Chapter 94: Is Master Du

The following morning.

Two electricians carrying toolboxes entered the Hot Spring Villa.

"Miss."

The leader greeted her.

"You two go ahead with your work." Wu Ruirui retreated tactfully.

"Secretary Hong, I am Chen Da, a field officer from the Jinhai Station."

"This is Zhang Daliang. We arrived last month."

The two reported to Hong Zhiyou.

Field officers have official designations, and their assignments must be recorded.

Old Wu had truly spared no expense to protect his daughter.

"Hard work."

Hong Zhiyou took out two small gold bars and stuffed one into each of their hands.

"Whenever I talk to Zhiguo, Genbao, and the others on the phone, I always hear them say you are righteous, and all the brothers at the station admire you."

"Today, I've finally seen it for myself."

Chen Da was very good at handling things; his flattery was loud and clear.

"Work hard, I won't treat you poorly. Be quick and nimble," Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

The two quickly finished installing the surveillance equipment.

They tested it briefly.

"Brother Hong, Mei Shao is making a call."

Zhang Daliang handed over the earpiece.

Hong Zhiyou took it and put it on. Mei Shao's voice came through:

"Ziyi, your uncle-in-law has sent a secretary to audit the accounts."

"You must immediately tell Old Tu at the auction house to lay low for a few days; otherwise, it will be very troublesome if he gets caught."

"It involves hundreds of thousands of US dollars."

"Wu Jingzhong loves money more than his life. If he finds out, he will skin both you and me alive."

"Also, go find Mr. Peng."

"As long as Hong Zhiyou dares to make a move, have him die in Xiangdao."

"Do you know a man named Peng in Xiangdao?" Hong Zhiyou took off the earpiece and asked.

"We do."

"Every time Mei Shao goes to Xiangdao, he meets with him."

"Peng Tao is the boss of the Sanhe Gang in Sham Shui Po, famous for being ruthless."

"Mei Shao's son, Mei Ziyi, even recognized him as his godfather."

Zhang Daliang replied.

The Sanhe Gang?

Isn't that from the same sect as Mr. Sande?

Hong Zhiyou rubbed his thumb ring; Du Xinwu had truly done him a huge favor this time.

"Hmm, I see."

Hong Zhiyou waved his hand, and after the two left, he hurriedly hid the surveillance equipment.

"Ruirui, is Mr. Hong up yet?"

Outside the door, Mei Shao's voice could be heard.

"Uncle, he is inside making a phone call," Wu Ruirui said softly.

Hong Zhiyou finished washing up, combed his hair back, and walked out: "Mr. Mei."

"Why so formal after just one night?"

"Just call me Uncle, like Ruirui does."

"Come, let me take you around the winery, and we can go over the accounts while we're at it."

Mei Shao smiled elegantly.

"Uncle, there's no need to go over the accounts."

"The winery is running well; one look and I can tell you've put in a lot of hard work," Hong Zhiyou flattered him.

"Indeed."

"My brother-in-law entrusted his entire fortune to me; how could I dare not be diligent?"

"Then let's go to Xiangdao; the accounts for the antiques are all at the company there."

Mei Shao sighed with emotion and waved his hand, telling his men to prepare the car.

"Whatever you arrange, Uncle," Hong Zhiyou said.

In the morning, the group drove to the port and took a ferry to Xiangdao.

Xiangdao at this time.

Could not yet be called prosperous.

Everywhere was like a scene from an old photograph.

It was just that the houses were a bit taller than in Yuezhou, and the crowds were more congested.

Upon arriving at the company.

Mei Shao took out the ledger and explained the flow of funds from the antique auctions on the side.

Hong Zhiyou didn't look at it at all.

Because many of them were recorded under Su Jianhua's shell companies.

All sorts of failed investments.

In a word, don't ask.

If you ask, it's that Su Jianhua lost the money.

Even if Su Jianhua were called in for a confrontation, that guy would absolutely admit it.

Business is business; there are wins and losses.

With a phrase like "bad luck this year," no one could do anything about it.

This is called internal and external coordination.

"Uncle, I'm just an errand boy for the Station Chief."

"These numbers make me dizzy."

"You handle it; just send a telegram to the Station Chief later."

Hong Zhiyou pretended to be impatient and smiled, then stood up and closed the ledger.

"Very well."

Mei Shao sneered inwardly.

He had long heard that this guy relied on being a kept man and flattering his brother-in-law to get ahead.

Now it seemed he was indeed a pushover.

"About Jianhua's matter..." He looked at Hong Zhiyou.

"I heard that Old Zhai of the Sanhe Gang is celebrating his birthday today. Please prepare a small gift for me, Uncle; I'll go and make an appearance later," Hong Zhiyou diverted the boring topic.

"Easily done," Mei Shao readily agreed.

Who didn't know that Old Zhai was the person in charge in Xiangdao?

The threshold there was so high that even the Viceroy might not necessarily get in.

Hong Zhiyou, what is he?

He's not worthy of joining the fun at Old Zhai's place.

Does he really think he's Mr. Du from Shanghai?

Bringing humiliation upon himself!

That's fine, let him go and make a fool of himself.

Once he's been hit, he'll have to tuck his tail and get lost.

"Ziyi, you know the ropes, accompany Secretary Hong on a trip," Mei Shao said.

"No rush."

"It's my first time in Xiangdao; Ruirui and I will go for a stroll first."

"Can't come here for nothing, right?"

Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"That's fine, we'll stay in touch by phone," Mei Shao nodded in agreement.

After leaving the door.

Hong Zhiyou got into Wu Ruirui's car.

She was wearing a slim-fitting red dress today, her bangs slightly curled, long hair draped over her shoulders, carrying a small handbag—seductive and charming.

This reminded Hong Zhiyou of the old movies from his childhood.

The beauties in the Xiangdao films were just as pretty and good-looking as her.

"Where to?" Ruirui asked.

"To Station Chief Xie's office," Hong Zhiyou instructed.

Wu Ruirui drove there.

The Military Statistics Bureau had no military backing in Xiangdao, so its presence wasn't very high.

Xie Ligong's office was on the third floor of an ordinary building.

When Hong Zhiyou entered.

He was chatting with someone.

"Uncle Xie," Wu Ruirui greeted him affectionately.

"Ruirui is here, sit down."

"And this is?" Xie Ligong glanced at Hong Zhiyou.

"This is Hong Zhiyou, my father's secretary," Wu Ruirui introduced.

"Hello, Station Chief Xie," Hong Zhiyou said.

"I've often heard Old Brother Wu and Division Chief Shen mention Little Hong; seeing you today, you truly are as handsome as jade," Xie Ligong was seasoned and talkative, very good at handling things.

"Come, let me introduce you."

"This is General Xiang, President of the Yi'an Chamber of Commerce."

"General Xiang is a proud student of Boss Dai and also the god of wealth for our Xiangdao station."

Xie Ligong raised his hand to introduce the man in a suit sitting on the side eating melon seeds.

This man looked about thirty-seven or thirty-eight, sitting with his legs crossed.

Clean-shaven, single-lidded, with a high nose bridge and an arrogant air.

Yi'an?

With just one glance, Hong Zhiyou recognized who he was.

Sure enough, the grandfather, father, and grandson were all cut from the same cloth.

"Which class did you graduate from?" President Xiang asked coldly, turning his head.

"The Eighth Southeast Special Training Class," Hong Zhiyou said.

President Xiang patted the melon seed shells off his clothes and sneered:

"Everything taught by the Americans is garbage!"

"I thought Wu Jingzhong would send the Qingpu warrior who assassinated Li Haifeng."

"Division Chief Yu has been transferred to the municipal government," Hong Zhiyou smiled as usual.

"Little Hong, do you have business here?"

Xie Ligong saw the atmosphere was off and hurriedly interjected.

"Ruirui's husband, Su Jianhua, has been detained by Mr. Fu's people."

"The Station Chief sent me here to handle it."

Hong Zhiyou said briefly.

"Handle it?"

"You yellow-haired kid, how are you going to handle it?"

"Do you think this is Jinhai?"

"With military police and garrison support, in this place, if you're a dragon, you have to coil; if you're a tiger, you have to lie down."

"I'm afraid even if you stay until you die, you might not necessarily see Mr. Fu."

"Young man, be low-key, don't think too highly of yourself, or you'll take a big fall."

President Xiang shook his head and sneered, standing up to walk out.

"Old Xiang, give Station Chief Wu some face and help smooth things over," Xie Ligong called out to him.

"Smooth what over?"

"You and Wu Jingzhong are classmates."

"I am not."

"Except for Boss Dai, I don't recognize anyone else."

President Xiang glanced at Hong Zhiyou and left with a sneer.

"Xiang..."

Xie Ligong was somewhat helpless.

"Ruirui, I'm sorry."

"President Xiang is Boss Dai's man, and he's usually quite arrogant."

"I, as the Station Chief, really can't move him."

Xie Ligong said apologetically.

"However, President Xiang is familiar with the old-timers on the two islands."

"If it really doesn't work, you should prepare some generous gifts and visit the Chamber of Commerce specifically; maybe if you say a few nice words, it might work out."

He paused and offered a suggestion.

"No need."

"I am simply here on behalf of Station Chief Wu to pay you a visit."

"I won't be going to President Xiang's door."

Hong Zhiyou placed the prepared gifts on the table and pulled Wu Rui out.

He came to see Xie Ligong to test the waters.

Now it seemed the Military Statistics Bureau's influence here was very limited.

In the future, he would still have to rely on the Rong family and the six thousand iron-blooded swordsmen of the Cao Gang.

"Why do you talk so old-fashioned?"

"Why offend President Xiang?"

Once in the car, Wu Ruirui complained, puzzled.

"Mother said you were steady; now it seems that's not necessarily true," she added.

Hong Zhiyou raised his hand and slapped her thigh:

"Damn it, I thought I had smoothed you out last night."

"I didn't expect you to still dare to bare your teeth at me."

"One thing is one thing; I'll listen to you on that matter, but you have to follow the rules on official business," Wu Ruirui flicked her hair and said coldly.

"Your father often says that Madam Mei has long hair and short insight."

"It seems you are the same."

"Do you know who I'm here on behalf of?"

"I'm wearing your father's face."

"Station Chief Wu is a Major General who earned his rank through military merit in the early batches."

"President Xiang has military merit, but compared to your father, his qualifications are a bit green."

"Don't look at the same rank; that was promoted by Boss Dai to facilitate his operations."

"In terms of seniority, when he sees your father, even if he doesn't call him senior, calling him 'Old Brother' is a must."

"If he doesn't give me face, he's not giving the Station Chief face."

"Naturally, I don't need to press my hot face against his cold butt."

Hong Zhiyou sneered and explained.

"Then did my father ever tell you?"

"Everything is fake; only real gold and silver are the most reliable."

"I don't want his face; I just want the Su family's mansion."

Wu Ruirui retorted bluntly.

"Of course I know."

"Because I never counted on President Xiang at all."

"With his current strength, he can't get the person out, nor can he get the mansion," Hong Zhiyou said lightly.

"By the sound of it, you have a way?" Wu Ruirui immediately changed her expression, beaming with joy.

"Damn it, I just love that snobbish, money-grubbing dog face of yours."

"So damn realistic."

Hong Zhiyou pinched her cheeks and said through gritted teeth.

"Must be."

"If we don't talk about money, would I still be in love with someone like you?" Wu Ruirui laughed.

"Well said."

"Love is really not something you talk about."

Hong Zhiyou loved her arrogant, dead-set look and pulled her into his arms.

"Don't mess around..."

"The mansion."

"My makeup..."

"The mansion."

"Then let's change to a place with fewer people."

A while later, the car drove out from a small construction site road.

Hong Zhiyou felt refreshed.

"If you can't get the mansion, I'm not done with you."

Wu Ruirui retched a few times, picked up a water bottle, and took a few sips.

Then she touched up her makeup and sprayed perfume in the rearview mirror.

"Time is about up; call Ziyi, let's go to Old Man Zhai's place to mooch a meal."

Hong Zhiyou kissed her and smiled mysteriously.

"I'll trust you once."

"If you can't get the mansion, I'm not done with you."

Seeing that he didn't seem to be joking, Wu Ruirui drove straight to the Zhai Mansion.

Zhai Tianren.

Together with Mr. Sande and Mr. Situ, they were once known as the three chariots of Mr. Sun.

Unlike the latter two who provided financial and prestige support.

Zhai Tianren stood at the forefront.

Leading his men with real swords and guns to protect Mr. Sun.

Running around the country for Mr. Sun.

After Mr. Sun passed away, most of this generation of old-timers developed locally.

As an elder.

The old man's eightieth birthday was naturally bustling and extraordinary.

All sorts of people, big and small, plus high-ranking officials from the Hong Kong government, gathered together; it was truly a crowded house.

"Secretary Hong, this is it."

Seeing the celebrities like rain at the entrance, Mei Ziyi's legs were trembling.

Soon.

Xie Ligong and President Xiang stepped out of the car.

"Ruirui, why are you two here?" Xie Ligong asked with a smile upon seeing them.

"Secretary Hong wants to pay his respects to Old Zhai," Wu Ruirui said, somewhat nervous.

"Do you have an invitation?" Xie Ligong asked.

"No," Wu Ruirui said.

"Then I'm afraid it's a bit difficult."

Xie Ligong didn't say much; Wu Jingzhong's connections were okay over there, but in Hong Kong, they were negligible.

"Heh."

President Xiang didn't even look at them properly, sneered, and urged Xie Ligong to walk in.

"Here to beg for a mansion."

"I'm hungry anyway, you handle it."

Wu Ruirui looked at Hong Zhiyou with cold eyes, appearing not to believe him.

"Secretary Hong, we should go."

"The, the police are here."

Mei Ziyi was scared to death.

This is the Zhai Mansion, not a vegetable market; isn't hanging around here just making a fool of oneself?

"Go!"

Hong Zhiyou walked up the steps.

At the entrance, the managing disciples were responsible for receiving the various VIPs.

"Hello, may I ask if you have an invitation?" asked a man with a thick beard.

"No."

"The junior came here only to pay a visit to Old Zhai on behalf of an old gentleman from Cili," Hong Zhiyou cupped his hands and said.

"What Cili?"

"Old Zhai has many friends all over the world; you dog cubs must be crazy wanting to make a name for yourselves and pay your respects."

"Get lost immediately!"

The bearded man scolded sternly.

Who didn't know that Old Zhai had high seniority and was righteous?

Whoever could mooch a meal from him would have the capital to advance, enough to brag about for a lifetime.

This morning alone, they had already chased away several groups of small-time punks.

These people thought that by relying on their courage and a bit of skill, they could get Old Zhai's favor.

Not a chance.

Get lost, all of you.

"Fine, the intention has been conveyed; I can go back and report."

"This meal won't be mooched."

Hong Zhiyou didn't mind losing face at all, spread his hands and smiled at Wu Ruirui, and was about to leave.

"Liar!" Wu Ruirui was so angry she pouted.

"Secretary Hong, I told you it wouldn't work," Mei Ziyi said sarcastically from the side.

"Wait."

An old steward with a goat beard from the side called out to Hong Zhiyou.

"Is the Cili the young friend mentioned the Cili in Xiangnan, the old hometown of Mr. Du?" the steward asked.

"Exactly," Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.

"Since it's an old friend, do you have proof?" A smile appeared on the steward's face.

"I do." Hong Zhiyou took off his thumb ring and handed it to him.

The steward trembled all over and said:

"Young friend, please wait; I will report this to Old Zhai immediately."

He took the thumb ring and flew inside.

Inside the hall.

Zhai Tianren, with a ruddy face, a master's head, and thick short whiskers, was chatting with several old friends in the room.

Everyone was talking about the great cause they shared with Mr. Sun in the past.

Although they were old, their hearts were still filled with heroic passion.

"Old Man, a distinguished guest has arrived," the steward walked in quickly.

"Geng Hu, who is it?" Zhai Tianren asked hurriedly.

"Look."

Geng Hu offered the thumb ring.

Zhai Tianren took one look and began to tremble all over.

An old brother on the side had sharp eyes:

"This is the Sande Ring."

"Indeed."

"Back then, Old Huang Gong crafted four of them."

"One was given to Mr. Situ, one is with me, and another was given to Master Du."

"Hu Zi, did the person who came say where they were from?"

Zhai Tianren asked excitedly.

"He said he came to visit you on behalf of an old friend from Cili," Geng Hu said.

"Cili?"

"That must be a disciple or a relative of Old Brother Du."

"Quick, quick, welcome him."

"No, we old brothers will go together, otherwise it would be disrespectful to Master Du."

Zhai Tianren hurriedly straightened his clothes.

"Brother Zhai is right."

"Being able to receive a ring from Du Lao is like Master Du coming in person; we must welcome him, we must."

The others didn't dare to be negligent either.

Zhai Tianren personally hurried to the entrance with several old brothers.

Inside the hall.

Many celebrities in Xiangdao saw this scene and looked sideways one after another.

Someone who could make Old Zhai welcome them in person.

Must not be an ordinary person.

But they didn't know what kind of great power it was.

"Old Brother Geng, who is the Old Man welcoming?" Someone couldn't help but ask Geng Hu.

"It's the successor of Master Du Xinwu."

This was a great joy and didn't need to be hidden, Geng Hu said loudly.

Everyone was surprised again.

Du Xinwu was a legendary hero, famous far and wide.

He was once the personal bodyguard of Mr. Sun and Minister Song.

After Mr. Sun passed away, news of Master Du had rarely been heard.

Never thought that today they would be able to see his successor.

"Old Xiang, back then to enter this door, you still had to pay respects to Zhai's disciple, right?"

"If our Military Statistics Bureau had this card and Old Zhai's favor."

"Developing in Xiangdao wouldn't be so difficult."

At the wine table, Xie Ligong sighed with emotion.

"Indeed."

"I'll try to develop this person later."

"Since he's from the north, if he joins us, the Chamber of Commerce will surely be like a tiger with wings."

President Xiang began to calculate.

"Now the Red Ticket is also deeply cultivating here."

"Such talent, no matter what, cannot be absorbed by them."

"Otherwise, our situation will be even more unfavorable."

Xie Ligong said in a low voice.

"Rest assured, money if he wants money, women if he wants women."

"A dirt-digger from Cili, Xiangnan, I bet he can't resist the temptations of this flashy world."

"Old Brother, just watch my methods."

President Xiang sneered coldly.

"Good! Then I wish you success, Old Brother," Xie Ligong raised his glass to him.

The two looked at each other and smiled, determined to win.

"Secretary Hong, are you really going to make it?"

"People coming and going, it's very embarrassing."

Mei Ziyi watched people go in for a long time without any movement, and couldn't help but get anxious.

"Will it work?"

"The mansion, the mansion..." Wu Ruirui muttered in Hong Zhiyou's ear.

"Hard to say, let's gamble."

Hong Zhiyou stood with his hands behind his back, looking up at the sky.

Just as he was speaking.

They saw several old masters surrounded by dozens of disciples coming to the entrance in a swarm.

"Is the young friend an old friend from Cili?" Zhai Tianren came up and cupped his hands loudly.

"No," Hong Zhiyou answered truthfully.

"No?" Zhai Tianren was stunned.

"I am the secretary of Wu Jingzhong, the Jinhai Station Chief of the Military Statistics Bureau."

"Entrusted by Master Du, I came specifically to visit Old Zhai," Hong Zhiyou cupped his hands in return.

"Military Statistics Bureau?"

Zhai Tianren's brows sank.

Whether it was Mr. Sande, Mr. Situ, or Master Du, since Mr. Sun passed away, most of them tended to sympathize with the Red Ticket.

Especially Mr. Situ, who has been vigorously supporting Yancheng.

Military Statistics Bureau?

Zhai Tianren's stance was not as clear-cut as Mr. Situ's.

But he didn't like these sneaky things either.

Just as he was hesitant, someone walked over in a hurry.

It was Rong Bin.

"Old Zhai!"

Dear Commanders, the ten thousand words update for today is finished. Thank you all for your votes and subscription support (I will add more for every thousand votes). Thank you to Starry Nightingale for the tip. Good night.





(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 95 =====