Chapter 341: Meeting Zuo Lan Again

"Director!" Hong Zhiyou walked in.

"Zhiyou, your complexion doesn't look too good."

"It seems the Grand Hotel is not easy to build," Jiang Jianfeng said with a hearty laugh.

"I won't lie to you, Director."

"It really isn't easy. I've been pulling sponsors and raising funds with Miss Kong every day, but it's going reasonably well; we've already raised over 500,000 US dollars," Hong Zhiyou reported.

"Mm, the Grand Hotel concerns our diplomatic face. You must work hard with the Second Miss."

"There are no outsiders here today."

"Just like in Shanghai, let's speak our minds."

"Right now, besides catching spies on the island, there is still a matter of life and death that urgently needs to be resolved. I hope you can help me," Jiang Jianfeng said.

"Please speak, Director," Hong Zhiyou said respectfully.

"Yu Hanmou's million-man army is currently deploying defenses around Shaoguan, but I'm afraid it will be hard to hold back the Red Bandits."

"There is a massive influx of fleeing troops and civilians onto the island now."

"Once Eastern Guangdong falls, I fear there will be even more in the future."

"Currently, American aid is insufficient. Although Chen Cheng's previous 'Land-to-the-Tiller' movement was carried out well, it wasn't thorough or deep enough, and grain production is far from self-sufficiency."

"The supply of grain for the military and civilians is becoming increasingly strained."

"To maintain the New Taiwan Dollar, my father allowed it to be convertible with gold."

"In just these few months, the gold lost and flowing overseas has reached as much as 700,000 taels."

"The key is the shortage of grain in the market and skyrocketing prices. Some unscrupulous elements are taking the opportunity to harvest New Taiwan Dollars to exchange for gold. If this continues, the new currency will become the second Gold Yuan Coupon."

"With the failure in Shanghai, Northern Bay will absolutely not allow another failure."

"I want you to advise me on this."

Jiang Jianfeng said, filled with worry.

"Director."

"The core of economic stability lies in the performance of materials and currency."

"The urgent priorities are: first, to crack down on hoarding and speculation in the market."

"Second, to rapidly deepen land reform so that those who till the land have their own fields."

"Third, to secure American aid, using it to exchange for grain from all over the world. We must let the high-quality deep-water ports like Keelung play their role."

"Of course, besides foreign trade usage, we must strictly control the outflow of gold to Europe and America."

"Even if we buy grain, we should try our best to use US dollars."

"Because if US dollars are gone, we can earn more or borrow more, but once gold flows into the underground vaults in New York, it is almost impossible to get them to spit it back out."

"After all, US banknotes can be printed at any time, but gold is not that easy to dig up."

"If we protect the gold, the currency will have a foundation, and the common people will feel at ease holding the money."

Hong Zhiyou said.

He was genuinely worried about gold flowing to Europe and America; after all, this was what the Jiang father and son had scraped together from the mainland, and every gram was the blood and sweat of the common people.

"I will suggest to my father that we stop the measure of converting New Taiwan Dollars into gold."

"Additionally, I am secretly ordering you to establish a market supervision group. You can ask Ye Xiufeng for personnel; I have already greeted the Internal Investigation Bureau."

"Once discovered, anyone who dares to participate in black market hoarding or price manipulation will be arrested," Jiang Jianfeng said.

"However, even if we force all the grain out of these local merchants, it won't be enough."

"We still need a stable and smooth supply of foreign grain entering the island."

"Don't you have a fleet in Hong Kong?"

"Can you see if it can be merged into the Shipping Bureau to get the shipping industry up and running?"

He suggested with a half-smile.

Damn it, this isn't just picking pockets; this is taking a life.

"Director, I would like to."

"But moving the shipyard requires the approval of the shareholders."

"The key is that the ships over there fly the British flag, which provides certain conveniences for customs clearance, procurement, and even dealing with pirates along the way."

"Moreover, Hong Kong is the center for the circulation of materials."

"Procuring materials there allows us to ship them directly to the island, and we can also avoid some unnecessary taxes and fees."

Hong Zhiyou patiently explained to this "Crown Prince" who had such whimsical ideas.

"As long as I can obtain the procurement rights for the grain, I can act as the transporter, going directly to North America to purchase and load it, instead of always looking at the faces of American ships."

He continued.

"Mm, that makes sense."

"How about this: I will consider this matter further. You go and prepare for the investigation group first, and then find a way to contact your old friends in the American military."

"Let's solve the grain aid problem first."

Jiang Jianfeng frowned slightly and said.

"Yes."

"Director, I have a small request, and I hope you will approve it," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Speak," Jiang Jianfeng said, his tone cooling by a few degrees.

"Station Chief Qiao Jiacai is being detained in prison by Mao Renfeng, and his family still does not know if he is alive or dead. They entrusted me to visit him, and I ask for your approval," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Since he is being detained by Mao Renfeng, you should go find him," Jiang Jianfeng said without even raising his head.

"Yes."

Hong Zhiyou bowed slightly and walked out.

Perhaps feeling he had been too heartless, Jiang Jianfeng called out again:

"It's fine to go take a look; I will call Bureau Chief Mao."

"Thank you, Director."

Hong Zhiyou turned around to thank him and walked away quickly.

Once out the door, his whole body was drenched in sweat.

It really is true that accompanying a ruler is like accompanying a tiger.

No matter how much of a "loyal subject" he had paved the way to be in Shanghai, one thing not to the ruler's liking, and he would be relegated to the cold bench.

Fortunately, he still had utility value and the capital to bargain with him.

Otherwise, he would be abandoned and killed in a minute.

He couldn't stay in this place any longer.

He had to find a way to run away as soon as possible.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the military prison on Zhongxiao East Road.

"Secretary Hong?"

Just as he reached the entrance, he happened to run into an acquaintance.

"Division Chief Long." Hong Zhiyou stepped forward to shake hands, quite pleasantly surprised.

The person who arrived was none other than the former Shanghai Investigation Division Chief, Long Tao.

"You were transferred here?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Yes."

"Thanks to the promotion by Comrade Jiang Jianfeng, I am now the prison warden."

"Why, are you here to find someone?"

Long Tao still appreciated this old friend who had fought side-by-side with him, and there was still some sentiment there.

"I want to see Station Chief Qiao from Beiping," Hong Zhiyou said.

"That might be a bit difficult."

"Bureau Chief Mao has issued a strict order that no one from the outside is allowed to contact Station Chief Qiao; he is being held in a dark cell."

Long Tao said in a low voice, then he smiled:

"But since we are friends, who else would I help?"

"I will take you to see him, but we must be quick."

"Good, thank you," Hong Zhiyou said.

Once inside the prison, he saw the long-lost Station Chief Qiao.

Hong Zhiyou briefly conveyed a few words, without too much small talk, and then left.

"Station Chief Qiao wants some paper and pens to pass the time. Also, try to change the lights in the corridor to something brighter," Hong Zhiyou instructed at the entrance.

"These are small matters, no problem," Long Tao readily agreed.

"Where do you live?"

"There is a batch of rice at the station that hasn't been distributed yet; I'll have some sent to your house later," Hong Zhiyou said.

"How can I be so embarrassed? I haven't helped with anything," Long Tao laughed.

"Old Long, let's not be so formal between us."

After getting the address, Hong Zhiyou drove away.

Arriving at the station.

Hong Zhiyou scanned the Intelligence Division, but Old Yu was not there.

"Teacher, I took a look; Station Chief Qiao is still alive," Hong Zhiyou reported.

"Mm."

"Yu Zecheng was transferred by Mao Renfeng to the headquarters interrogation room to participate in the interrogation of Zhong Yun."

"Now it's good; he's being roasted under their noses every day."

"This life of walking on eggshells is no way for a human to live."

Wu Jingzhong frowned and said unhappily.

"Teacher, the island is in urgent need of grain. I have entrusted someone to contact General Ke Ke. Although he has retired, he has great influence in North America and the military."

"Now that military aid is almost cut off, Truman has publicly stated that he will not give Jiang a single gun or bullet."

"Ke Ke has expressed his willingness to serve as an envoy to come to the island to mediate the relationship."

"The specific itinerary may have to wait until next year."

"As long as he can persuade the Generalissimo to let me act as a grain broker and transport partner, we will have a chance to return to Hong Kong," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Mm, be quick," Wu Jingzhong said.

The next few days.

For Yu Zecheng, it was simply torture.

He was called over by Gu Zhengwen every day to participate in the interrogation of Zhong Yun.

For three days and three nights in a row.

Zhong Yun was tortured by the secret agents until he was on the verge of death, yet he remained steadfast and unyielding, refusing to reveal even half a word.

Inside the interrogation room.

Gu Zhengwen looked at the blood-covered Zhong Yun, threw down the whip, and returned to his seat.

"Old Yu, you go interrogate him," Gu Zhengwen said.

"Group Leader Gu, I'll pass. I studied intelligence and telecommunications; I'm really not good at interrogation."

"Besides, even an old master like you can't handle him."

"What could I possibly do?"

Yu Zecheng said with a humble laugh.

"That's hard to say; what if you catch his eye?" Gu Zhengwen said.

"If I catch his eye, it will be a life-or-death struggle," Yu Zecheng said.

"Someone, bring those students who were distributing newspapers."

"I think he should be about ready."

Gu Zhengwen saw Zhong Yun's pupils dilating and his consciousness blurring, so he decided to change tactics.

Soon, his subordinates brought the students.

Gu Zhengwen took a look and pointed to one of them, instructing: "Take him to change into clean clothes before bringing him in."

Soon, the student named Zhang Shun walked in.

"You, talk to him like you usually do," Gu Zhengwen instructed.

Zhang Shun took the order, walked up to Zhong Yun, and said softly: "Principal Zhong, are, are you alright? It's me, Zhang Shun."

"Is, is it Zhang Shun?"

Zhong Yun's vision was blurry, but the voice was very familiar.

His consciousness was chaotic at the moment, and he couldn't even tell where he was. For a moment, concern caused him to lose his composure, and he blurted out:

"Is, is Old Zheng alright?"

"Old Zheng?"

Gu Zhengwen shouted.

"Ask him, who is Old Zheng, and where does he live?" he instructed.

The student asked several times.

But Zhong Yun had fainted. When he was splashed awake by the secret agents with water, he kept his mouth shut.

"Division Chief Yu, remember this Old Zheng."

"I think this person's identity is definitely not simple."

"Keep this person under watch first, and grind him slowly. I think the interrogation regarding him should stop here for now."

"Thank you for your hard work."

Gu Zhengwen had obtained useful information, so he stood up and shook hands with Yu Zecheng.

"Yes."

"Anyone who can make the head of the Keelung Working Committee think of them so fondly must be a big shot. If Group Leader Gu can find this Old Zheng, it will definitely be a miraculous achievement."

"Congratulations, congratulations," Yu Zecheng said.

"Don't worry, brother."

"No matter who he is, as long as he is a Red Ticket, he won't be able to escape my palm," Gu Zhengwen stared at him and gave a dry laugh.

"That's true, that's true."

Yu Zecheng gave a few perfunctory words and left the Confidentiality Bureau building.

Returning to the courtyard.

Hong Zhiyou had prepared some barbecue, lamb chops, and two bottles of good wine, and had been waiting for a long time.

"Old Yu, hurry."

"Come eat something; I've been waiting for you for a long time."

He greeted him enthusiastically.

"Where is Teacher?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"He's asleep."

"Come, eat quickly. Don't wait until you reunite with your wife, and she complains that I treated you poorly with the food," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

Under such high-pressure conditions, Yu Zecheng was visibly haggard and thin.

Especially the white hair at his temples, which was denser than Old Wu's.

"Gu Zhengwen is very deep. In his confusion, Zhong Yun revealed a code name for a comrade of the General Working Committee called Old Zheng."

"His status might be very high," Yu Zecheng said, filled with worry.

"There's nothing to be done about that."

"They are killing people every day in Machangding. Yes or no, they are all executed by firing squad."

"The Generalissimo has gone bloodthirsty now."

"Think about it, they could even distribute newspapers to the Shilin Official Residence. I heard from the Station Chief that this group is still building an armed base."

"Concealed and elite, long-term ambush, accumulating strength, waiting for the opportunity."

"This working committee is pulling teams everywhere; is this still underground work?"

"Now that I think about it, the Jinhai District Committee was a hundred times better than them."

"Anyway, I can't understand the behavior of this group of people."

"I advise you not to get involved and get yourself caught up in it," Hong Zhiyou took a sip of red wine and cursed in a low voice.

As soon as he looked up, he saw Yu Zecheng looking at him in disbelief, his eyes shining:

"No, no, how do you know the sixteen-character policy?"

Hong Zhiyou realized he had slipped up and said without changing his expression: "Tang Si Mao confessed it. Ma Kui used to keep it on his lips from time to time, so I have a relatively deep impression of it."

"Oh," Yu Zecheng nodded, feeling quite disappointed.

"Alright."

"You should take care of yourself first," Hong Zhiyou said.

"That Group Leader Gu has been testing me, and I don't know how many more tricks he has up his sleeve."

"I am completely in the dark now, and I don't have a transit station."

"Besides looking at my comrades with hope every day, I have absolutely no idea what I can do," Yu Zecheng took the wine bottle directly and poured it down.

"Doing nothing is the best form of lurking."

"Jiang Jianfeng wants to eat up my shipyard."

"I'm not having an easy time here either," Hong Zhiyou sighed lightly.

After finishing the late-night snack, Yu Zecheng returned to the backyard, turned on the radio, and tuned it to the familiar channel.

"Mount Taixing calling Windmill."

On the radio, a long-lost voice suddenly came through.

Yu Zecheng instantly became clear-headed, took out paper and pen, and recorded it rapidly.

"Mount Taixing calling Windmill."

"2267, 315, 1218..."

"This band will repeat once in an hour; please tune in."

He turned off the radio.

He took out the *Zhu Zi Jia Xun* and searched through it rapidly.

"Deep Sea, tomorrow at the street corner vegetable market, Qigu Baozi Shop, third-class code followed by first-class code."

After translating, Yu Zecheng burned it quickly, then hugged the book, gritting his teeth in excitement, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

He had finally waited for the organization's call.

He could finally be of use.

Early the next morning.

Yu Zecheng went to the entrance of the nearby vegetable market.

Qigu Baozi Shop, he passed by it every day on his way to and from work.

But he had never paid attention to it.

Third-class code followed by first-class was top-secret level.

Third-class represents a symbol.

Every important lurker has their own unique symbol, such as animals, flowers, trees, or numbers.

When Yu Zecheng was training in Yancheng, his third-class code was the number 7.

It's just that he had never used it.

Yu Zecheng took out a piece of chalk from his pocket and quietly wrote a '7' on the wall in a corner nearby that was full of the smell of urine, then left quickly.

During the day, he spent the time feeling uneasy and anxious.

In the afternoon, he passed by in a car and quietly took a look with binoculars.

When Yu Zecheng was training in Yancheng, his code for the third category was the number 7.

That's right.

The code matched.

It must be someone from the organization.

He looked around, got out of the car, and walked cautiously toward the baozi shop.

There was an old woman at the baozi shop.

And a woman whose head and face were wrapped in a blue cloth, revealing only a pair of eyes.

"Boss, how do you sell these baozi?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"What kind of filling do you want?" The woman looked at him, her voice very hoarse, but her eyes shone with joy.

That familiar voice instantly struck Yu Zecheng's soul like a thunderbolt.

His whole body trembled, and he looked at the woman in disbelief.

Although her face was wrapped in cloth and her voice was hoarse and unpleasant, Yu Zecheng would never forget those beautiful, moving eyes in his entire life.

It was Zuo Lan.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 342 =====

He shuddered all over, looking at the woman in disbelief.

Although her face was wrapped in cloth and her voice was hoarse and unpleasant, Yu Zecheng would never forget those beautiful, moving eyes in his entire life.

It was Zuo Lan.

……

(End of chapter)