Chapter 228: The Secret Service Needs One Hundred Yu Zecheng

Inside the General Affairs Section office.

"Zhiyou."

"Do you think Li Ya won't make a move against old Lu?"

"The two of them are on very bad terms right now."

"Aside from that possibility, I can't think of any other way Li Ya would give me a hand."

Yu Zecheng made a throat-slitting gesture and asked in a low voice.

"How would I know?"

"However, based on my understanding of Li Ya, he isn't the type to shoot without a target."

"Let's just wait and watch the show."

"In the event he really does finish off Lu Qiao Shan, your chances of becoming Deputy Station Chief are very high."

Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"I hope so." Yu Zecheng smiled.

The two were playing chess.

Lu Qiao Shan walked in with a gloomy face.

"The two of you are hiding here to slack off."

"Meeting!"

After saying this, Lu Qiao Shan turned and walked out.

"Hey."

"This old Lu, every time he acts as Station Chief, there's no end to the meetings."

"He'd hold three a day if he could."

"As if he's afraid he won't get enough time in that chair."

Yu Zecheng laughed in a low voice.

"He's obsessed."

"Let's go."

Hong Zhiyou put down his chess piece, and the two arrived at the conference room.

Lu Qiao Shan sat in the Station Chief's seat.

The heads of the various sections below sat there looking listless.

Three meetings a day.

They have to hold a meeting to change a batch of chairs in the station.

They even have to hold a separate meeting for vehicle fuel.

Everyone had become numb to the meetings.

"Ahem!"

"Who are you all pulling those long faces for? I called you here for a meeting, not to mourn the dead."

"If you don't want to work, write your resignation letter now, and I'll sign it immediately."

Lu Qiao Shan put down his teacup and pointed at everyone in a circle.

Everyone knew he was putting on an act again and quickly straightened their posture.

"I called everyone here today for one thing: that batch of old, stale accounts in the accounting office."

"My meaning is to offset the past accounts with public supplies seized by the station's Inspection Division and the Dahe Maru. After all, the station's money should be balanced by the station."

"What do you all think?"

Lu Qiao Shan tapped his fingers on the table and asked with an air of great importance.

"I have no objection."

Li Ya, who usually sang a different tune, surprisingly was the first to express support.

Li Ya also had his own little calculations.

That dead ghost Ma Kui left behind a pile of bad debts.

Although it wasn't much.

But if the Action Team had to balance it, it would have to come out of the Delong Inn; Li Ya wouldn't be stupid enough to cut his own flesh.

"I support Acting Station Chief Lu's proposal." Yu Zecheng raised his hand to express his stance.

Lu Qiao Shan was extremely satisfied with the two's performance; a faint smile appeared on his stern face as he looked at Hong Zhiyou:

"Little Hong, the accounting office falls under your General Affairs Section."

"State your position."

"I think Acting Station Chief Lu's proposal is very good; having each section split the costs was never fair to begin with."

"For instance, the Telecommunications Division has no external business units."

"And my General Affairs Section—vehicle dispatch, the canteen's firewood, rice, oil, and salt—these are all major expenses."

"Having the station take responsibility can be considered a way to alleviate the difficulties of each section."

"After all, with prices skyrocketing now, cutting it from everyone's wages is truly inhumane."

Hong Zhiyou expressed his agreement.

"Mm."

"Then it's decided." Lu Qiao Shan made the final call.

He took advantage of the fact that the Station Chief hadn't returned to resolve this matter.

If one were to talk about each section, the deficit in the one he managed was definitely the largest.

Not to mention anything else, just the fact that every clerk in the Intelligence Division wears high-end suits and leather shoes—that all costs money.

If the station can pay for it, that is naturally for the best.

After the meeting.

Lu Qiao Shan sat upright at the head of the table, imitating the Station Chief, and did not rush to leave.

Li Ya was the last to leave.

"Section Chief Lu, you're looking more and more like a Station Chief," he said with a smile.

"Heh, just learning for now," Lu Qiao Shan laughed.

"I heard that Director Zheng has already made the nomination; when the Station Chief returns this time, your position as Deputy Station Chief should be confirmed, right?" Li Ya said.

"That's for certain." Lu Qiao Shan did not act modest.

"Then I'll congratulate you in advance," Li Ya smiled.

"Thanks."

"By the way, I have a big job on my hands; come to my office in a while."

Lu Qiao Shan stood up and said with an official air.

"Alright." Li Ya nodded.

Lu Qiao Shan stopped looking at him and walked out.

Back in the office.

He brewed some coffee.

A moment later, Li Ya walked in.

"Team Leader Li, this is a telegram I intercepted last night; take a look." Lu Qiao Shan handed over the translation along with the original document to Li Ya.

"'Deep Sea', 'Northern No. 1'..."

"Signed 'Old Kite', isn't this that couple, Huang Zhong and Jiang Aimei, that Team Leader Ma captured before?"

After reading it, Li Ya frowned and asked.

"That's right."

"They've killed their way back to Jinhai, and they're already in roles issuing orders. It's said they are rebuilding the underground liaison station in Jinhai, integrating the local committee, student unions, and labor movements."

"The value of this person is no less than that of Yuan Peilin."

Lu Qiao Shan smiled.

"Indeed, and they even brought along a 'Northern No. 1'."

"Old Lu, these are all big fish."

"Are you sure you want to give this to me?"

Li Ya shook the telegram and asked with a smile.

"Of course."

"Didn't the Station Chief say it? The group is the family, and comrades are like limbs."

"Yu Zecheng has already performed meritorious service."

"We can't let him hog all the limelight, don't you agree?"

Lu Qiao Shan said.

"That's true. It's clear that you aren't happy about him performing meritorious service," Li Ya nodded and said.

"Aren't you the same?"

"So, we must make this operation a success and suppress old Yu's momentum."

Lu Qiao Shan said.

"The time?" Li Ya asked.

"Eight-thirty tonight, Longhua Hotel lounge," Lu Qiao said.

"Thank you, Section Chief Lu."

"This time I will definitely not let your intelligence go to waste; I will surely achieve a great merit!"

"Wait for my good news."

Li Ya uncrossed his legs and smiled gratefully.

"I wish you success."

"It just so happens the Station Chief is returning tonight, so we will hold a celebration banquet for you together, and celebrate the double joy with Section Chief Yu's promotion," Lu Qiao said.

"Alright, I will go make arrangements now," Li Ya said, rising.

"No rush."

"You rarely sit with me; try my coffee."

Lu Qiao brought over a small cup of coffee and handed it to him.

Li Ya picked it up and took a sip.

"How is it?" Lu Qiao asked eagerly.

He considered his coffee-brewing skills top-tier, no worse than those at outside cafes, and cared deeply about his reputation.

"Hmm."

"How should I put it?"

"It has a taste of chicken droppings."

Li Ya frowned and said truthfully.

"Pfft!"

Lu Qiao, who was drinking coffee, sprayed it all out.

"Section Chief Lu, enjoy yourself slowly."

"I'm off."

Li Ya smiled, stood up, and walked out.

"Poor wretch!"

"Trash!"

"You damn well deserve to eat dirt in Yancheng for the rest of your life."

Lu Qiao was so angry he nearly vomited blood.

"You dog, daring to look down on my coffee."

"I'll make sure you can't even eat shit tonight!"

Fierce light flared in his eyes as he said this hatefully.

Li Ya returned to his office.

Eight-thirty!

The time for the fake telegram he had Tang Si Mao send was clearly eight o'clock.

By the time it reached Lu Qiao, it was a full half-hour late.

This explained why his operations were intercepted by that bunch of idiots in the Inspection Team every single time.

So there was a mole.

Betraying one's own side—even the Heavens couldn't save him.

Lu Qiao!

You are finished!

After finishing his coffee, Lu Qiao arrived at the small inn as usual.

He glanced around, and after confirming there was no tail following him, he habitually picked up the number two phone:

"Hello, it's me."

"I have something important to tell you; let's meet at Fuyun Teahouse at noon."

"I heard they have a new chef, and their hand-grabbed lamb chops are quite good; it's a perfect time to go try them."

He had wanted to go eat there last night.

But he thought there was no need to pay out of his own pocket.

With the money for this meal, wouldn't it be better to save it for his son, Lu Ming, to take a wife?

It just so happened he was meeting Lu Yu Xi today.

He would let him pay for this meal.

Hanging up the phone, Lu Qiao left the inn.

At the opposite window.

Li Ya gave a cold smile and closed the window.

He picked up the headset to listen, a faint, mocking smile appearing at the corner of his mouth:

"Fuyun Teahouse."

"There is enough time; Gao Yuan, you go make the arrangements, and remember to be cautious; it's best to find a few unfamiliar faces you can trust to occupy the seats."

"Lu Qiao is a very cautious person."

"In case there are remaining private rooms, he is very likely to switch rooms."

Li Ya instructed.

"Team Leader Li, are you not going to oversee it yourself?" Gao Yuan asked.

"Are you stupid?"

"If I'm not at the station, Lu Qiao will grow suspicious."

"We only have this one chance for a counterattack; I absolutely will not allow a single mistake."

Li Ya frowned, dissatisfied.

"Yes, Team Leader Li." Gao Yuan accepted the order and left.

At noon, Lu Qiao walked out of the building with a light step.

Thinking that Li Ya would be finished tonight.

And that he could mooch a delicious meal of hand-grabbed lamb chops at noon, he was in a great mood.

"Team Leader Li, where are you going for lunch?"

Just at the steps, he ran into Li Ya.

"Where else would I go? The cafeteria, of course," Li Ya smiled.

"Team Leader Li is truly frugal—no, you have the spirit of Zhou Yafu, sharing joys and sorrows with your subordinates," Lu Qiao teased.

"It's not exactly hardship."

"Since Secretary Hong became the General Affairs Section Chief, we can see a bit of meat in every meal at the cafeteria."

"At the very least, it tastes better than coffee."

Li Ya did not show gratitude for the intelligence, but instead retorted in his usual style.

Being too fawning would only raise suspicion.

At the mention of coffee, Lu Qiao became furious; he snorted coldly and walked away with a gloomy face.

Fuyun Teahouse.

Lu Qiao walked in; the shopkeeper, with a gaunt face and wearing a long gown, was ordering a few waiters around, orderly entertaining guests from all walks of life.

"Shopkeeper, do you have any private rooms?" Lu Qiao asked.

"None left."

"Sir, the tables have been filling up very quickly lately; why don't you wait a while?" the shopkeeper said.

"Are you sure there are none?"

Lu Qiao flashed the identification in his hand, his eyes widening as he asked.

"Yes, yes."

"Master Zhang's family booked the Plum Blossom room, but you are the big boss; you use it first, I'll just call him and cancel."

The shopkeeper was so scared he quickly changed his tune.

"Didn't you say there weren't any?"

"I really want to tear your mouth apart!"

Lu Qiao scolded in a low voice.

"Yes, it is this lowly one's fault."

"Sir, please come inside."

The shopkeeper quickly slapped himself twice and led the way to the Plum Blossom room.

Creak.

He pushed open the door.

Lu Qiao took a look; although the room was in the middle position, it was clean enough, and as for the soundproofing, as long as important things were said in a low voice, it shouldn't be a problem.

"Does that work for you?" the shopkeeper asked.

"That will do.

"Bring the food and drink first. I have a friend coming later, surnamed Lu; just bring him straight in when he arrives."

Lu Qiao instructed.

After dismissing the shopkeeper, Lu Qiao vigilantly circled the area.

He checked to see if there were any field agents from the Action Team or any familiar faces.

He even took a look at the waiters, the kitchen chefs, and the kitchen hands.

Immediately after.

He began to inspect the private rooms on the left and right.

This was a habit he had cultivated over many years.

In intelligence work, one can never be careless or let their guard down.

Bang!

He shoved open the private room on the left.

Inside, a group of underworld figures were eating.

"Who are you?" someone asked with dissatisfaction.

"Sorry, I went to the wrong place," Lu Qiao said with a smile and an apology.

He closed the door and did the same to the private room on the right.

Inside, however, was a young man and woman kissing.

This sudden push startled the two, and their expressions changed drastically.

It was clearly the kind of illicit affair that couldn't see the light of day.

"Sorry."

Lu Qiao backed out.

There was no one from Li Ya's side.

His hanging heart settled, and he returned to the Plum Blossom private room.

A moment later, Lu Yu, sporting a slicked-back hairstyle and wearing a black suit, walked in smiling with a briefcase tucked under his arm.

Upon seeing the table full of over a dozen large dishes.

His smile gradually faded, and his liver began to tremble.

"Brother Shan, what couldn't be said over the phone that we had to meet here?" Lu Yu asked with a smile.

"The food here is quite good!

"Let's eat first."

For this meal, Lu Qiao had even drunk two fewer cups of coffee.

Lu Yu knew he was destined to be the sucker today.

He didn't stand on ceremony, rolled up his sleeves, and decided to eat his fill first.

Once they were wined and dined.

Lu Qiao picked his teeth and said, "Xi Zi, there's a big job tonight. If we pull it off, you might just become the Chief Inspector."

"Brother Shan, please tell me," Lu Yu wiped the grease from his mouth and asked hurriedly.

Lu Qiao lowered his voice and revealed the contents of the telegram.

"Deep Sea, Northern Number One.

"Brother Shan, this is a monumental merit. You yourself..." Lu Yu said.

"Whether I gain merit or not doesn't matter. I can't be promoted to a general rank anyway; being a Deputy Station Chief is fine.

"I just can't stand that look on Li Ya's face when he thinks he's won.

"If I don't drive him out of Jinhai, I won't have peace even if I become Deputy Station Chief.

"Listen well, the intelligence I gave Li Ya says eight-thirty tonight.

"Your men must arrest the target as quickly as possible at eight o'clock.

"If Li Ya misses again this time, let's see what face he has left to stay at the Jinhai Station!

"Even if he tries to cling on shamelessly.

"Once I sit in the Deputy Station Chief's chair, I can use this incident to drive him out of the Action Team, perhaps by transferring him laterally to manage the Post Office or something."

Lu Qiao said with deep, calculating schemes.

"Exactly.

"Li Ya keeps failing; if we can't kill him, we'll grind him to death.

"Brother Shan, this move of yours is truly brilliant."

Lu Yu hurriedly offered some flattery.

"How is your hand?"

Lu Qiao pointed to his right hand, which was still wrapped in bandages.

"Two more changes of medicine and it should be about right," Lu Yu's face twitched as he hurriedly replied.

"Is that so?" Lu Qiao took off his glasses, his astigmatic eyes staring at him gloomily.

"Understood.

"Brother Shan, once the matter is done, there will definitely be benefits for you, brother."

Lu Yu caught the meaning and said quickly.

"Hmm.

"I have a meeting this afternoon, I'm leaving first."

Lu Qiao rose and left.

Lu Yu looked at the table full of food, his heart aching:

"Waiter, bring me some containers, I want to pack this up."

After Lu Yu left with the takeout, the shopkeeper picked up the counter phone and dialed a number:

"Captain Li, they have left."

Action Team office.

Li Ya wore headphones, listening to the recorded tape; the sound of Lu Qiao gnashing his teeth inside made him feel truly satisfied.

"Heh.

"You hate me that much.

"Fighting with me, are you qualified?"

Putting down the headphones, he sneered.

"Captain Li, the shopkeeper called to say they have left," Gao Yuan walked in and said.

"Immediately remove the surveillance equipment.

"Also, warn that shopkeeper; if he dares to leak any information, I will have his life."

Li Ya instructed.

"Yes, Captain Li," Gao Yuan took the order and left.

Six-thirty in the evening.

Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou drove to the airport to pick up Wu Jingzhong.

Although Wu Jingzhong looked slightly weary, his mood was excellent.

"Teacher, you must have gained much from this trip to Jingling," Yu Zecheng, sitting in the back row, asked with a smile.

"Indeed.

"Thanks to the recommendation of Jiang Jianfeng, the Leader personally took the time to see me.

"Although it was only for a short time.

"It is truly the honor of my life."

Wu Jingzhong said with a self-satisfied smile.

"L-Leader, what did he praise you for? Tell us," Yu Zecheng said impatiently.

"The Leader said three words: Good, good, good!" Wu Jingzhong said.

"A... and then?" Hong Zhiyou asked while driving.

"Then he went to a meeting," Wu Jingzhong said.

"J-just that? Well, the old man is busy with ten thousand matters; being able to see him is already a heavenly grace," Yu Zecheng said, looking slightly disappointed.

"The Leader said 'good'.

"But Jiang Jianfeng didn't hold back on praising us.

"Jiang Jianfeng said: First executing Ke Chengwu, then capturing the great thief, the Jinhai Station is not only a fortress but also a sharp spear!

"Especially when he heard that the one who captured Ji Weimin was you, the hero who killed the traitor Li Haifeng.

"He praised you on the spot.

"The Bureau of Investigation and Statistics needs a hundred Yu Zecheng!

"With these words, Zecheng, you can finally take off that 'Dai Faction' hat with peace of mind."

"That stench of shit on you can finally dissipate."

"If Li Ya tries to pick a fight with you again in the future, he'll have to think twice."

Wu Jingzhong narrowed his eyes and smiled.

"Thank you, Master. You have truly resolved a knot in this student's heart," Yu Zecheng said with heartfelt gratitude.

"The promotion matter is also settled.

"Lieutenant Colonel.

"I had proposed to Jiang Jianfeng and Zheng Jiemin that you be made Deputy Station Chief.

"But Zheng Jiemin refused.

"He had already nominated Lu Qiaoshan, and Jiang Jianfeng felt awkward openly contradicting him.

"Sigh."

Wu Jingzhong shook his head helplessly.

"Master, you have already done your best. I can only say that this student lacks the fate for it.

"But with you here, it makes no difference whether I am Deputy Station Chief or not.

"In any case, I am always at your service."

Yu Zecheng suppressed his disappointment and expressed his gratitude once more.

"It is good that you can think this way.

"Take it slow; there will always be opportunities in the future," Wu Jingzhong said, patting his shoulder.

"By the way, I brought some gifts for the two of you from Jingling.

"Hong Zhiyou, when you go to my home tonight, drive this car back.

"The two of you can split the items."

He instructed further.

"Thank you, Master," the two said in unison.

Upon arriving at the station.

Wu Jingzhong was extremely invigorated upon learning the news that the Northern Number One was coming to Jinhai, and he immediately convened a meeting in the conference room.

"Everyone.

"To prevent any leaks, go back and notify the staff in each department to work hard and stand by at their posts.

"This includes the cafeteria and the dispatch office.

"The technical section is to first cut off all wireless radios and telephones within the station.

"We must ensure there is no possibility of any situation within the station leaking out.

"Additionally, I have already had Secretary Hong book a private room at the Lishun Hotel.

"At that time, we will celebrate Director Yu's promotion to Lieutenant Colonel and Captain Li's capture of a key Red agent."

Wu Jingzhong ordered in a loud voice.

"Yes!"

The crowd acknowledged the order.

"Station Chief, then I will go arrange the personnel first," Li Ya said, standing up.

"Mm, go ahead. I await your good news," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Captain Li, don't miss the time—eight-thirty."

Lu Qiaoshan offered a gentle reminder.

"Don't worry, Department Chief Lu, I will definitely arrive there on time at eight-thirty!" Li Ya nodded with a smile.

Once Li Ya had left.

Wu Jingzhong smiled and nodded: "That is the right way. Colleagues should look out for one another and be harmonious; only then can our fortress remain stable."

"Yes, yes.

"I believe Captain Li will certainly not let you down."

Lu Qiaoshan nodded with a smile.

"Station Chief, when you went to Jingling this time, did you ask about my nomination, especially regarding Director Mao's side..." He really could not hold back and asked one extra question.

Zheng Jiemin had said it was secure.

But Mao Renfeng had been dragging his feet.

Without a formal statement, he never felt at ease.

"Qiaoshan, you're getting impatient," Wu Jingzhong laughed.

"No, no.

"Just asking casually," Lu Qiaoshan said with an awkward smile.

"Director Mao has already approved it.

"If it goes quickly, after tonight, the promotion order for you and Zecheng should come down together tomorrow.

"Tomorrow, you will be Deputy Station Chief Lu.

"This dinner tonight will be a triple celebration."

Wu Jingzhong knew the matter was done, so he simply decided to do him a favor.

"Thank you, Station Chief!

"Qiaoshan will certainly not fail your expectations and will continue to share your burdens."

Lu Qiaoshan was overjoyed; he hurriedly stood up, bowed ninety degrees, and said in a loud voice.

"Sit, sit.

"Actually, isn't the title of Deputy Station Chief just an empty name for you?

"Qiaoshan, think about it carefully.

"Ever since you entered the station, I have viewed you as my right-hand man. Haven't all the big and small matters in this station been handed to you to manage?

"You weren't the Deputy Station Chief, yet you have always been performing the duties of one."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him and smiled with narrowed eyes.

"Yes, yes.

"Over these years, thanks to your kindness toward me, I have always kept it in my heart.

"Now that this matter has landed, it can be considered the fulfillment of one of my wishes.

"At the dinner later, I will definitely toast you several more times to properly thank you for your grace in promoting me."

A sycophantic smile was on Lu Qiaoshan's face, but his leg, crossed over his knee, began to shake uncontrollably.

This scene, in Wu Jingzhong's eyes, was extremely ironic.

He had exhausted his schemes—bringing in Hou Yun, propping up Yu Zecheng—but in the end, he had failed to take Lu Qiaoshan down.

Both knew it clearly.

He had lost this round miserably.

Lu Qiaoshan had won, and he indeed had the qualifications to be arrogant.

"Dog thing, he hasn't even taken the position yet, and he's already starting to put on airs."

A trace of coldness flashed in the depths of Wu Jingzhong's eyes, and he cursed inwardly.

"Master, you have traveled far and are weary. Please return to your office to rest for a while," Hong Zhiyou, who had been standing to the side, interjected at the right moment.

"Good.

"Qiaoshan, see you later then."

Wu Jingzhong stood up and said.

"Station Chief, walk slowly," Lu Qiaoshan said, bowing to see him off.

"Deputy Station Chief Lu, see you tonight."

Hong Zhiyou winked at Lu Qiaoshan and walked out with a smile.

"Whew!

"It's finally done."

Lu Qiaoshan walked to the door and saw the Station Chief walk away.

He seized the moment to sit in that throne-like chair, a happy, radiant smile on his face, and leaned back, closing his eyes to let out a long sigh of relief.

There would be no triple celebration tonight.

Only two.

Yu Zecheng's promotion to Lieutenant Colonel.

His own promotion to Deputy Station Chief.

I wonder what kind of expression Li Ya will have then?

It must be very spectacular!

(End of chapter)