Chapter 393: Found It

Yu Zecheng walked to the entrance and showed the security guards his credentials from the Eight Victories Garden data unit.

This thing was much more imposing than the Secret Service.

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

"I have to take off my shoes too?"

"That's a bit too strict, isn't it?" 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; the Ministry of National Defense is no exception."

The guard saluted him and said.

"Alright!

"Little Zhang, let him through."

Just as Yu Zecheng was secretly lamenting his luck, Nie Xi, the adjutant to Wu Zhiqing, walked over and waved his hand.

"Adjutant Nie, this..."

Little Zhang was a bit troubled, but after a quick search of Yu Zecheng's pockets and registering him in the logbook, he let him pass.

"Thanks."

Yu Zecheng smiled and walked out calmly.

"Sir, if Minister Yan finds out about this, we're going to be in trouble," Little Zhang said, frowning in confusion.

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

"Can't you see this is Eight Victories Garden, and he's one of Jiang Jianfeng's men?

"Don't let his smile fool you; that's a veteran Juntong agent who once assassinated Li Haifeng. If he decides to make things difficult for you, you might end up on the red list by tomorrow and get dragged to the Racecourse and executed."

Nie Xi feigned seriousness and concern to scare him.

As soon as the Racecourse was mentioned, the guard's face changed instantly: "Yes, yes, I understand, sir."

"Alright, if I don't say anything, no one will know. Just act like it never happened.

"Remember, don't go around talking nonsense to outsiders.

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

Nie Xi patted him on the shoulder and said.

"Yes, yes!

"Thank you for the guidance, sir." The guard hurriedly bowed and nodded.

Right now, people were being killed at the Racecourse every day.

It wasn't just the people on the red list who were trembling; every department of the Nationalist government was equally wary of Jiang Jianfeng's data unit, terrified of being targeted.

It was a good thing Adjutant Nie had warned him, or he would have caused a huge disaster today.

When Yu Zecheng returned to his car, his entire back was soaked with cold sweat.

He didn't rush to find Zuo Lan.

This wasn't the right time.

Back at his office, he quickly took off his leather shoes; they were slightly too small, and his toes were almost cramping from wearing them.

He rested for a moment.

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

"Oh, didn't Jiang Jianfeng say he wanted to audit the Ministry of National Defense's military expenditure accounts? I went to check the books, planning to assign two people tomorrow to reconcile them," Yu Zecheng said.

"Is that so?

"You're going to see Zuo Lan tonight, aren't you?" Hong Zhiyou said in a low voice.

"You know... could it be!" Yu Zecheng subconsciously thought that Vice Minister Wu had been exposed, which is why Hong Zhiyou guessed he was going to a rendezvous.

"That's not it; we haven't caught Old Zheng yet.

"But it's not appropriate for you to keep seeing Zuo Lan.

"You need a contingency plan."

Hong Zhiyou reminded him.

"I'm from Jibei; I've loved steamed buns since I was a kid and can't get used to the food here in Wandao. Going to eat buns shouldn't be much of a problem, right?"

As a meticulous and deep-thinking person, Yu Zecheng had seriously considered this issue.

Moreover, he didn't exclusively go to Zuo Lan's bun shop.

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

Especially two or three that tasted quite good; he went to those very often.

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

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

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

"At that point, Zuo Lan will become very conspicuous.

"Even if you've taken some precautions, given Mao Renfeng and Jiang Jianfeng's style of 'better to kill three thousand by mistake than let one escape,' they would very likely arrest everyone selling buns on that street."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"That's true.

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

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

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

"You mean Gu Zhengwen from the Reconnaissance and Defense Unit, or Director Ye Xiangzhi?" Yu Zecheng caught on immediately.

"Ye Xiangzhi won't work.

"He's a southerner and doesn't like steamed buns.

"Gu Zhengwen is from Shanxi; he can do it."

Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"I heard that years ago, Gu Zhengwen was almost assassinated by his wife with poison. He doesn't even drink the water or eat the food from the Secret Service canteen; he brings his own every day.

"They say he doesn't even drink tea served by Mao Renfeng or Jiang Jianfeng.

"How would a person like that go to an unfamiliar bun shop?

"It doesn't make sense."

Yu Zecheng frowned at Hong Zhiyou, very confused.

"It's precisely because it doesn't make sense that we choose him.

"A man who won't even drink water outside—why would you go to a bun shop?

"Isn't that obviously to pass intelligence?

"That's what makes it suspicious."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"If anyone tries to make an issue out of it, you can openly argue: if Gu Zhengwen can go, why can't you?" he continued.

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

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

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

Hong Zhiyou lowered his voice and detailed the plan.

"That's a brilliant plan.

"Alright, I'll keep it in mind." Yu Zecheng nodded happily.

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

Changing the subject, he asked nervously.

"What news do you have on your end?" Hong Zhiyou asked in return.

"Comrade Old Zheng is very determined; he has vowed to fight to the end and is adamant about staying on Wandao. The people from the Huadong Bureau tried to talk him out of it, but it was useless.

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

"He doesn't fear death!

"It's truly admirable."

Yu Zecheng said with genuine emotion.

"Pfft!"

Hong Zhiyou spat out a mouthful of tea.

Chai Qian vowed to be loyal to the death?

He probably just couldn't bear to leave his little mistress, the large sum of funds he'd raised, and the steak dinners at Bolero.

Right now, from the top down on the mainland, everyone is working through extreme hardships to boost production.

Even if Chai Qian were to sneak back, he wouldn't have a job for a long time and would have to do manual labor every day.

Staying on Wandao has its risks.

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

If he isn't caught, he gets to enjoy life and luxury; if he is caught, he can transform into a high-ranking Nationalist official and continue to live the high life.

Either way, it's a win-win for him.

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 yourself lately," Yu Zecheng asked, feeling quite uneasy.

"How have I not been myself?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a raised eyebrow and a smile.

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

"Liu Wensheng?"

Hong Zhiyou remembered him, that key official of the Jinhai Prefectural Committee.

But comparing Liu Wensheng to Chai Qian was truly an insult to Liu Wensheng.

At the very least, Liu Wensheng didn't prey on his sister-in-law.

Nor did he covet steak and red wine, indulging in a luxurious lifestyle.

He was simply afraid of death, that's all.

Moreover, because Liu Wensheng wasn't familiar with the personnel of the Prefectural Committee, the damage he caused was limited.

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

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

"You could put it that way," Hong Zhiyou said.

"He is still on the run!

"How did you know he would defect?

"Indifference, contempt—this is idealistic criticism."

Yu Zecheng corrected Hong Zhiyou with a straight face.

"Haha!"

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

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

Six o'clock in the afternoon.

Yu Zecheng walked into Zuo Lan's steamed bun shop, clutching 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 at a slow pace, so that if someone were truly following him, he wouldn't arouse suspicion by lingering at Zuo Lan's for too long.

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

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

Zuo Lan received it and said with great joy, "Excellent. With these military maps, the Third Field Army will have more certainty in capturing Zhoushan and Jinmen."

"Get this to Ms. Zhu Yan as soon as possible.

"In two days, a few ships transporting grain to Tokyo will depart from Wandao. Two of the freighters belong to Zhiyou; he has already made arrangements for Ms. Zhu to leave by ship.

"No one dares to inspect these ships. Once she reaches Tokyo, the Rong family will arrange for her to return to Xiangdao."

Yu Zecheng said while drinking his soup.

"I understand," Zuo Lan nodded.

"I must go."

Yu Zecheng finished the last bun, stood up, and took his leave.

The night grew deeper.

Gu Youniu, with his hair slicked back, wearing a floral shirt and a gleaming gold necklace around his neck, walked out of the nightclub stumbling, with his arms around the waists of dance hostesses and the shoulders of Luo Youzhang and others.

"A-Niu, Boss Zhang, let's call it a night here.

"We'll continue drinking tomorrow.

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

Luo Youzhang, supported by his underlings, got into the car, drunk.

"Alright, Boss Luo.

"See you tomorrow."

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

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

The bald man was named Zhang Zheng.

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

After Peng Mengji and Chen Cheng took over the enterprises left behind by the Japanese, they kept on a batch of old staff to ensure the island's power and water operations; Zhang Zheng was one of them.

"Boss Zhang, were you satisfied with the hospitality today?" Gu Youniu asked with a smile.

"Good, good.

"Little brother, I am an old resident of Wanbei. I won't say anything else, but there isn't anyone in the municipal government who... who doesn't give me face.

"If you have any trouble in the future, just mention my name."

Zhang Zheng patted his chest, spraying alcohol with every word.

"Definitely, definitely.

"Brother Zhang, let me take you back," Gu Youniu said hurriedly.

"A-Li, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and help Boss Zhang into the car," Gu Youniu shoved the dance hostess beside him, who was revealing half her chest.

"Boss Zhang, get in."

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

"Good, good, good."

Once in the car, Zhang Zheng laughed lecherously and embraced the dance hostess.

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

When they passed a small villa on Beishida Road.

Gu Youniu opened the door and said, "Boss Zhang, I'm thirsty, I'm going to go ask for a cup of tea."

"Go, go ahead."

Zhang Zheng and the dance hostess were busy getting cozy in the back seat, and he waved his hand to dismiss him.

Gu Youniu got out of the car and pressed the doorbell repeatedly.

Very quickly.

The door opened.

A pot-bellied man opened the door impatiently:

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

When he saw it was Gu Youniu, he became even more furious: "Why is it you kid again? I already told you, I have no interest in cooperating with you, get lost."

"Boss Jia, are you sure you're not interested?" 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!"

When the fat man called Boss Jia saw this, his expression changed drastically. He hurriedly ran out in his pajamas like a lapdog: "Boss Zhang, you, why have you come?"

"Jia Bosong?

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

"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 had come to his office saying he wanted to see the water and electricity consumption records of several main streets in the North District to enter the utility industry.

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

He hadn't expected Gu Youniu to actually have a connection with Zhang Zheng.

He turned back around, changed his expression, and said with a smile: "Little Brother Gu, the register isn't in my hands, how about we talk at my office tomorrow?"

"Good.

"It's getting late, I'm just thirsty and wanted a cup of water." Gu Youniu offered him a cigarette.

"What are you asking for?

"Little Brother Gu coming to visit is my honor. Call Boss Zhang in for a couple of drinks," Jia Bosong said.

"No, no.

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

"Alright, I'll go right now."

Jia Bosong quickly brought the water, and after Gu Youniu finished drinking, he nodded and bowed as he sent the two of them off.

Gu Youniu drove Zhang Zheng back to his large mansion.

The next day.

He arrived at the branch's hydroelectric company and met Jia Bosong.

"Little brother, these are the water and electricity payment records for residents in the Tai'an Road and Xinsheng South Road areas. Take a look," Jia Bosong said, crossing his legs and handing him a stack of documents.

Gu Youniu carefully looked through the streets as Hong Zhiyou had instructed.

"Business isn't very good; most people aren't using much water or electricity," Gu Youniu said while flipping through the pages.

"It used to be profitable.

"It's just that after the National Government moved here, the major political and military agencies consumed a huge amount of electricity, and they were all supplied with water and electricity for free; the fiscal subsidies provided were only enough for water and electricity maintenance and installing a few utility poles.

"Not to mention the political and military levels, those big electricity consumers who could afford air conditioning, listen to phonographs, and set up neon-lit dance floors, besides a portion of the wealthy, were mostly high-ranking officials of the National Government.

"To say nothing of others, the private residences of Zheng Jiemin and Mao Renfeng, their wives are all big electricity consumers, the kind that can blow out two or three air conditioners in a year.

"But who would dare to collect from them?

"You know what I mean, right?"

Jia Bosong held a cigarette in his mouth and began to vent his grievances.

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

"What's going on with this household?

"I see that the water and electricity consumption on the surrounding doorplates isn't high, but hers alone has caught 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.

"Someone from our company went there for repairs; it's a case of 'the sparrow may be small, but it has all the vital organs.'

"This household has installed two air conditioners.

"There's also a neon-lit dance floor, a phonograph, anyway, all those high-end gadgets of the foreigners, her house has them all.

"According to our people, the hostess isn't very old.

"About twenty, I'd say.

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

"Hehe, no need to guess, she must be a canary kept by some rich man."

Jia Bosong chuckled dryly.

Gu Youniu silently noted down the house number, flipped through the records carefully once more, asked about a few more places, and then stood up and said:

"Sigh, it seems the water and electricity business isn't easy to work in either.

"Boss Jia, your fee list was like a blow to the head; it completely woke me up.

"A small gift, please don't take offense.

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

As he spoke, he handed over a pack of imported Cuban cigars.

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare.

"Brother, we're all brothers, let's keep in touch.

"By the way, give me your grain shop, and your water and electricity fees will be seventy percent... no, forget it.

"We're brothers, I can still make the call on a small matter like this."

Upon mentioning Zhang Zheng, Jia Bosong hurriedly put his legs down and began to smile obsequiously.

"Brother Jia, thanks then. I have things to do, so I'm off. Let's meet up later."

Gu Youniu shook hands with him and drove away.

Arriving at the roadside.

He stepped on the brake, and Sun Xing, who was reading a newspaper, lowered his hat brim and slipped into the passenger seat of the car.

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

"Got them.

"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. She lives in a small house in a deep alley, but her lifestyle is extravagant. Inside the house, there are two Carrier air conditioners, a phonograph, and so on.

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

"Take a look and let's compare notes, let's strive 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 take it and chuckled: "Not bad, it's actually the genuine stuff, not that junk from the convenience store 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, so he gave it to me specifically." Sun Xing boasted with a bit of pride.

"I figured as much; besides Boss Hong, who else would be so generous?" Gu Youniu said with a bit of envy.

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

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

"Understood." Gu Youniu nodded.

"Youniu, there's something... never mind, forget it." Sun Xing hesitated.

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

"Leaving things half-said, just to keep me in suspense."

Gu Youniu cursed.

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

"You know I used to be at the Jinhai Station, and I've had quite a bit of contact with Ma Kui and Inspector Hong regarding intelligence; I know a thing or two about your situation." Sun Xing treated him like a brother and spoke directly.

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

"I was indeed a Red Ticket in the past.

"I am one now.

"And I will be in the future.

"Faith never fades!

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

"So working with him 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, and besides, you've seen what Chai Qian has done!

"Doesn't that prove Brother Hong is correct?

"It's just that I'm not part of the Elimination Squad, and Brother Hong hasn't given the order to get rid of him; otherwise, if I found him, I would eliminate him without hesitation."

"Hmm, then I'm relieved. Inspector Hong didn't misjudge you. He told me to discuss everything with you and listen to you." Sun Xing felt a weight lift from his heart, touched the scar on his face, and smiled.

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

"You used to be a cold-blooded executioner for the old Military Statistics Bureau, a loyal lackey of Mao Renfeng, how come you're also working wholeheartedly with Brother Hong?" Gu Youniu asked in return.

"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, and jumped out, waving at Gu Youniu:

"Now I am a man!

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

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

"Physical exam my ass.

"We're all going to die sooner or later!

"If my blood is to be shed, it can only be by sword or gun; even dogs don't go to hospitals!

"Later, you find a physician to get me a medical report, just to get by."

Sun Xing cursed.

"Screw you, get lost!"

Gu Youniu had just had a physical exam that morning, spat at him, stepped on the gas, and went off to investigate the gambling dens.

26 Quanzhou Road.

Xu Li, in a waist-cinching long dress, looking beautiful and lovely, put on a mask and a 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 the Bolero Western Restaurant."

"Alright, please sit tight."

The rickshaw puller took her to the Western restaurant.

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

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

When they were not far from Quanzhou Road.

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

"Ma'am, why did you throw away the food?" The rickshaw puller asked curiously.

"Suddenly lost my appetite." Xu Li said.

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

The driver returned quickly, took off his hat, and revealed a cold, stern face; it was none other than Xiao Guohua.

Xiao Guohua had brought eight veteran subordinates from the mainland.

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

In terms of both execution and professional quality, they were not the least bit inferior to the Second Division of Ye Xiang.

"Keep your eyes glued to that trash can.

"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 readily and dispersed to hide in various locations.

……

(End of chapter)