Chapter 222

"Thank you, Bureau Chief Ma," Hong Zhiyou said gratefully.

"Call me Big Brother."

"Some things you and I know very well in our hearts."

"I trust you more than my own brother or father now."

"I've investigated many people over the years. What fathers and brothers? They fight to the death over a tiny bit of profit, shooting from the shadows, poisoning, all sorts of messy things."

"But you, little brother, are different. You are a hero, a rare person with ancient style and a warm heart."

"Clear in your actions, open and aboveboard!"

"It's truly rare."

Ma Hansan refilled his tea and said with emotion.

"Big Brother Ma, can I interpret this comment of yours as being a sucker?"

"I've done a lot of business over the years, but others have made a fortune, while I'm still squeezing into a courtyard with others, using a public dry toilet."

"The Xiangdao bank even has hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans."

"Busy like a dog every day."

"Damaging oneself to benefit others, I dare not call myself a hero, but 'mediocre good person' is quite fitting."

Hong Zhiyou said with self-deprecating humor.

"You, little brother, are just being humble."

"I'm good at taking things, but I don't know much about business."

"But my eyes aren't blind. You're laying out the foundation first, and the cash hasn't flowed back yet. In ten years, you might be the second Hu Xueyan or Sheng Xuanhuai."

"Sigh, I'm just old."

"Five years earlier, I would have definitely worked with you."

"The most precious thing in this world is time. No matter how capable you are, once you miss it, you can never chase it back."

Ma Hansan rarely met someone he could confide in, so he couldn't help but talk a bit more.

"Yes, just like I used to go to the club every three days."

"Now, I soak goji berries in a teacup every day."

"It's good if I can go once a week."

"This is only a matter of two years; I know my own body."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"However, it's not too late for business matters."

"Since Big Brother said I'm a hero, I'll add another 10,000 US dollars to this transport of supplies as your hard-earned money."

"A total of 60,000!"

Hong Zhiyou knew that the market price of the supplies couldn't be hidden from Ma Hansan.

He must have acquaintances among the US military.

Otherwise, why would he be called the number one profiteer in the North?

It's better to be straightforward and build a good relationship.

"That's decent."

"Where are you sleeping tonight?"

"Should I let Secretary Liu arrange it, or..." Ma Hansan narrowed his eyes and asked with a smile.

"I'll sleep with Big Brother tonight."

"Liu, Guan, and Zhang all slept on the same bed and slept with their feet together."

"It's rare that Big Brother thinks highly of me, and Zhiyou still wants to ask for advice on some official and business matters."

"After all, you are the King of North China. How many people in this world are as lucky as me to get Big Brother's personal guidance?"

Hong Zhiyou said respectfully.

He knew Ma Hansan was testing him.

Liu Yuzhu is beautiful.

But Ma Hansan rewarding him is one thing.

If he sticks to the pole and insists on wanting her, that's not knowing how to handle people.

If a man can't even resist a little beauty, how can he accomplish great things?

Ma Hansan is a well-known shrewd person.

Hong Zhiyou believes that Liu Yuzhu dressing up so beautifully tonight is also Ma Hansan's arrangement.

It's enough to have satisfied his hands in the car.

If he wants to be greedy, he might become the second Dai Yunong.

Furthermore, he is too close to Liu Yuzhu.

It will make Ma Hansan suspicious about the Xiangdao matter.

It's better to keep a proper distance.

"Alright, tonight we will sleep on the same bed and talk all night," Ma Hansan was also overjoyed.

"Thank you, Big Brother," Hong Zhiyou said.

The next day.

Office of the Director of the Civil Affairs Bureau.

Ma Hansan, with his big belly, was pruning the bonsai by the window.

Liu Yuzhu was wiping the table and making tea.

Her uniform with wedge heels and silk stockings was still quite charming.

Hong Zhiyou occasionally looked at her greedily, blinked, and teased her with a wicked smile.

He had thought about it.

It wouldn't work to deliberately act too distant.

After all, Liu Yuzhu had spent the night in Jinhai.

A beauty, and there was physical intimacy, plus his reputation for being lustful—if he acted too much like a saint, it would make Ma Hansan suspicious.

Such things are all about a degree.

If you don't grasp the measure, you can flip the car at any time.

Fortunately, Hong Zhiyou had learned some essence of observing people and things from Old Wu's teaching.

"Secretary Liu, let me do it."

"You have delicate skin and tender flesh, don't hurt your hands in the middle of winter."

Hong Zhiyou leaned over and took the opportunity to touch Liu Yuzhu's onion-like fingers.

"Do you know how?" In front of Old Ma, Liu Yuzhu didn't dare to act coquettishly, just asked lightly.

"Of course."

"I also wiped tables and served tea for people in Jinhai."

"Strictly speaking, we are people on the same path."

Hong Zhiyou said with honey on his lips, taking the opportunity to glance at her chest.

Liu Yuzhu secretly rolled her eyes at him and handed him the rag: "Alright, you wipe the table, I'll go organize the documents."

Ma Hansan glanced sideways occasionally, pretending not to see, but his heart was sighing.

A dog can't change its habit of eating excrement; after all, he is still young, and his heart itches when he sees a beauty.

But it's good to have shortcomings.

People are afraid of having no shortcomings; that way, they won't have friends.

Obviously, Hong Zhiyou is the friend he wants.

"Yuzhu, make good tea, Manager Cui should be here soon," Ma Hansan said.

"Yes, Bureau Chief Ma."

Liu Yuzhu accepted the order.

A moment later, Cui Zhongshi, wearing a suit and glasses, walked in.

Uncle Cui, long time no see!

Hong Zhiyou sighed in his heart and stood up, looking at this character who had made countless people feel regret.

Cui Zhongshi was in his forties, his hair combed meticulously. Perhaps because of the busy banking business, his face looked slightly pale.

He looked a bit like Li Ya.

Only whiter and thinner.

But his temperament was completely different. Cui Zhongshi looked very introverted, gentle, and elegant. His eyes were clear when looking at people, straight and innocent, unlike Li Ya, who looked at everyone with slanted eyes and raised eyebrows, full of disdain and suspicion.

"Bureau Chief Ma," he spoke with a Shanghai accent similar to Mrs. Ma's.

"Zhongshi is here. Quick, let me introduce you."

"This is Secretary Hong from the Jinhai Station."

"This is Cui Zhongshi, the vault manager of the Beiping Central Branch."

"Neither of you are outsiders, sit."

Ma Hansan greeted them with a smile.

"Zhongshi, you look haggard," Ma Hansan pointed at him and laughed.

"Yes."

"Now that we are engaged in financial reform, there are endless meetings above."

"Professor He Qicang even got sick because of this."

"I just came from his side."

Cui Zhongshi said with a faint smile.

"You say this bunch of people, gold and antiques are constantly being poured abroad."

"It's hard to get some loans from the Americans, and before they even enter the bank, they are pocketed by some people and then transferred abroad again."

"Without gold and US dollars to back it up, and without conditions for developing oil and mineral resources—even if they are developed, they are held by foreigners."

"Without anything valuable, let alone issuing Gold Yuan notes."

"Even if you issue gold ingots, the common people won't recognize them."

"A bunch of experts are studying this and that every day; that's all bullshit."

"In my opinion, it's better to return to primitive society, where everyone picking up shells as currency is more useful."

Ma Hansan said humorously.

Hong Zhiyou accompanied him with a smile on the side.

Ma Hansan's words were rough but the logic wasn't.

This person seems rough and casual, but in fact, he has insight into all aspects of the world.

No wonder even the Station Chief is wary of him and doesn't dare to fight him easily.

"Bureau Chief Ma, be careful with your words."

"The National Government attaches great importance to this matter now, and it must be implemented," Cui Zhongshi adjusted his glasses and said gently.

"Careful with what?"

"Isn't issuing Gold Yuan notes just the same old trick, letting the common people hand over the gold, silver dollars, and antiques in their hands to exchange for Gold Yuan notes?"

"First provide rice and flour for a few days, making the common people think this thing is useful."

"After the leeks are cut, it's the same as the legal currency; overnight, there's no goods, and then they say you have to use silver dollars and gold to buy rice."

"I've seen through it all."

"With this kind of scraping, Li Zicheng should have entered Beijing."

"If it were me, I'd stop the war for three years first. Instead of letting the soldiers eat all the money, I'd rather distribute 100 silver dollars per person to every household, letting them live a few good days first."

"If the common people are fat and have food in their bellies, what battle can't be won?"

"Is this a matter of money?"

"This is a matter of people's hearts. Reforming the currency system is not as practical as washing their consciences."

Ma Hansan waved his hand and sneered disdainfully.

Being in the position of the head of the adjustment of livelihood materials, he sees more deeply than anyone else.

The bullshit policies and reforms of the National Government can't fall on the common people anyway.

Instead of benefiting others, it's better to benefit oneself, which is why he became the number one profiteer.

Cui Zhongshi's face trembled as he listened.

But due to the difference in status, he didn't dare to speak again.

"Ahem, Bureau Chief Ma, the smoker is still in Beiping," Hong Zhiyou was afraid he would go too far and reminded him in a low voice.

Ma Hansan curled his lips and didn't continue.

He knew very well that Wang Puchen had been secretly searching for evidence against him.

"Bureau Chief Ma, is there anything you called me for?" Cui Zhongshi asked.

"Secretary Hong has something to ask you," Ma Hansan said.

"It's like this: Director He Zhiyuan of the Confidentiality Bureau headquarters has a niece who just graduated from Huaqing University and wants to enter the Beiping branch."

"I want to rely on your connections to enter the branch, so please help, Manager Cui."

Hong Zhiyou didn't talk nonsense, opened his briefcase, took out three large yellow fish, and handed them over.

Cui Zhongshi didn't take them and asked calmly: "Is accounting okay?"

"As long as she can enter your bank, even mopping the floor or scrubbing the toilet is fine," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

As he spoke, he handed over the materials.

"Good, I accept."

"Nothing else, I'm leaving."

Cui Zhongshi accepted them very readily and packed them into his bag.

His role in the branch was to launder money for key figures like Ma Hansan.

It wasn't a glorious identity to begin with.

Taking money was naturally a matter of course.

"I'll see you off."

Hong Zhiyou knew that once Zeng Keda of the Ministry of National Defense's Cadre Reserve Bureau and Xu Tieying arrived in Beiping, Cui Zhongshi's identity as an underground party member would be exposed.

Let's see him off.

Perhaps this meeting would be the last one.

Hong Zhiyou didn't think he had the ability to challenge the direct-line ace garrison commander Chen Jicheng, and he had no intention of competing with old foxes like Xu Tieying.

Downstairs, there was a jeep parked.

A young man in a light green air force uniform, with an arrogant temperament, was sitting in the driver's seat smoking a cigar, his sunglasses on his hair, his tie fluttering in the wind, with the air of a rich young master who thought he was number one in the world.

"Mengao, let me introduce you. This is Secretary Hong from the Jinhai Station."

Cui Zhongshi originally wanted to ask Hong Zhiyou to stay, but on second thought, he led him to the car.

"Oh."

"A secret agent."

Fang Mengao sneered at him and blew a puff of thick smoke disdainfully.

"Mengao!" Cui Zhongshi frowned.

"Young Master Fang, hello," Hong Zhiyou reached out his hand with a smile.

Fang Mengao hated secret agents the most, so he turned his head to the side and ignored him.

Hong Zhiyou withdrew his hand.

"Sorry, Mengao is young and a bit wild. Don't take it to heart," Cui Zhongshi pulled Hong Zhiyou aside to explain.

Others might not know, but could he not know?

Now, being able to transport things to Yanbian depended on Yu Zecheng and this Little Master Hong.

This person might even be one of our own.

Even if not, he was a person with connections reaching the heavens.

Fang Mengao's action was really too rude.

"Manager Cui, it's okay."

"You go ahead."

"Uncle Cui, take care!"

Hong Zhiyou held his hand and shook it hard.

"Good, you take care too."

"When I have time, I'll go to Jinhai to visit you. Goodbye."

Cui Zhongshi read something unusual in his eyes.

He couldn't say what.

But it was friendly information.

He nodded slightly with a smile and turned back to the car.

"Uncle Cui, I know this kid. I have a classmate who is from Jinhai, and his stepmother was slept with by this kid."

"Why do you bother with such scum?"

After getting in the car, Fang Mengao bit his cigar and said unhappily.

"Accomplishing great things doesn't care about small details," Cui Zhongshi said.

"My classmate's family sells grain, and this kid, under the guise of investigating corruption, would call that woman to the hotel to discuss things whenever he had nothing to do."

"I'm only doing this for your sake."

"Otherwise, I could drive back and beat him up right now."

Fang Mengao snorted coldly.

"You're talking about Kang Zuoru, right?"

"You don't understand, that's a concubine, not a mother."

"Forget it, I can't explain it to you."

"Mengao, do you trust me?"

Cui Zhongshi waved his hand.

"Anyway, I trust you more than my dad," Fang Mengao laughed.

"Hey, you child!"

Cui Zhongshi shook his head and continued:

"Trust me, please be respectful to this Secretary Hong in the future."

"He is not someone you can afford to provoke."

"Moreover, he is not an enemy; he is a friend."

"If you say so, I'll understand. I'll hit him a little lighter next time we meet," Fang Mengao laughed heartily.

"You!"

"It's rare to come back for the New Year, control your temper, and stop going against your dad."

"He also has it very hard."

"His hair has turned white these past few years, and he only dyed it when he heard you were coming back."

Cui Zhongshi said harmoniously.

"Got it."

"You guys nag all day, my ears are calloused."

"It's already good if he doesn't pick on me."

"I'm too lazy to pay attention to him."

Fang Mengao stepped on the gas, and the jeep ran wildly on the street like a wild horse.

Hong Zhiyou returned to his office.

"Old brother."

"The Generalissimo flies to Shenyang on the 3rd."

"Madam Jiang and Lin Tai are coming to Jinhai, I have to rush back."

He said goodbye to Ma Hansan.

"Little Hong, Lin Tai is not to be trifled with."

"As for her matter, stay as far away as you can."

"If I were you, I'd find an opportunity to go on a business trip to North America. Out of sight, out of mind."

Ma Hansan taught him the strategy.

"Thank you for the guidance, Big Brother."

"It's just that you know I'm also a person with a family."

"If I leave, many things will have to be carried by Station Chief Wu."

"He is getting old, if I don't move forward, I'm afraid this hurdle won't be easy to pass, and the family will fall apart."

Hong Zhiyou said sincerely with a smile.

"Gatherings are short."

"You must come to Beiping often in the future to help your brother overcome difficulties."

"I am now not tolerated by Jiang's side."

"General Officer Delin is nominally an honest man and a sage, but in fact, he is also an old slippery person."

"Don't look at me walking close to him now."

"In my opinion, once the Northeast and Bai Chongxi suffer a defeat in Central China, he might drop me and run away at any time."

"Wang Puchen has also collected a lot of black material on me."

"Once General Officer Delin leaves, I will be a lamb under Mao Renfeng's butcher knife."

"Old brother, I have it hard."

Ma Hansan patted his shoulder and sighed in a low voice.

"I know."

"Old brother, take care," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Let Yuzhu see you off," Ma Hansan ordered.

"Okay, Bureau Chief Ma," Liu Yuzhu nodded lightly.

"No, you still have a lot of things to do, don't trouble Secretary Liu," Hong Zhiyou hurriedly refused.

"Isn't this just serving tea and pouring water?"

"It's settled."

"There's a lot of traffic in the morning. Yuzhu, drive slowly and make sure to send Secretary Hong to the airport safely."

Ma Hansan ordered.

"Know it, Bureau Chief," Liu Yuzhu said.

Hong Zhiyou knew that Ma Hansan had sent him "dishes" again.

He couldn't refuse.

He had already shown his "shortcomings." If he rejected his face at this time, Ma Hansan would only think he was not tameable and not close enough.

"Then I'll trouble Secretary Liu."

"Old brother, take care."

Hong Zhiyou bowed to say goodbye.

"Sigh, Zhiyou is a down-to-earth person." Looking at Hong Zhiyou's figure, a hint of relief appeared on Ma Hansan's face.

Lin Tai's matter is a mine if not handled well.

That's going to kill people.

Hong Zhiyou didn't escape, but instead rushed to help Wu Jingzhong take the blame.

It is not an exaggeration to say that this person has a heroic spirit.

Liu Yuzhu drove the car and turned into the street, heading straight for the mountain road in the wild.

As soon as the car stopped, the two kissed together.

Both are smart people.

Ma Hansan told her to drive slowly, which was allowing her to have a small gathering with Hong Zhiyou.

"Get out of the car."

The two got out of the car and went directly to the back seat.

"Did Sister miss me last night?" Hong Zhiyou said while taking off his clothes.

"What do you think?"

"I waited at home until dawn, and you didn't even have a shadow," Liu Yuzhu curled her lips and scolded.

"Little liar."

"Looking at your clear eyes, you don't look like you stayed up all night."

"You understand Old Ma's thoughts better than I do."

"Punish you."

Hong Zhiyou picked her up and hugged her into a ball.

One hour later.

The two tidied their clothes and got out of the car.

Hong Zhiyou lit a cigarette.

The sun was slightly drunk, Liu Yuzhu's blushing face and watery big eyes were extremely beautiful.

Hong Zhiyou looked at her straight.

"What are you looking at?" Liu Yuzhu brushed the hair by her ear and asked with a smile.

"Nothing, just want to look at Sister a few more times."

"After all, it's too hard to meet."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

His heart was a little sour.

Good times are always short.

In history, Liu Yuzhu and Old Ma couldn't get out of Beiping at all. Once Boss Dai had the idea of moving Ma Hansan, Mao Renfeng targeted them.

Hong Zhiyou was not sure if he would come to Beiping again.

He was not familiar with this city of Beiping.

But there were many people here.

Fang Buting, Fang Mengao, Uncle Cui, Xie Peidong...

But life is always realistic and cruel.

If these people don't involve his interests, he might not want to see them again in this life.

Life, it's not easy to survive.

He is not a superman who saves the world; one Yu Zecheng is enough to worry him.

If you can have one less thing, have one less.

Goodbye, Beiping!

Goodbye, those people in Beiping!

Hong Zhiyou flicked the cigarette butt and slowly exhaled the smoke: "Let's go."

"What kind of look is that, as if it's a life-and-death separation? Don't tell me you really fell in love with me," Liu Yuzhu said with a charming smile while lighting the fire.

"Love."

"I love all women in the world who are as gentle and good to live with as Sister."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Witty mouth."

Liu Yuzhu smiled and drove to the airport.

"Secretary Liu, goodbye," Hong Zhiyou opened the car door and prepared to get off.

"What do you mean?"

"When you want me, I'm a good sister."

"After eating, I become Secretary Liu?"

"Kiss me."

Liu Yuzhu pouted and hummed.

Hong Zhiyou kissed her, "Good sister, goodbye."

After speaking, he opened the car door and entered the airport without looking back.

Liu Yuzhu got out of the car and tidied her clothes.

She didn't look at him either.

Her pretty face was cold and beautiful as usual.

Returning to the car, she stepped on the gas and left.

In the afternoon, Hong Zhiyou returned to the station.

Wu Jingzhong was reviewing documents, looked up when he saw him, and asked: "How is it, has He Zhiyuan's matter been handled?"

"Handled."

"The vault manager of the Beiping Bank has already taken the information."

"That person handles things very reliably, it should be done in a few days."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Very good."

"Just received a call from headquarters, the Generalissimo's trip on the 3rd has been set."

"I'm thinking that Jinhai is having spy cases and rumors of leprosy, so those two ladies shouldn't come to join the fun."

"Isn't Zecheng familiar with Yong Jianqiu?"

"Let him go and tip off the Red Ticket, tell Lin Tai not to come to Jinhai to die."

"Haven't had a few days of peace, a bunch of women are just looking for trouble for me."

Wu Jingzhong said with a look of annoyance.

"Teacher, if they want to come, we will proceed according to the plan. Soldiers come to block, water comes to cover, there will always be a way," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"It would be good if it were really that simple."

"Mao Renfeng originally wanted to take action, but I intercepted him and expressed my loyalty first."

"He can't claim credit, but that doesn't mean he won't take action."

"I'm afraid our manpower is not enough."

"The Red Ticket has been hidden for long enough, shouldn't they come out to bask in the sun?"

"They have always been capable, and it's time for them to show their skills and assist in defense."

Wu Jingzhong said, clapping his hands speechlessly:

"You say, what is this all about? I am a dignified Major General of the Military Statistics Bureau, and I've become their bodyguard!"

"Teacher, this is called 'the capable do more work'."

"Good, I'll go meet Deputy Station Chief Yu now and discuss this matter."

Hong Zhiyou accepted the order.

Just from these few words of Wu Jingzhong, he could clearly feel Old Wu's change.

In the past, he certainly wouldn't have spoken so bluntly.

Now, he completely doesn't care about Yu Zecheng's identity.

For Old Wu, as long as you listen and handle things, and can make money, it's good.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at Yu Zecheng's office.

He was leaning on the sofa sleeping.

"Old Yu, what's wrong? Didn't sleep well last night?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"Yes."

"Your sister-in-law lost more than ten silver dollars playing mahjong last night, not to mention nagging, she also snored while sleeping."

"I didn't sleep well all night."

"How is it, is Shopkeeper Qiu okay?"

Yu Zecheng stood up, closed the door, and asked hurriedly.

"Shopkeeper Qiu is doing well over there."

"It is highly likely that he is still engaged in underground work."

"He gave me three prescriptions."

"One is for you, I noticed Shopkeeper Qiu seems to have tampered with it."

"See for yourself."

Hong Zhiyou was too lazy to participate and handed him the prescription.

Yu Zecheng once had a code with Shopkeeper Qiu. He looked at the prescription and quickly extracted the information from it:

"Mao Renfeng's people have secretly arrived in Jinhai."

(End of chapter)