Chapter 131 The Struggle for the Deputy Director

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Wang Xuesen has always been someone who gets paid to do things, prioritizing a good reputation.

He went straight to Shibuya's office.

Shibuya was wiping his pistol with deerskin when he glanced at him and gestured for him to sit down.

Wang Xuesen smiled, pulled out a chair and sat down, then took out an envelope and pushed it over.

Shibuya glanced at it and snorted, "Wang-san, you always bring envelopes when you come, making me look like a greedy person."

"Brother, you're too kind." Wang Xuesen smiled and poured himself a cup of tea. "This is just a small token of Director Ding's appreciation."

Shibuya smiled and said, "Don't worry, Madam Ding is quite comfortable here. No one is making things difficult for her."

He lowered his voice: "Wang Sang, we're brothers."

"Let's skip this simple task."

Wang Xuesen raised an eyebrow: "Take a look first."

Shibuya opened the envelope, his eyes gleaming with a sly light.

A new US dollar bill with a face value of one hundred dollars.

Five sheets, neatly arranged.

A hundred-dollar bill is a rare sight, not to mention the darn smell of fresh ink on a new bill, it's simply intoxicating.

"Are you sure you want to waive it?" Wang Xuesen asked with a smile.

"Hehe, we're brothers, so I'll gladly accept your offer." Shibuya Ichiro chuckled and quickly put the money away in the drawer.

Wang Xuesen said, "Don't worry, we're brothers. I'll think of you first whenever there's something good to be had. Putting everything else aside, I'll make sure your wife and child have a good life in Tokyo."

Shibuya sat up straight, bowed respectfully, and said, "Mr. Wang, it's truly an honor to have met a friend like you in a foreign land."

"Thanks."

Wang Xuesen smiled modestly: "Don't mention it. I'm hoping you'll be promoted to lieutenant colonel or colonel someday, so I can benefit from that."

"With Mr. Wang's help, I don't think this will be a problem." Shibuya was very confident in the wisdom and methods of the guy in front of him.

"However, Mr. Wang, let me make this clear from the start." Shibuya picked up his teacup and took a sip. "I can release Madam Ding, but those two female followers must stay."

Wang Xuesen raised an eyebrow: "What does Shibuya-kun mean?"

Shibuya put down his teacup and tapped his fingers lightly on the table twice: "This incident of causing trouble in the interrogation room needs to be addressed."

"I'll give Madam Ding face and turn a blind eye."

"But those two women injured an important witness from No. 76, and that debt needs to be settled."

"Otherwise, I won't be able to report to my superiors."

Wang Xuesen chuckled inwardly.

This guy is sensible; he didn't have to waste his breath and took the initiative to make the script work.

By leaving the two shrewish women as scapegoats, Zhao Huimin escaped, Ding Mocun saved face, and Shibuya made money and gained a favor.

A win-win-win situation.

"Very good."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Shibuya-san."

Wang Xuesen stood up and straightened his cuffs.

Shibuya personally escorted her to the door: "After I finish the formalities, I'll have someone escort Mrs. Ding away."

"Thank you." Wang Xuesen shook hands with him.

"By the way, Mr. Wang, if you have time, could you help me exchange some US dollars for gold? My friend in the military said that our relationship with the US military is becoming increasingly tense."

"If war breaks out, I'm afraid all this money will become worthless. Gold is more reliable."

Shibuya said in a low voice.

"No problem, leave it to me."

Thank you for your trouble.

After leaving the military police branch, Wang Xuesen went straight back to his office building.

He was just about to make a show of going to the interrogation room when a hand reached out and grabbed his arm as he walked to the door of the intelligence department.

It wasn't very forceful, but it was quick and precise.

Wang Xuesen was pulled through the door.

Hu Junhe closed the door behind him and bolted it shut: "Brother, let's chat for a bit."

Wang Xuesen pointed and said, "Brother, wait a minute, there's a ton of work waiting for us in the interrogation room."

"If the director finds out I've been hanging around visiting people, he'll dock my performance bonus."

Hu Junhe pressed him down into a chair:

"Come on, you're the director's favorite now. Chat with me for a bit, I'm really feeling pent up."

I panicked again.

Wang Xuesen was secretly overjoyed, but on the surface he feigned helplessness: "What's wrong?"

Hu Junhe sighed: "Wu Sibao caught a lot of big fish last night."

"They have agents from the Military Intelligence Bureau and the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, including two special agents from the Enemy Work Committee."

"This achievement deserves to be recorded in history."

"Tell me, as the head of the intelligence department, I have so many people under my command."

"I wasn't given a single fish or a single outpost."

"Give me one or two so the brothers can have some fun."

"Now it's all right, so many people have been arrested, and the intelligence department has no say in it."

"They've made my men look like useless trash."

"How can I continue being the head of the intelligence department?"

He became increasingly agitated as he spoke, pacing back and forth in his office.

"Wu Sibao is living the high life, but what about me?"

"They dumped the tough case of the assassination of Chen Mingchu and He Xingjian on me."

"The assassin wasn't caught on the spot. It's been several days now; he's long since escaped back to the mountain city."

"I'm not Sun Wukong with his somersault cloud, able to fly over and catch the culprit!"

"To put it another way, even if you pity me, Old Hu."

"Two Kuomintang agents escaped to me during this operation. I'll use them to fabricate statements and make up the numbers, so we can close this case respectably, right?"

Hu Junhe suddenly faced Wang Xuesen and spread his hands.

"That Wang Tianmu, he acts like a big shot, sitting in the reception room all day, staring at me blankly."

"He cannot be moved even by torture, and he knows nothing when questioned."

"Brother, come here, give me a solution, what should I do?"

He lowered his voice and moved closer to Hu Junhe.

"As far as I know, this arrest operation was hampered by the fact that Yang Jie's team was transferred away, resulting in a shortage of manpower and the escape of several important figures."

"With your cooperation, this operation would have been perfect."

Hu Junhe slapped the back of his hand in anguish: "Who says it isn't true?"

Wang Xuesen continued, "Furthermore, as far as I know, someone suggested this to the director."

"A request was made for the intelligence department to cooperate, but this was refused by Sibao."

"Snapped!"

Hu Junhe slammed his hand on the table, his little mustache bristling with anger.

"That's what you call big eyes and a small belly!"

"You can't eat it yourself, so you won't let others eat it either!"

"Isn't this the work of a despicable and shameless scoundrel?"

Wang Xuesen quickly made a gesture to lower his head:

"Alright, alright, calm down, buddy. We'll just talk to the director about it at the weekly meeting later."

"Besides, isn't I, the head of the interrogation room, just sitting here doing nothing?"

"They're all the same, they're all the same."

Hu Junhe waved his hand, his expression suddenly becoming serious:

"Brother, that's not how things are handled."

"Everyone knows that Dingmo Village is now defunct. Director Li's promotion is a sure thing."

"The standard configuration for No. 76 in the past was one main gun and two auxiliary guns."

"After Tang Huimin left, a position became vacant. Then Director Li was promoted, and both deputy director positions became vacant."

"At least one should be included."

Hu Junhe raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness: "You weren't tempted?"

Wang Xuesen smiled and pointed at him: "Brother, are you testing me?"

"What merit do I possess? First, I have accomplished nothing; second, I was abandoned by Mr. and Mrs. Wang; and third, I arrived late and lack the necessary qualifications."

"This position will never fall to me," Wang Xuesen shook his head and smiled. "That's for you veterans."

Hu Junhe chuckled twice: "What a load of rubbish about being a veteran!"

"The people who actually get things done in this building are too few to count on your fingers."

"Ye Yaoxian, Yang Jie and their ilk are useless and good-for-nothings."

"Liu Zhongwen was a dead eunuch, and he didn't like to fight for power, so he spent all his time thinking up his dirty tricks."

"The only ones left that are out in the open are me, Sibao, and you, right?"

"Si Bao's got a problem with me, can't you tell?"

Wang Xuesen could certainly see it.

Wu Sibao and Hu Junhe are Li Shiqun's hands and eyes, respectively.

The competition between these two for the deputy director position is essentially a power struggle between the Green Gang faction and the business faction.

But what does this have to do with him?

The snipe and the clam fight.

He just watched the show and fished on the side.

However, one still has to put on a show of respect.

"Brother, if you put it that way, I have indeed heard some things from Yu Aizhen, saying that Si Bao is definitely going to become the deputy director."

Wang Xuesen then changed the subject: "But in my opinion, it will be difficult for him to get up there."

"First, they lack education."

"Secondly, he comes from the Green Gang, a brute with no decent qualifications."

"You know that Japanese people are very concerned about saving face."

"Your brother is a handsome man who has worked in the Special Branch and the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics. His resume is exactly the same as the director's."

"In terms of seniority, professional skills, connections, and prestige within the building, no one else comes close!"

Hu Junhe's complexion visibly improved, and he smiled and sighed:

"oops."

He stood up and patted Wang Xuesen on the shoulder:

"Brother, I'm honored by your high regard; I'll remember it."

The smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a resentful helplessness. "But throughout history, many things haven't been based on talent or ability. Damn it, it's all about nepotism."

"If I had known that becoming an apprentice in the Green Gang would be this effective, I would have kowtowed to Ji Yunqing back then."

Wang Xuesen knew he was alluding to Li Shiqun's shamelessness, and immediately shook his head with a smile:

"Old Hu, we're brothers, I'll pretend I didn't hear what you said, it was just a joke."

Hu Junhe paused for a moment, coughed twice, and waved his hand: "Yes, just kidding, just kidding."

He breathed a sigh of relief, leaned back in his chair, and finally looked a little more relaxed.

"After talking with your brother, I feel much clearer about things."

He took a sip of tea, then suddenly frowned.

"What do you suggest we do about Wang Tianmu?"

Wang Xuesen put down his teacup, his tone becoming more serious: "This person's background is too complicated. He comes from the Green Gang and the old Military Intelligence Bureau. He has deep roots in Shanghai. He lives in a mansion, which is beyond our reach."

"No evidence is better than evidence."

Hu Junhe blinked: "What do you mean?"

Wang Xuesen lowered his voice: "If anything is found out later, it will all be your fault."

"Wouldn't his thugs be shooting at you and your sister-in-law from behind?"

"Don't you see how blood is being savaged outside?"

"Zhang Xiaolin never takes off his iron vest 24 hours a day. When he goes out, he has a guard of dozens of people, at least five submachine guns, and military police patrol."

"Are you still trying to get close? Aren't you just asking for trouble?"

He raised his chin and gestured towards Wu Sibao's office:

"Everyone's avoiding it."

Hu Junhe was stunned.

He followed Wang Xuesen's gaze to the end of the corridor, his expression gradually changing.

From confusion to sudden realization, and then to lingering fear.

Some time ago, the Military Intelligence Bureau killed many people from No. 76.

Chen Mingchu and He Xingjian are living examples.

Even a rough man like Wu Sibao now travels with four or five bodyguards, and there are even people guarding the door when he goes to the outhouse.

If I really investigate Wang Tianmu's case more thoroughly, I might find something.

Could he be the next assassination target?

Thinking of this, Hu Junhe broke out in a cold sweat:

"That's right, I just moved to a new house, and your sister-in-law and her child have finally had a few days of peace."

"I can do this kind of thankless and unprofitable job as a side job."

"But just letting him go like this, I still feel..."

He paused, looking quite helpless.

"You know, I'm not like Sibao, who's involved in both the company and the outpost."

"I only own a run-down Longtai Hotel, there's not much profit to be made."

"Old Wang is a well-known big spender, you tell me..."

As he spoke, he gestured with his thumb and forefinger, making a gesture as if counting money.

Wang Xuesen immediately understood.

"That's easy." He leaned closer to Hu Junhe. "I'll go see Lao Wang when I have time later and convey your message."

"He's not short of money."

"Just close the case as soon as possible and get rid of him. That way, everyone can have peace of mind."

Hu Junhe chuckled twice and patted his shoulder: "Your little brother understands me best."

Wang Xuesen stood up and dusted the ash off his sleeves. "Old Hu, if there's nothing else, I'll be going now."

Hu Junhe got up to see them off, and as he reached the door, he suddenly whispered a reminder:

"You should go and see what's happening in the interrogation room; don't leave everything to others."

He leaned against the door frame, his eyes holding a meaningful look.

"Sometimes, if someone occupies a spot, it might just become theirs."

Wang Xuesen paused for a moment.

Hu Junhe took another half step closer: "Besides, I heard that someone inside is crying foul, saying that they are Chen Mingchu's mole."

"Don't you need to dig a little?"

Wang Xuesen's heart skipped a beat.

Zhang Pingshun.

He almost forgot about that.

Chen Gongshu gave instructions that this person must be dealt with.

Now that they've been brought in, there's no way we'd let those traitorous dogs escape.

He remained expressionless, smiled, and waved to Hu Junhe, saying, "I understand. I'm leaving."

Just as I stepped out the door, Hu Junhe shouted again from behind.

"Don't forget about Old Wang!"

"I know, I know."

Wang Xuesen turned the corner of the corridor and slowly walked towards the interrogation room.

He had absolutely no interest in taking credit.

Coming here is purely a formality, to deal with Zhang Pingshun.

I'll stir up trouble between Lao Hu and Si Bao, so I can fish in troubled waters and sow discord between No. 76's hands and eyes.

Wu Sibao was not taken into the interrogation room.

He sat casually in the corridor, with a small square table set up, leisurely drinking tea and eating melon seeds.

"Brother-in-law, busy?" Wang Xuesen greeted him.

Wu Sibao spat out a mouthful of sunflower seed shells, rolled his eyes, and said, "Xuesen, sit down. I was just looking for you."

He gestured with his chin toward the empty chair next to him.

Recently, Yu Aizhen has had almost no contact with Wang Xuesen, and Wu Sibao's hostility and suspicion towards him have also largely subsided.

With Ye Jiqing acting as a go-between, the relationship between the two improved considerably.

Wang Xuesen pulled out a chair and sat down, grabbing a handful of sunflower seeds as if they were old friends:

"How was it? You caught quite a few fish, didn't you?"

Wu Sibao grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellowed teeth: "Thanks to your brother, we caught Zheng Pingping, and I got to benefit from it too."

"Well, it was all thanks to the director's brilliant planning; I was just watching the show."

Wang Xuesen cracked open a sunflower seed and started gossiping: "From what I heard from my sister-in-law, my brother intends to promote you to deputy director?"

Wu Sibao said with a hint of pride:

"My brother is a very shrewd person. Would he say something like that before the very last step?"

"My sister-in-law did give a few hints."

He reached out and patted his chest.

"This time I've done a great service, and I've washed away the shame of the Wu Kaixian case. I've finally made a name for myself."

"I can only say there's a chance, a chance, I guess."

Wang Xuesen nodded, then changed the subject: "How have things been between you and your wife lately?"

"What do you mean?" Wu Sibao's face fell, and he stopped eating the sunflower seeds.

Without saying a word, Wang Xuesen got up and left: "If you're going to keep putting on airs like this, then we shouldn't chat anymore."

"Take your time with the trial."

"I'm gone."

Wu Sibao quickly grabbed his arm, a smile plastered on his face: "Sit down, sit down, brother, calm down, it's my fault, it's my fault."

Wang Xuesen sat down again, giving him an annoyed look:

"Alright, stop being so stubborn. Let's talk and get treatment done."

"Quick shooting isn't a disease, but it's infuriating."

"Throughout history, haven't affairs involving women overgrown with wedlock always boiled down to this?"

"You shouldn't hide your illness from medical treatment, my friend."

Wu Sibao nodded his head like a chicken pecking at rice, pleading, "Yes, yes. But please, could you keep your voice down?"

"The trick you suggested last time didn't work."

"Ai-Zhen said the experience was bad, the engine kept stalling halfway through, and it was really, really numb."

He swallowed hard, his face showing a mixture of grievance and frustration.

"She said that if I need any more anesthetic, I won't be allowed to go to bed."

"Why."

He let out a long sigh:

"Aizhen went to Hangzhou again these past two days, supposedly to discuss tea trade."

"Who knows what she was doing over there?"

"Brother, I really have no idea what to do about this. I'm really suffering."

Wang Xuesen was speechless.

The dignified captain of the 76th Guard Corps, with hundreds of men under his command, was as fierce as a mad dog when it came to red notes and Kuomintang secret agents, yet he was completely controlled by a woman.

Everyone knows why they went to Suzhou and Hangzhou.

They didn't dare utter a single word, just sighing and complaining here.

That's absolutely amazing.

"Simple, I think you should just get a divorce and find someone else," Wang Xuesen sincerely advised. This whole "cuckolding" thing is unbearable for anyone.

Wu Sibao's eyes widened, and veins bulged out:

"You son of a bitch!"

Wang Xuesen smiled and handed him a cigarette: "I know you two are truly in love. I was just joking. Why are you so nervous?"

He lit a cigarette for Wu Sibao and lit one for himself.

"Well then, since she won't let you take the medication, I suggest you go to the hospital and have surgery."

"Didn't you see the 'GG' sign on the utility pole outside?"

"It nourishes the kidneys, strengthens virility, and prevents syphilis."

Wu Sibao gave an awkward laugh, not even taking a drag of his cigarette: "I'd like to try it, but I don't know if it'll work. Besides, it'd be embarrassing if people found out about this."

"Do you want happiness, or pride?"

Wang Xuesen flicked his cigarette ash, his tone becoming more serious.

"You can go to the Japanese military hospital in Hongkou; they have stricter security there. Once you've had your diarrhea, I'll get you some tonics, and that'll solve everything, right?"

Wu Sibao asked with skepticism, "Can it really work?"

"Who can say for sure? Let's try anything, even if it seems hopeless," Wang Xuesen said, glancing at him and slowing his voice.

"You can't just stand by and watch Sister Zhen go on business trips every other day."

These words were like a knife stabbing into Wu Sibao's soft spot.

His smile froze instantly. After a two-second silence, he took a deep drag of his cigarette and nodded.

"Okay, I'll give it a try. Remember to find me a good doctor later."

Don't worry.

Wang Xuesen deliberately raised his voice.

Soon, Ma Laosan came out from inside, his hands covered in blood, and he was wiping them with his sleeve.

Wang Xuesen gave him a wink without making a sound.

Ma Laosan immediately understood and rushed over to Wu Sibao:

"Captain Wu, that Kuomintang agent named Zhang Pingshun insists that he is Chen Mingchu's informant and even says he wants to see Director Li."

Wu Sibao frowned and tossed the melon seeds into the dish.

Wang Xuesen quickly stood up: "Take your time with the interrogation, I'm leaving."

Wu Sibao grabbed his arm: "You're really not a good friend. You run away as soon as something happens. Can't you give me any advice?"

Wang Xuesen frowned and shook his head:

"It involves Chen Mingchu, which is a matter personally handled by the head of the Shadow Agency. Who would dare to touch it?"

He tilted his head towards the direction of the building.

"I just got here. Old Hu was worried about how to make a move on Wang Tianmu, and he had nowhere to hide."

"If you're talking about Sister Zhen, I can offer some advice."

"This thing is really no good."

"Whoever touches it is doomed."

……