Chapter 250

"It was expected; he's Jianfeng's favorite, after all," Hong Zhiyou said.

"But it's also a good thing, at least for you, Brother Lu."

He looked at Lu Qiaoshan with a smile.

Lu Qiaoshan looked at him for two seconds, quickly understood, nodded, and laughed:

"That's right, it's a good thing."

"Although I couldn't get rid of Li Ya to satisfy my hatred, we brothers can join forces again, can't we?"

Li Ya didn't die.

Wu Jingzhong would need him even more to return to Jinhai and compete with Li Ya.

It could indeed barely be counted as a good thing.

"Don't worry, Brother Shan."

"Your business is my business; I will help you succeed in returning to the Jinhai Station."

"However, don't be impatient."

"Especially when facing Zheng Jiemin, you must show absolute reluctance and loyalty."

"Otherwise, he would rather shelve you than let you go easily."

"After all, not everyone is a Station Chief with such a vast heart."

Hong Zhiyou gave him a hint.

"Don't worry, Brother; I've been in officialdom for so many years, I understand this much," Lu Qiaoshan said solemnly.

Then, he sighed with emotion:

"I've had my ups and downs this past year, and I've tasted the bitterness of the world; so many people, including my son, have become distant because of my rise and fall."

"Only you and your sister-in-law are among the few who have always been sincere to me."

"I won't say anything else."

"From now on, you are my own brother, sharing both fortune and misfortune."

"Brother Shan, you're too kind," Hong Zhiyou shook his hand.

"I'm off."

"Li Ya is back; there's bound to be a mess in the station again."

"And that new Section Chief Sheng."

"All of them need to be catered to."

He joked and stood up.

"If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten about Sheng Xiang."

"This is an appointment from headquarters."

"If I want to come back, do I have to make him vacate his position?"

Lu Qiaoshan suddenly found himself in a dilemma.

"Yes."

"So, Section Chief Lu, you'd better think of a way."

"He is your man."

"If the Station Chief wants to move him, he needs some... evidence."

Hong Zhiyou made a gesture of looking at documents.

After finishing, he put his hand in his pocket and left gracefully.

"Sigh."

"This time I really lifted a rock only to drop it on my own feet."

"If I had known Old Wu was so easy to talk to, why did I go through all this trouble?"

"Now it's easy to invite a god but hard to send him away."

"I have to find a way to get rid of this kid Sheng Xiang."

Lu Qiaoshan was troubled.

Hong Zhiyou returned to the station.

In the hallway, he happened to run into Li Ya.

Li Ya was in a suit and tie, his hair slicked back, drinking tea with the Station Chief.

Except for some mental fatigue and a slightly poor complexion,

there was nothing wrong with him.

"Captain Li!"

"I knew your fortune was boundless and you would surely turn bad luck into good."

Hong Zhiyou stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, and looked him up and down.

"Thanks to the blessings of Jianfeng and the Station Chief."

"Hu Zongnan didn't dare to use torture; I was just starved for three days."

Li Ya laughed.

"Brother, don't mind me saying this."

"To return without a scratch after all this, Jianfeng's love is undeniable."

Hong Zhiyou winked and laughed.

"You call that 'not good to hear'?"

"I've heard this sentence all year, and it's the one that warms my heart the most."

"Yes."

"Returned in one piece, and still the Action Team Captain."

"By the way, there might be documents coming down from headquarters; the Station Chief should have received them by now."

"He's asking us to go to the conference room for a meeting."

"Let's go listen together."

Li Ya was in a great mood, putting his arm around his shoulder and walking into the station.

Head-on.

Sheng Xiang happened to be coming out of the Intelligence Section.

It had been a long time, and the kid was pot-bellied, looking quite like a corrupt official.

The three of them met, and no one said a word.

"Secretary Hong, Captain Li."

Sheng Xiang, who had been standing with his hands behind his back, extended his hand first with a familiar, sycophantic smile.

"Section Chief Sheng, congratulations," Hong Zhiyou shook his hand briefly.

Li Ya didn't even give him a proper look and went straight to the Station Chief's office.

"This..." Sheng Xiang curled his lips in displeasure.

"Don't mind him, Section Chief Sheng; that's just Captain Li's temper."

"Let's go, the Station Chief is still waiting."

Hong Zhiyou patted his shoulder and said.

"Secretary Hong."

"I know you and Brother Shan have a good relationship."

"It's the same now that I'm here; you'll have to take care of me in the future."

"Don't worry, whatever Brother Shan can do, I, Sheng Xiang, can do just the same."

"Think of your brother when there are benefits to be had."

Sheng Xiang didn't pretend, laughing in a low, mercenary voice.

He knew he didn't know how many days he could sit in this position, so he had to grab what he could and seize the opportunity.

"Easy to say."

"Please, Section Chief Sheng."

At the entrance of the conference room, Hong Zhiyou slowed down half a step and raised his hand to let Sheng Xiang go first.

"Don't do that; we are both Majors, you go first, brother."

Sheng Xiang didn't forget to put on a show, showing off his newly promoted rank.

"Don't do that; you are a key official of a major section, while I'm just someone who serves tea and pours water; how can I compare to you?"

"Please, Section Chief Sheng!"

Hong Zhiyou raised his hand again.

"Mm."

Sheng Xiang nodded and walked in with his hands behind his back.

His whole person felt like he was floating.

This was the "Jinhai Expert" Secretary Hong.

Never thought there would be a day when he would clear the way for me.

It feels so good!

Watching Sheng Xiang's look of a small man who had achieved his ambition, Hong Zhiyou shook his head secretly.

Details determine success or failure.

Just this one test, and he knew this person was shallow, a pure mercenary, and not the brightest either.

No wonder the Station Chief knew he was stealing intelligence but was too lazy to move against him.

It wasn't until Qian Siming was lost and he couldn't explain it that he was pulled out to be the scapegoat.

Arriving at the conference room.

Wu Jingzhong sat at the head.

Yu Zecheng sat in the first seat on the left, Li Ya in the first seat on the right.

Hong Zhiyou sat below Yu.

Sheng Xiang was about to sit next to Li Ya, but Li Ya waved his hand at Section Chief Qin of the Confidentiality Section:

"Old Qin, you sit here."

"Captain Li, this, this isn't good," Section Chief Qin was an honest man and said with some difficulty.

"There's nothing not good about it."

"I happen to have something to discuss with you later."

Li Ya pulled him down to sit.

Wu Jingzhong sat at the head, his expression calm.

Sheng Xiang glared at Li Ya and could only helplessly move down one position.

A dignified Intelligence Section Chief was suddenly one level lower than a Section Chief.

It was simply infuriating.

"Coming here today, there are mainly two things."

"First, according to the instructions of the Second Department and headquarters, Sheng Xiang is officially promoted to Chief of the Intelligence Section of the Jinhai Station."

"Sheng Xiang, we are all old colleagues; say hello."

Wu Jingzhong said with a smile.

"Station Chief, everyone, please take care of me in the future," Sheng Xiang stood up and bowed to the crowd with a smile.

"Second thing."

"According to the suggestions of Comrade Jianfeng and headquarters, Li Ya's Colonel rank, salary, and welfare benefits are restored."

"In addition, starting from today, the entire station will carry out a new round of internal investigation."

"Now in Jingling, including on the tea tables of the Generalissimo and Jianfeng, a strange matter has been circulating, saying that there is a mole in our Jinhai Station."

"It used to be Ma Kui, and the Red bandits placed flowers in front of the martyr's cemetery they built for him."

"But that's not enough."

"The higher-ups believe that 'Pebble', 'Deep Sea', and their ilk are very likely hiding in our Jinhai Station."

"Heh, it's strange to say."

"I don't know how headquarters determined it, but it's not in the City Defense Bureau, not in the Garrison Command or the Civil Affairs Bureau, but specifically in our Jinhai Station."

Wu Jingzhong looked at everyone, half-serious and half-joking, and smiled.

"Headquarters, after all."

"They must have their channels and views; if they say there is, then let's investigate."

Yu Zecheng echoed with a smile.

"Captain Li, you are the authority and professional in this area; what is your opinion?" Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile.

"Station Chief, don't make fun of me."

"I wouldn't dare call myself a professional, but let me offer some opinions."

Li Ya wasn't embarrassed at all; on the contrary, his eyes were full of confident light as he continued:

"As Deputy Station Chief Yu said, headquarters has its considerations."

"The war situation at the front is tight right now."

"The Reds, despite being inferior to us in weapons, equipment, military strength, and supplies, are still putting up a desperate struggle and remain unbroken."

"I believe a large part of the reason is as you once said, Station Chief: we have weapons, the Reds have talent."

"Their people are everywhere like ants."

"In the past, we didn't attach enough importance to ants, not knowing that once they gather, ants can swallow an elephant."

"Therefore, the top priority for headquarters is to fight the war at the front well."

"The rear must build the embankments and foundations firmly."

"Clearing out the ants is already urgent."

"Then, according to the instructions of Comrade Jianfeng and Director Mao, each station will conduct internal investigations; let's start in our Jinhai Station too."

Li Ya looked at everyone as he spoke.

"Good."

"Personnel of all sections must cooperate with Captain Li in self-investigation."

"If there are problems, confess early, and strive to solve them within the station."

"Otherwise, once discovered, they must be sent to Jingling for investigation."

Wu Jingzhong set the tone in public.

"Li Ya, you've worked hard; this whole matter depends on you," he looked at Li Ya.

"Thank you, Station Chief."

"Your subordinate will definitely go all out."

Li Ya accepted the order respectfully.

He was now full of gratitude and trust toward Wu Jingzhong.

Pulling him out of "water" several times.

Entrusting him with important tasks even after he messed up several times.

Only the bond between teacher and student could bring such grace.

"Meeting adjourned!"

Wu Jingzhong was full of energy, stood up, announced it, and walked away quickly.

Returning to the office.

Wu Jingzhong gestured to Hong Zhiyou, who closed the door and locked it.

He had to lock it.

One Ma Kui.

One Li Ya.

When these two got worked up, they usually barged in.

Which made Wu Jingzhong very annoyed at times.

"Teacher, what's going on today?"

"Li Ya wasn't just put in a difficult position by Hu Zongnan, so why start an internal investigation?"

Hong Zhiyou asked with a frown.

"What else could it be?"

"As I expected, Jianfeng is protecting Li Ya at all costs."

"Hu Zongnan released the person himself and unified the story internally, saying it was bandits who hijacked it, and even gave Li Ya two hundred silver dollars as a hardship allowance for the transport before he left."

"Now he's kicking the ball of the lost medicine to the Ministry of National Defense."

"Blaming the Ministry of National Defense's Supply Department for inaction."

"Isn't this calling out Zheng Jiemin by name to cause trouble?"

"Zheng Jiemin is still in Qingdao."

"I reckon when he returns, the old man will dump this rotten debt on his head."

Wu Jingzhong analyzed.

"Very likely."

"With Zheng Jiemin's stability, it's unlikely he would follow in Dai Li's footsteps to Qingdao to lead a tour group."

"It's mostly the old man and He Yingqin giving orders."

"This is forcing him onto the stove to roast; this two hundred thousand dollar medicine fee is just adding fuel to the fire."

"The old man is pulling and hitting at the same time."

"This move is still high."

Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"You get Lu Qiaoshan back as soon as possible."

"I see this Sheng Xiang is not destined for greatness; let him get lost sooner."

"Jianfeng wants to investigate, we can't stop it."

"With Lu Qiaoshan here, he can share our pressure."

"After all, Li Ya's own butt isn't clean; there are some things that I, as his 'mentor', am not convenient to express, but it will be much more convenient for Lu Qiaoshan to step in."

"And as for Deputy Station Chief Yu, you tell him to wipe his butt clean too."

"Don't let Li Ya bite him again."

"Li Ya is not like Ma Kui; if he bites, it means blood."

Wu Jingzhong ordered.

"Understood."

"Ke Shufen is going to watch a play tonight; these past few days, with card games and gifts, I've been feeding her quite a bit."

"It's time to put some eye drops in for her."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Go, talk to Li Ya and Zecheng."

"Especially Li Ya; I don't know what instructions Jianfeng gave him behind his back, don't let him really investigate me later."

"I'm not afraid of money problems."

"I'm just afraid of Ma Kui's case being retried; I was the one who supervised this case."

"If someone overturns the verdict for Ma Kui, or restarts the investigation into Liu Xiong's case, it will be very dangerous."

"You must know, whatever is done, leaves a trace."

"Be careful."

Wu Jingzhong whispered solemnly.

"Yes, Teacher, I know what to do," Hong Zhiyou accepted the order.

Action Team Office.

Li Ya was in high spirits and directly asked Gao Yuan to go to the archives and bring back a pile of files.

"Captain Li, the station's internal staff establishment, except for the Station Chief's file, is all here," Gao Yuan reported.

"Forget about the Station Chief."

"Gao Yuan, who do you think in the station is most like a Red?"

Li Ya asked.

"Captain Li, I wouldn't dare talk nonsense," Gao Yuan quickly waved his hand.

"Wrong."

"An excellent intelligence agent should be suspicious of all matters, but also appear not to be suspicious."

"This was the first lesson the Station Chief taught us."

"You can be considered an excellent student; you must trust your intuition."

"Sometimes a man's intuition can be very accurate."

Li Ya laughed.

"Let's not talk about intuition first; let's say if I were to choose."

"I would choose you first, Captain Li."

"You are the most like a Red."

Gao Yuan said, emboldened.

"Me?" Li Ya frowned.

"Yes... yes," Gao Yuan became a little nervous.

"It's okay, tell me," Li Ya said.

"You are upright, don't smoke, rarely drink, and basically don't get close to women, at least you are very restrained."

"Moreover, your temperament is clear and upright."

"Unlike those in the municipal government who rake in money, and people like Secretary Hong, you are different."

"Anyway, you don't look like a secret agent; you look like an upright school teacher."

"It is said that the Reds have many rules and have been brainwashed by so-called revolutionary ideas, so their spirit is very upright."

"Therefore, if I were to judge, you are the most unusual in the station, and also the most respected."

Gao Yuan said with an expression of speaking the truth.

Li Ya couldn't help but laugh after hearing it.

This kid wasn't insulting him; he was clearly praising him in a roundabout way.

But then again.

There really weren't many people like him left who were still willing to follow some of the old Military Statistics Bureau rules.

"Besides me, who else do you think is like one?" Li Ya asked.

"Secretary Hong, perhaps," Gao Yuan said.

"Hong Zhiyou?"

"Why him?" Li Ya asked.

"He knows everyone, people from all walks of life, even Reds."

"That Kong Fang who transported grain for Fu Zuoyi back then."

"Wasn't he a Red before?"

"So, if I have to choose another person, I would think it's Hong Zhiyou."

Gao Yuan said.

"That's bullshit intuition, get lost."

Li Ya found it ridiculous and said angrily.

"Yes!"

Gao Yuan nodded, bowed, and slipped away.

Li Ya took out paper and began to list his suspect list.

The number one on the list was: Yu Zecheng!

Jianfeng had given instructions upon his return.

Jinhai shoulders the responsibility of a rear base and must not be lost.

During past negotiations, materials and ordnance transported to the Northeast were often leaked by the Reds, accusing the National Government of sabotaging peace.

This clearly meant there were Red people in important positions.

Clearing out these borers was an urgent matter.

He pulled out Yu Zecheng's file and buried his head in studying it, including the daily work records Yu Zecheng had handled in the Confidentiality Section.

Of course, targeting Yu Zecheng also involved another mission from Jianfeng.

As for being Station Chief, the Generalissimo had already given instructions, so Jianfeng didn't count on him.

But as for Deputy Station Chief, Jianfeng hoped he could win it.

In this way, it would be beneficial for both clearing out Reds and future work.

The key was that Li Ya had now restored his Colonel rank.

There was no reason to be subordinate to a Lieutenant Colonel.

Thinking of this, Li Ya's eyes flashed with ferocity.

No.

He must bite off this hard bone, Yu Zecheng, at all costs.

Residence.

Ke Shufen was cracking melon seeds, chatting idly with Hong Zhiyou.

She liked this young man more and more.

He was much better at handling things than Lu Qiaoshan's son; he was good-looking, had a sweet mouth, and got things done beautifully.

"Madam, have some watermelon; it was air-freighted from Southeast Asia for the US military. I asked someone to get some, have a taste."

"And these longans; eating them is good for beauty and replenishing blood."

Hong Zhiyou cut the fruit platter and brought it up together.

"Mm."

"Not bad; although not as sweet as summer's, being able to eat it in this season is considered a fresh novelty."

Ke Shufen took a small bite and smiled with satisfaction.

"Actually, it's not cheap."

"It's just for you, Madam; the Station Chief's wife and my wife didn't catch this batch."

Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"Don't keep standing, sit; you're not an outsider," Ke Shufen's smile became even more brilliant.

"No, there is a distinction between superior and inferior."

"If Commandant Zheng knew that I dared to sit with you, I'm afraid he would take my head."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"You."

"Not bad, young man who understands etiquette and knows his place; no wonder Wu Jingzhong values you so much."

"Zhiyou, are you interested in coming to work for my husband?"

"He happens to be missing a secretary."

Ke Shufen said.

"I am honored by your appreciation, Madam."

"Zhiyou is shallow in learning and doesn't know the affairs of Jingling; furthermore, if I leave Jinhai, my martial arts will be wasted."

"If Commandant Zheng wants a useless person like me, wouldn't that be holding him back?"

Hong Zhiyou said respectfully with a smile.

"Also."

"I heard Wu Jingzhong took over Zhang Xun's old residence; that is a famous mansion in all of Jinhai."

"When you have time, will you take me to look around?"

"Let me open my eyes and gain some knowledge."

Ke Shufen had received many good things these past few days, and once her appetite was opened, it naturally couldn't be stopped.

"I wouldn't dare call it a mansion."

"It's just a little more spacious."

"Station Chief Wu knew you wanted to go, so he ordered it to be cleaned long ago."

"Let me arrange a time, and I will invite you to visit another day, Madam."

Hong Zhiyou agreed readily.

Looking is fine.

I'm just afraid that after tonight, she won't be able to stay in Jinhai.

"Madam, the play at Shengping Theater is about to start, please move," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Good."

"Master Mei's play is not something everyone can hear."

"Let's go."

"Chief Luo, arrange the car."

Ke Shufen got up, went in to touch up her makeup, changed into gorgeous clothes, took her handbag, and went out the door.

"Secretary Hong."

"I've had little sleep and insomnia lately; arrange a card game for me."

"After watching the play, I'll go straight there."

She turned her head and ordered again.

"Alright, Madam," Hong Zhiyou accepted the order by the car and watched the car drive away.

After the car disappeared, a cold smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

Heh, it would be strange if you were in the mood to play cards tonight.

Still wanting to covet things from Hexi.

Anything taken from Jinhai, don't even think about taking a single cent away; you'll have to spit it all back out!

(End of chapter)