Chapter 116 An Unexpected Joy, Plot to Assassinate Chen Mingchu

After seeing Li Shiqun off.

Wang Xuesen secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Everything is going smoothly.

Li Shiqun took the bait.

Now we'll see if Lao Li will make a move against Bai Junqi.

Given Li Shiqun's personality, there's no way he would sit idly by and let a dog ride on his head and urinate on him.

Bai Junqi's life is most likely in danger.

However, there is something more important to do right now.

Li Lu used the small spray bottle to deal with Mao Ziming's younger brother, Mao Yong.

This matter cannot be delayed.

Although Mao Yong was a marginal member of the Green Gang, he was very difficult to deal with.

He would frequently go to Li Lu's place to cause trouble and make a scene, and Li Lu couldn't live a normal life until his actions were resolved.

Wang Xuesen walked back to his desk, picked up the phone, and dialed a number.

"Hey, Lao Wang? Come to my office."

After hanging up the phone, he poured himself another cup of tea and leaned back in his chair to wait.

A few minutes later, heavy footsteps echoed down the corridor.

The door opened.

Wang Tianmu walked in, his beard was mostly grown, and his hair was unkempt, looking like a messy bird's nest.

The suit was covered in wrinkles.

He exuded a strong sense of decadence.

"Old Wang, what's with this outfit? If the brothers see you like this, they'll think I've docked your pay," Wang Xuesen asked with a smile, holding his teacup.

Wang Tianmu chuckled, casually pulled up a chair, and crossed his legs: "Now that I'm not in power with Lao Ding, shouldn't I put on an act?"

He stroked his beard and chuckled.

"It's better to be a little down, so they won't be watching me."

"Li Shiqun and his gang are quite at ease with me seeing my current state."

"They think I'm just a good-for-nothing who's just wasting my life."

"This way I can focus my energy on the company."

After listening, Wang Xuesen gave a thumbs up.

"The Emperor of Movies"

"When we get back to the 'Electronic Sound Daily' voting list, Jin Yan will have to put you in a good spot."

"That's right, how could that little brat compare to me?" Wang Tianmu grinned, revealing a row of teeth stained yellow from smoking.

Wang Xuesen's smile faded, and he asked seriously, "Has that batch of medicine from last time been released?"

Wang Tianmu nodded, reached into his pocket, pulled out a folded envelope, and pushed it onto the table.

"It's out."

"This thing is really valuable."

He lowered his voice and moved closer.

"Especially from the red ticket side, as long as you can provide the medicine, they really will pay you."

"They wouldn't haggle over the price, and they just paid without saying a word."

"I just don't understand, everyone calls them peasants, where do you think they get their money?"

Wang Xuesen opened the envelope and glanced at the checks inside.

Not bad.

The profit from this batch of sulfonamides and quinine was 20% higher than he had expected.

He put the envelope in the drawer and looked up at Wang Tianmu:

"They have remittances from overseas Chinese; overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia have been sending money back to them."

"Tobacco leaves, cigarettes, vinegar, and alcohol are all selling well."

"I certainly don't lack money to buy medicine."

He paused.

"Next time, try to sell it to them at a lower price."

Wang Tianmu was taken aback: "Cheap?"

Wang Xuesen nodded:

"After all, they are a major client. Only by maintaining a steady and long-term partnership can we make big profits."

"A one-off deal can easily scare people away."

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked down at the secret agents coming and going in the courtyard below.

"Furthermore, it was all blood shed fighting the Japanese devils."

"Although you can make more money without a conscience, you can build a century-old business with a conscience."

Wang Xuesen turned around, his gaze steady.

"Given the current decline in the Japanese, it's hard to say how many more years this war can last."

"If we're going to do something, we'll do it big and strong, and make it a golden opportunity."

"So that our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren can eat this for generations to come."

"That's real skill."

After listening, Wang Tianmu nodded repeatedly, the dejected look on his face fading considerably, replaced by genuine admiration.

"Yes, yes, you've got foresight, little brother."

"Then I'll discuss it with Lao Si and the others later."

Wang Xuesen nodded: "Thank you for your hard work."

He sat down in the chair and tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

"By the way, do you know Mao Yong?"

"He is Mao Ziming's younger brother."

Wang Tianmu narrowed his eyes and thought for a moment:

"know."

"The scraps of the Green Gang, the kind who collect protection money from small gangs."

"Unlike his brother, Mao Ziming is at least Ding Mocun's secretary, so he has some social standing."

"Mao Yong is just a street thug who acts tough outside because of his brother's name."

"What's wrong?"

Wang Xuesen didn't elaborate on the reason, but simply said, "Give me his information."

"Where do you live? What do you do? How many people do you have under you? Who do you usually associate with? The more details the better."

Wang Tianmu didn't ask any further questions.

Having partnered with Wang Xuesen for so long, he had long since figured out the rules.

Whoever the boss tells you to investigate, then you investigate.

Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask.

Asking too many questions makes you seem distrustful.

"Alright, I'll send someone over right away to find out what that kid is all about."

After Wang Tianmu finished speaking, he did not get up. His lips parted slightly, and his expression became hesitant.

Wang Xuesen noticed something was amiss and raised an eyebrow.

"Old Wang, just say what you want to say."

"Why are you still hesitating?"

"This isn't like you at all."

Wang Tianmu raised his head and gave a wry smile: "You know my adjutant, Xiao Ma, Ma Hetu, right?"

Wang Xuesen leaned back in his chair: "I know."

"Haven't you always been against him joining our Longteng Company?"

"I thought you two had some kind of fight."

Wang Tianmu's expression turned ugly. After several seconds of silence, he finally managed to squeeze out a sentence through gritted teeth:

Wang Tianmu's expression turned ugly. After several seconds of silence, he finally managed to squeeze out a sentence through gritted teeth:

"He was having an affair with my concubine, Tao Hong."

The office was silent for a full three seconds.

Wang Xuesen was completely stunned: "Old Wang, you..."

He knew something about Old Wang's family affairs; the situation was quite complicated.

His wife, Madam Zhao, was the god-sister of Yu Fengzhi, the young marshal's first wife.

Wang Xuesen met him a few times.

She is dignified and virtuous, and manages her household perfectly.

The eldest daughter, Wang Qiang, looks just like her father; she's quite ordinary-looking.

She was betrothed to Boss Dai's son, but the young master Dai disliked her appearance and refused to go through with it, so the marriage fell through.

She later married Du Wanshan.

Du Wanshan outwardly followed Wang Tianmu and worked at No. 76, but in reality, he was Chen Gongshu's man.

The second daughter, Wang Yin, is nineteen years old and has a sweet appearance.

Her ex-boyfriend, Wang Luqiao, was once Boss Dai's personal bodyguard and top assassin.

"King of Assassination" Wang Yaqiao died at his hands.

This same guy was the one who assassinated Wang Jingwei in Hanoi, but mistakenly shot and killed the wrong person.

Wang Luqiao was a romantic who repeatedly disobeyed orders from the Military Intelligence Bureau and risked his safety to meet with Wang Yin.

In August of this year, when Wang Xuesen arrived in Shanghai, Li Shiqun and Ding Mocun were actively cooperating with the Japanese in a large-scale manhunt.

Wang Luqiao risked a date with Wang Yin, but was arrested in the French Concession by a joint operation of the 76th Division and the police.

They're still locked up in a Japanese prison. This family is already in enough trouble.

My son-in-law is a member of the Kuomintang's Military Intelligence Bureau.

The second daughter's ex-boyfriend was a Kuomintang assassin.

Now, another scandal has emerged: a concubine and her adjutant had an affair.

Upon hearing this, Wang Xuesen rubbed his temples.

Old Wang's life has been tough.

He looked at Wang Tianmu: "What are your thoughts?"

Wang Tianmu sighed deeply: "Actually, I already knew."

"Peach Blossom hid Little Horse's photo in the heart-shaped pendant on her chest."

"To be honest, I originally intended to execute them secretly."

"But when I think about how I'm almost fifty, I really don't have time to spend with those young sluts."

"Now I'm busy with company matters, and it's rare to finally stop worrying about things and understand life better."

"I really don't want to bother with this trivial matter anymore."

Wang Xuesen didn't rush to reply. He took out two cigarettes from the pack and handed one over.

Wang Tianmu took it, lit it over the flame, and took a deep drag.

"Furthermore, I discovered that this kid has close ties with people in the Shanghai branch of the Military Intelligence Bureau."

He exhaled a thick cloud of smoke and lowered his voice even further.

"Chen Gongshu has a subordinate named Wu Anzi who has been secretly contacting him."

"Xiao Ma's words were also a subtle hint that I should go back."

At this point, Wang Tianmu's face was full of bitterness.

"Why is my fate so strange?"

"My son-in-law is a member of the Military Intelligence Bureau."

"The adjutant also secretly colluded with the Military Intelligence Bureau."

"Ugh, this is so difficult."

Wang Xuesen, cigarette dangling from his lips, leaned back in his chair and chuckled: "What are your plans?"

Wang Tianmu took a few puffs, looked up at Wang Xuesen, and his eyes showed a hint of earnestness.

"My mind is a mess right now, that's why I'm asking you for help."

"I've even laid bare my family's dirty laundry in front of you."

He chuckled dryly and said half-jokingly, "You're my boss, I can't just ignore you."

Wang Xuesen grunted in agreement, then paused for two seconds, cigarette between his fingers, to ponder.

He stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, looked up, and stared into Wang Tianmu's eyes: "What is your attitude towards the Military Intelligence Bureau now?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Tianmu's back tensed slightly.

Wang Xuesen's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable weight:

"Old Wang, if you want to believe me, just tell the truth."

Wang Tianmu pondered for a long time.

The only sound in the office was the ticking of the wall clock.

After a moment, he spoke.

"To be honest, before I was with you, I dreamed of going back."

"When Mr. Du was leaving, he entrusted Zhongyitang and his distribution channels to me."

"Our Green Gang values ​​loyalty, righteousness, and trustworthiness."

"If it weren't for the fact that Xiaoyin isn't married yet, and Boss Dai has cut off my escape route, and besides, your persuasion..."

"I'd rather die than stay in this godforsaken place."

Wang Xuesen did not interrupt him and listened patiently.

"Now."

Wang Tianmu stubbed out his cigarette, his expression becoming clearer.

"I see it clearly now."

"Old Dai isn't a good person either."

"With profit at the forefront, the internal strife within the Military Intelligence Bureau is also a major nuisance."

"I just want to work peacefully with you to earn some money for our retirement and find Xiaoyin a better family."

"Be a rich person."

"Stay away from people like Li Shiqun and Dai Li."

After saying these words, Wang Tianmu felt a chill run down his spine.

These are heartfelt words.

If this gets out and reaches the ears of anyone, it will cost them their lives.

He had kept it to himself for a long time.

That's why I dared to say that to Wang Xuesen.

Wang Xuesen nodded, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and his gaze fell on Wang Tianmu.

"Old Wang, let me ask you something else."

What is your opinion of the Japanese?

Wang Tianmu was taken aback, not expecting the topic to suddenly shift to this.

He glanced instinctively at the door, making sure it was closed, before lowering his voice to speak:

"I don't think it will last long."

"The various institutions in the mountain city are operating relatively well, and the front line has the support of the United States and the Soviet Union."

"The red tickets in North China and the Shaanxi-Gansu region have also been a constant constraint on the Japanese."

"During my time at No. 76, I also met quite a few tough guys."

He paused, his tone turning serious.

Wang Xuesen put down his teacup and tapped his fingers lightly twice on the armrest:

Let me share my perspective.

"From a businessman's perspective, one should naturally want wealth to come from all directions."

"Therefore, I am not against contact with the Military Intelligence Bureau and the Red Tickets. It may not be a bad thing if the Japanese leave in the future."

"If you can sell my products and cooperate with me, then you are my friend."

He looked into Wang Tianmu's eyes and spoke slowly and deliberately.

"You might as well take the initiative to have an open and honest talk with your son-in-law and Ma Hetu."

Wang Tianmu's expression changed drastically:

"You mean you want me to go back to the Military Intelligence Bureau?"

He stared at Wang Xuesen with a hint of wariness in his eyes.

"Brother, are you testing me?"

Wang Xuesen laughed twice and waved his hand: "No, I'm just analyzing it from a purely business perspective."

"You don't need to feel too much pressure."

"These days, everyone talks about principles, but aren't they all just concerned with business?"

"Aren't the goods we ship to this mountain city—imported furs, jewelry, and luxury goods—enough already?"

He turned around, a hint of sarcasm on his lips.

"Soldiers fight bloody battles at the front, while the rear enjoys a life of singing and dancing, with the rich and powerful rotting away their homes."

"Putting aside other things, how many soldiers' and civilians' rations could a single afternoon tea with people like Madame Chiang Kai-shek and Hu Die, Boss Dai's mistress, be equivalent to?"

Wang Tianmu opened his mouth, but no words of rebuttal came out.

This is a fact that everyone knows.

Wang Xuesen continued, "Contacting the Military Intelligence Bureau is like having another channel."

"Now that Zhang Xiaolin is eyeing the market with hostility, the risks and costs of operating the distribution channels are increasing day by day."

"If we can cooperate directly with the Military Intelligence Bureau, we can just sell the goods and they can transport them through their own transportation stations, which will save us a lot of trouble."

He walked back to his chair and sat down, placing his hands on the table with his arms crossed.

"We only earn money based on our conscience."

"Whether it's the Military Intelligence Bureau, the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, or the Red Tickets, they are all just our buyers, no different from each other."

"As expected of the boss, insightful and reasonable." Wang Tianmu nodded repeatedly, the wrinkles on his face smoothing out.

"Having said that, I feel relieved and understand everything."

"That's right, I don't care what Dai Li thinks or has any opinions about me."

"I'm only in it for the money."

At this point, his tone shifted, and he became somber again.

"But... if I confront them without showing any sincerity, it probably won't work."

Wang Xuesen secretly exclaimed, "Heaven is on my side!"

For reasons of maintaining secrecy, he had not been able to find a suitable reason to persuade Lin Zhijiang, Wang Tianmu, and others to deal with the Military Intelligence Bureau.

After all, Chongqing has plenty of US dollars.

Currently, the Japanese and the banks in the concessions are becoming increasingly restrictive in their control over US dollars.

Exchanging it on the black market is too expensive.

Although the French currency is depreciating day by day, it hasn't yet been reduced to toilet paper.

We should exchange our goods for US dollars as soon as possible to prepare for the future.

Doing business with Shancheng and using the Kuomintang's channels to transport goods, with Wang Tianmu and Lin Zhijiang being knowledgeable about the business, and him secretly controlling things from behind the scenes under the name of Qingfu, was undoubtedly the best option.

Of course, there's one more thing.

Although Lin, Wang, and others were forced into joining No. 76, they still harbored some feelings for the Military Intelligence Bureau.

No one dared to bring it up openly.

We might as well take this opportunity to get it done smoothly.

Thinking of this, he frowned slightly, feigning difficulty.

"Old Wang, according to the rules, we should show some sincerity."

"I have an idea, but I don't know if you'd be interested."

Wang Tianmu leaned forward, his eyes gleaming: "I'm interested in anything that can make money."

Before speaking, Wang Xuesen got up, walked to the door, and locked it from the inside.

Hey.

The latch is clearly visible within the frame.

He returned to his seat and lowered his voice.

"Who is the person the Military Intelligence Bureau most wants to eliminate right now?"

Wang Tianmu's pupils suddenly contracted.

He followed Wang Xuesen's gaze and pointed in a direction downstairs.

"Chen Mingchu?"

Wang Xuesen nodded slowly.

"That's right."

"Chen Mingchu and He Xingjian were named by the Chairman, and the kill order has been hanging over them. Dai Li has been dreaming of getting rid of these two."

"Old Chen had been hiding in Nanjing for a long time, and now he's finally back."

"This is a golden opportunity."

Wang Tianmu's breathing became noticeably heavier.

Seeing his reaction, Wang Xuesen continued calmly:

"I see that you two usually get along quite well."

"Christmas Eve is in a few days, and the concession will be very lively."

"This was also the day when all the agents of the 76th Special Agent Unit frequented entertainment venues."

"There were so many people, it was practically a private event."

He lightly drew a circle on the table with his finger.

"As an old friend, invite these two people over."

"Let's discuss the plan to eliminate the traitors with Ma and Tu again."

"If this succeeds, you will be credited with the greatest achievement in eliminating the traitors."

"Our relationship with the Military Intelligence Bureau suddenly became much closer."

He paused, looking at Wang Tianmu.

"Even if the Military Intelligence Bureau asks you to rejoin the team, you can do so perfectly well."

"You were originally a senior member of the Green Gang, and there are many people in the Military Intelligence Bureau who do business and trade on the black market. Even if you return to the team, you can still do things for the company."

"No matter what you do, it will be beneficial to you, so there is no psychological burden at all."

After listening, Wang Tianmu was enlightened and a look of ecstatic joy flashed across his face.

But his joy didn't last long; his brows furrowed again, and his voice became hoarse.

"That sounds good, but the problem is... what about us?"

Wang Xuesen knew what he was worried about, smiled slightly, and spoke calmly and confidently:

"That sounds good, but the problem is... what about us?"

Wang Xuesen knew what he was worried about, smiled slightly, and spoke calmly and confidently:

"I trust those I employ, and I don't employ those I don't trust."

"From the day I brought you on board, I have always treated people with sincerity."

"Don't worry, even if you return to the Military Intelligence Bureau, I won't let you gather intelligence on the mountain city or do anything detrimental to the Military Intelligence Bureau that would put you in a difficult position."

"Gathering intelligence and arresting people are Li Shiqun's hobbies."

"You know I disdain and have no interest in these things."

"I'm just a businessman."

He stretched out his hand and opened it towards Wang Tianmu.

"We are partners, but more importantly, we are brothers."

Wang Tianmu stared at that hand, his nose tingling slightly.

Xuesen is still so meticulous, considering everything for his brothers.

He took a deep breath and reached out to shake it.

Their two hands were clenched tightly together.

Wang Tianmu nodded emphatically and said in a low voice, "The plan is good, but the risks are also great."

"Even if Ma and Tu succeed, I can't escape. Li Shiqun will definitely come after me."

"After all, Chen Mingchu is his and Wang Zhaoming's most glorious 'achievement' and their most impressive asset."

"How many times has Li Shiqun boasted about turning Chen Mingchu to defect to Wang Jingwei?"

"If the Military Intelligence Bureau really wipes him out, where will he put his face?"

……