Chapter 196: Mao Sen

The next day.

Wu Jingzhong and Yu Zecheng went to the airport in person to see Hong Zhiyou off.

"Zhiyou, you must be careful over there."

"I have prepared a few good things for you."

"When you arrive in Shanghai, give one portion to Wang Puchen, and take the other to Hangzhou to give to Mao Sen."

"Since you are going, you still have to go through the motions of the necessary formalities."

Wu Jingzhong leaned in close and whispered his instructions.

"Thank you, Station Chief," Hong Zhiyou said.

"However, given Mao Sen's vengeful nature, he may still try to harm you."

"Once you arrive there, it would be best for you to stay inside the Garrison Headquarters."

"Of course, you may decide for yourself."

"Still, as I said before, safety is the top priority."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Understood," Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.

"Zhiyou, take care of yourself."

"I look forward to your safe return!"

Yu Zecheng shook hands with Hong Zhiyou to bid him farewell.

"The two of you, I entrust Zhiyou's safety to you."

Wu Jingzhong looked at Zhou Yan and Lin Tian, who were standing beside Hong Zhiyou, and said.

"Station Chief Wu, rest assured."

"Whoever wishes to harm Young Master Hong must first step over Zhou's corpse," Zhou Yan said coldly and righteously.

Wu Jingzhong nodded with satisfaction and watched as the three of them boarded the plane.

……

After seeing Hong Zhiyou off, Yu Zecheng returned to the station.

Around 11:00 AM.

He went out and headed toward the Jinhai Bank.

Fang Buting, dressed in a crisp suit, walked out of the bank building with several local bank managers and business representatives from Jinhai.

"Bank President Li, the Generalissimo wants you and me to accelerate the currency reform. I have discussed the currency issue with Professor He of Yenching University many times."

"The root of currency reform lies in stabilizing the prices of people's livelihood."

"Otherwise, no matter what kind of banknotes are printed, it will be very difficult to implement effectively."

"What the common people recognize are things they can eat."

"What can be exchanged?"

"Only gold, US dollars, and silver."

Fang Buting said as they walked and talked.

"Indeed."

"The higher-ups are giving us a difficult problem. Nowadays, when eating out, many people don't even recognize the legal tender."

"When common people buy rice and flour, they have to bring a whole basket of paper money to exchange."

"The collapse of the legal tender is already irreversible."

"If we change to a new one, will the common people recognize it?"

"Alas, Old Fang, it's difficult."

Bank President Li of the Jinhai branch also sighed with emotion.

"Difficult or not, we must push forward. There's no other way; who told us to eat from the government's bowl?"

"There are difficulties."

"When I return to Beiping today, I will discuss it with Professor He and the others again. There must be a solution to this matter eventually."

Fang Buting said.

"Take care," Bank President Li shook hands with him.

"Peidong, Jinhai is a good place; it's so cosmopolitan," after walking down the steps, he looked at his nearly bald brother-in-law, who was also the assistant manager of the Central Bank's Beiping branch, and laughed loudly.

"Being cosmopolitan is no good; it reeks of foreigners, it's disgusting."

"The flavor of Beiping is still more authentic."

Xie Peidong replied in a hoarse voice.

"You, you still have the same temper as back then, so stubborn."

"In our line of work, we still have to keep pace with the times. There are some things from the West that we should learn."

Fang Buting laughed.

"The New Year is coming soon, is the eldest still unwilling to come back?" After a pause, he looked at the square in the distance and asked.

"Zhongshi went to the Jianqiao Aviation School in Hangzhou to see him."

"He goes to see Mengao every month. Don't worry, he has a silver tongue; who knows, the young master might come back for the New Year," Xie Peidong laughed.

"That child takes after you, too stubborn."

"The Japanese are no longer here."

"He still wants to go to the front line to fly planes. Is that something a person can play with, being at an altitude of ten thousand meters every day?"

"How many planes do the Americans and the British crash every year?"

Fang Buting said.

"The young master will understand."

"I have already greeted Principal Xu of the aviation school; Mengao will only teach theory and will not get on the trainer aircraft," Xie Peidong said.

"Hmm."

"That damned Ma Hansan, I received a call this morning, he raised the grain price by another twenty percent."

"If this continues, it will be hard for the common people to live; people are going to starve to death."

Fang Buting sighed as he walked.

"Indeed, the students in Beiping take to the streets every day. It's fortunate that the military and police were restrained and didn't open fire, otherwise, who knows how chaotic it would have become," Xie Peidong said.

"Let's go, let's head back."

"Compared to Beiping, this place is simply a pure land on earth."

"You and I are both destined for a life of toil; let's go back to hell and slowly endure it."

As the two spoke, they reached the car.

Just as they were about to get in, Yu Zecheng walked over from the side, bowed, and said: "May I ask if you are Bank President Fang and Assistant Manager Xie from Beiping? I am Gao Rong, a reporter for the Jinhai Daily. I would like to interview you on your views regarding the currency reform."

Yu Zecheng did not expect to discuss serious business right now.

He just came over to get a familiar face.

Fang Buting glanced at Yu Zecheng; with a slight twitch of his nose, he could smell the scent of the person.

He was not very willing to see such people.

Some things are understood in the heart, but there is no need to say them out loud.

"Mr. Gao, I still have things to do, I will be leaving first."

"Peidong, you can chat with him."

Fang Buting smiled politely, got into the car, and left first.

Xie Peidong glanced at the pocket watch on his chest.

He said as he walked: "My time is very tight, I'll give you two minutes."

"My cousin wants to open a company, but his capital is a bit tight. The banks here in Jinhai have people stirring up trouble, so he couldn't get a loan. I wanted to ask Assistant Manager Xie if there's any way to get it done through the Beiping Central Branch."

"I understand the rules; paying a bit more interest is acceptable."

"The guarantor is the Tiancheng Transportation Company."

"For the guarantor, I can find Yong Jianqiu, or Mr. Ji from the Cao Gang."

Yu Zecheng said at a very fast speed.

He didn't know why Hong Zhiyou wanted him to say this.

This would seem very abrupt.

It made him look very foolish and very impolite.

"Possible."

"But the interest rate will be three points higher," Xie Peidong agreed very readily.

"It can, it can be done."

"Thank you so much, Assistant Manager Xie," Yu Zecheng said gratefully.

"How much do you want to borrow?" Xie Peidong asked.

"Twenty thousand US dollars," Yu Zecheng said.

"That's a bit much."

"There are too many people borrowing money now, and the accounts can't be processed."

"Let's make it ten thousand."

"Tomorrow, have the guarantor, that Mr. Ji, bring the relevant documents to the Beiping branch to get the money."

Xie Peidong finished speaking efficiently and walked away quickly.

Yu Zecheng stood frozen in place.

He didn't expect Xie Peidong to be so easy to talk to.

Turning around, he drove straight to the Cao Gang.

Ten thousand is a bit less, but now, every bit counts.

Let's get the American supplies into the Cao Gang wharf first; when Hong Zhiyou returns, they can be transferred out through the transportation line.

Xie Peidong returned to the car.

Yu Zecheng did not recognize him.

But he knew Yu Zecheng and Luo Anping.

Beiping had experienced Yuan Peilin and several other major changes and purges, and the underground organization was severely damaged. Xie Peidong was one of the few sparks hidden very deeply.

Because he and his assistant, Xiao Cui, were directly led by Mr. Wu.

His rank was even higher than that of the intelligence agent on Ke Gong's No. 1 line.

Xie Peidong knew a little about the situation in Jinhai.

Like the underground organization in Beiping, it was severely damaged, and his old friend Dong Cheng was also implicated.

The only bright spot was Yu Zecheng, who could be said to have made repeated miraculous achievements.

The organization even established a one-on-one liaison station specifically for him and built a transportation line, which shows Yu's importance.

Now the transportation line has also been opened.

Jinhai is a hub for grain, medicine, and ordnance, and it is a fact that the organization and Yong Jianqiu are short of money, so it is necessary for Xie Peidong to give Yu Zecheng a hand.

Of course, the interest that should be collected must still be collected.

The accounts must be done thoroughly.

He can be suspected of taking bribes and money laundering, because his and Xiao Cui's secret work at the Beiping branch is to do these things.

But he must never be suspected of being a Red.

Judging from Yu Zecheng's expression, he should not know his identity yet.

However, raising money, after all.

If you can't borrow it in Jinhai, it's very normal to look for the Beiping branch.

Hmm.

There shouldn't be any problems.

Xie Peidong closed his eyes and reviewed it once, then ordered the driver to drive.

……

Hangzhou.

Mao Sen was making tea in the small courtyard.

He liked to study the tea ceremony.

Making tea would make him more patient, allowing him to calm his mind and focus on studying his opponent's weaknesses, thereby achieving a fatal blow.

"Station Chief, Secretary Hong from the Jinhai Station requests an audience," the guard walked in and reported in a low voice.

"Secretary Hong?"

"He came quite fast."

"Hmm, this is an interesting person."

"Tell him to come in."

Mao Sen smiled slightly.

Soon, Hong Zhiyou walked in with a steady pace, faced Mao Sen, and with a 'pop', respectfully stood at attention and gave a military salute:

"Eighth-term trainee of the Sino-American Special Training Class, Hong Zhiyou, greets the teacher!"

He was not putting on a show.

Back then, Mao Sen was the titular director of the Sino-American Special Training Class and had even presided over the graduation ceremony of the eighth term.

Strictly speaking, this 'teacher' was more authentic than calling Wu Jingzhong.

"Sit!"

Mao Sen raised his hand faintly.

He had a thin beard, a lean face, and a pair of long, sharp phoenix eyes. He was gloomy and rarely smiled, belonging to the typical Dai Boss style.

"The Sino-American class hasn't produced many capable people."

"And you, by killing Ke Chengwu, have fulfilled a major wish of the Generalissimo. Being promoted three ranks is already a fine story in the Secret Service Bureau."

"Young and promising."

Mao Sen looked at him and smiled faintly.

"The student swears to die for the Party and the State, and strives to make new contributions," Hong Zhiyou saluted respectfully again before sitting down.

"You have a remarkable way with words."

"Back then, you fooled Zhou Xiangxian into a daze. You didn't get the job done for me, yet he came back and kept speaking well of you."

"To be able to conduct oneself to this extent shows that you are well-versed in the ways of human relationships."

"Since you value human relationships, have you ever thought about returning to your hometown to contribute to the elders and fellow villagers here in Hangzhou?"

"Mayor Zhou's side, my side, including the Pacification Office and the Garrison Headquarters, are all possible."

"If that doesn't work, go to Shanghai; that's no worse than Jinhai."

Mao Sen half-smiled as he brought up old accounts and offered conditions to Hong Zhiyou.

"Teacher."

"The vastness of the world is all the territory of the Generalissimo and the Party and the State. Wherever the student is, it is like my homeland."

"I won't add any trouble to the teacher."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and refused.

"You!"

"Young but cunning!"

Mao Sen pointed at him, a flash of displeasure crossing his eyes.

"Do you have business in Hangzhou?" He poured tea for Hong Zhiyou.

"To tell you the truth, the student originally came to Shanghai to handle business."

"The first stop was to visit the teacher."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"In addition, entrusted by Station Chief Wu, I brought some Jinhai specialties for the teacher to express my feelings."

After tasting the fragrant tea, he continued.

"You are too polite."

"I can still speak for myself in Shanghai; if you need any help, just say the word."

Mao Sen said.

When words don't match, half a sentence is too much; Hong Zhiyou knew this was a dismissal.

"Hmm, I will definitely trouble the teacher when the time comes."

"You are busy with ten thousand things, I won't disturb you anymore."

Hong Zhiyou put down the teacup, bowed, and left.

As soon as he left, a man in a Zhongshan suit with a slicked-back hairstyle walked in from the corridor, looked at the door, and snorted coldly:

"Wu Jingzhong's hands are too long, aren't they? He couldn't get enough in Jinhai, so he reached into Shanghai."

"What exactly does he want to do?"

The person who came was Mao Wanli, who was on a business trip in Hangzhou.

"It is said that the nephew of Director Wang of the Jinhai Grain Bureau was detained by Du Yuesheng."

"It's not that easy to get someone out of Du's hands."

Mao Sen waved his hand, signaling him to sit.

"This time, we really miscalculated."

"Director Mao originally wanted to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight, but in the end, they fought and fought, Zheng Jiemin and Jiang Jianfeng both suffered, and Wu Laogou picked up a bargain, and the one surnamed Yu became the Deputy Station Chief."

"I really don't know what my uncle is thinking."

Mao Wanli said angrily.

"Some things cannot be rushed."

"Once Dai Boss is dead, no one can speak in front of the Generalissimo."

"The Generalissimo letting Director Mao come up this time is already the greatest fortune in our misfortune for the Jiangshan Gang."

"Director Mao has Zheng Jiemin above him and Wu Jingzhong below him to hold him back, and there is also Jiang Jianfeng who beats him from time to time, so life is not easy."

"Bear with it for now, Wu Jingzhong won't be able to jump around for long."

"Director Mao has plenty of ways to deal with him."

Mao Sen's eyes tightened, and he said in a deep voice.

"Jinhai, it's full of treasures everywhere, yet it was monopolized by Wu Laogou."

"Why don't we take this opportunity to kill Hong Zhiyou."

"I heard that this kid is his son-in-law, his right-hand man."

"If we don't give him some color, he really thinks that by relying on Jiang Jianfeng and Zheng Jiemin, he can act recklessly."

"We must let him know who calls the shots in Jiangsu and Zhejiang."

Mao Wanli said viciously.

"Possible."

"It just so happens that there are people in Jinhai and the Dangtong Bureau who are offering high prices to have me eliminate this Hong Zhiyou."

"Isn't he looking for Du Yuesheng?"

"If they can't reach an agreement and he dies in Du Yuesheng's hands, isn't that very normal?"

"Du Yuesheng has extensive connections, let him take the blame later!"

From the moment Hong Zhiyou stepped into Jiangsu and Zhejiang, Mao Sen had already planned it out.

"Exactly."

"This is called: there is a path to heaven, but he refuses to take it; there is no door to hell, but he forces his way in."

"I want to personally send this kid to the west."

Mao Wanli couldn't help but feel intense hatred when he thought about his repeated failed attempts to seek Jinhai.

"No."

"You return to headquarters immediately."

"The entire Secret Service Bureau knows that I, Director Mao, and Wu Jingzhong have a grudge."

"You want to sit in Jinhai and share the spoils."

"If you linger and don't leave at this time, once something happens to Hong Zhiyou, you will be the first one to be investigated."

Mao Sen shook his head shrewdly and said.

"That works too, then I will return to Nanjing today," Mao Wanli thought for a moment and nodded.

"Hmm."

"Rest assured, on my turf, no matter how powerful Sun Monkey is, he can't jump out of the palm of the Buddha," Mao Sen's gaze sank, and he picked up the tea that had already become lukewarm and drank it all in one gulp.

Hong Zhiyou did not stop and went to visit Zhou Xiangxian again.

Although he knew that in the future the red flag would be everywhere, these people would mostly be of no use.

But the Station Chief didn't know, he wanted to show human feelings, so he had no choice but to carry it through to the end.

He stayed in Hangzhou for one day.

In the evening, Hong Zhiyou, with Zhou Yan and Lin Tian, finally stepped into the bustling Shanghai Bund.

The prosperity of Shanghai is quite different from that of Jinhai.

The prosperity of Jinhai is relatively introverted.

Because it is close to Beiping, there are many old officials and former ministers of the Beiyang government, and furthermore, the pace of life is slightly slower, so the impact of that kind of prosperity and modernization is not very strong.

Most of the common people have no pursuit of new trends.

But Shanghai is different.

Under the colorful neon lights, it is full of extravagant luxury.

Dancing girls wearing sequined corsets, with black silk and red rose clips in their hair.

Women walking on the street, in trench coats, high heels, and cheongsams with silk stockings.

Men in suits and leather shoes, with shiny leather shoes.

In every bustling nightclub, as the glass doors were pushed open, harsh music and the smell of alcohol wafted out.

"My god."

"I thought Jinhai was heaven, but I didn't expect Shanghai to be even more exciting."

Lin Tian stood on the street, full of joy and surprise, spreading his arms and shouting.

"This is also a den of iniquity."

"You only see the excitement, but what you don't see are the piles of blood, tears, and filth underneath."

Zhou Yan snorted coldly.

"Has Old Zhou been here?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"Hmm."

"I came to Shanghai before following the Gang Leader."

"At that time, Huang Jinrong was just so-so, and it had nothing to do with Du Yuesheng."

"I still remember that the Garrison Commander of Shanghai at that time was named Yang Hu, a famous big figure, known as the uncrowned king of Shanghai."

"As a result, Mr. Wang slapped him hard in public."

"Yang Hu didn't even dare to let out a fart."

"Alas!"

"It's a pity that the Gang Leader was killed by Dai Old Dog, otherwise, in today's Shanghai, what would the likes of Du Yuesheng count for?"

Stepping on his homeland again, Zhou Yan's eyes couldn't help but moisten when he mentioned Wang Yaqiao.

"Gang Leader Wang is indeed a god-like man."

"Although he is no longer in the underworld, his legend will be passed down in the underworld forever."

Hong Zhiyou sighed with emotion.

After walking around the street for a while, Hong Zhiyou took the two of them back to the Peace Hotel.

The three of them asked for an expensive suite.

Lin Tian couldn't stay idle, and with Hong Zhiyou's permission, he went out to flirt with girls and drink flower wine.

Hong Zhiyou knew that this guy looked unserious, but in fact, it was a way to gather intelligence, so he naturally let him be.

"Old Zhou, why don't you go out for a spin too."

"I, I have a friend coming over in a while."

Hong Zhiyou said while loosening his tie.

"No, I promised Station Chief Wu and Director Yu that I would not leave you for a single step."

"The tragedy of Mr. Song Jiaoren must never be allowed to repeat itself with me."

Zhou Yan said.

"You know this friend of mine, she definitely won't be a threat," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Who?" Zhou Yan asked.

"Ma Kui's... wife," Hong Zhiyou coughed dryly and said.

"Her."

"Human hearts are separated by bellies; you two haven't been in contact for so long, it's still better to be careful."

"In this way, I will guard outside the door, you do what you need to do."

As a top killer, Zhou Yan naturally considered things more professionally and thoroughly.

"Alright," Hong Zhiyou thought for a moment and agreed.

It was a top-tier hotel, after all, and the soundproofing of the room should be quite good.

Furthermore, Adi was the gentle, sobbing type, different from Fang Min's wild, howling type.

Old Zhou shouldn't be able to hear anything.

After a while, the crisp sound of high heels clicking sounded in the corridor.

Zhou Gendi walked over, twisting her perky buttocks.

"Miss Zhou?"

"Please give me your bag."

Zhou Yan blocked her at the door with an expressionless face.

"Okay," Zhou Gendi knew that Hong Zhiyou's status was noble, so she obediently handed it over.

Zhou Yan checked the bag.

Then he signaled her to lift her hands and turn around.

After confirming that there were no hidden weapons, he returned the bag and opened the door.

Zhou Gendi smiled and nodded, and walked in impatiently.

Pop!

As soon as she entered the room, she saw Hong Zhiyou wearing a bathrobe, preparing red wine.

"Adi, you're here?"

Hong Zhiyou winked at her.

"Zhiyou!"

At the sound of 'Adi', Zhou Gendi's tears flowed down instantly.

Hong Zhiyou took the opportunity to look her over carefully.

Tonight, Zhou Gendi was wearing a black waist-cinching fishtail skirt, with a hint of snow-white skin showing at her chest, and a small shawl; the whole person was fashionable and charming.

Especially the confidence overflowing between her brows; she was no longer the timid little woman who spent her days guarding her spring boudoir.

"Come, let me hug you," Hong Zhiyou opened his arms.

Zhou Gendi pounced over like a bird.

The two kissed painfully for a while.

"I'll go take a shower, you wait for me."

She put down her bag and walked toward the bathroom inside.

"Then lean against the wall first."

Hong Zhiyou smirked and followed closely behind.

The faucet was turned on.

The long-lost feeling, the two had not the slightest bit of estrangement.

Bathroom.

Floor.

Windowsill.

Bed.

The two enjoyed the joy of reunion to their heart's content in the room.

It wasn't until one o'clock in the morning that Zhou Gendi let Hong Zhiyou go.

"How have you been in Shanghai?"

On the bed, Hong Zhiyou held her and asked gently.

"It was quite bitter at the beginning, having to memorize lines and scripts; there were so many things to learn."

"However, Miss Hu Die took great care of me and hired a special teacher to guide me one-on-one."

"Now I have also appeared in a few small movies."

"Although they are all small roles, at least I have gained some audience favor."

Zhou Gendi said.

"By the way, Miss Hu Die thought my name was too rustic."

"She helped me pick an artistic name."

"It's called Zhou Ying, what do you think?"

After a pause, she wrapped her jade arms around Hong Zhiyou's neck, kissed him, and asked.

"It's quite good."

"But I still like to call you Adi, Mrs. Ma, or Sister-in-law."

Hong Zhiyou pinched her chin and winked mischievously.

"You are really bad, bringing up that useless dead ghost again," Zhou Gendi pouted and snorted.

"Other people's women are always more fragrant than one's own."

"That's the feeling I want."

Hong Zhiyou joked.

"Your wife should be giving birth soon, right? You're about to be a father and you're still so flirtatious," Zhou Gendi asked.

"Next month," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"What about Wanqiu, is she doing well?" Zhou Gendi asked.

"She is like you, both learning and progressing."

"How is it, I was right to listen to me, wasn't I?"

"Women shouldn't just think about the things in their crotch and firewood, rice, oil, and salt. Once your horizons are opened, this world is far more exciting than you imagine," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"You are the one thinking about the crotch..."

"I am busy to death all day long, where would I have time to think about those things."

"But I really like my current life."

"Busy and fulfilling."

"By the way, I have also learned a foreign language, let me say a few sentences for you to hear."

Zhou Gendi learned a few sentences for him with every smile and frown.

"Hmm, not bad, there is progress."

"You work hard, when you become more popular, I will let you be the spokesperson for my Axe brand."

Hong Zhiyou said, and took a stack of US dollars from the bag by the bed for her:

"Is the money enough? Take it."

"No need, the money I earn now is enough for my and my parents' expenses," Zhou Gendi said.

"Don't be a stranger with me, you know, I'm not short of money."

Hong Zhiyou stuffed the money back.

"Alright."

"To be honest, I just like taking your money, it feels solid in my heart."

Zhou Gendi kissed him and accepted it happily.

"I heard it's quite chaotic here, no one is bullying you, right?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"No, no."

"Miss Hu Die knows Boss Du, and they also know that Old Ma used to be a person from the Secret Service, so no one dares to bully me."

Zhou Gendi's eyes dodged a little.

"No one, that means there is someone," Hong Zhiyou said.

"No," she said in a low voice.

Hong Zhiyou didn't ask much more.

The Shanghai Bund is a mixed bag of fish and dragons.

Old warlords, local garrisons, municipal administration, etc.

Especially the huge power of the Jiangsu-Zhejiang financial group; there are some people in the middle who are not easy to provoke.

Otherwise, later on, even someone as powerful as Jiang Jianfeng would have hit a wall in Shanghai.

He will finish his serious business first, and after dealing with Du Yuesheng, he will see who is pestering Zhou Gendi.

If it can be solved, he will solve it.

If it can't be solved, forget it.

He is also a father now; back then, when he stood up to Dai Li for Wanqiu, it was somewhat youthful and frivolous. Sometimes he would think about it in the middle of the night and feel a chill down his spine.

That was still with Old Wu helping him in the same boat behind his back.

If he were to risk his life again for Zhou Gendi, whom he had only slept with twice.

Hong Zhiyou would never do it even if he died.

Obviously, Zhou Gendi didn't want to say it, and she didn't want to drag Hong Zhiyou, who had a family to support, into it.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 197 =====