Chapter 304: Chen Peach Blossom

"Qiaoshan!"

"Old Lu!"

Wu Jing and Hong Zhiyou scrambled to help Lu Qiao up.

Hong Zhiyou quickly called over the doctor on duty in the infirmary.

After a good deal of pinching, Lu Qiao finally woke up faintly.

"Old Lu, how are you? Do you need to be sent to the hospital?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"No, no need."

"It's just that I've been tired these past few days."

Lu Qiao said weakly.

He still didn't have the guts to call Zheng Jiemin a thief to Wu Jingzhong's face.

"Alright then, Zhiyou, you help Qiao back to his office, and draw some nutrition funds from the station's accounts; he should rest and recuperate."

"He is a meritorious official of the Party-State, after all."

"We must value and protect him."

Wu Jingzhong instructed solemnly.

"Yes!" Hong Zhiyou accepted the order.

He helped Lu Qiao back to his office.

Lu Qiao drank some water, and the luster gradually returned to his eyes.

"Old Lu, you are the practitioner of Deputy Minister Zheng's 'Opinion Paper on Anti-Red Studies,' and the anchor of our Jinmen station; you must take care of your health."

"Look at Li Ya; you sent his students home, and look at the life he's living."

"Beef noodles for breakfast."

"Fumanlou for lunch."

"Western restaurant for dinner."

"Just in this short while, he's gone off to play tennis with female college students again."

"At your age, you should pay attention to your health."

Hong Zhiyou said with concern.

Practitioner?

I am the founder of the theory!

At the mention of this, Lu Qiao clutched his chest again, his face contorting in pain.

This matter was too disgusting.

He couldn't talk about it, and he had no way to report it.

He still had to act like a grandson, pretending he knew nothing while clapping and cheering.

Lu Qiao felt bitter and stifled in his heart.

"Sigh."

"Say no more, Zhiyou, I want to be quiet."

Lu Qiao lay back on the sofa, staring at the ceiling with hollow, lifeless eyes.

Hong Zhiyou returned to the station master's office.

Wu Jingzhong was humming a little tune, fiddling with the potted plants on the windowsill.

"The station master seems to be in a good mood." Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"Indeed."

"Li Ya has been humbled, and Lu Qiao has suffered internal injuries."

"Two tigers fighting have already wounded each other; this is a good thing."

Wu Jingzhong put down the shears and turned around with a smile.

"What happened to Lu Qiao?" Hong Zhiyou didn't understand.

"Haven't you noticed yet?"

"The look on his face when he saw the proposal was like he'd seen a ghost."

"I understand Zheng Jiemin."

"He's okay at intelligence, but when it comes to these theories, with the little ink he has in his belly, he doesn't have this level of ability."

"In my opinion, this thing was mostly concocted by Lu Qiao."

"Now that the anti-red studies have just shown results, the credit has been snatched and claimed by Zheng Jiemin; his painstaking work has become a wedding dress for someone else."

"With Lu Qiao's petty nature, he could fret over this one thing for a lifetime; I'm afraid he'll live ten years less because of it."

Wu Jingzhong, who had insight into the human heart, pointed out the reason at a glance.

"I understand, so the station master was deliberately provoking him just now." Hong Zhiyou said.

"Yes."

"He has always been self-righteous; letting him suffer a little and see Zheng Jiemin's true face is a good thing."

"This man is just like Li Ya; he must be used, but also suppressed."

"You can't let them stop fighting for a moment; if they are idle, they will stir up trouble."

Wu Jingzhong smiled confidently.

Intelligence Division Office.

No sooner had Hong Zhiyou left than Sheng Xiang slipped in, just in time to see Zhang Li applying a hot towel to Lu Qiao's forehead.

He couldn't help but feel a bit sour.

In the past, when Zhang Li was fawning over him, Sheng Xiang hadn't really paid her any mind.

Now that she had become the secretary to Division Chief Lu, she went off to drink and play cards with foreigners every few days, and wearing silk stockings and a skirt, she had become increasingly womanly.

It's just a pity.

This woman was very snobbish and no longer looked down on him.

"Division Chief Lu, you are enjoying the favor of a beauty." Sheng Xiang said, fawning as he approached.

"If you have something to say, say it; if you have a fart, let it out." Lu Qiao cursed weakly.

"Ahem." Sheng Xiang glanced at Zhang Li.

"Division Chief Lu, I'll go change the basin of hot water for you." Zhang Li tactfully picked up the basin and walked out.

"Brother Shan, Shang Bo is urging us."

"He said if you don't want it, he will sell the intelligence to the Red Party."

"Right now, the Red Party is desperate to protect Deep Sea, and the price they are offering is getting higher and higher; if you don't act now, it will be too late."

Sheng Xiang helped him up and whispered.

"No need."

"I've already been promoted to Colonel; to be promoted to Major General, just catching a Deep Sea isn't enough."

"Besides, no one gets promoted in rank one after another."

"The earliest would be five years from now."

"Whoever wants to buy it, let them buy it."

Lu Qiao said, disheartened.

"Brother Shan, Shang Bo asked me to tell you that it's best if you are the one to buy this intelligence."

"He revealed two points."

"One, Deep Sea is lurking in the Jinmen station."

"Two, this person has a very powerful background and is very prominent; he is someone you would definitely be interested in."

"For him, even if it means losing everything, it would be worth it."

Sheng Xiang relayed the message.

Shang Bo had promised that as long as this intelligence could be sold, he would give him twenty percent.

How could Sheng Xiang not give his all?

Anyway, Old Lu was a stingy miser; not making money would be a waste.

"Is it Li Ya?" Lu Qiao threw off the towel on his forehead and sat up in shock.

"I can't say for sure."

"That's what Shang Bo said anyway."

Sheng Xiang didn't dare to say too much.

"The only one who has been very prominent lately is that national traitor Li Ya."

"Li Ya is Deep Sea?"

Lu Qiao began to ponder.

"This is very possible."

"Given all the bastard things Li Ya has done, he is highly suspicious."

Sheng Xiang frowned and said.

Since entering the station, Li Ya had done many things that were hard for ordinary people to understand; calling him a Red Party member really wasn't a wrong accusation.

"How much does Shang Bo want?" Lu Qiao asked.

"Thirty gold bars!" Sheng Xiang said.

"Thirty bars?

"It was only twenty last time, why has it gone up so much?" Lu Qiao said, annoyed.

"Because it's an exclusive top-secret.

"The Red Agent has to snatch it up to protect Deep Sea.

"Li Ya is also trying to snatch it; he probably wants to destroy the evidence."

As he spoke, he leaned toward Lu Qiao's ear, lowering his voice even further.

"If we can really prove Li Ya is a Red Agent, then this intelligence is worth any price.

"But this price is truly hard to accept.

"You can't be too impatient when doing business; drag it out first, and wait until he's stuck with it and lowers the price," Lu Qiao instructed.

"Understood." Sheng Xiang happily accepted the order.

"Understood." Sheng Xiang happily accepted the order.

Cat Ear Alley.

Li Ya walked slowly into the small courtyard with his hands in his pockets.

"Yo, Captain Li is here. I've been waiting for your arrival for a long time," Shang Bo said, stepping forward to welcome him.

"You have intelligence on Deep Sea?" Li Ya asked as he walked.

"That's right.

"I got it from Old Wolf; it's the only copy, the only one in all of Jinhai," Shang Bo said.

"How much?" Li Ya asked.

"Thirty yellow fish, the big ones!" Shang Bo laughed.

"Thirty bars, you must not be awake yet," Li Ya said, annoyed.

"Captain Li, don't doubt it, there are plenty of people who will buy it.

"This is the most famous Red Agent secret spy in Jinhai since Emei Peak.

"The key is, he's hiding right in your Jinhai Station.

"How about that, is that enough weight?"

Shang Bo said.

"Jinhai Station, who is it?" Li Ya narrowed his eyes, becoming cautious.

"Brother, is this your first day in this business?

"Let me tell you, can this intelligence even be called intelligence?

"If you want to know, you have to bring this," Shang Bo said, rubbing his fingers together in a gesture for money.

"I can only give you ten gold bars, and at most add one thousand US dollars. How about doing me a favor?" Li Ya asked.

"Captain Li.

"I'd like to do you a favor too.

"But favors can't be eaten as food. Right now, prices in Jinhai City change every day; if you don't have real gold and silver, you'll go hungry.

"You're also from Yancheng, brother, so you should know what it's like when there's no grain in the jar," Shang Bo sneered.

"I only have this much on me.

"How about you let me take it on credit, and I'll pay the rest back slowly," Li Ya said, his brow furrowed in difficulty.

"Sorry, then I can't help you!

"Captain Li, I'll say it again.

"If you don't buy it, there are plenty of others who will. Don't regret it later," Shang Bo said, staring at him with a sneer mixed with a hint of playfulness.

Li Ya didn't waste any more words and turned to leave.

He didn't have the money.

He had already guessed who Deep Sea was.

"If you don't buy it, plenty of others will; don't regret it when that time comes." Shang Bo stared at him, his cold sneer mixed with a hint of amusement.

Since he already had a lead, there was no need to be a sucker.

"Captain Li, don't regret it!"

Shang Bo shouted after him.

Heh.

In any case, there were already leads, so there was no need to continue being this sucker.

Once I confirm the relationship between Wang Cuiping and Chen Cuiping, I'll have you beaten, and then we'll see if you still dare to ask for gold bars.

One Xie Ruo.

One Shang Bo.

Neither of you will escape the electric chair.

Once the relationship between Wang Cuiping and Chen Qiuping is confirmed, I will have you caught and beaten, and then we shall see if you still dare to demand gold bars.

Li Ya spat and quickly turned away.

Returning to the office.

He took out Yu Zecheng's file, along with the data on Ma Kui and Liu Xiong, and made notes on the paper.

No matter how he looked at it, Yu and his wife were highly suspicious.

But the investigation had made no progress.

The teacher was right.

Everything requires evidence; just relying on one's mouth is useless.

Especially when facing a cunning opponent like Yu Zecheng.

Just as he was worrying, the phone rang.

Li Ya picked it up: "Okay, I understand."

He drove to the dilapidated courtyard in Nankai.

Tang Dachun was already waiting.

"Captain Li, someone from the Butcher's side happened to come out to purchase supplies and brought the intelligence along.

"These are the photos and materials you wanted."

Tang Dachun handed him a file folder.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Li Ya pulled out a handful of loose US bills and handed them to him, not lingering long before quickly leaving.

Returning to the office.

He quickly opened the file folder.

The first document was about Chen Cuiping, and her background was very clear.

A native of Wutou Village.

Two years younger than Cuiping.

Her older sister, Chen Taohua, was the captain of the Yixian Mobile Corps Second Battalion and had served as the branch secretary.

Li Ya's gaze fell on the photo again.

Chen Cuiping was in military uniform.

Except for her mouth being a little smaller, she was almost a carbon copy of Cuiping.

Her older sister, Chen Taohua, is the captain of the Second Battalion of the Yixian Mobile Corps and formerly served as the Youth League branch secretary.

Chen Taohua?

Wang Cuiping?

They were indeed sisters.

This was as Red as it could possibly get.

Li Ya couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Of course, he soon faced another difficulty.

Yu Zecheng wouldn't admit it based on just a photo.

Moreover, this was only an investigative document; there was no original proof of Chen Taohua's identity.

There was another document underneath, regarding Zuo Lan.

Injured and missing, life or death unknown?

Not very useful.

Li Ya touched his lip with his fist, a cold glint flashing in his eyes as he made up his mind.

If he combined this with the intelligence in Old Shang's hands, it might work.

He quickly went to the Station Chief's office.

It doesn't have much nutritional value.

Li Ya lightly touched the corner of his mouth with his fist, a cold glint flashing in his eyes as he made up his mind.

If combined with the intelligence in Old Shang's hands, perhaps there would be a chance.

He quickly arrived at the station master's office.

Wu Jingzhong was bowing his head, reviewing documents; he did not look up and asked:

"Is something the matter?"

"Master, I went to the black market to buy intelligence today and obtained a reliable source.

"Deep Sea is lurking right here in our station.

"Therefore, I would like to request another budget to purchase this intelligence."

Li Ya said.

"You are certain it is in our station?" Wu Jingzhong put down his pen and said solemnly.

"The other party is very certain and has named a high price.

"Master, ever since the time of Boss Dai, it has been rumored that our Jinmen Station has had Red spies, and the higher-ups and headquarters attach great importance to this matter.

"At present, we are repeatedly suffering setbacks on the battlefield, and a large part of the reason is the leakage of intelligence.

"If we can dig out Deep Sea, it will surely be a victorious battle that strikes fear into the arrogance of the Reds."

Li Ya said with full confidence.

"A high price?

"How high?" Wu Jingzhong frowned and asked.

"Thirty gold bars." Li Ya said.

"Li Ya.

"Whether Deep Sea is in our station or not, I do not know.

"I am afraid you have been bewitched by those fellows who resell intelligence.

"They are famous for being experts at forging intelligence.

"Isn't this just some marketing tactic?

"Today they say Deep Sea is in the station; tomorrow they will say Ouyang Dage or Lou Shanguan are also in the station.

"This person could be Deputy Station Chief Yu, or Lu Qiaoshan.

"It could even be me, or it could be you.

"This kind of thing cannot be trusted.

"You are a veteran intelligence officer; you should have this much common sense.

"In my opinion, you just have too deep a prejudice against Deputy Station Chief Yu.

"Turn your mind to your work; has the student work group been established yet?

"How many Red underground guilds, local committees, and transit stations have you investigated?

"That is the most important part of your work."

Wu Jingzhong frowned in great dissatisfaction and pointed at him.

"Master..." Li Ya still wanted to speak.

Wu Jingzhong raised his hand to stop him: "If you really want the intelligence, investigate it yourself, seize it yourself; I truly cannot pull even a penny out of my pocket here."

"Very well.

"However, I would like to visit your home tomorrow; I hope you will give your wife a heads-up."

Li Ya curled his lips helplessly and said.

"I support people earning their keep by their own ability.

"It is settled then."

Wu Jingzhong nodded.

Seeing Wu Jingzhong bowing his head to review documents, Li Ya gave him a cold, piercing look before turning to leave.

He was, after all, testing Wu Jingzhong.

Under normal circumstances, Wang Cuiping would go to the station chief's house to help look after the child, or accompany them to play mahjong or go shopping.

He had only told the station chief about the plan to target Cuiping.

If Wang Cuiping did not go tomorrow.

Then there could only be one possibility: the station chief had tipped off Yu Zecheng; they were in cahoots.

That would be an interesting development.

The next day.

After finishing breakfast, Yu Zecheng picked up his briefcase and prepared to change his shoes.

"Old Yu, Secretary Hong said Li Ya has been watching us lately, so we should be careful.

"Do you think I should still go to the bookstore and the station chief's house?"

Cuiping asked while clearing the bowls and chopsticks.

"What did he say?" Yu Zecheng asked while brushing his leather shoes.

"He said I had best act as usual and do what I normally do," Cuiping said.

"Then listen to him.

"Go to the station chief's house as you should.

"If anyone asks about family matters, such as our marriage or your younger sister, answer as you should."

Yu Zecheng said.

"Mm, I understand. My sister got separated during the chaos caused by the Japanese years ago, and I haven't seen her for quite some time," Cuiping nodded and said.

"Correct.

"Li Ya is a very cunning person.

"No matter what he says, do not take it to heart; treat it with a normal attitude.

"Do you remember?"

Yu Zecheng was very afraid that Li Ya would ask about Cuiping's sister.

"Don't worry, I'm not stupid," Cuiping smiled.

Cuiping arrived at the station chief's house.

The station chief's house was fully staffed with a cook and servants, plus a maid named Chou'er who had been with them for years, so Cuiping did not need to do anything.

As for Ruirui.

Aside from feeding the child, she spent most of her time reading or painting.

Cuiping only needed to keep Mei Qiuju company, chat, and help change the baby's diapers.

"Sister, you shouldn't have come today."

Just after sitting down and washing her hands, Mei Qiuju rolled her eyes and said.

"Sister Mei, what, what do you mean?

"You aren't welcoming me anymore?"

Cuiping knew she had a good heart and deliberately feigned ignorance.

"Silly sister, I didn't mean that.

"Didn't you say last time that your stomach had been hurting lately?

"I was thinking you should get more rest at home."

Mei Qiuju hurriedly smiled to smooth things over.

"No need, it stopped hurting a long time ago.

"I'm not like Ruirui, who can paint and knows foreign languages; with my temperament, I can't stay cooped up at home."

Cuiping looked at Ruirui, who was watering flowers, and said with an envious smile.

"What's the use of that? You can't eat it like a steamed bun; it's just a pastime," Mei Qiuju said.

They chatted for a while.

Chou'er walked in: "Madam, Captain Li is here."

"Li Ya is here? Please, invite him in." Mei Qiuju glanced at Cuiping and gave an uneasy smile.

Ruirui put down her paintbrush and returned to her room.

Do not ask what should not be asked.

Do not listen to what should not be heard.

Do not see those who should not be seen.

This was the family code.

Soon, Li Ya walked in carrying gifts.

"Madam, Sister-in-law, Ruirui.

"Knowing that Ruirui needs to nourish her body after giving birth, I specially bought a few bags of farm eggs; please accept this small token of my sincerity." He greeted them politely.

"You shouldn't have bought anything; you're not an outsider," Mei Qiuju waved her hand, and Chou'er hurriedly took them.

"Captain Li is so thoughtful," Cuiping said as she busied herself pouring him tea.

They chatted for a few moments.

Mei Qiuju stood up and said: "The baby is crying; I'll go check on him. You two chat."

"Madam, please go ahead," Li Ya stood up respectfully.

Just as Cuiping was about to follow, Mei Qiuju looked at her: "Sister, you entertain Li Ya for me; I'll be right back."

"Alright, sister-in-law." Cuiping sat back down.

"Mrs. Yu, you've been in Jinmen for quite a while now, haven't you?" Li Ya asked with a smile.

"In any case, it's earlier than you." Cuiping chatted with him, not yielding in her speech.

She had thought about it; Li Ya did not get along with her old Yu.

As a "village woman," she had to protect her man, so she could not be too polite.

"Not necessarily.

"Before the restoration, I had already arrived in Jinmen; back then, Station Chief Chen was in charge.

"Afterward, I went to Yancheng.

"Didn't your old Yu tell you?"

Li Ya raised an eyebrow and began to fish for information.

"Lu Qiaoshan mentioned it at our house.

"I heard a bit of talk."

Cuiping said.

"What kind of talk?" Li Ya asked hurriedly.

"That you aren't a decent person, ungrateful and treacherous.

"Eating dirt in Yancheng, they entrusted people to trade you back from Xi'an, yet you still had those people driven away."

Cuiping curled her lip and said.

Li Ya was furious.

He took a slight breath, crossed his legs, and asked:

"Sister-in-law, you haven't been home for a long time since you arrived. Commander Fu has taken Yixian back, so it's much more convenient to go back now than before."

"That's true.

"Before, when I went back, I was robbed by bandits.

"But there's nothing much to see anyway; my parents died falling into a mountain ravine while fleeing from the Japanese devils, and there's only an aunt left, though I don't know if she's still around."

Cuiping said.

"That's not right.

"I've seen the files; you should still have a younger sister."

Li Ya glanced at her and asked in a deep voice.

"There is one, but we got separated when the Japanese devils were causing trouble. It's been many years without a sound; I reckon she's long gone.

"Wait, why do you keep asking about my family affairs?

"What, do you want me to play matchmaker for you?

"Let's get this straight: I can play matchmaker for anyone, but not for you.

"Who in the entire city of Jinmen doesn't know about Miss Mei?"

Cuiping was quick-witted and sharp-tongued; she certainly wouldn't indulge him.

"I have a photograph here; perhaps you could take a look." Li Ya knew he couldn't get any solid information, so he fished a photo of Chen Cuiping out of his pocket and handed it over.

(End of chapter)