Chapter 365: The Final Farewell (A 6K-Word Chapter)

"Twenty thousand dollars..." A hint of temptation flickered across Peng Chengtao's slightly chubby face.

"Secretary Hong.

"If it were anyone else, let alone twenty thousand, I wouldn't dare risk my neck for even two hundred thousand dollars.

"But since we are friends, brothers?

"How about this: thirty thousand. Thirty thousand dollars, and I'll go see Commander Chen right now."

Peng Chengtao said this with one hand in his pocket, acting very "loyal."

"Easy enough.

"Get to it!

"Tell Commander Chen that if he doesn't release us, I will report this directly to Commander Fu."

Hong Zhiyou pointed at the bastard, tore a page from the desk, scribbled a promissory note for thirty thousand dollars with a flourish, and slapped it into his chest.

In truth, even if Peng Chengtao had asked for three hundred thousand dollars, Hong Zhiyou would have agreed in a heartbeat.

In another two or three days, Jinhai City would be liberated.

By then, if Peng Chengtao wasn't executed as an example, he would be destined for "re-education" in the Gongdelin prison alongside Chen Zhangjie.

Even if he didn't welch on this debt.

Once Peng Chengtao finished his prison sentence and wanted to go to Xiangdao, well, that wouldn't be a simple matter either.

"The two of you wait a moment, I'll go report this now." Peng Chengtao accepted the note and strode out.

"Commander!"

He walked into Chen Zhangjie's office.

Chen Zhangjie signaled for his staff officers to continue their discussion, then rose and walked over to Peng Chengtao: "Is something the matter?"

"Secretary Hong and Yu Zecheng of the Secret Service Bureau are requesting to leave," Peng Chengtao said in a low voice.

Chen Zhangjie's thick brows furrowed tightly; he glared fiercely at Peng Chengtao and rebuked him sternly:

"Of all those 'invited' here by me, which one doesn't want to leave?

"Does this trivial matter even need to be reported?

"Why did I arrest the field officers of the Secret Service Bureau? To set an example for everyone in Jinhai—even the Secret Service Bureau must obediently follow my orders; anyone who dares to defy military orders will die.

"If I release them now, what will others think?

"Will they think my military orders are bullshit, just a scrap of paper!

"As for you, the Chief of the Security Division, I think it's time for a replacement. Get out."

Peng Chengtao was scared pale, cold sweat breaking out on his head, and he hurriedly explained:

"Commander, how could Chengtao not understand your intentions? I wouldn't dare have the slightest thought of defiance.

"It's just that Secretary Hong says the U. . military left behind a batch of military supplies and firearms that require his signature. This concerns our grand defense plan; we cannot afford to be negligent."

"Oh?" Chen Zhangjie's brow relaxed slightly.

"How about this: tell him to contact the U. . military by phone, or have the U. . military send the list to the headquarters," he said after a pause.

Peng Chengtao had not expected Chen Zhangjie's attitude to be so firm.

He had originally thought, it's just two people, isn't it?

With military equipment and supplies offered up, even if it was a "kidnapping," surely they should be released for so much stuff.

Thinking of the thirty thousand dollars about to go down the drain, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and try to persuade him again:

"Commander, I'm afraid that won't do.

"I can see that Hong Zhiyou is very desperate to leave.

"He—he even brought up Commander Fu. Hong Zhiyou is the actual person in charge of the U. . Aid Supplies Management Committee; he has always been the one coordinating supplies from Beiping.

"He is also a close friend of the daughter of the Commander-in-Chief.

"If things really turn sour, there will be no way to answer to Commander Fu."

Chen Zhangjie paced back and forth for a few steps, then said:

"There's no need to disturb Commander Fu with this. I see that these two boys are just trying to slip away.

"How about this: you send a team to keep an eye on him, and bring him back immediately after he signs."

"These two men—one is a Jinhai insider, the son-in-law of Wu Jingzhong.

"The other is a veteran who joined the trade in '37.

"As the saying goes, kill the chicken to warn the monkey; there are no better chickens in Jinhai than these two. With them here, all the young masters and old gentlemen in Jinhai will have to obediently go to the front lines for me.

"I don't believe that by mobilizing the entire strength of Jinhai, we can't stop the armies of Lin and Luo."

Chen Zhangjie thought for a moment, then ordered solemnly.

"Alright, alright." Peng Chengtao knew further persuasion was useless, so he had no choice but to agree.

He returned to his office with a dejected look on his face.

"Old Peng, how did it go?" Yu Zecheng asked hurriedly.

"Commander Chen said you can go out, but a supervisory team must accompany you," Peng Chengtao said truthfully.

"Are you kidding?

"We're getting military supplies for you, and we still need to be watched?" Yu Zecheng feigned annoyance.

"Director Yu, Secretary Hong.

"My apologies.

"Even a pig could guess you want to slip away. I couldn't pull this off; heaven knows what kind of soul-stealing drug Chen Zhangjie took."

Peng Chengtao spread his hands, and helplessly pulled the promissory note from his pocket and handed it to Hong Zhiyou.

"Old Peng.

"You tried your best, and the note remains valid.

"Let them watch if they want.

"Let's go."

Hong Zhiyou pushed it back very magnanimously.

"This, how could I be so embarrassed." While Peng Chengtao was overjoyed and acted ashamed, his hand honestly took the note back into his pocket.

"Make the arrangements," Hong Zhiyou ordered.

Soon.

The two of them got into the car.

The supervisory team also split into two cars and followed them toward the naval warehouse.

Upon arriving at the warehouse, Anderson led a team of burly soldiers to stand guard in front of the fence.

Creak.

The cars came to a stop.

"Secretary Hong, Director Yu, please," Anderson said, gesturing with his hand.

Xu Cheng, the leader of the supervisory team, hurried to catch up.

Just as they were about to enter, Anderson raised his hand to block them: "NO, you cannot enter."

"By the order of Commander Chen, we are responsible for the safety of Hong and Yu.

"Please let us pass."

Xu Cheng said with a straight, stern face.

"Heh."

Anderson sneered and unhurriedly took out a cigar.

Snip.

He lit it.

He blew a cloud of thick smoke into Xu Cheng's face:

"GO OUT!"

"What?" Xu Cheng frowned.

"Get out!"

Anderson said coldly.

"We are under orders..." Xu Cheng saw Hong Zhiyou walking further and further away and couldn't help but get anxious.

Anderson drew his pistol and aimed at his feet.

Bang! Bang!

He emptied a magazine of bullets.

Anderson holstered his gun and slowly pointed outside: "Get out!"

"Let's go!"

Xu Cheng waved his hand, leading his men away in the cars, unwilling.

Hong Zhiyou breathed a slight sigh of relief.

These tag-alongs were finally shaken off.

Chen Zhangjie shouldn't be crazy enough to dare storm a U. . military camp or pester them to the end.

"Anderson, ship a small portion of the supplies to the headquarters."

One shouldn't do things too ruthlessly; he still had to leave Chen Zhangjie some face, Hong Zhiyou ordered.

"Carl, ship the weapons and flour from Warehouse No. 2 to the headquarters," Anderson signaled to his men.

"Zhiyou, Station Chief Wu is already waiting at the airport, let's get in the car with me."

Anderson got into the jeep.

The two of them got into the car and left the wharf warehouse.

"Anderson, let's go by way of Taishan Road," Yu Zecheng said.

Anderson looked toward Hong Zhiyou.

The latter nodded slightly.

"Alrighty." Anderson stepped on the gas, and the car roared away.

"You could actually have stayed at the headquarters," Hong Zhiyou said.

"No.

"Artillery shells have no eyes; if I were to be killed, I wouldn't be able to hand my things over to the organization.

"Furthermore, if I stay at the headquarters, the Station Chief might have a backup plan.

"He will not let me stay alive."

Yu Zecheng, however, knew this clearly.

Hong Zhiyou understood the stakes involved and nodded without saying anything more.

When the car passed by the small courtyard.

Anderson stopped, got out to smoke, and gave the two of them space to talk.

"Zhiyou, this is as far as it goes.

"If... if I can live until liberation, I will personally report everything you have done to our superiors one by one in the future.

"Brother.

"Thanks, really, thank you!"

Yu Zecheng looked at Hong Zhiyou, his eyes inevitably moistening.

He kept recalling the past, from the first time Hong Zhiyou secretly helped him eliminate Liu Wensheng, to their mutual support through life and death later on.

He knew deep down that without Hong Zhiyou.

He, Shopkeeper Qiu, and Jiang Aimei would have all long since perished.

During the most difficult times in the border region, Hong Zhiyou was always able to find ways to provide timely help.

Hong Zhiyou loved money, but he used it for the right reasons.

He was not a Red.

Yet he was a brother who followed him through life and death, a like-minded friend and comrade.

Now, they had finally reached the time to part ways.

Yu Zecheng was heartbroken, filled with a thousand regrets and endless helplessness.

"Old Yu, take care!" Hong Zhiyou shook his hand firmly.

He did not think well of Yu Zecheng staying behind.

He was not a Party member.

And he was a disciple taught by Yu Lexing in '37.

Judging by history, Yu's identity could not be made public in the short term, or perhaps even the long term.

It could not be made public.

He was a reactionary of the Jiang government, a secret agent, a lackey, and an executioner of the Confidentiality Bureau.

Whether he could survive that ordeal was hard to say.

Even if he could survive, with the health of people like Shopkeeper Qiu, Jiang Aimei, and Huang Zhong, they might not be able to hold on until that time to testify for him.

Relying on Sanmin and Cuiping would hardly be convincing.

Hong Zhiyou did not think well of Old Yu staying behind.

But Yu Zecheng's faith determined that he could go to Jingling or Wandao to go undercover for the organization, but he could never go and live a comfortable, idle life with him.

Sigh.

Everyone has their own aspirations.

Perhaps for someone like Old Yu who is always prepared to sacrifice, as long as he can live under the red flag, even bitterness is sweet.

Hong Zhiyou had the words on the tip of his tongue, but swallowed them back, offering only a smiling blessing:

"Take care.

"Live, live well."

"You too, if you have the chance, you must go home and take a look," Yu Zecheng said, clasping his hands with him.

After the two looked at each other and smiled, Yu Zecheng took a slight breath and turned to rush into the courtyard.

"Anderson, let's go."

Hong Zhiyou waved his hand, and Anderson drove toward the airport.

Yu Zecheng stood in the courtyard, feeling sour and stifled inside.

He was about to leave.

He knew that according to the usual practice.

Once he left, the house would definitely be purged.

Sanmin had already left.

He had to find a way to hide himself or get out of the city.

Carrying the film on his person would be very troublesome if it were searched out.

Thinking of this, Yu Zecheng wrapped the film well and hid it in the chicken coop.

Cluck.

Cluck!

The few chickens in the coop stirred in a flurry.

The gold bars had already been taken away by Cuiping.

After putting the film away, just as Yu Zecheng stood up, he saw a person standing in the courtyard, staring at him coldly like a ghost.

It was Xiao Guohua.

Clearly, he had witnessed everything.

Xiao Guohua appearing here was definitely not a coincidence.

Clearly, he had been hiding here, lying in wait.

He had come for him.

At this time, at this juncture.

Aside from silencing him, Yu Zecheng could not think of a second possibility.

"Don't try to draw your gun, there are several other people outside," Xiao Guohua said, brushing the snowflakes off his shoulders and coldly reminding him.

Yu Zecheng's heart instantly fell into an ice cellar, and he forced a calm smile: "Section Chief Xiao, what is this?"

"I have no interest in what you hid in the chicken coop.

"I have only one thing to do.

"The Station Chief has ordered that you go to the airport immediately.

"He is a man of sentiment and wants to continue taking you with him.

"You can refuse.

"But you had better not!"

Xiao Guohua's hand was hidden in the pocket of his black trench coat; if Yu Zecheng dared to refuse, a bullet would pierce through the pocket, giving Yu no chance at all.

"Old Xiao, is there really no choice? Can't you do it for the sake of Zhiyou?" Yu Zecheng asked with a gentle smile.

He wanted to reunite with Cuiping.

He wanted to welcome the new world together.

Hope was right before his eyes; he really found it hard to give up.

"Don't force me," Xiao Guohua said, nudging the gun hidden in his pocket outward.

"Hoo!

"You've been waiting here for me, haven't you?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"Yes.

"Because the Station Chief knew that Secretary Hong would definitely have a way to get you out of the headquarters.

"And he guessed that you might come back to get some things.

"Director Yu, you should be clear that you have lived until today because the Station Chief has already done all he could for you; don't let him down.

"Let's go."

Xiao Guohua said in a deep voice.

As a bystander, he saw many things more clearly than Liu Xiong.

It was just that he had Liu Xiong's lesson before him.

Hong Zhiyou and Wu Jingzhong had been providing cover for Yu Zecheng.

He naturally had no reason to wade into these muddy waters.

"Alright, alright," Yu Zecheng said, walking toward him with his hands half-raised.

After Xiao Guohua searched him for a pistol, he walked out of the small courtyard side by side with him.

They got into the car.

Watching the small courtyard as it gradually receded into the distance.

Because his brief moment of happiness had been shattered, Yu Zecheng secretly gritted his teeth in pain, his whole body trembling.

Leaving like this.

Perhaps he would never see Cuiping, Liao Sanmin, and Luo Anping, those comrades he had fought alongside, ever again.

Farewell, Jinhai.

Yu Zecheng whispered inwardly.

……

The airport.

Anderson stepped on the brake, and the car came to a steady stop in the snow.

Wu Jingzhong, wearing a thick tall hat and a heavy black cloak, was overjoyed when he saw Hong Zhiyou and came up to greet him:

"Oh my.

"You finally made it.

"I have been thinking about how I would explain this to Rui Rui once we get to Xiangdao.

"That's great, that's great."

He took Hong Zhiyou's hand and patted it firmly a few times.

"I have caused you worry, Master," Hong Zhiyou said gratefully.

"Where is Zecheng?" Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile.

"He, he..." Hong Zhiyou looked at Old Wu's cold, gloomy eyes, not knowing how to answer.

"You.

"It is certainly important to understand the ways of the world when you are out in society.

"But survival is always the top priority.

"If a person cannot even guarantee their own life, how can one speak of the ways of the world?"

Wu Jingzhong said, looking quite displeased.

"Yes," Hong Zhiyou lowered his head.

"Station Chief Wu, it is freezing cold, and the pilots are currently performing checks.

"If you are not in a hurry, let us wait a little longer."

After a few brief words with the two American pilots, Anderson walked over to report.

"No matter, I happen to be waiting for someone as well," Wu Jingzhong said, glancing at him.

Anderson shrugged and smiled with an embarrassed, apologetic look.

He had said this flight was specifically to escort Hong Zhiyou.

But he could not refuse a well-connected client who paid enough, and the pilots and his comrades had pulled strings.

Either way, taking a few more people was just one trip.

There was no reason not to accept the favor and the money.

Right now, there was indeed one big client who had not yet arrived at the airport, so he could only use maintenance as an excuse to wait a while longer.

"Master, who are you waiting for?" Hong Zhiyou raised an eyebrow.

"Those who should leave, not a single one is allowed to stay," Wu Jingzhong said coldly.

Soon.

Xiao Guohua's car drove to the airport.

He and Yu Zecheng got out of the car and walked over.

"Old Yu!"

Hong Zhiyou sighed to himself.

Ginger is indeed spicier when it is old; Old Wu was determined to take Yu Zecheng away.

But it was for the best.

Taking him away was better than a quiet execution.

Hong Zhiyou was already quite satisfied with this result.

"Master!" Yu Zecheng acted as if nothing had happened, rubbing his hands together as he stepped forward to greet him:

"You must have been waiting for a long time, Master.

"Are you cold? I have a coat in my car."

He took the opportunity to brush the snow off Wu Jingzhong's clothes.

"Zecheng, I picked you out after the liberation in '45. I have long considered you family. I want to take you with me; you don't hold any grudges, do you?" Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile.

"The student has only gratitude for his master."

Yu Zecheng bowed to him.

He was speaking from the bottom of his heart.

How many people had fallen at the very last moment before dawn.

Wu Jingzhong could have easily had Xiao Guohua shoot him twice in the back.

"As long as you understand.

"There will be a chance to see Cuiping in the future."

Wu Jingzhong patted him on the shoulder.

……

Nancheng.

Liao Sanmin and Cuiping had not left the city, but were temporarily staying in a small apartment, waiting for the organization's final evacuation instructions.

"Ring-a-ling."

The phone rang.

Liao Sanmin quickly picked it up, his brows knitting together:

"Is that so?

"Alright, I understand."

He quickly hung up the phone.

"Our people at the airport have spotted Old Yu.

"He has been detained by Wu Jingzhong."

Liao Sanmin said, looking at Cuiping.

"What should we do?

"If it comes to it, we'll kill..." Cuiping did not continue; now was not the time for foolish talk or panic.

"Let's go.

"To the airport.

"They are still waiting for the plane; perhaps we still have a chance to see Old Yu.

"He promised to pass on important intelligence to me.

"This is our last chance."

The mission was always the top priority; Liao Sanmin had no time to consider a rescue.

What Old Yu wanted to pass on was most likely the Oriole Plan.

This concerned the peace and stability of Jinhai City's reconstruction after liberation.

"Let's go!"

The two got into the car.

Liao Sanmin drove toward the airport at top speed.

He was very lucky.

The originally scheduled takeoff time had been delayed precisely because of the late-arriving well-connected client.

……

The airport.

Planes were taking off from the airport from time to time.

People saying goodbye were embracing each other.

Weeping.

The snowflakes were falling thicker and thicker, and the whole world was filled with a heavy sense of sorrow at parting.

"Zhiyou, what is going on?

"Delays lead to changes; go and urge him quickly," Wu Jingzhong said, frowning as he rubbed his hands.

This was considered wartime desertion.

Once Chen Zhangjie was determined to deal with him, Anderson alone would not be able to stop him.

"It will be soon.

"A boss named Zhong from Jinhai gave Anderson eighty thousand US dollars.

"I just called; he is already on his way to the airport."

Hong Zhiyou spoke.

"Sigh.

"Money can make the devil turn the millstone.

"Tell him, at most ten more minutes, we must take off.

"If he won't fly... we'll give these foreign devils one hundred thousand US dollars."

Wu Jingzhong knew time was pressing and could not be delayed any longer.

"Yes." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

After finishing his conversation with Anderson.

He saw a green military vehicle drive up to the airport.

Beep, beep.

The car honked its horn twice.

Standing on the outer edge, feeling restless, Yu Zecheng looked over subconsciously.

He saw the driver; it was none other than Liao Sanmin.

Sanmin!

Immediately after, he saw the curtain in the back seat pulled open.

Wang Cuiping was grinning wide, her smile looking even more wretched than crying.

"Wang Cuiping, Wang Cuiping."

Yu Zecheng shouted wildly in his heart, and he subconsciously wanted to step forward.

"Director Yu, be careful."

Xiao Guohua reached out and stopped him.

"Teacher!" Yu Zecheng turned his head to look at Wu Jingzhong, his eyes filled with desperation.

He knew this was his last chance to pass on intelligence.

Perhaps it was also the last time he would see Wang Cuiping.

Wu Jingzhong also saw Wang Cuiping.

He gave Yu Zecheng a cold look.

He said nothing, just silently turned around to look at the snow filling the sky.

Sigh.

In the end, he was his student.

In the end, she was the woman who had accompanied his wife, calling her "Sister Mei" every other word, and played mahjong for many years.

Forget it, whatever she is.

Let it be.

Xiao Guohua understood, lowered his hand, and whispered a warning:

"There are eyes and ears from all sides here; don't speak, don't cause trouble for the Station Chief."

"I know." Yu Zecheng nodded.

He looked at Wang Cuiping from seven or eight meters away, enduring the bitterness of parting, his mind racing to think of how to pass the intelligence.

Seeing that Yu Zecheng could not come over, Wang Cuiping grew anxious.

Liao Sanmin hurriedly called out to her: "Don't, if you get out, you will very likely get him killed."

"Then, then what should I do?" Wang Cuiping asked.

Liao Sanmin knew they could not stay too long.

There were too many people here; he had to ensure Yu Zecheng's safety so that even if Yu Zecheng were taken to Jingling or Wandao by Wu Jingzhong, he could continue to lie low.

He slowly started the car and drove off.

Old Yu.

It's up to you.

Just as Liao Sanmin was feeling tense.

Yu Zecheng suddenly made some strange noises, and under the gaze of everyone, he put his hands behind his back, hunched over, and began spinning around in the snow like a big rooster, clucking.

Snow fell across the sky.

Yu Zecheng's hat fell to the ground.

He was completely unaware, his long scarf trailing in the snow.

He wanted to say goodbye to Wang Cuiping, but he dared not look too deliberately in her direction; he could only steal a glance with his red, moist eyes each time he circled around to her position.

Cluck, cluck.

Cluck, cluck!

That slightly hoarse, tragic crowing sound.

Every sound was "take care," "take care."

He knew this might be the last time he would see Wang Cuiping.

He regretted it deeply.

He hadn't been good enough to Wang Cuiping in the past.

He had been too harsh on her.

Now, he didn't even have the chance to say sorry or take care.

Farewell, my love.

Farewell, Wang Cuiping.

Wang Cuiping understood.

The chicken coop.

Yu Zecheng had hidden the intelligence in the chicken coop.

While she felt glad to have stood the last watch for him, her heart was simultaneously torn to shreds by his helpless actions.

The sadness instantly felt like thousands of sharp blades, piercing her heart into a thousand holes.

Liberation was coming.

The red flag he had fought for, fearing neither life nor death, would soon be planted on the city walls.

But he would not see it.

He could not stand side-by-side with her in the crowd to welcome the comrades who had fought through blood and returned in triumph.

"Let's go."

Liao Sanmin stepped on the gas, and the car slowly turned around.

"Old Yu, Old Yu!"

Wang Cuiping called his name, quickly crawled to the other window, and stared fixedly at the man outside.

She had to remember his appearance.

Remember it forever!

She dared not open the window, and dared not pull back the curtain completely.

She could only reveal half her face, letting the tears stream down like rain.

Yu Zecheng was still in the same spot, clucking, flapping his hands and spinning.

Farewell, farewell!

The car turned around.

Soon, it disappeared into the wind and snow like a flash of lightning.

Yu Zecheng straightened his body, took a deep breath of the cold air, hid the pervasive bitterness and misty tears, and became as calm as if nothing had happened.

Cannot shed tears.

Whether it is joy or sorrow.

Whether it is victory or death.

That was the skill Jiang Aimei had instantly grasped in her soul and marrow when she was being tortured.

"Sorry, it's too cold, I've made a fool of myself in front of everyone."

Yu Zecheng looked at Hong Zhiyou and the surrounding officers, wealthy merchants, and high-ranking officials who were watching the spectacle.

"Station Chief Wu, we can board the plane now." Anderson walked over.

"Let's go.

"Aren't I still here as your brother in adversity?"

Hong Zhiyou squeezed his shoulder firmly.

"Mm."

Yu Zecheng nodded.

He boarded the plane.

The plane soon took off.

The bustling Jinhai City below gradually turned into small dots.

On the plane.

A woman was sobbing softly.

Hong Zhiyou did not feel much about it; Jinmen was merely the starting point for his rise and money-making, while his wife, children, lovers, and assets had long since gone to Xiangdao.

He had wanted to leave for a long time.

However, for Wu Jingzhong, Yu Zecheng, and the others, it was a heavy parting.

Old Wu stood with his arms crossed, staring out the window the entire time.

His profile, hidden by a thick hat and a heavy cloak, showed visibly more wrinkles.

He had truly grown old.

Yu Zecheng, meanwhile, kept his eyes closed in silence.

It was unknown how much time had passed.

The plane suddenly jolted.

"It's nothing, just turbulence."

Anderson smiled, then spread his hands and announced:

"Everyone, I have just received word that the control tower in Qingdao has closed, so I'm afraid we must divert and land in Jingling.

"Don't ask me why.

"That is simply the fact.

"My apologies."

(End of chapter)