complained, asking why you didn't speak up, and asked what was going on with you being so stingy lately?

"After I told him, the station chief felt so bad that he immediately took money out of his own pocket and asked me to bring it to you.

"Teacher still keeps you in his heart."

Hong Zhiyou continued.

"Thank you, Teacher.

"Brother, thank you.

"I, Li, will never forget this in my life."

Li Ya bowed to Hong Zhiyou.

"Don't, if you want to thank someone, thank the station chief, thank Jiang Jianfeng.

"Hurry, eat your dumplings.

"The station chief's meaning is for you to pull yourself together and get the action team's work going."

Hong Zhiyou was afraid Li Ya would be suspicious, so he didn't dare to say too much.

"Don't worry.

"As long as Comrade Jiang Jianfeng and the station chief still trust me, I am a sharp blade of the Jinhai Station!"

Li Ya's cheeks tightened, and the arrogance and murderous aura in his eyes returned.

Hong Zhiyou breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.

He knew Li Ya was indeed a good knife.

At least in the original story, Lu Qiaoshan was the soul under his knife.

Jinhai cannot have a deputy station chief.

If there is one, it can only be Yu Zecheng.

(End of chapter)