[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-spy-survival-guide":3,"chapter-spy-survival-guide-spy-survival-guide-chapter-39":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Spy Survival Guide",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2366355,4634,"Chapter 39: Old Lu Turns the Tide","spy-survival-guide-chapter-39",39,"\u003Cp>\"Lu Qiao!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why would you think of him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong asked with a subtle expression and a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Station Chief, Division Chief Lu already knows he was wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that the Boatmen's Guild has been eliminated and Zheng Jiemin is far away, Lu Qiao is without support; he is a tiger without claws or fangs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It would be better for you to offer him a way out and let Division Chief Lu step down.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With such a favor, he will surely deal a lethal blow to Zhang Shaobai; there will be no worry about him not confessing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When the time comes, you can reward Lu Qiao a little, and he will surely be filled with gratitude.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou analyzed while pouring him tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew that this was exactly what Wu Jingzhong was thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old fox wouldn't say it himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He insisted on making him say it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clearly a test of his social acumen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A unified station is the only way to have a clear sky and bright earth,\" Hong Zhiyou added with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Politics without human touch is short-lived.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Currently, the Red tickets are rampant, and the Generalissimo attaches great importance to Jinhai.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although Lu Qiao is a petty man, his professional skills are solid; he is an old hand in the intelligence line and still has some use.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Greedy as Wu Jingzhong was, he never slacked off in his official duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go, call Division Chief Lu over,\" he ordered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou accepted the order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, how is it? Has Zhang Si been caught?\" As soon as he entered the room, Lu Qiao asked impatiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rest assured, I shot him dead with my own hands,\" Hong Zhiyou smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Great!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was just afraid that this dog thief wouldn't die and would spout nonsense with his bird mouth, pinning the blame on me,\" Lu Qiao let out a long sigh of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is still blame to be pinned, and a large portion at that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhang Shaobai has been caught by Director Yu, and I fear his mouth is a hundred times fouler than his father's.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou shook his head and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To save his life, what wouldn't that kid say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Ma Kui is allowed to interrogate him, he will surely pin everything, real or imagined, on me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won't even know how I died when the time comes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao was anxious and flushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you panicking about? The Station Chief decides who interrogates.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Station Chief wants you to go to his office.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou comforted him unhurriedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, my life or death depends on this one trip. Wish me luck,\" Lu Qiao smiled bitterly, buttoned his clothes, and stood up to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait, rinse your mouth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've been holding in a lot of fire these past few days; don't offend the Station Chief with your breath.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou reminded him, looking at Lu Qiao's dry lips and bloodshot eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, yes. Let my brother see me make a fool of myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao gave an awkward laugh, chewed on some dry tea leaves, gulped them down with warm water, wiped his face, and then headed toward the Station Chief's office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou returned to his office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A while later, he saw Lu Qiao walking in with high spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he entered the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a word, he bowed deeply to Hong Zhiyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Shan, what are you doing?\" Hong Zhiyou hurriedly returned the bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhiyou, you are a gentleman and my benefactor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Twice, you've saved my life twice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won't say anything more; from now on, you and I are brothers, blood brothers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believe that,\" Hong Zhiyou's smile was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahem!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao shook his suit, began to reveal his petty nature again, and waved his finger while putting on airs:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Station Chief didn't demote me; I'm still the Intelligence Division Chief.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Furthermore, the matter of interrogating Zhang Shaobai has also been handed over to me... for... full authority.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ma Kui has no part in it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being in charge is fine, but could he stop spitting while emphasizing the words \"full authority\"?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Congratulations, Division Chief Lu! Those who survive a great disaster are bound to have future blessings!\" Hong Zhiyou stepped back, not sparing any flattery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, this was a blessing in disguise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With the Boatmen's Guild gone, I am now the Station Chief's man. Once I finish interrogating Zhang Shaobai, my position will be secure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao waved his hand and smiled brightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's great. I'm waiting for you to become the Deputy Station Chief and lead your brothers to promotion and wealth,\" Hong Zhiyou said in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just wait, it will happen,\" Lu Qiao narrowed his eyes, looking extremely pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Lu, you understand the Station Chief's intent, right?\" Chatting is one thing, but the real business still needed to be pointed out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry, I've stripped the Zhang family down to their soles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Want to go take a look together?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That Zhang fellow has caused you no small amount of disgust.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao tilted his head, a fierce glint appearing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'd rather take a nap than waste words with him,\" Hong Zhiyou said with disdain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slapping faces is satisfying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But going to show off in front of a dying man is too childish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, since the Station Chief gave this job to Lu Qiao, it's best to avoid it if possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, I've worn you out these past few days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You rest, I'll treat you to a meal another day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao said a few polite words, tucked his hands into his pockets, and left lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have to say, Lu Qiao is truly ruthless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shaobai was tortured to the point of near-death and even confessed where his family's ancestral graves were located.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the confession, he attempted to \"escape\" while being transported to the Shuitun Prison and was shot dead on the spot by Lu Qiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Subsequently, through the behind-the-scenes maneuvering of Long Er and Hong Zhiyou, Wu Jingzhong received the largest share of the spoils from the anti-Boatmen's Guild operation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hauled away a whole truckload of antiques alone, not to mention the gold bars, US dollars, and opium he also took.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is not even counting the arms payments from the south that had yet to be settled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this wave, Old Wu could be said to have filled his pockets to the brim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That evening, Wu Jingzhong invited Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou to his home for a casual meal and, with a wave of his hand, rewarded each of them with three large gold bars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Mei even personally had high-end suits and leather shoes tailored for the two of them and gifted them several boxes of coffee specially purchased from Xiangdao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warmth was truly like that of a family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong's favor was not the only one; others were not idle either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Qiao invited them to dinner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tinge and Du Jianshi invited them to play tennis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Yang Wenquan and Xu Zhiwu treated Hong Zhiyou to a meal and gifted him two fine German-made pistols.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou's connections in Jinhai were nearly maxed out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the next week, as the final payments for the arms arrived, the \"God of Wealth\" was kept busy flying around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Garrison Headquarters, the municipal government, and the garrison troops—he was busy delivering gift packages to all the big shots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It got to the point where the club ladies and Wanqiu were calling every day to urge him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Early morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou climbed up from the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His secret stash had been surging lately, and his hair had grown quite a bit too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took out the hair wax Zhou Gendi had given him, slicked his hair back, and instantly the vibe was there; he really looked a bit like a young master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing his hair and eating breakfast, Hong Zhiyou hummed a little tune as he arrived at the building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It wasn't easy, but Old Wu finally gave it to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He weighed the key in his hand and unlocked the station chief's office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Routine cleaning, boiling water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The desk drawer... hold it, I am not Xie Ruo or Yu Zecheng; stealing that stuff isn't worth two cents anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight o'clock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong arrived at work on time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou was already sitting upright at the reception table on duty, showing not the slightest bit of slack despite his \"merit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Station Chief.\" He stood up to greet him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong nodded slightly, very satisfied with his performance: \"Come in, I have something to tell you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn't sleep well last night?\" As soon as he sat down, Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The screen window was blown open by the wind; I didn't notice it during the day, but at night the mosquitoes swarmed in to bite, so I didn't sleep well all night,\" Hong Zhiyou said with a wry smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh, it won't do without a woman to take care of you; it's time to take a wife,\" Wu Jingzhong laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wanqiu is still young, and besides, the traitor label on Mu Liancheng...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Hong Zhiyou could finish his sentence, Wu Jingzhong interrupted him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That traitor's little girl has a bad background; how can you take a mere act seriously?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, there was a hidden meaning in his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was him about to assign a task!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn't you tell me to marry her last time?\" Hong Zhiyou asked with a bold smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Women are like clothes; after wearing them twice, the novelty is gone, and they should be tossed when it's time to toss them,\" Wu Jingzhong narrowed his eyes and hinted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, why don't you toss that cotton-padded coat from the countryside you've been wearing for decades?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I've known Wanqiu for less than a month...\" Hong Zhiyou played dumb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why don't you understand?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are my man, and your future is limitless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A traitor will affect your progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me show you something!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong pulled open a drawer and took out a document from inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1694,"2026-06-25T10:22:48.848Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","fa6b90ee58210fd466b8809abdd93cbebe2caec8d19fdc47bbfdf4faaf572d3f","spy-survival-guide-chapter-40","spy-survival-guide-chapter-38",395,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fspy-survival-guide-cover.jpg"]