Chapter 74: Killing the One Surnamed Qiu

Shuitun Prison.

Liao Sanmin and fully armed soldiers were already waiting.

They got out of the car.

Li Ping of the Security Section grabbed Shopkeeper Qiu by the collar and dragged him down like a dead dog.

"Officer, it hasn't been verified that Captain Ma..."

Shopkeeper Qiu had just started to speak when Li Ping backhanded him across the face:

"You dog, did I tell you to speak?"

Shopkeeper Qiu clutched his face, his eyes behind his round-rimmed glasses filled with panic and grievance.

Li Ping looked coldly at Yu Zecheng: "Section Chief Yu, the Station Chief said to let you handle this."

"Old Yu."

"You are just too kind."

"Kind people are bullied, and gentle horses are ridden."

"This man surnamed Qiu has harmed you deeply; it wouldn't be excessive even if you executed him."

Hong Zhiyou handed a cigarette to Liao Sanmin opposite him and said half-jokingly.

"Section Chief Yu, tell us, how should this person be handled?" Liao Sanmin gave a cold smile and did not take it.

Hong Zhiyou then remembered that Sanmin did not smoke, so he took it back.

Yu Zecheng knew.

Li Ping was the Station Chief's eyes.

Hong Zhiyou was giving him a hint.

"Sigh!"

Yu Zecheng looked at the sky and sighed.

Immediately, he looked at Shopkeeper Qiu with a feminine, cold smile:

"Lock him in the special cell."

"The Station Chief still has use for this man; treat him well, don't kill him."

"I will execute him personally later."

"Understood."

Liao Sanmin raised the corner of his mouth and, as per custom, stepped forward and punched Shopkeeper Qiu in the lower abdomen.

"Once you enter this place, even if you were made of steel and iron, you have to bend for me."

He warned Shopkeeper Qiu coldly.

"Ugh!"

Shopkeeper Qiu curled up in pain, his face deathly pale, unable to speak.

"Old Xu, lock him in Cell 8, let the brothers practice on him first." Liao Sanmin instructed his bearded subordinate.

"Yes, Third Brother."

Old Xu pushed Shopkeeper Qiu inside.

"You, you are trampling on human life."

"Even if I become a ghost, I won't let you off!"

Shopkeeper Qiu shouted in the arched corridor.

"Damn it, still daring to be stubborn."

The sound of punches and kicks came from the corridor.

"Officer Liao, thank you for your hard work."

Yu Zecheng shook hands with Liao Sanmin with a smile.

"We are colleagues, no need for formalities."

Liao Sanmin smiled and nodded.

Their eyes met, and they shook hands with great force, venting their mutual helplessness and pain.

Shopkeeper Qiu's words were a declaration of his intent to die for his cause.

Yet they could do nothing but watch their comrade fall into trouble.

"Let's go."

Hong Zhiyou watched silently.

Fearing Old Yu would break character, he quickly called out.

They left the prison.

"Section Chief Yu, if there are no other orders, I will head back first." Li Ping drove off first.

"Secretary Hong, where are we going?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"To Yong Jianqiu's house."

"He bought quite a few treasures from Sun Dianying's adjutant, and the Station Chief's wife has her eye on them." Hong Zhiyou threw away his cigarette butt and got into the car.

"Sister-in-law is even keeping watch now?" Yu Zecheng shook his head and smiled.

"I think it's more that Yong Jianqiu is having bad luck lately, it's just bad timing!" Hong Zhiyou teased lightly.

If he hadn't guessed wrong.

Yong Jianqiu was actively attracting Sister Mei's attention.

He wanted to use bribery to get Shopkeeper Qiu out of trouble.

Or, perhaps he already knew Yu Zecheng's identity and wanted to score points for Yu Zecheng with Wu Jingzhong?

"Extortion again."

"When I was at the Qingpu Class, I studied intelligence and telecommunications with the teacher, and I was first in every exam."

"I had hoped to serve the Party and the State."

"I never expected that from Jingling to Jinhai, I would only be doing these petty, thieving things."

Yu Zecheng shook his head with a bitter smile and sighed.

He paused and said: "Zhiyou, you wouldn't sell me out, would you?"

"Heh."

"If I were going to sell you out, I would have done it long ago."

"You're not worth much at your weight." Hong Zhiyou scoffed jokingly.

"Just keep working hard."

"The Station Chief only has this one hobby."

"Don't you always say that to be loyal to the Party and the State, one must first be loyal to one's superior?"

Hong Zhiyou offered another word of comfort.

"What do you mean I always say that?"

"It's clearly you who always has it on your lips, right?" Yu Zecheng retorted with a smile.

The Yong residence.

Yong Manzhu had gauze wrapped around her foot and was throwing a tantrum on the sofa:

"It's all that bastard Hong Zhiyou's fault. When my leg is better, I won't let him off."

"Give it a rest, you're getting off easy and still complaining." Yong Manhua smiled gently as she changed her dressing.

"It's true, though."

"With Uncle Kong and Officer Delin, I would have been locked up for two days at most; what else could they have done to me?" Yong Manzhu said indignantly.

"Nonsense."

"Wu Jingzhong is a man who eats people without spitting out the bones."

"At the printing plant, your classmates and workers—how many innocent people have met their end?"

"Even Officer Yang has to bow his head to him now."

"If it weren't for Secretary Hong, even if you were crippled or died at the Jinhai Station, Father would have nothing to say."

"Secretary Hong is our family's benefactor."

"He's coming to our house later, so keep a proper attitude and be sweet-spoken."

Yong Manhua rolled her eyes at her and reminded her in a low voice.

"Manhua is right."

"One must learn lessons from everything; participate less in those activities in the future." Yong Jianqiu reminded her sternly from the side.

"I know." Yong Manzhu pouted.

While they were talking.

Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng walked in carrying gifts, led by a servant.

"Secretary Hong, Section Chief Yu."

Yong Jianqiu hurriedly stood up to welcome them.

"Father, you two talk, I still have to go back to the newspaper office." Yong Manhua covered her proud chest, smiled, and bowed slightly.

"Please go ahead, Second Miss," Yu Zecheng said.

Hong Zhiyou also nodded slightly.

"Third Young Lady, are you feeling better?"

"I bought you some medicine for your injuries and some pastries."

Hong Zhiyou walked over to the sofa, set the items down, and asked with a smile.

"Thanks to you, I'm much better," Yong Manzhu turned her head away and huffed.

"Manzhu, mind your attitude," Yong Jianqiu scolded.

"Mr. Yong, no need to be so serious."

"Miss Yong and I are friends, after all," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Alright, Old Yu, you two chat."

"I have things to do, so I'll be going."

He offered a greeting and left without the slightest hesitation.

No transactions.

Stay as far away from the Red Tickets as possible.

Heaven knows if the Yong family has a second Steward Liu.

"Section Chief Yu, let's speak plainly."

"I offer thirty thousand US dollars, plus those two crates of antiques outside the door, to save Qiu Ji's life."

Once they reached the small room, Yong Jianqiu got straight to the point.

"That is the price for buying a Red Ticket."

"Qiu Ji wasn't a Red Ticket, but he has become one," Yu Zecheng said indifferently.

"It doesn't matter."

"In any case, your Station Chief Wu has long since decided I am a Red Ticket," Yong Jianqiu said with composure.

"Mr. Yong, watch your words."

"Otherwise, even Mr. Delin and Mr. Kong won't be able to save you; don't forget they couldn't even protect your daughter."

Yu Zecheng knew his identity and offered a reminder.

"It's not that complicated."

"The Xuanji Pharmacy is a long-standing establishment in Jinhai."

"Shopkeeper Qiu's medical skills are praised by everyone, from the municipal government and the garrison down to the common people."

"When my wife gave birth to our third son, her vitality was damaged."

"All these years, she has relied on Shopkeeper Qiu's medicine to stay alive; to you, he might be a Red Ticket."

"To me, he is my wife's life."

"Compared to a life, what is money?"

Yong Jianqiu replied with an airtight argument.

Yu Zecheng thought for a moment, then nodded:

"If that's how you put it, I can try to fight for it for you."

"Are the items reliable?"

"Reliable."

"They are all treasures Sun Dianying dug out from the Eastern Tombs and kept at the bottom of his chest," Yong Jianqiu had already had someone inspect them.

"Such a grand gesture, is it worth it?"

Yu Zecheng stared into his eyes.

"It is."

"Mr. Wu once said that in a struggle, people are always the most important; if you have people and you have the hearts of the people, great things can be expected."

"Therefore, we will never abandon any fighter."

"This is something your people will never understand."

Yong Jianqiu said with a firm gaze.

Mr. Wu.

Number Two of Yancheng, formerly the director of the Whampoa Military Academy.

A surge of endless warmth suddenly welled up in Yu Zecheng's heart.

That warmth instantly dispersed all gloom and pain, transforming into infinite strength.

Fight!

Continue to fight until the very last moment of life.

The conversation reached this point.

It was basically understood without being spoken.

"Wu Jingzhong is not Lu Qinzhai; he shouldn't be shipping the items abroad, so let's just consider it him keeping them safe for me."

"Actually, one crate is enough."

"The other crate is prepared for you."

Yong Jianqiu stood with his hands on his hips and walked to the small window to gaze into the distance.

Yu Zecheng bowed to him and left quickly.

Station Chief's office.

"Li Ping, what did Yu Zecheng say? Tell me word for word," Liu Xiong instructed Li Ping, who was standing to the side.

"He said to keep him alive because he's useful, and told Liao Sanmin not to beat him to death."

"He also said he would personally execute Shopkeeper Qiu later."

Li Ping replied.

"Station Chief, that doesn't seem right."

"Logically, Yu Zecheng suffered such a big loss; shouldn't he be trying to kill Qiu Ji?"

"No, he is protecting Qiu Ji."

Liu Xiong's expression darkened, and he said solemnly.

Wu Jingzhong smiled and waved his hand:

"You don't understand this student of mine."

"He is not Ma Kui; he won't go around wanting to kill people's entire families."

"On the contrary, he is very good at guessing the intentions of his superiors and understands my thoughts."

"If he had actually said something harsh, that would be the anomaly."

"What about Hong Zhiyou?" he asked.

"Secretary Hong said that people are bullied if they are kind, and horses are ridden if they are docile."

"This subordinate suspects he is intentionally reminding Section Chief Yu," Li Ping said efficiently.

"Normal."

"They are colleagues, after all; a little human touch is expected," Wu Jingzhong nodded.

"Station Chief, aren't you being too partial to Hong..."

Liu Xiong was straightforward and was just about to blurt it out.

Wu Jingzhong's face darkened, and he pointed at him: "I am partial to anyone who is loyal to the Party and the State!"

"That's enough."

"Mrs. Yu is coming; Section Chief Liu, return immediately after escorting Ma Kui, and go to Langfang to pick her up yourself," Wu Jingzhong waved his hand, signaling them to get out.

"Yes!" Liu Xiong took the order and left with Little Li.

Wu Jingzhong watched his back, his eyes gradually narrowing, a thick murderous intent flashing and vanishing.

A straightforward man is useful.

But he is too sharp, and sometimes it is easy to accidentally hurt the master.

"Station Chief!"

Yu Zecheng arrived at the station shortly after and closed the door.

"Zecheng, sit down quickly."

"How did the talk go?"

Wu Jingzhong hurried to the sofa and personally poured tea for his favorite subordinate.

"The person has been locked in the Shuitun Prison; I instructed the officers there to guard him strictly," Yu Zecheng said.

"That's not what I'm asking about," Wu Jingzhong blinked his mercenary eyes.

"Yong Jianqiu is trying to woo your wife."

"As soon as I arrived, he made his intentions clear: he wants to protect Shopkeeper Qiu," Yu Zecheng had already organized his words.

"What unmitigated gall."

"Does he really think that just because he has Li Zongren and the Kong family backing him, I wouldn't dare touch him?" Wu Jingzhong cursed angrily.

"Station Chief, Officer Li is still at the Beiping Headquarters."

"However, judging by his tone, it's not what you think."

"It's like this..."

Yu Zecheng presented the original words.

"He really said that?" Wu Jingzhong asked in surprise.

"I checked on Qiu Ji; this man's medical skills are indeed remarkable. As a local elder in Jinhai, his reputation is quite large.

"Oh, he even treated the Japanese, specifically Ichiro Sakahara, in the past.

"I also inquired about the matter regarding Yong Jianqiu's wife. When she gave birth to their third daughter, she was an elderly parturient who nearly died in the hospital, and the Yong family frequently sent cars to pick up and drop off Qiu Ji for medical visits.

"You know how these wealthy dogs are; they value their lives like gold, and money is no different from paper to them.

"Therefore, I agreed to it."

Yu Zecheng hurriedly explained.

"Zecheng, you've suffered such a big loss; are you really willing to let Qiu Ji go just like that?" Wu Jingzhong stared at him, asking with a pointed implication.

"Master.

"Compared to your interests and those of the Party and State, my personal honor and disgrace are not worth mentioning.

"Back at the training center, didn't you often teach us: never dwell on past gains and losses; only by grasping the present can one continue to win.

"Anyway, since he has already fabricated it, even if I kill him, I won't be able to wash away this filth.

"As long as you trust me, Master, it doesn't matter if I'm a little dirty."

Yu Zecheng revealed his neat teeth and smiled honestly.

"Hmm!"

Wu Jingzhong nodded, "It's best that you think this way."

Immediately, he rubbed his fingers:

"What price did he offer?"

"Thirty thousand US dollars.

"Plus two large crates of antiques, quite a few pieces.

"I heard they are the private treasures Sun Dianying dug out from the Eastern Tombs, the ones he kept at the bottom of his chest; even the Chairman couldn't bear to give them away.

"Among them is a night-luminescent pearl.

"The very one from the Empress Dowager's mouth; it is said to be worth a fortune.

"To extend his wife's life, Yong Jianqiu really spent a fortune this time."

Yu Zecheng described it with exaggerated expressions.

"Oh my!"

Wu Jingzhong was overjoyed and slapped his thigh excitedly: "Where, where are the items?"

"I called my sister-in-law when I arrived and handed them over directly to Section Chief Xiao; they should be at your residence by now," Yu Zecheng said.

"Zecheng, well done!

"When it comes to fleecing wealthy dogs, it has to be you, Zecheng." Wu Jingzhong was overjoyed and patted his shoulder repeatedly.

"I dare not spare any effort in serving you, Master." Yu Zecheng bowed modestly.

"My old classmate Zhang just sent this by air from the island; have a taste."

Wu Jingzhong reached under the coffee table, pulled out a fruit plate, peeled a banana himself, and handed it to Yu Zecheng.

"Not bad, it's quite sweet." Yu Zecheng smiled shyly while eating.

"Master, you still haven't said whether or not to release the person," he said.

"The person can be given to him."

Wu Jingzhong stood up, his expression becoming serious.

Yu Zecheng was just about to feel secretly happy.

Then he heard Wu Jingzhong add another sentence:

"Doesn't Yong Jianqiu want the person?

"Kill Qiu Ji and give him a dead man."

Yu Zecheng felt as if he had been struck by lightning, his mood sinking to the bottom.

"Master, this..." He was somewhat stunned.

"Yong Jianqiu played me once last time.

"To receive without returning is not polite!

"I happen to be launching a counterattack against him.

"Isn't he arrogant?

"Doesn't he want to extend his wife's life?

"This is the method I'm giving their family to extend their lives!"

Wu Jingzhong was murderous and unquestionable.

"Alright, alright." Yu Zecheng nodded.

"You, you are just too kind-hearted.

"Like this.

"Don't pick anyone else; you go execute it.

"Didn't he frame you as a Red agent?

"Killing him is just the way to prove your innocence and shut those foul mouths in the station!"

Wu Jingzhong pointed at Yu Zecheng and issued the order sternly.

"Yes!

"Thank you, Master, for your support!"

What else could Yu Zecheng say? He could only stand up and accept the order.

"No rush.

"This person cannot die in the Shuitun Prison.

"Otherwise, if someone makes an issue of it, we will be very passive.

"Take action tonight, have Li Ping accompany you to transfer the prisoner, take him to the outskirts, find a place to execute him, and bury him on the spot.

"Additionally, take two photos for Yong Jianqiu; that will count as completing the task.

"A dead person is still a person, after all.

"Remember, be high-profile when taking the person, sign the papers, and follow the procedures.

"To the outside world, Qiu Ji must be released without charges.

"As for how he disappears, that has nothing to do with us, understand?"

Wu Jingzhong walked up close and gave him instructions in person.

The book is now available for purchase; I'm asking for a wave of first-time subscriptions. Thank you to all the big bosses for your subscriptions and tips, mwah.

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(End of this chapter)