Espionage codename: Shen Gongbao

Chapter 171 Xue Sen is still very useful

Wang Xuesen had anticipated that Li Shiqun would ask this question.

Li Shiqun is a man who appears lenient on the outside but is actually suspicious on the inside.

They especially control power, holding onto it very tightly.

If you lose money, you can always rob another one.

Once power falls into someone else's hands, it's not just a matter of missing out on a few meals of meat; it's a matter of losing your head.

Wang Xuesen, biting into an apple, said in a serious tone, "After my elder brother left, Director Hu thoroughly cleaned up the entire building."

"Office discipline has improved considerably."

"Duty shifts, patrols, canteen duties, clerical work, and intelligence liaison have all been rescheduled."

"Contacts with the Mei Agency and the Military Police are proceeding as usual."

"The intelligence gathering and arrests are also going quite smoothly."

"We almost caught a big fish by teaming up with Wan Lilang and Ma Xiaotian from Jinling District."

After he finished speaking, he nodded, as if he genuinely wanted to speak well of Hu Junhe.

"All in all, it's good."

"It's really good."

Li Shiqun's smile remained gentle, but his eyes turned cold.

Wanli Lang, Ma Xiaotian.

These were all his trusted confidants.

Wanlilang, in particular, is a sharp weapon in his hands, which he doesn't usually use lightly.

There are also the Mei Agency and the Military Police.

The reason why No. 76 could act with impunity was not because of Wu Sibao and his gang of thugs, but because of the backing of the Japanese.

If Hu Junhe can master these methods, he will have the means to replace me.

This is the truly deadly part.

Li Shiqun pushed the cigarette pack aside and slowly picked up a stack of receipts on the table: "It's very good."

"He gets involved in everything, from the suppliers of paper and pens for the office to the purchase of rice, flour, oil, and salt for the canteen."

"Take a look."

"The intelligence department made various purchases, replacing a large number of the existing equipment with new ones."

"The filing cabinets, cameras, and even the typewriters were all replaced with two imported ones."

"How much will this round trip cost?"

Wang Xuesen took the document and glanced at it.

Good guy.

That bastard Hu Junhe really treats being an agent as if he's officially in charge.

"Old Hu is a capable man."

"It's just that I picked up the small account too quickly."

"Brother, sister-in-law, we all know that the funds approved by Zhou Fohai and the Mei Agency are, frankly speaking, only enough to pay salaries."

"With so many people in this building, what about their food, drink, toilet facilities, firearms, ammunition, and fieldwork expenses? Every single one of these costs money!"

"Everyone is able to eat and drink well now, all thanks to my elder brother and sister-in-law's Yongxinglong Company filling the gaps."

"He used public funds to show off his wealth, but what he was really spending was the hard-earned money of his elder brother and sister-in-law."

"That's definitely going too far."

Wang Xuesen frowned and said indignantly.

These words struck a chord with Ye Jiqing.

How did Yongxinglong get its money?

It was created by pressing truckloads of goods together.

It was through her gradual maneuvering with a group of wives that she achieved this.

Hu Junhe, on the other hand, took advantage of Li Shiqun's absence to tear open her purse and grab a handful for himself.

That's a complete bastard!

She pouted and said with dissatisfaction, "You know, Xue Sen is the one who's clear-headed."

"Hu Junhe is treating us like easy prey."

"I roughly estimate that he can make at least ten thousand yuan on this trip."

"We must investigate him."

"This habit shouldn't be tolerated."

Li Shiqun raised his hand and gestured, "No need."

"Old Hu has worked hard in managing the building, even if he hasn't done anything particularly meritorious."

"Take a little, that's fine."

He spoke very magnanimously.

But Wang Xuesen knew that Li Shiqun had already remembered this debt.

A smart person doesn't kill by flipping the table on the spot.

First, keep a record of the expenses.

Once the ledger is thick enough, one cut will bring in all the principal and interest.

Wang Xuesen deliberately sighed: "Brother, you are truly kind and benevolent, worthy of being called the 'Mengchang of our time'."

"If it were me, I'd grab Lao Hu, hang him up, and beat his ass to a pulp."

Li Shiqun smiled, then suddenly asked, "Xuesen, what do you think of the Sibao matter?"

Wang Xuesen pondered for a moment, then pointed to the table with his finger: "Seven parts success, three parts failure."

Li Shiqun raised an eyebrow slightly: "Oh?"

Tell me about it.

Wang Xuesen said solemnly, "Let's not talk about the past. Tao Shengxi's wife and daughter were kidnapped, and he cannot escape responsibility."

"It's merit!"

He glanced at Li Shiqun and said cautiously, "I've ruined Lao Hu's great achievement!"

"Was it your idea to send Sibao to the communications room to send a telegram?" Li Shiqun asked without much emotion.

Wang Xuesen nodded: "Yes."

Li Shiqun looked at him: "Why?"

Wang Xuesen did not dodge the question and frankly said, "I think this matter must be reported to my elder brother."

"At the time, Director Hu was very confident, saying that a big fish could be caught at the bookstore."

"And it is highly likely that he is Chen Gongshu, the head of the Shanghai district of the Military Intelligence Bureau."

"Such a big matter, there's no reason why my brother wouldn't know about it."

"If I pretend to be deaf and dumb, when my elder brother goes out to work, the people in the building might forget who the real backbone is?"

That's a well-said statement.

The gloom in Li Shiqun's eyes dissipated, and he asked with a faint smile, "Aren't you afraid that Yang Siyuan from the communications room will leak the news? He's one of Yuan Lou's men."

Wang Xuesen laughed: "Brother, Yang Siyuan wouldn't be that stupid, would he?"

"Brother Sibao swaggered into the telecommunications room like that, and he was willing to take such an obvious bait."

"Then I can only say that I overestimated him."

Li Shiqun pondered and said, "Judging from this, Yang Siyuan doesn't seem to be a member of the Military Intelligence Bureau."

"If we really arrest Chen Gongshu, he'll risk his life to steal intelligence."

Wang Xuesen nodded: "Brother's analysis is accurate."

"It's probably the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS), or a red ticket (a symbol of patriotism), or maybe the Three People's Principles Youth Corps (Sanqing Corps)."

"Those people are eccentric and don't have the guts of the Military Intelligence Bureau."

"The Military Intelligence Bureau (MIB) operates like they're gambling with their lives."

"They do things like they're stealing chickens."

Li Shiqun chuckled at the analogy.

Ye Jiqing also laughed and said, "Your mouth is really sharp when it comes to insults."

Wang Xuesen cupped his hands in greeting: "Sister-in-law, you flatter me."

Li Shiqun waved his hand: "Never mind him."

He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping slowly on the armrest: "Tell me about your progress."

"Mr. Wang and I had a private talk during my trip to Qingdao."

"He would never support Ding Mocun as Minister of Police."

"This is to my advantage."

"Kortinmo Village is highly experienced and has extensive connections; he should at least hold a ministerial position."

"If he joins forces with Zhou Fohai, both Mr. Wang and I will be in a very passive position."

"Xuesen, your progress here is crucial."

"Don't worry, brother. If things go smoothly, we'll have results in the next few days. You can just sit back and relax and win the game," Wang Xuesen said with a smile.

"but----"

At this point, a hint of hesitation flashed across his face.

Li Shiqun saw through it: "Speak your mind."

Wang Xuesen coughed lightly: "Brother, did the teacher mention—me?"

Li Shiqun's eyes flickered slightly: "Mr. Wang?"

Wang Xuesen smiled wryly and said, "Yes."

"I've been in Shanghai for more than half a year, and I haven't even had the chance to visit anyone."

"I still feel uneasy about it."

"Outsiders who don't know the situation might think that I, as a student, have a rift with my teacher."

Upon hearing this, Ye Jiqing frowned.

She finds Wang Xuesen very agreeable now.

She's eloquent, capable, good at making money, and knows how to charm people.

If such a person were taken in by the Wang family, Yongxinglong would lose a pillar of support, and Old Li would also lose a young man who could use his brain.

Ye Jiqing retorted, "What's so good about seeing him?"

"Isn't it better to live a life of luxury in Shanghai with your older brother than to have to put up with other people's attitudes in Nanjing?"

"There are many rules over there; you might not feel comfortable there."

Wang Xuesen quickly waved his hand: "Sister-in-law, you've misunderstood."

95

"Of course I'll follow my older brother."

I know my own limitations.

"Mr. Wang's family is very prestigious and influential; how could I dare to presume to associate with them?"

"But I don't see my teacher often, and I always feel uneasy about it."

Li Shiqun smiled and said, "Don't rush, once the new government is ready, I'll take you to see Mr. Wang."

Wang Xuesen immediately stood up and said gratefully, "Thank you, brother."

Li Shiqun then said, "You can stay here and work without worry."

"Mr. Wang—well, he's not omnipotent either."

Wang Jingwei is the banner.

Wang Xuesen lowered his head and said, "Understood, then I'll go back to work first."

Ye Jiqing pushed the dried goods from Qingdao on the table towards him: "Take these back to Wanjia."

"Shrimp stewed with eggs is incredibly delicious."

"There are also apples, take a few more."

Wang Xuesen laughed and said, "My sister-in-law dotes on me even more than my own sister."

Ye Jiqing laughed and scolded, "Stop being so cheeky."

Wang Xuesen carried his things out of the office and closed the door behind him.

Ye Jiqing frowned and asked, "What you just said, does it mean Mr. Wang still has a problem with Xuesen?"

Li Shiqun stubbed out his cigarette and said slowly, "Mr. Wang and Chen Bijun insist that Xuesen has a problem."

Ye Jiqing was taken aback: "What's the problem?"

"They said that some evidence has been unearthed in the mountain city."

"Wang Xuesen was very likely an undercover agent sent by Dai Li or Xu Enzeng."

1

Ye Jiqing's pretty face instantly turned deathly pale. "Do you think it looks like it?"

Li Shiqun shook his head.

"have no idea."

"To say it doesn't seem like it, there are quite a few suspicious points about him."

"His background, connections, reactions, and methods are unlike those of an ordinary rich kid."

"To be honest, if he were really a Kuomintang assassin, I would probably have died many times over."

Ye Jiqing did not interrupt.

Li Shiqun continued, "And judging from his behavior, it doesn't seem like he's targeting me."

"If his goal was to bring down me and No. 76, the best thing he could have done was to secretly help Hu Junhe grow in power and make Hu Junhe a rival to me."

"Or, help Ding Mocun become the Minister of Police, and use Ding Mocun to take revenge on me."

"It's easy to defeat and split No. 76."

"But what's the reality?" He shook his head, completely bewildered. "He's been helping me build flood control dams all along."

"He helped me block Ding Mocun, helped the company raise money, and helped Yongxinglong open up access to the black market."

"These things completely contradict the logic that an undercover agent should do."

"We are not suicide bombers, and we will not cause division."

"If he's an undercover agent, what's his motive?"

Ye Jiqing slowly sat down, frowning as he said, "Is it possible that he did indeed contact Dai Li?"

"Perhaps in the beginning, he used the mountain city as a way to go to Shanghai to reunite with Wanjia and enjoy a life of luxury."

"But later, with the Su family backing him up and your favor, he had a world of pleasures, with gold, silver and beautiful women at his fingertips."

11

"Now that he's more assertive, he might not be willing to risk his life for the mountain city anymore."

Ye Jiqing found the argument increasingly convincing: "Last time at the Siberian fur shop, and also at the newly built stage, he was shot twice."

What does this mean?

"This means that in Shancheng, they have most likely already added him to their real assassination list."

"If he were still Dai Li's confidant, would Dai Li have killed him?"

"Therefore, the information that Chen Bijun obtained may not be false."

"But intelligence can become outdated."

People change.

"He may have had some lingering ties with Chongqing in the past, but he may not be willing to turn back now."

Li Shiqun remained silent.

These words truly resonated with him.

What kind of people are most commonly seen in No. 76?

traitor.

A person who can die for his beliefs today can change his allegiance tomorrow for women, money, opium, or power.

Wang Xuesen was young, intelligent, lecherous, greedy, and loved to enjoy life.

It's not surprising that someone like that, who has spent a lot of time in Shanghai, would change their mind.

Li Shiqun said, "That's possible."

"But regardless, this person is now of great use to us."

"As long as he is willing to stay in the building and do things for me, I can compensate him more financially."

Ye Jiqing nodded repeatedly.

"that is."

"Who cares who he is?"

"Anyone who can benefit us, help you get promoted, or make money is a good person."

"Besides, with you and Mr. Liu keeping an eye on him, even if he has a problem, he won't be able to pull any tricks."

Li Shiqun liked to hear this.

No matter how smart Wang Xuesen is, he is only twenty-one years old.

With Liu Zhongwen watching over them, the net of No. 76 protecting them, and the Japanese keeping them under control.

Even if Sun Wukong came, he would have to weigh how heavy the Five Finger Mountain is first.

"That being said, we still need to be cautious," he said cautiously.

Ye Jiqing readily replied, "Mhm."

"From now on, when he comes to our house, he can't be so easily dressed or subjected to security checks. It's best to keep things the way they were before."

Li Shiqun looked up at his excited wife.

Finally, he opened his mouth, but said nothing.

Wang Xuesen was carrying a bag of dried goods from Qingdao when he was abducted by Hu Junhe as he passed by the intelligence office.

"Xue Sen"

"What did the director say to you?" Hu Junhe asked impatiently as he closed the door.

Wang Xuesen showed off the dried goods in his hand: "What else can I say? My sister-in-law brought me some seafood."

Hu Junhe chuckled enviously, "You're such a likable guy. Didn't the director say anything about me?"

Wang Xuesen leaned closer and lowered his voice, saying, "Yes, my brother was just praising you."

Hu Junhe's eyes lit up: "Really?"

"How could it be fake?"

Wang Xuesen said in a serious tone, "My elder brother said that you've worked hard managing the building, handling all matters, big and small, just like a head of the family."

"They even said they'd set up a rural cleanup committee, so the No. 76 case could be put on hold for a while."

Hu Junhe rubbed his hands excitedly and said with a smile, "Director, you really say that?"

Why would I lie to you?

Wang Xuesen patted his arm and said, "Old Hu, good days are probably not far away."

Hu Junhe was beaming with joy.

Wang Xuesen knew that he had to tell half the truth; if he told too much, he would be easily exposed.

He leaned closer: "But your wife didn't look too good when she was looking at the accounts."

Hu Junhe's smile faltered, a hint of panic in his voice: "The account? What did she say?"

Wang Xuesen said, "I didn't say much, I was just a little unhappy."

"You know how it is, your sister-in-law manages the money."

"It always hurts to see money flowing out."

"But my older brother said that even if he didn't do any great work, he still put in a lot of effort, and he didn't get much money."

Wang Xuesen didn't wait for him to think it over, and stood up, saying, "I'll go back to the interrogation room first."

"When you get promoted, don't forget your brother."

10 PM.

Inside the bungalow.

Li Lu nestled in Wang Xuesen's arms, her face beaming with a satisfied and happy smile.

"Damn, why is my mind going blank?" Wang Xuesen said, rubbing his temples.

Tonight's results were outstanding.

The bed sheets are the best proof.

"I'll make you a glass of milk and change the sheets while I'm at it," Li Lu said, her pretty face flushed.

Wang Xuesen didn't even bother to lift his eyelids, and took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

He got up, walked to the window, and opened it.

A gust of cold wind cleared my head considerably.

-

A moment later, Li Lu tidied herself up, took a shower, and made him a cup of hot milk: "Darling, how about I sing you a song?"

Wang Xuesen turned to look at her.

Li Lu wore a plain-colored bathrobe, her hair casually tied up, exuding a gentle and tender charm.

This woman really knows how to manipulate people.

She can cook, sing, get things done, and is quite uninhibited in bed.

Moreover, they are quiet and never make a fuss; they always know where to stand.

Such a perfect woman, why didn't Mao Ziming cherish her back then?

Wang Xuesen took the milk and said with a smile, "No, you must be tired. You should drink some water to replenish your energy."

Li Lu blushed instantly and gently hit him with her hand: "You're so annoying."

"You're making fun of someone."

"It's all your fault."

Wang Xuesen took a sip of milk and immediately felt his fatigue disappear.

Master Lin's secret was indeed correct: when you're exhausted, drink some protein powder and keep fighting, managing to balance both the competition and your love life.

Li Lu sat on the edge of the bed, took a sheet from the bedside table and handed it over: "This is a sheet from Dean Yang for you."

"His upline, the Frenchman Peter, is very interested in working with you."

"The medication dosage has increased by another 10% this month."

She paused, then asked with some concern, "I feel like this is a bit too much? Can our company handle it?"

Wang Xuesen took the order and glanced at it.

Quinine, sulfonamides, iodine, and a batch of commonly used surgical instruments, bandages, hemostatic powder, etc.

These items, once they reach the rear, can fetch several times their original price; they are all life-saving commodities.

Wang Xuesen folded the list neatly, put it in his coat pocket, and said with a smile, "Don't worry, we can eat as much as we want."

Li Lu breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good. I was just afraid that taking too many cases for you would make things worse."

Wang Xuesen said, "Take them and store them for now, don't ship them out yet. The company will still ship in small quantities through multiple production lines as before."

Li Lu nodded: "Okay, I'll remember."

Wang Xuesen was secretly annoyed.

Of course, you can make a lot of money by selling more and buying more goods.

However, it was extremely difficult to circumvent the Green Gang when dealing in the black market of Shanghai.

As long as Zhang Xiaolin and Hongji Charity Hall are still around, many things cannot be accomplished.

Right now, they still have to rely on Zhang Xiaolin to help the "crown prince" ascend to the throne.

Once Zhang Fayao has secured his position, it will be the old dog's death day.

Seeing his silence, Li Lu asked softly, "Who are you plotting against now?"

Wang Xuesen snapped out of his daze and laughed, "What do you mean by scheming?"

"I am a legitimate businessman."

"At most, it's about making some reasonable allocations of resources in Shanghai."

Li Lu couldn't help but laugh: "With your mouth, you could make a dead person sit up and sign a document."

Wang Xuesen raised an eyebrow: "That depends on who's going to die."

"If it were Mao Ziming, I might even make him give up his wife too."

Li Lu blushed, glaring at him with a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance: "You're just making fun of me."

Wang Xuesen hugged her and kissed her twice: "Let's get down to business."

"Does the wife of Brigade Commander Liu of the puppet army's security regiment live at No. 89 Yuyuan Road?"

Li Lu thought for a moment and said, "Yes."

"Her family home is over there. Brigade Commander Liu is stationed in the countryside of Pudong most of the year and rarely comes to the city. She spends most of her time at her family home."

"What's wrong?"

Wang Xuesen said, "Try to arrange a card game with Mrs. Liu tomorrow."

"The location will be her house."

"Let's also invite Xu Pucheng's wife, Li Moli, and Mrs. Fang from the municipal government."

Li Lu frowned slightly: "It's quite a feat to gather these people. Is there some kind of mission they're on?"

Wang Xuesen didn't rush to answer, but took a puff of his cigarette: "Ding Mocun has a private residence at No. 73 Yuyuan Road."

"A woman named Ruan Xiaolian lives inside."

Li Lu's eyes widened slightly: "Ruan Xiaolian?"

"I know her."

"Just a few days ago at the club, she was bragging to people that she now lives in a luxury villa with servants and security guards."

"At the time, I thought she was being supported by some wealthy boss."

"I didn't expect it to be Dingmo Village."

As she spoke, she understood and said, "You want Zhao Huimin to know?"

Wang Xuesen nodded and said, "Smart."

"After the card game starts tomorrow, I will have someone find a way to transfer Mrs. Fang away."

"Then you can suggest that Ruan Xiaolian come and fill in for her."

"Remember, after Ruan Xiaolian arrives, don't bring up the house first."

"Ruan Xiaolian's mouth can't hold back."

"Give her any stage, and she can put on a whole show by herself."

"Even if Mrs. Liu is curious and wants to investigate, she may not be able to find out that the house belongs to Dingmo Village," Li Lu said, puzzled.

Wang Xuesen smiled and said, "He will."

"Ding Mocun has a bodyguard who used to serve under Brigade Commander Liu."

"Mrs. Liu has a very good relationship with Mrs. Zhao Huimin, the wife of Ding Mocun. With her gossipy mouth, she will definitely tell Zhao Huimin."

Li Lu nodded: "Understood."

After Wang Xuesen finished speaking, he got up, took a shower, and changed into a shirt and suit.

Li Lu straightened his collar, her fingers pausing briefly on his chest.

"Not staying tonight?"

Wang Xuesen said, "No, I've been busy lately, and I can't keep making excuses about my family."

Li Lu nodded and said softly, "Then be careful."

Wang Xuesen picked up his coat and added, "Don't rush things for tomorrow's meeting."

"Let's talk once everyone's here."

"After Mrs. Fang leaves, when Mrs. Liu asks what to do about the shortage of staff, just casually mention that you know someone nearby."

""

"The more natural the speech, the better."

Li Lu said earnestly, "I've got it."

"I will definitely do my best and won't cause you any trouble."

Wang Xuesen glanced at her, winked and grinned mischievously: "I won't be coming around often these days. If you're lonely, just have fun by yourself."

Li Lu was taken aback at first, then remembered the time he caught her in the act, and her face instantly turned red.

"You still dare to talk back!"

Embarrassed, she grabbed a cushion and threw it at him.

Wang Xuesen caught the cushion, smiled, and put it back on the sofa: "When the time is right, I'll take you home."

Li Lu was both delighted and surprised: "What about Wanjia?!"

Wang Xuesen waved his hand: "I know what I'm doing."

Li Lu didn't dare to ask any more questions, and only nodded gently.

"Um."