Chapter 222: The Devil is One Foot Tall, the Dao is Ten Feet Tall

As soon as the meeting adjourned, Li Ya pulled Yu Zecheng into a corner and said with a sour, mocking smile:

"Old classmate, congratulations! This massive credit has fallen into your lap; if you capture Yuan Peilin, you'll be a shoo-in for Lieutenant Colonel."

"Not at all."

"Isn't it all thanks to Captain Li stepping aside?"

"This operation will certainly require your support; as classmates, I hope you'll help out."

"The Qingpu Class cannot afford to lose."

"Otherwise, you and I would be failing the spirit of Boss Dai in heaven."

Yu Zecheng smiled.

They might fight in private, but on the surface, the necessary courtesies had to be maintained.

"Fine."

"You can mobilize the dozens of guns in the Action Team as you please."

"I'll only say this: as long as you don't let that man surnamed Lu take advantage, I will grant any request."

Li Ya raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"Thank you."

Yu Zecheng nodded with a smile.

He turned and returned to the Station Chief's office.

When Wu Jingzhong saw him, he beckoned repeatedly and said happily: "Zecheng, sit down quickly."

"Do you know the importance of Ji Weimin?" he asked.

"I do."

"It concerns the face of the Party-State, and the..."

Before Yu Zecheng could finish answering, Wu Jingzhong frowned and interrupted him:

"The Party-State and the Generalissimo are all empty talk."

"This concerns your rice bowl and mine."

"The infighting between Lu Qiaoshan and Li Ya is about to reach a boiling point; one of them is bound to get hurt."

"You must find Ji Weimin at any cost."

"Once you take him down, I can submit your promotion report, and at that point, neither Zheng Jiemin nor Mao Renfeng will dare to say a word."

"Once the timing is right, you will have great prospects."

"So, do you understand the importance of this operation now?"

Wu Jingzhong shook his finger and said sternly.

"The student understands." Yu Zecheng accepted the order.

"In my opinion, Lu Qiaoshan and Li Ya will not truly help you."

"You should go directly to Section Chief Xiao to mobilize personnel."

"Then, have Zhiyou help you leverage his connections outside; if Ji Weimin wants to leave, there are only two ways: by sea or by air."

"Air travel is strictly monitored; he won't be able to go that way."

"As for the sea, the places he can currently go abroad from are Yuedong, Shanghai, and Jinhai."

"His brother-in-law is the management director of the Shipping Bureau and has some tricks up his sleeve; if you keep a close watch, you might get results."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Yes!" Yu Zecheng nodded respectfully.

"Go."

"You must, must capture him!"

Wu Jingzhong's eyes turned cold as he gave the order.

"Yes!"

Yu Zecheng acknowledged the order in a loud voice and left.

Once outside, he went to the Security Section to discuss the capture plan with Xiao Guohua.

Time was precious.

Xiao Guohua immediately sent men to investigate the home of Ji Weimin's sister.

After much activity.

Yu Zecheng went to Hong Zhiyou's office.

Hong Zhiyou was holding several chess pieces, moving them back and forth on the table.

"Zhiyou, the Station Chief told me to..."

Before Yu Zecheng could finish, Hong Zhiyou picked up a chess piece and said:

"This is Yuezhou."

"When the incident with Ji Weimin occurred, he was in Qingdao."

He pressed down a piece and looked up at Yu Zecheng:

"If it were you, where would you run?"

"There aren't many places to run."

"Now that the people from the Dangtong Bureau want to kill him, he certainly wouldn't dare contact anyone around him; they've probably turned Qingdao upside down."

"Secondly, he definitely can't take a plane."

"So, if he takes a boat, it can only be Jinhai or Shanghai, just as the Station Chief said."

Yu Zecheng analyzed.

"I reckon the whole world knows by now that Ji Weimin might be trying to defect to his sister."

"Jinhai is absolutely impossible."

"Shanghai—the waters there are too deep. If Ji Weimin dares to step foot there, whether it's Du Yuesheng or Mao Sen, they are all cunning foxes; Ji Weimin would definitely be terrified."

"If I were Ji Weimin."

"I wouldn't go anywhere; I'd just stay in Qingdao."

"As the saying goes, the most dangerous place is the safest."

"Everyone thinks he will flee to Jinhai or Shanghai, but don't forget, he has deep connections in the war zone."

"There is no problem in this world that money cannot solve."

"It is highly likely that Ji Weimin will use a method we cannot imagine to pull off a 'golden cicada shedding its shell'."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Qingdao?" Yu Zecheng blinked and began to ponder.

"What you said is very possible."

"Qingdao has a U. . naval base."

"Transportation is developed; if Ji Weimin pays enough money and uses American connections to leave, no one can stop him."

He analyzed.

"He won't go to the Americans."

"Du Lumen is very concerned about this matter, and the Generalissimo is determined to get Ji Weimin; going to the Americans at this time is very risky."

"For a person in a state of panic."

"What he needs most right now is trust."

"Take out Ji Weimin's file and check his interpersonal relationships in Ludong, and you'll know."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Good!"

Yu Zecheng took it out.

Hong Zhiyou flipped through it carefully, picked up the phone, and dialed a number:

"Hello, is this Secretary Liu?"

"It's Zhiyou."

"The trip to Jinhai with Boss Dai—has sister forgotten?"

"Don't forget, you promised me at the time that after it was done, you would... hehe."

"Oh, you remembered your little brother, have you?"

"Nothing, just missed Sister Zhu and wanted to send my regards."

"Could you do me a favor and pass a word to Bureau Chief Ma? Can he check Ji Weimin's interpersonal relationships in Qingdao? I have a list of names here; could you have Captain Ma circle them for me?"

"After it's done, I will personally fly to Beiping to thank Bureau Chief Ma in person."

"Mm, I'll read the names, you write them down."

"Great, thank you."

"See you in Beiping later."

Hong Zhiyou finished speaking and hung up the phone.

"You're asking Ma Hansan to help us find someone?" Yu Zecheng looked puzzled.

"Liang Ruojie, the station chief of the Qingdao station of the Confidential Bureau, is a man of General Delin."

"He and Ma Hansan are thick as thieves."

"These people are deeply entrenched in Qingdao and must have a good relationship with Ji Weimin."

"Think about it, if Ji Weimin didn't have connections everywhere, could he keep this business running?"

"Especially since the Secret Service Bureau and the Party Affairs Bureau are at daggers drawn."

"He's running such a massive business, yet headquarters is completely unaware; this means Old Liang must be in collusion with Ji Weimin."

Hong Zhiyou analyzed.

"If what you say is true, Ma Hansan should be protecting Ji Weimin," Yu Zecheng frowned and said.

"That is exactly where the problem lies."

"I don't know who the biggest smuggler in the North is."

"But Ma Hansan definitely counts as one of them."

"Liang Ruojie is cutting him out and eating alone with Ji Weimin; how could he not be annoyed?"

"Therefore, I believe Ma Hansan would be very happy for us to capture Ji Weimin."

"What's more, I will also promise him a substantial commission."

"Of course, you have to provide this money."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Don't joke, the little bit of assets I have wouldn't even be enough to fill the gaps in Director Ma's teeth; it would be embarrassing," Yu Zecheng laughed.

"Ji Weimin has it."

"When the time comes, just take two items, and Director Ma will be happy."

"As far as he is concerned."

"Li Zongren certainly wouldn't let him go and capture Ji Weimin."

"These people from the Guangxi Clique are all waiting to see the Generalissimo make a fool of himself."

"Since that's the case, why wouldn't Ma Hansan do us a favor?"

Hong Zhiyou analyzed.

"Hmm."

"That makes sense."

"Ma Hansan has deep roots; he is a ruthless character who can rival the Station Chief."

"He must have arranged quite a few eyes and ears in Liang Ruojie's camp and the Qingdao Station."

"Who knows, we might really be able to dig something up."

Yu Zecheng nodded and said.

Before the two had finished a pot of tea, Liu Yuzhu's call arrived.

"Done."

Hanging up the phone, Hong Zhiyou pointed to a photo in the file:

"Lu Xiaoxia."

"Ji Weimin's mistress."

"Ji Weimin has many such mistresses, but this one is different."

"According to Liu Yuzhu, their people managed to get a pregnancy test report for Lu Xiaoxia."

"In other words, this woman is deeply favored by Ji Weimin."

"And she is pregnant."

"It is highly likely that Ji Weimin will take her with him when he leaves."

"As long as we keep an eye on this woman, perhaps we can find Ji Weimin."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"That makes sense."

"Looking at the photo, she is indeed a gentle and moving beauty," Yu Zecheng nodded and said.

"If I were Ji Weimin."

"I would split my forces into two paths: one to create a stir about coming to Jinhai, especially by having my sister's family put on a show to attract the attention of the Secret Service Bureau."

"Then, taking advantage of the chaos, I would board a... military aircraft to leave."

Hong Zhiyou analyzed.

"A military aircraft?" Yu Zecheng frowned.

"To survive, one must face death; only by taking a route everyone thinks is impossible is there a chance of survival."

"Everyone thinks air traffic control is very strict."

"But don't forget, Old Xie can still travel in and out of Jingling by plane."

"Ji Weimin has plenty of money."

"Most people want him dead, but there must also be people who want him to live."

"For example, Li Zongren, and those who are waiting to see the Generalissimo make a fool of himself."

"Anything is possible."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm."

"What you said is very likely."

"In that case, you can create a diversion for me near Ji Weimin's house for a while."

"I will go to Qingdao myself to secretly capture Ji Weimin."

Yu Zecheng decided decisively.

"The Deputy Station Chief must be getting impatient, right?" Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"You..."

Yu Zecheng smiled and punched him lightly.

"Fine."

"If Ji Weimin wants to act, we will accompany him in his performance."

"If he doesn't act, we will just stake out and capture him for real."

Hong Zhiyou said.

The night grew deeper.

Lu Qiaoshan looked around, walked into a small inn next to the post office, and then picked up the phone to dial a number:

"It's me."

"Find someone, a complete stranger, a child or a newspaper delivery boy will do, and find a way to send a message to Ji Weimin's sister's house."

"Just say the Secret Service Bureau has already taken over the case."

"There is surveillance outside her house."

"Tell her to be careful."

After speaking, Lu Qiaoshan hung up the phone.

His position as Deputy Station Chief was already set in stone.

Could he let Yu Zecheng steal the spotlight at a time like this?

Hanging up the phone, a cold sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he looked left and right before walking away quickly.

On the other side.

Li Ya stood next to a phone booth.

Gao Yuan held the receiver and said in a low voice: "Hello, is this Ji Weimin's house?"

"Oh, sorry, I dialed the wrong number."

Gao Yuan quickly hung up the phone.

"Let's go!"

Li Ya waved his hand, and the two disappeared into the night.

The call was made to Ji Weimin's sister's house.

As long as his sister wasn't stupid, she would be able to hear the subtext.

Hopefully, Ji Weimin wouldn't be stupid enough to run to Jinhai and walk right into the trap.

Ji Weimin's sister lived near the Embroidered Uniform Guard church.

A quaint, square-shaped house.

His sister's name was Ji Jinhua.

Her husband, Zeng Pinghu, was the management director at the Shipping Bureau.

In the past, when Old Ji was around, Zeng Pinghu had thrived by relying on his brother-in-law's connections.

Now that the scandal had broken, the whole family had suffered a great misfortune.

"Jinhua, do you think your brother won't really come over, will he?"

"Haven't you noticed that there have been more cars coming and going outside our house lately?"

"And on the street outside, the street vendors."

"A pair of newlyweds moved in a few houses away."

"This is clearly all aimed at our house."

Zeng Pinghu stood by the window, pointing at the black sedan parked not far away.

"That's right.

"Big Brother has stirred up a massive hornet's nest this time, and now no one knows where he is.

"If he really comes to our place.

"For the sake of all the years he's helped us, you must think of a way, no matter what, to find a boat and send him away."

Ji Jinhua said with a worried look.

"Stupid.

"Your Big Brother is beyond saving from a death sentence, and this business might even drag us down with him.

"At a time like this, let alone sending him away.

"If he dares to come, we will immediately catch him and send him to the Dangtong Bureau.

"Heh heh, there might even be a reward in it for us."

Zeng Pinghu sneered.

"You dead ghost, do you have any conscience left? If it weren't for Big Brother..." Ji Jinhua was just about to burst into a tirade.

The phone rang.

Both of them grew tense.

They had received several calls tonight, and all of them, directly or indirectly, hinted that there were people monitoring them from the outside.

"Hello...

"Yes, yes, Big Brother.

"Coming over secretly tonight, and arranging a boat?

"Good, all right.

".

"Good, I understand!

"You be careful, I will immediately send people to the port to meet you."

Zeng Pinghu's voice was as it usually was, kind and gentle, mixed with a touch of concern.

He hung up the phone.

He turned his head to look at Ji Jinhua, his eyes full of indifference and ruthlessness.

In the past, Ji Weimin was around.

For the sake of wealth and status, Zeng Pinghu had to be humble and submissive, deliberately doting on and respecting this old hag.

But now.

Ji Weimin was nothing but a moving mountain of gold.

Zeng Pinghu not only wanted to cut ties, but he also wanted to seize his brother-in-law to trade for money and claim a reward.

"Zeng Pinghu, you wouldn't dare!"

The woman saw through his treacherous intentions.

"I didn't dare before, but now..."

Zeng Pinghu gave a dry laugh and dialed a number with his finger:

"Hello, it's me.

"Ji Weimin called, he is about to enter Jin secretly, we will meet at Pier Number Six.

"Remember, don't leave me out of my share once it's done."

The person he notified was an intelligence scalper.

That person knew.

The Dangtong Bureau.

The Baomi Bureau.

Even the Inspection Team and the Police Bureau would know.

As for who would be able to catch Ji Weimin, that was not something Zeng Pinghu needed to worry about.

All he had to do was wait to split the money.

In the alley.

Yu Zecheng sat inside the car.

The hidden sentries all around were Xiao Guohua and the capable officers from the Security Section.

Nine o'clock at night.

A young girl selling cigarettes walked past the car, shouting at the top of her lungs.

"Old Xiao, I drank too much water, I'm going to go to the restroom."

Yu Zecheng pulled open the car door, lowered his wide-brimmed hat, and walked quickly into the alley to the side.

Hong Zhiyou, wearing the same clothes, was already waiting there.

"Just received a call from Old Xie.

"Ji Weimin is coming secretly to Pier Number Six in Jin.

"I suspect it's most likely a false message.

"It is highly probable that he is escaping tonight.

"I just checked with the air traffic control over there for you; there is a flight at 1: 0 AM carrying local garrison representatives to the Guofang Force to attend a regular meeting.

"Ji Weimin is very likely to board this flight.

"There is still time, Staff Officer Shen has arranged a military plane for you to fly directly to Qingdao.

"First, keep an eye on Ji Weimin's mistress.

"Decide what to do based on her movements.

"Contact me by phone if anything happens."

Hong Zhiyou said with extreme speed.

"Understood."

Yu Zecheng walked quickly and disappeared at the mouth of the alley.

Hong Zhiyou lowered his hat brim to impersonate him, and under the cover of night, returned to the car.

"Old Xiao, go to Pier Number Six."

Hong Zhiyou ordered in a low voice.

"Immediately go to Pier Number Six!" Xiao Guohua poked his head out and shouted.

In the residential building nearby.

Watching the hidden sentries quickly leave the scene, an action team member picked up the phone and said:

"Hello, Captain Li, it's me.

"They have gone to Pier Number Six.

"Yes, Yu Zecheng and Xiao Guohua are in the car, I saw it clearly.

"All right, I understand."

Li Ya was guarding the action team office tonight.

Hanging up the phone, he looked at Gao Yuan and said:

"Yu Zecheng has fallen for the trap."

"Captain Li, what do you mean?" Gao Yuan asked, puzzled.

"Ji Weimin definitely has an operation tonight.

"Calling to say he's coming to Pier Number Six at this time is most likely a diversionary tactic.

"Don't forget, he is an old fox from the Dangtong Bureau.

"A crafty rabbit has three burrows; this one is definitely not his true hiding place."

Li Ya sneered arrogantly.

"So you mean Director Yu will come up empty-handed?" Gao Yuan laughed.

"Of course.

"And he must come up empty-handed!

"All right, go home and sleep, you can have a good dream tonight."

Li Ya smiled, stood up, and said.

Guilin Road.

Lu Qiaoshan was guarding the telephone.

Finally, the phone rang.

"Are you sure they went to the pier?

"Good, I understand."

Hanging up the phone, Lu Qiaoshan let out a long sigh of relief.

"Qiaoshan, did, did they come up empty-handed?" Li Guifen asked.

"Pretty much."

"Can the rumors spread by Zeng Pinghu—oh, I mean Ji Weimin's brother-in-law—actually be trusted?"

"I think Yu Zecheng is just desperate to distinguish himself."

"Of course, it's also possible he's just completely out of leads and is hoping a blind cat might stumble upon a dead mouse."

Lu Qiao smiled with disdain.

"Old Lu, aren't you and Yu Zecheng on pretty good terms?"

"I always see you two acting like brothers."

"At a critical moment like this, when he steps up to take the heat from Li Ya for you, why are you still..."

Li Guifen looked at her husband, somewhat puzzled.

"In this day and age, there's no such thing as brothers."

"There are only interests."

"Yu Zecheng clings to me for no other reason than to use me to keep Li Ya in check, because Li Ya is investigating the cause of Liu Xiong's death."

"Right now, Li Ya and I are locked in a bitter struggle."

"He just thinks his opportunity has arrived."

"If he catches Ji Weimin and gets promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, wouldn't he then be qualified to compete with me for the position of Deputy Station Chief?"

"How could such a petty scheme be hidden from me?"

"A small-minded man!"

Lu Qiao scoffed.

"Then it would be better if he messes up and comes back empty-handed," Li Guifen said, nodding quickly.

Qingdao.

Ji Weimin was hiding in an abandoned shack.

He pulled a suitcase out from under the bed.

Zipper sound!

He pulled the zipper open.

Inside, it was filled with US banknotes.

This was the US currency he had exchanged for using the better part of his life's savings.

There were as many as two hundred thousand in total.

Even in Qingdao or Jinhai, the number of people who could possess such a large amount of US currency was negligible.

This single suitcase of his was enough to feed and equip an entire war zone's worth of supplies.

He took the money.

Ji Weimin rode his bicycle straight toward the outskirts of the city.

Half an hour later.

He arrived at a stretch of empty, barren land.

A military jeep was parked on the wasteland.

"Old Ji, you don't even want your little mistress and your own flesh and blood anymore?"

The officer, who sported a thick beard, took a sip of liquor and asked with a laugh.

"Fragrant grass grows everywhere under the heavens."

"As for women, if you want them, there are plenty to be found."

"Better to save my own life first."

"Old Cao, let's go."

Ji Weimin said with a cold, indifferent smile.

He had played several cards tonight.

First, he had spent a large sum to hire someone with a build similar to his own to take a boat to Pier 6 in Jinhai overnight, drawing away a large number of secret agents in Qingdao.

At the same time, he knew Lu Xiaoxia was being watched closely.

He had deliberately and secretly notified Lu Xiaoxia to go to the port tonight to board a steamer, using her to cover his own true tracks.

His destination for this trip was only one place: Xiangdao.

Someone in the garrison was willing to protect him and had specifically arranged a military aircraft.

It would take off at 1: 0.

By the time those fools at the Secret Service Bureau and the Dangtong Bureau realized they had been played,

he would likely already be sitting in a hotel, admiring the sea view of Victoria Harbour.

(End of chapter)