Chapter 326: Lu Ming Marries Xiaohui? (7K Chapter, Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Confidentiality?

Lu Qiao looked at Li Ya and Yu Zecheng, his head buzzing.

You brought it up in front of these two, and now you're talking to me about confidentiality?

Let's leave Yu Zecheng aside for now.

His messy affairs don't involve Lu Qiao's own interests, so Lu Qiao is too lazy to dwell on them right now.

But Li Ya is a genuine arch-rival; if it reaches his ears, it would be strange if he didn't stir up some trouble.

Qian Siming might just be a landmine, and it would have to explode in his hands.

"Station Chief, you are the Deputy Group Leader; without you presiding, I don't feel confident."

Lu Qiao isn't stupid, so he quickly humbled himself.

Although he gained the appreciation of the Chairman for taking a risk by suppressing the student soldiers last time, his beloved subordinate Xizi was sacrificed in vain.

He was sent to Jingling for sentencing that very day, and within a week, he was executed by firing squad.

It even made the newspapers as "stinking for ten thousand years," which finally calmed the public opinion storm across the country.

Qian Siming is a physics expert who enjoys international prestige.

Wu Jingzhong is an old-school type, crude, and doesn't understand the influence of these intellectuals, but Lu Qiao certainly does.

If this matter is handled successfully, it's naturally good.

If something goes wrong, having a Major General there to share the blame would undoubtedly make things much more secure.

"Oh, you guys keep chatting; my prostate is acting up again."

Wu Jingzhong pretended not to hear and headed straight for the restroom.

He stayed for a few minutes before coming out.

He thought Lu Qiao would have the sense to leave.

He didn't expect these little brats to still be lingering there.

"Where were we? There's a meeting at the City Defense Bureau, right? Zecheng, come with me." Wu Jingzhong wiped his hands as he walked out, his gaze shifting from Hong Zhiyou to Yu Zecheng's face.

Yu Zecheng groaned inwardly.

You can't offend your own son-in-law, so it has to be me... Yu Zecheng complained silently, then bit the bullet and nodded:

"Yes, yes."

"The City Defense Bureau meeting is set for nine o'clock, it's almost time. Station Chief, you need to get going."

"Sigh, another day of meetings." Wu Jingzhong waved his hand and walked out.

"Station Chief, I..." Lu Qiao still wanted to chase after him to say a few words.

Who would have thought old Wu was so quick on his feet? In the time it took to blink, he had already turned the corner of the hallway.

Old fox!

Lu Qiao knew old Wu didn't want to get involved in the muddy water, so he could only curl his lip and dismiss the thought.

"Deputy Group Leader Lu, taking on the heavy burden alone—your courage is commendable. I wish you success in your fishing." Li Ya gave Lu Qiao a cold smile, shoved his hands in his pockets, and walked out.

"Old Yu, tell me, why on earth did you bring up the meeting?"

"For that trivial matter at the City Defense Bureau, just send anyone; did the Station Chief really need to go himself?"

Sure enough, Lu Qiao's face darkened as he vented his resentment on Yu Zecheng.

"Director Lu, this meeting is not ordinary."

"The Pacification Headquarters sent a commissioner, and Chen Zhangjie personally named the Station Chief to go."

Yu Zecheng said with a helpless expression.

"Forget it."

"Isn't it just a Qian Siming? You guys just wait and see; I'll definitely catch a big fish."

"By then, you'll all be green with envy."

Lu Qiao waved his hand.

"Xiao Hong, come to my office for a moment." He turned his head to look at Hong Zhiyou and walked out quickly.

"Xiao Hong, why aren't you going yet?"

Yu Zecheng whispered, smiling and winking at Hong Zhiyou.

Hong Zhiyou rolled his eyes at him in annoyance, shoved his hands in his pockets, and headed toward Lu Qiao's office.

Lu Qiao has been quite different over the past six months.

Since his meritorious service in the suppression, his official prestige has been rising.

The Inspection Division has captured several more members of the Red Party District Committee, dealing a heavy blow to the reconstruction work of the Jinhai Red Party District Committee, and he has received no shortage of commendations from the Ministry of National Defense.

Last month, the Special Operations Inspection Group was established, and Lu Qiao became even more formidable.

He leaped to become an existence on par with the Station Chief and Sun Chuanzhi.

Coupled with his dual leadership roles, the three-in-one position has truly made him a "regional governor."

His rank has been promoted.

Naturally, his office had to be changed as well.

Originally, apart from the Station Chief's office, his Intelligence Division office was the most impressive.

But he wasn't satisfied with that.

Lu Qiao directly converted a large storage room on the third floor into his office, effectively sitting right on top of the Station Chief.

"Office of the Deputy Group Leader of the Special Operations Inspection Group!"

Looking at the doorplate with three lines of text, Hong Zhiyou couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

A dog can't change its habit of eating dung.

Old Lu just loves to show off.

"Xiao Hong, quick, come in." Lu Qiao beckoned, signaling him to sit.

"Brother Shan, is something the matter?" Hong Zhiyou sat down.

"Look at you, can't Brother Shan chat with you if there's nothing wrong? I'll brew you a cup of coffee." Showing off aside, Lu Qiao still knew that the God of Wealth shouldn't be offended.

After brewing the coffee, he sat down, crossed his legs, and popped a piece of chocolate into his mouth, chewing as he said:

"Getting on in years, my heart keeps fluttering."

"Went for a checkup at the hospital two days ago, they said something about hypoglycemia."

"I get dizzy as soon as I get busy, eating this stuff helps."

"Brother Shan, you're already over forty. With your Colonel rank, you'd be living comfortably just by lying around and collecting your pay; why work so hard?" Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"It won't do."

"Your sister-in-law and I married early, and now Lu Ming is at the age where he needs someone to give him a hand."

"The kid doesn't want to stay in Suzhou anymore; he wants to come to Jinhai."

"Don't you think this is creating trouble for me?"

Lu Qiao said with a depressed expression.

"Isn't coming to Jinhai quite good? The second most prosperous big city in the country; with you covering for him, he can do whatever he wants."

"The family reuniting is a good thing."

Hong Zhiyou chatted with him aimlessly.

"If he wanted to come last year, it would have been fine, but now, to be honest, I can't afford to lose face like that." Lu Qiao shook his head and smiled.

"Wasn't he dating the niece of the Fang family before?"

"In the end, I was tricked by Lin Sufang, investing eighty thousand US dollars into the Cherry brand. If it weren't for you, my brother, making up the military supplies and paying back Officer Zheng, I wouldn't be sitting here right now—I don't know what charge I would have been locked up for."

"Who in the circle doesn't know about these things?"

"As soon as the Fang family heard I didn't even have a place to live, they immediately called it off."

"His niece married a Major Section Chief from the Party Affairs Bureau this Mid-Autumn Festival."

"Brother, you tell me, in this day and age, official titles and reputations are worth nothing; who isn't looking at the money in your pocket when they do things?"

Lu Qiao continued, feeling somewhat depressed.

"Oh, I remember now, you still haven't redeemed your house." Hong Zhiyou feigned realization.

"Yeah."

"It's mortgaged to that Sihai Bank of yours, the one Mr. Zhou looks after."

"Over ten thousand US dollars."

"It's also thanks to you; although the redemption period has passed, the house hasn't been sold off yet."

"Your sister-in-law is still living at the Delong Inn in the station."

"She cares about face and is afraid of being laughed at by those little brats in the station, so she hasn't really been downstairs for over half a year."

"Sigh, I've had the worst luck in eight lifetimes, being tricked so badly by those two dogs, Lin Sufang and Long Er."

Lu Qiao blinked, his smile becoming a bit more sycophantic.

Speaking of this, he patted the armrest of the sofa and raised his hand with an air of dominance:

"Fortunately, when one door closes, another opens."

"Your Brother Shan is now trusted by the Chairman; my financial luck is down, but my official career is still smooth. In Jinhai, not to mention others, besides Chen Zhangjie, it's bound to be my turn."

Lu Qiao said this with a sharp gaze, putting on airs again, looking at Hong Zhiyou with a half-smile.

"Hey, Brother Shan, why didn't you say so earlier?"

"Isn't it just ten thousand US dollars?"

"Is the mortgage deed still there? I will call Zhou Yan right now and have him return the property deed to you."

Hong Zhiyou understood his little scheme immediately and readily agreed.

After all, the wool comes from the sheep's back.

Lu Qiao had invested eighty thousand US dollars; by returning his property here and then shaving a little bit off the "ten percent" dividend every month, he could easily squeeze that ten thousand back.

There was no need to bicker with him over a house.

It was also a chance to pick up a favor.

Although it was of no real use, it was still better than tearing off the mask.

"No, no."

"Brother, how can I accept this? This is over ten thousand US dollars."

"If you clear the bill like this, won't your bank go bust sooner or later?"

Lu Qiao waved his hands repeatedly, feigning embarrassment.

"Brother Shan, what is our relationship? We are like brothers."

"Your business is my business."

"Even if it goes bust, it must be done."

Hong Zhiyou said generously.

"Then, then I will accept it first. Once I have saved enough, I will pay you back." Lu Qiao exchanged a few polite words and leaned in with a smile.

"What are you talking about? We are family."

"I can't just watch your wife suffer, cramped up in the Delong Inn."

"Wait, I'm making the call now."

Hong Zhiyou was not just paying lip service; he walked straight to the telephone and dialed the number for the Sihai Bank:

"Hello, Old Zhou, it's me."

"Please send someone over with the signed property deed and documents for Section Chief Lu."

"Yes."

"Right now."

After hanging up, he called the security office at the entrance to authorize their entry.

A short while later, a clerk from the Sihai Bank was led in by Zhang Li.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Hong Zhiyou gave the young man who delivered the documents two silver dollars and sent him away.

"Brother Shan, I've asked; have your wife move back tonight." He handed the file folder to Lu Qiao.

Lu Qiao opened it excitedly.

Upon seeing it, he was overjoyed: "Yes, it is my family's property deed."

"Brother, thank you."

"Don't mention it," Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"Oh, in this world, everyone calls each other brother, but their hearts are full of schemes; only you, brother, are truly kin."

"Truly kin!"

Lu Qiao's eyes were slightly red, moved by the sentiment.

Hong Zhiyou was just about to speak when Lu Qiao's speech speeded up instantly: "Your sister is a junior in college this year, right?"

"Yes, in the blink of an eye, it's been nearly three years since she came to Jinhai." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"A junior is a grown woman now."

"Last time the students caused trouble, she was detained at the station by the Station Chief. I saw that she is quite bright, well-educated, and polite; she is very good." Lu Qiao said with a beaming smile.

"Brother Shan, what... what do you mean?" Hong Zhiyou felt something was not quite right.

"Why not let her and Lu Ming get to know each other?"

"There isn't much of an age gap."

"Lu Ming is currently a Lieutenant; it won't be a problem for him to climb to a field officer rank in the future, so it wouldn't be a slight to Xiaohui."

"Let's make our brotherhood even closer."

Lu Qiao asked with a smile.

"No... making it closer, Xiaohui would call you father, and I would call you brother; this relationship is impossible to figure out." Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"We'll figure out our side, they'll figure out theirs; isn't it good for you to have an extra nephew?"

"I've asked your sister-in-law."

"She also thinks Lu Ming and Xiaohui are a match made in heaven."

"Now it just depends on what you think, brother."

Lu Qiao tapped his fingers on the armrest, his polished leather shoes swaying slightly.

"You are a Colonel, a future General."

"As for me, you've seen that there's not much hope for promotion, and my background—you know how my father is—I'm just afraid my little sister isn't good enough for Lu Ming and will delay his bright future."

Hong Zhiyou did not refuse, only stating the difficulties.

"Brother, I don't like hearing you say that."

"Go back three generations, the high officials of the Nationalist Government, including the Chairman's family, weren't they all farmers?"

"As for rank."

"Heh, I've seen through it; whatever the rank, without money, it's all the same, and no matter how much power a rank has, it still has to revolve around money."

"Looking across Jinhai, besides Brother Shan, me, and Chief Chen, in terms of ability, you are number one."

"In terms of money and business, no one can compare."

Lu Qiao gave Hong Zhiyou a thumbs up and continued:

"If you think highly of Brother Shan, let's settle this matter."

Damn, so the Station Chief is no longer in his eyes... Hong Zhiyou wore an easygoing smile: "Brother Shan, I have no problem with it, I'm just afraid Lu Ming and Xiaohui won't hit it off."

He truly had no problem with it.

If Xiaohui could become Lu Qiao's daughter-in-law, at least she might save her life when the machine guns start suppressing later.

As for the fact that Lu Ming and Lu Qiao were treacherous, sycophantic people, that was true.

But in this day and age, among those in the Nationalist Government wearing suits and ties, how many are good people?

Hong Zhiyou did not have high requirements for his sister's partner.

Being poor, short, or without power and influence didn't matter; he had plenty of connections and money, and as long as they were on the right track, even a pile of dung could be gilded.

Overall, there was only one requirement: that they could keep his little sister alive, fed, and happy.

Hong Zhiyou had even accepted Liu Shan back then, let alone Lu Qiao's son.

Xiaohui being with Lu Ming was better than being with Guo Youliang, parading through the streets every day and waiting to be shot, right?

"My Lu Ming's looks and education are both decent."

"They will definitely hit it off."

"Let them meet first and get to know each other, see if it's meant to be."

Lu Qiao was overjoyed and said with great confidence.

"Good, it's settled then, the time..."

Before Hong Zhiyou could finish, Lu Qiao made the call: "Tonight. I already arranged a flight for Lu Ming this morning; at this hour, he should already be at the Delong Inn."

"Also, I plan to transfer Lu Ming to the Intelligence Section; can you put in a word for me with the Station Chief?" He paused and leaned in to whisper.

"Understood, father and son fight together; the Inspection Group is short of people right now."

"If we can hook a big fish this time, Lu Ming's promotion to Captain is just around the corner."

"Brother Shan, this is what they call 'keeping the fat water within one's own fields'."

Hong Zhiyou rubbed his chin, curled his lip, and smiled.

"You could say that."

"Regardless, he is your nephew and future brother-in-law; if you help out, Brother Shan will remember it here and will definitely reward you handsomely in the future."

Lu Qiao patted his chest and said.

"That's not an issue, leave it to me."

"Also, does Lu Ming prefer Chinese or Western food? I'll book a private room tonight to welcome him."

Hong Zhiyou knew Lu Qiao was tight on cash and took the initiative to handle it.

"Western food, the Lishun Hotel will do; plus, you can still sign for the bill there." Lu Qiao smiled.

"Fine."

"Then it's settled." Hong Zhiyou finished speaking and rose to leave.

"Wait."

"Brother, about this Qian Siming business, the Station Chief refuses to step in, and it's very hard for me to handle many things." Lu Qiao called him back again.

"Brother Shan, the Station Chief is in a difficult position too."

"Since the Confidentiality Bureau is in charge, Li Ya will definitely get involved."

"Furthermore, the Three People's Principles Youth League has been disbanded and merged, but the Cadre Reserve Bureau still exists; don't underestimate Li Ya's strength."

"If he gets involved, wouldn't that just add to your trouble?"

"The main thing is that the Station Chief is indeed getting on in years, and he is powerless to do many things."

"Sun Chuanzhi, can't you get a job at the Gendarmerie Headquarters?"

"You should just take all the credit yourself."

Hong Zhiyou decisively blocked the suggestion on behalf of Wu Jingzhong.

"Fine."

"It's just that Li Ya has already caught wind of it, and I'm afraid he'll inevitably try to trip me up."

"I'm thinking, can we plant someone close to Qian Siming?"

"He has to eat, drink, and relieve himself, after all."

"This is an opportunity."

"It's just that Qian Siming has an attendant by his side, someone who followed him back from North America; it won't be easy to get rid of him."

Lu Qiaoshan frowned slightly and said.

"Brother, don't ask me about this; if something goes wrong, I can't take the responsibility."

"I have things to do, I'm leaving."

Hong Zhiyou waved his hands hurriedly.

"No rush."

"Help me look at this group of people."

"These are Qian Siming's former students; see who might be suitable."

Saying this, Lu Qiaoshan whispered:

"I'm afraid some of them have been to the cadre school and are people of Jiang Jianfeng or Li Ya, which would ruin my work later."

Hong Zhiyou took the list and glanced at it; Liu Shan was among them.

Liu Shan was quite unlucky.

He had always been in contact with Li Ya's underground line and originally had a chance to go to the cadre school, but someone else took his spot.

Among the seven people Lu Qiaoshan killed, one of them was Liu Shan's superior.

Liu Shan was now disconnected and had faded into the crowd.

Of course, this had nothing to do with Hong Zhiyou.

He scanned it roughly and placed the photos on the table:

"Brother Shan, take your time choosing. My suggestion is to find someone as poor as possible; if they're poor, they won't have the money to pull strings to get into the cadre school, and besides, they'll work harder once they start."

"That's a good suggestion." Lu Qiaoshan nodded.

It was rare that the Station Chief was away at a meeting, so Hong Zhiyou skipped work and went to Renji.

Fang Min was recovering well.

Her leg was lame, but her complexion had recovered very well.

Ji Qing knew she was a "hero" to Hong Zhiyou, so she provided all the best nourishment.

Over the past half year, Fang Min had been nurtured until she was glowing with health, becoming increasingly plump and beautiful, while also assisting Ji Qing in keeping Renji in perfect order.

At the same time, she had also become the new spokesperson for the Cherry brand.

Huge posters and graffiti appeared on the streets and alleys of Jinhai; she was a total star.

Regarding these two girls, Hong Zhiyou made sure to treat them equally.

He had originally wanted to put them in one room.

Both were too shy and refused to agree no matter what.

Hong Zhiyou could only take turns pampering them.

The room.

Hong Zhiyou, having gone for a second round, lay in Fang Min's arms, puffing on a cigarette and panting.

"Zhiyou, I still... want more." Fang Min acted coquettishly.

In the past, whenever Hong Zhiyou heard those three words, he would certainly not have accepted defeat.

But now.

He was truly a bit panicked.

Not only did he get dizzy every time they finished, but the key was that there was a long line waiting behind.

He had to go to Wanqiu's place that night, and in two days, Zhou Gendi was coming with Hu Die to ask for the second half of the script for *Three Strums of the Plum Blossom*, which would surely cost him half his life.

Furthermore, Xiong Shihui was no longer in the Northeast, and with the Nationalist Army losing most of the territory, the supply of deer antler powder had long been cut off.

There was nowhere to replenish it even if he wanted to.

Relying solely on eating some seafood and oysters wasn't working either.

"Damn it."

"You two are like tigers; why does it feel like I'm here doing manual labor?"

Hong Zhiyou pinched her chin and feigned anger.

"But I just like you, what can I do?"

"Restrain yourself."

"I'll buy a copy of *Longevity and Health Mirror* for you to read tomorrow." Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"*Longevity and Health Mirror*? What kind of book is that?" Fang Min clearly hadn't heard of it.

"A book to help you break this hobby of yours." Hong Zhiyou winked mischievously.

"You're annoying."

"You might as well just let me die." Fang Min pinched him and giggled.

"By the way, Kang Zuowen's son came to see me today, saying his father was locked up in the Shuitun Prison. Is that true?" she asked.

"Of course."

"In the past, we removed the label of traitor from him."

"Now he's stirring up trouble again at the Liuwei Road grain market, selling high-priced grain, and it just so happens the Nationalist Government needs to make an example of someone to intimidate these unscrupulous merchants."

"He's the one."

"He'll be tried next month and executed by firing squad."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

Actually, Kang Zuowen was just unlucky.

Jiang Jianfeng and the others couldn't do anything about big compradors like the Kongs and Songs, so to appease public anger, they had to start with these unlucky ones.

Of course, it didn't have to be Kang Zuowen.

But who told him to be so heartless and ungrateful, catching Hong Zhiyou's eye?

"Thank you." Fang Min was incredibly grateful.

She knew Hong Zhiyou was venting his anger for her and taking revenge on the Kang family.

"What are you thanking me for? You've helped me plenty over the years."

"Don't worry."

"I'll keep you satisfied."

Hong Zhiyou mustered his strength and stayed with her for a while longer.

He didn't drive back to the station until three in the afternoon.

Wu Jingzhong had just finished showering in the reception room and came out in a new set of clothes.

"Sigh."

"A bunch of chain-smokers; if they keep meeting like this, the war won't even be over before I'm smoked to death by them."

"From tomorrow on, except for meetings with the Generalissimo's special envoy, Yu Zecheng will attend all of them."

Seeing Hong Zhiyou, he complained with great annoyance.

Hong Zhiyou hurriedly closed the windows and the door, and brewed a cup of warm tea for Wu Jingzhong.

"Sir, Lu Qiaoshan wants to ask you to transfer Lu Ming over from Suzhou," he said.

"Lu Ming? Lu Qiaoshan's son."

"What, does he want to start a father-son act?"

Wu Jingzhong frowned slightly, his expression quite dissatisfied.

"Sir, I think this is a good opportunity."

"Back when Boss Dai was here, why did the station insist on bringing family members over? Wasn't it to keep them under control and facilitate management?"

"Lu Ming is the apple of Lu Qiaoshan's eye."

"Since he's delivering himself to our doorstep, there's no reason for us not to grab him."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm."

"That makes some sense."

"Lu Ming is young and bound to make mistakes; when that time comes, these will all be leverage to hold over Lu Qiaoshan."

"This guy has been a bit full of himself lately."

"Not only did he move his office right above mine, but he also got a gramophone, playing a couple of tunes now and then and tapping his feet; he's showing off to me."

"I'll just indulge him and see how long he can keep floating."

Wu Jingzhong blew on the tea leaves, took a few sips, and sneered.

"When the heavens are wild, there is rain; when a person is wild, there is disaster. Let him jump around for a few more days." Hong Zhiyou echoed repeatedly.

"As for that Professor Qian, Li Ya must be the one to handle him primarily.

"But you must have a contingency plan with Zecheng.

"No matter what, you absolutely cannot let him go to Wandao; otherwise, if Lu Qiaoshan gets his way, his tail will be wagging even higher in the sky."

Wu Jingzhong pointed toward the direction of Yu Zecheng's office.

"But this person is very important to the National Government.

"Dulles once said that scientists are the high ground, scientists are the future, and scientists are the long-term return.

"If he really gets taken away and falls into the hands of the red tickets, I fear the Chairman will pursue it to the end, and it will be very troublesome then."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Important, my foot.

"Zhu Jiahua has a plan to send three hundred outstanding students from the National Government to study in North America and then establish an academy of sciences to research advanced weapons and atomic bombs just like the Americans.

"He flew to Jingling several times in one month to seek an audience with the Chairman.

"In the end, the Chairman was annoyed by him and gave him twenty thousand silver dollars to dismiss him, and the matter just fizzled out.

"All that talk about high ground and the future is just dog shit; in the end, it all comes down to burning money.

"You say that even manufacturing a single screw is a struggle for us, yet you expect to build an atomic bomb? Isn't that just nonsense?

"Why are the Americans willing to play this game and able to research atomic bombs?

"They are isolated overseas, have plenty to eat and wear, and naturally have spare money to support these people in doing research.

"And us? We are a complete mess.

"One more Qian Siming doesn't make a difference, and without him, the fighting will continue just the same; it doesn't affect anything at all.

"So no one will really take him seriously.

"If they truly cared, they would have at least sent a Minister of Education to come and talk; this is clearly treating people like a child's play, not taking them seriously at all."

Wu Jingzhong shook his head and analyzed with seasoned ruthlessness.

"If you really can't get him away and find it troublesome, find a way to make this Qian Siming stay in Jinhai forever," he instructed.

"That's true.

"Then I will discuss it with Director Yu."

Hong Zhiyou did not dare to continue the conversation and walked outside.

He understood old Wu.

Sometimes he was very paranoid and acted with lightning speed.

If Wu Jingzhong decided that Qian Siming had no value, in order to prevent Lu Qiaoshan from gaining credit, he wouldn't even blink an eye at a multiple-choice question like getting rid of Qian Siming.

But Hong Zhiyou knew very well that high-end talents like Professor Qian were the cornerstone of future national defense and could not be damaged in the slightest.

He arrived at Yu Zecheng's office.

He was shaking out his clothes, "I accompanied the Station Chief to a meeting, and I'm covered in the smell of smoke. If I go home, your senior sister will nag me again."

"Let's talk about Professor Qian.

"The Station Chief's intention is that we absolutely cannot let Lu Qiaoshan take him to Wandao; he is inclined to get rid of Qian Siming.

"If he can think of this, Li Ya will certainly think of it too.

"This person is very important and must be transferred as soon as possible," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Indeed.

"Professor Qian risked his life and spared no effort, determined to return to his homeland.

"It is clear that he has achieved great success in his studies and is set on contributing to the cause of national defense.

"The organization attaches great importance to Qian Siming; Line One has clearly stated that we must transfer Professor Qian Siming to the base area unscathed at all costs.

"But now, the area around Professor Qian's residence is full of eyes planted by Lu Qiaoshan.

"If our people go in, it will undoubtedly be walking into a trap.

"I am in a very difficult position,"

Yu Zecheng said with a frown.

"Don't worry, Lu Qiaoshan's son is coming.

"I reckon old Lu will hand this matter over to Lu Ming; he is already picking students.

"It will likely be Liu Shan.

"I will find time to talk to Liu Shan, and then we will make the next plan,"

Hong Zhiyou said.

"How do you know he will choose Liu Shan?" Yu Zecheng asked, puzzled.

"Liu Shan once pursued my younger sister.

"For a time, he was quite close to me; Lu Qiaoshan will definitely choose Liu Shan to drag me into the water.

"After all, he knows my relationship with Ke Ke.

"Moreover, he wants Lu Ming to date Xiaohui.

"Reasonably and emotionally, he wants me to get involved—first to share the blame, and second to deepen our 'brotherly' bond.

"Otherwise, with his craftiness, he wouldn't need to show me photos of the students at all."

Hong Zhiyou curled his lips in disdain.

"If Liu Shan gets involved, in case the person is transferred away, Lu Qiaoshan will suspect you," Yu Zecheng said with a worried frown.

"He won't.

"I have the intelligence and photo materials of Liu Shan's contact with Li Ya's informants.

"Furthermore, Li Ya will definitely bite him to death.

"As long as I don't get involved personally, Lu Qiaoshan won't be able to find any flaws; he will only direct his hatred toward Li Ya.

"Also, I estimate that Li Ya will continue to use this line with Liu Shan.

"In this way, I will know Li Ya's movements.

"We will be able to make a contingency plan."

Hong Zhiyou pondered for a moment and said.

"Hmm.

"I'll leave this matter to you.

"By the way, did you listen to the radio last night? The higher-ups highly praised the military supplies you transported these two times and even specifically commended you.

"A friendly person."

Yu Zecheng laughed.

"I'm not sick; why would I listen to your radio station? If someone tracks it back to my house, I won't be able to explain myself even if I'm in the right," Hong Zhiyou said with a curl of his lip.

"Enough of that.

"That kid Lu Ming is going on a blind date with Xiaohui tonight, and I still have to go arrange things."

He stood up and said.

"Zhiyou, Xiaohui is a good girl; you can't push her into a fire pit," Yu Zecheng hurriedly grabbed him, saying anxiously.

"It's only dangerous if I hang out with you people.

"Sacrifice is a compliment to you, but not to her.

"I just want her to live.

"So, other than praying that she doesn't like Lu Ming, don't talk about anything else."

Hong Zhiyou was equally paranoid on this issue.

"Fine.

"Fine."

Yu Zecheng looked up and said.

"I'm off."

Hong Zhiyou waved his hand and walked out.

"Phew.

"It would be a miracle if Xiaohui could like Lu Ming," Yu Zecheng muttered to himself after Hong Zhiyou left, shaking his head.

Over the past six months, Xiaohui had grown very rapidly.

During the last protest, not only was she not frightened by the gunfire, but she had been tempered like steel and was more like a qualified fighter.

She had joined the Student Union.

And she had become a propaganda vanguard for the "Mobile Corps Commander Newsletter."

A large portion of the big-character posters, slogans, and leaflets promoting red ideology at the docks, schools, and alleys were organized by Xiaohui.

Yu Zecheng felt both gratified and sad as he watched.

Xiaohui was his comrade.

But at the same time, her situation was very dangerous; as the National Army retreated steadily, Chiang's control over public opinion became increasingly harsh, and white terror could descend at any time.

Once something really happened to her,

Yu Zecheng did not know how he would answer to Hong Zhiyou.

Because he had promised to keep Xiaohui out of that circle at all costs.

But Xiaohui's persistence, passion, and firmness ultimately rendered his efforts futile.

Sigh!

A deep sense of guilt suddenly welled up in his heart.

(End of chapter)