Chapter 209: Accepting Everything As It Comes

"Speak quickly," Wu Jingzhong said happily.

The Hong Zhiyou of today was no longer the greenhorn he had been when he first arrived at the station.

His insight, strategy, and connections had already matured under his own cultivation and assistance.

Over the past half-year, he had often shared his burdens.

He had already become an indispensable strategist.

"Teacher, as long as Dong Cheng holds out, you must insist that Yuan Peilin be brought out to confront Dong Cheng.

"Once you do that, Yuan Peilin will have no choice but to show himself.

"As long as he pops up, we won't have to worry about finding a way to make him shut his mouth."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"This calculation isn't exactly brilliant.

"Fortunately, Wan Lilang is dead, so these broken pieces of evidence can be considered dead men telling no tales.

"Furthermore, Jiang Jianfeng has always cherished heroes like Yu Zecheng who have rendered great service.

"He is a man who sticks to his principles; he is very stubborn.

"It is indeed possible that he will let Li Ya bring out Yuan Peilin.

"I'm just afraid that Li Ya will persuade him, and we will have rejoiced for nothing.

"You still need to prepare for both contingencies; I will have Li Ya provide evidence on my end, and you must speed up the time to find Yuan Peilin on yours.

"If you want to plan for the big picture, you must never fall into a passive position.

"The initiative must always be held in your own hands.

"Why were we in such a scramble this time? Isn't it because we were underprepared?"

Wu Jingzhong paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, criticizing himself.

"Yes.

"It is that we underestimated Li Ya."

Hong Zhiyou nodded, "I will contact the wife of Xu Yuanshan right now."

"Don't use the office phone; find a safe public phone booth. You cannot let Li Ya get any leverage," Wu Jingzhong reminded him, leaving no room for error.

"Understood."

Hong Zhiyou received his orders and left.

Arriving at a public phone booth, he called the wife of Xu Yuanshan and gave her a few hints.

Xu Yuanshan had once been a high-ranking official in the Executive Yuan.

His connections were very extensive.

As long as the money and sentiments were in place, let alone finding Xiong Shihui, it was not impossible to get a word to the Chairman himself.

Zhang Qun, Chen Bulei, and Zhang Zhizhong were all people who hovered right under the Chairman's nose every day.

Wouldn't passing a word be an easy task?

After finishing the call, he returned.

Passing by the office of Lu Qiaoshan, Lu Qiaoshan grabbed him and pulled him inside:

"Brother, let's chat for a bit."

"I have looked at the file; this person is indeed Dong Cheng, a heavyweight figure of the Red Ticket.

"Li Ya is arresting people so blatantly.

"He even dares to lay hands on an old veteran of the Executive Yuan like Xu Yuanshan; he must have received permission from Bureau Chief Mao and Jiang Jianfeng.

"I just inquired with Bureau Chief Zheng by telegram.

"He told me to give up on this competition for the deputy station chief position. Sigh, brother, I'm out of luck."

Lu Qiaoshan shook his head with a dejected look.

"That won't do.

"Both the Intelligence and Action sections in this station are eagerly waiting for you to hold your ground.

"If you fall, won't everything become Li Ya's?

"You must have a chance.

"Besides, intelligence and action have never been separate.

"If Li Ya becomes the deputy station chief and concurrently manages the Action Team, he will definitely take a knife to the Intelligence Section.

"By then, will there still be any room for you in Jinhai?"

Hong Zhiyou feigned heartbreak and indignation.

"I know all of this, but the situation is unforgiving.

"Bureau Chief Zheng said if I really can't make it, he will transfer me back to the Jingling headquarters, so at least I'll have a meal to eat."

Lu Qiaoshan said with a mournful expression.

"My brother Shan.

"Why don't you understand?

"When the Jinhai station was rebuilt, you were the number one founding contributor. How can you just leave? You'd be handing over this great territory to a guy who eats dirt in Yancheng.

"Besides, Bureau Chief Zheng is currently having a run of bad luck.

"If you go back to Jingling at this time, can Mao Renfeng let you off?

"Division Chief Shen Zui, his qualifications are old enough, right?

"A favorite of Boss Dai, a major general and division chief of the Military Statistics Bureau—Mao Renfeng threw a small shoe at him, and didn't he end up picking mushrooms in Diannan?

"If you go to headquarters now, you won't even get a turn to pour tea or wash dishes.

"All dozen or so restrooms in the headquarters building would be assigned to you to scrub, do you believe me?"

Hong Zhiyou was afraid he would really run away, so his words became sharp and intense.

"Brother, I know you care about me.

"But right now, I have no choice.

"Dong Cheng has been arrested; it is said that Mao Renfeng was already popping champagne to celebrate last night, and with Jiang Jianfeng fanning the flames, Bureau Chief Zheng cannot hold out.

"The latest news is that the appointment and dismissal letter will have to be submitted for approval in two days at most.

"If things go poorly, Li Ya might even get a promotion in rank.

"Sigh, my fate is the nation's fate. You tell me, how can a despicable and shameless villain like Li Ya have such prosperous luck and ruin the scenery for you and me?

"If I had known it would come to this, I shouldn't have facilitated the exchange plan for Jiang Aimei.

"It would have been better to let him dig caves in Yancheng for a lifetime and eat dirt."

Lu Qiaoshan shook his head, regretting it so much his intestines were turning green.

"Old Lu, don't be so pessimistic; human effort can achieve anything.

"Let's make a bigger scene.

"Let's fan the flames higher; once Yuan Peilin can no longer hide, he will naturally jump out.

"Once this person is dead, whatever Dong Cheng, whatever great merit—it's all bullshit."

Hong Zhiyou said coldly.

"How do we burn it?" Lu Qiaoshan asked.

"The same old rules: you go and arrest the head of the opera troupe.

"Just go at it openly with Li Ya.

"He is interrogating Dong Cheng in the left room, and you interrogate that troupe leader in the right room.

"Once you mess up his mind, he will naturally show his flaws.

"It just depends on whether you can go all out."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"What do I have that I can't go all out with?

"I investigate the motorcade, I tail the food delivery—Li Ya knows it all clearly.

"The intelligence on the Xiuchun Tower, wasn't that a trap he dug for me? It left me battered and bruised.

"If I don't get my own back, I won't be able to sleep soundly for the rest of my life.

"Since there is no other way to go, then I will gamble on it.

"I will fight him to the death.

"Wait for me, I'm going to catch the person now."

Lu Qiaoshan's eyes turned fierce, and he rubbed his hands together, regaining his fighting spirit.

"I'll wait for your good news." Seeing him regain his vigor, Hong Zhiyou left the Intelligence Section.

He did not rush to report to the station chief's office.

Instead, he checked the time and stood in the hallway on the first basement level for a while.

Soon.

He saw Old Wu walking up from the basement with his sleeves rolled up and stained with blood.

"Brother Wu, where are you going?"

Hong Zhiyou pretended to ask with a casual smile.

"To eat.

"I have to eat early; that is the station chief's rule."

"I'm just afraid this stench of blood will ruin everyone's appetite," said Old Five.

"A word."

Hong Zhiyou glanced over, and the two walked toward the outside.

They reached a secluded spot.

Hong Zhiyou took out a handful of silver dollars and stuffed them into his pocket: "How did Liu Xiong die?"

"I, I hammered him to death," Old Five said, a bit dazed.

"Do you know about the relationship between Li Ya and him?" Hong Zhiyou asked again.

"It seems Section Chief Liu mentored him back at the Qingpu Class," Old Five replied.

"It wasn't just mentoring.

"They were as close as father and son, so once he finds out you killed Liu Xiong, do you think you'll still have a way to live?

"Do you know who you should be listening to in the station?"

Hong Zhiyou fished out another small gold bar and poked his chest with it.

"I, I know.

"Naturally, I listen to you, Secretary Hong." Cold sweat seeped from Old Five's forehead.

"Nonsense.

"Listen to Director Zheng at headquarters, listen to Division Chief Lu.

"You just can't listen to me, understand what I mean?"

Hong Zhiyou frowned and said coldly.

"Understood.

"Listen to Director Zheng and Division Chief Lu." Old Five nodded like a chicken pecking at rice.

"Division Chief Lu is in trouble right now.

"You know this without me having to say it.

"Take a message to Dong Cheng, tell him to hold out to the death, keep his mouth shut tight; Division Chief Lu doesn't want him to talk."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Rest assured, I will deliver the message to 'Division Chief Lu'."

Old Five, very sharp, bit down hard on the words "Division Chief Lu."

"Go."

Hong Zhiyou tucked the small gold bar into his shirt pocket.

No sooner had he left.

Xiao Guohua walked out from the shadows on the other side and called out to stop Old Five.

They whispered a few words.

The two went their separate ways.

Returning to the office.

Wu Jingzhong hurriedly beckoned: "Zhiyou, go, call Li Ya over."

Then, he whispered:

"Xiong Shihui has interceded; Jianfeng wants Li Ya to release the people."

"That's great.

"At least we've broken one of Li Ya's moves first.

"I'll go call him right now."

Hong Zhiyou walked quickly to the Action Team.

Li Ya was leaning against the desk, lecturing his subordinates.

"Team Leader Li, busy?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"You all go on down first." Li Ya waved his hand.

"The Station Chief wants you to come to the office," Hong Zhiyou said.

"No rush, have a cup of hot water first."

Li Ya smiled, picked up a thermos, and poured a cup of scalding hot plain water for Hong Zhiyou.

"Team Leader Li, why not drink tea?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"I ruined my stomach over there.

"Whenever I drink tea, my stomach gets acidic.

"The physician said to drink more hot water and nurse it slowly."

Li Ya sat down, crossed his legs, and said.

"Team Leader Li, you've caught two big fish this time; you're bound for success.

"I reckon the position of Deputy Station Chief is secure."

He wasn't in a hurry, and Hong Zhiyou was even less so.

In any case, the Station Chief hated people who were late.

Why not cooperate and give Li Ya a bad review?

"Secure or not, that's one thing, but I can't let that petty man surnamed Lu get his way.

"From the first day I arrived, he's been disgusting me in every way.

"Does he really think I'm made of mud?"

Li Ya sneered.

"This water is too hot; I don't think you'll finish it in half an hour. Better head to the Station Chief's first," Hong Zhiyou said, standing up.

"That works, we can talk as we walk," Li Ya said, twisting his stiff neck.

As the two walked outside, Li Ya asked in a low voice:

"Does my brother know how much it generally costs to bail someone out?

"Oh, I'm talking about gold bars."

Hong Zhiyou understood immediately; the Station Chief must have split the spoils with Li Ya.

"That depends on who is being bailed out and who is doing the bailing," he said.

"If no money is given, it's basically a death sentence.

"The opposing party is very wealthy."

Li Ya wasn't foolish enough to say it directly.

"Then it has to be five to ten gold bars per head.

"If it's a negotiation, more than ten is very likely.

"Why, has someone asked you to handle something?"

Hong Zhiyou said, pretending to be ignorant.

Li Ya's cheeks instantly tightened and turned ashen.

Sun Chuanzhi of the Dangtong Bureau would certainly pay a high price to avert disaster.

That is to say.

The seven people he caught were worth at least thirty gold bars.

At most, seventy or eighty.

Maybe even a hundred gold bars.

And he had only received a measly seven.

Not even a ten percent share.

The old thief, he's gone too far!

"Oh, I forgot to mention, it has to be large gold bars," Hong Zhiyou added.

"My brother has done plenty in this trade," Li Ya said, forcing a smile.

"It's alright.

"If Team Leader Li has any use for me, just say the word," Hong Zhiyou said readily.

"I heard my brother knows people in the Shangquan Society; can you get hold of US dollar bonds?" Li Ya continued to ask, walking with his hands behind his back.

This was information he had pried out of Mi Zhiguo.

Li Ya knew Mi Zhiguo was close to Hong Zhiyou.

It was highly likely he was an eye planted by his side.

Eyes have their benefits too.

Mi Zhiguo was a big mouth; occasionally, one could pry news about Hong Zhiyou from him.

Likewise, one could use Mi Zhiguo to mislead Hong, Yu, and the others in return.

Isn't that how the theater troupe matter went?

"Those people in the Shangquan Society aren't reliable.

"False rumors are flying everywhere.

"To really buy US dollar bonds, you have to find professional brokers; there's a group of people in the US Seventh Fleet and the Marine Corps flipping bonds, and they only cooperate with that type of person.

"If you're interested, I can introduce one to you."

Hong Zhiyou knew the fish had taken the bait.

"Good.

"Money nowadays is just like paper; the Americans have the upper hand, so if you can buy it, it's a guaranteed profit.

"Thanks, brother."

When it came to making money and getting rich, Li Ya had done his homework.

"I'll give you a phone number.

"However, he only accepts US dollars."

Hong Zhiyou took out a pen, scribbled, wrote down Xie Ruo's phone number, and handed it to Li Ya.

"Thanks." Li Ya accepted it gladly.

"Don't mention it."

Hong Zhiyou looked at him, his smile extremely friendly.

Li Ya had used Mi Zhiguo to fish for information from him.

Hong Zhiyou was happy to feed him some information in return.

And look, Li Ya had taken the bait.

As long as he tested Li Ya tonight and found out he didn't understand opera at all.

Listening to opera and chasing after Xiao Yunxian could basically be concluded as an act.

Arriving at the Station Master's office.

At the thought of Wu Jingzhong pocketing his gold bars, Li Ya's face turned sour, and he said with a forced smile, "Station Master, did you look for me for something?"

"It wasn't me who looked for you.

"It was Jiang Jianfeng.

"Why are you so slow to come and answer the phone?"

Wu Jingzhong asked with annoyance.

"I was delayed by something, sorry for the trouble." Li Ya raised his hand.

Wu Jingzhong connected the call to Jiang Jianfeng again:

"Old classmate, Li Ya has arrived.

"You can speak to him yourself."

After saying this, he handed the receiver to Li Ya.

Then he made a gesture, and the two walked outside.

After walking two steps.

Wu Jingzhong looked back and saw Li Ya take his hand out of his pocket, standing as respectfully as a grandson, and couldn't help but feel annoyed.

"Comrade Jiang Jianfeng, this is Li Ya.

"Yes!

"Yes!"

Wu Jingzhong's brows furrowed, and he flicked his sleeve and strode out.

"A wolf from Zhongshan, you can't tame it," he said with a sigh after glancing at Hong Zhiyou.

"His body is in the Cao camp, but his heart is with the Han.

"I used to think Captain Li was arrogant and aloof, and I felt he had quite a personality.

"Now it seems, it depends on who he's dealing with."

Hong Zhiyou echoed.

"Indeed.

"I don't think there's anyone in this station who catches his eye.

"And he's only an Operations Captain.

"If he were to become the Deputy Station Master, I'm afraid he wouldn't even tolerate me."

Wu Jingzhong sneered.

"Hurry up with your work." He patted Hong Zhiyou.

Just as they were talking.

Lu Qiaoshan was seen walking over in a hurry, reporting in a gentle voice:

"Station Master, some time ago our telecommunications vehicle monitored an intelligence network point, and the Intelligence Division locked onto a Red Ticket liaison; we discovered he has connections with an opera troupe at the Drum Tower.

"I have already arrested the troupe leader.

"What do you think..."

"A small liaison, just drag him in and interrogate him," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Station Master.

"The problem is that Captain Li often goes to this place to listen to opera, and he is dating the troupe leader's apprentice, Xiao Yunxian.

"Should we ask for Captain Li's opinion?"

Lu Qiaoshan reminded him.

Wu Jingzhong understood immediately; Lu Qiaoshan was investigating Yuan Peilin and making a final stand.

"Then drag him to the interrogation room," Wu Jingzhong thought for a moment and ordered.

He had originally wanted to let Lu Qiaoshan take the person to the basement for a private interrogation.

But then he realized only he had the authority to use the basement.

If Li Ya found out, it would be equivalent to tearing off the mask, and there was no need for that.

It's all about human relationships and social graces.

Matters of face still need to be maintained.

"Thank you, Station Master." Lu Qiaoshan was overjoyed.

Returning to the Station Master's office.

Wu Jingzhong looked at Li Ya and asked with a smile: "Finished the call?"

"Finished.

"Xu Yuanshan has quite some ability; he pleaded his case all the way to Xiong Shihui, and Jiang Jianfeng told me to release the person," Li Ya said with a frown.

"Release him.

"This person has deep roots; without solid evidence, interrogating him will only lead to trouble."

Wu Jingzhong squinted, looking concerned.

"Fine.

"I'll release him," Li Ya said.

"And there's Dong Cheng; Wan Lilang is already dead, and the authenticity of the materials in your hands can no longer be verified.

"Xu Yuanshan has been making a scene.

"He is deeply involved in the cultural circles and has significant influence among students and public opinion.

"This is this morning's newspaper, take a look."

Wu Jingzhong took out a newspaper and handed it to Li Ya.

The front page was denouncing the secret agents of the Confidentiality Bureau.

"Heh, the person was caught last night, quietly and secretly, and it's already in the paper this morning.

"I think we aren't the Confidentiality Bureau.

"Let's call it the Leakage Bureau.

"Whatever, if someone wants to go against me, I'll take it all on."

Li Ya gave an arrogant smile, squinting at Wu Jingzhong as he said:

"Jiang Jianfeng has given instructions that Dong Cheng cannot be released until he has been properly vetted."

"Understood!" Wu Jingzhong nodded.

Then he pointed at Li Ya and said in a deep voice: "The key now is that since Xu Yuanshan has made such a scene in the newspapers, the Red Ticket side will definitely guess that Yuan Peilin faked his death.

"Once he is killed, verifying Dong Cheng's identity will be up in the air.

"Such a great achievement, won't the Deputy Station Master position you have in your grasp go down the drain?"

"What do you mean?" Li Ya asked.

"I mean, secretly invite Yuan Peilin to the station to confront him and provide testimony on the spot.

"Get the testimony and match the statements.

"You get the credit and become Deputy Station Master, and we'll just throw the person to Beiping; whether he lives or dies will have nothing to do with us.

"You don't want him dying in Jinhai either.

"That would be very troublesome."

Wu Jingzhong winked and reminded him shrewdly.

"The teacher is right.

"Then I'll take this Yuan out for a walk," Li Ya raised his eyebrows and sneered.

Watching Li Ya leave.

A cold sneer appeared on the corner of Wu Jingzhong's mouth.

He had finally managed to snare this little brat.

As long as Yuan Peilin dared to show his face, he was a dead man!

Just as Li Ya returned to the Action Team, Gao Yuan hurried up to him: "Boss, something has happened."

"Lu Qiaoshan has arrested Master Liao, claiming he is involved in ticket scalping, and has dragged him to the basement."

"What are you panicking about?" Li Ya curled his lip, picked up the water that had cooled to room temperature, and took a sip.

"Isn't he just looking for someone?"

"Master Liao will be handed over to him."

Li Ya said indifferently.

Jinhai Station.

This is getting interesting.

The Station Master is swindling his money.

The petty people below are ganging up to work against him.

Getting into the newspapers.

Arresting Master Liao.

Aren't they all just trying to make Yuan Peilin appear?

He simply won't let them have their way.

Let's see who gets the last laugh.

As for Master Liao, he is already riddled with illness and doesn't have many years left to live.

Years ago, when his son committed murder, it was he himself who secured his release.

Where he is, what he is doing.

Only he himself knows.

Therefore, Master Liao would rather die than betray Yuan Peilin.

Otherwise, why would he go to such great lengths?

Dating, listening to operas.

As if it were just for fun.

Interrogation room.

Lao Wu threw away the blood-stained horsewhip in his hand, lit a cigarette, and leaned against the wall to take a few puffs.

He glanced at Dong Cheng, feeling troubled in his heart.

For a long time, Lao Wu had received many favors from Hong Zhiyou and admired him from the bottom of his heart.

Passing on a word was nothing.

The key was that Section Chief Xiao had tipped him off that the Station Master had other arrangements.

Therefore, the words Secretary Hong had entrusted were no longer necessary.

Sigh!

He let out a soft sigh, smoked the cigarette down to his fingertips in a few deep drags, and then reluctantly threw it on the ground.

"Lao Wu, Division Chief Lu wants you to go to the room next door."

A staff member called out.

Lao Wu pulled himself together and went to the room next door.

"Division Chief Lu." He greeted him, his gaze falling on the gaunt Master Liao.

"Don't ask yet."

"Let him suffer a bit first."

Lu Qiaoshan sneered and ordered.

Lao Wu skillfully picked up the whip and gave Master Liao a brutal beating.

"Officer, wh-what exactly do you want to ask?"

"I, I will tell you everything."

"Please, stop hitting me."

Master Liao's face was covered in blood, and he begged for mercy with a pained expression.

"You all go out first."

Lu Qiaoshan smiled and waved his hand, signaling everyone to withdraw.

"Did Li Ya hide someone in your opera troupe?" Lu Qiaoshan asked.

"Who is Li Ya?" Master Liao asked, confused.

"Captain Li."

"Oh, him, I remember now. He did arrange for someone to join the opera troupe."

"This person doesn't talk much."

"He usually stays in the backyard and doesn't come out much."

"Because it was Captain Li who arranged it, we didn't dare to order him around too much; he just helped clear away props and equipment after the show when we were really busy."

Master Liao replied suddenly.

"I really want to tear your mouth apart!"

"Last time when Inspector Li went to investigate, didn't you say everyone was accounted for and there was no one else?"

Lu Qiaoshan's expression changed instantly, and he roared right into his face.

"I, I... Captain Li gave instructions not to say anything," Master Liao said.

"Do you know who that person is?" Lu Qiaoshan asked.

"I don't know, he just said his name was Old Lin," Master Liao said.

"Old Lin."

"Yuan Peilin, that must be him."

"So he really was hiding in the opera troupe."

Lu Qiaoshan gave a dry laugh, closed his eyes, and let out a long breath.

"Where is he hiding?" he asked.

"Right in the woodshed in the back," Master Liao said.

"Good."

"Lao Wu, come in."

Lu Qiaoshan waved his hand and said.

"Division Chief Lu, at your command." Lao Wu walked in.

"Keep beating him for me."

Lu Qiaoshan glared at Master Liao, snorted with disdain, and walked quickly toward the Station Master's office.

Finally, my luck is turning.

Li Ya, oh Li Ya.

No matter how cunning you are, didn't I still dig you out?

Let's see how you manage to be this Deputy Station Master.

(End of chapter)