Chapter 249: Still Can't Handle You?

Wu Rui's way of thinking is very interesting.

It could be considered unorthodox, yet it is absolutely effective.

After listening, Hong Zhiyou finally understood why Mei Yingxue had been "bullied" by her since they were children.

Compared to Rui, that little bitch's clumsy, foolish brain is practically made of dregs.

"As expected of Old Wu's daughter, brilliant, brilliant!"

Hong Zhiyou flicked her nose and praised her sincerely.

"Old Wu, Old Wu, that is your... child's grandfather," Wu Rui rolled her eyes at him and teased with a smile.

She understands the details and is very careful about propriety when she speaks.

Especially toward Hong Zhiyou.

Right now, she has just given birth to the child, so if his mother wants to call him that, let her.

But she never mentions the title "Dad" for Wu Jingzhong, simply because she is afraid Hong Zhiyou will misunderstand that she intends to use the child to force a marriage.

Sometimes, cooling a person's heart over an illusory status is not worth the gain.

"Thank you."

Hong Zhiyou kissed her and pointed at the basket:

"I will have someone draft another contract later."

"Forget it, stop putting on an act. If I really wanted this contract, at most I could only get that little bit of money from Jinhai.

"For the big money in Xiangdao, the Rong family and Long Er would definitely bring every legal, share-related, and messy rule to the table.

"By then, I'd have to hire lawyers and bicker over it.

"I reckon by the time I'm eighty, I still might not be able to clear things up and get your money.

"Liar!

"You're so stingy."

Wu Rui is so clever; she lightly poked his forehead with her jade finger and hummed.

"Not at all.

"Who can control my money? It's just a matter of a single word."

Hong Zhiyou was still being stubborn.

"Just keep pretending.

"I already said, I'm not short on money.

"Anyway, my dad's money won't be given to you either; you are you, and your daughter is your daughter—two separate things.

"So, it's very fair.

"I'm already very happy that you have the heart to coax me."

Wu Rui smiled.

"Alright, Zhuge Rui, thank you for your understanding, my lady," Hong Zhiyou laughed awkwardly, unable to keep up the act.

Of course, he wouldn't give all his money to Wu Rui.

He couldn't actually take that money out; it involved several parties and massive loans, all invested in a shipping company in Xiangdao, as well as plans for island development.

The island he chose is a famous wealthy district in Xiangdao in the future.

It will be worth its weight in gold.

Mainly, Rui really isn't short on money.

At the very least, the assets Old Wu currently has—enough to buy an entire Yixian—are not something Hong Zhiyou, who owes the Rong family bank a mountain of debt, can compare to.

That is why Hong Zhiyou dared to put on such airs.

Of course, coaxing her to make her happy and expressing his love was genuine.

This is the benefit of marrying a smart woman.

Sometimes, the attitude is enough; whether it succeeds or not is another matter, and everyone knows it deep down.

Wu Rui pulled aside her clothes and began to feed the baby.

Hong Zhiyou watched from the side, feeling hot under the collar.

When the child was fast asleep, he squeezed in beside Rui: "Rui, it's been a long time since we did that, shouldn't we..."

"Get lost.

"I'm in my postpartum confinement."

Wu Rui pushed him away, annoyed.

"I know.

"I just went to the bathroom on purpose; I guarantee it's clean and hygienic.

"It's been so long, I miss you so much, baby's mom, please be kind."

Hong Zhiyou hugged her and said pitifully.

"You're annoying, take the child out first," Wu Rui knew he had indeed been very "well-behaved" lately, so she agreed to the big bad wolf.

Hong Zhiyou nimbly carried the sleeping child out and handed the baby to Chou'er.

He returned to the room and hopped onto the bed, standing ready.

"Bad guy."

Wu Rui leaned against the headboard and moistened her lips; after serving the little ancestor, she still had to serve the big ancestor.

Ten-odd minutes later.

Hong Zhiyou handed Rui a tissue.

"That vixen outside is lingering and won't leave; she's likely planning to stir up some trouble."

He straightened his clothes and picked up the small briefcase placed to the side.

"What?

"Do you really want to beat the vixen away?

"Look, she even prepared a green scarf for me; she's sure that I can't fight while in confinement and wants to put me in check," Wu Rui wiped her mouth and tilted her chin toward the scarf placed to the side.

"Who says you can't fight?

"It used to take two hours, but now you can finish me off in twenty minutes—super strong, right?"

Hong Zhiyou whispered sweet nothings to her.

"You only have this mouth that's any good," Wu Rui was amused by him.

She knew he was just being considerate of her, and that was enough.

"Right back at you," Hong Zhiyou winked mischievously.

"You're so annoying," Wu Rui's cheeks flushed, and she threw a pillow at him.

"As for the scarf, I'll give it to Commandant Li, and while I'm at it, I'll give him a little gift."

Hong Zhiyou gave a wicked smile and took a small tape recorder out of his bag.

"Let's get this straight, you can't let the fake act become real.

"Yingxue is still very pretty.

"Her figure is also very good.

"She's one of the top beauties in all of Jinhai."

Wu Rui reminded him with a hint of worry.

"Rest assured, doesn't your man have at least this much self-control?

"I'm also being forced into a corner by her.

"If I don't record her, she'll go to Li Ya and stir up trouble; if I don't keep something on her, I'm afraid Li Ya won't be able to withstand the honey trap."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Mm, go ahead.

"Anyway, you're free now."

Wu Rui smiled triumphantly.

Hong Zhiyou walked out with a smile.

"Brother-in-law, where are you going?" Mei Yingxue asked with a radiant smile.

"I'm going to the small room to get two sets of pajamas for Rui."

Hong Zhiyou said as he walked.

"Oh, Li Ya and I were just looking for a photo studio to take wedding photos; could you recommend one?

"Auntie, I'm going to chat with my brother-in-law for a moment."

Mei Yingxue smiled at Mei Qiuju, wiggled her curvy hips, and chased after him with her chest bouncing.

Ever since she walked in, and even while in her sister's room.

Hong Zhiyou had snuck glances at her a total of one hundred and three times and swallowed his saliva twenty-six times.

A dog is a dog; it can never change its habit of loving to eat shit.

Taking her down wouldn't be an easy task?

"Shameless."

Mei Qiuju stared at her back and cursed, then hurried to Rui's room.

"Ruirui, Yingxue went to the small house with Zhiyou," she said anxiously.

"I know," Wu Ruirui smiled faintly.

"Aren't you worried?

"Look at that vixen, what decent girl would expose half her chest for people to gawk at, and still think she's so proud of it?

"And the way she looks at Zhiyou is stickier than candied yam.

"No, I have to tell Chou'er to go over and keep an eye on them; there's no telling what they might be doing behind your back.

"If this gets out, our Wu family's reputation will be ruined, and we'll be the laughingstock of everyone," Mei Qiuju said, full of worry.

Mei Qiuju said, full of worry.

"Mom, do you have so little faith in your own son-in-law?

"Stop worrying about nothing."

Wu Ruirui smiled and continued reading her book.

"Alright, Zhiyou still knows what's important.

"Sigh.

"You tell me, how did Xue'er become like this? If I had known, I wouldn't have persuaded your uncle to send her abroad to study.

"A perfectly good girl has just been ruined like this.

"Look at the things she said to me, specifically poking at your grandmother's old business to spite me; it makes my heart ache with anger.

"I haven't treated her any worse than I treat you, my own daughter, and I haven't offended her either.

"It's really like she's been possessed by a ghost.

"Sigh, she's going to be the death of me."

Mei Qiuju said, lightly pounding her chest.

"It, it might be because my dad didn't agree to her marriage with Li Ya," Wu Ruirui said, not daring to mention the matter of Mei Ziyi.

"Alright Mom, don't be angry anymore.

"It won't be long before she returns to England, and by then, even if you want to be annoyed by her, you won't be able to, so just set your mind at ease and endure it."

After offering a few words of comfort, she shook her head and continued reading.

Hong Zhiyou entered the room.

A quick glance, and Mei Yingxue had indeed followed him up.

Stupid woman.

Truly seeking her own death.

Before he could even close the door, Mei Yingxue clicked her heels and ran in:

"Brother-in-law."

"Is something the matter?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"I heard you have great taste in women; do you think I look beautiful today?"

Mei Yingxue puffed out her chest and asked with a coquettish smile.

"It's alright, I suppose," Hong Zhiyou deliberately let his eyes dart away.

"Brother-in-law, why don't you dare to look at me?"

Mei Yingxue smiled enchantingly and pulled her neckline even lower.

She really didn't want to pretend anymore.

She would take down this hypocrite Hong Zhiyou and make that little bitch Wu Ruirui die of anger.

Pretending to be so high and mighty.

Your man is nothing but a sycophant for me.

Thinking of Wu Ruirui vomiting blood from anger, and Li Ya finding out he had been "forced" by Hong Zhiyou, then flying into a rage and wanting to kill—she felt so wonderful inside.

"Captain Li won't be happy about this; Yingxue, please have some self-respect," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Don't give me that.

"The first time we met at the banquet, you were staring at me without even blinking.

"Besides, originally, Uncle was going to give me to you.

"If it weren't for my sister stepping in, perhaps we would be a pair right now."

Mei Yingxue gently stroked Hong Zhiyou's cheek with her jade-like hand.

This woman was very fragrant, very tempting.

It was a pity she had encountered Hong Zhiyou, who was so tired of women he wanted to vomit and had started soaking goji berries to preserve his health.

Which of the ladies wasn't seductive?

If he didn't have some self-control, how could he maintain his health?

"What are you trying to do?

"I'm warning you, have some self-respect.

"You are about to marry Captain Li, and I am a man with your sister and a child, don't mess around."

Hong Zhiyou warned.

"Brother-in-law, stop pretending.

"Who doesn't know you're a famous playboy in Jinhai?

"Ever since I came back, to avoid offending Uncle, you've been living in this house every day, rarely even going to the club; how is that any different from being a monk with a green lamp and an old Buddha?

"You must have been thinking about it, right?

"I really fancy you, and anyway, my sister is currently in her postpartum confinement and is no different from a useless person; Brother-in-law, how about letting me keep you company to relieve your boredom?"

As Mei Yingxue spoke, she reached out to take off Hong Zhiyou's coat.

"Damn it!

"You shameless bitch."

"Slap!"

Hong Zhiyou raised his hand and gave her a loud slap across the face.

"You, you dare hit me."

This powerful slap made Mei Yingxue see stars, her nose bled profusely, and even her pinned-up hair came undone.

"Bitch, hitting you is letting you off light."

"Let me tell you, if it weren't for the sake of our family ties—and that it's better to tear down ten temples than to break up one marriage—I would call Captain Li right now and tell him about your shameful behavior."

Hong Zhiyou pointed at her and shouted sternly.

"Fine.

"You don't know what's good for you.

"Let's see how much longer you can be so arrogant and happy."

Mei Yingxue wiped her nosebleed and stormed out in a rage.

Upon leaving, she happened to run into Chou'er, who had come to "inspect the post."

"Miss Mei, you, what happened to you?" Chou'er asked hurriedly upon seeing her face bruised and swollen.

Mei Yingxue glared at her fiercely and ran off in a disheveled mess.

Chou'er hurried back to the main hall.

"Chou'er, how is it over at Zhiyou's..." Mei Qiuju asked in a low voice.

"I just saw Miss Mei leave crying.

"Her face is swollen high, and she's bleeding from the nose.

"It seems the Master hit her."

Chou'er reported truthfully.

Mei Qiuju clapped her hands in delight: "Served her right! I told you, Zhiyou can withstand the test."

Chou'er curled her lip: "Sister Mei, when did you say that?"

"You're annoying."

Mei Qiuju smiled and pinched her lightly: "Dare to be cheeky, and I'll fire you."

"Yes, you did say it, I must have remembered wrong," Chou'er laughed.

Mei Yingxue got into the car and returned home in a rage.

"Xue'er, what's wrong?" Mei Shao asked anxiously.

"I was bullied by a dog."

Mei Yingxue cursed and went upstairs.

Sitting before the vanity mirror, looking at the injuries on her face, the more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

Hong Zhiyou actually didn't take the bait.

This was simply a supreme humiliation to her.

No.

She had to get her revenge.

She put down the powder compact she had just picked up, a cold sneer rising at the corner of her mouth.

Perhaps this is a rare opportunity.

"I don't believe Li Ya can still endure it if his own woman is bullied."

Mei Yingxue got up and walked to the telephone, dialing the number for Li Ya's office.

As soon as it connected, she didn't say a word and just started crying for two minutes.

"Brother Ya.

"I went to visit my cousin at my aunt's husband's house today.

"I was tricked by Hong Zhiyou into a small room, and he almost... he bullied me.

"You, where are you? I want to see you.

"..."

Hanging up the phone, she didn't bother to fix her makeup, deliberately tousled her hair, and drove straight to Li Ya's place.

Very soon.

Li Ya rushed back, and seeing her like this, he frowned and asked:

"Xue'er, what happened? Tell me clearly."

"Brother Ya!"

Mei Yingxue threw herself into his arms and sobbed for a while.

Then, she went into the room and, adding oil to the fire, recounted how Hong Zhiyou had tricked her, wanted to force himself on her, and how she had struggled and been beaten before escaping.

Li Ya held her while sneering with disdain.

Whether it was true or false, he didn't care at all.

She was goods that foreigners had already slept with until they were worn out.

Whoever wanted to sleep with her could go ahead.

"Damn it, daring to bully my woman.

"Yingxue, you wait.

"I'm going to find him right now. Damn it, I'll smash his skull in today."

Li Ya drew his gun, clicked it to chamber a round, and put on an act of being furious.

"Brother Ya, you, you don't be impulsive," Mei Yingxue hurriedly pretended.

"Don't you worry about it."

He took the gun and walked to the telephone, dialing the Wu family's number:

"Hello, I'm looking for Hong Zhiyou.

"You surnamed Hong, come to my office immediately. If you don't come, bear the consequences yourself!"

Hanging up, he walked out.

"Brother Ya, you, you don't do anything rash. He didn't succeed, don't be a fool," Mei Yingxue chased after him and grabbed him.

"Yingxue.

"If I can't even protect my own woman, how am I fit to marry you?

"If he doesn't explain himself clearly today, I'll blow his brains out with one shot."

Li Ya shook her off, got into his car, slammed the door shut, and sped toward the station.

Mei Yingxue stood on the steps, smiling more brilliantly than a flower.

A man crazed by love, what wouldn't he do?

God bless, Li Ya must execute this scum Hong Zhiyou to avenge her younger brother.

This slap was worth it.

It was rare that Li Ya hadn't locked the door.

She quickly returned inside, searching every drawer, under the bed, and every nook and cranny.

Aside from finding some of her own silk stockings, clothes, and private photos taken when Li Ya was in the mood, there was nothing of value.

A disappointment!

Mei Yingxue put everything back, pouted, got into her car, and went home to wait quietly for the news that Hong Zhiyou had been executed.

In the afternoon.

Hong Zhiyou glanced at his watch and walked quickly into the office building.

At this hour, everyone in the station should be there.

Today, a big play must be performed.

Returning to the office, Li Ya kicked the door open in a rage and stormed in.

"The door is broken, it'll cost money to fix."

Hong Zhiyou reminded him.

"Did you really make a move on her?" Li Ya asked with a frown.

"A gift for you."

Hong Zhiyou threw a bag at him.

A green scarf.

And a miniature tape recorder.

Li Ya pressed the play button, the corner of his mouth twitching, and amidst a cold sneer, he spat out two words through his teeth: "Bitch!"

"Look at you.

"It's a good thing I recorded it, otherwise you'd really be anxious."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"You're overthinking it.

"The interests of the Party-State are above all else.

"What now?"

Li Ya tossed the scarf into the trash can and asked.

"Make a big scene.

"Fire your gun, attract the attention of everyone in the station!

"Hmm, it would be best if you could get a little blood on you."

Hong Zhiyou thought for a moment and said.

"I'm good at that."

Li Ya clasped his hands, his knuckles cracking loudly.

He hadn't forgotten the slap Hong Zhiyou gave him at the Sun Lianzhong garrison in Baoding.

It was just right to pay it back today.

Seeing his gnashing, demonic expression, Hong Zhiyou quickly stopped him: "Don't, no need for you, I'll do it myself."

"Start arguing!

"Who the hell touched your girlfriend..."

Hong Zhiyou grabbed Li Ya and roared.

Li Ya knew how to act, following up with a roar like a lion: "You heartless bastard, you even dare to bully my girlfriend, that's your sister-in-law, do you still have any shame?"

The two men's shouting quickly alarmed the other offices.

"Fire your gun."

Hong Zhiyou said.

Li Ya drew his sidearm and aimed it at Hong Zhiyou, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

Hong Zhiyou also drew his sidearm and aimed it at him.

"I'm the one losing my temper, why are you pulling a gun?" Li Ya asked with a frown.

"If you fire, I fire.

"I've been practicing my marksmanship lately, and it's not bad. Don't worry, I'm accurate, I won't hit you."

Hong Zhiyou was afraid this guy would turn the fake act into reality and had to guard against him.

Li Ya no longer hesitated and fired a shot at the wall to Hong Zhiyou's left, shattering the glass.

Hong Zhiyou also fired a shot at the portrait of the Leader behind him.

The massive gunshot immediately caused panic.

People from the security department and various offices rushed over.

Firing a gun inside the station was a major taboo.

The two continued to wrestle and curse at each other.

Hearing the noisy footsteps, Hong Zhiyou threw a punch right at Li Ya's nose.

"You bastard!" Li Ya wanted to explode.

"We're acting, can you be a bit more serious?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"Then I'm giving you two slaps back."

Just as he was about to make a move, Hong Zhiyou stepped back and tore his own clothes to shreds.

Then he looked around.

He found a chair, let out a loud "Ah!", and smashed it against his own head while holding it behind his back.

Bang!

The chair smashed heavily onto his head.

Fresh blood flowed out instantly.

Hong Zhiyou's legs went weak; he slumped in front of the desk and passed out in a daze.

"You're ruthless!"

Li Ya played along, hurriedly tearing his own shirt to shreds as well.

Seeing that Yu Zecheng was the first to arrive, he drew his service pistol and put on an indignant show of wanting to fire another shot.

"Captain Li, you can't, you can't, don't be impulsive." Yu Zecheng hurriedly grabbed him and snatched away the service pistol.

"Damn it, he, he bullied Yingxue.

"To even covet his own sister-in-law, is he even human?

"If I don't kill him today, I've lived in vain."

Li Ya feigned a loud shout and continued to charge forward.

"Someone come, something's happened.

"Come quickly."

Yu Zecheng held onto him with all his might and shouted.

Soon, Xiao Guohua and people from other departments squeezed in, one after another offering words of persuasion.

"Move aside!"

Following a cold shout from Wu Jingzhong, the crowd hurriedly cleared a path.

"What is going on, why have you even drawn guns?" Wu Jingzhong demanded.

"Station Chief, you judge this.

"This animal bullied Yingxue; she is Rui Rui's own cousin and my fiancée," Li Ya accused.

"Nonsense.

"To cause a scene and draw guns in the station over a woman, you two have disgraced the face of our Jinhai Station.

"First, send Secretary Hong to the hospital.

"Li Ya is to be confined in the interrogation room.

"Specific punishments will be decided after a meeting later; it must be severely punished."

Wu Jingzhong said with a stern face.

Five o'clock in the afternoon.

Wu Jingzhong announced the disciplinary actions.

Hong Zhiyou was removed from his post as Chief of the General Affairs Section, received a station-wide warning, and had one year of salary deducted.

Li Ya was removed from his posts as Captain of the Action Team and Chief of the Intelligence Section, received one major demerit, and was reported to Headquarters.

Once this punishment was handed down, it was undoubtedly adding frost to snow for Li Ya, who was already under disciplinary probation at the station.

Everyone in the station knew full well that Old Wu was playing favorites.

It was clearly Hong Zhiyou who was in the wrong.

Both of them had fired shots.

Hong Zhiyou's position as General Affairs Section Chief was as good as non-existent; he remained a secretary.

At the same time, this guy had money to burn.

Never mind deducting one year of salary, even if it were ten years, it wouldn't hurt or itch for him.

And Li Ya?

He had long been suspended without pay, so there was no need to even mention money.

With another major demerit on his record, his career was basically finished.

Before getting off work.

Wu Jingzhong called Li Ya into his office and gave him a thorough dressing-down; people in the hallway outside could hear it.

Li Ya took it obediently.

He knew Old Wu was cooperating in the act.

Mei Yingxue certainly had many secret contacts at the Jinhai Station.

Everything that happened here would soon be known to her side.

"Li Ya, sit.

"The play today was performed well." Wu Jingzhong raised his hand and smiled.

"Station Chief, you gave me a major demerit and even reported it to Headquarters; isn't that too ruthless?" Li Ya frowned and asked.

"Not ruthless, would that James believe it otherwise?

"You even drew a gun and gave Hong Zhiyou a concussion; he's still in the hospital unconscious.

"And me, family shame should not be made public.

"Hasn't my old face been dragged into this with you?

"It's all for the Party-State; can you not distinguish between what is heavy and what is light?

"Now that I've played favorites and given you a major demerit, you won't be able to stay at Jinhai Station. Seeing you so deeply affectionate, Mei Yingxue will surely get serious and lobby for you to work for the Secret Intelligence Service.

"It's only a few days until the 3rd.

"We can't wait any longer."

Wu Jingzhong said solemnly.

"Understood, this is what they call Zhou Yu beating Huang Gai—one is willing to beat, and the other is willing to suffer." Li Ya nodded and said.

"Then, can the punishment be canceled later?" He asked worriedly.

"Short-sighted!

"You will have performed a monumental service; the Generalissimo and Jiang Jianfeng will both be grateful to you. By then, who knows, you might be promoted to Colonel and rise to an important position at Headquarters.

"A mere disciplinary action for fighting—isn't that something that can be wiped away with a word?"

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Alright." Li Ya nodded.

"Keep the recorder ready; the good thing is near.

"There aren't many beautiful nights left, cherish them!"

Wu Jingzhong smiled and pointed at him.

"Yes, Master." Li Ya received the order and walked out.

Wu Jingzhong walked to the window with his hands behind his back, a cold sneer appearing at the corner of his mouth.

Reputation and such are all fleeting clouds.

Only money and power are real.

Among those in high positions in the Nationalist Government, how many care about face?

Li Ya has a brain that understands politics, but he is still too green.

The impact of this matter is too great.

Even if the lawsuit is won internationally and military aid is secured.

At most, the Generalissimo and Jiang Jianfeng will only give Li Ya private, verbal commendations; a written, formal citation is impossible.

No.

Even a verbal commendation is not guaranteed.

Because this matter cannot see the light of day.

Once this punishment for Li Ya is reported, don't even think about having it removed. Moreover, if James doesn't handle things well in the end, those above might even take his head to silence him.

Regardless, even if Li Ya performs a great service, he has lost the hope of turning things around and climbing higher.

In this way, Yu Zecheng's position as Deputy Station Chief will be truly secure.

Only then can Jinhai Station maintain the current status quo.

And remain completely under his own control.

……

(End of chapter)