Chapter 278

People change.

Bad people can become enlightened and turn over a new leaf.

Good people can also fall and become demons.

Especially in this age where human hearts are not what they used to be, Hong Hong Zhiyou never expected a man of the underworld who mixed in the vanity fair all day to be obedient for a lifetime.

Calling each other brothers in the past was just because Long Er could make money following him.

Now, he could make money just as well following Lin Lin Sufang.

Even more.

Wanting to kick him out naturally followed as a matter of course.

In the past, Long Er hated the Japanese and had a bit of righteousness and conscience.

Now, this little bit of conscience had been completely lost under the temptation of women and money.

"Long Er, heh."

A cold sneer appeared on Hong Hong Zhiyou's lips as he drove straight to the Naval Club.

Anderson was dancing with a few foreign girls.

Seeing Hong Hong Zhiyou,

he left the dance floor, walked over, and snapped his fingers at the waiter: "Bring a whiskey."

"Hong, do you have something for me?"

He asked with a smile, biting on his cigar.

"Promoted to Major?" Hong Hong Zhiyou noticed his shoulder insignia had changed.

"Mm, promoted just these past few days; once General Philson made a move, it was just a word from above." Anderson said quite proudly.

"I need a batch of sugar, flour, and one hundred thousand US dollars in ordnance."

Hong Hong Zhiyou took out a list and handed it to him.

Anderson glanced at it casually: "Sorry, my brother, there really isn't any lately."

"Sigh.

"None again.

"Anderson, with the relationship between us, you have to put in some effort.

"What is the General doing lately?

"I've invited him to play cards several times, but he hasn't responded."

Hong Hong Zhiyou pretended to be distressed.

"He might be... too busy lately." Anderson shrugged.

"It seems my 'Jinhai Insider' status isn't working anymore.

"I'm leaving; call me whenever you have goods.

"This batch is urgent; we are brothers, you have to help me.

"Don't just read Water Margin; Journey to the West is also good, you can read it when you have time."

After Hong Hong Zhiyou finished speaking, he stood up and patted his shoulder heavily three times.

"I'm reading it." Anderson nodded.

"That's good."

Hong Hong Zhiyou sneered and walked out quickly.

"Hong..." Anderson raised his hand as if to say something, but in the end, he didn't chase after him.

Hong Hong Zhiyou returned to the car but didn't rush to leave.

He decided to wait a bit longer.

Give Anderson one more chance.

He believed that as long as this "China Insider" hadn't burned his brain, he would make the right choice.

A moment later.

A beautiful woman in a cheongsam opened the passenger door and got in.

"Secretary Hong, there are some things Anderson finds inconvenient to tell you, so he asked me to pass them on.

"Lin Lin Sufang of the Long Gang is very close to Philson.

"She ate up your share and offered more profit.

"Not only that, she and the General are smuggling opium from the A-border, dumping it on the domestic market, and making a lot of money.

"He also asked me to tell you.

"These are all things Philson is doing privately.

"He also said the Lin woman is very formidable, and told you to be careful."

The beautiful woman got straight to the point, without a single word of unnecessary nonsense.

"Thank you." Hong Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"Goodbye, let's play cards another day."

The beautiful woman smiled sweetly, got out of the car, and walked away, swaying her hips.

Hong Hong Zhiyou drove to a public phone booth, picked up the receiver, and called Li Tongshan of the 94th Army:

"Hello, Old Li, arrange a plane for me; I'm going to Qingdao tonight.

"Okay, thank you."

He hung up the phone.

Hong Hong Zhiyou returned to No. 1 Changde Road.

Mei Mei Qiuju and Wu Ruirui were packing their luggage to head south to Xiangdao.

Hong Hong Zhiyou hurried to help them organize.

"Hong Zhiyou, is everything arranged properly in Xiangdao?

"The situation is so chaotic now.

"Without your teacher sitting there, I don't feel at ease.

"You say we have so much money and treasure; what if someone has evil intentions? What will we do, mother and daughter, with the baby?

"In the past, Wu Ruirui's uncle was there, so I felt more at ease.

"Now I don't know where those two have run off to; I can't even find a shadow of them.

"I'm panicked."

Mei Mei Qiuju said.

"Mom, there's a special security team at the manor on the island.

"The local authorities, police, Governor's Mansion, and all kinds of monsters and demons have all been taken care of, so don't worry." Hong Hong Zhiyou said.

"Mom, you still don't trust Hong Zhiyou's work?

"Just go over there and enjoy your life."

Wu Ruirui comforted her with a smile.

"And you.

"There's no progress in your belly, and now we're going to be separated again."

Mei Mei Qiuju rolled her eyes at her and complained.

"There's plenty of time, it will happen." Wu Ruirui comforted her with a light laugh.

"Hong Zhiyou, come here."

As they were chatting, Wu Wu Jingzhong walked out of the study and beckoned him over.

"How is the Cao Gang matter being handled?" Wu Wu Jingzhong asked.

"I can take them down at any time.

"Long Er has an old habit: theft." Hong Hong Zhiyou said.

"Theft?" Wu Wu Jingzhong frowned.

"That's right.

"He likes to steal things.

"Back in the Japanese occupation period, he often went with people from the Cao Gang and the Yihe Society to steal from the Japanese warehouses, and even went to prison for it.

"After the liberation, I helped him become the leader of the Cao Gang; he had money, but this old habit remained.

"In the last two years, he still occasionally takes his men to the airport and dock warehouses to satisfy his craving.

"I've given the word, so the airport side turns a blind eye.

"As long as I spread the word that there are good things in the airport warehouse,

"he will definitely be unable to resist."

Hong Hong Zhiyou poured him a cup of light jasmine tea.

"I don't like drinking this." Wu Wu Jingzhong frowned.

"Teacher, it's better to drink something light at night, otherwise you won't be able to sleep.

"This gathers Qi and nourishes the spirit, helping with sleep."

Hong Hong Zhiyou laughed.

Although Wu Wu Jingzhong pulled a long face, his hand honestly picked up the teacup and took a sip:

"How deeply are your businesses entangled with Long Er?"

Hong Hong Zhiyou pondered: "Long Er didn't manage much in the past; most of his side are shell companies, and most of the accounting is handled by a man named Ji.

"Whether Long Er is involved doesn't matter much.

"But it's quite deep with the Cao Gang, especially the shipping company in Xiangdao, which has five or six hundred crew members and staff, including over a hundred security guards on the island.

"If these people have problems, it will be a troublesome matter."

Wu Wu Jingzhong frowned and said: "Then you must distinguish clearly the relationship between the Cao Gang and Long Er; if they follow Long Er's lead, we will be very passive.

"If they only recognize the Cao Gang and are just trying to earn a living, that's another matter.

"My people reported: the Cao Gang is now controlled by Long Er's wife; this woman raised the workers' monthly wages by three times—this method of winning people's hearts is very clever.

"If you raise the money to compete for hearts, these workers will become increasingly greedy and become fence-sitters who only care about money.

"If you don't throw money at them, in this day and age, people need to eat; whoever pays more naturally gets their loyalty.

"Although I don't understand business, three times the monthly wage for so many employees is already the limit of what can be borne; if you take it over, I'm afraid you won't be able to support such huge expenses.

"The other side's move didn't leave you any way out at all.

"Unless you want to do a losing business."

Wu Wu Jingzhong frowned, sipping his tea.

"Using money to fight for hearts is a low-level method; my idea is to destroy the Cao Gang.

"People only cherish a drop of water like a gushing spring when they have nothing.

"Without the Cao Gang, and then having the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics tighten the supplies, these dock workers with families to support will naturally get anxious, and then I'll recruit them.

"They will naturally be grateful."

Hong Hong Zhiyou said.

"You want to level the Cao Gang?

"This is an old-brand signboard that has been around since the Ming Dynasty; gangs and docks are old objects that even the Old Man has paid respects to.

"You must consider this clearly."

Wu Wu Jingzhong reminded him solemnly.

"Teacher, precisely because it's an old object, I think now is the right time to get rid of it.

"The Cao Gang is smuggling opium with the Americans.

"In the past, in order to cooperate with the Americans, I handled a batch of opium left behind by the Japanese, but it was all sold by a few restaurants.

"After handling it, that industry was cut off in my hands.

"But now Long Er has picked it up, and it's getting worse; every day there is a continuous stream of opium being transported from the Malacca coastline to the Jinhai docks.

"The people today, especially university students, have relatively progressive thoughts; once such a scourge to the country and the people is exposed, the Cao Gang will inevitably be pushed to the forefront.

"At that time, I'd like you, Teacher, to issue an order, and sending military police will be enough to wipe out the Cao Gang in one fell swoop.

"I will secretly pick a batch of Cao Gang elders, reintegrate the Cao Gang and the docks to establish a new company, and keep those dock workers; this way, I can clear out the dregs without damaging the Cao Gang's vitality too much.

"Personnel movements will be firmly in our hands.

"With this human resource, there will be no need to worry when the company moves to Xiangdao in the future."

Hong Hong Zhiyou said steadily.

"This woman has pulled the Americans into it.

"With the Americans as a backer, if you move against the Cao Gang, you might lose your head.

"You have to know that even the Generalissimo has a hard time interfering in American affairs.

"I don't have the ability to fish people out of American hands."

Wu Wu Jingzhong was still very worried.

"Teacher, don't worry.

"Qingdao Garrison Commander Ding Zhipan is seeking the position of Chief of the Jiangsu Government.

"He is currently currying favor with Ke Ke.

"Ke Ke has always been insatiably greedy; he once flipped a batch of old cars from North America, and Ding Zhipan had his secretary sell them at a high price, letting Ke Ke make a big profit.

"Just because of these few cars, he has recommended Ding Zhipan to the Generalissimo many times.

"Just a few cars."

Hong Hong Zhiyou looked at Wu Wu Jingzhong, his expression slightly exaggerated.

Wu Wu Jingzhong also laughed: "Ke Ke really hasn't seen money before; Ding Zhipan spent a little money to get a big thing done.

"If he comes to Jinhai for a visit and finds out how much money Philson has made, I'm afraid he'll die of jealousy."

He instantly understood Hong Hong Zhiyou's intention and also knew the purpose of his flight to Qingdao.

"Yes.

"Ding Zhipan can buy him a few broken cars.

"I can give him more.

"More than he can believe."

Hong Hong Zhiyou said.

"Mm, Ke Ke has always called himself a friend of the Generalissimo, and the Generalissimo trusts him very much.

"If we can win him over, it's indeed more valuable than these few stupid soldiers from the Marine Corps.

"Take him down, and get rid of this Philson."

Wu Wu Jingzhong nodded in agreement.

"Teacher, I will go to win over Ke Ke first, but the move might have to be slightly delayed.

"Lin Lin Sufang couldn't possibly have such methods.

"There must be someone behind her.

"My intuition is that this person is hiding in Jinhai, and it's highly likely to be the one who spent a hundred taels of gold to take my head back then.

"If I don't dig him out, I won't be able to sleep or eat in peace."

Hong Hong Zhiyou said.

"He's in Jinhai, what makes you say that?" Wu Wu Jingzhong asked.

"As far as I know, Lu Qiaoshan is also involved in Lin Lin Sufang's business.

"Not long ago, he helped Bai Bai Chongxi purchase a batch of ordnance, which was exactly what Lin Lin Sufang brokered.

"I've dealt with General Officer Delin a few times.

"Logically speaking, the Americans wouldn't look for outsiders for these trades.

"Clearly, the other side's move is very clever; they completely cut off my financial path through Long Er and Lu Qiaoshan.

"And this woman also sent her brother to Xiangdao not long ago to see the Rong family, attempting to take back the Cao Gang's share of the shipyard.

"Fortunately, I was cautious back then and used another fake identity for the registration and shareholder status.

"She can't find it for a while.

"It is said that the gift for just meeting the Rong family was thirty thousand US dollars, and she promised many benefits.

"It was only because it was the Rong family; if it had been anyone else, she would have succeeded."

"Just imagine, if this person wasn't in Jinhai, how would he know so clearly?

"And he knows Lu Qiaoshan is seeking business.

"I even suspect Lu Qiaoshan is well-acquainted with this person."

He pondered.

"Very likely.

"Why only realize it now? Why not act sooner?" Wu Wu Jingzhong glared at him.

"I found an informant earlier and set a trap for Lin Lin Sufang to fall into.

"But this woman is very cunning.

"My informant had a car accident yesterday and is still in a coma at the hospital."

Hong Hong Zhiyou's eyes turned cold as he spoke.

Fang Min had just finished playing cards with Lin Lin Sufang last night and was hit by a car as soon as he left the club.

It was obvious that the other side had seen through his move.

This was a clear warning to him.

"Outrageous!

"Arrest her now; I don't believe her mouth is as hard as Jiang Jiang Aimei's." Wu Wu Jingzhong was furious.

"Teacher.

"There are many people in this world with hard mouths.

"For example, that profiteer from the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics—Captain Li almost beat him to death.

"He's still looking for me to set up a sugar deal with Li Ya.

"If this Lin Lin Sufang has a hard mouth and we can't get the master behind her, it will be beating the grass to startle the snake."

Hong Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Lu Qiaoshan shouldn't know yet that you're aware he took over the ordnance business.

"Perhaps you can secretly observe who he is associating with."

Wu Wu Jingzhong suggested.

"I've had people follow him.

"Lu Qiaoshan shouldn't be in direct contact with this person.

"Every time, he goes to Philson to talk business in the name of the Inspection Team's procurement.

"Other than that, I haven't found him meeting privately with any suspicious people.

"That person is very cunning and is unlikely to contact Lu Qiaoshan directly."

Hong Hong Zhiyou shook his head.

"What about that Lin woman?

"Did you find anything on her side either?" Wu Wu Jingzhong asked.

"This woman has a very strong sense of anti-surveillance.

"The people I arranged lost her several times, and even when they followed her, they couldn't detect anything unusual.

"I even suspect she is deliberately letting people follow her to confuse my line of sight.

"She must have a separate and top-secret channel to meet this person privately.

"It's highly likely to be within the Cao Gang.

"The Cao Gang is, after all, a century-old gang, and there must be no shortage of secret ways underneath.

"Our secret agents can't get in at all.

"And those who are familiar with me have all been replaced by Lin Lin Sufang; now Long Er is surrounded by Lin Bo's people, and it's too difficult to know who they meet every day."

Hong Hong Zhiyou said with a frown.

"What about that thief under your command?" Wu Wu Jingzhong said.

"I didn't let him go.

"Long Er knows of his existence and must be on guard; it's easy to get caught if he goes in." Hong Hong Zhiyou said.

"This really is a thorny matter."

Wu Wu Jingzhong sighed, supporting his chin and rubbing it.

"I'll find another way to probe.

"Teacher, it's getting late, you should rest early, I have to catch my flight."

Hong Hong Zhiyou looked at his watch and said.

"Go, take care." Wu Wu Jingzhong nodded.

After Hong Hong Zhiyou left, he pondered for a while, then quickly picked up the phone:

"Hello, is this Director Zhang?

"Help me investigate Zhang Si's file and see who he took over the Cao Gang from; yes, that's the file of the previous Cao Gang leader.

"Qin Qian?

"Are you sure?

"Good, please help me find the descendants of this Qin Qian.

"They were all killed?

"Then the old Cao Gang must have someone left behind; you're a local, you might know a thing or two from listening to stories.

"There is?

"Your second uncle?

"That's fine, I'll have someone pay him a visit later.

"Don't spread the word that I'm asking about this; I'll treat you to tea another day."

He hung up the phone.

Wu Wu Jingzhong opened the window and looked at the distant lights with his hands behind his back.

If the Cao Gang really has secret passages, there must be a few people from the older generation who know about them.

There are no walls that don't let the wind through in this world.

The next day.

Nine o'clock in the morning.

Qingdao, No. 9 Shanhai Pass Road.

Ke Ke was leaning by the pool, biting on a cigar, watching the beauties playing and frolicking inside.

In the past, his good brother Dai Li would send him beauties every few days.

Now Dai Li is gone.

Ding Zhipan, that profiteer, is still filial and hasn't cut off this hobby of his.

"General, Jinhai Station Secretary Hong Hong Zhiyou is here, saying he wants to see you." A follower walked in and reported in a low voice.

"Hong?

"Oh, he's my friend, tell him to come in."

Ke Ke kicked away the beauty lurking underwater, pulled up his swimming trunks, put on a long bathrobe, and returned to the lounge chair.

Soon Hong Hong Zhiyou walked over and greeted him in fluent English:

"Commander, long time no see."

"Hong, thanks to you for the spy and military aid case last time, otherwise I would have gone home to chop wood long ago." Ke Ke answered humorously.

"Is there something up, my friend?" He took a sip of juice and asked.

"Yes.

"General, take a look at this first."

Hong Hong Zhiyou took out the account book and handed it to Ke Ke.

Ke Ke took it casually and flipped through a few pages; his expression went from surprise and jealousy to seriousness:

"This, this was all handled by Philson?"

"Yes.

"I'm afraid the General doesn't know that Philson's assets are probably more than Truman's.

"And this doesn't even count his kickbacks from my liquor business.

"I heard the General found Commander Ding to flip a few cars, and promised to raise him to Chief of the Jiangsu Government.

"If Philson gave all of this to you..."

Hong Hong Zhiyou said this, raised his eyebrows, and looked at him with a smile.

"I could give him the whole of America." Ke Ke shrugged and answered without hesitation.

"I don't want America.

"I just want the General to change someone.

"Make Philson disappear from this world.

"As long as he disappears, I guarantee that the share that originally belonged to him will all belong to you.

"No, even more."

Hong Hong Zhiyou said.

Ke Ke frowned and was silent for a moment, "Hong, Philson has people in the General Staff; although I am his superior, it's not easy to move him."

After a pause, he continued: "Otherwise, why do you think he was promoted to commander after General Butler was transferred?"

"I can help you.

"Philson is smuggling opium with the Cao Gang—large-scale opium.

"I will let this matter ferment; there will be protests and complaints from the National Government, including international public opinion.

"You must know that you all pride yourselves on being angels of peace, scattering the seeds of 'freedom' and 'democracy' all over the world.

"If such a scandal breaks out at this time, Truman should react, right? Otherwise, how will the seeds continue to be sown globally?"

Hong Hong Zhiyou sneered.

"He is smuggling opium? This is not something a North American soldier should do." Ke Ke frowned.

"Yes, General.

"He only has money in his eyes now.

"Money that should have belonged to you."

Hong Hong Zhiyou emphasized.

As he spoke, "Clap," he opened the briefcase.

Inside were stacks of neat US banknotes.

"I wonder how many cars this is worth?" Hong Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"Hong, what is this?" Ke Ke's throat twitched, and his eyes shone.

"The meeting in Jingling last time was too rushed; I didn't have time to prepare carefully.

"This is a small gift for our meeting, please accept it, General."

Hong Hong Zhiyou closed the case and pushed it directly in front of him.

"OK.

"Leave your matter to me; as long as the public opinion on your side starts, I will let you see Philson's corpse."

Ke Ke took a puff of his cigar and agreed decisively.

"I hope that after this, the General will send a reliable person to sit in Jinhai." Hong Hong Zhiyou said.

"Of course.

"I don't mind moving the naval base to Jinhai and sitting there myself.

"Just kidding, I guarantee the commander who replaces Philson will satisfy you."

Ke Ke patted his chest and guaranteed.

"Hong.

"I really appreciate you; besides money, what else do you want?

"I want to be your friend.

"As long as you speak up, I can have your Generalissimo promote you; don't doubt it, as long as you don't want to be a two-star Lieutenant General, I can handle it for you."

Ke Ke puffed out a cloud of smoke and continued.

"I want to be the designated agent for the US military in China." Hong Hong Zhiyou said.

"Aren't you already?

"As far as I know, your Generalissimo values you highly and has asked you to buy things from us." Ke Ke laughed.

"Not really?

"Someone snatched my rice bowl.

"I am a businessman.

"Cutting off someone's wealth here is like killing their parents; Commander Philson smashed my pot, so I need an official certification from you all."

Hong Hong Zhiyou said.

"Can do.

"I can get you many identities.

"Ambassador of Friendship.

"I can also award you the Gold Palm Medal of Freedom.

"Once the medal and the ambassador title are settled, I can talk to Chiang and formally appoint you as the person in charge of the Aid to China Material Association." Ke Ke said very easily.

"Don't worry.

"You did a beautiful job last time, and there are many people on our side who appreciate you.

"Of course, it would be even better if I could bring back more MONEY next time I go back."

As someone who loved money and beauty, Ke Ke couldn't wait to gain Hong Hong Zhiyou's trust.

"Of course.

"Once I see Philson's corpse, I guarantee that for the rest of your life, your fireplace will never need to burn firewood in winter." Hong Hong Zhiyou said.

"What do you mean?" Ke Ke didn't catch the joke for a moment.

Hong Hong Zhiyou smiled, handed him a cigarette, and raised his eyebrows.

Ke Ke took it, a bit dazed, and put it in his mouth.

Hong Hong Zhiyou took a brand-new US banknote from his pocket, shook it, lit it directly with a match, and handed it over.

Ke Ke leaned over and lit it with the flame.

"How is it? How does this cigarette taste?" Hong Hong Zhiyou smiled and casually threw away the half-burned banknote.

"Beautiful.

"This is the most fragrant cigarette I've ever smoked." Ke Ke exhaled in intoxication.

"This is the firewood you'll burn in your fireplace for the rest of your winters."

Hong Hong Zhiyou tapped the table, his smile blooming.

"Deal.

"Hong, leave everything to me; I guarantee that as long as I'm alive, you won't have any more problems in this world." Ke Ke laughed happily.

"Thank you, General." Hong Hong Zhiyou's smile faded, and he took the initiative to reach out his hand.

"Don't mention it.

"Hong, my most sincere friend, wait for my good news!"

Ke Ke reached out his large hand and shook it tightly.

(End of chapter)