Chapter 128 From Today On, I'll Go with My Brother

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A crisp, loud slap rang out.

Zhao Huimin was knocked off balance, her high heels twisted, and she almost fell to the ground.

Her head was buzzing, and her left cheek was numb and she lost all feeling in it.

She stood there stunned for several seconds before she suddenly came to her senses and screamed, her face contorted in pain, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

"You little bastard, how dare you hit me!"

Wang Xuesen remained expressionless, then raised his hand and slapped her across the other side of her face.

Snapped!

This slap was harder than the last one.

Zhao Huimin was completely stunned by the beating. She slammed heavily against the interrogation table next to her, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.

"Just because I call you 'aunt' doesn't mean you're giving me face." Wang Xuesen looked down at her condescendingly, his tone chilling.

"This is interrogation room number 76, a place for carrying out official business, not your backyard where you throw a tantrum."

Zhao Huimin covered her face, her hair disheveled, and she was panting heavily like a madwoman.

She was used to being domineering and arrogant, and even Li Shiqun and Ye Jiqing had to treat her with respect. When had she ever suffered such humiliation?

"You...you've gone too far!"

"Guards, seize this bastard!"

She roared at the two guards she had brought with her, her voice hoarse.

The two guards looked at each other, neither daring to make a move.

Just then, the sound of heavy military boots came from outside the corridor.

Swish swish!

Several fully armed Japanese military police, with Type 38 rifles slung over their shoulders, stormed in like wolves.

The leader was none other than Shibuya's trusted confidant, Shiro Kozuka.

His gaze was sinister, scanning the people inside the room with predatory eyes.

Zhao Huimin, who had just been barking like a tigress, suddenly became clear-headed the moment she met his gaze.

What a fucking scoundrel.

Wang Xuesen sneered inwardly.

This kind of woman is a master at bullying her own people, acting arrogantly and domineeringly, but once she faces the Japanese, she immediately turns into a lapdog who only knows how to wag her tail and beg for mercy.

Wang Xuesen ignored Zhao Huimin and instructed Kozuka Shiro in fluent Japanese:

"This woman blatantly broke into the interrogation area, interfered with the investigation, and attempted to kill a key suspect to cover it up."

He paused, his tone growing increasingly stern: "I now have every reason to suspect that she is secretly colluding with the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) in an attempt to sabotage our investigation."

"Take her away and interrogate her thoroughly."

Kozuka Shiro abruptly brought his legs together, bowed respectfully, and said, "Yes, sir!"

With a wave of his hand, two fierce Japanese soldiers immediately stepped forward and grabbed Zhao Huimin's arms tightly from both sides.

Zhao Huimin was completely panicked. Her legs went weak and she almost knelt on the ground.

"Xuesen! No! Don't do this!" Ignoring the excruciating pain on her face, she struggled and cried out desperately.

"We're all family, let's talk this out! I'm your aunt!"

The Japanese soldiers didn't care whether she was the director's wife or not; they roughly dragged her out.

"Let me go! I'm not a member of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics!"

"I want to see Mocun!"

"I am the wife of Director No. 76. You have no right to treat me like this! You cannot treat me like this!"

Zhao Huimin's piercing screams echoed in the corridor, gradually fading into the distance.

Wang Xuesen spat dismissively and ordered his men to take Zheng Pingping off the rack, carry her on a stretcher, and rush her to Renji Hospital for treatment.

Watching the stretcher being carried away, Wang Xuesen took out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and took a deep drag.

He knew very well that these two slaps today were not only a blow to Zhao Huimin's face, but also a severing of the hypocritical superior-subordinate relationship between him and Ding Mocun.

Ding Mocun's defeat at No. 76 was inevitable; he had lost power. Continuing to follow him would offer no future and might even lead to being implicated.

The focus now must be shifted entirely and thoroughly towards Li Shiqun.

However, if the change is too abrupt or too opportunistic, it could easily arouse Li Shiqun's suspicion, making him think that he is a snobbish and opportunistic person who changes his mind with the wind and kicks someone when they are down.

it's good now.

Zhao Huimin delivered herself right to his doorstep, asking for a beating.

In front of so many people, she kept calling him a "bastard" and a "wicked child."

It should be noted that the Second Young Master Wang is the grandson of Wang Shizhong, a senior official of the National Government, and comes from a prestigious family.

Zhao Huimin's insults were a trampling on the honor of the entire Wang family.

As a proud and arrogant scion of a prominent family, it was perfectly reasonable for him to turn on his enemies and fight back after such an insult.

Moreover, as Ding Mocun's wife, Zhao Huimin's actions were seen by outsiders as largely representing Ding Mocun's will.

Using this as a pretext, Wang Xuesen could legitimately break ties with Ding Mocun.

Li Shiqun would not only not doubt him, but would also think that he was a useful talent who had been wronged and who was mindful of his brotherly and sisterly bond with Zheng Pingping.

After all, if I were Old Li, I would be in his shoes.

While valuing subordinates' abilities is important, loyalty and human touch are far more important than ability.

Snapped!

He kicked away one of Zhao Huimin's high heels that was lying on the ground: "Stupid woman!"

As the saying goes: A virtuous wife brings prosperity to three generations, while a wicked wife brings disaster.

The wisdom of our ancestors is always true.

Why was Li Shiqun able to run No. 76 so successfully and gather a large number of loyal followers under his command?

That's what you call a gap!

……

Night falls.

10 PM, Renji Hospital.

In the corridor outside the special care ward, secret agents were stationed every three steps and sentries every five steps, with tight security.

Li Shiqun and Ye Jiqing walked briskly, surrounded by a large group of secret agents.

Wang Xuesen stubbed out his cigarette and quickly went to meet him:

"Director, sister-in-law."

Li Shiqun stopped and smiled gently: "Xuesen, you've worked hard."

"It's my duty," Wang Xuesen replied.

"Old Liu, come in with me and check on Zheng Pingping's condition," Li Shiqun instructed Liu Zhongwen, who was accompanying him.

"Yes, Director." Liu Zhongwen bowed slightly.

The two pushed open the ward door and went inside.

Ye Jiqing remained in the corridor.

She took a thermal lunchbox from her attendant and handed it to Wang Xuesen with a smile, "Xuesen, are you hungry? Your sister-in-law brought you some pan-fried buns, they're still warm."

Wang Xuesen didn't stand on ceremony. He took the lunchbox, opened it, grabbed a steamed bun, and stuffed it into his mouth: "Thank you, sister-in-law. I'm really starving."

Ye Jiqing chuckled as he watched him wolf down his food, then lowered his voice and said, "I just went to the military police's detention room to see Zhao Huimin."

"Good heavens, his cheeks are so swollen they look like steamed buns, he can barely speak."

"You're pretty ruthless, kid."

Wang Xuesen swallowed the bun in his mouth, feigned annoyance, and sighed:

"Sister-in-law, you don't know what happened back then."

"As soon as she came in, she started swearing, using incredibly foul language, even cursing my grandfather."

"I couldn't control my temper and... sigh, I've really messed up this time."

"If Director Ding finds out, he'll definitely cause me trouble tomorrow."

Ye Jiqing snorted coldly, a hint of pleasure flashing in his eyes: "Don't be afraid. That Ding fellow is barely able to protect himself right now, how could he have time to care about you? Besides, with your older brother protecting you, what's there to be afraid of?"

She reached out and straightened Wang Xuesen's collar, her tone intimate: "That shrew Zhao Huimin has always been arrogant and domineering; I've wanted to slap her for a long time."

"Those two slaps you gave today were a good way of venting your anger for your sister-in-law."

Wang Xuesen immediately put on a grateful expression: "With your words, sister-in-law, I can finally relax. As long as my brother and sister-in-law don't blame me for being reckless, that's all that matters."

As he spoke, he glanced at his watch discreetly and said in a low voice, "Oh, and don't forget to pick up that shipment."

Ye Jiqing gave him a reassuring look: "Don't worry, I called Yang Jie before I came to the hospital. He should already be at the warehouse with his men to pick up the goods. There won't be any problems."

Wang Xuesen nodded: "Then I'm relieved."

A moment later, the ward door was pushed open.

Li Shiqun came out: "Xuesen, bring the recorder, we're going to take a statement."

Wang Xuesen quickly handed the lunchbox in his hand to the clerk next to him and took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands.

"Sister-in-law, I'll go in and get busy now."

Ye Jiqing smiled and nodded: "Go quickly, taking care of important business is the priority."

In the ward.

Zheng Pingping sat leaning against the hospital bed, her face pale and unsightly.

The guard carried in a bulky imported tape recorder, placed it on the bedside table, plugged it in, and then left, closing the door behind him.

"Xuesen, you ask the questions. Lao Liu, you take notes," Li Shiqun said calmly as he sat down.

Wang Xuesen pulled up a chair and sat down beside the hospital bed.

He looked at Zheng Pingping, his expression becoming unusually serious and solemn:

"Miss Zheng."

"Director Li is extremely busy, but the fact that he personally came to the hospital to see you today shows his sincerity."

He leaned forward slightly, staring intently into her eyes with an intense, almost oppressive gaze.

"You were humiliated by Mrs. Ding in the underground interrogation room and almost lost your life. During this time, Ding Mocun didn't show up at all, not even uttering a word."

The meaning is crystal clear.

"If you still expect him to think of your past relationship and bail you out, you're simply walking down a dead end."

"I can even tell you plainly that right now, the person in all of Shanghai who most wants you to die is Ding Mocun."

Zheng Pingping's body trembled slightly.

"Confess," Wang Xuesen leaned back in his chair, his tone softening. "Director Li has a lot of influence. As long as you cooperate, he will ensure your and your parents' safety."

Zheng Pingping bit her bloodless lips and looked at Li Shiqun, who was sitting on the sofa smoking:

"If...if I confess, are you sure you won't send people to monitor and intimidate my family again?"

Li Shiqun's voice was gentle yet carried an undeniable authority: "That's natural."

"Once you confess, you're one of us."

"Although your father is a die-hard, even if he is unwilling to work for the Japanese and Mr. Wang, we will not make things difficult for him for your sake."

Zheng Pingping gave a bitter smile, and a tear slid down her cheek.

She nodded desperately: "Thank you, Director. I'll confess."

Wang Xuesen gestured for her to wait a moment.

He got up and pressed the record button. With a slight background noise, the tape began to spin slowly.

"Miss Zheng, we can begin now." Wang Xuesen sat up straight.

"Tell me who you are."

Zheng Pingping took a deep breath:

"I... I can't be entirely considered a member of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS). To be precise, I was an agent for the enemy's labor union."

"In the very beginning, it was Ji Yuanpu who developed me."

"After he left Shanghai, Xu Zhaolin took over the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) area. Later, in order to integrate the intelligence lines in Shanghai, I was incorporated into the Unified Committee for Work Behind Enemy Lines."

She took a breath and continued, "Among my colleagues, there are people from both the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) and the Military Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (MMIS). Of course, I mainly work for Xu Zhaolin."

Wang Xuesen's gaze sharpened, and he immediately pressed on with another question:

"Then what was your purpose in deliberately getting close to Ding Mocun and submitting yourself to him?"

Zheng Pingping raised her head, a resolute coldness flashing across her pale face.

"To assassinate him."

"Isn't there any other reason?" Wang Xuesen looked at Zheng Pingping, his gaze sharp as a knife.

"What do you think?" Zheng Pingping said with a self-deprecating smile.

"Xu Enzeng always wanted to suppress Dai Li and compete for Chiang Kai-shek's favor."

"The assassination of a traitor of Ding Mocun's caliber, even though Ding no longer held real power, was still of great significance to Xu Enzeng."

"This is an achievement that could be directly presented to Chiang Kai-shek."

Wang Xuesen nodded, tapping his fingers lightly on his knee.

This woman sees things very clearly.

The high-ranking officials in the mountain city are obsessed with factional power struggles and profiteering. In their eyes, the lives of their subordinates are nothing more than bargaining chips to gain merit.

"Do you think Ding Mocun knows your identity?" Wang Xuesen stared intently into her eyes.

"This is very important, and I hope you will tell the truth."

Zheng Pingping took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling slightly: "I think he knows."

"He refused my invitations many times, especially after the assassination attempt at the fur shop. With his instincts as a spy, he couldn't possibly have been unaware of something amiss."

Wang Xuesen leaned forward, getting closer: "Can I interpret this as him not exposing you in order to protect you?"

"Or rather, he's fallen in love with you."

Li Shiqun and Liu Zhongwen exchanged a glance.

A sinister smile appeared on both of their faces.

That's a brilliant question.

If it is confirmed that Ding Mocun protected a female agent of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS), he will lose the trust of the Japanese.

Zheng Pingping paused for two seconds, then slowly nodded: "I think so."

"When Zhao Huimin beat me in the interrogation room, she repeatedly cursed me, saying that Ding Mocun was deeply in love with me and had been bewitched by me."

"That's why she hated me so much and tortured me to death."

Wang Xuesen continued to press her questions, his tone growing increasingly cold, giving her no chance to breathe:

"Okay, now I'll ask you the most important question."

Did Ding Mocun contact the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) privately?

"Especially in the Tang Zengyang incident, did he play an important role in it?"

"Including his subordinates."

"According to our investigation, Mao Ziming had privately leaked intelligence to the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS)."

"As Ding Mocun's personal secretary, did he receive Ding Mocun's secret instruction to do something that could cost him his life?"

Zheng Pingping lowered her gaze and began to think carefully:

"I don't know."

"But he mentioned to me in casual conversation that Tang Huimin and Tang Zengyang had a good personal relationship."

"I don't know much about the others."

"He's a naturally suspicious person and rarely talks to me about work-related matters."

"My mission is to find an opportunity to assassinate him. Asking too many questions will alert him, so I rarely take the initiative to inquire."

This answer, though vague, was incredibly damaging.

Tang Huimin was promoted by Ding Mocun. As long as he stirs up this mess, Ding Mocun will be unable to explain himself no matter how hard he tries.

"very good."

He picked up the thermos on the table, poured half a cup of warm water, handed it to her, and paused his questioning.

After Zheng Pingping took a few sips of water, Wang Xuesen spoke again:

"Ms. Zheng, we appreciate your sincerity."

"However, empty talk alone is not enough."

"The military police must combine confessions with solid evidence when arresting or releasing people."

"Since you work for the enemy's guild and are responsible for liaison and coordination, you should be very familiar with their personnel details."

"We need you to hand over some lists."

"I don't think this will be difficult for you."

Zheng Pingping bit her lip, her eyes flickering with fear and struggle at the thought of betraying her faith.

Li Shiqun stood up, walked to the bedside with his hands behind his back, and looked down at her:

"Ms. Zheng, this is your only chance to live and reunite with your family."

I hope you can seize this opportunity.

"Think of your parents, they are eagerly waiting for you to come home."

When her family was mentioned, Zheng Pingping took the opportunity to pretend that her psychological defenses had completely collapsed.

Her eyes reddened, and a few tears fell in despair.

"Okay, I'll confess."

"Could I have a pen?"

"I simply can't bring myself to say their names."

Li Shiqun nodded in satisfaction: "I understand!"

He turned to look at Wang Xuesen, "Give her paper and a pen."

Wang Xuesen took out a small notebook and a fountain pen from the inside pocket of his suit and handed them over.

Zheng Pingping took the pen with trembling hands.

The pen tip touched the paper, she closed her eyes briefly, then opened them and quickly wrote down names one by one.

A moment later, she put down her pen and handed the notebook back to Wang Xuesen.

Wang Xuesen took it, didn't look at it, and handed it directly to Li Shiqun next to him.

Li Shiqun took it and glanced at it carefully.

Li Shiqun took it and glanced at it carefully.

Goodness, a whole stack of densely written text.

They have people from both the Military Intelligence Bureau and the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

It seems that Zheng Pingping holds a high position in the enemy's guild and possesses intelligence information far exceeding their expectations.

Li Shiqun carefully examined the names on the list.

He did see some familiar names.

Some of these people were bait that the intelligence department had been eyeing for a long time, while others were deeply hidden and held relatively high positions within the Shanghai Military Intelligence Bureau and the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

Some are regulars on the black market.

This list could not have been fabricated by Zheng Pingping in a short period of time.

It's extremely valuable.

This is enough to prove that Zheng Pingping truly surrendered and completely cut off her escape route.

Li Shiqun's smile deepened: "You know so many people?"

Zheng Pingping answered in a low voice, her tone revealing a numb sense of despair: "Yes."

"Some of them approached me because they were attracted to my good looks."

"Some people hope to use my socialite status and connections to help them resell things on the black market and line their own pockets."

Li Shiqun nodded with great satisfaction, tore off the page, carefully folded it, and put it in his pocket.

He gave Wang Xuesen a wink, indicating that the interrogation could end tonight.

Wang Xuesen turned off the tape recorder, his face breaking into a warm, gentle smile:

"Pingping, congratulations, you are free."

"Don't worry, Director Li will take care of you from now on."

"You and your parents will be safe."

Zheng Pingping bowed slightly in thanks: "Thank you, Director Li, thank you, brother."

Li Shiqun turned and walked out of the ward.

Liu Zhongwen followed closely behind like a ghost.

In the corridor, a cold wind blew in through the cracks in the windows. Li Shiqun handed the list to Liu Zhongwen.

What do you think?

Liu Zhongwen adjusted his glasses: "The list is authentic and reliable."

"The most urgent task now is for the director to immediately report to Lieutenant Colonel Haruki and Captain Okamura."

"The first priority is to quickly apprehend the suspects and expand our gains."

"However, I estimate that news of Zheng Pingping's arrest has already spread. After two days of delay, many people have already gotten wind of it and fled."

"Perfect timing! We can use this opportunity to accuse the Japanese of Ding Mocun of condoning his wife's deliberate sabotage of the interrogation, which delayed the best time for his arrest."

"They placed all the blame for the people who ran away on Dingmo Village."

"Combined with this statement, I estimate that Ding Mocun's dismissal is imminent."

Li Shiqun nodded with pleasure, a glint of ruthlessness and excitement flashing in his eyes:

"Good idea."

"Immediately notify Sibao to conduct a city-wide manhunt and arrest."

"I'm going to see Lieutenant Colonel Haruki right now."

He turned to look at Wang Xuesen, who was standing at the door of the ward.

I was just about to ask Wang Xuesen to take Ye Jiqing home.

But then I thought about it again, and it really wasn't appropriate for a man and a woman to be alone in a car late at night.

Li Shiqun's gaze quickly swept past Wang Xuesen and landed on the guards behind him:

"Xiao Li, take a group of men and escort Madam back."

Ye Jiqing stood to the side, fully aware of her husband's jealous thoughts.

She had originally planned to chat with Xuesen more in the car, but now it seemed that this great opportunity was going to be wasted.

She swayed her voluptuous waist as she walked up to Wang Xuesen and asked with a smile, "Xuesen, what would you like to eat tomorrow morning? Your sister-in-law will make it for you."

Wang Xuesen had a very sweet tongue, his face displaying just the right amount of respect and intimacy:

"Sister-in-law, whatever you make, I'll love it."

"Okay, I'm leaving then."

Escorted by Xiao Li and others, she walked away in her high heels, her footsteps clicking.

After Li Shiqun and his group had completely left, Wang Xuesen turned around and walked back to the ward, closing the heavy wooden door behind him.

Zheng Pingping leaned against the headboard and gave him a pale smile:

"After all the twists and turns, I wanted to be a hero, but in the end I became a traitor."

Wang Xuesen pulled up a chair and sat down. He crossed his legs and watched her quietly.

Do I look like a traitor to you?

Zheng Pingping carefully examined his face: "He looks like him."

"He's not just like a traitor, he's more like a scumbag and a bastard who preys on girls."

"But I know your heart is warm."

"The fact that Ms. Mao is still alive is the best proof."

Wang Xuesen took out his cigarette case, pulled out a cigarette and put it in his mouth, but did not light it.

"With the nation shattered, the survivors rise up."

"Assassinating Ding Mocun is not necessarily the only way out; sacrificing oneself is the only option."

"Being alive means you can do so much more."

He paused, his tone softening further: "Also, don't feel guilty."

"The people you implicated are just bastards who use the guise of resisting Japan to secretly profit from human suffering and line their own pockets."

"They deserve to die."

Zheng Pingping nodded, her eyes becoming somewhat complicated: "I guess from today onwards, you'll never want to sleep with me again."

Wang Xuesen fiddled with the lighter in his hand and nodded noncommittally.

"Perhaps."

"However, I cannot send you to reunite with Wang Hanxun at the moment."

Zheng Pingping shook her head, her gaze as calm as a stagnant pool: "I'm not going."

"He flies in the sky, I run on the ground. When I miss him, I just look up at him. It's fine."

"From today onwards, I will follow you and help you."

"I hope you won't refuse."

Wang Xuesen rolled his eyes at her and took the cigarette out of his mouth: "What the hell do you mean by this?!"

"Now that they've turned me into a piece of junk, they're blaming me."

"He would play dead before, just making empty promises to me."

Zheng Pingping was speechless: "I, I... If you don't help me, if you don't give me a ride, I don't know where to go for the rest of my life."

"never mind."

"Well, it's my fault for coming up with that terrible idea."

"At least you can speak a foreign language, you can stay and help me."

Wang Xuesen had no intention of letting her go in the first place.

He needs loyal and capable people right now. Zheng Pingping has been through a brutal life-or-death ordeal and has a wealth of intelligence experience. Such talent is rare, and it would be a pity to let him go like this.

A blush of embarrassment rose on Zheng Pingping's face, and she lowered her head: "Thank you, brother."

Wang Xuesen stood up and patted the wrinkles on his suit.

"You should rest well."

"The guards outside are all Li Shiqun's direct subordinates; Ding Mocun and Xu Zhaolin's men can't get in."

"Just relax and get some sleep."

Zheng Pingping nodded obediently: "I feel like a reborn person who has been freed from shackles."

"I'm sure I'll sleep well tonight."

Wang Xuesen waved his hand, turned around, and walked towards the door.

"I'm gone."

"If your wound hurts a lot, take a few pills."

He pulled out a gold-plated lighter and half a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and casually tossed them onto the bedside table.

Pushing open the door, the cold wind from the corridor blew on my face.

Wang Xuesen strode towards the stairwell.

He has another great show tonight.

The second phase of the plan has been launched.

There's a good show about to unfold between Bai Junqi and Yang Jie.

Looking forward to it!

……