Chapter 282: Lu Qiao's Pledge of Allegiance

"My friend."

"Quiet is good; quiet allows a person to see themselves clearly, and at the same time, see others clearly."

After Wu Jing sat down, Lu Qiao leaned forward, staring fixedly at him.

"Brother Shan, don't look at me like that, it's chilling," Wu Jing laughed.

"No need to be chilled. You, my friend, I can still see clearly.

"There isn't a single good person at the Jinhai Station, except for you, my friend.

"Regarding the Beiping affair last time, if not for the advice from you and Ma Han, I might have been sent to a military tribunal by Hu Zongnan.

"That unlucky fellow Li Chuntang is still locked up in the Jingling prison eating cabbage and tofu; he barely escaped a disaster."

Lu Qiao sat up straight, took a sip of coffee, and sighed.

"The advice I gave doesn't count for much.

"It was Ma Han who knew the ropes and was willing to spend the money.

"Without Ke Shufen whispering in his ear, would Chief Zheng have favored you so much?

"You got out unscathed, not a hair harmed."

Wu Jing said.

"Indeed.

"Otherwise, you are the one who is truly insightful, my friend.

"In this day and age, all this talk of fellow townsmen or teacher-student bonds is fake; everyone is polite to your face, but behind your back, it's all business. People don't look at who you are; they only care about how much silver you have in your pocket.

"Having survived this ordeal, I have finally understood.

"Without money, one is nothing but a fart.

"Money is truly useful; it can turn black into white, turn a dead end into a path to survival, and turn decay into magic.

"With money, everything goes smoothly.

"Without money, damn it, every step is difficult."

Lu Qiao nodded slightly, speaking from his heart.

"Brilliant!

"Profound!"

Wu Jing gave a thumbs up, praising him repeatedly.

"Sigh.

"What's so brilliant about it?

"I'm back to square one, a penniless wretch again.

"The house was sold by Li Ya.

"My savings were cleaned out by Ke Shufen.

"Right now, apart from this skin of mine, I have nothing left."

Lu Qiao shook his designer suit, spreading his hands with a bitter smile.

"This skin of yours is a cornucopia.

"Brother Shan, what position are you holding this time?

"If we join forces, in less than half a month, I guarantee you'll be rolling in money.

"If you don't want to return to Jingling, that's perfectly fine."

Wu Jing continued to probe him.

"My status? Does Chief of the Intelligence Section at the Jinhai Station count?" Lu Qiao asked him with a smile.

"Understood.

"You, my brother, have come to direct the landscape.

"To tell you the truth, when I went to Jingling last time, I wanted to invite you to come out of retirement and return to the station.

"Do you know why the position of Intelligence Section Chief has been kept vacant?

"The Station Chief has been thinking of you all this time."

Wu Jing knew the opportunity had arrived and began to lead him on.

"Thinking of me?

"He was probably wishing I would get lost long ago.

"You, my friend, are speaking fewer and fewer honest words."

Lu Qiao curled his lip and sneered.

"Section Chief Lu, if you're going to talk like that, we can't continue this conversation.

"Goodbye."

Wu Jing bowed slightly and walked away with a cold face.

"Don't, don't.

"How can you take a joke so seriously?

"My friend, don't be like Ma Kui, getting angry at the drop of a hat."

Lu Qiao hurriedly held him back.

"I'm not leaving, so you can tear my mouth apart?" Wu Jing said.

"That's not the case, not at all.

"Come, drink your coffee."

Lu Qiao hurriedly pressed him down with a smile.

"Section Chief Lu.

"You know my relationship with the Station Chief; we are like family. You keep trying to ruin my life and family—who could stand that?

"Doesn't Zheng Jiemin just want money? Is your task that hard to handle?

"I can talk to the Station Chief; just enough will do.

"But you can't handle things with this attitude, can you?

"We have a long road ahead, and there are plenty of deals to be made.

"No matter how much Zheng Jiemin and Ke Shufen rake in, will they give you a single cent?

"Put your hand on your heart: how much of the silver in your pocket was arranged by me, and was the opportunity and power given to you by the Station Chief?"

"You can't help outsiders and smash our own rice bowl, can you?

"What could the Station Chief possibly have against you?

"He never deliberately targeted you. To put it bluntly, if not for that knife from Li Ya, could he have stopped you if you wanted to be Deputy Station Chief?

"The matter of Zhang Si.

"The matter of Lu Yuxi.

"He never made things difficult for you in the slightest. We may be doing our jobs, but one must know how to be grateful.

"Just think about it: if you were working under Mao Sen, Boss Dai, or Mao Renfeng, or even Zheng Jiemin himself.

"For all these messes of yours, wouldn't you have been shot a hundred times over?

"Old Lu, it's not that I, your brother, am siding with the Station Chief to argue with you.

"No matter who you ask to judge, no one handles things the way you do, right?

"Last time in Jingling, you were shouting for blood, and I endured it.

"In Beiping, I still endured you.

"Now that you've come to Jinhai, you still have this attitude; then our brotherhood is truly over. Let it be."

Wu Jing said, uncharacteristically furious.

He knew that since Lu Qiao could talk to this point, his heart had actually softened; he had to pour on the heat to wake him up completely.

Lu Qiao was stunned by the outburst.

His face turned pale and then flushed; he couldn't quite hold his ground, but he didn't get angry.

Because every word Wu Jing said was reasonable.

Why did he dream of killing his way back to Jinhai?

Besides being repeatedly toyed with by Li Ya and losing his touch.

Another point was that working in Jinhai was easy, with plenty of perks and side channels.

Most importantly, Wu Jing gave him plenty of dignity.

Whenever he went on business, he was always designated to act in the standing capacity, and in meetings, he was always given the first seat on the lower left and allowed to speak first.

He didn't put on official airs in front of him, and fruit and such were always provided in abundance.

If a task was completed, there was a reward.

If it was botched, Old Wu would shoulder the blame if he could, at most scolding him as a fool or incompetent.

It was nothing like serving Zheng Jiemin at headquarters, where there were countless confidants in the vast Ministry of National Defense.

You could make an appointment for days and still not get to see him.

When it came to him, it was basically a life of scraping for money and doing the dirty work.

Not to mention there was no bonus for doing a good job or a bad one.

When that shrew of Zheng Jiemin's scolded people, she showed no mercy at all.

She would say anything, calling people pigs and dogs.

Being over thirty, he had to play the grandson in front of a woman every day, getting cursed at until he was drenched in spit.

It really wasn't a life fit for a human.

It wasn't that Lu Qiao had no conscience; sometimes, in his dreams, he still thought of the kindness of Wu Jing.

It was just that the relationship was stuck there, unable to be untangled.

So, they simply settled into a state of "loving and killing each other."

After a long while, he raised his hand to wipe the spit from his face, sighed, and said:

"Sigh!

"Brother, how could I not know of the kindness of the Station Chief?

"How about this.

"I'll put my cards on the table: as long as the Station Chief is willing to bleed a little to let me finish my task, I absolutely won't make things difficult for him at all.

"As for Li Ya, I am definitely going to deal with him.

"This grudge cannot be resolved; only one of us can survive."

After his tone softened, Lu Qiao became cold and sinister again.

"Easy to say.

"I can help you with the matter regarding Li Ya.

"The Station Chief's meaning is, since you've come to Jinmen, don't leave.

"This is a small token from him; you should accept it."

Hong Zhiyou took a file folder out of his briefcase and handed it to him.

Lu Qiao opened it and saw that it was a property deed inside.

It was precisely his own mansion on Guilin Road.

"This, isn't this already sold to Li Ya?" Lu Qiao said, dumbfounded.

"The Station Chief said you are a sentimental person who values relationships.

"He was afraid you wouldn't be used to living elsewhere, so he entrusted me to buy the house back from others.

"After the original buyer transferred the title from Li Ya, they hadn't even stepped through the front door before I intercepted it.

"Outsiders haven't even touched the door.

"Even your old butler hasn't been replaced.

"Old Lu, after all the twists and turns, only Jinmen is your home."

Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"No, no.

"Brother, this gift is too valuable; I cannot accept it." Lu Qiao feigned refusal and pushed it back.

Damn it, when did I say this was a gift to be given to you... Hong Zhiyou cursed the old fox inwardly, then smiled cordially:

"I'm not lacking a place to live.

"You just take it.

"This is also a gesture of the Station Chief's heart."

"Alright then, I thank the Station Chief and you, brother." Hong Zhiyou said.

As he spoke, he cupped his hands around his mouth and whispered:

"Let me give you a piece of news: Ke Fufen is coming to the Shengping Theater in Jinmen in a few days to listen to opera; you should tell the Station Chief to prepare early.

"I can loosen things up on my end.

"But as for Ke Fufen, I can't help at all with how he handles it."

"Understood." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"By the way, come to the Station Chief's house for a casual meal tonight; the Station Chief hasn't seen you in a long time and misses you quite a bit." He added.

"Done.

"I will definitely go; it's official business, after all, I expect Deputy Minister Zheng won't say anything." Lu Qiao nodded with a smile.

"By the way.

"When you have time, have your wife come back to live here; which field officer nowadays doesn't have a few properties?

"Your wife is in Jingling, it's never as comfortable as it is here.

"After all, this is your turf.

"To put it bluntly, even if you aren't in the station anymore, if you say a word, who would dare not give you face?"

Hong Zhiyou flattered him.

"That's true, that's true!"

Lu Qiao laughed heartily.

"Oh my.

"I just love chatting with you, brother.

"Every time there's a surprise, every time there's a gain.

"I won't say anything else.

"Whether we have money or not, we are brothers.

"From now on, your business is my business; the doors of Brother Shan's house are always open to you."

Lu Qiao took a slight breath and said happily.

"Easy to say, easy to say." Hong Zhiyou said.

Hong Zhiyou stood up.

Lu Qiao followed him downstairs.

He got into the car.

Lu Qiao pulled open the passenger door and got in as well.

"Brother Shan, what are you doing?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"This trip to Jinmen isn't an official assignment, so the higher-ups didn't provide a car; I have to bask in your light, brother.

"Take me home first.

"I really miss it."

Lu Qiao smiled with a hint of embarrassment.

"Homesick, I understand, I understand." Hong Zhiyou nodded in agreement.

Upon arriving at Guilin Road, Hong Zhiyou left the car with him directly:

"Brother Shan.

"It's a Studebaker, not a great car, but just make do with it for now.

"I won't go in; you hurry and call your wife, have her come over overnight."

"Alright, thanks." Lu Qiao was grinning from ear to ear.

Not caring how Hong Zhiyou would get back, he took the car keys and strode into the courtyard.

Hong Zhiyou shook his head with a smile.

He walked to the roadside, hailed a rickshaw, and headed straight for the station.

Hong Zhiyou handed the evening banquet for Sheng Xiang directly to Yu Zecheng.

Once Lu Qiao was held in check, this guy was just a useless puppet.

Old Yu, as a Deputy Station Chief, had given him enough face.

Evening.

No. 1 Changde Road.

In the kitchen, the Cantonese chef was busy working up a storm.

Chou'er was busy plating dishes and brewing tea.

"Zhiyou, you really are something, why bring that scourge into the house?

"I really can't stand him.

"Regarding the Zhang Si affair, your teacher didn't even give him a disciplinary action.

"This person's conscience has been eaten by dogs; he's ungrateful."

Mei Qiuju sat to the side, cracking melon seeds while complaining unhappily.

Hong Zhiyou was just about to explain.

Wu Jing, who was reading the newspaper, frowned and said:

"You're a woman, if you don't understand, speak less.

"Lu Qiao is now one of Zheng Jiemin's men; when he arrives later, keep your mouth sweet."

Mei Qiuju curled her lips and didn't dare to make another sound.

"Zhiyou, what do you think of Chou'er?" After a pause, she used her eyes to hint at Hong Zhiyou to look at Chou'er.

"Wha... what do you mean?"

Hong Zhiyou and Rui Rui both looked bewildered.

"What are you thinking?

"I'm thinking that Chou'er isn't young anymore, we can't delay her."

"Aren't you well-connected?

"Introduce a steady and reliable man to her.

"Since she's been with our family for so long, she's one of our own, so I have to take charge of this."

Mei Qiuju said with a smile.

"Ma'am, I don't want to look; I just want to stay here and serve you and Sister Rui," Chou'er replied, her ears turning red.

"I think Mi Zhiguo is suitable.

"He's steady and reliable."

Hong Zhiyou had not forgotten about his little brother's matter.

"Mi Zhiguo, I know him; he drove me last time.

"His family is too poor.

"No."

Mei Qiuju curled her lip.

"For a young man, there are plenty of opportunities.

"Once he achieves something and climbs up, money is just a matter of time."

Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"That's true; as long as the person isn't stupid, anyone you want to pull up can be pulled up, no matter how poor they are.

"Then let's have him meet Chou'er another day."

Mei Qiuju said.

"Alright." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

He had promised to find a wife for Mi Zhiguo.

Unfortunately, Zhang Li thought he was poor and not romantic enough, so she looked down on him.

Recently, she had started seeing a deputy section chief at the Education Bureau.

Sigh.

This girl is truly foolish and lacks discernment.

Could a little brother favored by Brother Hong have a bad future?

Even without Boss Dai, the Secret Service Bureau is still one of the "leading enterprises" in Jinhai, isn't it better than the Education Bureau?

Chou'er blushed and went to the kitchen.

Looking at that secretly delighted expression, she probably had been wanting to find a man for a long time.

Half an hour later, Lu Qiaoshan, dressed in a suit and leather shoes, arrived at the door carrying a fruit basket.

"Oh my.

"Inspector Lu is here.

"Quick, your presence brings light to our humble home."

Mei Qiuju greeted him very tactfully.

Wu Jingzhong stood up calmly.

"Sister-in-law, long time no see. Congratulations on the new grandson. This is a small token of my appreciation, please accept it."

Lu Qiaoshan presented a gift box.

Inside was a golden mouse, the very one Hong Zhiyou had taken to Jingling to give him last time.

Hong Zhiyou knew that, given Old Lu's stingy nature of only taking and never giving, this was a huge investment and showed absolute sincerity.

Of course, it was also possible that Ke Shufen had squeezed him dry, and this was the only valuable thing left in his house.

"Qiaoshan.

"You say you're coming, so why bring gifts?

"We aren't outsiders.

"How is Guifen?"

Mei Qiuju asked with a beaming smile.

"Guifen is still in Jingling; she will come to see you in a few days," Lu Qiaoshan said respectfully.

"Good.

"Ever since you left, I haven't been able to get a mahjong game together..." Mei Qiuju chatted happily.

"Ahem!"

Wu Jingzhong gave a dry cough.

"You two chat."

Mei Qiuju gave a look and led the others to the inner room.

"Qiaoshan, come over and sit," Wu Jingzhong beckoned.

"Station Chief."

Lu Qiaoshan bowed respectfully.

He had intended to put on airs when he arrived, but the moment he stepped into the hall and saw Wu Jingzhong, that spirit vanished, and he instinctively assumed the posture of a subordinate.

"You haven't changed.

"You've even gained a bit of weight."

Wu Jingzhong looked him up and down.

"I was on duty in Beiping last time and got into a car accident; I've been lying in the hospital every day, so of course I got fat.

"Station Chief, you are just as you were before, full of energy and vigorous in your old age."

Lu Qiaoshan also said with a fawning smile.

"Qiaoshan, I know you have official business in Jinhai, so I won't pry.

"If you have any difficulties in work or life, just tell Zhiyou.

"As long as you need anything from our Jinhai Station, don't be a stranger, just speak up."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Thank you, Station Chief.

"Regarding the house, thanks to you and Zhiyou, I am deeply grateful."

Lu Qiaoshan bowed again.

"Look, you're doing it again.

"That house was assigned to you by the station; it's yours whenever you return.

"Tell me, were you holding a grudge?

"Last time I sent Zhiyou to Jingling to try to get you transferred back, he said you refused no matter what.

"I figured that following Officer Zheng had more prospects than being at the station, so I didn't force it.

"Sigh!

"Without you, there are many things in this station he can't handle.

"Not to mention anything else, there are endless meetings at the City Defense Bureau and the Garrison Headquarters that no one helps me attend."

Wu Jingzhong recalled the past with great emotion.

Damn it!

Lu Qiaoshan's guts were turning green with regret at this moment.

Had he known that Hong Zhiyou's trip to Jingling was to invite him back to the station, he would have died before showing off that damn sense of superiority.

A missed opportunity!

"Station Chief.

"I have been with you since the station was established, helping to expand our territory. I was wrong about the Lu Yuxi matter.

"But I have always held you in high esteem.

"It was just that the timing wasn't right then.

"In the future, whenever you need me, I will certainly serve you like a dog or horse to repay your kindness and protection."

Lu Qiaoshan said gratefully.

"Hmm, there will be opportunities.

"Come, let's eat first, we can talk while we eat."

Wu Jingzhong obtained the information he wanted, stood up, and led him to the dining table.

"So lavish?"

Seeing the dozen or so large dishes on the table, Lu Qiaoshan couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart.

The feeling of being respected is truly wonderful.

Ke Shufen had never treated him to such a lavish dinner.

The atmosphere at the table was very lively.

After the meal, Wu Jingzhong returned to his room first.

"Brother Shan, let's go for a walk outside."

Hong Zhiyou invited him.

Once downstairs, Hong Zhiyou said:

"Brother Shan, is there a figure from Ke Shufen's side?"

"None."

"That woman is insatiable; no matter how much you give, she can swallow it all."

"My suggestion is the more, the better."

Lu Qiao said.

"The more, the better."

"This has no end; she completely disregards the friendship between the Station Chief and Officer Zheng as classmates," Hong Zhiyou sighed.

"Just for the sake of this house, I have to come up with a plan for you."

"Zheng Jiemin has been very close to the American Ambassador Smith recently."

"He has entered and exited the embassy many times and held many private banquets; you might be able to make something of this."

"It just so happens that recently, at a National Defense internal meeting, Zheng Jiemin proposed merging all police and local security forces nationwide into the Ministry of National Defense to be reorganized into a military system, in order to supplement combat aid forces."

"Think about it, would Tang Zong allow that?"

"Don't forget, back at Whampoa, Tang Zong often secretly submitted reports to the Chairman."

"Many people within the Red Ticket and the Military Statistics Bureau have suffered secretly because of him."

"But you can't help it; the Chairman just likes him."

"Li Shizhen has cultivated the police system so deeply; the police reform proposals he submitted alone would fill a basket, and he even came up with some 'Ten-Year Police Building Plan,' but the Chairman didn't even glance at it."

"He directly promoted Tang Zong to be the Director of the Police Administration."

"Now that Zheng Jiemin wants to touch Tang Zong's cake, you might be able to make something of this."

Lu Qiao thought for a moment and offered his advice.

Having heard Wu Jingzhong's tone tonight, he was now "eager to return," wanting only to leave Jingling as soon as possible and return to the Jinhai Station.

This was the "pledge of allegiance" he was offering to Wu Jingzhong.

"Hmm, I know this man; one of the earliest leaders of the Fuxingshe, a famous murderous maniac, and a diary enthusiast."

"It is said that even his own wife can hardly get a glimpse of his diary."

"You are right, this might be a good suggestion."

"I have to say, Brother Shan, you are still the superior one."

Hong Zhiyou praised as he walked.

(End of chapter)