Chapter 277

Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong was speaking in a low voice with Hong Zhiyou.

Xiao Guohua walked in:

"Station Chief, Deputy Station Chief Yu is not in his office. Captain Li asks how Gu Youniu should be handled?"

"Zhiyou, you settle this man first.

"Tell Li Ya to go to Deputy Station Chief Yu's house tonight," Wu Jingzhong said, raising his hand to give the order.

"Understood."

Xiao Guohua took the order and left.

"This matter was handled well this time; it finally didn't ferment any further.

"We both misjudged the situation.

"There is 'talent' around Hu Zongnan too. I suspect that when the medicine was hijacked last time, this Adjutant Zhou was an accomplice.

"This move by Gu Youniu had us both spinning in circles.

"That person's move is high-level."

Wu Jingzhong emphasized the word "talent."

"Not to hide it from you, Teacher, I also didn't expect Zhou Li to arrange things so cleverly," Hong Zhiyou said, shrugging and smiling.

He had originally thought Zhou Li was a good-for-nothing.

Unexpectedly, while this guy seemed unreliable, he really had skills.

Being able to make Gu Youniu risk his life to "testify" was something money alone couldn't achieve.

Only "talent" could pull it off.

"Teacher, you won't report this to Officer Hu, will you?" After a pause, he asked half-jokingly.

"The fact that the guy surnamed Zhou dared to bring the man to me means he was certain I wouldn't make a scene.

"At this critical juncture, if it gets out that there's another Mount Emei or Deep Sea hidden in the Jinhai Station, wouldn't those wanting my chair go crazy trying to grab it?

"Back when Boss Dai was here, if a mole appeared, no one wanted to see it; everyone still wanted to save face.

"The social climate is different now; people are just waiting for trouble in your house so they can watch the show and steal your food.

"Besides, they are 'talent,' after all.

"You can't wipe them all out; having one or two is also a good thing.

"You know who will sit on this land in the future; who knows, maybe later they'll remember the old favor and say a few good words for you, sparing you from a beheading.

"You can't burn all your bridges in life.

"Otherwise, even god-like figures like Boss Dai would have to drink the bitterness of the Yellow Springs,"

Wu Jingzhong sighed with emotion.

"Teacher, you shouldn't say things like that," Hong Zhiyou whispered a reminder.

"Couldn't say it before.

"But now... just received news, Zhang Lingfu died in battle at Menglianggu," Wu Jingzhong said, changing the subject.

"Zhang Lingfu.

"That was a trump card general under Commander Wang Yaowu," Hong Zhiyou said in surprise.

"A few days ago, the Garrison Headquarters even asked me to coordinate grain and weapons here in Jinhai and arrange planes to air-drop them to Ludong.

"It's only been a few days? An entire reorganized division was eaten up clean.

"The war situation is becoming increasingly unfavorable.

"I'm afraid the wisdom of the Chairman himself will hit a wall this time."

Wu Jingzhong sighed, full of worry.

"Teacher, you're a bit pessimistic today," Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"It's not pessimism, it's reality.

"In the past, why did I leave the Red Ticket to join Boss Dai?

"At that time, I felt that Mr. Zhongfu's set was too empty, too broad, and too fake; how could you possibly succeed in a revolution relying only on faith, hot blood, and slogans?

"No money, no people, no guns, even Gu Shunzhang defected; could those few dock workers and scholars and students just take the country?

"But look at the result: they crossed the Red River four times, climbed snowy mountains, crossed grasslands, fought local tyrants, and divided the land, and they actually brought a mess back to life.

"Now in North China, Northeast, and Ludong, the common people are welcoming them with food and drink.

"One falls, and ten or a hundred new soldiers pop up.

"And us? We pay rewards, press-gang people, and even then, it's full of deserters; the Wannan Station shot seven officers yesterday alone for organizing a defection.

"Sometimes I think, in the end, our vision was just too narrow.

"Not just me, I'm afraid even the Chairman might not be able to see through this god-like method of turning the world around.

"Some things still need to be prepared for early.

"Here in Jinhai, there's only Fu Zuoyi holding on.

"Have you thought about it? If Fu Zuoyi defects or is defeated, I'm afraid Chen Zhangjie and Zheng Tingfeng won't even be able to hold for ten days; by then, we won't even have the chance to pack up and leave.

"My intention is, it's almost mid-May, Wu Rui's body has recovered enough, and the baby can handle a long journey; why don't you let your mistress take the mother and daughter over first.

"By the way, clear out the vault in Hexi early.

"Since Ke Shufen came here, now all of Jingling is spreading rumors that I have a 'Little Forbidden City' in Hexi; if I don't move it, sooner or later someone will eat it up.

"Must be on guard."

Wu Jingzhong said, crossing his arms.

"Teacher, Wu Rui and the child can leave soon.

"Transferring the assets will probably have to wait.

"The Cao Gang side..."

Hong Zhiyou didn't continue.

"You just hurry up," Wu Jingzhong didn't ask too much.

"By the way, go handle this Gu Youniu.

"Don't let Li Ya or Lu Qiao keep pestering endlessly.

"Zecheng is still very valuable.

"He should be protected."

He instructed.

"Understood."

Hong Zhiyou took the order.

Arriving at the reception room, Li Ya was talking to Xiao Guohua, while Gu Youniu was squatting to the side, appearing uneasy.

Best Actor Niu!

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Zhiyou, where did Deputy Station Chief Yu go?" Li Ya asked.

"He took a hand-blade strike from Mrs. Yu; I reckon he won't be better for a while, he must be lying in the hospital right now," Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"Just hand the person over to me."

He pointed at Gu Youniu.

"This..." Li Ya still wanted to use Gu Youniu to probe Yu Zecheng's bottom line.

"Captain Li, it's better to be forgiving when you can."

Hong Zhiyou knew his thoughts and smiled, raising an eyebrow.

Li Ya frowned, biting his lip, looked down at his leather shoes, and pondered for a few seconds before raising his head and lifting his eyebrows:

"Fine, let's put it aside for now."

"Right.

"Whatever his background is, get the Deputy Station Chief position first.

"Once you get the Deputy Station Chief position, wouldn't it be simple to investigate later?

"If Old Lu gets up there, he'll hold you back everywhere; don't even talk about investigating people, you won't even be able to explain your own pile of shit, and you'll have a hard time then."

Hong Zhiyou said in a low voice.

"Brother, sometimes I wonder whose side you're really on?" Li Ya asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm on the Station Chief's side.

"Whichever side he's on, that's the side I'm on."

Hong Zhiyou blinked and smiled.

"Understood.

"Smart man," Li Ya patted his shoulder with satisfaction.

"I've said it before, I don't have many friends in this station, you are one.

"I'll give you this face.

"The man is yours."

He waved his hand, signaling Gu Youniu to stand up.

"Thanks, Brother Ya.

"By the way, about the white sugar business with Old Xie, are you sure you won't consider it?"

Hong Zhiyou glanced at Xiao Guohua.

The latter immediately took Gu Youniu away.

"Old Xie..." Li Ya smiled awkwardly.

You know you have no face too... Hong Zhiyou chuckled inwardly, but urged him:

"Making money, it's not shameful.

"One thing is one thing, Old Xie doesn't care, why are you embarrassed?

"If you want it, I'll have him book a private room tonight.

"If you don't, I can give him an answer."

"Of course I want it, I just don't know if it's easy to flip right now?" Li Ya's eyes were full of temptation.

"Easy to flip.

"The North is a bit troublesome due to the war.

"But the South is still a peaceful and prosperous age.

"Jingling, Yuezhou, Hankou, the rich in these places all need white sugar.

"It just costs a bit more in shipping.

"There's definitely money to be made."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Fine.

"Let's set up a meeting tonight to talk," Li Ya said.

"Hmm.

"Go prepare the money.

"Thanks."

Hong Zhiyou gave an instruction and went straight away.

Arriving at the Security Section.

Hong Zhiyou greeted Xiao Guohua and took Gu Youniu out.

"Get in the car."

Downstairs, he signaled Gu Youniu to get into the passenger seat.

"Brother, where are we going?" Gu Youniu asked.

"What instructions did Officer Zhou give?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"He said once I got here, listen to all arrangements." Without outsiders, the cleverness in Gu Youniu's eyes shone through.

"Listen to arrangements? Whose? Mine, or Deputy Station Chief Yu's?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Yours," Gu Youniu answered very firmly.

"Then don't leave.

"Go to the Cao Gang; I'm short of people right now, especially for many business matters that need helpers.

"Zhou Li probably meant this too."

Talent is hard to come by; 'Best Actors' like Gu Youniu who perform without a trace are rare, and Hong Zhiyou had no reason to let him slip away in vain.

"Yes.

"Adjutant Zhou said you are worth ten thousand soldiers, and told me to just listen to your arrangements," Gu Youniu's eyes sparkled with worship.

Adjutant Zhou was a remarkable big shot in the intelligence line.

Someone even he admired was naturally extraordinary.

"You'd better think it through; once you follow me, it'll be hard to go back later," Hong Zhiyou reminded.

"Adjutant Zhou told me that there are many kinds of revolutionary divisions of labor; not all battles require guns and cannons; the buying and transporting of food, medicine, and weapons are also revolution.

"Although you are not one of us, you are a comrade..."

Gu Youniu said with great emotion.

"Don't, don't, stop right there.

"I am a major in the Confidentiality Bureau, I am a businessman."

Hong Zhiyou hurriedly stopped him.

"However, will I cause trouble by following you? I see that Director Lu and Li Ya are not easy to deal with," Gu Youniu worried.

"It's fine.

"If you follow me, they won't say anything, because I am a businessman to begin with; the Chairman can testify to that.

"They can't pick any faults.

"Let's go, I'll take you to the Cao Gang."

Hong Zhiyou said.

Cao Gang.

Long Er was chewing on a pipe, wearing sunglasses, and playing cards with a few subordinates.

Ever since he had Lin Sufang, he felt like a tiger with wings.

This former confidante was not only gentle as water, but also managed the Cao Gang docks and company accounts clearly.

Last month's surplus alone was over twenty thousand US dollars more.

The monthly wages of the gang members below had doubled.

Now, there wasn't a single person in the whole gang who didn't respect her.

"Second Master, Secretary Hong is here," Mr. Ji walked over and whispered.

"If he wants to play cards, call him over.

"If not, forget it.

"For company matters, you and Sufang can talk to him.

"It's rare for me to be a hands-off boss for a few days."

Long Er smiled and casually grabbed a mahjong tile and threw it on the table.

Mr. Ji gave him a complicated look and walked out with his head down.

There were some things he, as a steward, couldn't mention to Long Er.

Since Lin Sufang arrived, he couldn't intervene in the industries at all; the mistress made all the decisions.

Many of the tributes previously given to the Americans and the 94th Army were deducted by the mistress.

It seemed like expenses were cut and savings increased.

But it was obvious that many things were becoming harder and harder to get done.

Not only that.

If he hadn't been extra cautious and used code names for the list of people involved in business dealings, the mistress would have figured out all the money-flipping businesses and evidence.

If it were to explode.

Who knows how many people would be in trouble.

But the problem was, this woman was very good at handling things and had coaxed the gang leader Long into total submission.

She also gave the gang members below silver dollars every few days, very good at winning hearts.

Now everyone in the gang only had eyes for the Big Sister-in-law, not the Second Master.

If this continued, I'm afraid the Cao Gang would be ruined in this woman's hands.

Mr. Ji had bitterness he couldn't speak of.

He walked quickly outside and saw Hong Zhiyou.

"Secretary Hong, Second Master is playing mahjong.

"If it's business, talking to me is the same."

Mr. Ji smiled gently.

"Old Ji, does Second Brother not even have time to see me?" Hong Zhiyou lit a cigarette and took a puff.

"He's playing mahjong.

"He said, for mahjong matters find him, for business matters find me and Miss Lin," Mr. Ji said.

"Understood, he's become a hands-off boss.

"I didn't intend to find him this time anyway.

"Old Ji, let's talk privately."

Hong Zhiyou walked outside.

Arriving at a quiet spot, the two strolled and chatted.

"Coming to the Cao Gang this time, I feel there's a big change; everyone used to greet me when they saw me.

"Now no one bothers."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Sigh, can't help it.

"In these three months, Lin Sufang doubled their monthly wages; whoever it is, they only recognize the Big Sister-in-law.

"People, how many don't follow the money?"

Mr. Ji clasped his hands and sighed.

"What about you?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Me?

"I don't lack money, and I have no wife or children; money doesn't mean much to me.

"I just want to strengthen the Cao Gang and earn some satisfaction in my heart.

"But now it seems, I won't be needed here soon."

Mr. Ji said.

"Why, is Lin Sufang firing you?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"Not explicitly.

"But a few days ago, she took the gang leader's seal and completely took over the finances; now every cent of expenditure in the company has to pass through her hands.

"I'm just a decoration now."

Mr. Ji said.

"What about Zhou Yan and Sun Cheng?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"They were transferred; Lin Sufang bought two casinos on Victory Road and sent them to watch the place.

"Now the Cao Gang's security and defense are the responsibility of Lin Bo.

"Don't talk about you, even I have to be searched and questioned to see the Second Master."

Mr. Ji sighed.

"Who is Lin Bo?" Hong Zhiyou frowned and asked.

"Lin Sufang's older brother; before the Japanese came, they and the Second Master had a very good relationship.

"Second Master trusts him very much."

Mr. Ji said.

"Interesting.

"This is to hollow out Second Brother bit by bit," Hong Zhiyou sneered.

"Indeed.

"Now Second Master spends his days playing cards, teasing birds, raising dogs, and horse racing.

"He calls it, with a virtuous wife helping, everything is worry-free.

"We are anxious watching, but he just feels it's good.

"And he has already started preparing for the wedding, so it's even harder for us to say anything."

Mr. Ji shook his head repeatedly.

"Mr. Ji, what movements do the Americans have?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Still supplying goods.

"In the last few days, the supply has even increased by twenty percent.

"Not only that, the opium the Americans got from Southeast Asia and other places is being continuously transported to Jinhai and other places through the Cao Gang docks.

"Why Lin Sufang is so generous is because of opium smuggling.

"It's just that she has another set of books that we can't see.

"And yesterday, General Philson even came to the mansion as invited to play mahjong.

"Their relationship is extremely close.

"Secretary Hong, if I may say something I shouldn't, the Americans only recognize money; whoever has milk is their mother; the relationship we maintained in the past is being eroded bit by bit by this woman.

"Last time I heard a hint from Second Master unintentionally.

"She has her eyes on the Xiangdao Shipyard.

"She sent people to contact the Rong family several times, and Lin Bo even went to Xiangdao personally not long ago."

Mr. Ji said.

"Interesting.

"Eating into my territory," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Yes.

"If this continues, the Cao Gang will have to change its surname to Lin," Mr. Ji said.

"Good methods.

"However, I am more interested in the person behind her.

"Otherwise, relying on her alone, it's impossible to have such a layout.

"Old Ji, this matter is aimed at money, but even more at me," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Secretary Hong, you say Second Master is such a shrewd person, how could he not see Lin Sufang's intentions?" Mr. Ji said.

"It's not that he can't see it.

"He is playing dumb.

"Once a person wants to start a family and have descendants, brothers become obstacles.

"Lin Sufang is whispering in his ear every day and rolling in the sheets with him; shouldn't he have some thoughts for his offspring?

"Pretending to be bewitched by beauty.

"No one can pick a fault.

"Indulging in beauty, not managing affairs, even turning against brothers; isn't all this very normal?"

Hong Zhiyou sneered.

"You, you mean Second Master... he wants to take action against you," Mr. Ji said.

"Taking action is not quite it.

"Wanting me to leave, that should be true," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Then what to do?

"Secretary Hong, you are at the helm; the Cao Gang can do a lot of good deeds.

"Now?

"It has become an opium wholesale place; the Americans are continuously bringing opium here; what is the difference between this and the British dumping opium back then?" Mr. Ji said with a conscience.

"Sigh.

"Cutting off someone's wealth is like killing their parents; the Americans have tasted the sweetness; if you insist on intervening, I'm afraid they will take action against you.

"These people recognize money, not people."

After a pause, he shook his head.

"Mr. Ji has a conscience," Hong Zhiyou looked at him meaningfully.

"Opium, such a scourge to the country and the people, everyone is angry about it," Mr. Ji said righteously.

"No rush.

"Let the bullets fly for a while.

"By the way, I brought someone; trouble you to take him to Zhou Yan and Sun Cheng to get acquainted.

"I'll go accompany Second Brother for a few hands first."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and said.

He returned to the Cao Gang main hall and walked straight into the courtyard.

Arriving at the entrance.

Two burly men blocked him.

"Excuse me, routine check."

One of them raised his hand to stop him.

Hong Zhiyou looked at Long Er, who was playing mahjong in the middle of the hall, smiled slightly, and raised his hands in cooperation.

Long Er chewed on a toothpick, glanced over, and didn't say a word.

"Slap."

He played his tile with a bit more force.

"Second Brother."

After being searched, Hong Zhiyou acted as if nothing had happened and greeted him with open arms.

"Yo.

"Isn't this Brother Zhiyou?

"Are you blind, do you know who this is? This is my benefactor, my brother, Long Er; you don't know any etiquette, get out of here!"

Long Er seemed to see clearly then, stood up, and welcomed him.

"Just in time, quick, brother, come play a few hands," he affectionately pulled Hong Zhiyou to the table as usual.

Someone sensible immediately gave up their seat.

Hong Zhiyou didn't stand on ceremony and sat down:

"Idle is boring anyway; it's been a long time since I played mahjong with Second Brother, just right to play a few hands."

Long Er smiled: "Right, this is the life a person should live.

"Look at me, playing cards, raising birds, living like a god."

He picked up the birdcage by his feet and whistled a few times at the beautiful thrush inside.

Shuffling and stacking tiles.

Halfway through, Hong Zhiyou calculated the tiles and threw one out.

"Sorry, cannon fodder, I won."

Next.

For several hands, as soon as Hong Zhiyou played a tile, Long Er either ponged or won.

"Not playing anymore.

"The few dollars in my pocket are all given to you as cannon fodder," Hong Zhiyou leaned back, crossed his legs, and lit a cigarette.

"Brother, your luck isn't very good," Long Er smiled while raking in the money.

"Yes.

"Not just luck, my financial luck is also very bad; recently I've been tripped up by villains a lot," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Financial luck is something that comes in cycles.

"How can everything be smooth sailing."

Long Er waved his hand, signaling the two people playing with him to step down.

"Yes.

"Back then, Fourth Master Zhang set up a stage right here, playing cards and drinking tea with Officer Yang and the others.

"At that time, how high was Fourth Master's sun in the sky.

"As a result..."

Hong Zhiyou sneered and lifted his right shoulder.

After a brief moment of embarrassment, Long Er became cold and serious:

"Yes.

"I was there that night too; it was you, brother, who blew Fourth Master Zhang's shiny bald head to pieces with one shot."

"Second Brother has a good memory," Hong Zhiyou stared at him and said.

"Remember.

"Without you, brother, there would be no today for me, Long Er.

"Anything up?"

He avoided Hong Zhiyou's gaze and turned to tease the birds.

"Nothing, just came to see Second Brother.

"Leaving."

Hong Zhiyou stood up and said.

"Don't, your sister-in-law will be back soon, stay and have a meal together.

"You two haven't properly gotten to know each other yet."

Long Er called out to stop him.

"No.

"Another day, there will definitely be a chance."

He extinguished his cigarette, picked up the clothes draped over the stool, threw them over his shoulder, and walked out.

"I'll see you off," Long Er started to stand up.

"No need.

"You are the Cao Gang leader Long Er, a dragon, it's better to stay coiled."

Hong Zhiyou said.

When he reached the courtyard, he suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked at Long Er:

"Second Brother!

"Your card skills have improved.

"You know how to pong and win."

Long Er's cheeks twitched violently; he stood in place looking at the young man in the courtyard, and after staring at each other for two seconds, he laughed:

"Your sister-in-law plays mahjong well.

"Playing with her a lot, I understand a bit now.

"If you're meant to win, you'll win."

"Not bad, Second Brother, take care," Hong Zhiyou gave a cold smile, turned around, and walked away quickly.

Back in the car.

Hong Zhiyou's face turned gloomy.

In the past, Long Er would rather let a good hand rot in his hand than ever win on his tiles.

Tonight, Long Er, one by one, not only broke his own hand to pong his tiles but also kept winning.

It was very obvious.

Long Er was no longer willing to be his "glove"; he wanted to sever ties with him.

Did he find a backer behind the scenes?

Or was the master behind Lin Sufang very tough.

This person might even be the one who spent a large amount of gold to take his life back then.

Good.

I was worried they wouldn't show themselves, but they came to my door.

As for Long Er.

Since he doesn't want face, I can only send him to play mahjong with Fourth Master Zhang.

(End of chapter)