Chapter 409: Painting a Pie

What surprised Chen Yongren most was Shen Mingchen's current position.

Captain of the First Armed Battalion of the Special Service Brigade, a lieutenant colonel assigned via personnel, responsible for the security and protection of all officers in Chongqing, as well as the detention and guarding of some important criminals.

This position is the core of the core in the Military Statistics Bureau, enough to prove the boss's trust and favor toward Shen Mingchen.

"A Ren, I've missed you to death; we finally meet again!" Shen Mingchen stepped forward quickly, extended his hand, showed a smile, and said softly, "Welcome back."

Chen Yongren also stepped forward quickly and grasped Shen Mingchen's hand.

Although his military rank was now higher than Shen Mingchen's, after all Chen Yongren had come from under his command, so when facing his former superior, he still needed to observe the proper human etiquette.

"Long time no see, Brother Shen, you look more energetic than before." Chen Yongren flattered.

Under everyone's gaze, we couldn't salute, so we just loudly shouted a greeting to Commander Shen.

"The port is crowded and full of eyes; for your safety, only a few brothers came, so please don't take offense." Seeing Chen Yongren step forward voluntarily, without putting on any airs, Shen Mingchen felt relieved inside and explained softly.

Chen Yongren shook his head to show he didn't mind: "Being able to return safely to Chongqing and meet my own brothers is enough satisfaction; let's not talk about such formalities."

Shen Mingchen nodded, lowered his voice: "The boss has been waiting for you a long time; hurry and follow me."

The three got into a car, with two more vehicles following behind to ensure safety.

Shen Mingchen sat in the passenger seat, introducing Chen Yongren to the local customs and conditions of Chongqing, while also mentioning his current position.

As for Chen Yongren?

Shen Mingchen understood the rules well; for personnel returning from outside, no matter what they did before or what their current rank is, they cannot be casually inquired about.

After taking many winding turns, we finally returned to the Military Statistics Bureau headquarters.

Under Shen Mingchen's guidance, Chen Yongren and Lin Ke Xin arrived in front of the boss's office.

"The boss knew you were coming back today, so he specially canceled all his meetings." Shen Mingchen looked at Chen Yongren and smiled: "He's been waiting for you in the office for a long time; go in quickly."

"Miss Lin, the boss only said he wanted to see Chen Yongren; we'll wait for him outside."

"Okay." Lin Ke Xin hesitated a moment, nodded, and walked away with Shen Mingchen.

Chen Yongren knocked on the door, and only after hearing someone inside say "come in" did he push the door open and enter the office.

The boss wore a Zhongshan suit, seated in a chair with a hint of smile in his brows and eyes: "A Ren, my great contributor, you've finally returned; you've made me wait so long."

"Chief!" Chen Yongren stood at attention and saluted.

"No need to be so formal; coming back is like being home again." The boss rose, walked to Chen Yongren's side, patted his shoulder, and said in a heavy tone: "These years, you've worked hard."

The boss sized up Chen Yongren, concerned: "Compared to the last time we met, you've lost even more weight."

"This time you return, you must rest well."

"Working for the boss, sharing the worries of superiors, serving the country—these are my duties as a subordinate; there's no talk of hardship." Chen Yongren said solemnly.

Chen Yongren's words are just pleasant to hear.

"There are still hidden Japanese spies within Chongqing, so for now we can't hold a grand welcome ceremony or award ceremony; I hope you can understand." The boss feigned helplessness.

"Once the war is victorious in the future, I will definitely compensate you properly."

"Boss, you're being too serious." Chen Yongren said: "As a soldier, doing this is what should be done; how could we abandon a soldier's duties just because there's no commendation?"

The boss nodded satisfiedly.

The boss nodded satisfiedly and said: "You can't say that; as a meritorious servant, the recognition you deserve must not be lacking, otherwise wouldn't it chill people's hearts?"

"Your contributions in Songhu, we have seen them all."

After a pause, the boss shifted tone: "But regarding your commendation, it's still under consideration, you know—our Military Statistics Bureau, putting it bluntly…"

"It's just a chamber pot; if you use it you find it dirty, if you don't use it there's nothing you can do." Chen Yongren added with a smile.

Hearing this, the boss first froze, then burst out laughing: "You kid, you really know how to make an analogy; although your words are harsh, you're not wrong, so our promotions are also difficult…"

It seems everyone knows that people of the Military Statistics Bureau are not welcomed internally.

But this isn't something to be happy about; the boss coughed lightly twice, then lowered his voice: "These words, we can complain about internally, but must never be spoken outside, understand?"

Chen Yongren immediately nodded.

The boss's eyes flashed a hint of ferocity, and he added: "Besides, among ourselves in the Military Statistics Bureau we often joke about our own chamber pot, but that doesn't mean outsiders can casually joke about the Military Statistics Bureau."

"If there really is an oblivious bastard who points at our noses and curses us…"

"We'll just arrest them directly; even if they have no crime, we can squeeze two taels of oil out of them." Chen Yongren said sternly.

Although that's the case, truly oblivious people are still a minority.

Those of high status and power look down on the Military Statistics Bureau and won't casually provoke it, lest they get themselves stained.

Most importantly, regardless of who wins or loses in the end, the embarrassment will always fall on them.

"If you win, someone will say you're using power to bully people."

"If you lose, that face is truly gone; the Military Statistics Bureau can easily manipulate you, your backside surely has problems—just change tables to eat and be done with it."

"Low-ranking little shrimps dare not offend the Military Statistics Bureau; who would actively go up to collide?"

"Moreover, this is the new capital of the National Government."

"The headquarters of the Military Statistics Bureau is located here!"

The boss looked at Chen Yongren, his eyes showing a bit of approval and satisfaction; after all, he's the person I took a liking to, and his mind is agile.

"That's how the Military Statistics Bureau should operate!"

"Getting back to the topic, Yongren, during your undercover period in Songhu you indeed didn't embarrass our Military Statistics Bureau, and we consequently gained many benefits." The boss smoothly changed the subject.

"How so?" Chen Yongren asked cooperatively.

The boss laughed happily: "You didn't earlier report information about someone surnamed Wang?"

Chen Yongren also realized.

This matter, the boss had mentioned it in the telegram before.

After obtaining the information that the person surnamed Wang was suspected of being a traitor, Chen Yongren immediately reported it to Chongqing, and the boss also submitted the information upward.

What was the result?

The superior simply didn't believe it, thinking the Military Statistics Bureau was spouting nonsense, maliciously framing them, and assuming that because their power and influence had grown, they could act with impunity.

As a result, they faced considerable suppression.

During that time, the Military Statistics Bureau had a hard go of it; withholding military pay was only the smallest of their troubles.

But when the incident actually occurred, the harmful consequences it brought could not be undone.

Everyone agreed that if they had truly heeded the Military Statistics Bureau's report beforehand and prepared countermeasures, the situation would not have turned out so disastrous.

Precisely because of this incident, the Military Statistics Bureau gained considerable sway in the superior's eyes.

Put simply.

When the Military Statistics Bureau says you have a problem, you'd better not have any.

Otherwise, the Military Statistics Bureau would be authorized to act first and report later, a privilege granted by the throne.