Chapter 69: Negotiating with Hu Die

They arrived at the station.

Wu Jingzhong headed straight for the second interrogation room and kicked the door open.

"Station Chief, what... what happened?" Hong Zhiyou hurriedly stood up.

He had never seen Wu Jingzhong lose his composure like this before.

"What happened?

"The sky has fallen.

"The two of you, come to my office."

Wu Jingzhong said gloomily.

They arrived at the office.

Wu Jingzhong closed the door and said dejectedly:

"Ma Kui has done a 'great' job arresting people; he threw my wife and Dai Li's lover—that... that movie star from Shanghai—all into prison."

"Ah!"

Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng looked at each other in dismay.

Beyond their shock, the two were even more bewildered.

What kind of bizarre game was Shopkeeper Qiu playing? They couldn't make heads or tails of it.

"Hu Die," Hong Zhiyou added after regaining his senses.

"That's right, her.

"This woman is the apple of Boss Dai's eye.

"Back then, to settle her down in Shancheng, Boss Dai threw Yang Huimin into prison.

"Who is Yang Huimin?

"She was a heroine who raised the flag for Du Yuesheng, highly favored by Lady Jiang, who even intended to send her abroad for further studies.

"Just because this woman shed a few tears, she is still rotting in the Jinling prison.

"To win a smile from the beauty, Boss Dai privately shipped an entire boatload of household assets to Hu Die.

"During the Japanese occupation, do you know how much risk that involved?

"He cherished her even more than his own mother."

Wu Jingzhong slapped his palm, recounting the old story.

"I know; that shipment was seized by the Japanese.

"When I was at the Jinling Political Security Bureau, Boss Dai sent Ye Ziming as a special envoy to demand it back from Zhou Fuhai and Wan Lilang.

"I sent the telegram, using Ding Mocun's name."

Yu Zecheng nodded in agreement.

"But wait, how did this Miss Hu end up in Jinhai?" He paused, expressing his confusion.

"It's all because of that quack in the interrogation room.

"Hu Die believed the words of Wu Taixun's wife and came to seek medical treatment for the boss, and then..."

"Forget it, let's not dwell on this nonsense.

"The problem now is how to appease that Miss Hu.

"I won't hide it from you two; my head is aching, and I truly don't know how to face her.

"If she forces the boss to make an issue of this, I might just be transferred to Shangan to eat dirt with Hu Zongnan.

"You two, this is Jinhai.

"How many people above are eyeing this position, hoping to see my head roll!"

Wu Jingzhong frowned, tapping his fingers heavily on the desk.

"The two of you, speak up." He looked at his two main lieutenants, feeling helpless.

"Teacher, I... I am still under suspicion of being a Red, so I'd better not," Yu Zecheng said, looking troubled.

"What time is it, and you're still worrying about being a Red?

"Let's get past the boss's hurdle first."

Wu Jingzhong said unhappily.

"How about sending her some... things? This woman is quite fond of wealth," Yu Zecheng suggested.

"You don't understand; a woman like her doesn't lack treasures.

"If you don't soothe her properly, it's just adding fuel to the fire and giving others ammunition," Wu Jingzhong shook his head, rejecting the idea.

"I'm truly no good at dealing with women; fortunately, we have an expert on hand."

Yu Zecheng looked toward Hong Zhiyou.

"Teacher, I will go talk to her," Hong Zhiyou said, volunteering, knowing he couldn't avoid this.

"I'm warning you, put away your 'ladies' man' reputation; you are not to touch a single hair on this woman," Wu Jingzhong pointed at him sternly.

"Don't worry.

"Even if you gave me a hundred guts, I wouldn't dare," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Good. You immediately take her to the Naval Club and get her settled.

"Once things are smoothed over, bring her to the station, and I will personally offer her my apologies.

"Zhiyou, everything depends on you."

Wu Jingzhong held his hand and patted it several times.

"Station Chief, then I'm off."

Hong Zhiyou dared not delay and drove personally to the Shuitun Prison.

Arriving at the prison.

Hong Zhiyou gave Sister Mei a look and stepped forward to apologize:

"The three ladies have been startled.

"The two of you, please go back and rest for a while; the Station Chief will see you tomorrow morning."

"Jiu'er, let's go first; Secretary Hong will take good care of Miss Hu."

Mei Qiuju hurriedly supported Zhu Jiu and left.

"Miss Hu, I have already booked a suite at the Naval Club; please, this way," Hong Zhiyou opened the car door respectfully.

"You, come to the club later to collect your reward," Hu Die said, glancing at Liao Sanmin.

"Thank you, Miss Hu," Liao Sanmin smiled and nodded.

They got in the car and headed straight for the club.

After Hu Die bathed, had a late-night snack, and spent time on the phone with Boss Dai to calm her nerves, she finally fell into a deep sleep.

Hong Zhiyou feared gossip.

He spent the night on the sofa in the hotel lobby.

The next day.

At nine in the morning, Hu Die came downstairs, beautifully dressed.

"Miss Hu, I have prepared breakfast in the back garden," Hong Zhiyou gestured with a gentlemanly hand.

"I know who you are.

"Zhu Jiu told me: the Jinhai playboy, Wu Jingzhong's favorite.

"If you are here to persuade me, you can save your breath.

"This matter must have an explanation from Boss Dai."

Hu Die smiled disdainfully, regaining her haughty demeanor.

"I am not a lobbyist; I only wish to discuss scripts and music with Miss Hu.

"As for being a romantic talent, I, Hong, cannot claim to be one.

"But I do have some slight understanding, and I ask for Miss Hu's guidance."

Hong Zhiyou took a crumpled script manuscript from his pocket and handed it to her.

"You can write scripts too?"

"Of course; foreign languages, film, piano, novels—I know a little of everything.

"You read it first, and I will play a piece for you."

Hong Zhiyou sat by the piano and began to play.

The melody was very slow.

Just like the autumn sunlight, warm and tranquil.

Hu Die was initially somewhat dismissive.

As the notes entered her ears, she gradually became dazed.

Outside the window, the golden sun pierced through the leaves, swaying gently.

Butterflies were dancing.

She thought of her first love, Lin Xuehuai.

She thought of the helpless, aggrieved tears of her husband, Pan Yousheng, when they parted.

When she came to her senses, her tears had already soaked the paper.

"What is it called?" Hu Die asked.

"Whispers of Autumn," Hong Zhiyou said.

"A good name. Let's go."

Hu Die folded up the script for *Three Variations of Plum Blossoms* as she spoke.

"The first variation of plum blossoms breaks one's heart.

"The second variation of plum blossoms requires deep thought.

"The script is not bad. When I return to Xiangdao, I will have it produced; it might just be a hit.

"And the follow-up?"

Arriving at the garden, they sat down on either side, and Hu Die raised the manuscript and asked with a smile.

"What happened this time was an accident.

"Boss Dai is very angry, and Station Chief Wu is eager to seek your understanding.

"But you know, Jinhai is a vital location.

"Currently, Boss Dai is seeking the position of Navy Commander. To suppress Mao Renfeng and Tang Zong, he must leave himself a way out.

"The gates of Jinhai can only be guarded by Station Chief Wu.

"I don't think you would want to see Boss Dai lose such a fat piece of meat."

Hong Zhiyou did not take the bait and instead brought up the real business.

"Add one more piano piece," Hu Die asked with a charming smile.

"Deal."

Hong Zhiyou had already written it; he took out the sheet music and handed it to her directly.

"I've profited," Hu Die said, very happy.

She was not short of money.

But the value of this piece and the script was extremely high.

It was enough for her to shed the label of "Dai Li's mistress" and return to her former glory as a film queen.

"I've profited too, being able to enjoy breakfast with a big star," Hong Zhiyou said, raising his coffee to thank her.

In fact, both sides were clear on the situation.

Dai Li had many mistresses; it was impossible for him to transfer a "regional governor" like Wu Jingzhong just for Hu Die.

It was fine for Hu Die to act spoiled.

To actually make a scene would be foolish.

Both sides understood without speaking; they knew when to stop.

"Alright, I should return to Shanghu.

"I hope that when I see Mr. Hong next time, I will be able to see the rest of the script."

After finishing her coffee, Hu Die stood up and extended her slender hand to bid Hong Zhiyou farewell.

"I will do my best," Hong Zhiyou said, shaking her soft hand.

The last time he had seen the "Roaring Emperor," it was in a video clip on a short-video app; he had long forgotten the plot, so it would be a miracle if there were a follow-up.

"Here is one thousand dollars.

"Please pass it to that good-looking young prison guard for me.

"He looks very much like Mr. Pan."

Hu Die smiled sweetly, took out a stack of money, and placed it on the table.

Then, she picked up her small bag and wiggled her hips as she walked away.

"Wait.

"Before you leave, remember to report your safety to the boss.

"Also, rhinitis cannot be cured in one or two courses of treatment.

"For different people, the severity of the illness varies, and the dosage of the medicine and the herbs used are all different.

"Miss Hu must be extremely cautious."

Hong Zhiyou called out to stop her and reminded her.

"You are quite a meticulous person," Hu Die said, turning her head with a bright smile.

"As a member of the Juntong Bureau, Zhiyou regards the boss as Mount Tai and only wishes to pledge his life in loyalty," Hong Zhiyou said, bowing solemnly.

"I will convey your sentiments.

"Goodbye."

Hu Die nodded and walked away, her high heels clicking rhythmically.

Sigh, do one's best and leave the rest to fate.

For the station chief, for Shopkeeper Qiu.

He had already done everything within his power.

From here on, it would depend on the two of them's own fortune.

……

(End of chapter)