Chapter 242: General Feierxun's Dilemma

No. 1 Changde Road.

Wu Jingzhong sipped his mutton soup, smacked his lips, and frowned:

"The flavor is too bland. We pay so much money every month to hire this so-called Yuedong chef, but I find his skills truly lacking."

"Who drinks mutton soup late at night? Are you afraid you won't be running to the bathroom often enough?"

"Once you reach a certain age, you must stick to a light diet."

"It was me who told him to put less mutton offal in yours."

Mei Qiuju said with a gentle smile.

"You know, Ziyi is a child who used to visit me during every holiday, no matter how busy he was."

"It's been nearly a year now, and he didn't even call on my birthday."

"It was a waste of all the affection I showed him."

As she spoke, she brought up her nephew, Mei Ziyi.

Wu Jingzhong set down his spoon and said unhappily, "He went abroad to study, didn't he? Once his horizons were broadened, he thought he was the best in the world; there's no room for anyone else in his eyes."

"And that brother of yours—I was kind enough to entrust the better part of my family assets to him."

"Yet he deceived his superiors and concealed the truth from those below."

"If it weren't for Wu Rui and Hong Zhiyou discovering it in time, I would have ended up working for him and his father."

"Hmph."

"If not for the sake of our relationship, I would have dealt with them long ago."

"Alright, alright."

"Mei Shao already knows he was wrong. Besides, isn't he being quite honest now? He's just flipping some things on the black market; it doesn't get in your way," Mei Qiuju said, feeling guilty.

"Honest?"

"I hope so."

Wu Jingzhong let out a cold snort and said nothing more.

"I see that Li Ya is quite serious about Yingxue; you should give him a hint about this."

"Once someone gets carried away with matters of the heart, it's very hard to turn them back."

Mei Qiuju said.

"What's so hard about it?"

"Do you take Li Ya for that brother of yours who is stupider than a pig?"

"He was once the most outstanding graduate taught by Yu Leixing."

"He is someone in whom Jiang Jianfeng has placed high hopes."

"Beauty can only cloud his judgment for a moment; in his eyes, women are truly not as important as that bowl of food."

Wu Jingzhong said with dissatisfaction.

"What do you mean by that?"

"If we're chatting, let's just chat; don't snap at me. Isn't it just that the mutton soup wasn't made well?"

"Look at that temper of yours."

Mei Qiuju grabbed the bowl he had set down, rolled her eyes, and stood up.

"When you have a chance, put a bug in your brother's ear—don't go courting death!" Wu Jingzhong said.

"I know."

Mei Qiuju was just about to enter the kitchen.

The guard's voice sounded from outside the door: "Station Chief, Captain Li requests an audience."

"Let him in," Wu Jingzhong ordered.

Li Ya walked in, smiled, and bowed: "Teacher, Mistress."

"Li Ya."

"You've come at the right time. Your mistress has stewed some mutton offal soup; have a bowl while it's hot."

Wu Jingzhong greeted him with great enthusiasm.

Li Ya didn't stand on ceremony; despite his thin frame, he had a hearty appetite, and that bowl of pork intestine noodles had long since been digested.

"How is it? The taste?" Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile, his arms crossed and his gaze soft.

"It's much better than what's sold outside."

"Teacher, I came today to ask for your advice on something."

After finishing the soup, Li Ya brought up the real matter.

"What is it?" Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile.

"Regarding my marriage to Yingxue, Mr. Mei has agreed, but Yingxue says we must seek your and Mistress's opinion."

"You..."

Li Ya raised his eyebrows and asked.

"What opinion could I possibly have?"

"According to the words of the matchmaker, a father's word is as heavy as heaven. Since Mei Shao has agreed, you should just go ahead and marry her."

Wu Jingzhong said with an indifferent smile.

Li Ya had asked for his "opinion."

Given his character, if he really intended to marry, he would have simply announced it with great arrogance.

Clearly, this fellow was gradually "sobering up."

There was no need to make an unnecessary move and spell things out, lest Li Ya use his own words later to shut the mouths of the Mei family.

Although Wu Jingzhong could be completely indifferent to the feelings of that father and daughter.

But that did not fit his style.

"The shipment Ma Hansan had last night was disclosed to me by Yingxue and Mr. Mei."

"She said it was transferred to the Red Zone by Deputy Station Chief Yu."

"As for the result, you already know; I fell right into Ma Hansan's hands."

Li Ya said, eyeing Wu Jingzhong sideways.

"The words of a woman."

"Women, after all, are always gossips."

"Does it look like Yu Zecheng's shipment to you?"

Wu Jingzhong asked calmly.

"This morning, I went to probe the Deputy Station Chief... he acted very normal and even offered me advice."

"I even deliberately used my words to provoke him."

"There was no reaction at all."

"So I don't think it's his shipment."

Li Ya answered truthfully.

He was the beloved disciple of the 'Grey Eagle' Liu Xiong; while his eyes weren't exactly 'fiery eyes of truth,' he wasn't easily fooled by common tricks.

"And then..." Wu Jingzhong looked at him with a smile.

Li Ya looked at him, met his gaze for two seconds, realized it in an instant, and nodded with a smile:

"I understand."

"You don't understand," Wu Jingzhong shook his head.

"You must understand your position within the station!"

"Some things must be viewed from a distance."

"Stand at a higher vantage point and dig into your own value."

"A woman, in the end, is just an empty skin."

"When you reach my age, you will have a thorough awakening."

He tapped his fingers on the table and smiled with a wink.

"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher."

"Also, I would like to borrow some money from you to settle Ma Hansan's account."

Li Ya said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Hmm, that is a proper matter."

"How much is still missing?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"Three thousand US dollars," Li Ya said.

"I can lend you the money."

"But you must repay it as soon as possible. Can you manage it in a month at most?"

Wu Jingzhong agreed.

Three thousand US dollars was nothing to him.

He simply wanted to force Li Ya to make quick money.

Making quick money easily leads one astray and often leaves behind many handles.

And for him, the more such handles he had, the better; only then could he control Li Ya, or strike back at a critical moment and hold this man in his grasp.

"The time is a bit tight."

"I will try my best."

"Master, then I am leaving?"

Li Ya frowned and said.

Wu Jingzhong nodded and watched Li Ya leave.

"Didn't you say it wasn't appropriate for him to be our niece's husband? Why didn't you just say it clearly?" Mrs. Kang asked.

"It is better to tear down ten temples than to break up one marriage.

"Do you not even understand this simple logic?"

Wu Jingzhong smiled faintly.

He had originally intended to use Mei Yingxue's status as a military intelligence agent to get a hold on Li Ya after they married, and then use the Baomiju's personnel rules to squeeze Li Ya out.

Or to get a handle on Li Ya.

But after thinking it over, he still felt it was inappropriate.

Mei Yingxue was, after all, his own niece.

Even if he were to destroy his relatives for the sake of righteousness and sever ties at that time, this connection could not be shaken off.

With the current situation being so treacherous, Wu Jingzhong did not allow himself to take the slightest risk.

Therefore, he changed his mind temporarily tonight.

He gave Li Ya a few hints.

He let him investigate Mei Yingxue himself.

Moreover, he believed that with Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng fanning the flames, Li Ya would strike ruthlessly.

Wu Jingzhong understood Li Ya.

Back during the special training at the Qingpu Class, this person competed for first place in everything.

He would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, even at the cost of his own life.

Women were never a necessity for Li Ya.

When his self-esteem, and especially his money, suffered a major loss, this person would definitely strike to kill.

British Club.

Having eaten and drunk her fill, Mei Yingxue was brushing her teeth in the restroom.

The same mistake could not be made twice.

Last time, Li Ya was clearly suspicious.

James held her plump waist, looking unsatisfied: "Darling, wouldn't it be better to stay here and keep me company tonight?"

"Hmm.

"But I have to go give that loser money first.

"For the sake of your mission, I even paid out of my own pocket, three thousand US dollars.

"When I go to England later, you must handle my citizenship application."

Mei Yingxue said coquettishly while touching up her makeup.

"Don't worry, my little sweetheart.

"This mission is very simple; I will tell you about it later.

"I'm going to have a glass of milk to replenish my energy and wait for you to return."

James reluctantly withdrew his hand and rinsed it under the faucet.

Mei Yingxue finished her makeup, got dressed, and came to the door.

"Mr. James, someone just broke into the third floor; it seems they were following Miss Mei," the translator with the center-parted traitor hairstyle said in English.

"What did he look like?" Mei Yingxue asked.

The traitor-haired man described him.

Mei Yingxue's willow eyebrows furrowed.

It was Li Ya.

He was following her.

It must have been the kiss last time that made him discover the clues.

Well, the smell was too strong.

How could a man not be familiar with it?

How could a bowl of pork intestine noodles cover it up?

"Yingxue, are you in trouble?" James asked with a cold, piercing gaze.

"It's a small matter, I can handle it.

"Goodbye."

Mei Yingxue smiled sweetly and walked away in her high heels.

James stood at the door, staring at her swaying hips as they disappeared into the hallway, before withdrawing his gaze.

Not enough fun yet.

Simply not enough fun.

"Go and investigate that person.

"Is he Yingxue's fiancé?"

James ordered coldly.

"Yes, Mr. James," the traitor-haired man said respectfully.

Mei Yingxue drove to Li Ya's residence.

She had made up her mind.

There was no other way to deal with Li Ya.

Just one word.

Pretend!

Since she was already pretending, she would pretend to the end.

Pretend until they were married.

Pretend until he was so happy he forgot everything else.

"Brother Ya!"

Li Ya was soaking his feet.

The door rang.

Heh, she's here?

A cold sneer appeared on the corner of Li Ya's mouth; he took a slight breath, rubbed his face, and opened the door with a spring-breeze smile:

"Yingxue, why are you here?"

"What else could it be?

"Of course, it's to bring you money." Mei Yingxue pouted with a hint of complaint.

Only a fool would refuse money... Li Ya hurriedly pulled her hand into the room, walked to the fireplace, and said gently:

"Yingxue, thank you for your hard work.

"It's so cold late at night, and I made you make a special trip."

"Kiss me?" Mei Yingxue tilted her chin up.

A flash of disgust crossed the depths of Li Ya's eyes, but he did not hesitate at all to kiss her.

"Did you not eat pork intestine noodles today?" he asked with a smile.

"You're annoying.

"After seeing that disgusted look on your face last time, how could I dare to eat them?

"This is three thousand US dollars.

"Guess who I borrowed it from?"

Mei Yingxue took out the money, looking like she was waiting for credit.

"Hmm, a friend of your father's?

"Mr. Mei is very well-connected in Jinhai." Li Ya thought for a moment and said solemnly.

"None of his friends are reliable.

"Britain and France sent an international observation group to Jinhai, and I have a classmate who is the deputy head of the observation group. His father is a banker in England and is very familiar with the foreign firms here in Jinhai.

"I borrowed it from him, three thousand US dollars."

Mei Yingxue looked at him with deep affection.

"Yingxue, you, you went to borrow money..." Li Ya said, acting very clumsily.

"Of course.

"What else did you think I went to do?" Mei Yingxue said.

"I... wasn't I just worried about you?

"Xue'er, thank you.

"I swear that I will treat you well for the rest of my life, and cherish you as I would my own life."

Li Ya held her hands and swore very affectionately.

"With those words from you, I can rest easy." Mei Yingxue nodded sweetly, snuggling into his embrace.

They shared a moment of tenderness.

Mei Yingxue glanced at the alarm clock on the wall: "Brother Ya, it's getting late, I should head home."

"Xue'er."

"You are truly beautiful. Won't you stay and keep me company tonight?"

Li Ya's hands began to wander, and he pleaded with an anxious look on his face.

Mei Yingxue did not resist as she usually did, letting him have his way for a moment before she breathlessly pushed him away gently:

"Brother Ya, the New Year is almost here."

"You must endure a little longer."

"Once we are married, I will surely make it up to you twofold, alright?"

Mei Yingxue pressed down on his hands.

Li Ya was a secret agent.

Moreover, he often went on dates with his ex-girlfriend Xiao Yunxian, so he could be considered half a veteran of the romantic scene.

Mei Yingxue had just finished being with James.

While brushing her teeth, she had been pawed at by that fellow again.

She was afraid that Li Ya, with his seasoned experience, would truly notice something amiss if they were to roll in the sheets together.

"Alright then."

"Who else but you is the apple of my eye."

"For your sake, never mind a few days; I would endure a lifetime if I had to."

Li Ya kissed her with a look of doting affection, straightened her disheveled undergarments, and saw her to the door.

"Do you want me to accompany you back?"

He asked.

"No need, Brother Ya. You've been busy all day, get some rest early."

Mei Yingxue stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the forehead.

She was still in a rush to go back and meet James.

With a step on the gas, she headed back toward the British Club.

Li Ya watched the car drive away and quickly returned to his room.

"The freshness of toothpaste."

"A slut is a slut!"

"But these US dollars are truly nice; three thousand dollars is money I'd be a fool not to take."

"And while I'm at it..."

A cold sneer appeared on the corner of Li Ya's mouth. He went straight to the bathroom upon returning to his room, lathered his hands with plenty of soap, and scrubbed them through gritted teeth for quite a while.

He returned to the bedroom.

He picked up the landline and dialed a number:

"Gao Yuan, keep a close watch."

"Call me the moment you have any news."

Ten-odd minutes later, Gao Yuan's call came through, and Li Ya answered:

"Good."

"I understand."

"Remember, don't tell anyone else about this, or don't blame me for being impolite."

He hung up the phone.

His gaze was cold and sharp as a blade.

This woman had indeed returned to the hotel.

Mei Yingxue, you refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit; you are courting death.

The next morning at eight o'clock.

After a night of tossing and turning, Hong Zhiyou, eyes bleary, personally saw the full-of-energy Liu Yuzhu out of the hotel.

"You're young, can you have some spirit?"

"Can't handle the game, huh?"

Liu Yuzhu giggled coquettishly.

"I really can't handle a vixen like you; I'm almost drained dry." Looking at the rosy-faced beauty, Hong Zhiyou felt that this woman might just know a few tricks.

"I'm off."

Liu Yuzhu gave him a charming smile and was about to leave.

"The money, aren't you taking it back to Bureau Chief Ma?" Hong Zhiyou asked, pinching her shapely buttocks.

"Bureau Chief Ma said that it's for you."

"The matter this time was his subordinate's lack of integrity; this little token is by way of compensation."

"He still values you, his friend across generations, very much."

Liu Yuzhu smiled sweetly and got into the car.

Old Ma is still a decent man.

Hong Zhiyou walked out of the hotel.

He was in no rush to go back.

Instead, he walked to a public phone booth nearby and dialed a number:

"Is that you, Old Xie?"

"If Li Ya looks for you, you can reveal the news about that woman."

"Additionally, I need you to help me put on a big show."

"Rest assured, you won't be short-changed."

"Hanging up."

After hanging up, Hong Zhiyou drove to the Marine Corps base.

The guards at the gate were already familiar with Hong Zhiyou.

After following the procedure to go in and report, Anderson soon walked out.

"Hong, quick, quick." As soon as they met, Anderson hugged Hong Zhiyou and walked inside.

"What's the rush? You want to see me first thing in the morning, and in the barracks at that," said Hong Zhiyou.

"General Felson wants to see you."

Anderson dropped his usual playful demeanor and said very seriously.

"Damn it."

"Don't tell me you guys leaked something and want to silence me," Hong Zhiyou said, stopping in his tracks.

This was very possible.

Never mind that he was with the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics; if the Americans wanted to kill him, they would just kill him, and afterwards, they could easily pin a charge of trespassing on a military camp on him, and even the Generalissimo would be helpless.

"What are you thinking?"

"You are our god of wealth."

"The General wants to see you because he has a request for you."

Anderson gave him a hint, and the two walked into a barracks.

After entering, Hong Zhiyou finally met his true big backer, Colonel Felson, the Deputy Commander of the Marine Corps.

Although the two had been engaged in various collaborations.

Arms.

Foreign liquor agencies, and so on.

But Felson had never met Hong Zhiyou; Anderson had always been the middleman.

No need to guess, this General must have already lined his pockets.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have considered the idea of returning to North America to open a company.

Once inside.

A burly, bald, strong man was leaning on a sofa smoking a cigar.

He looked a bit like The Rock, not exactly the intellectual type.

"Mr. Hong, we are old friends, so I won't beat around the bush and will get straight to the point." Felson stood up and spoke in broken Chinese.

"General, Hong understands English," Anderson prompted.

"That's great."

Felson poured him a drink and brought up the main business.

After listening, Hong Zhiyou furrowed his brows:

"You want to take out James, the Deputy Head of the International Observation Group?"

"General, I am just a businessman; this deal of yours is too big, I can't help you with it."

"No, this is not my affair; it is your affair." Felson signaled for him not to be in such a hurry to refuse.

"This international observer group is different from the ones in the past."

"They have come with a specific purpose."

"Some want to deliberately smear Jiang—no, to be precise, to smear the entire country, painting it as worthless junk to get the British Parliament to approve the cancellation of military aid to Jiang."

"But you know, there are a lot of interests involved here."

"Especially ours."

"You know that Britain and Falanxi were already battered; their military aid supplies, including most of the world's commodities, munitions, and so on."

"Are all provided by us in North America."

"Once they stop military aid, our exports will be greatly reduced."

"At the same time, the Anglo-Saxons have been whispering in our Congress, claiming that Jiang is incompetent and corrupt, and furthermore, that the resources in this land of yours are barren, so even if we support Jiang to victory, we won't get a generous return."

"Therefore, those idiots in Congress are very likely to support it."

"If our military aid is cut off."

"I don't care about anything else, but where are my superiors and the arms dealers going to make money?"

"Hong, without our supplies, what will you use to make money?"

"Therefore, you must assist us in getting rid of this person."

"And I believe your Chairman will certainly agree as well."

"But our Brigadier General Butler is just a stubborn man who obeys military orders; he will never allow me to lobby your politicians, so I need you."

"Now is the time to show your talent."

"Isn't it?"

Philson said.

Hong Zhiyou certainly understood the principle that one prospers or suffers together with the group.

However, this matter was too big.

He could not make the decision.

At the very least, someone of Jiang Jianfeng's level had to make the final call.

"I have to go back and ask my superiors for instructions; give me a week to reply, okay?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"No, a week is too long."

"You have at most two days to consider."

"Rest assured, the head of the observer group, Mr. Kennard, has already been bought off by us."

"According to him, James has come up with a very damaging trick; he will find some fabricated materials and have one of your female employees and some mineral management officials sign them to prove the authenticity of the materials."

"He is here now, but it is just for show."

"No matter how brightly you polish your guns and cannons, it cannot change the fact that they are stigmatizing you and throwing mud to cut off aid."

"And he has always been at odds with this James."

"So, you can go ahead and do it with confidence."

Philson said.

"Alright, see you another day."

Hong Zhiyou bowed slightly and left the military camp.

He knew this was a massive matter.

It was an opportunity.

But it also carried risks.

The opportunity was that if he succeeded, he could be even more appreciated by Jiang Jianfeng and even the Chairman.

If he messed it up, he would become the scapegoat.

Of course, the probability of that was very small; Philson and the North American financiers behind him were still counting on making a fortune through military aid, and they couldn't do without him as a pusher, so in all likelihood, they would not allow anyone to touch him.

At the same time, military aid was also the only way to alleviate the pressure on supplies and military needs in Yancheng.

Therefore, no matter what, it seemed he had to pull this off.

There was no choice!

(End of chapter)