Chapter 218: Only failure is allowed, success is not

Interrogation room.

Li Ya leaned against the table, touching his smooth chin, watching with interest as Lu Baoxing tortured Mei Yingxue.

As the direct disciple of Old Five, Lu Baoxing's methods were even more ruthless; the horsewhip soaked in salt, every lash left Mei Yingxue's skin torn and flesh mangled.

The beautiful, snow-white beauty was covered in shocking whip marks.

Not only that.

Lu Baoxing also used a branding iron with heavy force.

There are external tricks for men.

Naturally, there are ruthless tricks for women too.

All the assets Mei Yingxue was proud of were destroyed and charred.

So much so that the entire interrogation room was once filled with the smell of charred flesh and urine.

No matter how Mei Yingxue begged, Li Ya remained unmoved.

Every time she was beaten unconscious, she would be splashed awake with cold water.

By the end, even Lu Baoxing couldn't bring himself to continue.

"I beg you, I, I'll confess everything.

"Brother Ya, I was wrong.

"Spare my life, don't, don't hit me anymore."

Mei Yingxue begged weakly and pitifully.

"Captain Li," Lu Baoxing looked at Li Ya.

Li Ya looked at the ugly, disheveled Mei Yingxue in front of him, a cruel, cold sneer appearing at the corner of his mouth.

Thinking of this woman's ugly behavior with the foreign devil, and the green socks and green tie that humiliated him—what youthful vitality, it was clearly bullying him too much.

What was even more infuriating was that from beginning to end, this was a trap.

This woman deceived him.

And even attempted to defile his loyalty to the Party and State, and to Jianfeng.

This was the most unforgivable thing.

Without exaggeration, the humiliation brought by Mei Yingxue was a hundred, a thousand times heavier than that slap from Hong Zhiyou.

Li Ya even felt nauseated at the thought that he had truly loved her for a moment.

That kind of sickening feeling was like someone having taken a shit on his head, which couldn't be wiped off or washed clean.

It had even become a nightmare, often waking him up in the middle of the night from disgust.

If he didn't have to keep her dog life.

Li Ya could truly have sliced her into a thousand pieces.

"Sign and press your fingerprint."

Li Ya handed over the confession transcripts and other materials.

Mei Yingxue signed and pressed her fingerprint with trembling hands.

"Xue'er, look at yourself; you look like a dog now," Li Ya took a mirror and humiliated Mei Yingxue as much as possible.

When Mei Yingxue saw her ugly, bloody, and mangled face in the mirror, she screamed "Ah" and dodged away.

"Being cheap also requires capital; looking like this, no man will like you anymore, right?" Li Ya mocked.

"Brother Ya.

"I, I..."

Mei Yingxue cried desperately in a wailing voice.

"Captain Li, did she confess?" At this time, Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou walked in.

"Deputy Station Chief Yu."

Li Ya put down the mirror and handed over the materials:

"She confessed everything; take a look."

Yu Zecheng looked at the materials and nodded quickly: "Secretary Hong, seal one copy and send it to the Confidentiality Section, seal another one immediately, then prepare a plane; I will personally send it to Jingling later."

"Understood, Deputy Station Chief Yu," Hong Zhiyou accepted the order solemnly.

Seeing Yu Zecheng looking more and more like a Deputy Station Chief, Li Ya asked uncomfortably:

"How should this woman be handled?"

"That depends on whether you want the foreigners to say it was a confession extracted under torture, or if you insist on having her testify in court," Yu Zecheng shook his head slightly and laughed, showing his white teeth.

Li Ya's brow sank, realizing something was wrong.

He had made a serious mistake.

Once Mei Yingxue couldn't be a witness, there was only one choice: send her to the afterlife.

Otherwise, if found by someone with ulterior motives.

With this woman's nature, she would definitely retract her confession.

At that time, overturning the table would be a troublesome matter.

Yu Zecheng, however, ignored him and stood up to walk out.

"Deputy Station Chief Yu, with these things, photos, and recordings, it should be enough to be evidence, right?" Li Ya hurried to chase after him and called out.

"I've never fought an international lawsuit; you'll have to ask Ambassador Gu Weijun about that," Yu Zecheng smiled faintly.

"Then this woman?" Li Ya asked.

"I only took over temporarily and am not very clear about your inside story; why don't you ask the Station Chief or Jianfeng?" Yu Zecheng said.

"Alright," Li Ya said.

After Yu Zecheng left, Li Ya raised his hand and slapped himself.

He was truly blinded by this woman.

It also had to do with him endlessly pestering Mei Yingxue to stir up trouble for the past period, consuming a large amount of energy, being blinded by lust, and his brain becoming sluggish.

Li Ya could never have imagined.

He would make such a stupid and clumsy mistake.

Now it was fine; not dealing with Mei Yingxue would be a big trouble.

"Section Chief Xiao, call everyone from the action team who went on the mission today to the conference room; I want to interrogate and record them one by one.

"Also, call the person in charge of the Telecommunications Section, you, and Secretary Hong to come and listen as witnesses."

Back in the office, Yu Zecheng called Xiao Guohua.

Soon, the Security Section started summoning people one by one.

"What is this for?"

Li Ya, who was worrying, grabbed a section member who had gone on the mission and asked.

"Director Yu wants everyone's on-site transcripts.

"They have to be sent to Jingling along with the confession."

That person replied.

"Is that so?"

Li Ya felt something was wrong and hurried toward the conference room.

At the door, he was stopped by someone from the Security Section: "Sorry, Captain Li, Deputy Station Chief Yu said you need to avoid suspicion and it's not appropriate for you to attend."

"Understood."

Li Ya pursed his lips and walked away.

Soon.

Gao Yuan and the others arrived at the conference room.

Yu Zecheng interrogated them one by one:

"Are you sure Captain Li was holding a gun at the scene of the adultery capture?"

"Sure."

Mi Zhiguo nodded.

"Think clearly; this is an international case, and you'll lose your heads if you commit perjury," Yu Zecheng said solemnly.

Hearing him say this, the others also echoed.

"Good.

"I'll ask one more thing: did Captain Li point the gun at James at the time?" Yu Zecheng asked again.

"Think clearly before answering," he reminded again.

The few looked at each other.

Gao Yuan wanted to speak but was stopped by a hint from Hong Zhiyou.

"Seems like there was."

Someone replied in a low voice.

"If there was, there was; if not, not. Everyone think carefully," Yu Zecheng said.

"There was.

"Yes, Captain Li was pointing the gun at James."

With someone taking the lead, the others followed.

After finishing the transcripts.

Yu Zecheng invited the witnesses to sign and press their fingerprints, then returned to the office.

"Zhiyou, call Li Ya over," Yu Zecheng said, looking slightly tired.

"Yes, Deputy Station Chief Yu."

Hong Zhiyou quickly called Li Ya in.

"Captain Li, these are their confessions; do you see any problems?" Yu Zecheng handed them over.

"Deputy Station Chief, this pointing a gun at someone—won't people say it was a threat or coercion that made James jump off the building?

"James was clearly caught cheating, ashamed and embarrassed, and jumped off in a panic.

"I just went up to catch them.

"His death has nothing to do with me."

Li Ya immediately saw the clues.

"James was of course panicking.

"You are a hero of the Party and State, a hero of the Jinhai Station; the whole station will ensure your safety.

"This confession is top secret; the executors and witnesses have all signed and pressed their fingerprints, and no one is allowed to reveal a single word to the outside world.

"It will be kept in the Confidentiality Section.

"Externally, I will draft another announcement document to notify the International Observation Group of James's death.

"What do you think?

"After all, the person is already dead, and I reckon the Observation Group has already heard the wind by now."

Yu Zecheng said.

"Then thank you, Deputy Station Chief Yu," Li Ya said, sucking his teeth.

"You're welcome," Yu Zecheng looked up and smiled brightly.

Li Ya walked out with a gloomy face.

Yu Zecheng was clearly targeting him, meddling in other people's business and insisting on leaving such a handle, plus a pile of corroborating evidence; even if he wanted to deny it, he couldn't.

Damn it!

This stupid James, why did he have to jump off the building?

Now it's fine.

He is very likely to be sued for threatening James to jump off the building; that's the murder of an International Observation Group Deputy Leader. If it gets big, even Jianfeng won't be able to protect him.

Moreover, Jianfeng didn't give clear instructions from beginning to end.

It was clear he wanted him to handle it himself.

Originally a perfectly good great contribution, now it's a mess, with Mei Yingxue not knowing how to be handled, and himself being held hostage.

It's damn annoying.

Li Ya rubbed his temples, which were long-term indulgent, dizzy, and faint, and his mood was at its worst.

Yu Zecheng leaned back and exhaled.

The Station Chief didn't want to do it himself.

He let him offend Li Ya.

But he had no choice, and he was indeed the best candidate.

The goods in Beiping.

And Li Ya's coveting of the Deputy Station Chief position.

As well as the two of them clashing many times before.

Now it's just that everyone shouldn't pretend anymore; let's fight openly.

Sigh, no choice.

Who told him his only backer was the Station Chief.

If the Station Chief wants him to sit in the deputy position, dirty work is unavoidable; this is the price.

Third floor of the British Club.

Kennard chewed on a cigar and picked up the phone: "It's me.

"Good, I know.

"Don't worry, I will bite him and not let go; you can win the lawsuit, but this person's matter is definitely not over."

Hanging up the phone, a smile appeared on Kennard's mouth.

James is dead.

That's good news.

He came to the National Government this time to do two things.

One: Persuade James to cooperate with the disinfection and leave the club.

Two: Handle James's funeral and bite that Li Ya.

Kennard didn't need to know how James died at all.

He only knew that this Li Ya appeared at the death scene with people.

Then he killed him.

Li Ya must be responsible for this matter.

This is the logic and reason of the British Empire toward the Jiang government.

Two things earned tens of thousands of US dollars, plus gold bars and antiques; it couldn't be more worth it.

The next day.

Wu Jingzhong returned to the office with a tired face.

Yu Zecheng only dared to talk about going to Jingling; he wasn't qualified to see Jianfeng.

These things still had to be handled by him personally.

Last night, he didn't sleep again and flew to Jingling, personally handing various evidence to Jianfeng, who also hadn't slept all night.

Military aid concerns the fate of the Party and State; Jianfeng had the British espionage case widely disclosed overnight in various parts of the country and overseas.

Although Li Ya was suspected of murder.

But for those in power, these were secondary.

They wanted a victory in public opinion.

To be able to strike back at those voices in the International Court.

"Sigh, busy all night.

"Since I got home, I haven't slept, just answering various phone calls.

"How is Li Ya doing?"

Military aid wasn't something he needed to worry about anymore; Wu Jingzhong only cared about his own interests now.

"Master, Kennard is now insisting that Li Ya murdered James; after a night of fermentation, it has now risen to a diplomatic incident, and the British Embassy has already spoken out.

"Moreover, James has a certain background in Britain.

"The Prime Minister and the Royal Family have all spoken out.

"I reckon Jianfeng is under great pressure now; who knows, if we over-contribute, Li Ya might just confess directly."

Hong Zhiyou said in a deep voice.

"This is within expectations.

"The key is whether we can win the lawsuit.

"I understand Jianfeng.

"If we can win and keep the military aid, Li Ya is a hero and a capable official of the Party and State; Jianfeng is thirsty for talent and is also a member of his own Iron-Blooded Youth Corps, so he will definitely protect him.

"If we can't win and the aid is cut off, Li Ya will definitely be taken out to be held accountable."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Zecheng, what do you think of this lawsuit?" He turned to look at Yu Zecheng.

"Isn't there a ready-made half-immortal here?

"Why don't you calculate it?"

Yu Zecheng looked at Hong Zhiyou.

Hong Zhiyou laughed: "With the wisdom of the Chairman, of course, we will win."

"I hope so," Wu Jingzhong sighed.

As they were talking, the phone rang.

Wu Jingzhong pointed at the phone and said: "The one who scolds is here, and it still has to be me answering; you guess, is it Jianfeng or Mao Renfeng?"

"I bet on Jianfeng," Hong Zhiyou said.

"I bet on Bureau Chief Mao," Yu Zecheng said.

"I bet on the Chairman.

"One hundred dollars!"

Wu Jingzhong looked at the two, walked to the phone, and pretended to be relaxed: "Hello, it's me."

Immediately, his face changed drastically, and he stood straight and respectful:

"Yes, yes!

"Yes!

"Please rest assured, Jingzhong will definitely complete the task!"

Slap!

Hanging up the phone, he exhaled: "Zhang Qun called; pay up."

"Really, it really is the Chairman's order."

Yu Zecheng and the other hurriedly reached into their pockets and handed over the money.

Wu Jingzhong took it and stuffed it into his pocket.

"Master, what instructions did Mr. Zhang convey?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"The old man is generally satisfied with the Jinhai matter, scolded a few times, and asked for money.

"Big figures, after all, will operate on things that have already happened; no one will dwell on them. After all, we are one of the victorious nations against fascism.

"The British are making a fuss, but the North American military aid faction isn't a vegetarian either.

"The Chairman doesn't care about the life or death of the foreign devils and Li Ya; he only cares when the dollars you promised Yu Xuan will arrive, and that Fu Zuoyi will fully cooperate with Hu Zongnan in sending troops."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"This matter needs the Americans to operate; it just so happens that this matter is resolved, and the military aid faction owes a favor, so it's easy to handle," Hong Zhiyou said.

"It must be as soon as possible," Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Also, the matter of flying to Shenyang on the 3rd of next month has been confirmed.

"Heh, still in the mood to fly to Shenyang; it seems he has great confidence in the lawsuit, and the military aid faction should be able to stabilize their footing with this wave of public opinion.

"Two gentlemen, it's almost New Year's.

"Jianfeng has thrown us a difficult problem: the assassination of Lin Tai.

"Since we guarantee the Madam's safety.

"We also have to complete the task.

"This is also the Chairman's meaning.

"My principle is to learn from Boss Dai.

"The momentum must be big, and the attitude must be firm, but 'only failure is allowed, success is not'."

Wu Jingzhong didn't avoid Yu Zecheng and said loudly. 【226】 He knew Yu might have some connection with the Red tickets. 【227】 At least he was in close contact with Yong Jianqiu. 【228】 Letting Yu Zecheng pass the word to the Red tickets in advance, the best result is that Lin Tai doesn't come, then everyone is happy. 【229】 If she must come, the Red tickets must secretly do a good job of protection. 【230】 Furthermore, when necessary, they still have to cooperate with him. 【231】 "Yes. 【232】 "Only failure is allowed, success is not. 【233】 "Still your old three tricks: poison, bombs, and black guns; first let someone make a loud bang to scare them; if they can not come, that would be even better." 【234】 Hong Zhiyou laughed. 【235】 "Yes. 【236】 "Whether we can pass the New Year depends on this sound," Wu Jingzhong said. 【237】 "The trouble now is that Li Ya is sandwiched in between. 【238】 "Jianfeng can hint at me. 【239】 "Perhaps he will instruct Li Ya to take action; he definitely won't report this kind of thing to me. 【240】 "Let's see if the higher-ups reward or punish Li Ya this time. 【241】 "If they protect him, Li Ya will most likely take the task. 【242】 "There might even be the Party-Communication Bureau. 【243】 "Ye Xiufeng has repeatedly spoiled the mood in front of the Chairman, and he is very likely to take this opportunity to turn things around." 【244】 Wu Jingzhong said. 【245】 "We must be on guard. 【246】 "Lin Tai's roots are very deep; if something goes wrong in Jinhai, this matter will be blamed on you anyway. 【247】 "Those veterans of the Party and State are afraid they'll overturn our Jinhai Station," Yu Zecheng hurriedly echoed. 【248】 "That's why I say we are very passive. 【249】 "We have to act in front of Jianfeng and secretly ensure Lin Tai's safety. 【250】 "Sigh. 【251】 "Forget it, it's mealtime; Zhiyou, you go to that Muslim restaurant from last time and book a private room. 【252】 "Since Ruirui came back, I've been drinking crucian carp and chicken soup every day; my mouth has become tasteless. 【253】 "Let's eat!" 【254】 Wu Jingzhong was too lazy to think anymore, waved his hand, and stood up. 【255】... 【256】 In the afternoon, Wu Jingzhong ate and drank his fill and returned to the office; just as he planned to drink tea and take a nap in the inner room, Li Ya followed him in. 【257】 "Li Ya, anything up?" he asked with a smile. 【258】 "Master, now that the British side is making a big fuss, I'm worried that the higher-ups will pull me out to be the scapegoat," Li Ya said worriedly. 【259】 "Li Ya, I always thought you were a smart person; how could you do such a clumsy and stupid thing? 【260】 "Why did I go to such lengths to let you catch them cheating? 【261】 "That was to uglify James and increase the chips for victory in the public opinion war. 【262】 "It was also for you to cut ties with Mei Yingxue later and block people's mouths. 【263】 "Just for this little matter of yours, I mobilized the City Defense Bureau and asked Commander Chen to come forward to coordinate, making the whole city full of wind and rain. 【264】 "As a result, you did well; you messed it all up. 【265】 "Wouldn't taking a few photos have been enough? Who told you to kill someone?" 【266】 Wu Jingzhong slapped his palm, criticizing him as if he were iron that couldn't be turned into steel. 【267】 "Master, I really didn't want to kill him. 【268】 "He acted like he was crazy, insisted on running away and jumping off the building, and as a result, he was unlucky and fell to his death." 【269】 Li Ya explained helplessly. 【270】 "The problem is that the foreigners don't believe it; they hired the best forensic doctor, saying James broke his ribs, anyway, it's a mess. 【271】 "In a word, they determined that you beat him to death alive. 【272】 "Now the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister have all spoken out. 【273】 "The key is that you didn't explain clearly to your subordinates beforehand and unify the caliber, which is the transcript Deputy Station Chief Yu made; if someone with ulterior motives sold these confessions to the British. 【274】 "Then it could be confirmed that you threatened and killed someone with a gun, and you wouldn't have a place to reason even with a hundred mouths." 【275】 Wu Jingzhong pointed at him and said. 【276】 "Yes, my brain was made dizzy by that woman, and everything I did was a beat slow, so..." Li Ya said indignantly. 【277】 "Alright. 【278】 "I went to see Jianfeng last night and told him about your difficulties. 【279】 "Jianfeng has great energy; he will handle the British. 【280】 "But for this material, you have to be grateful to Deputy Station Chief Yu." 【281】 Wu Jingzhong squeezed his eyes and pointed him out. 【282】 "Thank him?" Li Ya's brow hung up again. 【283】 "Master, he took advantage of your absence to make an unnecessary move and hold me; it's a villainous act; it's good that I didn't shoot him dead," Li Ya scolded. 【284】 You kid, who are you scolding... Wu Jingzhong frowned unhappily: 【285】 "Confused. 【286】 "You've been looking for Zecheng's trouble in the past, and now that he's caught the opportunity, that's you losing your skill. 【287】 "You should understand the old rules of the Military Statistics Bureau. 【288】 "If you lose, you have to accept the punishment, take the beating, and stand at attention. 【289】 "He held you, that's self-protection; not taking it out means he wants to live in peace with you; in the future, put away your arrogance and treat him as a superior leader. 【290】 "He is already the Deputy Station Chief; you have to accept reality. 【291】 "Respect is mutual. 【292】 "He gave it to you, you have to take it, understand?" 【293】 "Yes, I understand, Station Chief. Tonight, I will go to Director... Deputy Station Chief Yu's house to visit and thank him," Li Ya said with his mouth obeying but not his heart. 【294】 "Hmm, as long as you have a count in your heart. 【295】 "Since you are my student, I'll say one thing: even if Jianfeng can't protect you, the station will compensate you with a large sum of money and plan a good placement for you. 【296】 "Just say you slipped away; can the foreigners search the world for you? 【297】 "Go, don't be so nervous, relax, and rest for a few days." 【298】 Wu Jingzhong comforted him with a few words. 【299】 "Thank you, Master, but how to handle Mei Yingxue? She is your niece, and I'm in a difficult situation," Li Ya asked, glancing sideways while thanking him. 【300】 Wu Jingzhong was so angry. 【301】 He had been pretending to be a good person for a long time, and Li Ya hadn't even finished bowing before he started stabbing him. 【302】 This was forcibly pulling himself in, wanting to share the pressure. 【303】 Fortunately, Zhiyou had prepared the materials in advance, otherwise, he would have been really stuck by Li Ya. 【304】 "You're overthinking; this woman has had no relationship with me for a long time. 【305】 "When she first started dating you, I had already checked her background; this is the information I sent to Headquarters, and this is the backup; take a look." 【306】 Wu Jingzhong opened the drawer and handed him a piece of information. 【307】 Li Ya was stunned; it had already been reported to Headquarters, so it was clearly a trap to catch a spy, and the niece relationship didn't exist. 【308】 "Station Chief, why didn't you tell me earlier?" Li Ya asked. 【309】 "How could I tell you something Jianfeng didn't dare to give instructions on? 【310】 "If I told you, could you have broken this espionage case with your personality? 【311】 "Why have I been suppressing you from getting married? I couldn't say it; for your sake, I've broken my heart," Wu Jingzhong patted his chest and sighed. 【312】 "Also. 【313】 "Thank you, Master," Li Ya bowed sincerely. 【314】 "Master, then how to handle this female spy?" 【315】 His tone softened, and he pleaded. 【316】 "Send her to Shuitun Prison first; think about how she disappears yourself. 【317】 "Wipe your own ass; I'm not the Thousand-Hand Guanyin; I can't help you do everything personally. 【318】 "Make the means clean and beautiful; don't let people catch handles again. 【319】 "This woman's matter ends here with me; as long as I'm in this position in the future, no one will mention it. 【320】 "Just put your heart in your stomach and wait for Headquarters' final conclusion on the espionage case," Wu Jingzhong instructed. 【321】 "Understood!" Li Ya accepted the order. 【322】 Back in the office. 【323】 Li Ya reviewed the whole thing from beginning to end. 【324】 He found that he might have really misunderstood Wu Jingzhong. 【325】 If Wu Jingzhong really wanted him dead, he wouldn't have to do anything; he could just agree to his marriage with Mei Yingxue, and the crime of espionage alone would solve him. 【326】 Then there's Yu, and now the matter of him covering for Mei Yingxue. 【327】 If there wasn't a deep relationship, it would be impossible to spend so much effort to protect him. 【328】 Perhaps he really misunderstood Old Wu. 【329】 Master Liu Xiong's death had nothing to do with him; everything was just his own overthinking. 【330】 Thinking of this, Li Ya immediately picked up the phone on the table and dialed a number: "Is Li Chong at school? 【331】 "Arrange it; I want to see him." 【332】... 【333】 (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 219 =====

Wu Jingzhong did not avoid Yu Zecheng and said loudly.

He knew that Yu might have some connection with the Red Ticket.

At the very least, he was in close contact with Yong Jianqiu.

Letting Yu Zecheng tip off the Red Ticket in advance—the best result would be that Lin Tai didn't come, and then everyone would be happy.

If he had to come, the Red Ticket would have to make secret preparations for protection.

Furthermore, when necessary, he would still have to cooperate with him.

"Yes."

"Only failure is allowed, success is not."

"It's still your old three tricks: poisoning, planting bombs, and shooting from the shadows. First, let someone make a loud bang to scare them. If they can be kept from coming, that would be even better."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Yes."

"Whether we can make it through the New Year depends on this one bang," Wu Jingzhong said.

"The trouble now is that Li Ya is stuck in the middle."

"Jiang Jianfeng can hint at me."

"Perhaps he will instruct Li Ya to take action; he certainly wouldn't report such a thing to me."

"Let's see if those above reward or punish Li Ya this time."

"If they protect him, Li Ya will most likely take the mission."

"There might even be the Dangtong Bureau."

"Ye Xiufeng has repeatedly spoiled the mood in front of the Generalissimo; he is also highly likely to use this opportunity to turn things around."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"We must be on guard."

"Lin Tai has deep roots. If something goes wrong in Jinhai, the blame will inevitably fall on you."

"That bunch of party elders will probably tear our Jinhai Station apart."

Yu Zecheng hurriedly echoed.

"That's why I say we are very passive."

"We have to act in front of Jiang Jianfeng, and we have to secretly ensure Lin Tai's safety."

"Sigh."

"Forget it, it's lunchtime. Zhiyou, go to that Halal restaurant from last time and book a private room."

"Ever since Wu Rui came back, I've been drinking crucian carp and chicken soup every day; my mouth has become so bland it's like a bird's."

"Let's eat!"

Wu Jingzhong was too lazy to think about it, waved his hand, and stood up.

In the afternoon, Wu Jingzhong returned to his office after eating and drinking his fill. Just as he intended to finish his tea and take a nap in the inner room, Li Ya followed him in.

"Li Ya, is something the matter?" he asked with a smile.

"Teacher, the situation in England is very chaotic right now. I'm worried that those above will drag me out to take the fall," Li Ya said, full of worry.

"Li Ya, I've always thought you were a smart person. How could you commit such a clumsy and stupid act?"

"Why did I go to such lengths to have you catch them in the act?"

"That was to vilify James and increase the chips for winning the war of public opinion."

"It was also to cut off your relationship with Mei Yingxue in the future and block people's gossip."

"Just for this mess of yours, I mobilized the City Defense Bureau and asked Commander Chen to come forward to coordinate, causing a huge uproar in the city."

"And you, you ruined it all."

"Wouldn't taking a few photos have been enough? Who told you to go and kill him?"

Wu Jingzhong slapped his palm, criticizing him with a sense of 'hate that iron won't become steel.'

"Teacher, I really didn't mean to kill him."

"He acted like he was crazy, insisting on escaping and jumping off the building, and as a result, he was unlucky and fell to his death."

Li Ya explained helplessly.

"The problem is that the foreigners don't believe it. They hired the best forensic pathologist, who said James had broken ribs, and all sorts of other things."

"In a word, they have determined that you beat him to death."

"Now the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have both spoken out."

"The key is that you didn't explain clearly to your subordinates beforehand to unify your story—that is, the transcript made by Deputy Station Chief Yu. If someone with ulterior motives had sold these testimonies to the English..."

"Then they could confirm that you threatened him with a gun and killed him. You wouldn't have anywhere to reason even with a hundred mouths."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him and said.

"Yes, my brain was muddled by that woman, and everything I did was a beat slow, so..." Li Ya said with resentment.

"Alright."

"I went to see Jiang Jianfeng last night and told him about your difficulties."

"Jiang Jianfeng has great energy; he will handle the English."

"But for this material, you have to be grateful to Deputy Station Chief Yu."

Wu Jingzhong winked and hinted at him.

"Grateful to him?" Li Ya's eyebrows went up again.

"Teacher, he took advantage of your absence to make a fuss and get a hold on me. It's the behavior of a villain. It's already good that I didn't shoot him dead," Li Ya cursed.

Who are you cursing, you kid... Wu Jingzhong frowned and said unhappily:

"Foolish."

"You've been picking on Zecheng in the past, and now that he's caught the opportunity, it's because you've lost your touch."

"You should understand the old rules of the Military Statistics Bureau."

"If you lose, you must accept the punishment, take the beating, and stand at attention."

"He got a hold on you, that's self-preservation. Not bringing it out means he wants to live in peace with you. From now on, put away that arrogance of yours and treat him as a superior leader."

"He is already the Deputy Station Chief; you have to accept reality."

"Respect is mutual."

"He gave it to you, so you have to take it, understand?"

"Yes, I understand, Station Chief. Tonight, I will go to Deputy Station Chief Yu's home to pay a visit and thank him," Li Ya said, his mouth agreeing but his heart not.

"Hmm, as long as you know what's what in your heart."

"Since you are my student, I'll say one thing: even if Jiang Jianfeng can't protect you, the station will compensate you with a large sum of money and plan a good placement for you."

"Just say you slipped away; can the foreigners really search the whole world for you?"

"Go, don't be so nervous, relax, and rest for a few days."

Wu Jingzhong comforted him with a few words.

"Thank you, Teacher. But how should Mei Yingxue be handled? She is your niece, and I'm in a very difficult position," Li Ya asked, glancing sideways while nodding in thanks.

Wu Jingzhong was so annoyed.

He had been playing the good guy for a long time, and Li Ya hadn't even finished bowing before he started stabbing him in the back.

This was forcing himself to be dragged in, wanting to share the pressure.

Fortunately, Zhiyou had prepared the materials in advance, otherwise, he would have really been cornered by Li Ya.

"You're overthinking it. This woman has had nothing to do with me for a long time."

"When she first started dating you, I had already checked her background. This is the material I sent to headquarters, and this is a backup. Take a look."

Wu Jingzhong opened the drawer and handed him a file.

Li Ya was stunned. It had been reported to headquarters long ago, which clearly meant it was a setup to catch a spy, so the niece relationship no longer existed.

"Station Chief, why didn't you tell me earlier?" Li Ya asked.

"Even Jiang Jianfeng didn't dare to give instructions on this matter, so how could I tell you?"

"If I told you, could you have broken this spy case with your temperament?"

"Why have I been suppressing you and not letting you get married? I couldn't say it, but for your sake, I've been worried sick."

Wu Jingzhong patted his chest and said with emotion.

"That's true."

"Thank you, Teacher." Li Ya bowed sincerely.

"Teacher, then how should this female spy be handled?"

His tone softened, and he pleaded.

"Send her to the Shuitun Prison first. How she disappears is up to you to think about."

"Wipe your own butt; I'm not the Thousand-Handed Guanyin, I can't help you with everything personally."

"Make the method clean and beautiful, don't let anyone catch a handle again."

"This woman's matter ends with me. From now on, as long as I am in this position, no one will mention it."

"Put your heart in your stomach and wait quietly for the final conclusion of the spy case from headquarters."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Understood!" Li Ya accepted the order.

Returning to his office.

Li Ya reviewed the whole thing from beginning to end.

He discovered that he might have really misunderstood Wu Jingzhong.

If Wu Jingzhong really wanted him dead, he wouldn't have to do anything; he could just agree to his marriage with Mei Yingxue, and the crime of espionage alone would be enough to finish him.

Then there was Yu, and now the matter of covering for Mei Yingxue.

If there wasn't a deep bond, it would be impossible to spend so much effort to protect him.

Perhaps he had really wronged Old Wu.

The death of his master, Liu Xiong, had nothing to do with him; it was all his own overthinking.

Thinking of this, Li Ya immediately picked up the phone on the table and dialed a number: "Is Li Chong at school?"

"Make arrangements, I want to see him."

(End of chapter)