Chapter 622: A bad start to the year

'What? Mortars?'

'Yes. Mortars. Calibre 82mm. Fifteen rounds.'

'Where are they?'

'Southwest corner of the Kaiqiao airfield. About 220 metres from the barbed wire...'

'Shaolong, you've done a great service!'

'Huh?'

Zhang Yong pretended to be confused.

What great service? I don't understand. Please ask Secretary Mao for advice.

'You've done a great service!'

'Are mortars worth a lot of money?'

'You! All you can think about is money!'

'Well...'

'Do you know what it means to find a mortar at that location?'

'Someone has abandoned the mortar?'

'You!'

Mao Renfeng almost choked.

This Zhang Yong. Really! As soon as a professional issue is involved, he immediately stops working!

All he can think about is money!

He actually thinks that mortars are worthless! Is this a matter of worth?

Really!

I hate to peel Zhang Yong's brain open to see what kind of brain circuitry he has.

He has actually missed such a simple question.

But it is also such a person that he can rest assured. The director is also at ease.

Zhang Yong is just a worker. He's a bit slow. He's the perfect tool for the job.

This little guy is a real gem!

He's slow? That's fine. We'll help him! He doesn't need to use his brain.

'Then we'll bomb the airport!'

'Bomb the plane?'

'You!'

Mao Renfeng nearly choked again.

Why is he still half a beat behind? Okay. His thinking seems to have caught up.

'Bomb no plane! Bomb people!'

'Bomb the pilot?'

'You!'

Mao Renfeng took a deep breath.

This time it was fine. He didn't choke. He understood.

Zhang Yong was, after all, on the front line. He was just a simple worker. He probably really didn't think about it that much.

'The mountain hawk will be here soon. Who do you want to blow up?'

'Huh?'

'Also, the Madame may also accompany the mountain hawk to the airport. Who do you want to blow up?'

'Huh?'

Zhang Yong's shocked voice came again and again.

Mao Renfeng was very satisfied. Zhang Yong's voice was not at all fake. The guy was really stunned.

It was completely understandable. Zhang Yong probably didn't imagine things to be as bad as they were.

Who could have imagined that the Japanese spy would be so crazy?

How dare he do something to the Madam!

This is terrible!

This is terrible!

"I can't talk to you anymore. I have to immediately inform the Director. The Director has to inform the Committee Chairman. It's urgent.'

'Yes...'

Zhang Yong's words were cut off before he could finish, and the phone hung up.

It seems that Mao Renfeng is really in a hurry. Fine. Let them be in a hurry. I'm not going to join them.

Sure enough, playing dumb is what leaders like.

You've thought of everything. You've anticipated everything. What more do you need from a leader?

Your own persona is that you're not capable and not very intelligent. But you're lucky. A bit of a charlatan. Leaders like this persona.

Add in being greedy and lustful, making enemies everywhere, and so on, and there's no chance of ever rising up the ranks. The leader is even more at ease.

If he had chosen someone else, the department chief would have been worried about letting him lead a group of police academy graduates. What if they turned out to be uncontrollable?

But now, it seems the department chief isn't worried about a rebellion.

Well, he doesn't want to rebel, either. He doesn't have the energy. And he doesn't have the ambition.

He's just going to muddle through, and that's it.

That's a long way off.

Look around. Nothing's happening.

There's no sign of the Japanese spy within the range indicated on the map. Maybe it's because they're too far away?

He didn't go into the airport to make a phone call. Instead, he found a hotel with a phone outside. Hangzhou's telephone penetration rate was much lower than that of Shanghai and Nanjing.

After finally finding a phone, Zhang Yong did not immediately walk away.

He needed to think about it and see if there was anywhere else he needed to make a phone call. Otherwise, he would have to run back and forth later.

In spy dramas, there are public phone booths everywhere. The spies can make phone calls at any time. However, Zhang Yong didn't see any. Every time he looked for a phone, it was a hassle.

Maybe he'd crossed over to the wrong dimension?

Suddenly, a figure passed quietly by him.

At first, Zhang Yong didn't notice. He was still thinking about something. But then he turned around suddenly.

Mei Wan-jun!

It was her!

It was her!

She passed by him!

Sure enough, when he turned around, he saw a tall and slender figure. It quickly disappeared at the end of his line of sight.

Yes, it was her.

Without thinking, Zhang Yong immediately marked her.

This way, the next time she appears, he will be able to notice in time. He will not let her sneak up on him again.

Strange, what is Mei Wan-jun doing here? What did she set her eyes on?

Or is she following him?

He quickly ruled out the latter.

If she was following him, she would not have shown herself.

She just gave him a sudden glance, which was probably intentional. She wanted to lure him to follow her.

Unfortunately, he had other things on his mind. He didn't have time for that for the time being.

Even if he did have time, he wouldn't just follow her around.

He couldn't beat her.

It would be bad if she turned the tables on him.

Unless he brought a large group of people with him. But then it would be inconvenient to communicate in secret.

The fewer people who knew about the matter between him and Mei Wan-jun, the better.

He shook his head. He pushed the distracting thoughts out of his mind.

'Luo Feng!'

'Here!'

'Gather the team, let's go catch someone!'

'Yes!'

The team quickly gathered.

Back at the airport.

Nothing has changed here. The security is still tight.

The grocery store owner is lying on the counter, watching the commotion. He sees a group of people rushing in and then being pushed to the ground.

'What's going on?'

'You've got the wrong person!'

'You've got the wrong person!'

The grocery store owner shouts anxiously.

His voice attracts the attention of the people nearby. Everyone around him is looking at him.

Zhang Yong comes up and slaps him. He is dumbfounded.

'Do you know why you're being arrested?'

'No...'

'Someone reported you for selling cigarettes without a licence!'

'What?'

The grocer was stunned.

So that was why I was being arrested?

I thought...

That's fine then.

'After our investigation and evidence collection, the report is true. Now, you will come with us for questioning.'

'I, I, I...'

The grocer wanted to say that he had a licence. But in the end, he shut up.

These guys are obviously looking for an excuse to extort money from him. He has seen people like this before. If he doesn't give them a little something, he is afraid that he will have a hard time in the future.

In that case, it is better to accept the charge. Just pay a small fine.

More than that, it is just a few hundred taels of silver. Compared to the task he has to perform, that is a drop in the bucket.

'Take him away!'

Zhang Yong waved his hand.

Then he saw someone walking towards him.

Although he didn't know him, he could guess who it was. It must be Hangzhou Police Chief Chen Shiwu.

As for Xuan Tiewu's lackey, Liang Wenxiu, he hadn't seen him yet.

'Captain Zhang,' Chen Shiwu called out.

'Chief Chen,' Zhang Yong replied, standing straight. But he didn't salute.

The other person wasn't in the military.

He could have ignored him completely. But...

On second thought, forget it. Chen Cheng is still the biggest rival of the Director of the Department!

Among the senior members of the Gu Party, the one who causes Boss Dai the most concern and pressure is none other than Chen Cixiu. No one else.

The nickname 'Little Chairman' is no joke.

If he puts Boss Dai in his place, Boss Dai will definitely suffer for a while.

And after Boss Dai has been given the eye drops, he can hardly fight back. He can only endure. He even has to grovel and kowtow. He has to please Boss Dai doubly.

There's no way around it, Chen Shiwu is a real bully!

The strength of the Civil Engineering Department is no joke.

This is a veritable military leader. Boss Dai can't afford to provoke a military leader.

It's fine to bully the generals and division commanders of the miscellaneous armies. But once he encounters a real powerhouse, he's finished.

Which of the Gui, Dian and Jin cliques can he provoke?

That is to say, he can bully the disunited Sichuan army and the scattered Northeastern and Northwestern armies.

'Are you Zhang Yong?'

Chen Shiweng's attitude was quite kind.

At least there was no arrogance.

Whoever sits in his position is extremely deep-minded and does not show their emotions. Zhang Yong has seen it all.

'Yes. I am Zhang Yong.'

'You're from the Secret Service Agency of the Restoration Society and you've been sent here to handle this?'

'I happened to be in Hangzhou.'

'Why didn't you come sooner?'

'No one informed me.'

'Really?'

Chen Shiweng didn't say anything.

Zhang Yong thought to himself, just keep up the pretence. Pretend you don't know.

The Security Command deliberately concealed it from me. How could you not know? Haha. You're all such old foxes. This is like a Chinese ghost story!

But I won't say anything.

I'll just keep quiet. Ignore it all.

Anyway, the mortar has been dug up, and there is no danger around for the time being. You can do whatever you like with the rest.

Don't forget. Today is the first day of the year!

A bad start to the year...

It's not like it's going to do any good. Not even a dollar...

'You arrest him...'

'Oh. He resells cigarettes for a profit, and I've got the evidence. I'm taking him in for questioning.'

'Captain Zhang, it doesn't seem like your task today is to arrest profiteers...'

'Of course not. I'm just doing it as a side-task.'

'Your Fuxing Society...'

Chen Shiwu paused, as if he wanted to say something.

But in the end, he held back.

Zhang Yong, however, already understood what the other person wanted to say.

It was nothing more than, are you guys bored out of your minds, everyone else isn't doing it, so you're picking on petty matters?

Now a foreigner has died at the airport. Instead of catching the murderer, your Fuxing Society is going after cigarette smugglers?

What the hell are you thinking...

Suddenly, Liang Wenshou appeared.

This Lieutenant Liang is really more dedicated than I am.

Out of the blue, I thought this guy was Xuan Tiewu's own son! So proactive!

The day before yesterday, he was still prevaricating with me, and today he immediately stabbed me in the back. Son of a bitch. Just you wait. Sooner or later, I'll get you, Liang Wenxiu. I'll make sure you get everything you deserve...

'Lieutenant Liang is riding high on success. It seems like this is your year!'

'Not really.'

'With the spring breeze comes the joy of riding, and one day you can see all the flowers in Chang'an. Officer Liang, you have a bright future.'

'I'm thirty-three this year.'

'You're young and already accomplished, young and already accomplished!'

'Captain Zhang's words are sour. I wonder who he's unhappy with?'

'Of course he's unhappy with your garrison headquarters. You know very well why. Do you need me to say it again?'

'Yes.'

'Fine. Then I will tell you. What do you mean by not informing me and reporting directly to the General Command?'

'We are following the rules.'

'Does the rule not say that we, the Secret Service of the Restoration Society, must be informed?'

'It doesn't say that we must be informed.'

'This is our Air Force's own business, and it seems that the General Command does not need to get involved.'

'Really?'

Liang Wenxiu frowned.

Zhang Yong's role had changed so quickly.

Just now it was the Restoration Society, and now it had immediately become the Air Force.

Damn it...

Liang Wenxi had a vague feeling that there might be trouble.

Commander Xuan had taken the matter directly to the adjutant's office. It was certainly a lesson for the secret service of the Restoration Society.

But...

If he wasn't careful, he would also offend the Air Force.

It was originally the Air Force's business, and the Air Force should handle it themselves. But Commander Xuan had blown the whistle...

Whether it was a blessing or a curse, Liang Wenxi wasn't sure.

But he always felt a little uneasy...

Then he suddenly saw Gu Bafeng.

Gu Baifeng was with the military police, hiding in a far corner as if he didn't exist.

Suddenly, he understood.

Commander Xuan might really have made a mistake.

This time, he might really have offended someone he shouldn't have.

He had wanted to repair the relationship. But he had accidentally made another bad move.

Look at Gu Baifeng, he seems to be saying that he knows nothing. He hasn't heard anything.

That lady loves face...

Would she be happy to blow the whistle on the Air Force?

You see how clever Gu Zhenglun is. He realised it immediately. Gu Bafeng has obviously been tipped off.

Playing dumb.

Pretending not to know.

Not saying a word.

Chen Shiweng didn't understand at first, but now it seems he's figured it out too. He's gone quiet. As if he doesn't exist.

Well, now all the focus is on the garrison headquarters.

In a difficult situation...

You can't get something for nothing...

'Actually, we were just giving a little hint...'

'Lieutenant Liang is faster than an antelope on the African savannah. Our Air Force is truly grateful.'

'I dare not,'

Liang Wenxiu secretly groaned.

Zhang Yong obviously didn't understand at first. But now he understands.

After understanding, he can't stop talking about the Air Force. He is suddenly in a tight grip.

You Xuan Tiewu can indeed cause trouble for the Special Services Department of the Fuxing Society. But if this trouble also involves the Air Force, hehe...

Suddenly, he saw Gao Yuanhang arrive.

Gao Yuanhang's face was very bad. It was a bit pale. It was taut.

Liang Wenxiu knew that the Air Force was not happy.

Sure enough, Gao Yuanhang came to Zhang Yong's front and whispered, 'Shaolong, the boss wants you to be solely responsible for this case, and everyone else can go to hell!'

'Got it,' Zhang Yong nodded. Take the blame.

Take on the Air Force's duties as well.

You can't even lie down.

Alas...

You have to start working on the first day of the year...

'Everyone!'

'Please go back!'

Then, Gao Yuanhang unceremoniously asked everyone else to leave the airport.

He was from the Air Force, and he didn't give the others any face. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that he was directly kicking people out. The others had no choice but to leave angrily.

Everyone there knew who was behind the Air Force. They didn't dare say anything even after being kicked out.

In fact, Gu Bafeng and Chen Shiweng ran as fast as they could. They obviously didn't want to get involved with anything to do with the Air Force.

If someone got the wrong idea and tried to interfere, they would be in trouble.

Liang Wenxiu also left in a hurry. He needed to hurry back and report to Xuan Tiewu. He would find a way to make amends.

Silence returned.

Gao Yuanhang handed Zhang Yong some information. It was the basic findings of the investigation.

The wound was inflicted with a knife.

One blow was fatal.

Very professional.

Judging from the position of the wound, it was inflicted from behind.

All the money was lost.

There were no other losses.

The body was left at the entrance to the Sea Devil Club. The club was already closed at the time.

A patrol from the police headquarters found it first.

That's the situation.

It's very simple.

It seems to be an accident. But it doesn't seem to be an accident.

Overall, it should have nothing to do with any conspiracy. Because the deceased was just an ordinary technical maintenance worker.

He had a little knowledge of technical secrets. But not much. And they weren't valuable.

The technical personnel who really have the core secrets are all at the Jinling Daxiaochang Airport, and they haven't been transferred to the Jieqiao Airport yet.

But since the person is dead and a foreigner, the truth must be found out.

The meaning of the above is that the fewer people know, the better. After finding out the truth, it will be submitted directly to the higher-ups. It will not pass through anyone's hands.

In fact, the core is two words: secrecy.

No one else is expected to know.

Gao Yuanhang finally said, 'Shaolong, do you want to examine the deceased?'

'No need,' Zhang Yong shook his head, 'just find someone to help me retrace the steps the deceased took yesterday.'

He didn't understand the usual procedures for solving a case. He didn't want to make a fool of himself with a professional question.

He just wanted to find a way to directly find the murderer and get the job done.

'Lao Pan!'

'Coming!'

Lao Pan quickly called over a foreigner.

He introduced him as Manuel. The name was a bit special. He was French. Technically, he was African.

Although his skin wasn't very dark, he obviously had the characteristics of a black person. However, his face looked very kind. He felt like a hardworking young man.

Manuel told Zhang Yong about some of the 'strange things' that happened last night.