Chapter 203: Ginger is Still Spicier When Old

They arrived at the shop.

Yu Zecheng and Luo Anping entered the bookstore warehouse.

"Old Luo, Li Ya is currently targeting me."

"Calling me at a time like this and meeting in person is highly inappropriate; this is the only time."

Yu Zecheng sat down and said with an expressionless face.

"You comrade... this is a moment where the fire is burning our eyebrows and lives are at stake."

"Just last night, one underground transit station and several labor movement organizations were wiped out."

"Many comrades have been arrested or killed; this attitude of yours really makes me..."

Luo Anping grew anxious again.

"Makes you what?"

"Old Luo, my mission is to lurk; the organization didn't send you here to increase the risk of my exposure."

Yu Zecheng's temper flared as well, and he argued loudly, which was rare for him.

Immediately after, he waved his hand, took a slight breath, and said:

"Forget it, I won't argue with you."

"Speak, what is it?"

"Comrade Zecheng, we have obtained intelligence and conducted surveillance; Yuan Peilin is very likely hiding in a private room on the third floor of the Xiuchun Pavilion."

"He was hidden there personally by Qiao Jiacai and Wu Jingzhong."

"I came to find you because I want you to make the final confirmation."

Luo Anping said.

"There is no way to confirm."

"You all underestimate Li Ya and Wu Jingzhong too much."

"Yuan Peilin has been in Jinhai for less than three days; if he were so easily found by you, the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics wouldn't be called the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, but the Bureau of Information Leaks."

"I will say it again: Li Ya is playing a massive game."

"What is certain is that the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics is also involved."

"No matter who steps into the Xiuchun Pavilion, they will all be wiped out in one fell swoop."

Yu Zecheng urged him strongly to reconsider.

"Comrade Zecheng, I think you are being too passive."

"I have an elite anti-traitor squad in my hands."

"The plan is already set."

"To tell you the truth, this is also the intention of the organization and Ke Gong: eliminate Yuan at all costs."

"We cannot afford the turmoil of a second Gu Shunzhang."

Luo Anping's tone softened slightly, but his attitude remained firm.

"It seems you will not listen to me."

"I am just a small lurker."

"I am not even a party member."

"You are the leader, you have the final say."

"Comrade Anping, I still want to urge you to consider this carefully."

"Take care."

After finishing, Yu Zecheng opened the door with an expressionless face and walked out.

The organization has the organization's reasons.

He has his own way of working.

Yu Zecheng only knew that no matter what happened, he must stay alive and continue to lurk.

Civil war was imminent.

He had to transmit more intelligence to save thousands upon thousands of soldiers on the battlefield.

Rather than obsessing over immediate gains and losses.

If the organization and Luo Anping thought he was a coward.

Then let him be a coward.

"You're arguing again."

Returning home, Wang Cuiping saw him looking dejected and asked.

"Cuiping, am I a passive coward?" Yu Zecheng asked her very seriously, his eyes slightly red.

Wang Cuiping felt the desolation in his heart, took his hand, and said:

"Old Yu."

"You are not; you are a different kind of warrior than I have ever seen—harder than steel and sharper than a bullet."

"General Su ambushed Subei and wiped out the entire American-equipped division of Dai Zhiqi."

"Wasn't that all thanks to the intelligence you transmitted?"

"You are a brave warrior."

"You are a true hero."

"I, am I really a hero?" Yu Zecheng blinked, his whole body trembling inexplicably.

"Yes."

"Is this Shopkeeper Luo sick?"

"Is that how a leader acts?"

"Doesn't he know your mission is to lurk?"

"Doesn't he know you are a bullet casing?"

"If there is fighting or killing to be done, I will do it; constantly pushing you to step forward, is there something wrong with his brain?"

"You wait, I'm going to find him right now; what the hell!"

Wang Cuiping immediately understood, slapped the table, and was about to storm out in anger.

"Cuiping, don't!"

Yu Zecheng suddenly grabbed her and pulled her tightly into his arms.

"No need."

"They can doubt me, but at least you still believe in me; that is enough."

Yu Zecheng murmured in her ear, tears shimmering in his eyes.

Wang Cuiping was stunned.

It was the first time she had seen Yu Zecheng's vulnerability.

This man, who was always as calm as water in the face of storms, was not made of steel; he also had moments of pain, sorrow, and grievance.

"Old Yu, don't be afraid."

"When I finish practicing my writing and return to the organization after the mission, I will write a report to the superiors to help you report this muddle-headed Luo Anping."

"I am a county team leader and have even served as the head of the party group."

"Political Commissar Yuan and the others trust me."

Wang Cuiping hugged him, patted his back gently, and comforted him with a smile.

"Thank you, Cuiping."

Yu Zecheng whispered, and the gloom in his heart dissipated significantly.

At this moment, only two people remained in his mind.

Not the high-ranking officials shining with glory in Yancheng, nor the revolutionary martyrs and heroes who died with such generosity.

But Zuo Lan and Wang Cuiping.

Zuo Lan gave him faith.

And Wang Cuiping truly and tangibly transmitted strength and courage to him.

With them there.

Yu Zecheng suddenly felt that even if he had to sacrifice, it wouldn't be so terrifying anymore.

"You don't find me annoying now, or thinking about driving me away every day, right?" After hugging for a while, Wang Cuiping leaned on his shoulder and asked with a smile.

"Cuiping..."

Yu Zecheng came back to his senses and wanted to let go.

But Wang Cuiping held him tightly and whispered:

"Just pretend it's Zuo Lan holding you."

Yu Zecheng's body stiffened, and the words on the tip of his tongue were ultimately swallowed back.

Evening, eight o'clock.

"Old Qiao, why not stay in Beiping for two days?" After finishing dinner, Wu Jingzhong personally escorted Qiao Jiacai to the car.

"No."

"I have been racking my brains for the party-state in Jinhai, and the newspapers in Beiping have already published stories about me visiting the Xiuchun Pavilion."

"If I don't go back now, I'm afraid my nest will be occupied by others."

Qiao Jiacai helplessly shook hands to say goodbye.

"Sigh."

"The resources of the Party-State are just wasted in vain by our own people like this."

"Sometimes you want to strike out with force, but the fist just won't clench tight."

Wu Jingzhong also sighed.

"Take care."

"Have a safe journey."

The two men patted each other on the back of the hand again.

"Little Hong, thanks. Come visit us in Beiping next time." Mrs. Qiao poked her head out and waved at Hong Zhiyou.

"I will." Hong Zhiyou nodded with a smile.

After seeing Qiao Jiacai off, Wu Jingzhong and Hong Zhiyou got into the car, and he asked in a low voice: "Is there any news about Yuan Peilin?"

"Teacher, it's a bit troublesome this time. Long Er of the Boatmen's Gang has already secretly mobilized thousands of laborers to search for news of Yuan Peilin at the docks, teahouses, and other places."

"People from all walks of life, the Dangtong Bureau, and the Inspection Team are also looking."

"There hasn't been the slightest bit of news so far."

"This person is as if he has vanished."

"Moreover, our people planted in the Action Team report that since Captain Li arranged for Yuan Peilin, he hasn't seen this person again."

"There are simply no clues to track."

Hong Zhiyou shook his head in frustration.

Wu Jingzhong folded his arms, thought for a moment, and frowned:

"Don't be impatient."

"As long as a person exists, they will have social activities. Li Ya must have performed quite a few meritorious deeds recently."

"I will let Director Zheng loosen his grip, secretly block him one more time, and then release the position, forcing Li Ya to deliver a tougher dish."

"He will inevitably go looking for Yuan Peilin again."

"Who is someone that Yuan Peilin knows, who is also of enough weight to tempt Li Ya?"

"You can consider it from this angle."

"Teacher, this move is brilliant. It can both do Li Ya a personal favor, making him grateful, and force him to look for Yuan Peilin from the side." Hong Zhiyou said with heartfelt admiration.

Ginger is still spicier when it's old.

In a situation that seemed unsolvable, with just a little guidance from Wu Jingzhong, it was like finding a new path through the dark.

"Just remember, the affairs of the world, no matter how they turn, all boil down to the four words: human relationships and worldly wisdom."

"As long as you understand them thoroughly and deeply, there is nothing you cannot accomplish."

"This is why I have always wanted to push you to move upward."

"If you don't come into contact with those people, you won't be able to trade favors."

"Without human relationships, worldly wisdom leads nowhere."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him and taught him earnestly.

"The student will keep it in mind." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"Teacher, after you retire, if you put your heart into teaching your grandson, the little guy will surely be extraordinary when he grows up." Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"Many things cannot be taught."

"They must be tempered and realized."

"When I first joined the Juntong Bureau, it was introduced by Shen Zui. How high and mighty Boss Dai was back then; he wouldn't even lift his eyelids when he saw me."

"It was because I shamelessly sponged a simple meal off him that I gained a firm footing in the Juntong Bureau."

"Boss Dai gradually began to notice someone like me. Whenever I had nothing to do, I would find various reasons to hover in front of him."

"He found me very annoying back then, feeling I had no seniority and was a turncoat from the Red side, but after I hovered enough, he got used to me and found me pleasing to the eye."

"I reckon he didn't even understand himself how I muddled my way into becoming his confidant."

"Human relationships are politics; truth is not something that can be taught!"

Wu Jingzhong sighed with emotion.

"Teacher, your journey here hasn't been easy either." Thinking of Dai Li's turning into an enemy, Hong Zhiyou also felt a sense of melancholy.

"Indeed."

"Therefore, you must seize the time to negotiate more business."

"It doesn't necessarily have to be big business."

"Even a mosquito's leg is meat. If you save up enough, you can still have a prosperous year." Wu Jingzhong changed the subject.

"Understood."

"The student was still thinking yesterday that with Teacher's status, anything under twenty thousand US dollars wasn't worth talking about. It seems I need to change my way of thinking now." Hong Zhiyou smiled self-reproachfully.

"Fool."

"US dollars are rare items."

"How many US dollars can there be in the entire Jinhai City?"

"After all, not everyone is Jiang Song, Kong Xiang, or Song Ziwen."

"North American milk powder and nutritional supplements are very expensive. As long as it's within the rules, take what you can."

Wu Jingzhong tucked in his thumb and gestured a four.

Four thousand US dollars.

The bottom line.

"Yes!" Hong Zhiyou respectfully accepted the order.

"Where is Teacher going?"

"Home, or back to the station?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Back to the station."

"There are still some things to hand over to Li Ya."

"It's better for you to avoid suspicion on this matter on the surface. Just get off here." Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Very well, Teacher."

"Wu Rui's mother stewed some soup. Please go home and rest early after you finish your work."

Hong Zhiyou got out of the car, bowed slightly, and watched the car drive away.

……

Wu Jingzhong arrived at the office.

He rarely worked overtime.

At this hour, he could have been peacefully enjoying his antiques.

Now, ever since this Yuan Peilin came to Jinhai, he hadn't had a peaceful night's sleep for days.

Damn fellow!

Soon, Li Ya pushed the door open and walked in, looking proud and satisfied.

"Captain Li, how are the arrangements?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"The situation outside Xiuchun Tower is surging with activity now."

"Just received intelligence that Sun Chuanzhi of the Dangtong Bureau has sent people, preparing to make a move on 'Yuan Peilin'."

"The Red side is also secretly planning."

"They are very anxious now. Sun Chuanzhi wants to offer a birthday gift to Ye Xiufeng, and the Red side is anxious to eliminate the traitor; they both want to compete for this head." Li Ya said.

"That bunch of persistent ghosts from the Red side's elimination squad has never been dug out."

"How did the former station chief Chen Xianzhou's secretary die?"

"It was a sniper shot from that bunch."

"If you can dig them out, it will definitely be a remarkable achievement. When the time comes, Director Mao will also have the confidence to request a reward for you. Won't this deputy station chief position be secure then?"

"You are my student; I know your craftsmanship better than anyone."

"As an elite from the Qingpu Class, the famous Buddha Niche shouldn't let people gossip, saying you're just clinging to power, right?"

Wu Jingzhong sat on the sofa, squinting and smiling.

"It is still you, Teacher, who sympathizes with and understands me."

"I am wholeheartedly for the Party-State, yet there are always people who hope my gun will misfire."

"Tonight, I will definitely fire this shot with the spirit of the Qingpu Class."

Li Ya nodded quite gratefully.

"You and I are both the left and right hands of Jiang Jianfeng. We are teacher and student, and also comrades."

"Tell me, what do you need me to do?"

Wu Jingzhong said righteously.

"I would like to ask you, Teacher, to transfer more men to me."

"There are many people and eyes at Xiuchun Tower, and it's late at night."

"My own men are still not enough."

"If I can have fifty more people, I guarantee not even a fly will be able to fly out."

Li Ya clenched his five fingers and said proudly.

"Good.

"People from the Intelligence Section cannot be used.

"I cannot scrape together fifty people.

"How about this: I will hand over all twenty elites from the Security Section, including Section Chief Xiao, to you.

"Let them disguise themselves and lie in wait in the surrounding civilian houses; when the time comes, you only need to fire a shot, and they can support you at any time in the shortest possible duration."

Wu Jingzhong replied readily.

"Thank you, Station Chief. With this, your student will surely perform a new meritorious service." Li Ya saluted solemnly.

"Go and handle it."

Wu Jingzhong waved his hand and said.

Once Li Ya left, Wu Jingzhong's gaze turned cold, and he held his teacup, lost in deep thought.

If one wants to find Yuan Peilin, the best method is to break the deadlock; regardless of whether it is real or fake, let one die first.

If the fake one dies.

The real one will become even harder to hide.

Only by stirring these waters until they are as muddy as possible can the big fish emerge.

Thinking of this, he called the Security Section: "Guohua, come to my office for a moment."

A moment later, Xiao Guohua walked in:

"Station Chief, is something the matter?"

"Team Leader Li wants to transfer you to the Xiuchun Pavilion tonight. Do you have any sharp blades under your command who can strike ruthlessly?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"I do.

"Jiang Zhi would do; his hands are ruthless, and he is efficient in his work," Xiao Guohua said.

"Where is he from?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"His ancestral home is Jilin; he just bought a house and settled down in Jinhai a while ago," Xiao Guohua said.

"Tonight will be a chaotic brawl.

"You tell Jiang Zhi to take the opportunity to deal with that fellow in the Xiuchun Pavilion... do not use a gun, it is easy to trace.

"After the deed is done, send some money to Jiang Zhi's wife."

Wu Jingzhong's gaze turned sharp, and he ordered coldly.

"Understood." Xiao Guohua nodded to accept the order.

Xiuchun Pavilion.

Inside the third private room on the left side of the second floor.

Li Ya sat on a chair, crossing his legs while watching Guo Liang eat meat and drink wine in large gulps:

"Are you getting used to staying here?"

"Not bad. What man doesn't love a place of powder and rouge?

"Team Leader Li, won't you have some?"

Guo Liang asked with a smile, clearly very satisfied with the security and quality of life here.

"I don't drink.

"This is for you."

Li Ya took out two more packs of cigarettes and handed them over.

"Thank you.

"Team Leader Li doesn't smoke or drink; you truly have a loyal heart for the Party and State."

Guo Liang took a sip of wine and began to flatter him.

"A loyal heart is not the word for it.

"It is merely the hope that the world will be at peace, that the children can have clothes to wear, food to eat, and school to attend."

Li Ya smiled and spoke of the ideals he held at graduation.

"I salute you." Guo Liang raised his glass and said.

"Alright, I should be going.

"If you feel lonely, there are plenty of misses in this building; call whoever you like, the station will reimburse it."

Li Ya twisted his neck and stood up to say.

"Understood, thanks," Guo Liang said.

Since staying here the first night, he had already called for them several times.

And they were all the top girls in the building.

"May I ask, where did Mr. Yuan go?" Guo Liang suddenly called out to stop Li Ya.

"That is not for you to worry about.

"The only thing you need to do is eat well, drink well, and have fun."

Li Ya did not look back and walked out quickly.

Once outside, he went to the backyard, where a few subordinates were smoking and chatting.

"Quite leisurely, aren't you? Where is Qi Physician?" Li Ya asked.

"Team Leader Qi, he..." The two looked at each other and did not dare to speak.

Li Ya immediately understood: "Go, call him here."

A moment later, Qi Physician, smelling of powder and rouge, hurried over in a panic: "Team Leader Li, you are here."

"You bastard, what time is it, and you still have the mind to go chasing after flowers and willows?" Li Ya glared at him, dissatisfied.

"It isn't time yet.

"At this hour, there are many patrol officers outside, and it is the busiest time; the Red Tickets wouldn't dare to make a move."

Qi Physician chuckled.

"Be serious.

"What time is it, and you still dare to be careless?

"If this person can be kept alive, just based on such a grand display, the outside world will only be more convinced that he is Yuan Peilin.

"We can then continuously fish for more.

"If he dies, don't talk about drinking soup or eating meat in the future; you won't even have a mouthful of hot shit."

Li Ya scolded him sternly.

"Yes, Team Leader Li," Qi Physician said honestly.

"Keep a close watch.

"I am heading back first."

Li Ya tucked his hands into his pockets and prepared to leave.

"Wait, Team Leader, aren't you going to guard this place yourself?" Qi Physician was a bit confused.

"I have other matters."

Li Ya turned and left.

He was not stupid.

Right now, the Red Tickets and the Dangtong Bureau were both blinded by greed.

Heaven knows what kind of experts they would send; if he didn't leave now, was he supposed to stay here and wait for death?

He was no longer the hot-headed youth who joined the Jinshanwei campaign, full of passion and disregarding life and death.

He had to stay alive to taste all the delicacies of Jinhai.

He had to rake in lots of gold bars and US dollars, live in a mansion, and drive a Studebaker.

After retiring in the future, when the Party and State were at peace.

Being a small school principal, accompanying the children to do exercises and raise the flag—wouldn't that life be wonderful?

Inside the Xiuchun Pavilion, there was singing and dancing.

Outside, however, it was filled with murderous intent.

Nine o'clock.

Sun Chuanzhi's car stopped two streets away.

"Director Sun, I have investigated clearly.

"Yuan Peilin is staying in the third room on the left; in the few days since he moved in, he has called for women a total of seven times.

"I have already had Zhu Yan disguise herself and mix in as a prostitute in the building.

"Two other good hands have disguised themselves as waiters and can provide support at any time.

"The madam has also been taken care of; as soon as Zhu Yan gets the chance, she can carry out the assassination mission at close range."

Said Wei Jin, the Action Section Chief sitting next to him.

"Hmph.

"In life, one is driven by wine, lust, wealth, and pride; who doesn't love a beauty?

"Letting him die under the peony flower is getting off easy.

"Remember, the strike must be fast."

"You must strike before the Red Tickets do; it would be best to secure the head."

"I have even thought up the pretext for your meritorious service."

"Eliminating important Red Ticket figures in Pingjin—this is a great achievement."

Sun Chuanzhi began painting a rosy picture for Wei Jin.

"Rest assured, tonight the head of Yuan Peilin must belong to our Dangtong Bureau," Wei Jin said, patting his chest and issuing a military pledge.

……

(End of chapter)