Chapter 357: Found It

Yu Zecheng walked to the entrance and showed his credentials from the Bashengyuan Data Group to the security guards.

This thing was much more impressive than the Baomiju.

"Officer Yu, please take off your belt and shoes; we need to perform a routine inspection." The guard in charge of security at the entrance was a bit dogmatic.

"Take off my shoes too?

"Isn't that a bit too strict?" Yu Zecheng said with a friendly smile.

"Sorry, this is a rule set by the higher-ups and Minister Yan Xishan.

"All secret intelligence agencies must be strictly inspected, and the Guofang Force is no exception."

The guard saluted him and said.

"Alright!

"Xiao Zhang, let him through."

Just as Yu Zecheng was secretly complaining, Nie Xi, Vice Minister Wu's adjutant, walked over and waved his hand.

"Adjutant Nie, this..."

Xiao Zhang was in a difficult position; he simply searched Yu Zecheng's pockets, registered him in the book, and let him through.

"Thanks."

Yu Zecheng smiled and walked out very calmly.

"Officer, if Minister Yan finds out about this, we will be in trouble." Xiao Zhang frowned, puzzled.

"You have to know who you're dealing with.

"Can't you see this is Bashengyuan, Jiang Jianfeng's man?

"Don't look at his smiling face; that is a veteran Jun-Tong agent who once assassinated Li Haifeng. If he decides to make things difficult for you, you might end up as a red ticket tomorrow and be dragged to Machangting to be shot."

Nie Xi pretended to be serious and concerned as he scared him.

As soon as Machangting was mentioned, the guard's face changed instantly: "Yes, yes, this subordinate understands."

"Alright, if I don't speak of this, no one will know; just pretend it never happened.

"Remember, don't talk nonsense to outsiders.

"Otherwise, if you lose your head one day, don't blame me for not warning you."

Nie Xi patted his shoulder and said.

"Yes, yes!

"Thank you for your guidance, Officer." The guard hurriedly bowed and nodded.

Currently, people were being killed at Machangting every day.

Not only were the red tickets trembling with fear, but every department of the National Government was also deeply wary of Jiang Jianfeng's Data Group, fearing they would be targeted.

Fortunately, Adjutant Nie had reminded him, or he would have caused a huge disaster today.

Yu Zecheng returned to the car, his entire back already soaked with cold sweat.

He didn't rush to find Zuo Lan.

This time was not appropriate.

Returning to the office, he quickly took off his leather shoes; they were slightly too small, and his toes were almost cramping.

He rested for a moment.

Hong Zhiyou walked in: "Old Yu, where did you go?"

"Oh, didn't Jiang Jianfeng say last time he wanted to audit the military expenditure accounts of the Guofang Force? I went to check the accounts and plan to transfer two people over tomorrow to reconcile them." Yu Zecheng said.

"Is that so?

"You have to go see Zuo Lan tonight, right?" Hong Zhiyou said in a low voice.

"You know... Could it be!" Yu Zecheng subconsciously thought Vice Minister Wu had been exposed, so Hong Zhiyou guessed he had gone to make contact.

"Not that.

"Old Zheng hasn't been caught yet.

"However, it's not appropriate for you to keep going to see Zuo Lan.

"You need a contingency plan."

Hong Zhiyou reminded him.

"I am from Jibei; I've loved eating steamed buns since I was a child and am not used to the food here in Wanbei. It shouldn't be a problem to go eat steamed buns, right?"

As a meticulous and deep person, Yu Zecheng had seriously considered this problem.

Moreover, he didn't just go to Zuo Lan's shop specifically.

He frequented that street and had been to almost every steamed bun shop.

Especially two or three that tasted good, which he visited very often.

This way, even if Mao Renfeng investigated him, it would reduce the risk of Zuo Lan being suspected.

"Logically speaking, there shouldn't be a problem.

"But the more people you come into contact with, once someone you've contacted is exposed, all your actions will be magnified.

"At that time, Zuo Lan will become very obvious.

"Even if you've made some cover-ups, given Mao Renfeng and Jiang Jianfeng's style of 'better to kill three thousand wrongly than let one go,' he is highly likely to arrest everyone on that street who sells steamed buns."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Yes.

"Do you have any good suggestions?" Yu Zecheng knew that since Hong Zhiyou said this, he must have a plan.

"You need to pull someone in to have contact with Zuo Lan from time to time.

"Preferably someone Jiang Jianfeng and Mao Renfeng both trust." Hong Zhiyou said.

"You mean Gu Zhengwen from the Investigation and Defense Group, and Section Chief Ye Zhixiang?" Yu Zecheng understood instantly.

"Ye Zhixiang won't do.

"He is a Southerner and doesn't like steamed buns.

"Gu Zhengwen is a Shanxi man; he can."

Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"I heard that Gu Zhengwen was almost poisoned and assassinated by his wife years ago; he doesn't even drink the food or water from the Baomiju canteen and brings his own every time he goes to work.

"It is said he doesn't even drink the tea from Mao Renfeng or Jiang Jianfeng.

"Such a person, why would he go to an unfamiliar steamed bun shop?

"It's unreasonable."

Yu Zecheng frowned at Hong Zhiyou, very puzzled.

"It is precisely because it's unreasonable that we choose him.

"Someone who doesn't even drink water outside, why would you go to a steamed bun shop?

"Isn't that just to pass intelligence?

"That's what makes it suspicious."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"If anyone wants to make an issue of this, you can openly argue: if Gu Zhengwen can go, why can't you?" He continued.

Yu Zecheng laughed and pointed at him: "You, you're too cunning! It seems you already have a way to lead him to Zuo Lan's?"

"Gu Zhengwen likes antiques; it's not very hard to hook him.

"There's a cowboy on Jinan Street..."

Hong Zhiyou lowered his voice and detailed the plan.

"That is indeed a brilliant plan.

"Alright, I'll remember it." Yu Zecheng nodded happily.

"By the way, is there any news about Old Zheng?"

On second thought, he asked nervously.

"What news do you have on your side?" Hong Zhiyou asked back.

"Comrade Old Zheng's will is very firm; he vowed to fight to the end and is determined to stay on Wandao. The people from the Huadong Bureau tried to do ideological work on him, but it was useless.

"After all, he is a loyal and reliable old comrade.

"He doesn't fear life or death!

"It is truly admirable."

Yu Zecheng sighed sincerely.

"Pfft!"

Hong Zhiyou spat out a mouthful of tea directly.

Chai Qian is loyal to the death?

He just can't bear to part with his little mistress, the large amount of funds he raised, and the steak at Bolero, right?

Now, from the top down on the mainland, everyone is working hard to engage in production.

Even if Chai Qian snuck back, not only would he have no work in the short term, but he would also have to labor every day.

Staying on Wandao has risks.

But he is the person in charge; no one can supervise or restrain him.

If he isn't caught, he enjoys pleasure and comfort; if he is caught, he transforms into a high-ranking official of the National Party and continues to eat and drink well.

Either way, it's a win-win.

For a guy like Chai Qian, whose faith was long ago corroded by material things, it would be a miracle if he wanted to go back.

"Zhiyou, you haven't been quite right lately." Yu Zecheng asked, feeling very uncomfortable.

"How am I not quite right?" Hong Zhiyou raised his eyebrows and asked with a smile.

"You seem to have opinions about our person in charge, just... just like you did about Liu Wensheng back then." Yu Zecheng frowned and said.

"Liu Wensheng?"

Hong Zhiyou remembered; that was the Jinhai District Committee official.

But comparing Liu Wensheng to Chai Qian really insulted Liu Wensheng.

Liu Wensheng at least didn't lay a hand on his sister-in-law.

Nor did he covet steak, red wine, or enjoy a luxurious life.

He was purely afraid of death.

And because Liu Wensheng wasn't familiar with the district committee personnel, the destructive power he created was limited.

Chai Qian, however, had been deeply entrenched for many years; many experienced old comrades had been deceived, and their lives were all held in his hands.

His defection was almost a devastating blow to the underground organization on Wandao.

"You can understand it that way." Hong Zhiyou said.

"He is still on the run!

"How do you know he will defect?

"Indifference and contempt—this is idealistic criticism."

Yu Zecheng corrected Hong Zhiyou earnestly.

"Haha!"

Hong Zhiyou ignored him, covered his face, and walked out laughing.

"This kid..." Yu Zecheng was speechless.

Six in the evening.

Yu Zecheng walked into Zuo Lan's steamed bun shop with his briefcase.

He ordered a bowl of hot and sour soup and a steamer of buns.

Yu Zecheng ate very slowly.

This was his dining style at every shop—everything slow, in case someone was really following him, so that staying at Zuo Lan's shop alone for too long wouldn't arouse suspicion.

"Zecheng, is there any news?" After there were no outsiders in the shop, Zuo Lan asked.

Yu Zecheng took out the intelligence and handed it to Zuo Lan.

Zuo Lan took it and said with great joy: "Great, with these military maps, the Third Field Army will have more confidence in capturing Zhoushan and Jinmen."

"Hand it to Ms. Zhu Yan as soon as possible.

"In two days, several ships transporting grain to Tokyo will depart from Wandao; among them, two freighters belong to Zhiyou, and he has already made arrangements for Ms. Zhu to leave by ship.

"No one dares to search this ship; once it reaches Tokyo, the Rong family will arrange for her to return to Xiangdao."

Yu Zecheng said while drinking soup.

"I understand." Zuo Lan nodded.

"I must go."

Yu Zecheng finished the last bun, stood up, said goodbye, and left.

Night deepened.

Gu Youniu, with his hair slicked back, wearing a floral shirt and a bright gold necklace around his neck, had his arm around a dancer's waist and walked out of the nightclub stumbling with Luo Youzhang and others.

"A-Niu, President Zhang, let's play until here today.

"Let's continue drinking tomorrow.

"Good... good brother, let's get rich together!"

Luo Youzhang, supported by his lackey, got into the car drunkenly.

"Alright, Grandpa Luo.

"See you tomorrow."

Gu Youniu waved him off as he got into the car.

"President Zhang, I'll send you back." Gu Youniu said with cigar smoke billowing from his mouth, asking the bald man beside him with a smile.

The bald man's name was Zhang Zheng.

He was the person in charge of the former Japanese Matsushima Hydroelectric Company.

After Peng Mengji and Chen Cheng took over the enterprises left behind by the Japanese, they used a batch of old staff to ensure the operation of electricity and water on the island, and Zhang Zheng was one of them.

"President Zhang, are you satisfied with today's hospitality?" Gu Youniu asked with a smile.

"Good, good.

"Little brother, I am an old Wandao resident; I dare not say anything else, but there is no one in the municipal government or military who doesn't... doesn't give me face.

"If you have anything in the future, just report my name."

Zhang Zheng patted his chest, his mouth spraying alcohol.

"Definitely, definitely.

"Brother Zhang, I'll send you back." Gu Youniu said hurriedly.

"A-Li, what are you still standing there for? Hurry and help President Zhang into the car." Gu Youniu pushed the dancer beside him who was exposing half her chest.

"President Zhang, get in the car."

The dancer named A-Li cast a flirtatious glance and helped Zhang Zheng into the car daintily.

"Good, good, good."

Once in the car, Zhang Zheng laughed like a wolf and hugged the dancer.

Gu Youniu drove the car, slowly circling several streets in Wanbei.

When passing a small villa on Beishida Road.

Gu Youniu opened the door and said: "President Zhang, I'm thirsty; I'm going over to ask for a cup of tea."

"Go, go ahead."

Zhang Zheng and the dancer were being intimate in the back seat, waving their hands to order him.

Gu Youniu got out of the car and rang the doorbell with a "clack-clack."

Soon.

The door opened.

A pot-bellied man opened the door impatiently:

"What are you ringing for? Where did this drunkard come from? It's so late, are you looking for trouble?"

Seeing it was Gu Youniu, he became even more furious: "Why is it you kid again? I already said, I have no interest in cooperating with you; get out of here immediately."

"President Jia, are you sure you have no interest?" Gu Youniu smiled.

He shouted at the car: "Big Brother, this guy doesn't care about me, what should I do?"

Zhang Zheng poked his head out of the car, dazed, and cursed: "Damn it, let's see who in Wanbei dares not give me, Zhang Zheng, face!"

The fat man called President Jia saw this, his face changed drastically, and he hurriedly ran out in his pajamas like a pug: "President Zhang, you, why are you here?"

"Jia Bosong?

"A-Niu is my brother; you, you listen to him." Zhang Zheng said dizzily.

"Yes, yes." Jia Bosong nodded like a chicken pecking at rice.

He was the manager of the Wanbei North District Hydroelectric Branch.

A few days ago, Gu Youniu came to the office saying he wanted to see the water and electricity consumption records of several main streets in the North District to enter the water and electricity industry.

Jia Bosong naturally wouldn't care about him and sent him away on the spot.

He didn't expect Gu Youniu to have a relationship with Zhang Zheng.

He turned back, changed his face, and said with a smile: "Little Brother Gu, the roster is not in my hands; how about we talk in my office tomorrow?"

"Good.

"It's getting late; I'm just thirsty and want a cup of water." Gu Youniu handed him a cigarette.

"What are you asking for?

"Little Brother Gu visiting is my honor; call President Zhang in for a couple of drinks." Jia Bosong said.

"No, no.

"I'm really thirsty; just pour me a cup of warm water, Manager Jia. I'm in a hurry to send President Zhang home." Gu Youniu said.

"Alright, I'll go right now."

Jia Bosong poured the water quickly, and after Gu Youniu finished drinking, he bowed and scraped to send the two away.

Gu Youniu drove Zhang Zheng back to his big mansion.

The next day.

He came to the district water and electricity company and saw Jia Bosong.

"Little brother, these are the water and electricity payment records for residents in the Taian Road and Xinsheng South Road areas; take a look." Jia Bosong crossed his legs and handed him a stack of materials.

Gu Youniu looked through them carefully according to the streets Hong Zhiyou had instructed.

"Business isn't very good; most of them don't use much water or electricity." Gu Youniu said while flipping through them.

"It used to be profitable.

"But after the National Government moved here, major political and military institutions consumed huge amounts of electricity and were all supplied with water and electricity for free; the fiscal subsidies given were only enough for maintenance and installing a few utility poles.

"Not to mention the political and military levels, those big users who can afford air conditioning, listen to phonographs, and install colored light dance floors—besides some wealthy people, most are high-ranking officials of the National Government.

"Not to mention anything else, the private residences of Zheng Jiemin and Mao Renfeng, their wives are all big users of electricity; they can blow out two or three air conditioners a year.

"But who dares to collect from them?

"Don't you think?"

Jia Bosong puffed on a cigarette and complained.

"It seems this business is indeed not easy to do.

"What's going on with this house?

"I see the water and electricity consumption of the surrounding house numbers isn't high, but her house is catching up to a small shopping mall outside."

Gu Youniu pointed to a private residence on Quanzhou Road and said.

"This one.

"Don't look at this area as all old houses.

"Our company has had people go there for repairs; it's small but has everything.

"This house has two air conditioners installed.

"And colored light dance floors, phonographs; anyway, all those high-end foreign gadgets, her house has them all.

"According to our people, the hostess is not very old.

"About twenty years old.

"She looks quite fresh and tender, and dresses very fashionably.

"Hehe, don't even think about it; it must be a golden canary kept by some wealthy person."

Jia Bosong laughed dryly.

Gu Youniu silently noted down the house number, flipped through it carefully again, asked about a few other places, and stood up:

"Sigh, it seems the water and electricity business is not easy to do either.

"Boss Jia, this fee list of yours is a blow to the head; it has completely woken me up.

"A small gift, not worth mentioning.

"I'll invite you and President Zhang for a drink another day."

As he said this, he handed over a box of imported Cuban cigars.

"Don't, don't.

"Little brother, we are all brothers; come and go often.

"By the way, give me your rice and grain shop; your water and electricity bill will be 70% off... no, forget it.

"We are brothers; I can still make the call on this little matter."

As soon as Zhang Zheng was mentioned, Jia Bosong hurriedly put down his leg and smiled flatteringly.

"Brother Jia, thanks then; I have something to do, so I'll go first; let's meet later."

Gu Youniu shook hands with him and drove away.

At the side of the road.

He braked, and Sun Xing, who was reading a newspaper, lowered his hat brim and got into the passenger seat of the car.

The car started, and Sun Xing asked: "Any leads?"

"Yes.

"There are several suspects here.

"Among them, at 26 Quanzhou Road, there is a woman named Xu Li; her age matches the intelligence given by Brother Hong, and she lives in a small house in a deep alley, but she lives luxuriously, with two Carrier air conditioners, a phonograph, etc., in the house.

"It is highly likely that she is Chai Qian's secretary.

"Take a look and let's compare notes; let's try to find the person tonight."

Gu Youniu said.

"Open your mouth." Sun Xing opened the box, broke off a piece of chocolate, and handed it over.

Gu Youniu opened his mouth to receive it and smiled: "Not bad, it's actually the authentic stuff, not the kind from the small shop that says chocolate but is full of crumbs when you chew it.

"Where did you get it?"

"Inspector Hong was afraid I had low blood sugar and gave it to me specifically." Sun Xing showed off with quite a bit of pride.

"I figured as much; besides Boss Hong, who would be so generous." Gu Youniu was quite envious.

"This box is for you." Sun Xing said.

"Let me off at the intersection ahead." He said.

"Understood." Gu Youniu nodded.

"Youniu, there's something... forget it, I won't say it." Sun Xing was a bit hesitant.

"Damn it, I hate people like you the most; it's so boring.

"Saying half a sentence and leaving me hanging."

Gu Youniu cursed.

"Alright, Inspector Hong asked me today: what is your opinion on capturing Chai Qian?

"You know I was at the Jinhai Station before, and I've had a lot of contact with Ma Kui and Inspector Hong; I know a little bit about your affairs." Sun Xing treated him as a brother and spoke directly.

Gu Youniu was silent for a moment and said: "Brother Xing, there's no need for me to lie to you about our relationship.

"I was indeed a red ticket in the past.

"I am now.

"And I will be in the future.

"Faith never dies!

"But I know what I am doing, and I know what Brother Hong is doing.

"So I work with him, and it never conflicts with my identity.

"I believe in him, just as I believe in my faith.

"It's that simple.

"He wants to catch Chai Qian, and he must have his reasons; besides, you've seen what Chai Qian has done!

"Doesn't this prove Brother Hong is correct?

"It's just that I'm not a member of the anti-traitor squad, and Brother Hong hasn't given the order to eliminate him; otherwise, if I found him, I would eliminate him without hesitation."

"Hmm, then I'm relieved. Inspector Hong didn't misjudge you; he said to let me discuss everything with you and listen to you." Sun Xing felt relieved, touched the scar on his face, and smiled.

"Don't talk about me, what about you?

"You were an old Jun-Tong executioner who didn't blink when killing people, Mao Renfeng's loyal dog; how come you're also working wholeheartedly with Brother Hong?" Gu Youniu asked back.

"Me?

"You're right, I was a dog in the past.

"But now..."

Sun Xing opened the box, broke off another large piece of chocolate, threw it into his mouth, opened the car door, jumped down, and waved at Gu Youniu:

"Now I am a human!

"As long as Inspector Hong still trusts me, this life of mine is his."

"Hey, don't forget your physical examination." Gu Youniu shouted at him.

"Physical examination my ass.

"We'll all die sooner or later!

"My blood, even if it has to flow, can only be from blades and guns; dogs don't even go to hospitals!

"Later, you find a doctor to get me a physical report to deal with it."

Sun Xing cursed.

"Your grandfather's, get out!"

Gu Youniu had just had a physical examination in the morning, spat at him, and stepped on the gas to go gamble and investigate.

26 Quanzhou Road.

Xu Li, in a waist-cinching dress, beautiful and lovely, put on a mask and sun hat, and stepped out quietly from the back door in high heels.

Turning out of the alley, she called a rickshaw:

"Master, go to Bolero Western Restaurant."

"Alright, sit tight."

The rickshaw puller took her to the Western restaurant.

Xu Li packed a Western meal and called a rickshaw to go back.

Sitting in the rickshaw, she took a large stack of New Taiwan Dollars from her wallet, quietly placed them in the food box, and then sealed the bag.

Not far from Quanzhou Road.

Xu Li casually threw the Western meal box into a trash can nearby.

"Madam, why did you throw away the food?" The puller asked curiously.

"Suddenly I have no appetite." Xu Li said.

A street away, she got off the car and returned to the small alley.

The puller returned quickly, took off his hat, and revealed a stern face; it was Xiao Guohua.

Xiao Guohua had brought eight old subordinates from the mainland.

These people were the absolute confidants of Wu Jingzhong and Hong Zhiyou.

Whether in execution or professional quality, they were not inferior to Ye Zhixiang's Second Section.

"Watch that trash can for me.

"Remember, no matter who it is.

"Once they take that Western meal, arrest them on the spot immediately."

Xiao Guohua said coldly.

"Yes, Section Chief." The subordinates accepted the order happily and dispersed to hide in various places.