Chapter 252: You must get out within three days

The next day.

Jinhai Station.

Wu Jingzhong was listening to the radio; it was playing a broadcast from the Red Ticket station.

"Teacher, Captain Li is currently conducting a purge. If you listen to this, he's bound to have an opinion," Hong Zhiyou said in a low voice as he handed over tea.

"I'm not listening to that.

"Do you expect me to listen to that bullshit war report from Hu Zongnan every single day?

"Can the Central Radio even be listened to nowadays?

"It's all fake news!"

Wu Jingzhong said, displeased.

"That's true.

"Not to mention you don't like listening to it, Teacher, I don't like it either.

"I think the likes of Hu Zongnan can only rely on this kind of empty, fake news to fool the common people and the Americans."

Just as they were speaking, Li Ya walked in with a smile.

He was worthy of being a secret agent; his ears were sharp.

Fortunately, Hong Zhiyou spoke with discretion; while it seemed like he was bad-mouthing Li Ya, he was actually praising and building him up.

Otherwise, given Li Ya's temperament, he would have already thrown a tantrum.

Having said that, Hong Zhiyou actually admired Li Ya quite a bit.

The man was arrogant and dabbled a bit in wealth and women.

But at his core, he was loyal to the Party-State, could still distinguish right from wrong, and retained a bit of the true nature of a passionate youth.

For example, he had always been very dissatisfied with the likes of Hu Zongnan and Du Yuming.

He also dared to speak out about certain social ills.

Such a person on the Red Ticket side would belong to the category of those with lagging awareness who needed sublimation, but in the Party-State, he definitely counted as a "clear stream."

"Li Ya, sit," Wu Jingzhong said, raising his hand.

"How is it? Is the internal investigation work going smoothly?

"Internal investigation alone isn't enough right now.

"The war at the front is in full swing; you must continue to strike hard externally, destroy the Red Ticket's transit stations, and cut off their contact with Yancheng and the Northeast direction."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Yes.

"It's just that I'm a bit overwhelmed.

"The Intelligence Section was handed over according to your instructions, but Section Chief Sheng has been at it for two days now and is still familiarizing himself with the work; he's been slow to get things running."

Li Ya had quite a few complaints.

From the bottom of his heart, he looked down on Sheng Xiang—what kind of thing was he to be on equal footing with him?

"Sheng Xiang used to manage files; it takes a process of adaptation to switch to the intelligence line now.

"Furthermore, he is also an old hand who came out of Luojiawan.

"He has the ability to work.

"Don't rush; give him some time."

Wu Jingzhong smiled.

He was neither enthusiastic nor opposed to catching Red Tickets.

Therefore, he let Sheng Xiang drag his feet.

"Teacher.

"I heard the American military recently received a new batch of equipment.

"Our Jinhai has always been an active area for the Red Tickets; it's time to update our equipment, especially the signal monitoring vehicles. It is said that this batch of new vehicles can expand the search range to a radius of two kilometers.

"In this way, with a few vehicles patrolling the city at fixed times and locations twenty-four hours a day,

"We'll catch them every time.

"The Red Ticket's intelligence system will be ruined."

Li Ya said.

"Heh, you have to admit, the American brains are really quite sharp; they can always tinker with something new," Wu Jingzhong laughed.

"Technology, after all.

"This thing is like raising a venomous insect; the more you take the lead, the stronger you are.

"They have Einstein.

"What do we have? Constant war; we don't even have a proper research department.

"We have to reach out and ask others for everything.

"It's truly stifling.

"I was just born in the wrong era; my heart is full of blood, but I can only engage in infighting. If it were a peaceful and prosperous age, I would also build a few atomic bombs and throw ten or eight of them on the devils' heads."

Li Ya shrugged, feeling quite indignant.

"Infighting is also a pleasure.

"Fine.

"It's rare for Captain Li to have such ambition; however much you want, I approve it.

"However, monitoring equipment and the Equipment Section have always been the responsibility of the Intelligence Section.

"You list a manifest for Sheng Xiang and let him sign off to negotiate."

Wu Jingzhong said with a smile.

"Teacher, wouldn't it be enough if you approved it? Why go through him? It's a waste of time," Li Ya said unhappily.

"Look, here you go again.

"I've said it before: comrades are like limbs, the organization is like a family.

"Sheng Xiang was sent down by headquarters and has official appointment documents. No matter how much you look down on him, he is still the Intelligence Section Chief.

"Since that's the case, you must maintain good colleague relations.

"Don't trip him up; only by working together can you achieve twice the result with half the effort."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him and said solemnly.

"Fine.

"Since you've put it that way, I'll give him that much face."

Li Ya raised his eyebrows with disdain, bowed slightly, and walked out with his hands in his pockets.

Just as he reached the door, Yu Zecheng happened to walk in:

"Captain Li, wait, I happen to have something to find you about."

"What is it?" Li Ya, having gained power and being valued by Jiang Jianfeng, was too lazy to even address Yu's position.

"According to procedure, files borrowed from the station cannot exceed twenty-four hours; you must return the files you took to the Confidential Section as soon as possible," Yu Zecheng said.

"Return them?

"With so many files, how can I finish reading them in a day?

"Let's wait a few days."

Li Ya refused coldly.

"Don't.

"Rules are rules; Captain Li, don't make things difficult for me.

"How about this: you return them first, and after the filing is signed, I'll have Section Chief Qin send them to you.

"From now on, borrow and return them daily."

Yu Zecheng also got serious.

His usual image in the station was steady, and he was even a bit pedantic when it came to work discipline.

Li Ya stared at him intently.

Yu Zecheng was all smiles, not giving an inch.

The war between them had begun from the moment the Station Chief pushed them out to preside over the joint trial of the spy case, leaving Li Ya with a handle.

There was no turning back.

There was no room for maneuver.

It was either you die or I live.

Li Ya glanced at Wu Jingzhong.

Wu Jingzhong was talking to Hong Zhiyou and didn't even look their way, acting as if he hadn't heard their argument.

"Fine.

"You are the Deputy Station Chief; you have the final say.

"Deputy Station Chief Yu, enjoy this position well."

Li Ya tilted his head with a smile and turned to walk out.

"Enjoyment is out of the question.

"I'll just ring the bell as long as I'm a monk for a day."

Yu Zecheng said indifferently and turned into the Station Chief's office.

"Teacher.

"Ke Shufen has arrived and was stopped by our guards."

He came in to report.

"You, you have the mind to bicker but didn't tell me sooner.

"This woman is not to be trifled with.

"Zhiyou.

"Let's go, come with me to welcome the Deputy Minister's wife."

Wu Jingzhong straightened his clothes and stood up.

"Yes," Hong Zhiyou accepted the order happily.

Soon, Wu Jingzhong arrived in front of the building and saw Ke Shufen, who was full of anger.

"Station Chief Wu, what great official authority you have; I have to file a report just to see you," she hummed with dissatisfaction upon seeing Wu Jingzhong.

"Ignorant.

"Do you know who this is?

"This is the wife of Deputy Minister Zheng; apologize at once."

Wu Jingzhong's face sank as he scolded the guards.

"Mrs. Zheng, my apologies."

Several guards hurriedly bowed to apologize.

"Next time, keep your eyes peeled for me; get out of here," Wu Jingzhong waved his hand.

"Sister-in-law, why have you come?" Turning his head to look at Ke Shufen, he immediately changed his expression.

"Why have I come?

"Last night, someone broke into my bedroom and openly threatened and intimidated me; are you going to handle this or not?" Ke Shufen said.

"Outrageous!

"Who has such dog guts!

"Secretary Hong, what is going on?"

After entering the reception room, Wu Jingzhong asked Hong Zhiyou and Ke Shufen's Chief of Guards with a serious face.

"I, I don't know.

"The Police Bureau arranged personnel on the perimeter over there for the Madam; this matter should be asked of Bureau Chief Bai."

Hong Zhiyou was also full of astonishment.

"The police are useless.

"The police system is the responsibility of Tang Zong; he is at odds with Chief Zheng, so how could the security be in place?

"You, you missed one detail in a hundred!"

Wu Jingzhong pointed at Hong Zhiyou and criticized him, feigning displeasure.

"Yes, the subordinate will make other arrangements immediately," Hong Zhiyou said hurriedly.

"Sister-in-law, please don't be angry; this matter is also Jingzhong's fault.

"Recently, Jiang Jianfeng and headquarters have had instructions, and the station's work is busy, so we simply can't spare any manpower.

"It's my fault for not arranging it properly and giving you a scare."

Wu Jingzhong said apologetically again.

"It has nothing to do with Secretary Hong.

"Yesterday at the Shengping Theater, I met a drunkard and had some unpleasantness.

"Chief of Guards Fang said that the drunkard was very likely a bandit from Guandong Mountain.

"I don't care which mountain the bandit is from.

"Within three days, you must catch the person for me!"

Ke Shufen ordered imperiously.

"Yes, yes.

"As long as sister-in-law can vent her anger, three days it is; I guarantee I will catch the person for you."

Wu Jingzhong agreed very readily.

"Hmm, that's more like it; you have a bit of your old self," Ke Shufen nodded with satisfaction.

"That's right.

"In front of you and big brother, Jingzhong will always be the little brother.

"Over these years, if not for your guidance and care, Big Brother, would Wu Jing have what he has today?"

"I remember it all."

Wu Jingzhong patted his chest and smiled obsequiously.

"It's good that you know it in your heart.

"When are you taking me to see Zhang Xun's mansion?

"You know, I just like old objects, and Zhang Xun is a famous person after all; if I don't take a look, my heart will always be itching," Ke Shufen said.

"How about we go after catching the bandit?

"Sister-in-law, you've seen it too.

"I'm so busy that my feet are hitting the back of my head; I really can't spare any time for a moment."

Wu Jingzhong clapped his hands, looking very troubled.

"Fine then; anyway, it's not like it's going to run away in three days, and neither will you or that mansion," Ke Shufen jabbed at him with sarcasm.

"Yes.

"Yes!

"Sooner or later, definitely."

Wu Jingzhong nodded repeatedly.

"You go get busy; I still have to go play cards.

"By the way, tell Chen Cuiping to come keep me company for a few rounds; holding a granddaughter is busy, but surely not so busy that she doesn't have time for a few rounds of cards.

"I'm just afraid that being busy is an excuse, and that the affection has faded is the truth."

Ke Shufen glanced at him arrogantly, stood up, and walked out, swaying her hips.

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare.

"I'll call her right now.

"Walk slowly, sister-in-law."

Wu Jingzhong personally saw her out of the station.

"Three days.

"Can she be carried away in three days?"

Returning to the room, Wu Jingzhong asked Hong Zhiyou.

"Last night was just an appetizer.

"Tonight, that piece of red coral should be back.

"With her stingy nature, she won't last three days before she has to roll up those paintings and calligraphy and slip away quickly."

Hong Zhiyou answered confidently.

"That's good.

"I really hate seeing this woman.

"Wanting money but not wanting face!

"That's exactly the kind of person she is!"

Wu Jingzhong said, very displeased.

"Teacher.

"It's truly strange; Zheng Jiemin considers himself incorruptible, yet his wife is notorious.

"Does the Generalissimo really not know?"

Hong Zhiyou was quite puzzled.

"How could he not know?

"Including me, those above are probably all crystal clear about it.

"The Generalissimo's thinking is actually very simple.

"Money belongs to the common people and the big capitalists; it's not his, Jiang Mou's.

"Being able to embezzle is a skill.

"Rather than letting Kong Song roll it off to North America, it's better to keep it circulating among us, in exchange for someone who works with heart.

"Besides, money is in the hands of people like us.

"Once the world is peaceful and Jiang Jianfeng takes power, it's not like it can't be cut away.

"But does he, Jiang Jianfeng, dare to cut Kong Xiangxi or Song Ziwen?

"Once these people's money enters their pockets, you can't even dig out a single cent.

"Therefore, the Generalissimo's mind is very simple.

"Embezzlement is fine, but the surface must be clean, and things must be done beautifully.

"Slaughter when the year is ripe!"

Wu Jingzhong said with great clarity.

"That is indeed a method," Hong Zhiyou felt it made sense.

It was just that the Jiang father and son were defeated too quickly.

If they had really sat firmly, given Jiang Jianfeng's temperament, he would have really swung the sickle to start cutting.

"Isn't Li Ya wanting to buy equipment?

"Let Sheng Xiang handle it.

"This man is insatiably greedy and likes to take small advantages; when the time comes, let Li Ya ferret him out and strip him of his Intelligence Section Chief position.

"Once the Zheng Jiemin couple covets Jinhai, Lu Qiaoshan's return will be secure.

"Of course, you have to tip off Lu Qiaoshan about this.

"If we can avoid being the bad guys, we should try our best not to be."

Wu Jingzhong instructed in a low voice.

"Understood!" Hong Zhiyou nodded.

Li Ya took the manifest and report and went straight to the Intelligence Section office.

Sheng Xiang was smoking.

"Yo, Captain Li is here." Seeing Li Ya, he hurriedly extinguished his cigarette and stood up.

"This is the equipment I want.

"The Station Chief said this is your Intelligence Section's business; take it and go negotiate with the Americans.

"You can draw the funds and procurement fees from Deputy Station Chief Yu.

"I have only one requirement: the faster, the better."

Li Ya looked at him coldly with raised eyebrows.

"Captain Li, don't worry.

"I definitely won't delay your business."

Sheng Xiang said hurriedly.

After Li Ya left, he couldn't help but be ecstatic.

He didn't expect that he would land such a big job just two days into the job.

He had spent years in the black market.

He also had acquaintances among the Americans.

Currently, American-style equipment was a rare commodity, and the prices weren't very transparent; there were plenty of opportunities to take kickbacks in between.

"Tsk tsk, there's even a signal vehicle.

"With this order, wouldn't it be tens of thousands of US dollars?

"Just scraping a little bit..."

Sheng Xiang was so happy he could barely tell north from south.

For the past half year, he had been hanging around Jingling with Lu Qiaoshan; his rank had been raised by Lu Qiaoshan and Zheng Jiemin, but his pockets were tight, far less comfortable than when he was in Jinhai.

Now he had landed a lucrative job and was in charge of the cold storage and equipment room.

There was also a steady stream of intelligence.

This was all inexhaustible wealth.

He picked up the phone, habitually wanting to discuss it with Lu Qiaoshan.

It was agreed before he came that he would be in the light, Brother Shan would be in the dark, and they would join forces to deal with Li Ya and make money.

Just as he picked it up, Sheng Xiang put it back down and gave himself a light slap.

"Am I stupid?

"Why tell him? With Old Lu's loose lips, the lion's share would be his again, and I wouldn't even get to drink the soup."

Afternoon.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at Lu Qiaoshan's garden cottage.

"Have you heard?" Hong Zhiyou crossed his legs and sipped some coffee.

"Heard what?" Lu Qiaoshan asked.

"Didn't Sheng Xiang tell you?" Hong Zhiyou put down his coffee cup, lowered his head, lit a cigarette, and took a puff.

"Sheng Xiang?

"Little brother, stop keeping me in suspense; speak quickly," Lu Qiaoshan said anxiously.

"Li Ya applied for a batch of new reconnaissance equipment.

"There are four signal tracking vehicles alone.

"There are also tape recorders and a lot of other messy things.

"With this whole procurement, it's at least tens of thousands of US dollars.

"According to our station's management system, this job used to be yours, but now it's fallen on Sheng Xiang's head.

"How about it? Did your puppet lackey not report to you?"

Hong Zhiyou waved his hand and asked with a smile.

"There's such a good thing?

"Damn it, this kid didn't tip me off at all.

"His wings have hardened; he wants to eat alone behind my back."

Lu Qiaoshan slapped the table, his teeth itching with hatred.

"People, after all.

"Everyone has selfish motives; it's normal for Sheng Xiang to want to scrape a little," Hong Zhiyou said.

"However, this is an opportunity for you."

He looked at Lu Qiaoshan.

Lu Qiaoshan nodded in understanding: "That's right.

"I was just worrying about how to get rid of him; heh, didn't this just deliver itself to my door?

"I know who he's trading with in the American military.

"But I might need you to come forward and cooperate."

"Hmm, go ahead," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

Lu Qiaoshan leaned in and whispered for a while.

"Old Lu, if I didn't say it had to be you; it seems Sheng Xiang won't be able to eat this hot meal," Hong Zhiyou laughed after hearing it.

"I hate this kind of petty person who doesn't value loyalty the most.

"If he is unrighteous, don't blame me for being unrighteous.

"Let's wait and see."

Lu Qiaoshan tilted his chin and said with a cold laugh.

Night fell.

Near Ke Shufen's residence, police and secret agents from the Confidential Bureau were deployed tightly all around.

Deep into the night.

Lin Tian moved like a ghost; taking advantage of the guards dozing off, he flashed and jumped onto the high wall, heading towards Ke Shufen's bedroom.

This woman was quite shrewd.

She had her Chief of Guards stay in her room to catch the intruder.

She herself squeezed into a bed with the maid to sleep.

Not only that.

She also moved the jewelry and paintings Hong Zhiyou had given her, as well as the US dollars she had won, under the maid's bed.

But how could this little bit of scheming hide from Lin Tian?

When she was moving things inside in the afternoon, Mi Zhiguo and the others responsible for security had already reported it to Hong Zhiyou.

With a little analysis, her abacus was seen clearly.

Lin Tian slipped into the room like a spirit cat.

He opened the box and took away the red coral.

He grabbed a snakeskin bag and stuffed several non-venomous grass snakes into Ke Shufen's quilt.

After doing this.

He took out a written note in blood and nailed it to the head of the bed.

"If people don't offend me, I won't offend them.

"If people offend me, I will definitely offend them!"

After finishing all this, Lin Tian flipped onto the roof beam, lifted the tiles, and disappeared into the vast night after a few leaps.

Midnight.

Ke Shufen was fast asleep, feeling groggy.

She felt something cold and cool wriggling on her body.

"Xiu'er, Xiu'er."

She called out to the maid.

Seeing no reaction from the maid, she reached out and grabbed something.

A bone-chilling coldness instantly woke her up.

Immediately after.

She felt it on her neck and pant legs.

There were cold, wriggling things everywhere.

"Bad!"

Ke Shufen kicked the maid away and reached out to pull the lamp cord at the head of the bed.

Once the light was on.

She saw more than a dozen snakes in the quilt.

This well-informed woman instantly turned into a shrew, and a piercing scream tore through the night sky.

"Ah!"

The Chief of Guards and the nearby Confidential Bureau staff hurriedly rushed into the room.

When they saw the bed full of snakes.

And the bloody note at the head of the bed.

Everyone gasped.

"Chief of Guards Fang, Section Chief Xiao, Detective Li, this... this is what you call not even a fly could fly in?"

Ke Shufen was trembling all over, her face pale, her voice shaking.

"Madam.

"The subordinate has been keeping watch outside all night, not even blinking an eyelid.

"This person..."

Chief of Guards Fang truly had bitter words he couldn't speak.

"That's right, could this person have drilled out of the ground? Since tonight, we haven't even seen a cat; how did he get in?"

An ignorant guy from the Security Section blurted out.

"Madam, these bandits and wandering strangers have always been vengeful.

"Their methods are strange and varied.

"They can use any underhanded trick.

"It is indeed impossible to guard against.

"Check if you have lost any valuables; if it really doesn't work, we'll change to another place to stay tomorrow."

Xiao Guohua said.

"Change to another place.

"With so many of you big living people, you can't watch a single thief.

"Even if I moved into the Forbidden City, couldn't he find me just the same?"

Ke Shufen scolded angrily.

After clearing the snakes, she sent everyone away and opened the box.

The precious blood coral, a foot high, that Hong Zhiyou had given her was gone.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 253 =====