[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-spy-survival-guide":3,"chapter-spy-survival-guide-spy-survival-guide-chapter-313":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Spy Survival Guide",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2366629,4634,"Chapter 313: Card Game Reveals Human Hearts","spy-survival-guide-chapter-313",313,"\u003Cp>Station Master's office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jing was speaking in a low voice with Hong Zhiyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Guohua walked in:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Station Master, Deputy Station Master Yu is not in his office. Captain Li is asking how to handle Gu Youniu?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhiyou, you go settle this person first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have Li Ya go to Deputy Station Master Yu's house tonight,\" Wu Jing instructed, raising his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Guohua took the order and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This matter was handled well this time; it finally didn't ferment any further.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We both misjudged the situation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are 'talents' around Hu Zongnan too. I suspect that when the medicine was hijacked last time, this Adjutant Zhou was an accomplice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gu Youniu played us both for fools with this move.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That move of theirs is brilliant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jing emphasized the word \"talents.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won't hide it from you, Master, I also didn't expect Zhou Li to arrange things so cleverly,\" Hong Zhiyou said, shrugging with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had originally thought Zhou Li was a good-for-nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, this guy, while seemingly unreliable, really had skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being able to make Gu Youniu risk death to \"testify\" is something money alone cannot achieve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only \"talents\" could pull that off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, you won't report this to Commander Hu, will you?\" After a pause, he asked half-jokingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The one surnamed Zhou dared to bring people to me because he was certain I wouldn't make a scene.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At this critical juncture, if it gets out that the Jinmen Station is still hiding another Emei Peak or Deep Sea, wouldn't those who want my chair go crazy trying to snatch it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back when Boss Dai was around, if a mole appeared, it was something no one wanted to see; everyone still wanted to save face.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The social climate is different now; people are just waiting for you to have trouble so they can watch the show and steal your food.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides, they are talents, after all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can't wipe them all out; having one or two is a good thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know who will sit on this land in the future. Who knows, maybe later they will remember the old connection, say a few good words for you, and spare you from the executioner's blade?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One cannot burn all their bridges.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Otherwise, even a god-like figure like Boss Dai would have to drink his regrets in the underworld.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jing sighed with emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, you shouldn't say things like that,\" Hong Zhiyou whispered a reminder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the past, I couldn't.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But now... just received news, Zhang Lingfu was killed in battle at Menglianggu,\" Wu Jing said, changing the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhang Lingfu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was a trump card general under Commander Wang Yaowu,\" Hong Zhiyou said in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A few days ago, the Garrison Headquarters even asked me to coordinate grain and weapons here in Jinmen and arrange planes to air-drop them to Ludong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's only been a few days? An entire reorganized division has been eaten up clean.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The war situation is becoming increasingly unfavorable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm afraid the wisdom of the old man, the Generalissimo, is going to hit a wall this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jing sighed, filled with worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, you're a bit pessimistic today,\" Hong Zhiyou smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's not pessimism, it's reality.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the past, why did I leave the Red side to defect to Boss Dai?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At that time, I felt that Mr. Zhongfu's theories were too empty, too broad, and too fake. How could a revolution be achieved just by relying on faith, hot blood, and slogans?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No money, no people, no guns. Even Gu Shunzhang defected. Could those few dock workers, scholars, and students really take the country?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the result? They crossed the Chishui four times, climbed snowy mountains, crossed grasslands, fought local tyrants, and divided the land—they actually brought a hopeless mess back to life.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now in Huabei, Northeast, and Ludong, the common people are welcoming them with food and drink.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If one falls, ten or a hundred new soldiers pop up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for us, we offer rewards and press-gang people, yet we still have deserters. The Wannan Station alone shot seven officers yesterday for organizing a defection.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sometimes I think, in the end, our vision was just too narrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not just me, I'm afraid even the Generalissimo might not be able to see through this god-like method of turning the world upside down.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some things still need to be prepared for early.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here in Jinmen, there's only Fu Zuoyi holding the line.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have you thought about it? If Fu Zuoyi defects or is defeated, I'm afraid Chen Zhangjie and Zheng Tingfeng couldn't even hold for ten days. By then, we won't even have the chance to pack up and leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My thought is, it's almost mid-May, Wu Rui's body has recovered enough, and the baby can handle a long journey. Why not let your mistress take the mother and daughter and go first?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, clear out the underground vault in Hexi early.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ever since Ke Shufen came here, now all of Jingling is saying I have a 'Little Forbidden City' in Hexi. If I don't move it, sooner or later someone will devour it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One has to be on guard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jing said, crossing his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, Wu Rui and the child can leave soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Transferring the assets will probably have to wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Cao Society side...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou didn't continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just hurry it up,\" Wu Jing didn't ask too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, go handle this Gu Youniu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't let Li Ya or Lu Qiaoshan keep pestering over it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zecheng is still very valuable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He must be protected where he should be.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He instructed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou took the order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he arrived at the reception room, Li Ya was talking to Xiao Guohua, while Gu Youniu was squatting to the side, looking anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Movie Star Niu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry for the wait,\" Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhiyou, where did Deputy Station Master Yu go?\" Li Ya asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He took a hand-blade strike from Mrs. Yu; I reckon he won't be better for a while. He's definitely lying in the hospital right now,\" Hong Zhiyou laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just hand the person over to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at Gu Youniu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This...\" Li Ya still wanted to use Gu Youniu to probe Yu Zecheng's background.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Captain Li, it's better to be forgiving when you can.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou knew his intentions and raised an eyebrow with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ya frowned, biting his lip, looking down at his leather shoes in thought for a few seconds, then looked up and raised his eyebrows:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, let's put it aside for now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Regardless of his background, get the Deputy Station Master position first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once you get the Deputy Station Master position, wouldn't it be simple to investigate him later?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Old Lu gets up there, you'll be constrained everywhere. Forget about investigating people; you won't even be able to explain your own mess, and you'll have a hard time then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, sometimes I wonder, whose side are you really on?\" Li Ya asked with a raised eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm on the Station Master's side.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whichever side he stands on, I stand on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou winked and smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Smart man.\" Li Ya patted his shoulder with satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've said it before, I don't have many friends in this station, and you are one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll give you this favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The person is yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his hand, signaling Gu Youniu to stand up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thanks, Brother Ya.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, regarding the sugar trade with Old Xie, are you sure you won't consider it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou glanced at Xiao Guohua.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The latter immediately led Gu Youniu out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Xie...\" Li Ya gave an awkward smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You know you're shameless, too... Hong Zhiyou chuckled inwardly, but verbally he urged:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Making money, it's nothing to be ashamed of.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One thing is one thing, Old Xie doesn't mind, why are you feeling embarrassed?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want it, I'll have him book a private room tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you don't, I can give him an answer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course I want it, I just don't know if it's easy to flip right now?\" Li Ya's eyes were filled with temptation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's easy to flip.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The north is a bit troublesome due to the war.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But the south is still a peaceful and prosperous age.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The wealthy in Jingling, Yuezhou, and Hankou all need white sugar.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It just costs a bit more in shipping fees.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is definitely profit to be made.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's set up a meeting tonight to talk.\" Li Ya said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go and get the money ready.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thanks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou gave instructions and walked straight away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He arrived at the Security Section.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou greeted Xiao Guohua and led Gu Youniu out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get in the car.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Downstairs, he signaled for Gu Youniu to sit in the passenger seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, where are we going?\" Gu Youniu asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What instructions did Officer Zhou give?\" Hong Zhiyou asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He said once I arrived here, I should listen to all arrangements.\" With no outsiders around, the sharpness in Gu Youniu's eyes emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Listen to arrangements? Whose? Mine, or Deputy Station Chief Yu's?\" Hong Zhiyou asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yours.\" Gu Youniu answered very firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then don't go back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go to the Cao Gang; I'm short on people right now, especially for help with many business matters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhou Li should mean the same thing, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talent is hard to come by; 'best actors' like Gu Youniu who can perform without leaving a trace are rare, and Hong Zhiyou had no reason to let this opportunity slip by.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Adjutant Zhou said you are worth ten thousand soldiers, and that I should just listen to all your arrangements.\" A look of worship flickered in Gu Youniu's eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adjutant Zhou was a remarkable big shot in the intelligence line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone even he admired was naturally extraordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You better think it through; once you follow me, it will be hard to go back later.\" Hong Zhiyou reminded him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Adjutant Zhou told me that there are many types of revolutionary divisions of labor; not all battles require guns and cannons. The trade and transport of food, medicine, and ordnance are also revolution.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although you are not one of us, you are a comrade...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Youniu said with great emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop, stop, you need to cut that out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am a Major in the Confidentiality Bureau, a businessman.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou hurriedly cut him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, will I cause you trouble by following you? I don't think that Director Lu or Li Ya are easy to deal with.\" Gu Youniu worried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you are with me, they won't say anything, because I am a businessman by nature; the Chairman can testify to that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They can't find any fault.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go, I'll take you to the Cao Gang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Cao Gang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Er was puffing on a pipe, wearing sunglasses, and playing cards with several subordinates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since he had Lin Sufang, he felt like a tiger that had grown wings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This former confidante was not only gentle as water but also managed the accounts of the Cao Gang docks and the company with perfect clarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last month's surplus alone increased by over twenty thousand US dollars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monthly wages of the gang members below had doubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, there wasn't a single person in the entire gang who didn't admire her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second Master, Secretary Hong is here.\" Mr. Ji walked over and said in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If he wants to play cards, call him over.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If not, then forget it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For company matters, you and Sufang can talk to him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's rare for me to be a hands-off proprietor for a few days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Er smiled and casually grabbed a mahjong tile and threw it on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Ji gave him a complex look and walked out with his head down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were some things he, as a steward, could not bring up with Long Er.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Lin Sufang arrived, he couldn't intervene in the industries at all; the Lady made all the decisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of the tributes previously given to the Americans and the 94th Army had been withheld by the Lady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked like expenses were cut and surpluses increased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was obvious that many things were becoming harder to get done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he hadn't been cautious and used code names for the list of business contacts, the Lady would have uncovered all the evidence of these money-laundering operations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that were to explode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There's no telling how many people would be in trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was, this woman was very good at handling things and had coaxed the Gang Leader Long into being completely obedient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She also gave the gang members raises in silver dollars every few days, very good at winning hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now everyone in the gang only had eyes for the Big Sister-in-law, not the Second Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this continued, the Cao Gang would likely be ruined in this woman's hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Ji had bitter words he couldn't speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked quickly outside and saw Hong Zhiyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong, the Second Master is playing mahjong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it's about business, talking to me is the same.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Ji smiled gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Ji, does the Second Brother not even have time to see me?\" Hong Zhiyou lit a cigarette, took a puff, and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He is playing mahjong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He said, for mahjong matters find him, for business matters find me and Miss Lin.\" Mr. Ji said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood, he's become a hands-off proprietor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I didn't intend to find him this time anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Ji, let's talk alone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou walked toward the outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving at a quiet spot, the two strolled and chatted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Coming to the Cao Gang this time, I feel there's a big change; everyone used to greet me when they saw me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now nobody pays me any mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh, there's no help for it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In these three months, Lin Sufang has doubled their monthly wages; anyone would only recognize the Big Sister-in-law.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"People, after all, who doesn't follow the money?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Ji clasped his hands and sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about you?\" Hong Zhiyou asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I lack neither money nor wife and children, so money doesn't mean much to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just wanted to strengthen the Canal Gang and find some satisfaction in my heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But looking at it now, they won't have any use for me here soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Ji said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why, is Lin Sufang going to lay you off?\" Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She hasn't said it explicitly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm just a figurehead now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Ji said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about Zhou Yan and Sun Cheng and the others?\" Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They were transferred away; Lin Sufang leased two casinos on Victory Road and sent them to watch the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now the Canal Gang's security and defense are the responsibility of Lin Bo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Never mind you, even I have to be searched and questioned if I want to see the Second Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Ji sighed and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who is Lin Bo?\" Hong Zhiyou frowned and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lin Sufang's older brother. Before the Japanese devils came, the siblings had a very good relationship with the Second Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Second Master trusts him very much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Ji said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is an attempt to slowly hollow out the Second Brother,\" Hong Zhiyou sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now the Second Master does nothing all day but play cards, tease birds, raise dogs, and bet on horse races.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He calls it having a virtuous wife to assist him, so he has no worries about anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We are anxious watching it, but he just feels it's good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And he has already started preparing for the wedding, so it's even harder for us to say anything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Ji shook his head repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Ji, is there any movement from the Americans?\" Hong Zhiyou asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are still supplying goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the last few days, the supply has even increased by twenty percent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not only that, the opium the Americans are getting from Southeast Asia and other places is being continuously transported through the Canal Gang's docks to Jinhai and everywhere else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The reason Lin Sufang is so lavish with her spending is because of opium smuggling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's just that she has another set of books in her hands that we can't see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Furthermore, General Fiersun even came to the mansion by invitation yesterday to play a round of mahjong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Their relationship is extremely close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong, if I may say something I shouldn't, the Americans only recognize money; they will call anyone 'mother' who feeds them. The relationships we maintained in the past are being eaten away bit by bit by this woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard a hint the Second Master let slip inadvertently last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She has her eyes on the Xiangdao Shipyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She has sent people to contact the Rong family several times, and Lin Bo even went to Xiangdao in person not long ago.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Ji said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She's trying to eat into my territory,\" Hong Zhiyou laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If things go on like this, the Canal Gang will have to change its surname to Lin,\" Mr. Ji said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Her methods are not bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, I am more interested in the person behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Otherwise, just by her own merit, it would be impossible to have such a layout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Ji, this matter is aimed at money, but even more so, it is aimed at me,\" Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong, you say the Second Master is such a shrewd person, how could he not see through Lin Sufang's intentions?\" Mr. Ji said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's not that he can't see it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He is playing dumb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once a man wants to settle down and have heirs, his brothers become an obstacle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lin Sufang is whispering in his ear every day, and they are sleeping together; doesn't he have to think about his offspring?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He pretends to be bewitched by beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No one can find fault with that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indulging in beauty, ignoring business, and even turning against brothers—isn't that all very normal?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You, you mean the Second Master... he is going to take action against you,\" Mr. Ji said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It won't go as far as taking action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But wanting me to leave, that should be true,\" Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what should we do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong, if you are at the helm, the Canal Gang can do a lot of good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It has become an opium wholesale site. The Americans are bringing in opium continuously; how is this any different from the British dumping opium back then?\" Mr. Ji said with a clear conscience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cutting off someone's wealth is like killing their parents. The Americans have tasted the sweetness; if you insist on interfering, I'm afraid they will take action against you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These people only recognize money, not people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a pause, he shook his head and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Ji has a very clear conscience,\" Hong Zhiyou looked at him meaningfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Opium is a scourge that ruins the country and harms the people; everyone resents it,\" Mr. Ji said righteously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No rush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let the bullets fly for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, I brought someone; please take him to Zhou Yan and Sun Cheng to get acquainted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll go keep the Second Brother company for a few rounds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou smiled and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He returned to the Canal Gang headquarters and walked straight toward the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving at the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two burly men blocked his way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excuse me, routine check.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them raised a hand to stop him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou looked at Long Er, who was shuffling mahjong tiles in the center of the hall, smiled slightly, and cooperated by raising his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Er had a toothpick hanging from the corner of his mouth; he glanced over without a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Slap.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He put a bit more force into playing his tile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second Brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After being searched, Hong Zhiyou acted as if nothing had happened and greeted him with open arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn't this Brother Zhiyou?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you blind? Do you know who this is? This is my, Long Er's, benefactor and brother! You don't know the first thing about manners—get out of here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Long Er seem to see clearly; he stood up to welcome him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just in time, quick, little brother, come play a few rounds,\" he said, pulling Hong Zhiyou to the table as affectionately as always.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone immediately gave up their seat, knowing the score.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou didn't stand on ceremony and sat down:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm bored anyway, and it's been a long time since I played mahjong with Second Brother; it's perfect to play a few rounds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Er laughed: \"That's right, this is the life a person should lead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look at me, playing cards, raising birds—life is like that of an immortal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He picked up the birdcage by his feet and whistled a few times at the beautiful hwamei inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shuffling and stacking the tiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Halfway through the game, Hong Zhiyou calculated the tiles and threw one out casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry, I've dealt the winning tile, I've won.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For several rounds, whenever Hong Zhiyou discarded a tile, Long Er would either pong it or win off it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm done playing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All the dollars in my pocket have been lost to you.\" Hong Zhiyou leaned back, crossed his legs, and lit a cigarette sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little brother, your luck isn't very good today,\" Long Er said with a smile while raking in the bills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's not just bad luck; my financial fortune is poor too. I've been tripped up by petty people a lot lately,\" Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Financial fortune is something that comes and goes in cycles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could everything ever be smooth sailing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Er waved his hand, signaling the two companions to step down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back then, Fourth Master Zhang set up his stage right here, playing cards and drinking tea with Officer Yang and the others.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How glorious Fourth Master was at the height of his power back then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And yet...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou sneered and shrugged his right shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief moment of awkwardness, Long Er's expression turned cold and serious:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was there that night, too. It was you, little brother, who blew Fourth Master Zhang's shiny bald head to pieces with one shot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have a good memory, Second Brother,\" Hong Zhiyou said, staring at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I remember.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Without you, little brother, there would be no me, Long Er, today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there something you need?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He avoided Hong Zhiyou's gaze and turned to tease the birds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing, just came to see you, Second Brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm leaving.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou stood up and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't go yet. Your sister-in-law will be back soon; stay and have a meal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two still haven't properly gotten to know each other.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Er called out to stop him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's do it another day; there will surely be an opportunity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stubbed out his cigarette, picked up the coat draped over the stool, slung it over his shoulder, and walked out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll see you out,\" Long Er said, preparing to stand up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are Long Er, the leader of the Canal Gang; a dragon, after all, is best when coiled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon reaching the courtyard, he suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked at Long Er:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second Brother!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your card skills have improved.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know how to pong and how to win.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Er's cheeks twitched violently. He stood in place, looking at the young man in the courtyard. After two seconds of eye contact, he laughed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your sister-in-law plays mahjong well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Playing with her often, I've learned a thing or two.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it's meant to be won, it will be won.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad. Take care, Second Brother.\" Hong Zhiyou gave a cold smile, turned, and walked away quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in the car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou's expression turned gloomy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, Long Er would rather let a good hand rot in his palm than ever win off his tiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight, Long Er, without exception, not only broke up his own hand to pong Hong Zhiyou's tiles but also kept winning off him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was very clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Er was no longer content to be his \"glove\"; he wanted to sever ties with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he found a backer?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps the master behind Lin Sufang was very powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was even highly likely that this person was the one who had spent a large amount of gold to take his life back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been worried they wouldn't show themselves, yet here they were, knocking on his door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Long Er.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he didn't know how to appreciate kindness, he could only be sent to play mahjong with Fourth Master Zhang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4175,"2026-06-25T10:22:50.793Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","7b4e6efaaf9d9b4110b9631c834b67a1444b0c70a77dc58912beba76e16cb6cf","spy-survival-guide-chapter-314","spy-survival-guide-chapter-312",395,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fspy-survival-guide-cover.jpg"]