Chapter 258: If It Can Catch Mice, It's a Good Cat

"Thank you, Bureau Chief Ma," Hong Zhiyou said gratefully.

"Call me Big Brother."

"There are some things you and I are very clear about in our hearts."

"I trust you more now than I trust my own brothers or my own father."

"I've investigated many people over these years; as for fathers and brothers, there are countless cases of them fighting to the death over petty profits, shooting each other in the back, poisoning, and all sorts of messy business."

"But you, little brother, are different. You are a hero, a rare man of old-fashioned integrity and warmth."

"Your actions are clear-cut, open, and aboveboard!"

"It's truly a rare sight."

Ma Hansan refilled his tea and sighed with a smile.

"Big Brother Ma, can I interpret this comment of yours as calling me a sucker?"

"I've taken on many business deals over the years, but others have lined their pockets while I'm still sharing a courtyard with others and using a public dry latrine."

"The Xiangdao Bank even carries hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt."

"I'm busy as a dog every single day."

"Sacrificing myself for others—I wouldn't dare call myself a hero, 'hardworking good guy' is more fitting."

Hong Zhiyou joked with self-deprecating laughter.

"You are just being humble, little brother."

"I'm good at taking bribes and extorting, but I don't know much about business."

"But my eyes aren't blind. You've just laid out your foundation and the cash hasn't flowed back yet; in ten years, who knows, you might be the next Hu Xueyan or Sheng Xuanhuai."

"Sigh, I'm just old."

"Five years earlier, I definitely would have gone in on it with you."

"The most precious thing in this world is time; no matter how capable you are, once you miss it, you can never get it back."

Ma Hansan rarely met someone he could confide in, so he couldn't help but talk a bit more.

"It's true, just like how I used to go to the club every other day."

"Now? I'm drinking tea with goji berries every day."

"It's not bad if I can go once a week."

"This is just the passage of two years; one knows one's own body best."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"However, it's not too late for business matters."

"Since Big Brother says I'm a hero, for this transport of supplies, I'll add another ten thousand US dollars as your hard-earned fee, Big Brother."

"Sixty thousand in total!"

Hong Zhiyou knew that the market price of the supplies could not be hidden from Ma Hansan.

He must have acquaintances among the US military.

Otherwise, why would he be called the number one profiteer of the North?

It was better to be straightforward and earn a good friendship.

"That's decent of you."

"Where are you sleeping tonight?"

"Should I have Secretary Liu arrange it, or..." Ma Hansan narrowed his eyes and asked with a smile.

"I'll sleep with Big Brother tonight."

"Liu, Guan, and Zhang were known for sleeping on the same bed and resting their feet together."

"It's rare that Big Brother thinks highly of me, and Zhiyou still wants to ask for advice on official and business matters."

"After all, you are the King of North China; how many people in this world are as lucky as I am to receive your personal guidance?"

Hong Zhiyou said with a respectful smile.

He knew Ma Hansan was testing him.

Liu Yuzhu was beautiful.

But Ma Hansan offering her was one thing.

If he were to push himself onto her, that would be lacking in social awareness.

If a man couldn't even resist a little beauty, how could he accomplish great things?

Ma Hansan was a notoriously shrewd man.

Hong Zhiyou believed that Liu Yuzhu dressing so beautifully tonight was also Ma Hansan's arrangement.

Having a little fun in the car was enough.

If he wanted more, he might end up being the next Dai Yunong.

Furthermore, being too close to Liu Yuzhu.

Would make Ma Hansan suspicious about the Xiangdao affairs.

It was better to keep a proper distance.

"Very well, tonight we shall sleep in the same bed and talk through the night." Ma Hansan was also delighted.

"Thank you, Big Brother," Hong Zhiyou said.

The next day.

Office of the Bureau Chief of the Civil Affairs Bureau.

Ma Hansan, with his big belly, was pruning the potted plants on the windowsill.

Liu Yuzhu was wiping the table and pouring tea.

Her uniform paired with wedge heels and silk stockings was quite charming.

Hong Zhiyou occasionally took a greedy look at her, winking and teasing her with a mischievous smile.

He had thought about it.

Being too deliberately distant wouldn't work either.

After all, Liu Yuzhu had spent the night in Jinhai.

She was a beauty, they had been intimate, and he had a reputation for being a womanizer; being too saintly would only make Ma Hansan suspicious.

This kind of thing is all about balance.

If you can't grasp the measure, you could flip the car at any moment.

Fortunately, Hong Zhiyou had received personal instructions from Old Wu and had grasped some of the essence of observing people and situations.

"Secretary Liu, let me do it."

"Your skin is delicate, don't hurt your hands in the middle of winter."

Hong Zhiyou leaned over and took the opportunity to touch Liu Yuzhu's jade-like fingers.

"Do you know how?" With Old Ma present, Liu Yuzhu didn't dare to give a coquettish smile, but just asked indifferently.

"Of course."

"I used to wipe tables and pour tea for people in Jinhai too."

"Strictly speaking, we are in the same line of work."

Hong Zhiyou spoke with honeyed words, taking the opportunity to glance at her chest.

Liu Yuzhu rolled her eyes at him secretly and handed him the rag: "Fine, you wipe the table, I'll go organize the files."

Ma Hansan glanced over occasionally and acted as if he hadn't seen anything, but he sighed in his heart.

A dog can't change its habit of eating excrement; after all, he is still young and gets itchy when he sees a beauty.

But having flaws is good.

People are only to be feared if they have no flaws, as that means they have no friends.

Clearly, Hong Zhiyou was the kind of friend he wanted.

"Yuzhu, pour the tea, Director Cui should be here soon," Ma Hansan said.

"Yes, Bureau Chief Ma."

Liu Yuzhu acknowledged the order.

A moment later, Cui Zhongshi, wearing a suit and glasses, walked in.

Uncle Cui, long time no see!

Hong Zhiyou sighed in his heart and stood up to examine this figure who had left so many people feeling regretful.

Cui Zhongshi was in his forties, his hair combed meticulously; perhaps due to the busy bank affairs, his complexion was slightly pale.

He looked a bit like Li Ya.

Only he was fairer and thinner.

His temperament was completely different; Cui Zhongshi appeared very introverted, gentle, and elegant, his eyes clear when looking at people, straight and innocent, unlike Li Ya, who looked at everyone with slanted eyes and raised brows, full of disdain and suspicion.

"Bureau Chief Ma," he said, his speech mixed with a Shanghai accent similar to Mrs. Ma's.

"Zhongshi is here, quick, let me introduce you."

"This is Secretary Hong from the Jinhai Station."

"This is Cui Zhongshi, the vault director of the Central Bank's Beiping branch."

"We are all among our own, sit."

Ma Hansan greeted them with a smile.

"Zhongshi, you look haggard." Ma Hansan pointed at him and laughed.

"Indeed."

"With the current financial reforms, there are endless meetings from above."

"Professor He Qicang even fell ill because of this."

"I just came from his place."

Cui Zhongshi smiled faintly.

"You tell me, this bunch of people, they keep dumping gold and antiques abroad."

"With great difficulty, the Americans provide some loans, but before they even enter the bank, they are pocketed by certain people and then funneled abroad again."

"Without gold or US dollars to back it up, and with no conditions for developing oil and mineral resources—even if they were developed, foreigners would be the ones holding the reins."

"Without anything of value, let alone issuing Gold Round Coupons."

"Even if you issued gold ingots, the common people wouldn't accept them."

"A bunch of experts having meetings every day, researching this and that—it's all just hot air."

"In my opinion, it would be better to return to primitive society and have everyone collect seashells to use as currency."

Ma Hansan laughed wittily.

Hong Zhiyou stood to the side, offering a polite smile.

Ma Hansan's words were crude but the logic was sound.

This man appeared rough and casual, but in reality, he had deep insight into the ways of the world.

No wonder even the Station Chief was wary of him and dared not easily cross him.

"Director Ma, please watch your words."

"The Nationalist Government currently attaches great importance to this matter; it must be pushed through." Cui Zhongshi adjusted his glasses and said gently.

"Watch my words, my foot."

"Issuing Gold Round Coupons is just the same old trick, making the common people hand over the gold, silver dollars, and antiques in their hands to exchange for Gold Round Coupons."

"Supply rice and flour for a few days first, to make the common people think this stuff is useful."

"Once the leeks are harvested, it will be just like the legal tender—overnight, there will be no goods, and then they'll say you have to use silver dollars and gold to buy rice."

"I've seen right through it."

"With this kind of scraping, Li Zicheng should be entering Beijing by now."

"If it were me, I'd stop the war for three years first. Instead of letting those soldiers eat up all the money, I'd rather give every household a hundred silver dollars per person to let them live a few good days first."

"Once the common people are well-fed and have food in their bellies, what battle can't be won?"

"Is this a matter of money?"

"This is a matter of the people's hearts. Reforming the currency system is not as practical as cleansing their consciences."

Ma Hansan waved his hand and sneered with disdain.

Positioned as the head of the livelihood materials adjustment office, he saw things more profoundly than anyone else.

Those bullshit policies and reforms of the Nationalist Government would never reach the common people anyway.

Rather than letting others benefit, it was better to benefit himself; that was how he became the number one profiteer.

Cui Zhongshi's face twitched as he listened.

But due to the distinction between superior and subordinate, he dared not speak again.

"Ahem, Director Ma, the 'Smoker' is still in Beiping." Hong Zhiyou feared he had said too much and reminded him in a low voice.

Ma Hansan curled his lip and said no more.

He was well aware that Wang Puchen had been secretly investigating him for evidence.

"Director Ma, did you call me here for something?" Cui Zhongshi asked.

"Secretary Hong has something to ask of you," Ma Hansan said.

"It's like this: Department Chief He Zhiyuan of the Secret Service Bureau headquarters has a niece who just graduated from Huaching University and wants to join the Beiping branch."

"I'd like to ask for your help to get her into the branch; I hope Director Cui can facilitate this."

Hong Zhiyou didn't waste words; he opened his briefcase, pulled out three large gold bars, and handed them over.

Cui Zhongshi didn't take them and asked calmly, "Is she good at accounting?"

"As long as she can get into your bank, even mopping the floors or scrubbing toilets is fine," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

As he spoke, he handed over the documents.

"Fine, I accept."

"If there's nothing else, I'll be going."

Cui Zhongshi accepted them readily and packed them away.

His role at the branch was to launder black money for high-ranking officials like Ma Hansan.

It was never an honorable identity to begin with.

Taking the money was naturally a matter of course.

"I'll see you out."

Hong Zhiyou knew that once Zeng Keda of the Ministry of National Defense's Cadre Reserve Bureau and Xu Tieying arrived in Beiping, Cui Zhongshi's identity as an underground party member would be exposed.

Better to see him off.

Perhaps this meeting would be the last.

Hong Zhiyou didn't think he had the ability to challenge elite garrison commanders like Chen Jicheng, nor did he have the heart to compete with old foxes like Xu Tieying.

Downstairs, a jeep was parked.

A young man in a light green air force uniform, with an arrogant air, was sitting in the driver's seat smoking a cigar, sunglasses perched on his hair, his tie fluttering in the wind, sporting the demeanor of a rich young master who thought he was the best in the world.

"Meng Ao, let me introduce you; this is Secretary Hong from the Jinhai station."

Cui Zhongshi had intended to tell Hong Zhiyou to stay back, but on second thought, he led him to the car instead.

"Oh."

"A secret agent, huh."

Fang Mengao sneered at him and blew a puff of thick smoke with disdain.

"Meng Ao!" Cui Zhongshi frowned.

"Young Master Fang, hello." Hong Zhiyou smiled and extended his hand.

Fang Mengao detested dirty secret agents the most; he turned his head away and simply ignored him.

Hong Zhiyou withdrew his hand.

"Apologies, Meng Ao is young and a bit wild; please don't take it to heart." Cui Zhongshi pulled Hong Zhiyou aside to explain.

If others didn't know, how could he not?

Being able to ship goods to Yancheng now relied entirely on Yu Zecheng and this young Master Hong.

This person was even highly likely to be one of his own.

Even if not, he was a person with immense connections.

Meng Ao's actions were truly too rude.

"Director Cui, it's fine."

"You go ahead with your work."

"Uncle Cui, take care!"

Hong Zhiyou shook his hand firmly and said.

"Right, you take care too."

"When I have time, I'll visit you in Jinhai. Goodbye."

Cui Zhongshi read something unusual in his eyes.

He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

But it was a friendly message.

He nodded slightly with a smile and turned to get back into the car.

"Uncle Cui, I know this guy; I have a classmate from Jinhai whose stepmother was slept with by this guy."

"Why do you bother with scum like this?"

Once in the car, Fang Mengao puffed on his cigar and said unhappily.

"One who achieves great things does not fuss over trifles," Cui Zhongshi said.

"My classmate's family sells grain; this guy uses the excuse of investigating corruption to call that woman to a hotel to 'discuss' things whenever he feels like it."

"I'm only giving him face because of you."

"Otherwise, I could drive back right now and beat him up."

Fang Mengao snorted coldly.

"You're talking about Kang Zuoru, right?"

"You don't understand; that's a concubine, not a mother."

"Forget it, I can't explain it to you."

"Meng Ao, do you trust me?"

Cui Zhongshi waved his hand and said.

"I trust you more than my dad, anyway," Fang Mengao laughed.

"Hey, you child!"

Cui Zhongshi shook his head and continued:

"Believe me, in the future, please show some respect to Secretary Hong.

"He is not someone you can afford to provoke.

"Moreover, he is not an enemy; he is a friend."

"If you put it that way, I understand. Next time we meet, I'll go a little easier on him when I beat him up," Fang Meng'ao laughed heartily.

"You!

"It's rare for you to come back for the New Year, so control your temper and stop going against your father.

"It hasn't been easy for him either.

"His hair has almost turned completely white over these past few years; he only dyed it because he heard you were coming back."

Cui Zhongshi said gently.

"Got it.

"You all nag me day in and day out; my ears are calloused from it.

"It'll be good enough if he doesn't pick on me.

"I can't be bothered to deal with him."

Fang Meng'ao stepped on the gas, and the jeep sped down the street like a wild horse.

Hong Zhiyou returned to the office.

"Brother.

"The Chairman is flying to Shenyang on the 3rd.

"Madame Jiang and Lin Tai are coming to Jinhai, so I must hurry back."

He bid farewell to Ma Hansan.

"Little Hong, Lin Tai is not someone to be trifled with.

"As for her affairs, stay as far away as you can.

"If I were you, I'd find an opportunity to go on a business trip to North America right now; out of sight, out of mind."

Ma Hansan offered his advice.

"Thank you for the guidance, brother.

"It's just that you know I have a family to support now.

"If I leave, Station Chief Wu will have to shoulder many things alone.

"He is getting on in years; if I don't step up, I'm afraid this hurdle will be hard to clear, and the family will fall apart."

Hong Zhiyou smiled sincerely.

"Time together is short.

"You must come to Beiping often in the future to help your brother through these difficult times as well.

"Right now, Jiang doesn't tolerate me.

"Officer Delin is nominally an honest man and a sage, but in reality, he is an old fox.

"Don't look at how close I am to him now.

"In my view, once the Northeast and Bai Chongxi suffer defeats in Central China, he could abandon me and run at any moment.

"Wang Puchen has also compiled quite a bit of dirt on me.

"Once General Delin leaves, I will be a lamb under Mao Renfeng's butcher knife.

"Brother, I am in a tough spot."

Ma Hansan patted his shoulder and sighed in a low voice.

"I understand.

"Take care, brother," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Let Yuzhu take you," Ma Hansan instructed.

"Very well, Bureau Chief Ma," Liu Yuzhu nodded faintly.

"No, you have a pile of work; let's not trouble Secretary Liu," Hong Zhiyou hurriedly declined.

"Isn't this just serving tea and pouring water?

"It's settled.

"There's a lot of traffic in the morning; Yuzhu, drive slowly and make sure to deliver Secretary Hong to the airport safely."

Ma Hansan ordered.

"Understood, Bureau Chief," Liu Yuzhu said.

Hong Zhiyou knew that Ma Hansan was offering him another "dish."

It wouldn't do to refuse.

He had already shown his "flaws," and if he rejected him now, Ma Hansan would only think he was ungrateful and not close enough.

"Then I will trouble Secretary Liu.

"Brother, take care."

Hong Zhiyou bowed to bid farewell.

"Ah, Zhiyou is a solid man," watching Hong Zhiyou's figure, a hint of gratification appeared on Ma Hansan's face.

Lin Tai's matter was a landmine if not handled well.

It was a matter of life and death.

Hong Zhiyou did not evade it, but instead rushed to help Wu Jingzhong take the hit.

It would not be an exaggeration to say this man had a chivalrous spirit.

Liu Yuzhu drove the car around the street and headed straight for the mountain road in the wilderness.

As soon as the car stopped, the two kissed.

Both were clever people.

Ma Hansan telling her to drive slowly was his way of allowing her to have a brief tryst with Hong Zhiyou.

"Get out of the car."

Both got out and climbed directly into the back seat.

"Did you miss me last night, sister?" Hong Zhiyou said while taking off his clothes.

"What do you think?

"I waited at home until dawn, and you were nowhere to be seen," Liu Yuzhu pouted coquettishly.

"Little liar.

"Looking at your clear eyes, you don't look like you stayed up all night.

"You understand Old Ma's intentions better than I do.

"I'll punish you."

Hong Zhiyou picked her up and held her in an embrace.

One hour later.

The two straightened their clothes and got out of the car.

Hong Zhiyou lit a cigarette.

In the mellow sunlight, Liu Yuzhu's flushed cheeks and watery eyes were extremely beautiful.

Hong Zhiyou stared straight at her.

"What are you looking at?" Liu Yuzhu brushed the hair behind her ear and asked with a smile.

"Nothing, I just wanted to look at you a few more times, sister.

"After all, it's too hard to meet."

Hong Zhiyou smiled.

His heart felt a bit sour.

Good times were always short-lived.

In history, Liu Yuzhu and Old Ma never made it out of Beiping; once Boss Dai set his sights on Ma Hansan, Mao Renfeng had them in his crosshairs.

Hong Zhiyou was not sure if he would ever come to Beiping again.

He was not familiar with this city of Beiping.

Yet, many people were here.

Fang Buting, Fang Meng'ao, Uncle Cui, Xie Peidong...

But life was always realistic and cruel.

If these people did not involve his interests, he might not want to see them again for the rest of his life.

Life, after all, was hard enough just to survive.

He was no superman here to save the world; Yu Zecheng alone was enough to exhaust his efforts.

The fewer things to deal with, the better.

Goodbye, Beiping!

Goodbye, those people in Beiping!

Hong Zhiyou flicked the cigarette butt away and slowly exhaled the smoke: "Let's go."

"What's with that look, acting like it's a final parting; don't tell me you've really fallen in love with me," Liu Yuzhu said with a charming smile while lighting a cigarette.

"Love."

"I love any woman in this world who is as gentle and easy to get along with as you, sister."

Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"Smooth talker."

Liu Yuzhu smiled and drove to the airport.

"Secretary Liu, goodbye." Hong Zhiyou pulled the car door open, preparing to get out.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"When you want something from me, I'm a 'good sister'."

"Once you've finished, I'm just 'Secretary Liu'?"

"Kiss me."

Liu Yuzhu pouted and hummed.

Hong Zhiyou gave her a quick kiss, "Good sister, goodbye."

Having said that, he pulled the door open and walked into the airport without looking back.

Liu Yuzhu got out of the car and straightened her clothes.

She didn't even look at him.

Her pretty face was as cold and elegant as ever.

She returned to the car, stepped on the gas, and drove away.

In the afternoon, Hong Zhiyou returned to the station.

Wu Jingzhong was reviewing documents; seeing him, he looked up and asked, "How is it? Has the matter of He Zhiyuan been handled?"

"It has."

"The vault director of the Beiping Bank has already taken the documents."

"That person is very reliable; it should be settled in a few days."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Very good."

"I just received a call from headquarters; the Generalissimo's trip on the third is confirmed."

"I'm thinking that since Jinhai is already dealing with spy cases and rumors of leprosy, those two ladies shouldn't come to join the chaos."

"Isn't Yu Zecheng familiar with Yong Jianqiu?"

"Have him pass the word to the Red Ticket, and tell Lin Tai not to come to Jinhai to throw his life away."

"I haven't had a few days of peace, and a bunch of women are just causing trouble for me."

Wu Jingzhong said with a look of annoyance.

"Teacher, if they want to come, we will just proceed according to the plan. When soldiers come, block them with generals; when water comes, cover it with earth. There will always be a way," Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"If only it were that simple."

"Mao Renfeng originally wanted to make a move, but I intercepted him first and pledged my loyalty."

"Just because he can't claim the credit doesn't mean he won't take action."

"I'm afraid our current manpower isn't enough."

"The Red Ticket has been hiding long enough; isn't it time for them to come out and soak up some sun?"

"That bunch of people has always been capable of miracles; it's time for them to show their skills and assist in the defense."

Wu Jingzhong said, clapping his hands in exasperation:

"Tell me, what kind of situation is this? I, a dignified Major General of the Juntong Bureau, have become their bodyguard!"

"Teacher, that's called 'the capable do more work'."

"Alright, I will go meet with Deputy Station Chief Yu now to discuss this matter."

Hong Zhiyou accepted the order.

Just from these few sentences of Wu Jingzhong, he could clearly feel the change in old Wu.

In the past, he certainly wouldn't have spoken so bluntly.

Now, he completely doesn't care about Yu Zecheng's identity.

For old Wu, as long as one obeys orders and can make money, they are good.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at Yu Zecheng's office.

He was leaning back on the sofa, sleeping.

"Old Yu, what's wrong? Didn't sleep well last night?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"Yeah."

"Your sister-in-law lost over a dozen silver dollars playing mahjong last night; not only did she nag, but she also snored while sleeping."

"I didn't sleep well all night."

"How is it? Is Shopkeeper Qiu doing well?"

Yu Zecheng got up, closed the door, and asked hurriedly.

"Shopkeeper Qiu is doing quite well over there."

"It is highly likely he is still engaged in underground work."

"He gave me three prescriptions."

"One of them is for you, and I noticed Shopkeeper Qiu seems to have tampered with it."

"See for yourself."

Hong Zhiyou didn't want to get involved and handed the prescription to him.

Yu Zecheng and Shopkeeper Qiu once had a type of secret code; looking at the prescription, he quickly extracted the information from it:

"Mao Renfeng's people have already secretly arrived in Jin."

(End of chapter)