Chapter 376: To Squeeze Them Dry of Their Value

"To make a sound, yet not make a sound?"

"Does the Master mean that we must handle the matter, but not arrest the person?"

Yu Zecheng quickly understood.

"That's right."

"If you let Wang Kun handle it, he certainly won't put his heart into it. When the time comes and the target escapes, who will take the blame?"

"Do this: report it immediately to Section Chief Gu of the headquarters' Investigation and Defense Section."

"Let him go make the arrest."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"I report it? Master, I... I don't have the authorization for that, do I?" Yu Zecheng was somewhat surprised.

"That's right. From now on, whenever there is a job involving the arrest of Red agents, you must report directly to Gu Zhengwen at headquarters and Ye Xiangzhi of the Second Department," Wu Jingzhong said.

This was the opinion of Hong Zhiyou.

To put it bluntly, the Wanbei Station was just a scapegoat station.

If he knew this intelligence, could Mao Renfeng and Jiang Jianfeng not know it?

It was better to turn passive into active and report everything without exception.

Let the local station and the headquarters investigate together.

Share the risks and minimize the danger of being the scapegoat to the greatest extent.

As for why it had to be reported to these two, Hong Zhiyou did not explicitly state it, but Wu Jingzhong could roughly guess.

When Ye Xiangzhi was in Jingling, he had already begun to flirt with Hong Zhiyou; it was likely that when he defected Xu Zhidao, he had already won this person over to Jiang Jianfeng's camp.

Gu Zhengwen had come to Wandao a bit earlier.

Although he appeared to be Mao Renfeng's die-hard confidant, in all likelihood, he was secretly Jiang Jianfeng's man as well.

Both of these men were clever.

As the saying goes, the bystander sees clearly; the Jiang father and son were now too lazy to even attend the CC party meetings, clearly intending to enforce high-pressure dictatorship and reshuffle the party. Mao Renfeng was still clinging to this little bit of power in his hands, which was simply spinning a cocoon around himself.

Wu Jingzhong now needed to get things done, but he did not want to appear too capable.

Being too mediocre was not conducive to winning resources for Hong Zhiyou.

Being too sharp meant Jiang Jianfeng would get used to him and refuse to let him go—in what year or month would he ever be able to return to Xiangdao?

More importantly, the Red agents were advancing like a hot knife through butter. With the U. . military in the middle across the sea from Wandao, it was hard to say whether it could be held.

Xiangdao, however, was only separated by a stretch of water.

It could be taken the moment they decided to strike.

He was shouting slogans and carrying the banner every day, offending the Red agents to death.

In the future, if the British couldn't hold on and Xiangdao was liberated, wouldn't he be on a dead-end road?

"But Gu Zhengwen is Mao Renfeng's man; wouldn't that let them take the credit for nothing?"

"Jiang Jianfeng probably won't be happy."

Yu Zecheng frowned and said.

"That is not for you to worry about. Go do it. Remember to notify Wang Kun and let him go make the arrest," Wu Jingzhong said with his hands behind his back, sneering.

"Yes, Master." Yu Zecheng accepted the order.

Walking to the door, he happened to see Hong Zhiyou walking back from outside.

"Zhiyou."

Yu Zecheng hooked his arm around his shoulder and dragged him into the office.

"Zhong Yun, the principal of Keelung Middle School, has been exposed. The Station Chief wants me to report it to Gu Zhengwen so he can make the arrest..." Yu Zecheng blinked, his intention clearly to see if they could think of a way to save the person.

"Let's talk downstairs." Hong Zhiyou could not care about his own exhaustion and stood up to walk out.

Once they reached a quiet, deserted spot downstairs, he lit a cigarette to refresh himself and frowned:

"Did you call Keelung Middle School?"

"No!"

"I still know the rules," Yu Zecheng said.

"If you had, you would be in a jail cell right now."

"Old Yu, the times are different."

"This isn't Jinhai; the heavens are high and the Emperor is far away."

"We are working under the noses of Mao Renfeng and Jiang Jianfeng; they know every single move we make like the back of their hands."

"Even if you could tip them off, so what?"

"In the past, when we provided cover, the Red agents could run to Beiping or Baoding, or leave from the docks."

"And now? There is sea on all four sides."

"Where can they go?"

"To put it bluntly, lurking here means death if you are exposed."

"Furthermore, the underground organization here belongs to the Huadong Bureau; you have absolutely no understanding of their working methods or personal relationships."

"Let me guess, were you thinking of calling Principal Zhong to notify him to evacuate?"

Hong Zhiyou said.

"I did have that thought." Yu Zecheng did not hide it and nodded.

He had not yet found the transit station, so he had to do everything himself.

"Jiang Jianfeng and his people tracked this lead three months ago."

"Why are they acting only today?"

"Could it be that they are casting a net to catch a big fish, or is it specifically targeting you?"

Hong Zhiyou said.

Yu Zecheng frowned and said nothing.

"Proposing to report to Ye and Gu was my idea."

"It was to distance you from this."

"Therefore, you must report the intelligence to them accurately and without error, not missing a single word."

Hong Zhiyou held his cigarette and tapped his chest lightly.

"Understood." Yu Zecheng nodded.

"Old Yu."

"Do you think I'm really obsessed with money?"

"You only have one life; money can never be earned in full, and we won't be able to stay here for long."

"I hope that when we came, we were together, and when we leave, we will still be together."

"Do not underestimate the wisdom of the Generalissimo and his people."

"Dancing under his nose will lead to bloodshed."

Hong Zhiyou gave a few solemn words of advice and walked away quickly.

Yu Zecheng stood where he was, hands in his pockets, looking powerlessly at the sky.

This was not Jinhai.

He could do nothing, and he must not do anything.

Restraint.

Calm.

After taking a breath, Yu Zecheng took the intelligence and went straight to the Action Team.

Wang Kun had his legs propped up on his desk and greeted him with a cold expression:

"Section Chief Yu, is there something?"

"Team Leader Wang."

"According to intelligence, Zhong Yun, the principal of Keelung Middle School, is very likely the person in charge of the *Guangming Daily*, and their underground printing plant is hidden inside the school."

"The Station Chief wants you to take men and rush over there immediately to bring the person back."

Yu Zecheng casually slapped the intelligence onto the desk and walked out.

"Team Leader, are we going?"

Deputy Team Leader Ma Jun asked.

"We're going."

"If we don't go, you pay the brothers' wages. But whether we actually catch anyone, that's another matter."

Wang Kun sneered, stood up, grabbed his jacket, draped it over his shoulder, and walked out.

Yu Zecheng returned to his office.

He picked up the phone.

Confidentiality Bureau, Investigation and Defense Section monitoring room.

Mao Renfeng walked in quickly: "How is it? What's the situation with the phone calls on Wu Jingzhong's end?"

"Bureau Chief."

"According to the inside report, Wu Jingzhong has just arranged the arrest mission," Gu Zhengwen said.

"What is Yu Zecheng's situation? Did he go anywhere?"

"A public phone booth."

"A small shop."

"Or did he meet anyone?"

Mao Renfeng asked again.

"No, he hasn't left the station yet, though I did see Wang Kun lead some men and drive toward Keelung," said Gu Zhengwen.

"He's quite steady."

"Keep a close watch on their communications."

"Especially those in the Intelligence Division; if you discover anyone leaking secrets, arrest them immediately."

Mao Renfeng instructed.

Just as he was speaking, one of the monitors said:

"Director, there is activity on the Intelligence Division's line at the Wanbei Station."

"Who are they calling?" Gu Zhengwen asked.

"It, it seems to be Section Chief Gu's office," the monitor said.

"My office?"

"It, it must be about work," Gu Zhengwen said hurriedly.

"Put it through." Mao Renfeng gestured.

Gu Zhengwen picked up the desk phone nearby and answered: "Hello, it's me."

"Quick, give it to me."

Mao Renfeng stepped forward quickly and put on the headset himself.

The voice of Yu Zecheng came from the other end:

"Hello, is this Section Chief Gu?

"It's like this, we've obtained news regarding the Bright Daily case, and the station is short-handed, so the Station Chief asked me to inform you..."

The call was hung up.

Mao Renfeng put down the headset: "Not a tip-off?"

"Director, what should we do next?" Gu Zhengwen asked for instructions.

"Hmm."

"No rush, a fox will eventually show its tail.

"Wang Kun likely won't buy Wu Jingzhong's account.

"In this way, go and arrest that principal surnamed Zhong for me.

"This matter is being handled personally by the Chairman.

"Cooperation is still necessary."

Mao Renfeng instructed.

"Yes!" Gu Zhengwen accepted the order.

Keelung Middle School, nine o'clock in the evening.

Zhong Yun walked into the school's rear warehouse.

Click, click.

The machine was printing newspaper after newspaper.

"Principal Zhong, the recent propaganda effect has been very good. The Taiwan University Student Committee has attracted a large number of young college students, and everyone is looking forward to the day the sharp sword cuts through the blue waves."

Deputy Guo Wenbin said.

"Indeed."

"The great army is now advancing like a hot knife through butter; in my view, Yuezhou and Jinmen are not far from liberation.

"The better the front lines fight, the more confidence the students, scholars, farmers, workers, and merchants will have in the organization.

"The armed forces trained by Comrade Chai Qian in Zhuzikeng and Luku are also poised for action.

"When I met with him last time, Director Chai pointed out that when the monsoon arrives next April or May, the liberation army will cross the sea to launch a general offensive. If we coordinate from within and without, we can wipe out Jiang and his remnants in one fell swoop.

"The unification of the country is just around the corner."

Zhong Yun was very optimistic about the prospects and waved his hand heroically.

"Old Zhong, Comrade Chai Qian has been frequently attending high-end cocktail parties lately. It is said he has even gone so far as to reveal his identity to solicit funds from wealthy merchants, promising them benefits after liberation.

"This does not conform to the organization's consistent principles, and it is also very unfavorable for his safety.

"Why don't you have Comrade Zhizhong persuade him?"

Guo Wen reminded him.

"Bah!"

Zhong Yun waved his hand dismissively and said:

"Comrade Chai Qian came from the Huazhong Bureau and is a veteran comrade who has stood the test of time.

"The island is not like other places.

"Now that Jiang and his remnants are in a state of panic, we must 'pursue the victory.' Director Chai is also just trying to secure more funds for us and win over more people with lofty ideals."

"Alright then!" Guo Wenbin nodded.

Just as they were speaking, they heard the gatekeeper, Lame Luo, shouting outside:

"Principal Zhong, someone is here to see you."

"Did you tell anyone when you came over?" Guo Wenbin asked subconsciously.

"No.

"I came in disguise," Zhong Yun said.

"Oh no, how could anyone outside know you came here?

"We may have been exposed.

"Old Zhong, leave through the back door.

"I will go meet him."

Guo Wenbin drew his sidearm and walked out quickly.

Zhong Yun exited through the back door.

Just as he stepped out, he heard several gunshots.

Zhong Yun's heart sank; he knew things had gone wrong. He walked to the perimeter wall and climbed a ladder.

As he climbed over the wall, he saw a group of secret agents pointing their guns at him.

"Principal Zhong, we've been waiting for a long time."

Gu Zhengwen gestured with his gun muzzle.

Zhong Yun had no choice but to climb down from the wall.

"Take him away!"

One o'clock in the morning.

Hong Zhiyou returned home reeking of alcohol.

"Went drinking again?" Wu Jingzhong lay on a rattan chair, opening his eyes and gently waving a cattail-leaf fan.

"It was thanks to the drinking that I was able to come back.

"Miss Kong Er has too much energy.

"Nightclub at 7, mahjong at 10, then partying and drinking with a group until dawn.

"I really couldn't take it anymore."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"What is that you're holding?" Wu Jingzhong noticed he was carrying something the size of a brick.

"A radio.

"Helped Section Chief Yu get it," Hong Zhiyou said.

"I think you're helping him ruin things.

"Received news not long ago.

"Gu Zhengwen has arrested that principal surnamed Zhong; he is very likely the person in charge of the Red Keelung Working Committee.

"That's a big fish.

"It might just set off another bloodbath."

Wu Jingzhong sighed.

Hong Zhiyou was also helpless.

He had come to the island purely by being "hijacked," and until he created value that satisfied Jiang Jianfeng, it would be difficult to find an opportunity to leave.

"I really don't want to fight anymore; you need to hurry things up on your end," Wu Jingzhong said, looking at him.

"Don't worry, Master.

"I have already agreed to invest 100, 00 US dollars in the Yuanshan Hotel.

"Once I make contact with the Americans and secure the grain brokerage rights, I will operate it for a period and then hand it over to Jiang Jianfeng. I should then be able to escape to Xiangdao and focus on transport and real estate."

Hong Zhiyou had already planned it out.

"Hmm, won't we lose our shirts?"

"With tens of thousands of defeated troops flooding onto the island every day now, how massive must the grain shortage be?"

"Didn't you see how their eyes lit up at the station when they heard about the hundred catties of grain being issued?"

Wu Jingzhong said.

"The shortage exists, but so does the opportunity; we will certainly lose money in the early stages."

"Without bleeding some capital, it will be hard to get Jianfeng to release people."

"However, in the long run, we will earn much more."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Hmm, as long as there is profit to be made, that's fine."

As the two were chatting, someone pressed the doorbell outside.

Hong Zhiyou opened the door and saw a woman standing in the doorway under the night sky; the moment she saw him, she knelt before Hong Zhiyou:

"Jingzhong, Secretary Hong, I beg you to save my old Qiao."

Hong Zhiyou looked closely and realized it was actually the wife of the former Beiping Station Chief, Qiao Jiacai.

"Oh."

"Mrs. Qiao, quick, please come in."

Hong Zhiyou hurriedly invited her inside.

Clearly, Mrs. Qiao was a sensible person; she knew that Old Wu was not very useful right now, so she had come specifically to wait for him.

"Sister-in-law, why have you come?" Wu Jingzhong hurriedly stood up to welcome her.

Hong Zhiyou went to prepare fruit and tea.

"Jingzhong, Jiacai has been locked in a dark prison by Bureau Chief Mao ever since he arrived here in January; I haven't seen him even once until now."

"You and Zhiyou have wide connections; I beg you, for the sake of the friendship between our two families in the past, please help me inquire whether he is alive or dead, just to give me some peace of mind."

"This, this is all that is left in the house."

"Jingzhong, I beg you, please help."

She took out a cloth bundle and unwrapped it to reveal a jade bracelet and a few pieces of gold and silver jewelry inside.

"Sister-in-law."

"Aren't you insulting me by doing this?"

"Old Qiao and I are old brothers; even if you hadn't come, I would have found a way to inquire."

"Take your things back."

Wu Jingzhong said hurriedly.

Hong Zhiyou also felt a sense of sorrow in his heart.

The former Mrs. Qiao had been so wealthy and elegant, but now she looked miserable, dressed in plain clothes, and had aged significantly.

"Zhiyou, you go see Mrs. Qiao out." Wu Jingzhong gave Hong Zhiyou a look.

Hong Zhiyou saw her outside and pulled several hundred US dollars from his pocket, stuffing them into Mrs. Qiao's hand:

"Mrs. Qiao, I will go inquire about Station Chief Qiao's situation tomorrow; take this money for emergencies."

"Zhiyou, this, how can I? You are doing me a favor, how can I take your money?" Mrs. Qiao hurriedly refused.

"Take it."

"Grain prices change every day now; you can't move a step without money."

Hong Zhiyou stuffed the money back.

"Zhiyou, thank you." Mrs. Qiao expressed her gratitude and disappeared into the night.

Returning to the villa, he closed the door.

Wu Jingzhong said: "Once you've inquired, if you can take a look, then take a look; if not, don't force it."

"At this critical juncture, you must not bring trouble upon yourself."

"Understood, Teacher." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"By the way, tomorrow is payday; are the rice and oil ready for the departments that performed well?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"Don't worry, Teacher; for just this little bit, Sun Xing and the others have already handled it, and it can be delivered to the station tomorrow morning," Hong Zhiyou said.

Wu Jingzhong smiled and nodded.

Zhiyou's way of handling things is as meticulous and efficient as ever.

After a quick shower, he was finally able to reach the bed; Hong Zhiyou collapsed onto it and fell asleep.

The next day, early morning.

Hong Zhiyou came to the living room.

Yu Zecheng had already prepared breakfast.

After eating, Yu Zecheng ducked into Hong Zhiyou's private car.

The Wanbei Section was not like Jinhai.

It wasn't generous enough to provide cars to section chiefs like Sheng Xiang.

For people at the level of Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng, they could only use official vehicles; wanting to use them for private matters at will was impossible.

"The radio has already been bought."

"However, be careful; the Americans' radio technology is becoming increasingly advanced now, and even radio station calls might be faked," Hong Zhiyou warned.

"Understood," Yu Zecheng nodded.

"By the way."

"Gu Zhengwen once served in the 115th Division; this guy is very familiar with the organization's internal working mechanisms."

"Now that Zhong Yun has been arrested, I fear the trouble for the Work Committee has only just begun."

"I am worried that Mao Renfeng and Jianfeng will use these people to target you."

"You must stay steady."

"Don't forget, your mission is to lurk; do not get involved in unnecessary matters."

Hong Zhiyou warned while driving.

"Understood, understood!"

Yu Zecheng nodded repeatedly.

Arriving at the station.

Today happened to be payday.

Early in the morning, Wu Jingzhong had people set up tables in the courtyard, and Finance Section Chief Wan Cheng placed stacks of New Taiwan Dollars on the tables.

Beside them were bags of white rice and barrels of tea oil.

Without needing a loudspeaker to urge them, personnel from every department had already gathered.

Everyone was full of joy... except for Wang Kun.

"Everyone, today is your payday."

"Although it hasn't been a full month."

"Wu still follows the rules; I am only looking at the performance of each department during the few days I have been here; those who excelled will have their entire department members receive a reward."

"Wang Cheng, begin."

Wu Jingzhong sat at the head and, after a few brief words, gave the order.

"Understood."

"Telecommunications Group, everyone's salary remains the same, performance bonuses doubled, rewarded with one hundred catties of rice and ten catties of tea oil."

"Action Team, targets not met, salary remains the same, performance bonuses and rewards are cancelled."

"..."

After the distribution was finished, most departments had received rice, oil, and bonuses, while only the people from the Action Team watched with longing eyes.

"What are you looking at? Isn't it just rice and a little oil?"

"Look at how little ambition you have."

"Let's go!"

Wang Kun left while cursing.

Below, people like Ma Jun could not help but curse inwardly.

Damn it, you're eating and drinking well following Lin Dingli.

For us brothers, each with families to support, is it easy?

For a time, everyone was filled with deep resentment.

After Wang Kun went out to handle business, Deputy Team Leader Ma Jun greased his feet and headed straight for Wu Jingzhong's office.

Bashang Garden.

"Director, Gu Zhengwen has arrested Zhong Yun." Wan An served tea to Jianfeng and said in a low voice.

"Oh."

"It wasn't the Wanbei Station that arrested him?" Jianfeng raised an eyebrow and asked.

"No."

"You gave the intelligence to Wu Jingzhong, and Wu Jingzhong had Yu Zecheng pass it to the Investigation and Defense Group."

"Wang Kun is dragging his feet and refuses to move."

"Fortunately, Gu Zhengwen mobilized in time and caught Zhong Yun."

Wan An reported.

"Wu Jingzhong, that old slippery fox!" Jiang Jianfeng laughed.

"Indeed.

"He is investigating the case in a way that avoids offending Mao Renfeng, allows Team Leader Gu to claim credit, and doesn't offend you either.

"Your subordinate is very curious, how did he know that Team Leader Gu is your man?

"You must know that even Mao Renfeng has never noticed it, and to this day still regards Gu and Ye as his trusted aides."

Wan An said, puzzled.

"I am also very curious.

"This father-in-law and son-in-law pair have become like spirits; I am now starting to suspect that the rumors in the streets are true, and that Hong Zhiyou can really divine the future," Jiang Jianfeng said.

"Director, what is Wu Jingzhong trying to gain by playing this slippery game?

"Last time we met at the Basheng Garden, he kept going to the restroom, acting as if he were plagued by illness and unfit for duty.

"It is obvious he doesn't want to work.

"You have to realize that so many people are begging for the chance to work for you without success; it really makes one unable to understand."

Wan An shook his head and said.

"What is there not to understand?

"Let me tell you, even if the net worth of Wu Jingzhong and Hong Zhiyou doesn't compare to the Kongs or the Songs, looking at the entire Nationalist government, it is second to none.

"To say the least, it is this much."

Jiang Jianfeng held up two fingers.

"Two million US dollars?" Wan An asked.

"No, twenty million.

"Otherwise, why would Ke Ke be friends with him? What do you think?

"If it were you, with such a massive fortune and with Yu Zecheng by your side who could explode like a landmine at any moment, would you still want to work?"

Jiang Jianfeng asked with a smile.

"Then naturally, I would enjoy a life of leisure," Wan An said.

"Is that so?" Jiang Jianfeng's eyes turned sharp.

"No, I—I meant that Wu Jingzhong would certainly enjoy a life of leisure; your subordinate has only the safety of the Party and State in his heart," Wan An said, his expression flustered as he hurriedly explained.

"Hmm.

"This is also the reason why I had to get them to the island.

"As long as Hong Zhiyou and the others are here, I can slowly take back the wealth they have extorted from the Party and State.

"Even if I can't take it all back, I must squeeze out at least sixty or seventy percent of their value," Jiang Jianfeng said.

"Understood."

Looking at the grim-eyed Jiang Jianfeng, a chill couldn't help but surge through Wan An's entire body.

Since arriving on Wandao, he felt that this "Crown Prince" had become significantly more intense in his hostility and murderous intent than before, becoming increasingly like the Chairman and losing a bit of his human touch.

"Director, Hong Zhiyou is here," the guard walked in and reported.

"You go attend to your business first.

"Tell him to come in."

A friendly smile appeared on Jiang Jianfeng's face once again.

(End of chapter)