Chapter 232: Mao Sen's Ambition

The next day.

Wu Jingzhong and Yu Zecheng went to the airport in person to see Hong Zhiyou off.

"Zhiyou, you must be careful over there.

"I have prepared a few good things for you.

"When you arrive in Shanghai, send one portion to Wang Xinheng, and go to Hangcheng to send one to Mao Sen.

"Since you are going, the necessary formalities must still be observed."

Wu Jingzhong leaned in and whispered his instructions.

"Thank you, Station Chief," Hong Zhiyou said.

"However, given Mao Sen's vengeful nature, he may still act against you.

"Once you arrive, it would be best for you to stay inside the Garrison Headquarters.

"Of course, you may decide for yourself.

"Still, the same thing applies: safety is the priority above all else."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Understood," Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.

"Zhiyou, take care of yourself.

"I look forward to your safe return!"

Yu Zecheng shook hands with Hong Zhiyou to bid him farewell.

"The two of you, I entrust Zhiyou's safety to you."

Wu Jingzhong looked at Zhou Yan and Lin Tian, who were standing beside Hong Zhiyou, and said.

"Rest assured, Station Chief Wu.

"Whoever wishes to harm Young Master Hong must first step over Zhou's dead body," Zhou Yan said coldly and righteously.

Wu Jingzhong nodded in satisfaction and watched the three of them board the plane.

After seeing Hong Zhiyou off, Yu Zecheng returned to the station.

At 11: 0 AM.

He went out and headed toward the Jinhai Bank.

Fang Buting, dressed in a crisp suit, walked out of the bank building with several local bank heads and business representatives from Jinhai.

"Bank President Li, the Generalissimo wants you and me to step up the currency reform; I have discussed the currency issue with Professor He of Yanjing University many times.

"The foundation of currency reform lies in stabilizing the prices of daily necessities.

"Otherwise, no matter what kind of banknotes are printed, it will be difficult to implement effectively.

"What the common people recognize are things they can eat.

"What can be exchanged?

"Only gold, US dollars, and silver."

Fang Buting said while walking and conversing.

"Indeed.

"The higher-ups are giving us a difficult problem; now, when eating out, many people don't even accept the legal tender.

"When commoners buy rice or flour, they have to bring a whole basket of paper money to exchange for it.

"The collapse of the legal tender is already irreversible.

"If we change to a new one, will the common people accept it?

"Sigh, Old Fang, it's difficult."

Bank President Li of the Jinhai branch also sighed with emotion.

"Difficult or not, we must push forward; there's no choice, who told us to eat from the government's bowl?

"Difficulties exist.

"When I return to Beiping today, I will discuss it with Professor He and the others again; there must be a solution to this matter eventually."

Fang Buting said.

"Hard work," Bank President Li shook hands with him.

"Peidong, Jinhai is a good place; it's so cosmopolitan," after stepping down the stairs, he looked at his nearly bald brother-in-law, who was also the assistant manager of the Central Bank's Beiping branch, and laughed heartily.

"Cosmopolitan is no good, it reeks of foreigners, it's disgusting.

"The flavor of Beiping is still more authentic."

Xie Peidong replied in a hoarse voice.

"You, you still have the same temper as back then, stubborn.

"In our line of work, we still have to keep pace with the times; there are some things from the West that we should learn."

Fang Buting laughed.

"It's almost the New Year, the eldest is still unwilling to come back?" After a pause, he looked at the square in the distance and asked.

"Zhongshi went to the Jianqiao Aviation School in Hangcheng to see him.

"He goes to see Meng'ao every month, don't worry; he has a silver tongue, who knows, the young master might just come back for the New Year," Xie Peidong laughed.

"That child takes after you, too stubborn.

"The Japanese are already gone.

"He still wants to go to the front lines to fly planes; is that something a person can play with, being at ten thousand meters in the air every day?

"How many planes do the Americans and the British crash every year?"

Fang Buting said.

"The young master will understand.

"I have already spoken to Principal Xu of the aviation school; Meng'ao will only teach theory and will not get on the trainer aircraft," Xie Peidong said.

"Hmm.

"That damned Ma Hansan, I received a call this morning, he raised the grain price by another twenty percent.

"If it goes on like this, the common people will have a hard time living; people are going to starve to death."

Fang Buting said while walking, sighing with emotion.

"Indeed, the students in Beiping are on the streets every day; it's fortunate that the military and police are restrained and haven't opened fire, otherwise, who knows what kind of chaos it would be," Xie Peidong said.

"Let's go, time to head home.

"Compared to Beiping, this place is simply a pure land on earth.

"You and I are both destined for a life of toil; let's just go to hell and endure it slowly."

As the two spoke, they walked to the car.

Just as they were about to get in, Yu Zecheng walked over from the side, bowed, and said: "May I ask if you are Bank President Fang and Assistant Manager Xie from Beiping? I am Gao Rong, a reporter for the Jinhai Daily, and I would like to interview you on your views regarding the currency reform."

Yu Zecheng did not expect to talk about serious business right now.

He just came over to make a familiar face first.

Fang Buting glanced at Yu Zecheng; with a slight twitch of his nose, he could smell the scent of the person.

He was not very willing to see this kind of person.

Some things are understood in the heart, but there is no need to say them out loud.

"Mr. Gao, I have other matters to attend to, I'll be going first.

"Peidong, you can chat with him."

Fang Buting smiled politely, ducked into the car, and left first.

Xie Peidong looked at the pocket watch on his chest.

He said while walking: "My time is very tight, I'll give you two minutes."

"My cousin wants to open a company, but funds are a bit tight; there were people at the bank here in Jinhai who obstructed the loan, so I wanted to ask if Assistant Manager Xie knows if there's any way to get it done through the Central Branch in Beiping.

"I understand the rules; paying a bit more interest is acceptable.

"The guarantor is the Tiancheng Transportation Company.

"For the guarantor, I can find Yong Jianqiu or Mr. Ji of the Cao Gang."

Yu Zecheng said at a very fast pace.

He also did not know why Hong Zhiyou wanted him to say this.

This would seem very abrupt.

It made him look very foolish and very impolite.

"It can be done.

"But the interest will be three points higher," Xie Peidong agreed quite readily.

"It can, it can be done.

"Thank you so much, Assistant Manager Xie," Yu Zecheng said gratefully.

"How much do you want to borrow?" Xie Peidong asked.

"Twenty thousand US dollars," Yu Zecheng said.

"That's a bit much.

"There are too many people borrowing money now, and the accounts can't keep up.

"Let's make it ten thousand."

"Tomorrow, have the guarantor, that Mr. Ji, bring the relevant documents to the Beiping branch to collect the money."

Xie Peidong finished speaking efficiently and walked away quickly.

Yu Zecheng stood frozen in place.

He had not expected Xie Peidong to be so easy to talk to.

Turning around, he drove straight to the Cao Gang.

Ten thousand is a bit low, but for now, any amount counts.

First, get the American's supplies into the Cao Gang wharf; once Hong Zhiyou returns, they can be transferred out through the transport line.

Xie Peidong returned to his car.

Yu Zecheng did not recognize him.

Yet he knew both Yu Zecheng and Luo Anping.

After experiencing Yuan Peilin and several other major upheavals and purges, the underground organization in Beiping was severely damaged; Xie Peidong was one of the few embers hidden extremely deep.

Because he and his assistant, Little Cui, were directly under the leadership of Mr. Wu.

His rank was even above that of the intelligence agents on Ke Gong's Line One.

Xie Peidong knew a little about the situation in Jinhai.

It was just as severely damaged as the Beiping underground organization, and it had even cost him his old friend Dong Cheng.

The only bright spot was Yu Zecheng, who could be said to have performed meritorious service repeatedly.

The organization had even established a one-on-one liaison station specifically for him and set up a transport line, which showed Yu's importance.

Now the transport line had also been opened.

Jinhai was a hub for grain, medicine, and ordnance, and it was a fact that the organization and Yong Jianqiu were short on money, so it was necessary for Xie Peidong to give Yu Zecheng a hand.

Of course, the interest that should be collected still had to be collected.

The accounts had to be kept complete.

He could be suspected of bribery or money laundering, because his and Little Cui's secret work at the Beiping branch was exactly that.

But he must never be suspected of being a Red.

Judging by Yu Zecheng's expression, he should not yet know his own identity.

However, raising money, after all.

If you can't borrow it in Jinhai, looking to the Beiping branch is very normal.

Hmm.

There shouldn't be any problem.

Xie Peidong closed his eyes and reviewed the plan once more, then ordered the driver to start the car.

Hangcheng.

Mao Sen was brewing tea in a small courtyard.

He liked to study the tea ceremony.

Brewing tea made him more patient and allowed him to calm his mind and focus his energy to study an opponent's weaknesses, thereby achieving a fatal blow.

"Station Chief, Secretary Hong from the Jinhai Station requests an audience." The guard walked in and reported in a low voice.

"Secretary Hong?"

"He came quite quickly."

"Hmm, this is an interesting man."

"Tell him to come in."

Mao Sen smiled slightly.

Soon, Hong Zhiyou walked in with a crisp step, stood directly in front of Mao Sen with a snap, and respectfully stood at attention to give a military salute:

"Student of the Eighth Class of the Sino-American Special Training Class, Hong Zhiyou, greets the teacher!"

He was not putting on a show.

Back then, Mao Sen was the nominal director of the Sino-American Special Training Class and had even presided over the graduation ceremony of the eighth class.

Strictly speaking, this "teacher" was more authentic than calling Wu Jingzhong that.

"Sit!"

Mao Sen raised his hand faintly.

He wore a light beard, his cheeks were thin, and a pair of long, sharp, phoenix-shaped eyes made him look gloomy and stern; he was of the typical Boss Dai style.

"The Sino-American Class hasn't produced many capable people."

"But you killed Ke Chengwu, fulfilling a major wish of the Chairman, and being promoted three ranks is already a success story in the Secret Service Bureau."

"Young and promising."

Mao Sen looked at him and smiled faintly.

"This student swears to serve the Party and the State to the death and strives to make new contributions." After Hong Zhiyou saluted respectfully again, he sat down.

"That mouth of yours is truly remarkable."

"Back then, you fooled Zhou Xiangxian completely; you didn't get the job done for me, yet you came back and kept speaking well of you."

"To be a person to this extent shows that you are well-versed in the ways of human relationships."

"Since you value human relationships, have you ever thought about returning to your hometown to contribute to the elders and fellow villagers here in Hangcheng?"

"Mayor Zhou's side, my side, including the Pacification Office and the Garrison Headquarters, are all possibilities."

"If that doesn't work, go to Shanghu; it's no worse than Jinhai."

Mao Sen half-smiled as he settled old scores and offered conditions to Hong Zhiyou.

"Teacher."

"The world is vast, and all of it is the territory of the Chairman and the Party-State; wherever this student is, it is like my homeland."

"I won't add any more trouble to you, Teacher."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and refused.

"You!"

"Young but cunning!"

Mao Sen pointed at him, a flash of displeasure crossing his eyes.

"Do you have business in Hangcheng?" He poured tea for Hong Zhiyou.

"To be honest, this student originally came to Shanghu for business."

"The first stop was to visit you, Teacher."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Additionally, entrusted by Station Chief Wu, I brought some Jinhai specialties for you, Teacher, as a small token of my sincerity."

After sipping the fragrant tea, he continued.

"You are too polite."

"I still have some influence in Shanghu; if you need any help, just say the word."

Mao Sen said.

When the conversation is not agreeable, half a sentence is too much; Hong Zhiyou knew this was a dismissal.

"Hmm, I will certainly not hesitate to trouble you, Teacher, when the time comes."

"You are busy with ten thousand matters a day, so this student will not disturb you further."

Hong Zhiyou put down his teacup, bowed, and took his leave.

Just as he left, a man in a Zhongshan suit with a slicked-back hairstyle walked in from the corridor, looked at the door, and snorted coldly:

"Wu Jingzhong's hands are too long, aren't they? He couldn't get enough in Jinhai, so he reached into Shanghu."

"What exactly does he want to do?"

The person who arrived was Mao Wanli, who was on a business trip in Hangcheng.

"It is said that the nephew of Director Wang of the Jinhai Grain Bureau was detained by Du Yuesheng."

"Getting someone out of Du's hands is not that easy."

Mao Sen waved his hand, signaling him to sit.

"This time, it was truly a miscalculation."

"Director Mao wanted to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight, but after all the fighting, Zheng Jiemin and Jianfeng both ended up injured, and that old dog Wu picked up a bargain, with the one surnamed Yu becoming the deputy station chief."

"I really don't know what Uncle is thinking."

Mao Wanli said angrily.

"Some things cannot be rushed."

"After Boss Dai died, no one could speak in front of the Chairman."

"The fact that the Chairman allowed Director Mao to come up this time is already the greatest fortune in our Jiangshan Faction's misfortune."

"Director Mao has Zheng Jiemin above him and Wu Jingzhong below him holding him back, plus Jianfeng tapping him from time to time; life is not easy."

"Just endure it for now; Wu Jingzhong won't be able to jump around for long."

"Director Mao has plenty of ways to deal with him."

Mao Sen's eyes sharpened, and he said in a deep voice.

"Jinhai, it's full of treasures, yet it was monopolized by that old dog Wu."

"Why don't we take this opportunity to kill Hong Zhiyou."

"I heard this kid is his son-in-law, his right-hand man."

"If we don't give him a taste of our power, he'll really think that by relying on Jiang Jianfeng and Zheng Jiemin, he can act recklessly."

"We must let him know who calls the shots in Jiangzhe."

Mao Wanli said viciously.

"Fine."

"It just so happens that people in Jinhai and the Dangtong Bureau have also offered a high price for me to get rid of this Hong Zhiyou."

"Isn't he looking for Du Yuesheng?"

"If they can't reach an agreement and he dies at the hands of Du Yuesheng, isn't that perfectly normal?"

"Du Yuesheng has broad connections; we'll let him take the fall later!"

From the moment Hong Zhiyou stepped into Jiangzhe, Mao Sen had already planned it all out.

"That's right."

"This is what they call: there is a road to heaven, but he refuses to take it; there is no gate to hell, yet he forces his way in."

"I want to personally send this kid to his grave."

Thinking of his repeated failed attempts to scheme against Jinhai, Mao Wanli couldn't help but feel intense hatred.

"No."

"You return to headquarters immediately."

"Everyone in the Secret Service Bureau knows that I, Bureau Chief Mao, and Wu Jingzhong have a grudge."

"You want to sit in Jinhai and get a share of the spoils."

"If you linger here now, once something happens to Hong Zhiyou, you will be the first one they investigate."

Mao Sen shook his head with seasoned craftiness.

"That works too, then I'll return to Jinling today," Mao Wanli thought for a moment and nodded.

"Hmm."

"Rest assured, on my turf, no matter how powerful the Monkey King is, he cannot escape the palm of the Buddha," Mao Sen's gaze darkened as he picked up the tea that had nearly gone lukewarm and drank it in one gulp.

Hong Zhiyou did not stop to rest and went to visit Zhou Xiangxian.

Although he knew that in the future the red flag would be everywhere and these people would mostly be of no use.

But the Station Chief didn't know that; since he wanted to show human kindness, he had to see it through to the end.

They stayed in Hangcheng for one day.

In the evening, Hong Zhiyou, accompanied by Zhou Yan and Lin Tian, finally stepped into the bustling Shanghai Bund.

The prosperity of Shanghu was quite different from that of Jinhai.

The prosperity of Jinhai was relatively restrained.

Because it was adjacent to Beiping, there were many remnants of the old imperial era and former officials of the Beiyang government; furthermore, the pace of life was slightly slower, so the impact of that kind of prosperity and modernization was not very intense.

Most ordinary people had no particular pursuit of new trends.

But Shanghu was different.

Under the colorful neon lights, it was full of the extravagance of wine and song.

There were dance hostesses wearing sequined corsets, with black silk ribbons and red rose clips in their hair.

The women walking on the street wore trench coats, high heels, and qipaos with silk stockings.

The men were in suits and leather shoes, their shoes polished to a shine.

As the glass doors of each bustling nightclub were pushed open, piercing music and the scent of alcohol would waft out.

"My god."

"I thought Jinhai was heaven, I didn't expect Shanghu to be even more exciting."

Lin Tian stood on the street, his face full of joy and surprise, as he spread his arms and shouted.

"This is also a money pit."

"You only see the excitement; what you don't see are the layers of blood, tears, and filth underneath."

Zhou Yan snorted coldly.

"Old Zhou, have you been here before?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"Yes."

"I came to Shanghu with the Gang Leader before."

"Back then, Huang Jinrong was just so-so, and Du Yuesheng didn't amount to much yet."

"I still remember that the Garrison Commander of Shanghu at the time was named Yang Hu; he was a famous big shot, known as the 'uncrowned emperor' of Shanghu."

"As a result, Mr. Wang slapped him hard in public."

"Yang Hu didn't even dare to let out a fart."

"Sigh!"

"It's a pity the Gang Leader was killed by that old dog Dai Li; otherwise, in today's Shanghu, what would the likes of Du Yuesheng count for?"

Stepping back onto this land, Zhou Yan's eyes couldn't help but moisten at the mention of Wang Yaqiao.

"Gang Leader Wang was indeed a god-like man."

"Even though he is no longer in the underworld, his legend will be passed down in the underworld forever."

Hong Zhiyou said with emotion.

After wandering around the streets for a while, Hong Zhiyou took the two of them back to the Peace Hotel.

The three of them booked an expensive suite.

Lin Tian couldn't sit still and, with Hong Zhiyou's permission, went out to flirt with girls and drink.

Hong Zhiyou knew that while this guy seemed unserious, it was actually a method for gathering intelligence, so he let him be.

"Old Zhou, why don't you go out for a stroll too?"

"I... I have a friend coming over later."

Hong Zhiyou said while loosening his tie.

"No, I promised Station Chief Wu and Director Yu that I would not leave your side for even a step."

"The tragedy of Mr. Song Jiaoren must never be allowed to repeat itself on my watch."

Zhou Yan said.

"You know this friend of mine; she definitely won't be a threat," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Who?" Zhou Yan asked.

"Ma Kui's... wife," Hong Zhiyou said with a dry cough.

"Her."

"People's hearts are hard to read; you two haven't been in contact for so long, so it's better to be careful."

"I'll stand guard outside the door; you do whatever you need to do."

As a top-tier assassin, Zhou Yan naturally considered things more professionally and thoroughly.

"Alright," Hong Zhiyou thought about it and agreed.

It was a top-tier hotel, after all; the soundproofing in the room should be decent.

Besides, Adi was the gentle, soft-sobbing type, not like Fang Min's wild, howling style.

Old Zhou shouldn't be able to hear anything out of the ordinary.

A moment later, the crisp sound of high heels clicking echoed in the hallway.

Zhou Gendi walked over, swaying her hips.

"Miss Zhou, is it?"

"Please hand your bag to me."

Zhou Yan blocked the doorway with an expressionless face and stopped her.

"Okay," Zhou Gendi knew Hong Zhiyou's status was noble, so she obediently handed it over.

Zhou Yan checked the bag.

Then he signaled for her to raise her arms and turn around.

After confirming there were no hidden weapons, he returned the bag and opened the door.

Zhou Gendi smiled and nodded, walking in impatiently.

Slap!

As soon as she entered the room, she saw Hong Zhiyou wearing a bathrobe, preparing red wine.

"Adi, you're here?"

Hong Zhiyou winked at her.

"Zhiyou!"

At the sound of "Adi," Zhou Gendi's tears flowed down instantly.

Hong Zhiyou took the opportunity to look her over carefully.

Zhou Gendi was wearing a black, waist-cinching fishtail dress tonight, revealing a patch of snow-white skin at her chest, with a small shawl; the whole look was fashionable and charming.

Especially the confidence radiating from her eyes; she was no longer the timid, submissive young woman who spent her days pining away in her boudoir.

"Come, let me give you a hug," Hong Zhiyou opened his arms.

Zhou Gendi pounced on him like a bird.

The two shared a passionate kiss.

"I'm going to take a shower, wait for me."

She put down her bag and walked toward the bathroom inside.

"Then lean against the wall first."

Hong Zhiyou gave a wicked smile and followed closely behind.

The faucet was turned on.

A long-lost feeling; there was not the slightest bit of awkwardness between the two.

The bathroom.

The floor.

The windowsill.

The bed.

The two of them enjoyed the joy of reunion to their hearts' content in the room.

It wasn't until one o'clock in the morning that Zhou Gendi finally let Hong Zhiyou off.

"How have you been in Shanghu?"

On the bed, Hong Zhiyou held her and asked gently.

"It was quite bitter at the beginning; I had to memorize lines and scripts, and there were so many things to learn.

"But Miss Hu Die has been very kind to me and hired a special teacher to guide me one-on-one.

"Now I've also appeared in a few small films.

"Although they were all bit parts, at least I've gained some audience appeal."

Zhou Gendi said.

"By the way, Miss Hu Die thought my name was too tacky.

"She helped me pick a stage name.

"It's called Zhou Ying, what do you think?"

After a pause, she wrapped her jade arms around Hong Zhiyou's neck, kissed him, and asked.

"It's quite good.

"But I still prefer calling you A-Di, Mrs. Ma, or sister-in-law."

Hong Zhiyou pinched her chin, blinked, and smiled wickedly.

"You're really bad, bringing up that useless dead ghost again," Zhou Gendi pouted and hummed.

"Other men's women are always more fragrant than one's own.

"That's the feeling I want."

Hong Zhiyou teased.

"Your woman at home should be giving birth soon, right? You're about to be a father and you're still so flirtatious," Zhou Gendi asked.

"Next month," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"How about Wanqiu? Is she doing well?" Zhou Gendi asked.

"She is just like you, learning and improving.

"How about it? Listening to me was the right choice, wasn't it?

"Women shouldn't just think about the business in their pants and daily chores; once your horizons are broadened, this world is far more exciting than you imagine," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"You're the one who thinks about the pants..."

"I'm busy as hell all day long; where would I have the time to think about those things?

"But I really like my current life.

"Busy and fulfilling.

"By the way, I've also learned a foreign language; let me say a few sentences for you to hear."

Zhou Gendi recited a few sentences for him with every expression and smile.

"Hmm, not bad, there's progress.

"You work hard; when you get a bit more popular, I'll let you be the celebrity spokesperson for my Axe brand."

As Hong Zhiyou spoke, he took a stack of U. . banknotes from his bag by the bedside and gave them to her:

"Is the money enough? Take it."

"No need, the money I earn myself now is enough for my parents' and my own expenses," Zhou Gendi said.

"Don't be a stranger with me; you know I'm not short on money."

Hong Zhiyou stuffed the money back into her hands.

"Alright.

"Honestly, I just like taking your money; it makes me feel at ease."

Zhou Gendi kissed him and happily accepted it.

"I heard it's quite chaotic here; no one is bullying you, right?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"No, no.

"Miss Hu Die knows Du Lao, and they also know that old Ma used to be a Juntong man, so no one really dares to bully me."

Zhou Gendi's eyes flickered evasively.

"No one, that means there is someone," Hong Zhiyou said.

"There isn't," she said in a low voice.

Hong Zhiyou didn't ask further.

The Shanghai Bund is a place where dragons and snakes mingle.

Old warlords, various garrison troops, municipal administration, and so on.

Especially the massive influence of the Jiangzhe financial clique; some people in the middle of this are not to be trifled with.

Otherwise, later on, even someone as powerful as Jianfeng would have hit a wall in Shanghu.

He would finish his official business first, and after dealing with Du Yuesheng, he would see who was pestering Zhou Gendi.

If it could be solved, he would solve it.

If it couldn't be solved, then forget it.

He was a father now; back then, clashing with Dai Li for the sake of Wanqiu was somewhat reckless in his youth, and sometimes he would break into a cold sweat thinking about it in the middle of the night.

And that was with Wu Jingzhong helping him from behind.

To say he would risk his life again for Zhou Gendi, whom he had only slept with twice?

Hong Zhiyou would never do it, even if it killed him.

Clearly, Zhou Gendi didn't want to say anything because she didn't want to drag Hong Zhiyou, who had a family to support, into this.

(End of chapter)