Espionage codename: Shen Gongbao

Chapter 161 They are all my pawns

Once in the car, Wang Xuesen lit a cigarette and went over Liu Zhongwen's hospitalization in his mind repeatedly.

Renji Hospital?

interesting.

He had a personal relationship with Yang Hongchang, and this matter should not have been kept from Ji Shiqun and Liu Zhongwen.

If Liu Zhongwen was truly injured to the point of being unable to get up, Li Shiqun would certainly have sent him to a Japanese army hospital, even if he didn't hide him in the military police headquarters.

The place was heavily guarded, and the doctors, nurses, and pharmacy were almost all under the noses of the Japanese.

They chose Renji Hospital, of all people.

Is he afraid he won't know how to make a move?

Or are you afraid that you won't take the bait?

Wang Xuesen flicked his cigarette ash and gave a cold "tsk" laugh.

That old dog Liu Zhongwen didn't die last night, so he's already fishing today.

pity.

The bait smelled terrible.

Wang Xuesen wasn't some greedy stray cat on the street that pounced on anything that smelled fish.

Could Li Shiqun not know that this was a flaw?

of course I know.

Given Li Shih-Chun's cautious nature, if he truly wanted to use this to investigate himself, he would never have made it so obvious.

It was probably a matter of going with the flow, both to appease Old Liu and to see how he would react.

If I rush to Renji Hospital to have surgery, it would be like putting my head under the knife.

Li Shiqun wouldn't feel sorry for him.

You'll only be disappointed.

Wang Xuesen cleared his mind, threw the cigarette butt out the window, and stepped on the gas.

We arrived at number 76.

Wang Xuesen got out of the car and casually tossed the car keys to a clerk in the dispatch room.

"Wipe the car clean, it got tainted by bad luck last night."

""

The man quickly smiled apologetically, "Yes, yes, Director Wang, don't worry."

Wang Xuesen entered the building.

I had barely settled down when I heard footsteps outside the door.

The door opened.

Li Shiqun and Ye Jiqing walked in one after the other.

Wang Xuesen immediately stood up, a smile plastered on his face: "Big brother, sister-in-law."

Li Shiqun looked him over with a gentle expression: "Xuesen, I've heard about what happened at the theater last night."

"That was very close."

Wang Xuesen smiled and offered his seat to the two of them, saying, "Thanks to your kindness, brother, I escaped this ordeal by sheer luck."

"Unfortunately, the Japanese interfered, disrupting Captain Lin's plans and allowing that old scoundrel Zhang to escape."

He spoke naturally, with a hint of regret on his face.

It was as if he really had gone to Zhang Xiaolin last night.

After sitting down, Ye Jiqing couldn't help but say, "That was close."

"Xuesen, if you hadn't persuaded me, I might have gone."

As she spoke, she turned and glared at Li Shiqun: "You too, I really don't know what you were thinking, daring to send me to any kind of bureau."

"If I go, will I even survive?"

Li Shiqun stood with his hands behind his back, cursing the stupid woman in his heart.

Sending Ye Jiqing to update the Grand Stage last night was just a polite way of saying that Liu Zhongwen was being polite.

How could he possibly throw his own wife into that kind of situation?

Li Shiqun still smiled: "How could I bear to let you go?"

"It was just something I mentioned casually when I was talking to Lao Liu."

"Besides, I trust Xuesen to get things done."

Wang Xuesen quickly and modestly waved his hand, saying, "Brother, you flatter me."

"If it weren't for my eldest brother's strategic planning last night, sending Director Liu and other brothers to protect me, I'm afraid I would have been killed by the fourth brother."

Li Shiqun looked at Wang Xuesen, his smile undiminished: "If Zhang Xiaolin is alive, then he's alive."

"Mr. Wang's new government is about to be established, and the Zhang family will have no choice but to cooperate with us in order to secure a position in Zhejiang Province."

""

"With Yu Yefeng dead, Dingmo Village's wishful thinking has failed."

"Your American goods channels are back."

"Zhang Xiaolin suffered such a huge loss, he has to give something back."

"All things considered, I didn't lose out last night."

Wang Xuesen nodded: "Brother is right."

At this point, Li Shiqun's expression turned serious: "I just didn't expect that Lin Zhijiang's men would actually have red notes hidden away, and even dare to attack you and Lao Liu in public."

"I know that fourth brother," Wang Xuesen said.

"When he was working for Ding Mocun, he held a grudge because I had deducted his wages a few times."

7

"Later, he resigned and left No. 76. I thought he was just looking for another way out because he couldn't make it there."

"But I remember this guy was from the Military Intelligence Bureau, how did he become a red ticket?"

He looked puzzled.

Li Shiqun said, "The person who saved him and injured Lao Liu is the one who gets the red ticket."

His name is Gan Cheng.

Wang Xuesen's expression changed slightly: "Red tickets?"

"Then Captain Lin wouldn't—"

Li Shiqun put down his teacup. "I have already taken control of Linzhi River."

"I want you to interrogate him."

Wang Xuesen did not agree immediately.

He frowned, as if weighing the pros and cons.

Ye Jiqing snorted coldly: "These people are useless. They just sit in the building and collect salaries without working."

"Dingmo Village is about to be shut down, yet they're still clinging to this place like flies, getting in the way."

"With such a big incident last night, if we don't take this opportunity to clean it up, are we going to leave it for the New Year?"

Wang Xuesen pondered for a moment, then feigned caution and asked, "Does Brother mean I should persuade them to resign and leave No. 76?"

Li Shiqun nodded: "That's right."

"The men under Lin Zhijiang are all from the Military Intelligence Bureau."

"I have a blood feud with the Military Intelligence Bureau."

"I don't trust them."

"Kill them, after all, they are from Dingmo Village."

"If this gets out, it will hinder future efforts to recruit surrendered prisoners."

"This is a good opportunity to let them leave on their own."

What do you think?

Wang Xuesen sighed softly: "Okay."

"I'll go talk to them."

"Just give them double their monthly salary and get rid of them."

"Anyway, the building doesn't need a few more idle people."

Li Shiqun nodded and smiled.

That guy is very tactful and thorough in handling things.

They neither pleaded for Linzhijiang nor went to extremes.

I know everything I need to know.

Ye Jiqing nodded in satisfaction: "Xuesen is so much more reliable. Give them an extra month's salary, consider it a way of getting rid of these unlucky bastards."

Li Shiqun then said, "By the way, something big happened in Jinling a few days ago, you must have heard about it, right?"

Wang Xuesen shook his head: "No."

"I've been busy with Yu Yefeng's affairs lately."

"I don't have many connections in Nanjing, so information is slow."

Li Shiqun tapped his finger lightly on the rim of the teacup: "Tao Shengxi and Gao Zongwu, misled by Shancheng, fled to Hong Kong under Du Yuesheng's arrangement."

"One of these two people is from the propaganda department, and the other is from the core of diplomacy."

"They were involved in the secret negotiations between Mr. Wang and the Japanese at the end of December last year regarding the new government."

"If it gets leaked, it will be a heavy blow to the new government that is about to be formed."

Mr. Wang was furious about this.

After listening, Wang Xuesen frowned and said, "Brother, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."

Ye Jiqing put down his teacup and said softly, "Oh dear, what can't you say to your older brother?"

Wang Xuesen lowered his voice: "Although the Japanese army is currently gaining momentum, as the battle lines are drawn out day by day, many people have become pessimistic."

""

"Someone like me, who doesn't hold a high position, has the Wang family as his guarantor."

"Even if something unexpected happens in the future, at most I'll be fined and serve a few years in jail before I'm out."

"Brother, you should think about this more."

Upon hearing this, Li Shiqun's face immediately turned ugly.

He had certainly considered these things, but they weren't things he could talk about casually.

Seeing that Li Shiqun remained silent, Wang Xuesen immediately added, "Brother, I'm speaking from the perspective of a family member and a businessman."

"Please don't mind."

"Of course I hope that Mr. Wang's new government can gain a firm foothold and achieve great success with his elder brother."

"It's just that the world is too chaotic right now, and as brothers, there are some things I have to say."

"I hope you will forgive my sincere apologies, elder brother."

Li Shiqun stared at Wang Xuesen for a long while, then sighed deeply: "Xuesen is a very honest man."

Ye Jiqing glanced at Wang Xuesen, his eyes filled with joy.

Wang Xuesen spoke with tact and dared to get to the heart of the matter.

Some things are more effective when said by her, her husband, but it's easier for outsiders to say them.

Li Shiqun picked up his teacup, took a sip, and regained his composure: "Let's not talk about the future for now."

"There are a few things that urgently need to be done right now."

Wang Xuesen sat up straight: "What are your orders, elder brother?"

Li Shiqun said, "Tao Shengxi's wife and children are still in Shanghai."

"This person has always been family-oriented."

"Mr. Wang means that we should monitor his family to see if we can lure Tao Shengxi back."

"I originally wanted to hand it over to Sibao, but he's too rough around the edges, and I was afraid of alerting him."

"Who do you think is the most suitable candidate?"

Wang Xuesen replied almost without hesitation: "Old Hu."

"The intelligence department is naturally good at surveillance."

"Have Lao Hu arrange for two reliable people to sneak in disguise as servants."

"Then take control of the telephone line."

"We've assigned people to keep a close watch on everything—the front gate, the back gate, the market, and the school."

"Twenty-four-hour shifts."

"If Tao Shengxi really wanted to contact his family, he could always find a way in."

Li Shiqun nodded: "That's what I think too."

"Sibao can't do this kind of delicate work."

Ye Jiqing couldn't help but snort when Wu Sibao was mentioned.

"Besides leading people to break down doors and steal things, what else can he do?"

Li Shiqun didn't respond to that, but continued, "Also, I need to go to Qingdao soon."

"Mr. Wang is going to have a private three-way meeting with Liang Hongzhi and Wang Kemin."

"I need to go there to assist with security work."

"Furthermore, there are many things to prepare for the new government, and Chen Bijun has been urging me to go there."

"I'll be spending less time in Shanghai recently."

"I plan to temporarily entrust Lao Hu with the management of things in the building."

"Keep an eye on him for me," he emphasized.

Wang Xuesen nodded: "That's for sure. I remember the time he sold me out."

"Don't worry, brother, I'll keep a close eye on things."

Li Shiqun smiled with satisfaction: "I'm relieved to hear you say that."

"7

After saying that, he glanced at Ye Jiqing, then stood up again: "I have other things to do."

"Your sister-in-law wants to chat with you for a bit."

As Li Shiqun reached the door, he seemed to suddenly remember something, turned back, and casually said, "Oh, right."

"Don't forget to visit Old Liu when you have time."

Wang Xuesen replied naturally, "Okay, brother."

Judging from Li Shiqun's tone, Liu Zhongwen's injury should not be serious.

Therefore, his seemingly casual remark was actually a reminder.

Renji Hospital is just a pointless scheme.

For Li Shiqun.

He was happy to make Liu Zhongwen his mortal enemy, and even intended to reveal Liu Zhongwen's true colors to himself.

This would allow him to continue his struggle with Liu Zhongwen.

Judging from this balancing act alone, Old Li does have some skill.

After Li Shiqun left, the office became quiet.

Wang Xuesen closed the door.

It's rare to have a moment alone with my sister-in-law.

"Sister-in-law, what are your instructions?" He sat back down next to Ye Jiqing.

If it were anyone else, Ye Jiqing would have already given them a cold look and rebuked them.

Could Ke Xuesen be anyone else?

That was the catalyst for her nightly encounters with Lao Li.

Ye Jiqing didn't rush to speak, but picked up his teacup and slowly took a sip.

Wang Xuesen was very sensible and didn't rush him.

After washing and slicing the fruit, he placed it in front of Ye Jiqing: "Sister-in-law, have some fruit. I'll follow up on the matter of the American goods as soon as possible."

"Yu Yefeng and Bai Junqi are dead."

"But what the Americans fear is not just Yu Yefeng alone, but the reputation of the Green Gang."

"With Yu Yefeng dead, the supply will definitely loosen a bit, and we'll be able to get some goods out."

"But if we want to take over the channels completely, we still need to talk to my elder brother and Zhang Xiaolin."

"Let's see if we can get it completely."

Wang Xuesen spoke sincerely, but he already had a plan in mind.

Qingfu will definitely persuade Zhang Fayao to completely exploit the American goods distribution channels.

Zhang Xiaolin has just suffered a setback, and now is the time to consolidate his assets.

At this point, anyone who tries to take over his distribution channels will become his enemy.

Ye Jiqing wants to make a fortune from this?

No way.

If Zhang and Li don't fight, how can Wang Xuesen profit from the situation?

This game of chess requires them to engage in a series of interconnected and strategic moves.

Ye Jiqing picked up a slice of apple with her delicate fingers, took a bite, and nodded, saying, "Mmm."

"You'll accompany me to the Zhang mansion another day."

"Your older brother isn't here, I'll go talk to him."

Wang Xuesen immediately beamed with joy: "Great, great!"

"Since my sister-in-law is personally taking charge, Zhang Xiaolin has to give her some face."

"I'll be there serving tea and water to support my sister-in-law."

Ye Jiqing chuckled at his words, then glanced at him and said, "Stop joking with me."

As she spoke, Zi Guang glanced at Wang Xuesen's waist and casually asked, "Xuesen, you've been married for so long, why don't you and Wanjia have a child?"

Wang Xuesen sighed and said, "Sister-in-law, to be honest, Wanjia doesn't want her."

Ye Jiqing raised an eyebrow: "She doesn't want it?"

Wang Xuesen shrugged and said, "That's right."

"Tell me about yesterday, the bullet almost grazed my ear as it flew out."

"Now, the Military Intelligence Bureau and the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics are all operating in Shanghai."

"The number of assassinations is increasing every day."

"My life is hanging by a thread. Today I can still joke around with my sister-in-law, but tomorrow I might be riddled with bullets."

""

"Isn't it a terrible mistake to have a child at this time?"

Ye Jiqing rolled her eyes at him and said with a playful laugh, "Silly boy, you should have children now more than ever, at least to pass on your lineage."

Wang Xuesen shook his head and smiled wryly: "I've mentioned it before, Wanjia has her own agenda."

"If I don't have children, it'll be easier for her to remarry if I'm gone someday."

"Women from merchant families tend to overthink things."

"Sister-in-law, don't you understand?"

"How many people in this world can be like you and your elder brother, sharing life and death, with a bond stronger than steel?"

This statement both avoided the topic of having children and subtly praised Ye Jiqing and Li Shiqun.

Ye Jiqing found it pleasant to listen to.

She nodded gently, her tone softening slightly: "That's true."

"These days, if a woman marries the wrong man, her whole life is ruined."

"It's not wrong for Wanjia to think this way."

Wang Xuesen laughed and said, "That's why I say your wife is lucky."

"My elder brother holds a high position of power and is also very family-oriented."

"Yunshu and Yunxiang are obedient."

"So many wives outside secretly envy you."

Ye Jiqing glanced at him and said coquettishly, "Your mouth will eventually kill someone with your sweet talk."

Wang Xuesen said in a serious tone, "Sister-in-law, you're wronging me."

"When I try to fool others, it's just for show."

"I speak my heart to my sister-in-law."

Ye Jiqing was amused by him and smiled broadly.

After exchanging a few casual words, she wiped her hands and said seriously, "Xuesen, I know Wanjia has a wide network of connections."

"When are you going to ask her to arrange more meetings with Yang Shuhui?"

Wang Xuesen looked slightly surprised: "Oh?"

"Did your sister-in-law give you instructions?"

Ye Jiqing leaned back on the sofa, hugging her ample bosom, and said, "Isn't it all for the position of Minister of Police?"

Wang Xuesen didn't interrupt, but instead poured her a cup of hot tea and placed it beside her.

Ye Jiqing glanced at him and continued, "You suggested to your older brother last time that he run for the position of Vice Minister of Police, and he took it to heart."

"Chen Bijun did give a hint, indicating her willingness to recommend Zhou Fohai as Minister of Police."

"Mr. Wang will absolutely not allow Zhou Fohai to simultaneously hold the positions of finance and police."

"At that time, Zhou Fohai will at most be a figurehead; the real power will still fall into the hands of your elder brother."

Wang Xuesen's eyes lit up: "This is fantastic news!"

As he spoke, his gaze inadvertently swept across Ye Jiqing's chest and then landed on her crossed, silk-stockinged legs.

Ye Jiqing could see it clearly.

She raised her hand and slapped Wang Xuesen's arm, scolding him playfully, "I'm talking to you about serious matters."

Wang Xuesen quickly sat up straight: "Yes, yes."

"It is indeed a good thing," Ye Jiqing said, getting back to the main topic.

"But Zhou Fohai is no pushover."

"I've heard rumors that he might be pushing for Ting Mo-tsun to become the Minister of Police."

Wang Xuesen looked somewhat confused: "That shouldn't be the case, right?"

"Big Brother must have reported Ding Mocun's collusion with Yu Yefeng and Nomura Masakazu long ago."

"Does Zhou Fohai still dare to use Ding Mocun?"

Ye Jiqing chuckled: "Just keep pretending to be confused with me."

"First of all, Ding Mocun has suffered a major blow. Zhou Fohai, as a fellow townsman and an old friend of the CC Clique, is helping him out at this time. Wouldn't Ding Mocun fight to the death for him?"

"Furthermore, the feud between Ding Mocun and your elder brother is irreconcilable."

"If he really becomes the Minister of Police and gets the power to maintain order, your older brother will find it very difficult to move around in Shanghai."

"This is a problem," Wang Xuesen nodded with a frown.

Ye Jiqing said, "Zhou Fohai knows that Mr. Wang will be wary of him."

"He brought Ding Mocun to the forefront, and your older brother was put on the defensive."

Wang Xuesen frowned and asked, "Ding Mocun has already betrayed us; can Zhou Fohai still push things along?"

Ye Jiqing said, "Don't underestimate Zhou Fohai."

"This man is very shrewd and diplomatic; he's trusted by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Army."

"I even suspect that Ding Mocun's collaboration with Nomura Shoichi was tacitly approved by him from the beginning."

"Moreover, Ding Zijun was the one who actually carried out this task."

"As long as Ding Mocun insists on keeping it a secret, he can get away with everything clean."

"Even if Mr. Wang is unhappy, he can't provide any real evidence."

"If he wants to promote Ding Mocun, there's a high probability he'll succeed."

Wang Xuesen nodded, his expression turning serious: "Hmm."

"What does my sister-in-law want me to do?"

Ye Jiqing said, "I hope you can find out Zhou Fohai's true attitude towards Dingmo Village from Yang Shuhui."

"At the same time, let's see if we can sow discord between them."

"One sentence."

"The position of Minister of Police must fall to Zhou Fohai; Ding Mocun must not be allowed to interfere."

Wang Xuesen understood.

What Li Shiqun wants now is not Zhou Fohai's downfall.

Quite the opposite.

Only after Zhou Fohai became Minister of Police did Li Shiqun have the opportunity to wield real power behind the scenes.

If Ke Dingmocun were to sit on it, that would be troublesome.

No matter how weak Ding Mocun is, he can still turn things around by leveraging the police system.

At that point, the conflict between him and Li Shiqun wouldn't be about the power of the 76th Division, but about the control of the entire Wang Jingwei regime's security system.

Wang Xuesen sneered inwardly.

This is an interesting game.

Li Shiqun feared that Ding Mocun would rise again.

Ding Mocun feared that Li Shiqun would completely seize power.

Zhou Fohai wanted to use Ding Mocun to restrain Li Shiqun.

Wang Jingwei was also worried that Zhou Fohai would become too powerful to control.

Everyone is in the game.

"Sister-in-law, I understand."

Wang Xuesen nodded and said, "I'll have Wanjia arrange a card game for me these next few days."

"However, Yang Shuhui is a well-known veteran of the black market, and her greed is also notorious."

"My sister-in-law is probably going to—"

Ye Jiqing immediately replied, "Don't worry."

"I can't treat you badly."

"You can ask your sister-in-law to reimburse you for whatever you spent or wanted later."

Wang Xuesen chuckled: "With my sister-in-law saying that, I'm relieved."

After he finished speaking, he added, "However, I might be focusing more on Tao Shengxi lately."

"I have to keep an eye on Lao Hu."

Ye Jiqing waved his hand dismissively: "Actually, there's nothing to keep an eye on."

"They've run away, but it's been a week and there's still no official statement."

"This shows that although these two people participated in the negotiations of the 'Wang-Sun Secret Agreement,' they may not have gotten the original agreement."

"Without original documents or contracts, just talking about it is useless."

Wang Xuesen's heart stirred, but he didn't interrupt and continued to listen.

There's a saying: "A casual remark resolved my doubts."

For those involved in intelligence work, listening and observing are fundamental skills.

Ye Jiqing continued, "The original documents were all drafted by Chen Gongbo."

"Could it fall into their hands?"

"So you should focus more on Yang Shuhui."

"Just let Lao Hu keep an eye on Tao Shengxi's family."

Wang Xuesen nodded quickly: "Okay, sister-in-law."

"I'll find out the news for you as soon as possible."

As he spoke, he glanced again at Ye Jiqing's rounded chest.

Ye Jiqing raised his hand and poked his forehead, laughing and scolding, "You have no manners."

95

Wang Xuesen covered his forehead, looking aggrieved: "Sister-in-law, I swear to God, I really didn't have the slightest ulterior motive."

"Okay, you're busy now, I have to go."

"Otherwise, your older brother will be jealous again."

Ye Jiqing smiled, smoothed her shapely skirt, and swayed her hips as she walked towards the door.

Wang Xuesen saw her to the door and respectfully said, "Take care, sister-in-law."

Ye Jiqing took a few steps, then turned back to look at him, smiling broadly: "Remember, you need to hurry up with Yang Shuhui."

"Don't let your older brother down."

"This matter cannot be delayed."

Wang Xuesen immediately replied, "Understood."

Only after Ye Jiqing's figure disappeared at the end of the corridor did Wang Xuesen turn his gaze away.

Composing himself, he quickly began to make plans.

Gao Zongwu and Tao Shengxi left on January 3rd.

Now, it has been almost ten days.

The two of them have been in Hong Kong for some time now.

If they truly possessed the secret agreement, Chongqing should have published it extensively in newspapers long ago, tearing Wang Jingwei's face off and burying him in the mud.

But there's been no movement.

They probably still haven't gotten their hands on the key components.

These two are like a knife.

It's a good knife.

But without documentation, it's like not having a blade at all.

Words alone have limited impact.

Wang Jingwei even managed to turn the tables, claiming that they were bribed by Chongqing and deliberately slandered the new government.

Wang Xuesen tapped the sofa armrest lightly with his fingers.

This matter shouldn't be delved into too deeply.

Just knowing the news is enough.

What he needs to do now is to get everyone in front of him to their proper places.

Ding Mocun should never become the Minister of Police.

First, he was too weak and no match for Li Shiqun at all, which was a complete waste of his time.

We can't let Zhou Fohai stay in the background any longer. We must let Li Shiqun get arrogant and force Zhou Fohai to confront him head-on.

Of course, Li Shiqun couldn't be happy either.

Zhang Xiaolin needs to continue to restrain him in buying and selling and territorial matters.

Only when they bite each other can they sit in the middle and eat meat and drink soup.

Currently, every step of my plan is progressing steadily.

Wang Xuesen stood up and straightened his cuffs.

It's time to go see Linzhijiang.

Inside the detention room.

Lin Zhijiang sat on a wooden chair, with several cigarette butts lying at his feet.

Although he was imprisoned, he was not in shackles.

The two guards inside were from the interrogation room. When they saw Wang Xuesen enter, they immediately stood up straight.

"director."

Wang Xuesen took a pack of Camel cigarettes out of his pocket and tossed it to one of them: "Go out and have a smoke and rest for a while."

"Yes!" The two tactfully withdrew.

After the door closed, Lin Zhijiang immediately stood up and asked in a low voice, "How is it?"

"Did Old Li agree to let me go?"

Wang Xuesen smiled and nodded: "Agreed."

Lin Zhijiang let out a long breath, feeling as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

-

"Damn, finally I can get out of this awful place."

Before saying anything else, Wang Xuesen asked, "How is the fourth brother?"

Lin Zhijiang's face darkened: "Liu Zhongwen has given us a hard time."

"Luckily, it wasn't poisoned, and it didn't damage any vital organs."

I woke up in the middle of the night last night.

Wang Xuesen frowned slightly: "Who saved them?"

Lin Zhijiang glanced at him and said, "I don't know his name."

"The fourth brother was not fully conscious at the time; he only knew that the man had fought with Liu Zhongwen."

"When Lao Wang and the others received the notification, Lao Si was left in an alley."

"What, isn't he one of yours?"

Wang Xuesen shook his head: "I asked someone to hire a master from the black market."

"But they didn't reveal who they specifically invited."

"That's the rule."

Even among brothers, you have to hold back seven-tenths of what you say; that's a survival principle.

Lin Zhijiang nodded, not asking further, "Boss, what's the next step?"

"Tell the brothers to pack up and leave No. 76 today," Wang Xuesen said with a smile.

"I asked for double your monthly salary and that of the brothers."

"Don't forget to go to the finance office to collect the money later."

Lin Zhijiang paused for a moment, then laughed and scolded, "Give me double the money?"

"This is the first time this den of demons has produced silver."

Wang Xuesen said, "Why not take it if it's free?"

"Take the money and get out of here."

"After you leave home, don't gather together immediately; stay separately for a few days."

"Old Hu's people might keep an eye on him for a while."

"Especially you, don't go around bragging after just a couple of sips of wine."

Lin Zhijiang's expression turned serious: "Understood."

"I will explain things to the brothers."

Wang Xuesen patted him on the shoulder: "The fourth brother told him to focus on recovering from his injury."

"Keep this in mind."

"But now is not the time to fight Liu Zhongwen to the death."

Lin Zhijiang gritted his teeth and nodded, saying, "I know."

"Just do whatever the boss says."

At this point, he looked at Wang Xuesen, his expression becoming more serious.

"Boss, I must admit, what you're doing is definitely not something we roughnecks are capable of doing."

"It's an honor to work with you."

"On behalf of the fourth brother's family, I thank you."

Wang Xuesen smiled and said, "Don't give me that."

"If you really want to thank me, then you'll all save your lives."

"Only by being alive can we have a good life."

Lin Zhijiang nodded emphatically: "Okay."

Wang Xuesen turned and walked out.

As he reached the door, he paused again: "Oh, right."

"After you get out, don't rush to contact Lao Wang."

"Some people ask, 'Are you just stray dogs that were kicked out by Old Li?'"

"The more cowardly you are, the safer you are."

Lin Zhijiang grinned: "This is something I'm good at."

Wang Xuesen opened the door, and the two guards immediately stood at attention:

He said calmly, "Take Captain Lin to the finance office."

"Receive double your monthly salary."

"After they've received their share, see them out."

The guard replied, "Yes, sir."

noon.

Wang Xuesen bought a fruit basket and went to Renji Hospital.

Upon arriving at the VIP ward on the third floor, two agents from the 76th Special Operations Unit were guarding the door.

Upon seeing Wang Xuesen, the two immediately stepped aside.

"Director Wang."

Wang Xuesen asked with a smile, "Is Old Liu awake?"

"Awake."

Wang Xuesen nodded and pushed the door open to go inside.

Liu Zhongwen lay on the bed, holding a newspaper in his right hand, his left arm draped over the blanket, and his wrist wrapped in thick gauze.

Wang Xuesen put down the fruit basket and greeted him with a smile, "Old Liu, how's it going?"

Liu Zhongwen folded the newspaper and said calmly, "It's alright."

"I got slashed several times, and one of my tendons was ruined."

"He won't die."

Wang Xuesen clicked his tongue: "There's actually someone in this world who can cripple one of your hands."

"That's impressive."

Liu Zhongwen looked at him and said with a self-deprecating laugh, "I told Director Li that you wanted to kill me."

"It could even be a red ticket."

"Director Li doesn't believe it."

Wang Xuesen pulled up a chair and sat down: "Brother is wise."

Liu Zhongwen said, "He said he didn't believe you would be so stupid."

"They'll send one of my old Special Branch teammates to stop me."

"Isn't that like having the words 'red ticket' tattooed on your face?"

Wang Xuesen shrugged: "I don't think I'm that stupid either."

Liu Zhongwen shook his head: "No."

"That's exactly what I find terrifying about you."

"I always thought you were one of Dai Li's men."

"Now I'm completely confused by what you've said, and I can't see things clearly anymore."

Wang Xuesen picked up an orange from the table, broke off a segment, popped it into his mouth, and mumbled, "No rush."

You have plenty of time to look at it slowly.

"Anyway, you're not going to kill me."

Liu Zhongwen's eyes flickered slightly, and he was about to speak.

Wang Xuesen pointed at him and interrupted him directly, saying, "You said it yourself."

A man's word is his bond.

"As long as Zhang Xiaolin doesn't die, you have to keep me alive."

Liu Zhongwen had never seen such a shameless person. He sneered, "That's right."

"If you die at someone else's hands, it will be the biggest regret of my life."

"You'd better not die until I figure this out."

Wang Xuesen smiled: "Thanks to your good fortune."

"I guarantee I'll die after you at least."

Liu Zhongwen wasn't angry; he threw off the covers and sat up.

He reached for the long robe beside the bed with one hand.

The left hand was clearly not strong enough, making movement inconvenient.

Wang Xuesen looked at him: "Don't you want to stay a few more days to recuperate?"

Liu Zhongwen used his right hand to unfold the long gown and slowly put it on.

"For Director Li to come up with such a blatant way to test you, it's obvious he's after you."

"He didn't take my advice seriously."

"What's the point of me staying here any longer?"

Guan Xuesen walked up to him and reached out to button up his long gown one button at a time: "That's the only bad thing about you."

"He has a persistent paranoia."

"So, are you a red ticket?" Liu Zhongwen asked.

Guan Xuesen buttoned up the last button for him, then looked up at him and asked, "Do I look like one?"

Liu Zhongwen looked at him carefully for a while: "I do hope you are."

Guan Xuesen raised an eyebrow: "What kind of logic is that?"

Liu Zhongwen said, "But you really don't seem like it."

"I'd rather you were a member of the Military Intelligence Bureau."

"Because the director and the Military Intelligence Bureau are sworn enemies."

"If he knew you were a popular vote, he might just feel a little upset."

"If he knew you were a member of the Military Intelligence Bureau, he would have regretted it."

"I hope he regrets it."

Wang Xuesen curled his lip: "You're a bit of a psychopath."

Liu Zhongwen did not deny it.

He sat on the edge of the bed and adjusted his glasses: "Guan Xuesen, I'll see you clearly sooner or later."

Guan Xuesen took a banana from the fruit basket and placed it next to him: "Take your time looking at it."

"If you have eye problems, eat more fruit."

"Pretending to use your brain while recovering from injury."

"Excessive physical activity can lead to baldness."

After saying that, he walked out of the ward.

Liu Zhongwen sat on the edge of the bed, looking down at the buttons on his long gown.

Each one was neatly buttoned.

He suddenly burst into excited laughter, like a hunter who had found his long-desired prey.

"Guan Tianmu, Gan Cheng, Wilson, Chief Servant Okamura ————"

He muttered to himself, picked up the banana on the table, and peeled it with one hand.

"It appeals to all sides."

"This is getting more and more interesting."

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