Chapter 87: Zhou Gendi's Resentment

"Officer Liao, Xu Bin has had an accident." A guard immediately entered the room to report to Liao Sanmin.

"Outrageous!"

"Those bastards!"

"Take him to the infirmary quickly, and detain everyone who beat him."

Liao Sanmin feigned great anger as he gave the order.

Xu Bin was sent to the infirmary.

After examining him, the prison physician shook his head.

"You may leave," Liao Sanmin said with a wave of his hand.

Once there were no outsiders left.

Yu Zecheng quickly took out an ink pad, grabbed Xu Bin's hand, and pressed his fingerprints onto several documents.

He also took a few photographs.

"Someone, come and carry the body away.

"Xu Bin got into a fight with a prisoner and was unfortunately killed."

Liao Sanmin called his subordinates to dispose of the body.

"Old Yu, Secretary Hong, let's go sit in my back courtyard," Liao Sanmin invited.

"I still have to go to the Naval Club, you two chat."

Hong Zhiyou did not want to get involved in their messy business and hurried away.

"Old Yu, thank you.

"I didn't expect you to be able to salvage the matter of Shopkeeper Qiu."

After closing the door, Liao Sanmin shook his hand, expressing sincere gratitude.

"Why thank me?

"It was Secretary Hong's merit; he put in a good word with Hu Die.

"Otherwise, how could we have stirred up Lady Jiang and Zheng Jiemin and the others?

"However, my identity has already been exposed to Secretary Hong."

Yu Zecheng shook his head helplessly.

"You can't blame yourself for that.

"Being able to break the deadlock is already quite good.

"What now? Can he be developed? If not, should I find someone to take him out?"

Friends are friends, but when it concerns the interests of the organization, Liao Sanmin would never be soft-hearted.

"This person only has eyes for money; it's very difficult to develop him.

"But for the time being, he shouldn't betray me.

"Furthermore, he has a debt of gratitude to the organization and to me personally for saving his life.

"Even red agents must value human sentiment.

"It doesn't necessarily have to be an internal comrade to be trusted; don't forget, weren't Yong Jianqiu and the Rong family all won over as democratic figures?

"We must give him a chance; let's take it slow."

Yu Zecheng hurriedly interrupted him.

He still had a very good impression of Hong Zhiyou.

He was afraid that Liao Sanmin would act too hastily.

Liao Sanmin nodded in deep agreement: "That is also my thought."

"Good, you tricked me." The two of them laughed.

"Did Shopkeeper Qiu give any instructions?" Liao Sanmin asked in a low voice.

"He told me to find Huang Zhong, that is, Detective Huang," Yu Zecheng said.

"I guessed it was him.

"Last time, it was he who arrested the three of them, including Hu Die; because of this, Old Huang is still sweeping the streets now," Liao Sanmin said.

"How about this: you go and make contact with Old Huang first, and build the transit station as soon as possible.

"If you can't make contact, have Yong Jianqiu vouch for you.

"When the time is ripe, I will contact him again."

Yu Zecheng thought for a moment and said.

Right now, Cuiping had just arrived, and Liu Xiong was biting hard, so he could not take that risk.

"Understood," Liao Sanmin nodded.

Don't look at the fact that his seniority was older than Yu Zecheng's.

But in terms of the big picture and steady handling of affairs, Old Yu was a commander-level talent, and Sanmin was convinced and impressed.

"I have to go; staying too long makes it easy for people to get suspicious."

After finishing his instructions, Yu Zecheng stood up and left.

Returning to the station.

Yu Zecheng went to report to Wu Jingzhong.

"Are you sure he is completely dead?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"Completely dead; I verified it myself."

Yu Zecheng took out the documents with the fingerprints and the photos and handed them over.

After looking them over, Wu Jingzhong nodded with satisfaction: "You are the most outstanding intelligence student I have ever taught; I am at ease with how you handle things.

"I will call Boss Dai right now to request a commendation for you."

"Teacher, Qiu Jidong ended up like that; it would be good enough if Boss Dai didn't blame me, why request a commendation?" Yu Zecheng smiled shyly.

"You don't understand.

"This is no small matter; if not handled well, it would be very troublesome.

"Now Zheng Jiemin and even the Generalissimo are putting pressure on the boss; in Boss Dai's eyes, you have performed a monumental service," Wu Jingzhong smiled craftily.

"Thank you, Teacher.

"This student will strive to achieve new merits." Yu Zecheng stood at attention and saluted respectfully.

Just as Wu Jingzhong was about to speak, the phone rang:

"Hello, it's me.

"Old Du, this matter is my fault for not bringing the person back sooner.

"I was just one step late, and the person was gone.

"You know what kind of character your nephew has; sigh, please accept my condolences.

"Alright, let's play tennis together another day."

Clack!

Wu Jingzhong hung up and raised his eyebrows at Yu Zecheng, pointing at the telephone:

"Du Jianshi, he thought that because he leaned on Chen Zhangjie, he could order me around.

"I killed his damn nephew, what can he do to me?"

"That's right, Teacher is the uncrowned king of Jinhai; Du Jianshi is nothing," Yu Zecheng flattered him in agreement.

"The Lady has arrived; you must be short on cash, right?"

Wu Jingzhong waved his hand to change the subject and asked with a smile.

"A little.

"The gold and dollars you gave me, Teacher, I invested in mountain goods and futures, and I lost so much I can't even afford socks."

Yu Zecheng knew that last time, according to Shopkeeper Qiu's agreement, he had made a call from the office.

Wu Jingzhong must have been aware of it.

Therefore, during these days, he had secretly fiddled with some mountain goods and such, deliberately losing a sum of money to cover up this loophole.

Of course, he was truly short on money.

He had been cleaned out by Hong Zhiyou.

"Take this.

"Buy Cuiping a few good outfits; don't let Lady Lu and the others look down on you.

"You are my man.

"You must keep up appearances, both inside and out, for me."

Wu Jingzhong narrowed his eyes, took a roll of banknotes, and handed it to him.

"Thank you for your great kindness, Teacher; then... this student will shamefully accept."

Yu Zecheng did not stand on ceremony and put it into his pocket.

"Why be polite with me? Go on," Wu Jingzhong raised his eyebrows and smiled.

"Yes."

Yu Zecheng retreated respectfully.

Just as he returned to the office, Liu Xiong walked in with Li Ping.

Li Ping was covered in injuries; it seemed this beating had been quite severe.

"Director Yu, I've brought the person to you." Liu Xiong pushed Li Ping in front of Yu Zecheng.

"Section Chief Liu, you, what is this?"

Yu Zecheng did not understand what medicine was being sold in the gourd.

"Regarding the matter of Shopkeeper Qiu, this kid harmed Director Yu, so he must admit his mistake."

"You idiot, why are you still standing there?"

Liu Xiong raised his hand and slapped Li Ping across the face.

"Director Yu, it was my fault for making you draw your gun last time; I beg for your forgiveness." Li Ping gritted his teeth and bowed to apologize.

"You know, I was just thinking about filing a report with the Inspection Office."

"However, since you are one of Section Chief Liu's men."

"I can't exactly kill you."

"It seems I can't file that report now, either."

Yu Zecheng stared at him and sneered.

"Director Yu, you are a magnanimous person." Liu Xiong said in a stiff tone.

"Fine."

"Don't let it happen again."

"If there is a next time, not even the King of Heaven will be able to save you."

Yu Zecheng slammed the file in his hand onto the desk with a "thwack."

"Get out."

"Director Yu, you go ahead and get back to work."

Liu Xiong hurriedly led Li Ping out.

Turning left out the door, the two headed straight for the Station Master's office.

"That's more like it; only by being harmonious can we accomplish great things." Wu Jingzhong was very satisfied with Li Ping's submission.

"Station Master."

"Station Master Wang from Baoding sent word."

"The aunt who acted as a matchmaker for Chen Cuiping, named Wang Caiju, died fleeing during the famine; the old folks in the two villages of Heigou and Yutou are mostly dead now."

"I asked many people, and they all said they had never heard of this Wang Caiju."

"I suspect she is a fabrication."

Liu Xiong said.

"Since you said the old folks are dead, it's normal that no one knows."

"Was the carriage driver caught?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"We've mapped out his background; Section Chief Xiao has already set up surveillance, and barring any accidents, we should catch him tonight." Liu Xiong said.

"Good."

"This is how things should be done—speak with evidence." Wu Jingzhong nodded.

"By the way, Yu Zecheng has an older sister."

"Named... Yu Caixia; she married into Zhouping, Shandong ten years ago, was later sold to the Han family, and five years ago she gave birth to a child as a concubine, continuing the Han family line."

"She is quite highly regarded by the old patriarch of the Han family."

"Oh, this person is a clan nephew of Han Fuju and currently holds a post under Mr. He at the Shandong Provincial Government."

"Should we arrest her?"

Liu Xiong added.

"Are you sure she is Yu Zecheng's sister? Do they have any contact?" Wu Jingzhong was quite surprised.

"Certain."

"Yu Zecheng is the youngest; he had an older brother who died fleeing the famine."

"During the Japanese occupation, they had no contact."

"I reckon the other party died long ago."

"A while back, Han Wentao went to Baoding on business and specifically entrusted someone to bring many things to Heigou to visit Yu Zecheng's parents." Liu Xiong said.

"That's interesting."

"A wife can be fake."

"But a biological sister can't be fake, right?"

"Go and have a word with Zhang Tinge; tell He Siyuan to transfer Han Wentao to Jinhai."

Wu Jingzhong ordered.

"Understood." Liu Xiong accepted the order.

Wu Jingzhong was satisfied with this news.

He had these two gloves, one black and one white, under his command.

Hong Zhiyou's entire family would arrive soon, so he was basically under control.

He had originally intended to use Cuiping to control Yu Zecheng.

Now it seemed this woman was no pushover.

The appearance of a biological sister played right into Wu Jingzhong's hands.

His original intention was never to kill, but to control people for his own use.

Subordinates like Yu Zecheng, who handled matters without a single leak, were still useful for now.

At noon, he helped Sister Mei collect money at the Naval Club.

Hong Zhiyou took Cao Qingming to the Caobang to conduct the handover with Rong Bin.

On the way, Hong Zhiyou discovered a little tail behind him.

Without needing to think, he could guess it was Liu Xiong's man.

So fond of investigating?

I'll just lead you right into a ditch.

"Mr. Cao, wait a moment, I'm going down to buy a pack of cigarettes." Hong Zhiyou greeted Cao Qingming in the passenger seat, opened the door, and got out.

He walked straight into the shop.

He took out a few silver dollars and asked for a pack of cigarettes.

"Sir, you gave me the wrong money; this is too much." The shopkeeper looked at the silver dollars on the counter, stunned.

"Where is the back door?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Over there."

Hong Zhiyou walked straight through the back door into the alley.

Then he circled to the other side and lit a cigarette.

Sure enough, the car tailing him, seeing he hadn't appeared for a long time, lost its patience; someone jumped out of the car and deliberately scouted the area.

Hong Zhiyou took a look.

It was Chen Genbao from the Security Section.

This kid used to be in the Action Team with Mi Zhiguo.

Now that Ma Kui had fallen.

He had been transferred to do field work for Liu Xiong, collecting double pay.

"Chen Genbao?"

Hong Zhiyou gave a cold smile and walked quickly to a nearby phone booth:

"Hello, Second Brother, I have a tail behind me...

"Catch him in a moment; he likely has a camera on him.

"Remember, wait until he takes the photos before you catch him."

Hanging up the phone, Hong Zhiyou circled back and walked out of the shop.

"Mr. Cao, sorry to keep you waiting."

Hong Zhiyou took off his suit jacket and grabbed a dark-colored Zhongshan suit from the back seat to put on.

"Everything alright?" Cao Qingming asked.

"Don't worry, it's fine."

Hong Zhiyou nodded.

They arrived at the Caobang.

Hong Zhiyou got out of the car, put on a round hat, and formally conducted the handover with Rong Bin's entourage.

Both sides shook hands.

The guards handed Hong Zhiyou a box.

Then they each went their separate ways.

Hong Zhiyou walked sideways, not revealing his face.

After the handover was complete.

He got into the car and quickly headed toward Ma Kui's house.

The Station Chief told him to pick up Zhou Gendi for dinner that evening.

"Understood."

"Busy with endless errands from morning till night."

Inside the car.

Chen Genbao put away his camera, his face full of joy.

Liu Xiong had ordered him to tail Hong Zhiyou and photograph anyone who made contact with him.

And now, he had something ready-made.

He started the car and stepped on the gas, rushing toward the station.

A donkey cart suddenly bolted out from the front, colliding with him head-on.

Several rough men transporting grain jumped off the cart and beat Chen Genbao up.

By the time this group swaggered away, Chen Genbao discovered that the new German camera was gone.

At dusk, the autumn air grew chilly.

Hong Zhiyou knocked on Zhou Gendi's door.

Her hands were covered in soap bubbles; she had clearly just finished bathing and was scrubbing clothes.

"Secretary Hong."

Seeing Hong Zhiyou, she was surprised, and her eyes instantly turned red.

"Sister-in-law, what's wrong? Not welcoming me?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a raised eyebrow and a smile.

"Come in quickly."

Zhou Gendi grabbed him and pulled him inside.

Without a second thought, she threw herself into his arms and began to sob:

"You, why are you so heartless? You never come to see me."

"Don't make a scene, we aren't that close, are we?" Hong Zhiyou said with a laugh, holding his hands up.

"You have no idea how I've been living these days.

"Old Ma ignores me every single day.

"Now he's been sent to Jingling, and I don't even know if he's dead or alive.

"I... I'm in this strange place where I don't know anyone, like a lonely ghost. It's too hard to bear."

Zhou Gendi didn't care about that; she held him and poured out all her bitterness.

"If Old Ma ignores you, it must be because you aren't seductive enough." Hong Zhiyou pushed her away gently and said with a wicked grin.

"You're still laughing at me.

"Even if I wanted to be, I need the opportunity. Every time I stand in front of him, he tells me to get lost, saying I'm annoying.

"He'd rather sleep on the sofa than touch my bed.

"It's as if I'm poisonous or filthy.

"I'm a clean woman, living like a widow in Shanghai for him; how have I ever wronged him?"

Zhou Gendi cried more and more sorrowfully.

Damn, could Old Ma really be impotent?

It was a tradition for that bunch of scoundrels led by Wanlilang to target a prisoner's lower regions.

For a great beauty like Zhou Gendi, there was no reason for Ma Kui not to touch her.

Hong Zhiyou suddenly understood a bit why Ma Kui had entrusted his wife to him.

"And you, you don't keep me company either." She complained about Hong Zhiyou as well.

"Why don't you go to the club to play cards?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"Play what cards? Old Ma took all the money.

"I live on nothing but vegetables and tofu every day." Zhou Gendi wiped her tears, feeling aggrieved.

"Then why don't you come find me?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"Who am I to you? Why should I keep asking you for money?" Zhou Gendi said, growing more sorrowful.

"Who do you want to be to me?" Hong Zhiyou raised his hand and patted her curvy bottom, laughing flippantly.

"Whatever you say.

"Anyway, I don't want to spend another day in this hellish life of being locked up.

"If I can have a good time for one day, I'd be content even if I died."

The little flame hidden in Zhou Gendi's heart erupted at this moment.

She stood on her tiptoes, ready to demand a kiss from Hong Zhiyou.

"Stop!"

Hong Zhiyou quickly held her back.

"The Station Chief has ordered me to take you to the Lishun Restaurant.

"Mrs. Yu, Mrs. Lu, and the Station Chief's wife will all be there.

"You can form a card game later and play every day.

"I'll give you the money."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"I don't care, I want to have a good time right now."

She was clearly driven mad by frustration and reached out to undo Hong Zhiyou's belt.

"Have a good time your head!

"Change your clothes quickly. You've got me smelling like you, and those women will get suspicious later."

Hong Zhiyou pushed her away.

He opened the door and took off his coat, spinning and shaking it like a windmill to disperse the pleasant scent of powder on Zhou Gendi.

Zhou Gendi didn't get what she wanted and gave him a resentful look:

"You're just another hypocritical, heartless man, afraid to eat the meat delivered to your mouth."

Saying this, she went inside and changed into a beautiful pearl-white cheongsam and high heels.

Then she applied makeup and styled her hair; a moment later, a delicate beauty walked out.

So beautiful.

So seductive.

Pity, now is not the right time.

Hong Zhiyou liked beautiful women, but he wasn't obsessed.

His dealings with the wives' group were purely for mutual benefit; those women were resources pushed out by their families.

It was all just for show.

The only ones he truly had a relationship with were Ji Qing and Fang Min.

As for others, like Mrs. Tian from the Security Brigade.

Hong Zhiyou wouldn't touch a single hair on her head; he only took responsibility for losing money to them at the card table.

Rather than saying they liked playing cards with him.

It was more that they liked his money and the great figure that was Wu Jingzhong.

The flirtatious names were just jokes at the card table.

Now Ma Kui was coming back with the Imperial Sword.

Entrusting a wife is one thing.

Having a real affair and fooling around are two different matters.

Even if he had designs on Zhou Gendi, he wouldn't be stupid enough to court death at such a critical moment.

Interests and life are always the top priority.

Women?

They are nothing more than seasoning for life.

Except for Wanqiu, who is the indispensable salt, the others are optional.

"Remember, when we get there, talk less, especially don't show off your Shanghai sense of superiority.

"Mrs. Yu and the Station Chief's wife both climbed up from hard times.

"They really resent that."

Hong Zhiyou reminded her.

"Understood." Zhou Gendi nodded obediently.

"Sigh!"

I wonder if Old Yu and Cuiping can survive this Hongmen Banquet tonight.

Hong Zhiyou shook his head and drove away.

(End of chapter)