Chapter 325: The Chairman is Truly Difficult (7K Chapter, Requesting Monthly Votes)

"Miss Kong, if you want me to sell Axe Brand now, I will sell Axe Brand; if you want to sell Cherry Brand, I will sell Cherry Brand. It makes no difference to me." Hong Zhiyou stubbed out his cigarette, flicked his shirt collar, and slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke.

Kong Lingwei stared at this handsome, wicked face, her own face cycling between pale and flushed.

The liquor license had cost nearly two hundred thousand US dollars.

Had she known it would come to this, wouldn't it have been better to just let Lin Sufang hand over the money directly?

Now, all her careful calculations had only served to make a wedding dress for Hong Zhiyou.

He hadn't spent a single cent, yet he had taken ownership of the liquor license.

Never in her life had she suffered such an insult; she couldn't help but slap the table in anger:

"How dare you! You've actually dared to pull this on me.

"Do you really think I don't dare to kill you? If I can't kill you today, I will certainly kill you tomorrow or the day after."

"Is Miss Kong certain she wants to kill me?" Hong Zhiyou stopped shuffling the cards, raised his eyebrows, and stared straight at her.

"Of course!

"Are you not afraid of death?"

Kong Lingwei leaned forward to meet his gaze, not yielding in the slightest.

"Of course I am afraid of death.

"But whether one is poor or rich, everyone only has one life.

"I will die, but Miss Kong, aren't you also made of flesh and blood?

"Old Zhou, Old Sun.

"You have both heard this; if any misfortune befalls me in the future, it will surely be the work of Miss Kong."

Hong Zhiyou stacked the cards and turned his head to speak.

"Understood."

Zhou Yan's eyes flashed with murderous intent as he sneered at Kong Lingwei.

Sun Cheng threw the long blade in his hand, pinning it into the floorboards.

Hum!

The blade sank halfway into the floor, vibrating incessantly and emitting a teeth-grinding sound.

Goosebumps broke out all over Kong Lingwei's body; she blinked her eyes fiercely several times and swallowed hard, her Adam's apple bobbing.

"Miss Kong, when it comes to Wang Yaqiao's people, it is better not to make certain jokes."

Yu Jishi reminded her in a deep voice.

Wang Yaqiao!

The corners of Kong Lingwei's mouth twitched.

She was reckless, not stupid.

To the Jiang and Song families, this name was an absolute nightmare, one that had even kept her uncle-in-law restless and uneasy for a time.

Hong Zhiyou lived a wild life in Jinhai, had many women, and engaged in so many trades; he must have offended quite a few enemies.

If he were to be gunned down one day.

If these desperate outlaws pinned the account on her, wouldn't that be an unprovoked disaster?

Kong Lingwei wanted to take back her words, but out of pride, she couldn't bring herself to say it.

"One Bamboo!"

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became; she grabbed a tile and threw it onto the table in annoyance.

"Pong!" Hong Zhiyou winked at her with a smile and accepted it without the slightest hesitation.

"You!

"Opium and arms are one thing.

"But I want thirty percent of the liquor."

Her tone softened slightly, her hands shuffling the tiles with a clattering sound.

"Twenty percent.

"Let's not speak out of anger. If you want to get rich, it's simple. Currently, Axe Brand uses the old Renji brand name.

"At present, Renji is still quite reputable.

"If you hang the Cherry Brand under it, it will have some name recognition.

"The markets in Shanghu, Suzhou, Yuezhou, and Xiangdao have already been occupied by Axe Brand.

"You can do as Mr. Ziliang does: take charge of marketing. I supply the goods, and the more you sell, the more you earn. Use the Jialing Company's channels to open up the Southwest market.

"Of course, the sales, accounts, and shipments must pass through my hands.

"Also, since the distillery was bought with money from the Cao Gang and is a Cao Gang asset, it should be managed by me, the director.

"The only thing Miss Kong needs to do is expand the sales channels as widely as possible.

"The more you sell, the higher your commission will be."

Hong Zhiyou didn't look at her, focusing intently on his own cards.

"You're overthinking it.

"Long Er is dead, but she is still here. She secretly married Long Er some time ago; the seals and stamp taxes are all clear and explicit.

"No matter how the distillery is rotated, it should belong to Sufang."

Kong Lingwei pointed to Lin Sufang, who was sobbing while guarding Long Er's corpse.

"Miss Kong is right.

"In terms of both sentiment and law, I also feel it should be hers." Hong Zhiyou did not refute, nodding in agreement.

"Sigh!"

Ke Ke, who was smoking a cigar, smiled slightly and exhaled a puff of smoke.

A foreign guard officer nearby drew his pistol, walked behind Lin Sufang, and fired a shot into the back of her head.

Bang!

Crisp and clean.

Lin Sufang didn't even have time to leave final words before she slumped over Long Er's body, twitching a few times before going still.

"Miss Kong.

"This woman colluded with officers in my unit to dump opium; the evidence is irrefutable.

"Furthermore, I don't think a stupid woman can manage a business well.

"Hong, the distillery is yours now."

Ke Ke acted as if he had just crushed an ant, spreading his hands and laughing.

"Sufang..."

Kong Lingwei's expression turned to shock as she looked at Lin Sufang, her eyes filled with pain.

"Are you threatening me?

"You think that by colluding with foreigners you can provoke the Jiang and Song families? You are courting death."

Her eyes slightly red, she leaned in and stared at Hong Zhiyou, speaking in Chinese.

"I, Hong, have been deeply cultivated by the Party and State; in this life, I only seek eight words: 'Defend the Leader, be loyal to the Party and State.'" Hong Zhiyou said firmly.

"Stop putting on an act. Ye Xiufeng of the Dangtong Bureau still has intelligence on your desk about you selling arms to the Red Faction.

"You are also opening a shipyard in Xiangdao with the Rong family.

"Your background is far from clean.

"'Defend the Leader, be loyal to the Party and State'—who are you saying that for?"

Kong Lingwei sneered.

"Miss Kong, my shipyard began operations three months ago and has been working non-stop to help the National Government transport tens of thousands of tons of grain and supplies to Shanghu, Jinhai, and Qingdao.

"On transportation costs alone, the National Government has saved one-third.

"I sold arms to the Red Faction?

"Without that pretext, do you think Fu Zuoyi could have obtained arms right under the noses of Sun Lianzhong and Chen Jicheng to attack Zhangjiakou?

"Hasn't Ye Xiufeng always been dissatisfied with the Jinhai Station?

"If he had evidence, he would have taken me long ago.

"Miss Kong, you are a businesswoman of the Kong family, while I am a businessman of the Party and State; we are two different things.

"You earn money to buy more farms in North America.

"And I... not long ago, I just prepared nearly two hundred thousand US dollars in arms and supplies for the National Government. Where did the money come from? I paid for it out of my own pocket.

"You live in a mansion.

"My whole family is squeezed into a small, dilapidated courtyard with others.

"And now you tell me my background isn't clean?

"Whether I am loyal or treacherous, the Chairman himself will make the holy judgment, and Comrade Jianfeng will examine the details."

Hong Zhiyou lowered his head to relight a cigarette and said slowly.

He wasn't lying.

Of the two hundred thousand dollars in arms, thirty percent were shipped to Fu Zuoyi per the Chairman's orders, sixty percent were sold at a massive loss to the Border Region, and the remaining ten percent were sold at a high price to suckers like Hu Zongnan and Xiong Shihui to recoup costs and make a small profit.

The reason he made this clear was for Yu Jishi to hear.

"Second Miss, the Lady is still waiting for you back in Jingling to taste the French crepes; let's discuss business." Yu Jishi interjected.

"I can promote the Cherry Brand in the Southwest through the Jialing Company, but I must get a thirty percent cut, and it must be net profit." Once Yu spoke, Kong Lingwei knew she couldn't kill Hong Zhiyou, so she stopped pressing the issue.

"Fine, I will concede a step; thirty percent it is."

"This extra ten percent will be treated as the marketing costs for your Jialing Company."

"It is also a token of my sincerity toward Mr. Kong and the Second Young Lady."

Hong Zhiyou did not entangle with her further and readily agreed.

"Consider yourself sensible." Only then did Kong Lingwei's expression improve.

"Eighty thousand."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and played a tile.

"Miss Kong, you should have won by now," he reminded her.

Kong Lingwei had been preoccupied with talking; when she looked at her hand, she realized she had indeed won, and she couldn't help but clap in delight:

"Won, I won.

"How did you know what was in my hand?"

Hong Zhiyou smiled, ignored her, and continued playing with Anderson and Yu Jishi.

"Three of Bamboo."

"Won." Anderson was overjoyed.

"One of Bamboo." Hong Zhiyou discarded another tile.

"I've won too!" Yu Jishi also said.

"It seems my luck today is poor; I've been hit by three winning hands in a row."

Hong Zhiyou shrugged, looking slightly dejected.

As he spoke, he took out his briefcase and pulled out three thick stacks of U. . dollars.

Like handing out red envelopes, he tossed a stack to each person.

Not much... just ten thousand U. . dollars each.

"Apologies, U. . currency has been tight lately; I couldn't exchange for hundred-dollar bills, so I only have ten-dollar ones," Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"So generous?"

Kong Lingwei was not short on money, but winning ten thousand U. . dollars in one round truly shocked her.

She pulled out a handful, and a quick check confirmed it was indeed real money.

Damn it, this guy really is just like Yu Xuan said—he doesn't treat money like money.

"Since I organized this game, I must naturally be a good sport," Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

This damn guy, he really is... insufferable.

Looking at Hong Zhiyou's smile, which was a mix of sunshine and charm, complete with two deep dimples, Kong Lingwei squinted and curled her lip, showing disdain on her face, but feeling an inexplicable sense of favor in her heart.

It had been a long time since she met someone so interesting.

Thinking of the men in this world, who didn't tremble in fear or act overly respectful when they saw her?

As for those crude brutes like Hu Zongnan, they only knew how to boast about their military exploits, which was even more boring.

Hong Zhiyou was truly extraordinary.

No wonder even Aunt and Hu Die spoke so highly of him.

"Hong, thanks. I wish you and Miss Kong a pleasant cooperation," Anderson said, extremely satisfied.

He hadn't expected that just by showing up to support the event, he would rake in ten thousand U. . dollars.

Thinking of how he used to rely on Ding Defeng to resell a few broken cars just to earn enough for a few cups of coffee, Anderson felt he was even stupider and uglier than the pug Ding Defeng had gifted him.

Yu Jishi, meanwhile, felt a tremor in his heart.

He finally understood why people like Zhang Qun were always trying to run to Jinhai, and why the high-and-mighty Mr. Song Ziliang would be willing to lower his status to do business with a country boy.

With a person like Hong Zhiyou, who could not like him?

This was a living God of Wealth descended to earth.

"Thank you, General. If Miss Kong has no objections, shall we call it a day?

"If we keep playing, I fear I'll be bankrupt,"

Hong Zhiyou said humorously as he stood up.

"Haha, Hong, I haven't mastered mahjong yet, you can't go bankrupt.

"I have pressing military matters, I must be going."

Anderson laughed it off and led his people away.

"Second Young Lady, I cannot stay long; the plane is already prepared. Are you returning to Jingling?" Yu Jishi asked with a smile as he packed the money away.

"I'm not leaving.

"I've been in Jinhai for so long, and I haven't even had anyone to play with.

"You stay and play with me for a few days, and teach me that trick of yours for 'letting others win' at cards.

"I'm going to slaughter everyone when I go back."

Kong Lingwei was naturally playful, and having finally met an interesting person, she certainly couldn't let Hong Zhiyou go.

"No problem.

"There are plenty of fun places in Jinhai; playing is my specialty, you've found the right person," Hong Zhiyou agreed readily.

He knew deep down that this woman was not simple.

Rebellion was her label.

But her business acumen and ability to amass wealth were also peerless.

To some extent, they were half-kindred spirits.

"Secretary Hong, they..." Mr. Ji walked in, his eyes full of sighs as he looked at the corpses on the ground.

"Useless trash who can't accomplish anything but can ruin everything."

Kong Lingwei looked at Lin Sufang, whose blood had pooled on the floor, the last trace of pity in her eyes vanishing, and she turned and walked out.

"From today on, the Cao Gang is dissolved and replaced by the Jinhai Transport Company. Those willing to stay will have their salaries maintained... and increased by double.

"Those who do not wish to stay will be given three months' severance pay and may leave their posts.

"Also..."

Hong Zhiyou lit a cigarette and stuck it in Long Er's mouth: "Give Long Er and his wife a proper burial according to the old customs of the Cao Gang."

"Thank you, Mr. Hong," Mr. Ji said gratefully.

Long Er had joined the Cao Gang very early on; when Zhang Si was in charge of the Cao Gang, Long Er had already been on good terms with Mr. Ji and the others.

Now that he had come to this end, while it was his own fault, it was still sad and lamentable.

"Old Ji.

"In this day and age, it's not easy for anyone to survive.

"Make the arrangements properly."

Hong Zhiyou patted his shoulder, didn't look at Long Er again, straightened his clothes, and strode away.

Jingling.

Yu Jishi offered the stack of U. . dollars with both hands, presenting them respectfully before the Generalissimo:

"Generalissimo.

"You did not misjudge the man; Hong Zhiyou has captured the heart of the Second Young Lady Kong.

"This young man can handle major affairs.

"Commander Anderson's relationship with him is even closer than we imagined.

"With Chen Zhangjie stationed in Jinhai and Hong Zhiyou supplying military provisions to Fu Zuoyi's army, you can proceed with abolishing the Beiping Headquarters and establishing two major Pacification Offices to serve as the General Headquarters for the Suppression of the Reds, allowing Fu Zuoyi's Jin-Sui army to take the lead in defending Ping-Jin against the Red forces from North China and the Northeast."

"The situation in the Northeast is not good; Li Zongren cannot stay in Beiping any longer," the Generalissimo nodded and said in a deep voice.

"Abolishing the Beiping Headquarters and weakening the strength of the Gui Clique is certainly important.

"But if Li Zongren goes south, he will inevitably run for Vice President.

"He has been very close to the Americans lately, especially with Wedemeyer and Stuart, and with the added push from Cheng Qian, Yu Youren, and others, Sun Ke may not necessarily be able to out-vote him," Yu Jishi replied.

"I still insist on abolishing the Beiping Headquarters.

"If Li Zongren is left outside, the Gui Clique generals like Bai Chongxi and the two Huangs will follow his lead; once he rebels and surrenders to the Reds in Beiping, Fu Zuoyi is highly likely to follow suit.

"If we eliminate Li's power in Beiping, Fu Zuoyi can focus on fighting the Reds. I still recognize his military capability; he is much stronger than Sun Lianzhong and can still put up a fight against the Reds.

"As for Li coming to Jingling to run for Vice President, let him be.

"As far as I know, Bai Chongxi and the others do not agree with it, and this can also divide the internal ranks of the Gui Clique.

"I observe that Du Yuming's health cannot hold up much longer in the Northeast. Once Chen Cheng takes over the overall situation in the Northeast from Xiong Shihui, Li Zongren has always been at odds with him; if a conflict arises in coordination, Li will easily be persuaded by the Reds.

"Therefore, the abolition of the Beiping Headquarters and pushing Fu Zuoyi to the Ping-Jin front line must be completed before the end of the year."

The Generalissimo stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant mountains.

"The Generalissimo is far-sighted.

"During my trip to Ping-Jin, I met with Fu Zuoyi and Chen Zhangjie, and they expressed their approval of Hong Zhiyou serving as the secretary of the Military Aid Liaison Office.

"This Hong Zhiyou has very broad connections; every time he transports military supplies to Fu Zuoyi, he uses the Red transport lines.

"This is also the reason why Sun Lianzhong and others were unable to intercept them in the past, and why your secret mission, Generalissimo, was successfully completed."

Yu Jishi said.

"Hmm, minor details and methods are not important, as long as the task can be accomplished.

"As long as this person can stabilize the military supplies for Fu Zuoyi's troops, Ping-Jin will be secure."

"However, the direct-line units in the Northeast and East Shandong are currently short on military rations and weapons; you should soon let Yu Xuan give Hong..."

When the Chairman said this, he couldn't recall the name for a moment.

"Hong Zhiyou," Yu Jishi said.

"Let Hong Zhiyou continue to secretly transport military supplies to Beiping, with thirty percent sent openly and seventy percent sent covertly, so as not to cause dissatisfaction among the Whampoa generals in the Northeast and East Shandong.

"Furthermore, we must appropriately allocate military aid materials to the Northeast, East Shandong, and South Anhui regions to relieve the supply pressure at the Shanghai docks.

"The Japanese have a lot of excess production capacity; let Hong Zhiyou contact Anderson and find a way to get it moving."

The Chairman continued his instructions.

"Yes, I will convey this to Yu Xuan in a moment.

"However, according to custom, should we establish a supervisory office within the management committee?

"I am afraid that this Hong Zhiyou might, from within..."

Yu Jishi said.

"No need, Jiang Jianfeng has already met him.

"Whoever handles supplies, whose hands are ever clean? Compared to others, he can at least get things done.

"At present, the nation's ills are of little importance; only the war is paramount.

"Rather than hindering his and Anderson's hands, it is better to let them act freely."

The Chairman shook his head and said.

"Since Jiang Jianfeng has met him, I am relieved.

"Over these years, he has managed the Three People's Principles Youth League and the Preparatory Cadre Management Bureau quite well, but it has never been as good as the CC Clique or the Juntong Bureau, which have their own financial power and sources of wealth.

"Jiang Jianfeng often complains about this.

"If he can have the assistance of young officers like Hong Zhiyou and Yu Xuan, it will surely be like adding wings to a tiger."

Yu Jishi nodded happily.

"Indeed.

"Without money, nothing can be accomplished.

"The Lady is devoted to the Song family; she and Jiang Jianfeng are of similar age but have never been able to get close.

"The two often have conflicting views on daily matters.

"Jiang Jianfeng has long been dissatisfied with the Song and Kong families, and the Jiang-Zhe financial cliques also tend to favor the Kongs and Songs; there will inevitably be entanglements in the future.

"It is no wonder he values Hong Zhiyou.

"In this regard, you must secretly send more men to keep an eye on Jiang-Zhe and Jinmen; the Lady and her circle will likely not tolerate Jiang Jianfeng growing too powerful. Your Military Affairs Bureau must try its best to protect this arm for Jiang Jianfeng, at least let him survive this difficult period.

"Once the situation is settled, then... we can scrape the bone to remove the poison!"

A sharp glint flashed in the Chairman's eyes as he instructed.

"Understood, I will go and arrange it." Yu Jishi nodded.

Looking at the Chairman's once upright figure, now increasingly thin and hunched, Yu Jishi also sighed inwardly.

The old man is truly in a difficult position.

On one hand, he wants to support Jiang Jianfeng.

Yet the Lady, Chen Cheng, the two Chens, and others are unwilling to see Jiang Jianfeng become too powerful.

Especially with Mao Renfeng secretly colluding with the Song family and the Lady, Jiang Jianfeng's path forward is like climbing a mountain.

The palm is flesh.

The back of the hand is also flesh.

Cutting either one hurts.

The following week.

Hong Zhiyou took Kong Lingwei all over Jinmen.

Aside from the hidden culinary treasures in the streets and alleys.

There were underground casinos, dog fighting, cricket fighting, and other games where the common people gathered.

And some card-guessing tricks.

Small magic tricks.

Among them, what Kong Er was most satisfied with was the poker game "Fighting the Landlord."

Of course, calling it "Fighting the Landlord" was not appropriate for the current times, so Hong Zhiyou named it "Fighting the Big Head."

Not only that, Hong Zhiyou personally took charge and designed a stylish, slicked-back hairstyle for the rebellious Kong Da, and left a spade K pattern on the left side.

This domineering, explosive "big brother" hairstyle made the rebellious Kong Er extremely happy.

The airport.

Hong Zhiyou drove to see Kong Lingwei off.

"Big Brother, I'm leaving.

"Once my hospital in Xiangdao is built, I will come find you again." After spending some time together, Kong Lingwei and Hong Zhiyou had long since hit it off, only regretting that they hadn't met sooner.

"Sell the wine well, and if there's a way to make a fortune, don't forget to bring me along.

"Also, don't always go around bullying people or killing them.

"Not everyone is like me, with subordinates who are just for show; if you run into a ruthless character, they won't be playing games with you.

"You only have one life.

"You need money, but you also need your life to spend it."

Hong Zhiyou took off his wristwatch and handed it to her:

"A gift for you.

"Seeing this watch is like seeing me; think about today's words before you lose your temper."

"Thank you, Big Brother.

"I really regret not knowing you sooner; I'll remember it, I'm off!" Kong Lingwei made a phone gesture by her ear and boarded the plane quite nonchalantly.

Watching the plane fly away, Hong Zhiyou let out a long sigh.

This Kong Er really has boundless energy.

Just playing "Fighting the Landlord," she could play all night.

Riding a horse through the streets, with dozens of police officers following to clear the way, she turned Jinmen upside down.

At the casino, she could get into a fight with shirtless gamblers over two silver dollars, and if she lost, she would flip the table, keeping the Garrison Headquarters and the Police Bureau on edge.

During this time, she also visited the Xiuchun Pavilion twice, and she wasn't picky either.

It simply left Hong Zhiyou dumbfounded.

However, she was served well enough; Kong Er even followed her uncle's example, swore a brotherhood oath with Hong Zhiyou, and became "brothers."

Hong Zhiyou didn't count on this troublemaker to be loyal.

He only hoped she wouldn't cause him trouble for no reason, and that if their interests clashed in the future, they could sit down and talk things out amicably, rather than resorting to the kind of sneaky, lethal tricks she used at the start.

Time flies like an arrow.

The Red offensive grew fiercer, and many regions were liberated.

At the same time, competition within the Nationalist Government became increasingly intense.

In June, the Three People's Principles Youth League was abolished and officially merged into the Party, allowing Jiang Jianfeng's influence to further develop within the Party and State.

In July, the long-ailing Du Yuming went south to Shanghai for treatment, and Chen Cheng went to the Northeast to take charge of the overall situation, and thus... the Nationalist Army suffered repeated defeats.

In October, Li Zongren officially confirmed his candidacy for Vice President.

In December, after Hong Zhiyou's three batches of military aid and supplies arrived in Zhangyuan, at the beginning of the month, the Chairman fulfilled his wish to abolish the Beiping Headquarters and Sun Lianzhong's Baoding Pacification Office, establishing the North China "Bandit Suppression" General Headquarters.

Hundreds of thousands of Fu Zuoyi's troops were pushed to the Ping-Jin front line.

Jinmen Station.

The weather was getting colder.

Yu Zecheng and Lu Qiaoshan had long since put on thick cotton trousers inside.

Only Li Ya and Hong Zhiyou, the two who cared about their image, were still holding out against the northern cold in suits and shirts.

Nine in the morning, Station Master's office.

Wu Jingzhong was listening to the radio.

On the radio, the female host was boasting about Chen Cheng's repeated victories in the Northeast.

"Have Li Ya and the others arrived? Let's have a small meeting." Wu Jingzhong ordered.

"They have been notified and will be here soon," Hong Zhiyou said.

Soon, Li Ya, Yu Zecheng, and Lu Qiaoshan walked in.

"The Nationalist Army has won another victory; Chen Cheng is truly the head of the Chairman's tiger generals," Lu Qiaoshan said with a sarcastic laugh.

"Victory, my foot.

"It's all fake news.

"Who doesn't know that once Siping was lost, the Northeast is now reduced to just a few isolated cities like Changchun," Li Ya said disdainfully.

"Indeed.

"Wei Lihuang has returned from his inspection abroad, and the Chairman intends for him to serve as the Northeast Bandit Suppression Commander to coordinate with Fu Zuoyi in a pincer attack against the troops led by the Red Commander Lin," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Wei Lihuang is still capable of fighting; he and Du Yuming are true tiger generals, and they fought well during the War of Resistance."

"Perhaps the Chairman's wise maneuver can save the critical situation in the Northeast."

Yu Zecheng added a sentence.

"Alright, how to fight is a matter for the Chairman and the Third Department of Operations with Guo Rugui and the others; let them fight their own battles, as it won't be our turn to go to the front lines anyway."

"Everyone, we have a few urgent matters before us."

"First, strictly monitor public opinion and ruthlessly crack down on the Reds; the newly established Special Operations Inspection Group and Section Chief Hou Teng of the Second Department have already issued instructions on this."

"Lu Qiao, you and I are both deputy group leaders; I have to keep an eye on the station, so the student and conscription matters will have to rely on you."

"You should discuss it with Sun Chuanzhi over there."

"I don't like dealing with their people."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Yes, Station Chief." Lu Qiao, who had been wishing for the power to make decisions alone, nodded hurriedly.

"Second, Zecheng, you speak." Wu Jingzhong pointed at Yu Zecheng.

"It is like this: the Langfang Group, following leads, has tracked down several Red propaganda groups and printing plants; these people often distribute leaflets in villages and towns in the middle of the night and paint reactionary slogans on walls."

"This kind of agitation and Red-promoting phenomenon is extremely rampant in the Pingjin area, especially on campuses."

"The Pacification Headquarters is very dissatisfied with this."

"Commander Chen Zhangjie attaches great importance to this matter now and requires us to provide results."

"Captain Li, your Operations Team needs to step it up."

Yu Zecheng said.

"I would like to step it up."

"But now the equipment room has become a private supply for certain people; if I apply for a few bullets, it takes at least a week to come down, let alone monitoring equipment."

"What do you expect my men to use to make arrests?"

Li Ya glared sideways at Lu Qiao, very dissatisfied.

"Captain Li, it is all standard procedure; I have been busy running between two places lately, so the approvals have been a bit slow, no need to go snitching, right?" Lu Qiao smiled faintly.

"Indeed."

"You are currently holding two positions, no, now you have added the Special Operations Inspection Group."

"I am wondering if you can handle the workload?"

"Why don't you, in your noble capacity, take over the Operations Team as well?"

Li Ya said with a sarcastic tone.

"Station Chief, look, he is getting agitated again."

"I remember now, the Three People's Principles Youth League has been dissolved, and the Jinhai branch is empty; it is only natural that Captain Li is unhappy." Lu Qiao shook his head and smiled, poking at Li Ya's sore spot.

"Li Ya, don't say things out of anger."

"How about this, Lu Qiao, you first hand the equipment room over to Yu Zecheng and finish the Pacification Headquarters' orders first."

"Right now, they hold hundreds of thousands of troops in Pingjin; their words carry more weight than the Chairman's, and we cannot afford to offend them."

Wu Jingzhong said with his hands behind his back, sighing with a smile.

"Fine." Lu Qiao felt slightly displeased.

Damn it, this plague of a Li Ya; every time he picks a fight, Old Wu swings the blade at me, it's infuriating.

"By the way, who was that... professor who arrived recently?" Wu Jingzhong couldn't quite recall.

"Professor Qian, a physics expert." Hong Zhiyou hurriedly added.

"Right, this Professor Qian landed here in Jinhai; Bureau Chief Mao has instructions, isn't there some island transport plan recently?"

"It just so happens that a batch of treasures from the Forbidden City, along with a group of intellectuals from Qing and Bei, are to be transferred to Wandao; Bureau Chief Mao's intention is to have this person airlifted over as well."

"Lu Qiao, isn't your Special Operations Inspection Group specifically in charge of these messy affairs?"

"This matter is handed to you; find two people to escort him onto the plane and get him out of here quickly."

Wu Jingzhong waved his hand and instructed.

"Station Chief, I'm afraid this... isn't that simple." Lu Qiao said in a low voice.

"This person has published many academic articles in North America and is quite famous."

"The Americans were unwilling to let him return in the first place."

"The key is that this person is pro-Red; to be honest, I received orders from Group Leader Hou yesterday and sent people to persuade him."

"Offering money didn't work."

"Reasoning didn't work either."

"In the end, my men even held guns to his forehead, and he didn't even blink, declaring that he would rather die in Jinhai than go to Wandao."

"It is said that the Reds have been operating behind the scenes for his return this time."

"In my opinion, he is waiting for the Reds to come and rescue him."

"Station Chief, I actually think this is a fishing opportunity."

"It is rare to have such good bait; there is no reason for us to miss it; if the Reds dare to show their faces, we will catch them one by one."

Lu Qiao's face was full of cunning and cold smiles.

"Hmm."

"This plan is feasible; in that case, for the sake of secrecy, Lu Qiao, you will be solely responsible."

"For manpower, follow the old rules and draw from the Garrison Headquarters or the Dangtong Bureau."

"Report the specific plan directly to Department Head Hou."

Wu Jingzhong nodded in appreciation, while simultaneously glancing at Yu Zecheng without leaving a trace.

Intuition told him that the Reds' methods were godlike, and it was hard to say whether Lu Qiao could keep the person safe.

If this person were to commit suicide or have an accident, it would inevitably bring trouble upon himself.

He wouldn't wade into the muddy waters of these stinking intellectuals.

The key was not to let Lu Qiao get too cocky.

Look at this, for a top-secret event instructed by Department Head Hou, he had dragged both Yu Zecheng and Li Ya in for a small meeting.

(End of chapter)