Chapter 236: The Grand Plan for Money Laundering

Jinmen.

Lishun Hotel.

"Director Wang, I have brought the person back for you." Hong Zhiyou adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and handed the unharmed Zhang Junfei over to Wang Dashun.

"Junfei, are you alright? Let Mom see."

A woman wearing a dark-colored cheongsam hurried forward and hugged her son.

"Mom."

"What could possibly be wrong with me?"

"Du Yuesheng is just a piece of trash; does he dare touch a single hair on my head?"

The arrogant-looking Zhang Junfei remained as insolent as ever.

"Junfei, stop spouting nonsense."

"If it weren't for Secretary Hong this time, you would have been in real trouble," Zhang Junfei's father scolded from the side.

"What's the big deal?"

"Isn't it just killing some small-time hoodlum?"

"Our family has plenty of money. If I get annoyed, I'll find someone to finish off that Du fellow too."

Zhang Junfei continued, still oblivious to the gravity of the situation.

As he spoke, he cast a disdainful glance at Hong Zhiyou.

Hong Zhiyou smiled and ignored him: "Director Wang, someone will come to collect the payment later; remember to pay."

"Understood."

"Secretary Hong, please take care," Wang Dashun said respectfully.

Hong Zhiyou did not look at him and walked straight out.

"Did you bring the money?" Wang Dashun looked at his sister and brother-in-law.

"We brought it."

Zhang Junfei's father handed over two cases, each containing fifty gold bars neatly stacked inside.

"Spending one hundred gold bars just to kill someone over a whore."

"You people are truly wealthy."

Wang Dashun sighed and closed the lids of the cases.

"Uncle."

"I think you're making a mountain out of a molehill. You could have just called Du Yuesheng to release me; why did you have to find this pretty boy and waste one hundred gold bars?"

"Isn't that just throwing it away?"

Zhang Junfei said with dissatisfaction.

"You brat."

"Do you know how many connections I had to pull to get Secretary Hong to help?"

"Without him, you would have been slaughtered as a sacrifice long ago."

Wang Dashun cursed in annoyance.

"Alright, alright."

"Junfei doesn't know any better; don't hold it against a child, brother," Wang Dashun's sister said, quickly shielding her son.

"Sigh!"

"If you keep spoiling him like this, something is bound to happen sooner or later."

Wang Dashun tapped the table, lamenting his lack of discipline.

"Mom, don't say anything else."

"Who knows how much of this hundred gold bars our uncle is pocketing for himself."

Zhang Junfei also flared up, speaking with biting sarcasm.

"You!" Wang Dashun was nearly infuriated to death.

Just then, Long Er, wearing a Tang suit and sunglasses, walked in and reached out directly: "Director Wang, right? Hand over the money."

"It's here."

Wang Dashun hurriedly handed over the cases.

Long Er lifted his sunglasses to check, then took the cases and handed them to his subordinates.

"You're called Zhang Junfei?"

Long Er looked at the disgruntled rich kid.

"That's me, so what?" Zhang Junfei asked unhappily.

"So what?"

Slap!

Long Er raised his hand and knocked him over with a slap.

"Listen well."

"My name is Long Er. Don't let me see you in Jinmen again, or I'll beat you every time I see you!"

"You ignorant dog!"

Long Er took off his sunglasses, stepped on him, and warned him viciously.

Long Er!

The leader of the Boatmen's Guild!

Zhang Junfei instantly wilted, covering his face and trembling:

"Yes, Master Long."

"Pah!"

Long Er spat a mouthful of phlegm onto his face, adjusted his sunglasses, and swaggered away.

Others might not know, but how could he not?

Shanghai was Mao Sen's territory.

Hong Zhiyou had risked his life to go there.

He hadn't expected to save such an ungrateful wretch.

Earlier, in the car outside the window, he had seen Zhang Junfei's pathetic attitude and had been fuming the whole time.

Hong Zhiyou might not care.

But he certainly wouldn't tolerate this idiot.

Hong Zhiyou returned to the station.

Wu Jingzhong was on the phone; he looked gloomy after hanging up, but his face immediately lit up when he saw Hong Zhiyou:

"Zhiyou, you're back so soon."

"Was the matter handled?"

"It's handled, please verify it," Hong Zhiyou handed over the two cases.

Wu Jingzhong opened them to take a look and smiled with satisfaction:

"Not bad. I heard about what happened last night; Mao Sen didn't give you any trouble, did he?"

"No," Hong Zhiyou was accustomed to reporting only the good news.

"That's good."

"Have you heard?" Wu Jingzhong gestured for him to sit.

"No rush."

"I'll go wash my face and brush my teeth first."

"I just got back and haven't had a chance to freshen up."

Hong Zhiyou was still very conscious of his image.

After taking a shower in the staff dormitory and washing up, he returned to the office.

Wu Jingzhong had already cut up fruit and brewed tea, waiting for him.

"Lu Qiaoshan was taken away by Zheng Jiemin and transferred directly to the Second Department to serve as something like the Chief of the Second Inspection Division."

"Second Inspection Division?"

"Who are they planning to inspect?"

"We must be on guard against this person in the future; he knows quite a few of our secrets."

"He definitely leaked them to Zheng Jiemin."

"Zheng Jiemin intends to use him as a blade to strike at us."

"Surely not? Does Director Zheng dare to promote someone who just violated discipline so heavily?" Hong Zhiyou said in shock.

"Do you know what Lu Qiaoshan said about me?"

"He said the money I've privately siphoned off is enough to buy Greenland, and that I've hidden more things than the Puyi family. Not to mention Zheng Jiemin, even the Generalissimo would drool if he heard that."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at the floor and said angrily.

That is indeed true... Hong Zhiyou thought to himself, then replied:

"Then we must be careful."

"In these chaotic times, whoever has money is a lamb waiting to be slaughtered."

Zheng Jiemin's eyes turned red; how could he still care about any camaraderie between classmates?

"He is preparing to bleed me dry.

"Just wait, Lu Qiao will definitely come back."

Wu Jingzhong said uneasily.

"Master, the mansion in Hexi is not a long-term solution after all; why not transfer a batch to Xiangdao first?

"Isn't Wu Rui coming back in a while?

"I have a premonition that they will soon be probing your assets; the sooner we disperse them, the better."

Hong Zhiyou suggested.

"With so many treasures, I am not at ease shipping them out.

"Let's be clear: the things left behind by our ancestors must not be shipped abroad, not even a single bit.

"This is the bottom line."

Wu Jingzhong said with some heartache.

"Let's send them to Xiangdao.

"The influence of the Nationalist Government there is limited; I previously had the Rong family buy a small private island there, and it should be mostly built by now.

"Ship the things over and store them there.

"To the outside world, that island belongs to the Rong family.

"The Rong family has a very strong relationship with the Viceroy, and with the private armed forces of the Cao Gang guarding it, they won't be able to touch it.

"It just so happens that after Wu Rui returns and finishes her postpartum recovery, she can take the child and go there first."

Hong Zhiyou said.

Wu Jingzhong's brows furrowed, his gaze sharp and vigilant as he stared at him.

Hong Zhiyou was quite the playboy.

Wu Rui did have a child.

But there was no guarantee that Wanqiu, or even Mrs. Ma, wouldn't have children in the future.

If he spent half his life working hard only to transfer everything to a place he couldn't fully control, he might end up working for this kid; even Xie Ruo couldn't play that place well, and by then, he wouldn't even have a place to cry.

"By the way, for the property rights of the island, I wrote Wu Rui's name."

"Oh, Wu Rui is aware of this."

Hong Zhiyou hurriedly added.

Wu Jingzhong's expression finally softened a little: "But the Rong family is very close to the Red Tickets; their 'smashing landlords and dividing fields' is no joke—don't let them smash you first."

"Master, the Rong family are business people.

"And the protection of personal property in Xiangdao is definitely better than you think.

"There are many wealthy people there.

"If they are going to strike, they will strike at those in the higher echelons first."

Hong Zhiyou advised with a smile.

"Transferring a batch in the early stages is acceptable.

"I would rather let the Red Tickets smash them.

"Than let them benefit the likes of Lu Qiao and Zheng Jiemin!"

Wu Jingzhong said with a resolute gaze.

"Fine, then I will start having the Cao Gang transfer them tomorrow."

He knew that old Wu's thinking was relatively conservative, so he said no more.

As they were speaking, Xiao Guohua walked in:

"Station Chief, Secretary Hong, Station Chief Mao from Hangcheng requests an audience."

"Mao Sen?

"What is this dog thing here for?"

Wu Jingzhong instantly became like a fighting cock, his aura turning fierce.

"Master, Station Chief Mao didn't call ahead, so it must be a private matter; you should see him," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Did you offend him when you went to Shanghu this time?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"I guarantee, absolutely not," Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.

"Then I will meet him; you prepare the tea," Wu Jingzhong straightened his attire and walked out the door with his hands behind his back.

Upon reaching the station entrance, Mao Sen stood straight in a black Zhongshan suit.

"Brother Jingzhong, long time no see.

"It must have been a year since we parted at headquarters."

As soon as they met, Mao Sen took a step forward and reached out his hand with a smile.

"Hongyou, you have grown thin.

"I heard you have been eating vegetarian lately; eating vegetarian all the time won't do. In our line of work, there is no need to fast and pray; if you should eat meat, you must eat it. Without a strong physique, how can we defend the leader and build our achievements?"

Wu Jingzhong shook his hand and said with a smile as they walked.

"Alas, I cannot compare to you, brother; my stomach is not good, and it protests if I eat anything too rich.

"On the contrary, you are full of vigor, which is enviable,"

Mao Sen said.

"Not at all.

"I am not doing well either; my prostate rebels every day, otherwise I would have already helped Jiang Jianfeng go to Shanghu to act as a vanguard and be your neighbor," Wu Jingzhong laughed.

Walking to the entrance of the Gothic new station building, Wu Jingzhong raised his hand, intentionally showing off:

"Look, does this look like a station to you?

"It's just like a foreigner's club. You say, in our line of work, being so flashy, doesn't that invite trouble?"

He was intentionally or unintentionally pointing at Mao Sen.

"Indeed, it is said that there is heaven above, and Suzhou and Hangzhou below.

"Coming to your station entrance, I realize this mountain is a true mountain; it would be hard to reside here without the means of an immortal."

Mao Sen did not argue and took a step back.

Wu Jingzhong was very satisfied with this answer; he beamed and whispered: "Brother, I have no immortals here, but a pile of little ghosts; the matter of the deputy station chief a while ago still gives me a headache.

"I cannot compare to your peace and quiet."

"Where is there a temple without ghosts? You, brother, have boundless Buddhist power," Mao Sen laughed.

The two walked hand in hand, to the astonishment of the crowd, and arrived at the office, where they finally let go and took their seats.

"Student Hong Zhiyou, greetings to Master," Hong Zhiyou gave a respectful military salute.

"I had forgotten; you taught Zhiyou, you are his proper teacher," Wu Jingzhong laughed.

"I am not worthy of being called a teacher; it is just a nominal title.

"However, this child does not forget his roots; it is all thanks to Station Chief Wu's personal guidance,"

Mao Sen looked at Hong Zhiyou with approval.

The two exchanged a few polite words and sat down on the sofas.

Hong Zhiyou was very observant and handed them warm towels.

The two wiped the sweat from their hands and sat facing each other.

"Two masters, please talk."

Hong Zhiyou bowed and retreated.

An hour later, Wu Jingzhong and Mao Sen walked out, chatting and laughing.

"Brother, I prepared some small gifts when I came; I handed them directly to your wife when I passed by your house; please do not refuse this small token," Mao Sen said in a low voice at the station entrance.

"Brother, I am honored enough that you came; why bring gifts?" Wu Jingzhong said with a wink.

"I must, I must.

"In the current situation... I hope that in the future, brother, you will let bygones be bygones and we can cooperate sincerely,"

Mao Sen laughed.

"You and I are comrades and brothers; that is certain," Wu Jingzhong patted his hand and said.

"I have other matters, so I will not see you off.

"Secretary Hong, see Station Chief Mao off."

Wu Jingzhong knew he had something to say to Hong Zhiyou, so he excused himself first.

"Zhiyou, is everything alright with Du Yuesheng?" Mao Sen asked directly.

"It will be.

"With you, Master, overseeing Shanghai and Hangzhou, everything is naturally peaceful," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Good!

"Young man, work hard; the future of the Party-State will sooner or later be handed over to you.

"I have high hopes for you!"

Mao Sen received a satisfactory answer, patted his shoulder, and climbed into the car with a smile.

Hong Zhiyou watched the car drive away before returning to the station chief's office.

"Your teacher's wife just called; Mao Sen not only returned the gifts we sent but also added several priceless antiques."

"To be able to make this iron rooster bleed."

"Zhiyou, did you take a cut from him while in Shanghu?"

Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile.

Hong Zhiyou recounted the matter of Yu Xuan, and Wu Jingzhong frowned:

"That was quite risky; I was wondering why Mao Sen came running over—it turns out he had a guilty conscience.

"But after this time, I assume he won't dare to scheme against the Jinhai Station in the future.

"As for raising the money, do you have a way?"

"One hundred thousand US dollars is not a small sum. These rich people nowadays hold onto their banknotes very tightly, and even if you do raise the money, the Americans might not be willing to exchange it for US dollars.

"The Generalissimo is reluctant to use the 'private coffers' of the Jiang-Zhe financial cliques and is embarrassed to ask Kong and Song for money. In the end, he doesn't want to touch his own base in Jianghu, yet he wants to cut meat from our Jinhai to feed the eagle."

Wu Jingzhong saw through everything at a glance.

"Indeed."

"This money is for Fu Zuoyi, and the purpose is to purge the influence of Li Zongren's Gui Clique in Beiping.

"Neither the money nor the supplies can appear on the public ledgers.

"So, isn't it just a matter of cutting from the honest folks?"

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Where can you find it? Cracking down on corruption definitely won't work; those officials and merchants are one and the same, and their roots run deep. Constantly cutting from them will surely alert those above.

"And this errand of yours cannot see the light of day.

"If you mess it up, no one will protect you.

"If you do it well, you might not even get credit.

"If you do it poorly, the Jiang family father and son will turn their backs on you, and when Li Zongren or Fu Zuoyi make a scene, they will simply throw you out as a scapegoat.

"They are most adept at playing this game; you must be cautious."

Wu Jingzhong said with worry.

"It's a situation where I can't refuse.

"If I succeed, I will be half a glove in the future, which will provide some convenience.

"Master, I do have an idea."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Let's hear it," Wu Jingzhong said.

"I want to speculate on a stock, bring in the money from the big investors, and then crash the price after cashing out at the high, effectively laundering the money of those big-shot dogs."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Who is still buying stocks right now?

"Everyone is eyeing US bonds."

Wu Jingzhong felt it was unreliable.

"What if it's a stock that the Americans, the French, and even the Rong family and other Xiangdao capital are all optimistic about?

"Once they enter the market, I'll find people to stir up some rumors.

"Those people will definitely scramble to get in.

"By then, once I've cashed out enough money, I'll convert it into silk and porcelain to exchange for US dollars.

"Currently, these are the only things we have here that can be exchanged for foreign currency."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Of course, there is also opium.

"If the Americans take it back to North America, they are guaranteed to make a profit."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Opium won't do.

"If someone wants to make an issue of this in the future, you won't be able to wash yourself clean, and a conviction will be inevitable.

"You are a man with a family to support now.

"Anything unclean or that cannot be brought into the light must not be touched at all, do you understand?"

Wu Jingzhong hurriedly waved his hand and said.

Hong Zhiyou certainly knew that.

He had said it on purpose, not wanting to appear as if he had thought of everything, so as to leave room for Old Wu to exercise his authority and lecture him.

"Yes, thank you for the reminder, Master," Hong Zhiyou said respectfully.

"Your Mistress's birthday is tonight.

"Call your parents and your little sister to come along.

"I forgot to mention, Mei Shao's daughter has returned—the one we originally intended to introduce to you, Yingxue.

"Stay away from her when the time comes.

"Don't forget, her younger brother died at your hands; it is best to be cautious and guarded in all things."

Wu Jingzhong gave a preliminary warning.

It was mainly because Yingxue was too beautiful, had a figure that was too hot, and had been educated abroad; this type of woman was most popular with young people.

Wu Jingzhong knew Hong Zhiyou had a fondness for beautiful women.

He was afraid he wouldn't be able to restrain himself.

"Master, rest assured, this student has his own sense of propriety," Hong Zhiyou hurriedly replied.

"Hmm.

"Go on."

Wu Jingzhong waved his hand.

Hong Zhiyou walked out of the station master's office.

Just as he returned to the General Affairs office and wanted to take a nap, Yu Zecheng walked in:

"Zhiyou, the funds from Assistant Manager Xie have arrived.

"Ten thousand US dollars as an initial payment.

"I have already found Long Er to purchase the supplies, and they are stored in the warehouse. Do you want to move them tonight?"

"Yes, move a batch first.

"The transport line is newly established, and its safety is not necessarily controllable, so keep the quantity small."

Hong Zhiyou thought for a moment and said.

"Good!"

Yu Zecheng nodded and said.

Seven o'clock in the evening, 69 Changde Road.

Mei Shao was adjusting his tie, and Mei Yingxue stood to the side in an evening gown.

"Xue'er, when you see Hong Zhiyou later, try to remain calm; it is best to pretend you don't know about your brother's affair.

"That fellow is very cunning; it will be troublesome if he becomes suspicious of you."

Mei Shao said.

"Dad, I know," Mei Yingxue said indifferently.

"Your main target is Li Ya.

"I have investigated this person.

"He recently suffered a double blow in his career and love life, having been dumped by a woman from an opera troupe.

"He must be very fragile and empty right now.

"This is your opportunity.

"If you can take him down, dealing with Hong Zhiyou will be a sure thing."

Mei Shao urged her tirelessly.

Mei Yingxue nodded.

"Dad, don't worry.

"As long as it's a man, he will never be able to escape the palm of my hand."

Mei Yingxue puffed out her chest and sneered proudly.

She had absolute confidence in her figure and appearance.

Men, after all, are lions; how could they not eat meat?

Not just that country bumpkin Li Ya who returned from Yancheng.

Including Hong Zhiyou.

Mei Yingxue also wanted to give it a try.

Her cousin had always been arrogant and high-minded, wanting to outdo her in everything since they were children; if she slept with her man, she would surely be furious to death.

And while she was at it, she could fish for some intelligence she wanted—wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?

As for her brother's revenge.

No rush.

Once she had played enough, there would be plenty of time to take his life.

……

(End of chapter)