Espionage codename: Shen Gongbao

Let's talk about the world depicted by Qian Xuesen in "Spy Code: Shen Gongbao".

Third-floor bedroom.

Ding Mocun stood in front of the mirror, gently touching the dark blue under his eyes with his fingers.

Thin.

His cheeks were sunken, his cheekbones were prominent, and he looked decadent from excessive drinking and womanizing.

Hey!

Heaven is helping the thief, not me!

He sighed inwardly, tugged at his tie, and straightened his suit cuffs. His movements were unhurried, but a layer of annoyance inexplicably surfaced in his eyes.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom.

Shen Yue is taking a shower.

This woman has really been slacking off lately.

I had to call three times last night before he agreed to come over. He dawdled and dragged it out until 11 p.m., and when he finally came in, he still had a reluctant expression on his face.

In the past?

One phone call, and they're there in ten minutes. Like a female dog, they come when summoned and leave when dismissed.

Ultimately, it was the abolition of the four-department system that led to the loss of the last stronghold of the Confidential Office.

His prestige at No. 76 plummeted, and even the opportunistic women around him changed their attitudes accordingly.

cheap.

That's too realistic.

Ding Mocun glanced coldly at the bathroom door before looking away.

However, Zhang Deqing called half an hour ago.

The old man sounded a little flustered, saying he wanted to bring Shimizu Tungsan to No. 76 to "have tea" with Li Shiqun, and that the old man must accompany him.

Although Ding Mocun no longer managed affairs, he had heard some rumors about the Zhan Shen case.

That old bastard Zhang Deqing wanted to fawn over Li Shiqun, but he ended up losing out and handing over his lifeline.

By setting up this formation and bringing in Shimizu Tosan as a figurehead, it's clear they're ready to break ties with Li Shiqun.

Ding Mocun smirked coldly at himself in the mirror.

This is an opportunity.

Zhang Deqing's ties with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were even deeper than his own, and he also wielded considerable influence within the Green Gang.

If he were to fight Li Shiqun to the death, and I were to sit back and watch the two tigers fight, I might just be able to reap the benefits.

Who knows, I might be able to turn things around.

He buttoned the top button of his suit jacket and glanced at the bathroom again.

The sound of water is still ringing.

Damn it.

I've had the worst luck ever lately.

Pingping isn't coming.

He doesn't answer the phone, and I can't find him anywhere.

Shen Yue has a good figure, with curves in all the right places, but this woman is ultimately too vulgar. Her temperament is far inferior to Pingping's, and being with her always feels like picking up trash.

Think of Zheng Pingping.

A lady from a prestigious family, a top socialite, with an air of elegance in every gesture, the satisfaction of holding her in your arms—even without doing anything, just holding her and smelling the fragrance of her hair is enough to savor for a whole year.

Ding Mocun sighed, opened the door, and went out.

He went to the corridor of the second-floor office.

From afar, I could see Wang Xuesen standing at the door, with a heavy wooden box beside him.

Ding Mocun paused for a moment.

"director."

Wang Xuesen greeted him with a smile, his face full of eagerness.

Ding Mocun ignored his smiling face and glanced at him sideways for two seconds.

What are you doing here?

He snorted through his nose, his voice sarcastic: "I heard you've been getting quite close to Li Shiqun lately. Were you involved in the whole Zhan Shen affair?"

Wang Xuesen remained completely unperturbed and shrugged.

"Uncle, don't you know what I'm thinking?"

"Besides, didn't you tell me to get closer to Li Shiqun so I could let you know if there was any news?"

He spread his hands, looking aggrieved.

"If you want the horse to run, you have to let it eat some grass."

Ding Mocun rolled his eyes and pushed open the office door: "You little rascal, I never know which of your words are true and which are false."

Wang Xuesen followed closely inside, but instead of bringing in the box by the door, he pressed forward with a bellyful of things to say.

"Uncle, it doesn't matter what you say, it's the thought that counts."

"Tell me, haven't I been diligent and conscientious towards you?"

"Miss Zheng, the Chamber of Commerce, they're always there when you call."

Ding Mocun sat down behind his desk, took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

He hummed in agreement, slightly raising his eyelids: "How is Pingping?"

Wang Xuesen held out his lighter and lit it for him.

"have no idea."

"I haven't seen her much lately. I've been to her house several times, and when I did see her, she would use being busy as an excuse to send me away, and we wouldn't talk much at all."

Ding Mocun took a drag of his cigarette and sneered.

"hehe."

"Women, they think I've lost my power."

Wang Xuesen's heart skipped a beat, but he replied without hesitation, "Uncle, of course. She's not your sister-in-law; she only came for your power."

Ding Mocun's expression darkened.

Wang Xuesen then changed the subject, his tone becoming lighter.

"But Uncle, you may be out of power now, but you still have money."

"Women, you know, a little money and you'll come back."

"Then you can do whatever you want with me."

These words were delivered on behalf of Zheng Pingping.

Zheng Pingping deliberately ignored Ding Mocun, hoping to lure the old dog out of No. 76. He'd already been taken advantage of; the assassination couldn't remain stagnant.

She's a socialite and a daughter of a prominent family in Shanghai; how could she let Ding Mocun get away with it so easily?

Ding Mocun pondered for a moment, then flicked his cigarette ash:

You're right.

"However, it's only a matter of time before I reclaim the throne of No. 76."

"Li Shiqun isn't having an easy time either. Zhang Xiaolin has been openly suppressing him on the black market, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also keeping an eye on him."

He held a cigarette between his fingers and gestured with his chin toward Wang Xuesen.

"Did you know? Zhang Deqing is coming. Li Shiqun must have told you, right?"

Wang Xuesen raised an eyebrow, made a perfectly measured expression of tension, and then lowered his voice:

"Yes. That's why I came to find you as soon as I heard the news."

Ding Mocun smiled with satisfaction.

"You've got a good eye, kid."

He carefully placed the cigarette in his mouth, leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms over his stomach, and exuded an air of absolute confidence.

"I've made up my mind. This time, I'm going to do everything I can to help Zhang Deqing turn against Li Shiqun."

"Let's join forces with Fu You'an, Zhang Xiaolin, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make it impossible for Li Shiqun to survive in Shanghai."

His gaze darkened, and his voice held a hint of gritted teeth and ruthlessness.

"This is one of my few chances to turn things around."

"Success or failure hinges on today!"

Wang Xuesen felt a chill run down his spine when he saw his excited expression.

Old Ding really can't distinguish reality from fiction.

They're stuck in the mud, still dreaming of turning the tables.

"Uncle, do you have some misunderstanding about Li Shiqun?" He poured cold water on him.

Ding Mocun's smile froze.

"What do you mean?"

Wang Xuesen didn't rush to elaborate, but instead went around in circles.

"Uncle, can't you see? This is clearly a trap Zhang Deqing dug for you."

Ding Mocun stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and stared at him unhappily.

"Dig a hole? Where's the hole?"

Wang Xuesen took half a step forward, lowering his voice even further:

"Uncle, think about it. Back then, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did its best, and even with the help of Fu You'an and Tang Huimin, they still couldn't take down Li Shiqun."

"Zhang Deqing is now barely clinging to life."

"What about Fu You'an? Because of the Shanghai mayoralty and his full support for Wang Ruikai's re-election as Zhejiang's chief official, he's been locked in a bitter feud with Zhang Xiaolin."

"How could these two possibly team up?"

"Li Shiqun is currently riding high; who wouldn't avoid his wrath?"

Ding Mocun frowned, but still protested, "It's not as exaggerated as you say."

"Even if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Zhang Xiaolin combined, they can't handle Li Shiqun?"

Wang Xuesen chuckled, his tone slightly teasing: "Uncle, you have a keen eye. Were you trying to trick me into revealing information?"

"Who in Shanghai doesn't know that the head of the Shadow Agency gifted Li Shiqun a knife?"

He held up one finger and pointed to the ceiling.

"Zhang Deqing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is your opponent Li Shiqun? That's the Mei Agency, the Military Police, and even the entire Ministry of the Army."

Ding Mocun opened his mouth.

He couldn't utter a word.

The office was silent for a few seconds.

Wang Xuesen pressed his advantage, his voice becoming even faster.

"Zhang Deqing already has a close relationship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, why would he insist on dragging you into it?"

"Isn't it just a way to drag you down with me, to have another person die with you?"

"Uncle, Mr. Fo Hai is behind you."

"Last time something went wrong, Mr. Zhou stepped in to mediate for you. If Zhang Deqing and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mess things up again this time, Mr. Zhou can't possibly come back to give you face again, can he?"

"Do you really want to shine Li Shiqun's shoes?"

Ding Mocun lost face and glared at Wang Xuesen: "You!"

"Is Li Shiqun indestructible?!"

He slammed his hand on the table in frustration.

"We will definitely lose."

Wang Xuesen did not back down, speaking calmly and deliberately.

"But not necessarily now."

"Uncle, what you need to do now is to bide your time and wait for the right opportunity."

Ding Mocun slammed his fist on the table, his eyes bulging with anger: "So, according to you, there's absolutely no chance this time?"

Wang Xuesen's expression suddenly turned serious.

"If I have the chance, I won't come."

He took a step forward, placed his hand on the edge of the desk, and bent down to get closer to Ding Mocun.

"To tell you the truth, Zhan Shen and Bai Meigui have already testified that Zhang Deqing is the mastermind behind the assassination of Ji Yunqing."

Ding Mocun's pupils contracted slightly.

"You know, the Japanese have always valued Ji Yunqing. If this accusation is leveled against him, Zhang Deqing will be severely punished, if not killed. There's absolutely no chance of winning."

Wang Xuesen straightened up and took half a step back: "That's why he wanted to drag you down with him."

Why did I rush over so early in the morning?

"Isn't it because I'm afraid you'll fall into his trap, Uncle?"

"Oh dear, look at my brain, I almost forgot to mention something important." He said, slapping his forehead.

"What is it?" Ding Mocun asked.

"Zhan Shen's father is Yin Dingyi, who is a close friend of yours and a member of Mr. Fo Hai's CC ten-person group. Strictly speaking, Zhan Sen is your nephew."

"If you help Zhang Deqing overturn his case, how will Mr. Yin vouch for him?"

"The reason Li Shiqun asked me to come find you is because he didn't want to ruin your friendship with Yin Dingyi."

Wang Xuesen said.

"Whoa!"

Ding Mocun slumped back into his chair.

He rubbed his temples, his arrogance vanished, replaced by frustration and resentment.

"The old dog's hair has been seized, what's the point of me saying anything?"

He waved his hand.

"Never mind. I'll call him back and turn him down."

To be honest, he's really been giving Li Shiqun a hard time lately.

Since we have no chance of winning, it's best not to offend anyone.

Just as he was about to pick up the microphone, Wang Xuesen grabbed his hand.

"Uncle, why are you refusing?"

Ding Mocun's hand hung in mid-air.

Wang Xuesen released his grip, and the corners of his mouth curved into a smile.

"This is a great opportunity."

Ding Mocun's face darkened completely, and his voice rose half an octave: "You're saying this is both a trap and a good opportunity? What do you mean by that?"

Wang Xuesen didn't answer. He turned around, walked to the door, bent down, and forcefully pulled the wooden box inside.

Two thousand dollars is so heavy.

This will cost 20,000 silver dollars; it will require a car to haul it.

He dragged himself to the desk, took a couple of deep breaths, and clicked open the lock.

Yellow silk cloth was used as a base.

Two thousand silver dollars, polished to a shine, were neatly stacked in a box.

Two thousand dollars.

That's equivalent to about seven or eight hundred US dollars, or five or six thousand French francs.

Say no more, say less.

But the yellow silk-lined box, once filled with this item, creates a striking visual effect, far more eye-catching than a check for tens of thousands of dollars.

Ding Mocun's gaze fell on the box.

His fingers trembled slightly, and amidst his surprise and confusion, he asked, "This, this is?"

Wang Xuesen patted the lid of the box and said with a smile, "Uncle, Director Li asked me to give this to you."

Ding Mocun's eyes darted back and forth between the box and Wang Xuesen.

"Did he give it to me?"

His tone was full of suspicion. "What do you mean?"

In Ding Mocun's opinion, Li Shiqun wished he would just get out of No. 76. Ye Jiqing was also a notorious miser; getting even a feather from her was harder than climbing to heaven.

Why did this couple suddenly send over two thousand dollars?

There's a ghost.

Wang Xuesen pulled up a chair and sat down opposite him, speaking in a relaxed tone as if they were having a casual chat.

"Uncle, you're overcomplicating things."

"You are, after all, the director of No. 76, a core figure in Mr. Zhou's CC Clique, and have close ties with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

"Li Shiqun may have won the power struggle with you temporarily, but that doesn't mean he's willing to offend you."

"To put it bluntly, he is very satisfied with the current situation."

He pointed at the box with his chin.

"Zhang Deqing is coming this time, and he intends to ask you to help him spread rumors and scare the old man, to give him some support."

"At the same time, having me deliver the money is also a way for me to take the initiative to ease tensions with you."

Ding Mocun stared at the box of gleaming silver dollars, his throat bobbing involuntarily.

To ease tensions?

That sounds nice.

Old Ding has been in this cesspool of No. 76 for so long, what kind of tricks hasn't he seen? People like Li Shiqun are the ones who are most likely to hand over a knife with a smile.

But the silver dollars in that box were real.

The base is made of yellow silk, with layers of silver light, and each one is polished so that it reflects a person's image.

Wang Xuesen could see that he was still hesitating, so he didn't urge him. He took out a cigarette case from his pocket, lit one, and slowly exhaled a puff of smoke.

"I've delivered the money to you. As for how to choose, that's up to you."

He flicked his cigarette ash, speaking casually.

"He joined forces with Zhang Deqing, who had already been implicated by evidence, and was dragged into the mess to fight Li Shiqun to the bitter end."

"We've already accepted the money, so let's all compromise and avoid further trouble."

"You should think about it yourself."

After saying that, he fell silent.

He leaned back in his chair and quietly smoked.

Ding Mocun slowly sat back in his chair, his brows furrowed.

Look at the silver dollar.

Then I looked up at the ceiling.

His fingers tapped rhythmically on the table.

Just as I was pondering this, the phone on the table suddenly rang.

Ding Mocun picked up the microphone, listened for a few moments, and replied in a deep voice, "Okay, I understand."

He hung up the phone and looked at Wang Xuesen.

"Zhang Deqing and Shimizu Tosan have arrived at the reception room."

Wang Xuesen stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray without saying a word.

Ding Mocun's expression changed repeatedly, finally settling into a heavy sigh.

He's not stupid.

He took everything I said to heart.

Li Shiqun had a firm grip on Zhang Deqing's evidence, and joining forces with him would be tantamount to pushing himself into a trap.

Moreover, the relationship with Yin Dingyi is something that cannot be broken.

But having accepted the money to do things for Li Shiqun, he couldn't bring himself to do it.

Wang Xuesen saw through his thoughts.

He smiled and offered a way out.

"Uncle, please agree for my sake. Otherwise, Ye Jiqing will think I'm incompetent, and I won't be able to get along with her anymore."

This is exactly what Ding Mocun was waiting for.

He sprang up easily from the chair and waved his hand.

"For your sake, I'll do Li Shiqun a favor and take the job."

He tugged at the hem of his suit jacket, his voice regaining some of the composure of a seasoned veteran.

"What do you want me to say?"

Wang Xuesen got up and walked over to him, lowering his voice to give him a few simple instructions.

Ding Mocun is a veteran in this line of work.

Without needing to be told a second time, he immediately understood and nodded to Wang Xuesen.

The two walked one after the other towards the reception room.

The door to the reception room was open.

Li Shiqun chatted happily with Qingshui Dongsan and Zhang Deqing.

Ding Mocun and Wang Xuesen came in and greeted each other.

They exchanged pleasantries and shook hands, handling the situation flawlessly.

The group sat down, and the atmosphere was so harmonious that there was absolutely no hint of hostility.

After three rounds of tea.

Zhang Deqing coughed lightly, tapped his cane on the ground, and spoke first:

"Director Li, you didn't call me here just for tea, did you?"

Li Shiqun put down his teacup, his smile unchanged.

"To be honest, Mr. Zhang, the case has been concluded. It was the case you initially reported, and your goddaughter was also involved. She asked you to come here specifically to inform her, so that things can be considered complete."

Zhang Deqing knew he was a smiling tiger, so he dared not be careless in the slightest, but he did not show any fear on his face.

Zhang Deqing knew he was a smiling tiger, so he dared not be careless in the slightest, but he did not show any fear on his face.

"That's a good thing. Brother Ji can rest in peace now."

Li Shiqun stood up and glanced at Wang Xuesen naturally: "Alright, I'll go get the files now. Please have a seat. Xuesen, you keep Old Zhang company for a while."

After saying that, he got up and walked out.

Less than two minutes later, Ding Mocun also stood up and turned to Qingshui Dongsan politely, saying, "Brother Qingshui, I have some private matters I would like to discuss with you privately. Please come upstairs."

Shimizu Tosan pushed up his glasses, glanced at Ding Mocun, hesitated for a moment, and followed him out.

The reception room became quiet and deserted as only Zhang Deqing and Wang Xuesen remained.

Wang Xuesen got up and closed the door.

With a click, the door lock shut.

He turned around, put his hands in his pockets, and slowly walked back.

The smile on her face disappeared.

The gaze behind the glasses was cold and icy, as if the person had changed.

"Mr. Zhang, let's have a chat."

Zhang Deqing sneered, resting his cane on his knees, striking a pose of a seasoned veteran: "Scholar Ying, tell me, how does Li Shiqun want to negotiate?"

Wang Xuesen didn't respond to that, but instead sat down opposite him.