Chapter 293: Taking a Loss is Impossible

"Captain Li, you can't really say it like that."

"It is a fact that Lu Qiao is not loyal to the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, but he has not betrayed the Party and the State, so where does this talk of worry come from?"

"Moreover, Section Chief Lu's ability is beyond doubt."

"In my view, if he returns to take charge of the Intelligence Section, those eyes of his can be polished even brighter, which would also be beneficial to your operations."

Yu Zecheng looked at Li Ya, squinting and smiling.

In the past, he had wanted to maintain a superficial classmate relationship with Li Ya.

But this man's wicked heart would not die.

He had stared at him again and again.

Coupled with the fact that the Station Chief had already pushed him out, since there was no retreat, it was better to be smart, act as the Station Chief's shield, and confront Li Ya openly.

"Deputy Station Chief Yu is right."

"However, I am quite satisfied with my own hands; whether I have those eyes or not is unimportant, I can still..."

Li Ya closed his five fingers and sneered, making a grabbing gesture.

Yu Zecheng smiled without a word, stood up, turned to the Station Chief, and said:

"Station Chief, I still have some official business to attend to; if there is nothing else, I will take my leave."

"Good, go and get busy."

Wu Jingzhong sat on the mountain watching the tigers fight, smiling as he gave the order.

Hong Zhiyou also bowed and left.

"Station Chief, what is going on here?"

"How can you let Lu Qiao come back?"

"I am in the middle of purging the Red tickets here; isn't Lu Qiao coming back just adding trouble for me?"

"When he was in Beiping, he made threats against both you and me."

"You must file a report to headquarters to resist this appointment."

Li Ya closed the door and said anxiously.

"Resist?"

"How do you resist? When have you ever seen someone take on such a heavy responsibility as 'holding two section chief posts at once'? Do you think this is merely an arrangement by Zheng Jiemin?"

"Use your brain and think about it carefully."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him and said.

"You mean, this is the will of the Generalissimo?" Li Ya frowned and asked.

"Of course."

"Just a proposal from Zheng Jiemin alone wouldn't even pass Mao Renfeng's gate."

"Who doesn't know that Jinmen is a piece of fat meat?"

"Mao Renfeng lost a round last time; even if he can't eat it himself, he won't let Zheng Jiemin have it."

"Without the Generalissimo's nod, could a mere Lieutenant Colonel take over Bai Shiwei's post?"

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Sigh."

"I understand, it's factional strife again."

"It's just that I don't understand, is the Ministry of National Defense out of people? Why must they send Lu Qiao?"

Li Ya said with indignation and worry.

"What's the use of saying all this?"

"When soldiers come, block them with generals; when water comes, cover it with earth."

"Instead of worrying about the sky falling here, you'd better think about how to deal with the future."

Wu Jingzhong shook his head and said.

"Dealing with it is impossible."

"I've tripped him up twice; it's no different from killing his whole family."

"Sigh, life is impermanent."

"Teacher, do you have any methods?"

Li Ya asked.

"What methods could I have?"

"Take it one step at a time." Wu Jingzhong curled his lip and shook his head slightly.

Hong Zhiyou left the room and turned directly into the Deputy Station Chief's office.

Yu Zecheng was blowing on newspaper strips cut into ribbons.

"Old Yu, why are you blowing on those again?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Old Lu is coming."

"In the past, we got along quite well with him."

"But you know, this man is petty; I took his position back then, and I'm afraid this grudge is set."

Yu Zecheng said worriedly.

"Old Lu is indeed petty."

"But he only recognizes profit; whoever gives him a bone to eat, he gets close to."

"I will pass on the fact that you spoke up for him today."

"When the time comes, you go see him, and won't that little misunderstanding just vanish?"

Hong Zhiyou said.

He knew Yu Zecheng was cautious and meticulous.

Under long-term high-pressure infiltration, Old Yu had a sensitivity and wariness toward the people and things around him that exceeded the average person.

"Mm."

"Anyway, with you here."

"By the way, that batch of medicine you sent was like charcoal in the snow; the organization asked me to convey their respect to you."

"Additionally, there is a large batch of ordnance on the island that is about to be destroyed."

"The higher-ups' intention is to see if you can find a way to secure this batch of ordnance."

"Oh, money is not an issue."

"Mr. Yong indicated that there are plenty of US dollars."

Yu Zecheng said in a low voice.

"Heh, it seems the mine belonging to Mr. Yong's eldest daughter's family has produced gold again," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Not entirely."

"It's military funding squeezed out from between the organization's teeth, as well as donations from friendly democratic personages."

Yu Zecheng said.

"Your noses are truly sharp."

"The Americans just found me, and you followed right behind."

"That's right, there is indeed a large batch of ordnance in a hurry to be sold, but the price is not easy to negotiate."

"The other side will sell at half price at most, and I'm afraid you can't afford it."

"These pieces of equipment are enough to arm a whole large army group."

"The cost is almost astronomical; I'm afraid your funds aren't enough."

Hong Zhiyou said, looking somewhat troubled.

"Don't worry about the money."

"But is fifty percent off too high? Try cutting it a few more times," Yu Zecheng said.

"Forget it."

"My conscience hurts to earn that little bit of money from between your teeth."

"Thirty percent of the original price—this is the Americans' bottom line, and it's my bottom line too."

"Buy it if you want, or forget it if you don't."

Hong Zhiyou said with a look of having suffered a bloody loss.

"Fine!"

"Thirty percent it is."

"Once you've finished negotiating, go directly to Mr. Yong to report the price."

Yu Zecheng said.

"Good."

"Li Ya has been looking through the files of Liu Xiong and Ma Kui recently; according to information leaked to me by Gao Yuan, he is investigating news about Qiao Sanmei."

"It is said he even sent people to the sister's hometown in Weitou."

"Have your people go and cover the tracks."

Hong Zhiyou leaned in closer and reminded him in a low voice.

"Tsk!"

Yu Zecheng put his hands on his hips and stared at the ceiling, feeling troubled.

"That area underwent land reform before and was originally within the base area, so outsiders couldn't find anything out.

"But earlier, Fu Zuoyi took that Yixian area by force.

"Now it has been incorporated into the Nationalist-controlled area.

"Most of the people in the village left with the army, but it cannot be ruled out that some stayed behind.

"This matter you mentioned is a nuisance."

He blinked his eyelids and said.

"This kind of thing cannot be prevented; we can only take it one step at a time.

"I'm off, I still have to go talk to the foreigners."

Hong Zhiyou exchanged a few words and drove straight to the Marine Corps.

It seemed these foreigners were truly desperate.

To make money, they were working overtime to transport goods from the Japanese homes, using everything from warships to cargo ships.

Arriving at the warehouse.

Hong Zhiyou was stunned.

These people had even transported tanks and artillery over.

Firearms were piled up to the brim.

"Hong.

"Are you satisfied?

"Can you take it all?

"There is more in the back."

Philson walked side-by-side with him and raised his hand to ask.

"Take it.

"I must take it all.

"List the inventory and the quote; I will give you half the deposit tomorrow."

Hong Zhiyou agreed very readily.

"I knew you could do it.

"Are you sure you can take the tanks and artillery?" Philson asked.

"General.

"Your task is to collect the money; you don't need to worry about selling the goods," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Haha.

"I just like straightforward people like you.

"However, the bullet inventory is insufficient; only about one-tenth can be matched with the sets.

"The rest will need to be mass-produced.

"But don't worry, I have spoken to General Randall, and he can open a channel to step up production and strive to provide you with a complete set.

"It's just that the price for the newly produced ones might have to be at the normal rate.

"I can give you a twenty percent discount at most.

"Hong, what do you think?"

Philson puffed on his cigar and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke to hide the mercenary look on his face.

Hong Zhiyou tilted his head to look at him.

He didn't speak.

They stared at each other for a full dozen seconds.

Philson shrugged with some guilt: "That's the reality, I can't help it, my friend."

"Fine.

"It's settled then.

"The weaponry and equipment will be at fifty percent, and the later bullets will all be calculated at eighty percent."

Hong Zhiyou took the initiative to reach out his hand.

"Thank you, Hong.

"We are... friends forever." Philson was incredibly grateful and grabbed his hand tightly with both of his.

He was very afraid that Hong Zhiyou would get angry and call off the deal.

If that happened, not only would he not get the money, but with so many Japanese-made goods piling up and unable to be moved, problems would arise sooner or later.

"Of course," Hong Zhiyou said.

After the discussion, Philson personally saw him out of the barracks.

"Hong, waiting for your good news."

He waved goodbye and watched as Hong Zhiyou drove away.

"Anderson, you have good luck, you found a good classmate.

"Hong, a merchant with a conscience.

"He is our true friend!"

Philson said sincerely.

Hong Zhiyou did not return to the office.

In order to cooperate with Li Ya's investigation, all office phones except for the station chief's desk phone were equipped with official wiretaps.

He went straight to the club, opened a room, and dialed the number:

"Is this Adjutant Sun?

"I am Hong Zhiyou. I have a batch of high-quality Japanese-island firearms, with tanks and artillery all available. Could you ask if General Fu is interested?

"Rest assured, the goods have already arrived at the Marine Corps, and I have already negotiated with General Philson.

"Fifty percent off.

"Yes.

"In-stock, with all matching bullets, all at fifty percent off.

"Good, if General Fu has a need, contact me at any time.

"One day.

"I will only give you one day at most.

"If you are not interested, I will immediately sell them to someone else.

"Good, waiting for your news."

Hong Zhiyou finished speaking and hung up the phone.

A fifty percent price.

Eighty percent for the bullets.

This business was not usually difficult to conduct.

However, bullets were cheap goods after all; by raising the price of the firearms, there was still a large profit.

Hong Zhiyou wasn't black-hearted enough to raise prices on the Red side.

After all, it wasn't easy for them to scrape together military funds from top to bottom.

Crucially, if this were recorded in files, it would be a hot potato in the future, easily dug up by others to cause trouble.

Fu Zuoyi was, in any case, richer than the Red side.

This money could only be sought from him.

It was still early.

Hong Zhiyou called Ji Qing over and spent some time with her.

After enjoying a romantic afternoon, the phone finally rang at around six o'clock.

"It's me.

"Good, I will report the list to you...

"Straightforward.

"Bring the money tomorrow morning."

Hong Zhiyou hung up the phone.

Everything was within his expectations.

Because whether this civil war was won or lost, Fu Zuoyi was the one who suffered the most.

If he won.

How could others be allowed to snore beside one's bed?

The Generalissimo would immediately find time to deal with these peripheral factions.

If he lost.

The Generalissimo would immediately push him to the front line to fight the Red side to the death.

Fu Zuoyi had indeed defeated Nie once in Zhangjiakou.

It was precisely because they had fought that he knew how terrifying these people were.

They possess a will as strong as steel.

They have the most outstanding execution capability.

Unparalleled tactics!

Once main forces like Hu Zongnan are defeated and retreat, he has absolutely no confidence in being able to fight a decisive battle against the already strengthened Red Ticket.

Either way is difficult.

When people lack a sense of security, the only thing they can rely on is the weapon in their hands.

Therefore, Hong Zhiyou concluded that Fu Zuoyi would definitely buy this batch of ordnance.

Not just Fu Zuoyi.

People like Bai Chongxi will also do the same.

"Baby, how is business lately?" Hong Zhiyou held the beauty, gently pinching her smooth, rounded chin.

"With you here, how could it be bad?

"Now, the moment I open my eyes, there is money that I can't spend fast enough.

"I even feel like I've become decadent.

"Why don't you find me something to do."

Ji Qing lay in his arms and said gently.

"The thing you need to do is manage the wine business in Jinhai well.

"Also, when you have time, go to Xiangdao or abroad to look around and broaden your horizons.

"Mm.

"It would be best to practice your Cantonese and English well.

"That way, even if Jinhai City is liberated in the future, if you don't want to stay, you won't panic if you go elsewhere."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Understood. I will slowly flip some real estate and the like in the near future, get rid of it early, and go to Xiangdao to investigate." Ji Qing quickly caught the subtext in his words.

"You are truly smart.

"Enjoy the few remaining days of peace.

"I can still manage..."

He gave the beauty's perky buttocks a slap, and the latter obediently lowered her body.

The next day.

Adjutant Sun arrived in Jinhai.

The money was hauled separately by truck.

There were not enough US dollars, so gold bars and silver dollars were used to make up the difference.

Hong Zhiyou counted the money and directly had Xiao Guohua drive the trucks to Hexi to be stored in the basement.

He allocated half of the weaponry to Adjutant Sun.

"Adjutant Sun.

"You take the tanks and cannons; the remaining equipment can pass through your defense zone..."

Hong Zhiyou did not speak too deeply.

Adjutant Sun was a Red Ticket, so he naturally understood his meaning.

"What is the price for taking it over there?" Sun Wenjing asked.

"Ten percent; I lost so much I almost vomited blood, otherwise why would I have sought out Commander Fu." Hong Zhiyou joked.

"That's fair.

"Leave this matter to me.

"There is one of our regiments at the border of the border region; I can pretend to transport weaponry there and have people 'seize' it halfway."

Sun Wenjing said.

"Good, how much is the transport fee? I will give it to you." Hong Zhiyou said.

"No need to be so polite.

"You are a businessman, you have to make money after all."

Sun Wenjing smiled and walked toward the car.

"Take care." Hong Zhiyou urged.

"You too."

Sun Wenjing did not look back, waved his white-gloved hand, and drove away.

"Whew."

Hong Zhiyou let out a long sigh of relief.

I have to say, the efficiency and capability of the Red Ticket are truly top-notch.

It saves a lot of worry.

Three days later.

The appointment document for Lu Qiaoshan was officially delivered to the station.

At noon.

Wu Jingzhong arrived by car at the courtyard where Zheng Jiemin was staying.

Zheng Jiemin was already standing at the entrance waiting.

He had always been amiable and proactive toward people who were useful.

"Jingzhong, I've been waiting for you for a long time, sit down quickly." Zheng Jiemin stepped forward and gripped his shoulder, extremely enthusiastic.

"Brother, seeing you look so happy, there must be good news." Wu Jingzhong asked.

"Indeed.

"The 200, 00 US dollars worth of penicillin arrived at the Xi'an Pacification Commissioner's Office last night.

"Hu Zongnan called me personally to express his gratitude.

"The Generalissimo also gave high praise for this rapid emergency support of medicine.

"At the official residence's regular meeting, in front of He Yingqin, I managed to show my face a little.

"That's why I caught a flight early this morning and flew back from Jingling specifically to share the good news with you."

Zheng Jiemin raised his hand, signaling him to sit.

"Hey!

"It's just that Dai Li is blocking the Major General position from being promoted.

"Otherwise, based on your contributions these few times, you would be more than qualified to be promoted to Lieutenant General.

"If that doesn't work, later I'll transfer you to the Ministry of National Defense, and after a few years of grinding, you'll be promoted."

Zheng Jiemin said.

"Thank you, brother.

"With this body of mine that has to get up several times a night, I truly can't grind anymore.

"I am content just being able to sit firmly in this little patch of land."

Wu Jingzhong expressed his gratitude and sighed in relief.

"Jingzhong.

"I came this time, as you know, under the orders of He Yingqin to welcome Okamura Yasuji to Xuzhou.

"You also know that this is a war criminal.

"Once my meeting with him is made public, it will incite public outrage. Given the Generalissimo's temperament, he certainly won't admit it, and He Yingqin won't admit it either; at that time, I will be the only one left to take the fall."

Zheng Jiemin drank some tea and said with deep concern.

"I know.

"But given the Generalissimo's mind, even if you are truly thrown under the bus, as long as you hold your ground, even if you are frustrated for the moment, sooner or later you will receive an even greater appointment." Wu Jingzhong smiled.

"If this were in the past, I naturally wouldn't be afraid of taking the fall.

"But with the current situation getting worse by the day, if I go down, it's another question whether I'll be able to last until the day I can return.

"Do you have any suggestions?"

Zheng Jiemin asked.

"This is indeed a trouble.

"You can only feign illness and have someone else go in your place to see him.

"By the way, isn't Chief of Staff Gu Anxiu accompanying him? He is He Yingqin's man; having one representative is enough."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"I'm afraid the Old Man will see through this little trick of mine." Zheng Jiemin said.

"If he sees through it, it only shows you are a smart man.

"You don't want to deal with the Japanese and want to keep your hands clean; this is not a problem.

"You have always been incorruptible and impartial.

"The Generalissimo has always praised your reputation.

"Not going to see Okamura is also a matter of reason."

"Moreover, as you said, even if the Generalissimo is unhappy, at most he will think you were playing little tricks."

"But if you get on this train and it happens to be exposed, that would be public outrage, or even infamy for ten thousand years."

"No matter how you look at it, this train is not worth boarding."

Wu Jingzhong pondered for a moment and said.

"That makes sense."

"This train really cannot be boarded."

"In that case, you send someone to board the train to represent me and the Jinmen Station," Zheng Jiemin said.

"Send whom?"

Wu Jingzhong asked.

"Anyone will do, as long as the confidentiality work is done well," Zheng Jiemin said.

"Understood."

"I will handle this matter," Wu Jingzhong nodded.

"I am returning to Jingling this afternoon; let Lu Qiao start his job today," Zheng Jiemin instructed.

"Of course."

"The documents from the Garrison Command and Headquarters have already come down."

"I have prepared his office properly, and even that sealed coffee machine has been returned to its original place."

"As long as he is willing, he can return to the Jinmen Station at any time."

Wu Jingzhong said hurriedly.

"Good," Zheng Jiemin nodded with satisfaction.

As long as this nail, Lu Qiao, was driven in, he could slowly erode the territory of Wu Jingzhong and his son-in-law.

Upstairs.

Hong Zhiyou raised his glass to Lu Qiao: "Congratulations, Old Lu. The Station Master has already booked a private room for your banquet. Holding two positions at once, you are undoubtedly the top favorite at the Jinmen Station."

"Ah."

"It is also thanks to the blessings of Deputy Chief Zheng and the Station Master."

"How is it? Was Li Ya very angry when he heard this news?"

Lu Qiao swirled his wine glass and asked with a smile.

"More than just angry, he was absolutely furious."

"Now that you are back, he must be very panicked."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"He definitely is."

"Doesn't he just rely on that recording trick? Just watch, I will see how I deal with him this time."

"Don't think that having Jiang Jianfeng backing him makes him so incredible."

"Can Jiang Jianfeng protect him once or ten times, but can he protect him for a lifetime?"

"If I don't break that little brat, I've wasted my time."

Lu Qiao got angry the moment he mentioned Li Ya.

"What about Yu Zecheng?" After a pause, he asked.

"This guy is very devious."

"On the surface, he doesn't fight or compete, but at the critical moment, he jumps out and takes the lead. Good tactics, very good tactics."

Lu Qiao shook his head slightly and sneered.

"Old Lu, you have misunderstood Old Yu."

"His promotion was purely an accident. To put it bluntly, if you hadn't fallen into Li Ya's trap, wouldn't you already be the Deputy Station Master by now?"

"He put in quite a bit of effort for your return this time."

"In front of and behind people's backs at the station, he has said many good things for you."

"It is better to have one more friend than one less enemy."

"After all, he is the Deputy Station Master. You have finally returned, so you wouldn't want to make another enemy and push him over to Li Ya's side, right?" Hong Zhiyou advised with a smile.

"So what?"

"Would I be afraid of him and Li Ya?"

"With all the dirt he has, I didn't expose him before only because I wanted to deal with Ma Kui."

"That doesn't mean he is clean."

"If I really want to investigate him, it's a matter of minutes."

Lu Qiao crossed his legs and put on an official air.

(End of chapter)