Chapter 278: Money is the fuel for your fireplace
Chapter 278: Money is the fuel for your fireplace
People change.
A bad person may become a Buddha instantly.
Good people can also degenerate into demons.
Especially in this kind of world where people's hearts are no longer as pure as before, Hong Zhiyou never expected that a gangster who hangs out in the world of fame and fortune all day long could be obedient all his life.
In the past, they were brothers, but it was just because Long Er could make money with him.
Now, he can make money just like Lin Sufang.
Even earn more.
It is natural for him to want to kick himself out.
In the past, Long Er hated the devils and had a sense of justice and conscience.
Now, this little bit of conscience has been completely lost under the temptation of women and money.
"Ryuji, hehe."
Hong Zhiyou sneered and got in the car and drove straight to the Navy Club.
Anderson was dancing with some foreign girls.
Met Hong Zhiyou.
He left the dance floor and walked over, snapping his fingers at the waiter: "Give me a whiskey."
"Hong, do you have something to talk to me about?"
He asked with a smile, holding a cigar in his mouth.
"Promoted to major?" Hong Zhiyou noticed that his epaulettes had changed.
"Well, he was promoted in the past few days. General Filson took action and it was just a matter of words from the higher-ups." Anderson said proudly.
"I want a batch of sugar, flour, and $100,000 worth of munitions."
Hong Zhiyou took out a list and handed it to him.
Anderson glanced at it casually and said, "Sorry, my brother, I really haven't had any recently."
"Why.
“Not again.
"Anderson, given our relationship, you have to put in some effort.
"What have you been doing lately, General?
"We made several arrangements for a card game, but he didn't respond."
Hong Zhiyou pretended to be distressed.
"He may be... too busy lately." Anderson shrugged.
"It seems that my Jinhaitong is no longer effective.
“I’m leaving, call me anytime you have the product.
"I need this batch of goods urgently, we are brothers, you have to help me.
"Don't just read Water Margin, Journey to the West is also good, you can read it when you have time."
After Hong Zhiyou finished speaking, he stood up and patted him heavily on the shoulder three times.
"I'm watching." Anderson nodded.
"That's good."
Hong Zhiyou sneered and walked out quickly.
"Hong..." Anderson raised his hand and seemed to be hesitant to speak, and ultimately did not chase out.
Hong Zhiyou returned to the car and didn't leave in a hurry.
He decided to wait.
Give Anderson a chance.
He believed that as long as this "China expert" was not brain damaged, he would make the right choice.
moment.
A beautiful woman in cheongsam opened the passenger door and got in the car.
"Secretary Hong, Anderson has something that is inconvenient to tell you, so he asked me to tell you.
“Lin Sufang from the Dragon Gang is very close to Filson.
“She eats your share and makes more profit.
“Not only that, she and the general also smuggled opium from Ajing and sold it in the country on a large scale, making a lot of money.
“He also asked me to tell you.
“These were all done by Filson in private.
"He also said that women with the surname Lin are very powerful and told you to be careful."
The beautiful woman went straight to the point without any unnecessary words.
"Thank you." Hong Zhi nodded.
"Goodbye, let's play cards together some other day."
The beautiful woman smiled sweetly, got out of the car and twisted her hips.
Hong Zhiyou drove to a public telephone booth, picked up the receiver and called Li Tongshan of the 94th Army:
"Hey, Lao Li, arrange a flight for me. I'm going to Qingdao tonight.
"OK, thanks."
hang up the phone.
Hong Zhiyou returned to No. 1 Changde Road.
Mei Qiuju and Ruirui are packing their luggage for their trip to Hong Kong Island.
Hong Zhiyou quickly helped to sort it out.
"Zhiyou, has everything been arranged on Xiangdao Island?
“The situation is so chaotic right now.
"I felt uneasy when I got there without your teacher.
"We have so much money and treasures. If someone has bad intentions, what will we do with our baby?
“Before, when Uncle Ruirui was there, I felt more at ease.
"Now I don't know where the father and son have gone, and I can't even find their shadow.
"I was very panicked."
Mei Qiuju said.
“Mom, there is a special guard team at the manor on the island over there.
"The local authorities, the police, the Governor's Office, and all the evil spirits have been taken care of. You can rest assured." Hong Zhiyou said.
"Mom, are you still worried about Zhiyou doing things?
"Just go and enjoy yourself in peace."
Ruirui smiled and comforted her.
"And you.
"My stomach isn't getting any better, and we're going to be separated again."
Mei Qiuju rolled her eyes at her and complained.
"There's a long way to go, it will happen." Ruirui smiled softly and comforted.
"Zhiyou, come here."
As they were chatting, Wu Jingzhong came out of the study and waved to give instructions.
"How is the matter of the Cao Gang being dealt with?" Wu Jingzhong asked.
“You can take them down at any time.
"Long Er has an old habit, stealing." Hong Zhiyou said.
"Theft?" Wu Jingzhong frowned.
"That's right.
“He likes to steal things.
"During the Japanese occupation, he often went with members of the Cao Gang and the Boxer Society to steal from the Japanese warehouses, and was even imprisoned for this.
“After the restoration, I helped him become the leader of the Cao Gang. He got money, but this old problem remained.
"In the past two years, he has occasionally taken his men to airports and dock warehouses to try his hand at it.
“I gave notice, so the airport turned a blind eye.
“As long as I spread the word, there are good things in the airport warehouse.
"He'll be itching to do that."
Hong Zhiyou poured him a cup of light jasmine tea.
"I don't like drinking this." Wu Jingzhong frowned.
"Teacher, it's better to drink something light at night, otherwise you won't be able to sleep.
"This can help you gather energy and nourish your spirit, and it will help you sleep."
Hong Zhiyou smiled.
Although Wu Jingzhong's face was sullen, he honestly picked up the teacup and took a sip:
"How deeply are your businesses related to Long Er?"
Hong Zhiyou pondered, "Long Er didn't manage much in the past. Most of his companies were shell companies, and most of them were managed by an accountant named Ji.
“It doesn’t matter whether Long Er is there or not.
“But they have a deep connection with the Cao Gang, especially the shipping company in Hong Kong. There are about 500 to 600 crew members and servants, including more than 100 security guards on the island.
"If something goes wrong with these people, it will be a big problem."
Wu Jingzhong frowned and said, "Then you have to understand the relationship between Cao Gang and Long Er. If they only follow Long Er, we will be in a passive position.
“If they only care about the Cao Gang and trying to make a living, that’s another matter.
"My people reported: The Cao Gang is now controlled by Long Er's wife. This woman has tripled the monthly salary for the workers. This method of winning people's hearts is very clever.
"If you raise the salary to win the hearts and minds of the workers, they will become more and more arrogant and become fence-sitters who are blinded by money.
"If you don't spend money, people have to eat these days, so they'll go with whoever pays more.
“Although I don’t understand business, triple the monthly salary for so many employees is already the limit we can bear. I’m afraid even if you add more, you won’t be able to support such huge expenses.
"The other party didn't leave you any way out at all.
"Unless you want to make a losing deal."
Wu Jingzhong frowned and sipped his tea.
“Using money to win people’s hearts is a lowly method. My idea is to destroy the Cao Gang.
“Only when one has nothing will one regard a drop of water as a spring.
“Without the Cao Gang, and if the Public Opinion Bureau tightens the supply of materials, these dock workers with families will naturally get anxious, and I will recruit them then.
“They will naturally be grateful.”
Hong Zhi has the Tao.
"You want to destroy the Cao Gang?
“This is a time-honored sign that has been passed down from the Ming Dynasty. Gangs and docks are old objects that even old men have worshipped.
"You have to think it over carefully."
Wu Jingzhong Zheng Ran reminded.
"Teacher, because it is an old item, I think it is the right time to buy it now.
“The Cao Gang is smuggling opium with the Americans.
“In the past, in order to cooperate with the Americans, I handled a batch of opium left by the Japanese, but it was sold in a few restaurants.
“After that was done, this industry was cut off from my hands.
"But now Long Er has picked it up again, and has intensified it. Every day, a steady stream of opium is transported from the Malacca coastline to the Jinhai Wharf.
"At present, the Chinese people, especially college students, have more progressive ideas. Once such a thing that harms the country and the people is exposed, the Cao Gang will inevitably be pushed to the forefront.
“When the time comes, I think the teacher will issue an order and send military police to catch the Cao Gang in one fell swoop.
"I will secretly pick a group of old Cao Gang members, re-integrate the Cao Gang and the docks to establish a new company, and keep those dock workers. This way, we can eliminate the dregs without affecting the vitality of the Cao Gang too much.
“The transfer of personnel is entirely in our hands.
"With this amount of human resources, we won't have to worry about the company moving to Hong Kong in the future."
Hong Zhiyou said steadily.
“This woman dragged the American guy into this.
"With the support of the Americans, if you try to move against the Cao Gang, you might lose your head.
“You have to know that it is not appropriate for the chairman to interfere in the affairs of the Americans.
"I don't have the ability to rescue people from the Americans."
Wu Jingzhong is still very worried.
“Teacher, don’t worry.
“Ding Zhipan, the commander of the Qingdao garrison, is seeking the position of chief of the Jiangsu government.
“He’s sucking up to Kirk.
"Kirk has always been extremely greedy. He once bought a batch of old cars from North America. Ding Zhipan asked his secretary to sell them at a high price, which made Kirk a lot of money.
"Just because of these cars, he had recommended Ding Zhipan to the chairman many times.
“Just a few cars.”
Hong Zhiyou looked at Wu Jingzhong with a slightly exaggerated expression.
Wu Jingzhong also laughed: "Kirk has never seen money. Ding Zhipan has done a great thing with a small amount of money.
"He's going to come to Jinhai and find out how much money Filson has made. He'll be jealous to death."
He instantly understood Hong Zhiyou's intention and the purpose of his flight to Qingdao.
"yes.
“Ding Zhipan can buy him a few junk cars.
“I can give him more.
"So many that he couldn't believe it."
Hong Zhi has the Tao.
“Well, Kirk has always called himself a good friend of the chairman, and the chairman trusts him very much.
"If we can win him over, he will indeed be more valuable than those stupid Marines.
"Take him down, get rid of this Filson."
Wu Jingzhong nodded in agreement.
"Teacher, I will try to win over Kirk first, but I may have to take it slow.
“Lin Sufang can’t possibly have such means.
“There must be someone behind him.
"My intuition is that this person is hiding in Jinhai, and he is most likely the one who paid Du Yuesheng 100 taels of gold to take my head.
"I won't be able to sleep or eat unless I dig him out."
Hong Zhiyou said.
"He is in Jinhai, what do you say?" Wu Jingzhong asked.
“As far as I know, Lu Qiaoshan was also involved in Lin Sufang’s business.
"Not long ago, he helped Bai Chongxi purchase a batch of military equipment, and it was Lin Sufang who arranged it.
“I have dealt with General Delin several times.
“Logically speaking, these American traders would not look for outsiders.
"Obviously, the other party's move was very clever. Through Long Er and Lu Qiaoshan, they completely cut off my source of income.
“Moreover, this woman recently sent her brother to Hong Kong Island to meet with the Rong family, in an attempt to take back the Cao Gang’s shares in the shipyard.
“Fortunately, I was more careful at the time and used another fake identity of mine to register and be a shareholder.
"She can't find out for the time being." It is said that the gift given to the Rong family alone was 30,000 US dollars, and many benefits were promised.
"It's only the Rong family. If it was someone else, she would have succeeded."
“Just imagine, if this person was not in Jinhai, how could he understand it so clearly.
“And knowing that Luqiaoshan is looking to buy and sell.
"I even suspect that Lu Qiaoshan is familiar with this person."
He pondered.
"Probably.
"Why did you realize it only now? Why didn't you take action earlier?" Wu Jingzhong glared at him.
"I found an informant before and set up a trap for Lin Sufang.
“But this woman is cunning.
"My insider was in a car accident yesterday and is still in a coma in the hospital."
Hong Zhiyou said with a cold look.
Fang Min was hit by a car just after leaving the club after playing cards with Lin Sufang last night.
It was obvious that the other party saw through his move.
This was a clear warning to him.
"That's unreasonable!
"Catch her now. I don't believe her mouth is as hard as Jiang Aimei's." Wu Jingzhong was furious.
"teacher.
“There are many stubborn people in this world.
“For example, the dealer in the Dangtong Bureau, Captain Li almost beat him to death.
"He's still looking for me to arrange a meeting with Li Ya to do the sugar business.
"What if Lin Sufang is stubborn and can't find out who is behind this? This would alert the enemy instead."
Hong Zhiyou smiled.
“Lu Qiaoshan probably doesn’t know yet, but you know about him taking over the arms business.
"You might be able to secretly observe who he associates with."
Wu Jingzhong suggested.
“I had someone follow me.
“Lu Qiaoshan should not have direct contact with this person.
"Every time he went to Filson to discuss business, he would do so in the name of purchasing for the inspection team.
“Other than that, there was no evidence that he had any private meetings with anyone suspicious.
"That person is very cunning and it is unlikely that he can contact Lu Qiaoshan directly."
Hong Zhiyou shook his head.
"What about the woman surnamed Lin?
"She hasn't made any name for herself over there either?" Wu Jingzhong asked.
“This woman has a strong sense of anti-tracking.
“The people I arranged lost track of us several times, and even when they did, they couldn’t detect anything unusual.
"I even suspected that she was deliberately having someone follow her to confuse me.
“If she really wants to meet this person privately, she should have a separate and top-secret channel.
“It’s very likely that he’s in the Cao Gang.
"After all, the Cao Gang is a century-old gang, so there must be some tricks under the hood.
“Our hidden pieces can’t get in at all.
"And the people I was familiar with were all replaced by Lin Sufang. Now Long Er is surrounded by Lin Bo's people. It's too difficult to know who they meet every day."
Hong Zhiyou said with a frown.
"Where is the thief under your command?" Wu Jingzhong asked.
“I didn’t let him go.
"Long Er knows of his existence and must be on guard. It would be easy to get into trouble if we go in." Hong Zhi said.
“It’s a really tricky thing.”
Wu Jingzhong took a deep breath and rubbed his chin with his hand.
“Let me find out the truth about this matter and then I’ll think of a way.
"Teacher, it's getting late. You should go to bed early. I have to catch a plane."
Hong Zhiyou glanced at his watch and said.
"Go ahead, and be careful." Wu Jingzhong nodded.
After Hong Zhiyi left, he pondered for a while and quickly picked up the phone:
"Hello, Chief Zhang?
"Help me investigate Zhang Si's file to see who took over the Cao Gang. Yes, the file of the previous Cao Gang leader.
“Qin Qian?
"sure?
"Okay, please help me find the descendants of this Qin Qian.
“Killed out?
"Then there must be someone from the Laocao Gang who stays behind. You are a local, so you should know something about it from listening to the books.
"have?
"Your second uncle?
"Okay, I'll have someone come to visit him later.
"Don't let anyone know about this. I'll treat you to tea some other day."
hang up the phone.
Wu Jingzhong opened the window, put his hands behind his back and looked at the lights in the distance.
If the Cao Gang really had a secret passage, there must be at least a few people from the older generation who knew about it.
There is no wall that is impenetrable in this world.
……
The next day.
nine in the morning.
No. 9 Shanhaiguan Road, Qingdao.
Kirk sat by the swimming pool with a cigar in his mouth, watching the girls playing and fighting inside.
In the past, his good brother Dai Li would send him beautiful women every now and then.
Now Dai Li is gone.
Mr. Ding Zhipan was quite filial and did not stop his hobby.
"General, Hong Zhiyou, secretary of Jinhai Station, is here and said he wants to see you." An attendant walked in and reported in a low voice.
"flood?
"Oh, he is my friend, ask him to come in."
Kirk kicked the beautiful woman lurking underwater away, pulled up his swimming trunks, put on a long bath towel, and returned to the lounge chair.
Soon Hong Zhiyou came over and greeted him in fluent English:
"Commander, long time no see."
"Hong, it was all thanks to you that we had the spy and military aid case last time, otherwise I would have gone home to chop wood." Kirk answered humorously.
"Is there something wrong, my friend?" he asked after taking a sip of juice.
"Something's wrong.
"General, take a look at this first."
Hong Zhiyou took out the account book and handed it to Kirk.
Kirk took it casually and flipped through a few pages. His expression changed from surprise to jealousy and then to seriousness:
"This, this was all handled by Filson?"
"Yes.
"The general may not know that Filson's wealth is probably greater than Truman's.
“That’s not counting his cut of my drinks.
“I heard that the general had found Commander Ding and overturned a few cars, and then promised to lift him to the top of Su Province.
"If Filson gave you all this..."
Hong Zhiyou said this, raised his eyebrows and looked at him with a smile.
"I can give him the whole of America." Kirk answered without hesitation with a shrug.
“I don’t want America.
"I want the general to be replaced by someone else.
“Make Filson disappear from this world.
“As long as he disappears, I promise that everything that originally belonged to him will belong to you.
"No, even more."
Hong Zhi has the Tao.
Kirk frowned and was silent for a moment. "Hong, Felson has someone in the General Staff Headquarters. Although I am his superior, it is not easy to touch him."
After a pause, he continued, "Why do you think he was promoted to commander after General Butler was transferred?"
“I can help you.
"Felson is smuggling opium with the Cao Gang, large quantities of opium.
“I will let this matter ferment, and then there will be marches and protests from the government, including international public opinion.
“You should know that you call yourselves angels of peace, sowing the seeds of ‘freedom’ and ‘democracy’ all over the world.
"With such a scandal happening at this time, Truman should have to respond. Otherwise, how can we continue to sow seeds around the world?"
Hong Zhiyou sneered.
"He's smuggling opium? This is not what a North American soldier should do." Kirk frowned.
"Yes, General.
“All he cares about now is money.
“The money that should have been yours.”
Hong Zhiyou said with emphasis.
With that, he opened the suitcase.
Inside were neatly stacked stacks of US dollars.
"I wonder how many cars this is worth?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.
"Hong, what are you doing?" Kirk's throat trembled and his eyes lit up.
“The last time we met in Jingling, we were too hasty and didn’t have time to prepare carefully.
"This is a small gift for meeting you. Please accept it, General."
Hong Zhiyou closed the box and pushed it directly in front of him.
"OK.
"Leave your matter to me. As long as public opinion is in your favor, I will let you see Filson's body."
Kirk took a puff of his cigar and agreed decisively.
"I hope that after this time, the general will send a reliable person to take charge of Jinhai." Hong Zhiyou said.
"certainly.
“I don’t mind moving the naval base to Jinhai, and I’ll be there in person to take charge.
"Just kidding. I promise that the commander who replaces Filson will satisfy you."
Kirk assured, patting his chest.
"flood.
“I really admire you, what else do you want besides money?
“I want to make you my friend.
"As long as you ask, I can ask your chairman to promote you. Don't doubt it. As long as you don't want to be a second-level army general, I can help you get it."
Kirk blew out a puff of smoke and continued.
"I want to be the designated agent of the US military in China." Hong Zhiyou said.
"Aren't you already one?
"As far as I know, your chairman thinks highly of you and asked you to buy things from us." Kirk said with a smile.
“Not really?
“Someone just stole my job.
“I’m a businessman.
"We cut off someone's money, which is like killing their parents. Commander Filson ruined my business, so I need your official certification."
Hong Zhiyou said.
"Can.
“I can give you many identities.
“Ambassador of Friendship.
“You can also be awarded the Golden Palm Medal of Freedom.
"Once the medal and the title of ambassador are decided, I can talk to Chiang and officially appoint you as the head of the China Material Aid Association." Kirk said easily.
"Don't worry.
"You did a great job last time, and there are many people on our side who appreciate you.
"Of course, it would be even better if I could bring more money next time I go back."
As a greedy and lustful man, Kirk can't wait to gain Hong Zhiyou's trust.
"certainly.
"When I see Filson's body, I guarantee that the general will never have to burn firewood in the fireplace in the winter for the rest of his life." Hong Zhiyou said.
"What do you mean?" Kirk didn't respond for a moment.
Hong Zhiyou smiled, handed him a cigarette and raised his eyebrows.
Kirk took it in his mouth, a little confused.
Hong Zhiyou took out a brand new US dollar bill from his pocket, shook it out, lit it with a match and handed it over.
Kirk came over and lit it with the flame.
"How is it? How does this cigarette taste?" Hong Zhiyou smiled and threw away the half-burned US dollar bill.
"beautiful.
"This is the most delicious cigarette I've ever smoked." Kirk took a breath intoxicatedly.
"That's the wood that will burn in your fireplace for the rest of your winter life."
Hong Zhiyou knocked on the table and smiled.
"make a deal.
"Hong, leave everything to me. I promise that as long as I'm alive, you won't have any problems in this world." Kirk laughed happily.
"Thank you, General." Hong Zhiyou stopped smiling and took the initiative to extend his hand.
"You are welcome.
“Hong, my most sincere friend, wait for my good news!”
Kirk stretched out his big hand and shook it tightly.
……
(End of this chapter)