Chapter 214

Eleven o'clock at night.

Li Ya, having shed his exhaustion and reluctance on Mei Yingxue, sighed softly and even lit a post-coital cigarette, which was rare for him.

"What's wrong, Brother Ya?

"Are you still feeling bad because of the punishment from your uncle-in-law?

"It's all my fault.

"I shouldn't have brought this up to you."

Mei Yingxue nestled in Li Ya's arms, blaming herself pitifully.

"Xue'er, it has nothing to do with you.

"I'm just angry that I couldn't kill him with one shot.

"In front of the Station Chief, that lecher was still full of righteous indignation, insisting that you seduced him; it almost killed me with anger."

Li Ya said angrily.

"That person is truly shameless.

"He, he even took out... he even rubbed against me.

"If I hadn't struggled with all my might, I would have..."

Mei Yingxue pretended to be too ashamed to continue.

"Really?

"He, he even rubbed against you, are you sure?" Li Ya said.

"Brother Ya, I, how could I lie to you?

"Forget it.

"Anyway, he didn't succeed.

"If we keep making a scene, who knows how my uncle-in-law will favor him."

Mei Yingxue pretended to be understanding.

"That's right.

"They aren't of the same family, they don't enter the same door; these two father-in-law and son-in-law are more treacherous than ghosts.

"Hong Zhiyou almost killed me with a shot, and he didn't mention a word of it.

"And me.

"It was reported directly to Headquarters, and I got a major demerit.

"Sigh.

"My salary is suspended, and I accept that.

"I was counting on performing new services to offset the punishment, but now the old one hasn't gone and a new one has come; I'm afraid there's no hope of moving up a step in this life.

"After what happened today, the grudge between me and Hong Zhiyou can't be resolved.

"Plus Wu Jingzhong favors him.

"Xue'er, I'm afraid I can't stay in Jinhai Station anymore."

Li Ya held the cigarette in his mouth, looking lost and pained.

Mei Yingxue was ecstatic.

She had been waiting for a suitable opportunity to lobby Li Ya.

After hoping and waiting, it had finally come.

"Why don't you apply for a transfer to Headquarters, or somewhere else?

"Anyway, 'marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog'; wherever you go, I'll follow."

Mei Yingxue played it safe and said very obediently and virtuously.

"I've thought about this long ago.

"Good places now, like Hankou, Yuezhou, Xiangdao, Hangcheng, and Shanghu, are all 'one radish, one hole'; they can't even distribute the positions internally, how could they tolerate an outsider monk like me?

"After the Yuan Peilin incident, in the eyes of Headquarters and the generals everywhere, I'm now considered to have poor skills.

"No one will want me.

"I've consulted the Personnel Department at Headquarters; the only places I can go are remote areas like Qinghai or the Northeast, or serve as cannon fodder for Hu Zongnan and Station Chief Hou, doing jobs like impersonating civilians or using red tickets to sneak into Yancheng to die.

"Once I leave Jinhai, it's no different from being dead.

"If this place doesn't keep me, I won't go elsewhere.

"Now I'm truly at the end of my rope."

Li Ya sighed heavily.

So that was it. Mei Yingxue felt relieved and said that long-awaited sentence: "Why, why don't you follow me to England? My father has businesses there.

"We can go into business.

"Don't worry, the English are very enthusiastic; you'll be able to play with them soon."

"I, can I?" Li Ya appeared slightly tempted.

"Of course.

"Which of those high officials doesn't go abroad now?

"Aren't the children of the Jiang, Song, Kong, and Chen families all in North America?

"This way, if you don't want to go to England, we can go to North America together later."

Mei Yingxue sat up straight and began to lobby in all seriousness.

"Wouldn't I become a kept man then?" Li Ya said, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

"How could that be?

"People like you are most popular in England.

"Do you remember when I asked my classmate to borrow money for you last time?"

Mei Yingxue asked with a smile.

"Hmm." Li Ya nodded and secretly pressed the miniature tape recorder under the pillow.

Then, he adjusted his sitting posture to avoid pressing on it.

He had tested it earlier; this newly improved tape recorder had excellent performance and could record normal speech very clearly.

"He is the Deputy Head of the International Observation Group sent by the British Royal Family.

"Their trip this time is to investigate the truth about the Nationalist Government's mineral resources, in order to cut off military aid from North America.

"This is also the intention of the Royal Family and the upper echelons of North America.

"I heard my classmate mention last time that as long as we can get data in this regard and expose the Nationalist Government's false public opinion propaganda, they can provide a reward of 100,000 US dollars.

"Not only that, for someone like you who manages the data of the Agricultural and Mining Bureau and is also a key member of Jinhai Station, if you can testify in court, the reward from the Royal Family will be even more generous.

"Who knows, they might even award you a medal.

"By then, holding British citizenship, spending US dollars, and living the life of a person above others—that would be a divine couple for us.

"Why would we need to live by looking at the expressions of my uncle-in-law and his gang of country bumpkins?"

Mei Yingxue began to talk eloquently.

"Abroad... is it really that good?" Li Ya smacked his lips and asked.

"Of course.

"The moon in England is rounder than ours.

"The air there is full of birdsong and fragrance, and it's all sweet.

"The people there are enthusiastic and uninhibited, and they love making friends.

"Once you go, you'll know what a true paradise is!"

Mei Yingxue described it with a look of infatuation.

Trying to bully me for not reading? It's not like I haven't seen pictures of the smoggy Industrial Revolution in London.

Li Ya cursed inwardly and put on a tempted look:

"Since you put it that way, it is indeed a place to go."

"Of course.

"Darling, the most important thing is that we can be together.

"By then, I'll give you a bunch of kids, we'll live in a villa, have a beautiful garden, eat barbecue—just think about what kind of life that is."

Mei Yingxue continued to paint a big picture for him.

"Yingxue, it still won't work.

"According to what you say, it's still just sitting and eating away the mountain.

"In this life, I only know how to be a secret agent; I can't do any other work if I go to England."

Li Ya said, looking troubled.

"You don't know about this, do you?

"James has another identity; he is an intelligence officer for MI6. If you are willing to follow me to England, he can completely invite you to join MI6.

"That is the most mysterious and high-end intelligence agency in the world.

"Compared to them, your Military Statistics and Confidentiality Bureau are just child's play.

"Don't you want to go there and show off your skills?"

This idiot Mei Yingxue, once she got carried away, spilled everything.

Li Ya was waiting for this sentence; he frowned and continued to lure her into the trap:

"Xue'er, do you know what you're saying?

"You are betraying the country, engaging in espionage to sabotage the Nationalist Government's military aid; this is a major crime if caught."

Mei Yingxue curled her lips in disdain:

"Hey.

"You are truly stubborn. There are so many people going abroad these days; don't the Jiang, Song, Kong, and Chen families also immigrate to North America? The things they leak are immeasurable.

"You're just leaking some data, a sesame-seed-sized matter.

"Who cares about you."

As she spoke, she kissed Li Ya: "Darling, opportunities don't come twice; this is my classmate, if it were someone else, where would you find such a ladder to the clouds?"

"Xue'er, you're right.

"A tree moved dies, a person moved lives.

"Since I can't stay in Jinhai, if I can join the Sixth Bureau, I, I can consider it."

After hesitating for a few seconds, Li Ya finally made up his mind.

"However, I need to have a face-to-face talk with James to ensure the benefits I can get.

"In any case, he has to give some advance payment to show his sincerity."

Li Ya felt that this might also be a good opportunity to make a big profit.

"That's great!

"I'll go meet James tomorrow and fight for the greatest benefits for us.

"Then we'll set the time, and you two can meet."

Seeing that she had persuaded Li Ya, Mei Yingxue was so excited she trembled.

"Baby, now that we are quasi-husband and wife and also comrades, tell me the truth, are you also related to MI6?" Li Ya said.

"Don't hide it from me; if you are, I'll feel more at ease." Fearing Mei Yingxue would overthink, he added.

"Hmm.

"Actually, I became an external employee of the Sixth Bureau when I was in college.

"But it was the unofficial kind.

"I haven't received much orthodox training; to tell you the truth, this return to Jinhai to get data is my first mission.

"By a stroke of luck, I met you, Brother Ya.

"Perhaps this is fate.

"God has destined that we will be together forever."

Mei Yingxue said, hugging his neck.

Fate your mother, you disaster, you slut.

If it weren't for Jiang Jianfeng and the Station Chief intentionally trying to pull him up, he would have been secretly executed by the Jingling faction long ago.

"With those words from you, I feel at ease.

"Cheers to the future."

Li Ya leaned over and took the red wine and wine glasses from the nightstand, and the two drank a round.

Encouraged by the wine, the two went crazy once more.

Mei Yingxue let go of her inhibitions.

Her slutty nature was fully revealed; with her good voice and various tricks, Li Ya really had the urge to marry her.

"Brother Ya.

"It's getting late, I have to go home."

Mei Yingxue couldn't wait to report this good news to James.

"Alright.

"Do you want me to see you off?"

Li Ya pretended to be reluctant as he got up to see her off.

"No need, I'm driving, it's safe."

Mei Yingxue smiled sweetly, wiggled her hips, and got into the car.

Li Ya stood at the door and watched her leave.

"Mei Yingxue, oh Mei Yingxue.

"I thought you were how capable, but I didn't expect you to be a straw bag.

"It seems the British MI6 is nothing more than this!"

Li Ya sighed coldly and returned to the house.

He quickly picked up the phone and dialed Wu Jingzhong's number:

"Oh, it's Chou'er, sorry to trouble you to call the Station Chief for me.

"I know it's very late.

"But I have an urgent matter to report.

"Hello, Teacher, it's me, has Secretary Hong woken up?"

"Can you two go to the station? I have important matters to report."

After receiving an affirmative reply from Wu Jingzhong.

Li Ya drove to Jinhai Station.

……

No. 1 Changde Road.

Wu Jingzhong was yawning as he drank tea, looking at Hong Zhiyou, who had a bandage wrapped around his head: "It seems Li Ya has succeeded. Let's go, let's go listen."

"Teacher, did Li Ya and I play a bit too big this time? It has damaged your family style and reputation."

After getting into the car, Hong Zhiyou pressed his still-aching head and bared his teeth.

"Face is a small matter.

"As long as Ruirui knows the truth, nothing else is important.

"I gave Li Ya a major demerit; Jiang Jianfeng probably won't protect him, and his life will be just like that. Stabilizing Jinhai Station and seizing the time to make some peaceful money is the most important thing."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Hmm, if Teacher has no objections, then I'm relieved." Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.

"It's just that your head was injured in vain.

"Whether this matter succeeds or fails, there's no way to claim credit for you.

"If we were to truly discuss merit and reward, you and Li Ya would be promoted at least one rank; even if I don't do this later, you would at least be a section chief when sent out.

"What a pity."

Wu Jingzhong looked at Hong Zhiyou and couldn't help but clap his hands and sigh painfully.

"No matter.

"As long as the task can be done well, this small injury is nothing." Hong Zhiyou said.

"Nonsense.

"The task belongs to the Party and State, but your body belongs to the children, to Ruirui, and to yourself; public and private must be distinguished.

"Have you thought about it?

"What if something happens to you, what will Ruirui and the children do?

"In the future, you must consider everything thoroughly."

When Wu Jingzhong said this, he couldn't help but sigh:

"I've been rolling and crawling for so many years, following big demons and old foxes like Boss Dai and Zheng Jiemin; after working until now, I've only managed to figure out eight words!"

"Which eight words?" Hong Zhiyou knew, but he had to pretend to be very curious.

"If a man doesn't look out for himself, heaven and earth will destroy him!

"Why are the Jiang, Song, Kong, and Chen families willing to revolt? They are all pouring mountains of gold and silver into North America, taking care of people ten generations down.

"We don't need to talk about ten generations, but at least we have to take care of Ruirui and the children.

"Someone like Li Ya is what you call a reckless man, an idiot!

"Do you understand?"

Wu Jingzhong poked his chest and said solemnly.

"The student understands." Hong Zhiyou said, receiving the instruction.

Upon arriving at the station, Li Ya had long been waiting.

Entering the Station Chief's office, he directly pressed the tape recorder, and Mei Yingxue's clear voice came from inside.

"Teacher, this evidence can be considered clear and distinct, right?" Li Ya pursed his cheeks, raised his chin, and said proudly.

"Not bad.

"Captain Li's cellar digging wasn't in vain; the fruits are abundant.

"Thank you for your hard work.

"I will take the tape and rush to Jingling tomorrow morning to report to Jiang Jianfeng in person.

"I will definitely claim credit for you then."

Wu Jingzhong praised.

"Teacher, don't wait until tomorrow morning; why not go overnight?

"Mei Yingxue promised to help me make an appointment with James tomorrow.

"If you and the higher-ups don't set the tone, I won't be able to decide on the next step of the action."

Li Ya tilted his eyebrows, looked at Wu Jingzhong, and swayed his body with his hands in his pockets.

Wu Jingzhong stared at him for a few seconds, then laughed, slapped the table, and said readily:

"Good.

"Zhiyou, you immediately contact the Garrison Headquarters to prepare a military plane for me; I'm flying to Jingling right now."

"Thank you, Teacher." Li Ya nodded with satisfaction.

"Li Ya, your face is pale from being worn out by that woman; go back and wait for news, I'll try my best to be back before dawn." Wu Jingzhong ordered.

"Alright, then I'll wait for the good news." He bowed slightly, shook his head, and walked out with his hands in his pockets.

"See that?

"The matter isn't even done yet, and this wild energy is starting to float again.

"Go make a backup of this tape.

"Although Li Ya said those things to lure Yingxue.

"But besides us and Jiang Jianfeng, who can prove it?

"This thing can lift him up now.

"But it can also put him to death in minutes in the future.

"Colluding with spies, plotting to sabotage military aid, lusting after beauty, worshipping foreign things, and attempting to join MI6—any one of these crimes is enough to make him suffer."

Wu Jingzhong snorted coldly.

"The student understands." Hong Zhiyou nodded and immediately went to the equipment room to make a backup.

One hour later.

Hong Zhiyou drove Wu Jingzhong to the airport.

By the time they arrived in Jingling, it was almost three in the morning.

Jiang Jianfeng had long sent a special car to wait at the airport.

They went straight to the No. 2 Residence.

After a simple wash and tidying up his appearance, Wu Jingzhong marched into the residence and saluted respectfully: "Jinhai Station Chief Wu Jingzhong requests an audience with Comrade Jiang Jianfeng."

Jiang Jianfeng was very satisfied with his use of the word "Comrade."

This showed that Wu Jingzhong had completely abandoned Dai Li's ways and his heart was towards him.

"Old classmate, sit quickly.

"I had the kitchen boil some lean meat porridge; let's eat together.

"Back in the Soviet Union, I remember eating bread and drinking milk every day; we were both craving this authentic lean meat porridge."

Jiang Jianfeng greeted him to sit down with a smile.

"That's right.

"Conditions were bitter back then; it's not like now where you can eat things from all over the world.

"Recalling the bitterness and thinking of the sweetness is a person's duty."

Wu Jingzhong sat down and also sighed with a smile.

"Hmm.

"Many people in the Party and State are not honest now, for example, certain people who sympathize with red tickets and run around for red tickets under the name of Party and State giants.

"This kind of person has forgotten their duty.

"Forgotten who she is!"

Jiang Jianfeng appeared to be making small talk, but he started talking about business right away.

Cold sweat broke out on Wu Jingzhong's back.

This could be considered a clear indication of what he should do on the 3rd of next month.

It seems this was also the Generalissimo's intention.

"Jingzhong is ignorant.

"I don't know who you are referring to?"

Wu Jingzhong shifted uncomfortably, leaned forward, and asked with a smile.

"You, Jingzhong, are too slippery." Jiang Jianfeng pointed at him with a smile and didn't go deeper.

Some things cannot be said out loud, even between father and him.

Wu Jingzhong sat up straight and said in a loud voice: "Jingzhong only knows that wherever the Generalissimo and you point, I will strike, regardless of who she is, regardless of whether she is a giant or a veteran."

"Hmm."

Jiang Jianfeng nodded noncommittally, "The matter you reported tonight is very important; Father has been unable to sleep at night recently because of military aid and the public opinion war with this gang of foreign devils.

"Did you bring the thing?"

Wu Jingzhong handed over the tape recorder.

After listening, Jiang Jianfeng turned it off calmly.

"Do you have any instructions?" Wu Jingzhong looked at him.

Jiang Jianfeng also looked at him.

If there were instructions, he wouldn't have had to go around so many corners.

Wu Jingzhong was not an idiot; of course, he wasn't asking for instructions regarding James and Mei Yingxue.

This matter could only be borne by Li Ya alone.

No outsider knew about it.

Jiang Jianfeng knew he was asking how to deal with Li Ya.

Silence him.

Or commend him!

Jiang Jianfeng stood up and paced a few steps with his hands behind his back.

"Li Ya participated in the Jinshanwei battle and also sneaked into Yancheng alone; he has merit to the Party and State.

"Although he made a mistake.

"But I see that he is still loyal to the Party and State.

"Currently, the red tickets are powerful; Father has already sent Chen Jicheng to keep an eye on the Jin-Sui Army Group in Beiping, and you must also have a sharp knife in Jinhai to keep an eye on Chen Zhangjie.

"I think Li Ya is quite suitable.

"When it comes to managing subordinates, it's better to be lenient."

Jiang Jianfeng turned his head and said.

"Li Ya being able to achieve preliminary results—that secretary of yours also has merit." After a pause, he looked at Wu Jingzhong and said.

Wu Jingzhong cursed his ancestors for eighteen generations inwardly.

Talking about Li Ya, he dragged his own son-in-law into it.

It was clear that if the matter was handled well, Li Ya would land safely.

If not handled well, Hong Zhiyou would be buried with him.

This was indirectly forcing Wu Jingzhong to handle the task with all his heart and strength; otherwise, it would mean the destruction of his family.

A mere sentence, killing without seeing blood.

"The subordinate understands.

"I will return to Jinhai immediately and start the next step of the action."

Wu Jingzhong stood up and accepted the order respectfully.

"No rush.

"Drink the porridge before you go." Jiang Jianfeng smiled.

"Better not.

"I'm afraid if I drink too much, my prostate will rebel.

"Drink a little less, I can still catch up on sleep on the plane."

Wu Jingzhong didn't want to stay for even a moment; he just wanted to go back as soon as possible.

Jiang Jianfeng had been by the old man's side for a long time.

His political maneuvers were becoming more and more refined and seasoned.

There was less human touch, and he wasn't as easy to fool as before.

"Hmm, go, I wish you success." Jiang Jianfeng said.

"Thank you."

Wu Jingzhong bowed and retreated.

……

Returning to Jinhai.

It was already 6:30 in the morning.

Wu Jingzhong's eyes were so blurry he couldn't open them.

Hong Zhiyou hurriedly gave him a warm towel to wipe his face.

"Teacher, what instructions did the higher-ups have?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Jiang Jianfeng tends to keep Li Ya.

"And damn it, he dragged you into it as well; sigh, anyway, since we're already involved, we'll just do our best to handle the task."

Wu Jingzhong sighed and said.

"That plan Ruirui told me about last time, do you think it will work?

"Today is the 1st.

"The day after tomorrow, the Generalissimo is flying to Shenyang.

"We still have to arrange security for Madam passing through Jinhai; no matter how you look at it, it's best to act today."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm.

"Just follow Ruirui's suggestion.

"Even if it doesn't work, it has to work.

"You immediately call Li Ya and Ding Defeng and tell them to rush over immediately!"

Wu Jingzhong ordered.

(End of chapter)