[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-spy-survival-guide":3,"chapter-spy-survival-guide-spy-survival-guide-chapter-51":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},2366367,4634,"Chapter 51: Money, the Best Friend","spy-survival-guide-chapter-51",51,"\u003Cp>\"Any problems?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong, I can pay more, but please don't make such jokes.\" Yong Jianqiu’s cheeks twitched as he said this in alarm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This shipment was of vital importance to the Border Region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would rather spend a fortune than fail to get his hands on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chen Zhangjie would love to grind your bones to dust; do you really think he’d give you good things?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou gave a calm smile and lit a cigarette with a \"snap.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After exhaling a puff of smoke, he continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The guns and artillery are defective, and the ammunition is fake.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Especially that batch of medicine; it has been laced with deadly poison.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The medicine being poisoned was Wu Jingzhong’s idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he hadn't told Hong Zhiyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou wasn't close with the Lujunyi Academy director, Ding Defeng, but he was close with Mrs. Ding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That afternoon, he took some time to play cards at the British Club.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mrs. Ding teased him, saying that people from the Juntong Bureau were heartless—they said sweet things, but hadn't kept them company for over half a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Women, you know, one thing leads to another when they start chattering, and when the topic turned to how men were no good, she blurted out the matter of Ding Defeng’s poisoning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I have to say, old Wu is truly ruthless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me put it this way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we succeed, Station Chief Wu makes money and earns merit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you succeed, Station Chief Wu still makes money and earns merit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mr. Yong, I know you’re an old hand, but never underestimate the methods of the people at Chicken Goose Lane.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou glanced at him, raised an eyebrow, and sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a Wu Jingzhong, his methods are so vicious, he’s simply insane!\" Yong Jianqiu was sweating with fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this batch of medicine were shipped to the Border Region, the lives of the soldiers would be entirely in his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You aren't one of us, so why reveal such important intelligence?\" Yong Jianqiu was filled with respect, yet very confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s simple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m just a businessman; only by protecting the interests of my partners can I go far.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides, who knows who will end up using medicine?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it happened to take down a high-ranking official in the Border Region, wouldn't you all skin me alive?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said with a shrewd smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m starting to understand why they all call you Jin Hai... 'The Conduit'.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When it comes to making money, just do things that make money.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Follow the flow and the profit in small matters, but don't be muddled in big ones!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back when I was in the Beiyang era, I was just like you—there were no so-called enemies, only business partners and friends.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secretary Hong, I believe we can certainly become friends too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yong Jianqiu’s eyes were full of admiration, as if he were looking at his own slick, multifaceted self from years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need to believe, we are friends right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have money.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I like money.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No one would refuse a wealthy friend.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou leaned back in his chair comfortably and blinked with a relaxed expression:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does Mr. Yong want to deepen our friendship? How about adding twenty percent?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ten percent for me, and ten percent for Station Chief Wu’s share of this cargo.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Otherwise, I won't be able to report back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yong Jianqiu adjusted his glasses and grandly agreed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, add another twenty percent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The world says I’ve fallen on hard times, but they don't know my eldest daughter has a mine in San Francisco.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m not short on cash!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you suggest regarding this poisonous scheme of Wu Jingzhong’s?\" he asked after a pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll tell you, but do you dare believe it?\" Hong Zhiyou leaned forward and flicked the ash from his cigarette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have money.\" Yong Jianqiu nodded with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Easy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Continue with your original plan; Wu Jingzhong will be happy to see you transport the supplies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"While they are distracted, move the real goods out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Design the specifics yourself; this is what we call passing off the fake as the real.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou felt a slight headache and offered the suggestion casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, not much different from what I thought.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is worth a thousand dollars.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yong Jianqiu took out his wallet, counted out a stack of US banknotes, and handed them to Hong Zhiyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boss Yong is truly generous. A pleasure doing business.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You get what you pay for; fearing that saying too much would lead to a slip-up, Hong Zhiyou stood up to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hong Zhiyou, you stop right there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the door, Yong Manzhu called out to him imperiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does the Third Young Lady need something?\" Hong Zhiyou asked with an elegant smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Last time you said you didn't think much of me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Was it because you think my figure isn't good?\" Yong Manzhu was as aggressive as a little lion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes!\" Hong Zhiyou nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You... my sister said that when I get older, I’ll become just like her.\" Yong Manzhu argued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what is 'like her'?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know, the big... breasts and big butt that you men like!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yong Manzhu said, blushing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps, but that only concerns men.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Age? That’s irrelevant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou gave her a little lesson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Men?\" Yong Manzhu was confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh, one day, you’ll understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou gave a roguish smile and reached out as if to pinch her shapely backside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jerk.\" Yong Manzhu jumped back in fright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once you’ve figured it out, you can find me anytime.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Happy to be of service!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou gave her a flirtatious wink and walked quickly to his car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back at the station.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several cars were parked in the courtyard, and Lu Qiaoshan was taking inventory of the supplies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Lu, busy, are we?\" Hong Zhiyou said with his hands in his pockets, greeting him in a good mood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, you... you’re getting cocky.\" Lu Qiaoshan’s face darkened as he pointed at him and gave a displeased, dry laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, my mistake.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My good Brother Shan, Director Lu, what are you busy with?\" Hong Zhiyou quickly changed his tone with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sent by Officer Chen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Station Chief personally appointed me to receive them; I have full authority over the arrest of the Yong family’s red tickets this time.\" Lu Qiaoshan’s smile bloomed, and he grew smug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, right, full authority again, is it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, would you die if you didn't show off for one day?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Shan, this is a monumental achievement. If you succeed tonight, the position of Deputy Station Chief will be yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't forget to promote your brother when the time comes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Station Chief is looking for me, I’ll be going now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou offered a few sycophantic compliments and hurried to the Station Chief’s office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher, it’s settled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yong Jianqiu has offered an additional ten percent in profit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The money for the arms and medicine totals thirty-eight thousand US dollars in cash, which I have already handed to your wife.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou walked to his side and whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excellent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong slapped his thigh in excitement, grabbing his elbow with the affection of a biological father:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhiyou, have you set a time for the transaction?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nine o'clock tonight, at Mawang Town,\" Hong Zhiyou replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excellent!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You will follow Ma Kui tonight to seize the transaction's red tickets, and I will claim credit for you again,\" Wu Jingzhong said with great joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Station Chief, please spare me from such a life-threatening job.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If a stray bullet happens to find me... I still wish to serve you for ten thousand years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou’s face fell instantly, looking as if he were about to cry for Wu Jingzhong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong stared at him, thought for a moment, and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is true, you are a precious treasure; you cannot take such risks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let Ma Kui and Qi Physician go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In terms of merit, he was already a Major General.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In terms of military rank, Dai Li was also only a Major General.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had reached the peak of his career in this lifetime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he were to lose Hong Zhiyou, where else would he find a God of Wealth who could produce stacks of US dollars at the drop of a hat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Station Chief,\" Hong Zhiyou let out a long sigh of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight o'clock in the evening, conference room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*Cough, cough!*\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Hong Zhiyou pushed the door open, the room was filled with smoke, stinging his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong sat at the head of the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first chair on the left was Special Commissioner Wang Puchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the right was Lu Qiaoshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Kui, Yu Zecheng, and several other department heads were all present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me introduce everyone; this is Special Envoy Wang Puchen from Boss Dai, here specifically to preside over the case of Yong Jianqiu’s arms trafficking,\" Wu Jingzhong introduced with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone exchanged greetings one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are too kind, I would not dare to claim to preside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In terms of seniority, Station Chief Wu, you are my senior; Boss Dai sent me here to learn from you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Puchen’s eyes smiled, his tone humble and soft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou took a few extra looks at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Puchen was very thin, his cheeks sallow, with slightly puffy single eyelids; perhaps due to tuberculosis, his gaze looked sinister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept smoking, coughing, and spitting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not stop for a single moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if he would stop breathing the moment he put down that cigarette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou felt it was simply unscientific.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this guy actually lived until 2006, reaching the age of 104.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Complaining aside, Hong Zhiyou dared not underestimate this man in the slightest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a high school classmate of Dai Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a classmate of Mao Renfeng at the Provincial First Middle School and a die-hard confidant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later on, Ma Hansan and Qiao Jiacai would both fall into his hands, turning the Beiping intelligence system upside down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don't look at Wang Puchen’s seniority as inferior to Wu Jingzhong’s; his background was absolutely solid, otherwise, he wouldn't have been sent by Dai Li to Beiping as the Juntong Bureau North China Inspector General, specifically to trap Ma Hansan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cough, cough!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong glanced at Hong Zhiyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou understood and opened the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He poured tea for the big shots and specifically fetched a mask for the Station Chief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, without staying for a second, he left the conference room nimbly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such secrets, hearing one extra word was a disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having finally managed to escape, he would not get involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1786,"2026-06-25T10:22:48.848Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","ab09be7b52f4608085334bbab28cb700eb49eed22b7efc23b5d76bb2f4f0ee26","spy-survival-guide-chapter-52","spy-survival-guide-chapter-50",395,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fspy-survival-guide-cover.jpg"]