Chapter 140: Fishing for people

Back in his office, Wang Xuesen closed the door, leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes for a while.

Yuan Lou's placement of Yang Siyuan, whether it was due to the internal strife between the Iwai Mansion and No. 76 or some other ulterior motive, was no longer of much concern to him.

The Wang Jingwei regime will officially establish itself as a government next year.

By then, No. 76 will no longer be a makeshift operation, but a legitimate intelligence agency, with its staff, funding, and power expanding exponentially.

The current internal friction is insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

The Wang Jingwei regime's stronghold cannot be breached by external force.

The "prescription" that Boss Dai initially prescribed was to divide and weaken.

The idea is correct, but this medicine is too mild and takes too long to work.

By the time the medicine took effect, the daylilies had all cooled down.

Wang Xuesen's prescription was different: raising Gu!

Get rid of useless people like Ding Mocun and let truly capable and ambitious people emerge.

Captain Okamura, the Iwai Mansion, Zhou Fohai—aren't they all ruthless characters?

Let these people fight against No. 76, let them tear each other apart and wear each other down.

What I need to do is to fatten up and grow Li Shiqun, this parasitic worm.

It made him more greedy, ruthless, and domineering.

The most crucial step at present is to strengthen Yongxinglong Company.

Li Shiqun and Ye Jiqing were both greedy people at heart.

The reason they can still maintain some restraint right now is simply because they lack strength and haven't yet developed their wings.

Once Yongxinglong grows big, with money begetting more money and power begetting more power, their restraint will be as fragile as paper, easily broken by the wind.

But before that, we need to remove Zhang Xiaolin as a stepping stone.

Zhang Xiaolin controlled most of the channels for essential goods in Shanghai, Hongshanjitang monopolized medicines, and the Green Gang also had a firm grip on freight and warehousing at the docks.

Yongxinglong wanted to advance his career, and he couldn't get around him.

This also aligns with Wang Xuesen's own interests.

In the past six months, Longteng Company has spent most of its profits, aside from supporting its employees, on developing transportation infrastructure and stockpiling gold.

The books look impressive on paper, but in reality, the cash flow is tight.

The daily necessities in Shanghai were basically divided up by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, as well as Zhang Xiaolin's Hongshanjitang and Yu Qiaqing's group.

It's a tough nut to crack.

Wang Xuesen did not touch opium.

Longteng Company mainly deals in pharmaceuticals and American goods, and occasionally has Qingfu handle some sugar, soap, and matches, but these are all small-scale operations.

You can't make a fortune without penetrating the two major sectors of people's livelihood and arms.

drug.

He frowned, and then a thought flashed through his mind.

penicillin!

If I remember correctly, Fleming discovered this thing.

Because they lacked the funds and resources for research and development and mass production, they went to the United States to seek investment.

Penicillin will one day be a hard currency more valuable than gold.

On the battlefield and in hospitals, this stuff is a life-saving pill.

Whoever has the goods is the boss.

If I could get involved and become an original shareholder...

Selling medicine with one hand and hoarding gold with the other, making a fortune is not a dream.

But the key is still the Americans.

Wang Xuesen wrote a name on the paper: Wilson.

This ambassadorial assistant diplomat was actually the biggest black market dealer of American goods in Shanghai.

They have the means, the ambition, and the channels; they'll do any kind of business as long as it's profitable.

Moreover, this person had a close relationship with the Wang family in the past and could be considered an old friend.

Qingfu was able to get a share of the black market for American goods because of his connection with Wang Xuesen.

Hmm, I need to find some time to meet this guy.

Just as I was pondering this, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

The door opened.

The person who came in surprised Wang Xuesen.

He quickly stood up and went to greet him: "Big Brother?"

The one who arrived was Wanjia's elder brother, Su Muyang.

Su Muyang was in his early thirties, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, but he was by no means rugged; he looked a bit like an old cadre.

He wore a suit with a vest, dressed impeccably, and exuded an aura that blended that of a wealthy young master and a seasoned businessman.

Sitting face-to-face with this kind of person, you'd feel like it's a sin to say even one more word.

"Why are you here?" Wang Xuesen asked indifferently, inviting him to sit down.

Su Muyang crossed his legs and looked at him with a smile: "What, can't I come to see my brother-in-law?"

"I just happened to be delivering rice, flour, and oil to you. Please have a seat."

Su Muyang is Manager Hua of Mitsui Company.

Currently, the distribution of grain to No. 76 and the municipality is under the unified control of Mitsui, and the brother-in-law truly holds real power.

Wang Xuesen chuckled dryly: "They probably didn't come to see me."

"When I was pursuing Wanjia, you were the one who was most opposed. You even threatened to have someone kill me, and I still remember that."

This was the "dark history" that Wanjia told him about Wang Ershao.

"When I first entered No. 76 and stepped into the Su family's door, you didn't even give me a proper look," he continued.

Su Muyang raised his hand and smiled: "People change."

While speaking frankly, Wang Xuesen couldn't resist joking: "Honestly, the thought of you taking away most of the Su family's assets made me not want to associate with you at all."

"Cutting off someone's livelihood is like killing their parents."

"We can't get back together."

Su Muyang laughed heartily: "Well, there's nothing I can do about it. I'm the eldest son of the Su family."

"However, for my sister's sake, I can give you 10%."

"One-tenth?" Wang Xuesen glanced at him sideways. "I thank you."

Su Muyang stopped laughing: "I'll stop fooling around."

"I have a friend who was caught by your people last night while trading on the black market. I'd like to ask you to bail him out."

Wang Xuesen picked up his teacup and took a sip: "What are you selling?"

"If it's opium or flour, we can smuggle it in, and it won't be a big problem."

Su Muyang glanced at him.

Hardware.

Wang Xuesen paused, his teacup still in his hand. He glared at Su Muyang and said, "You came here specifically to cause trouble for me, didn't you?"

Hardware, to put it simply, is military parts and components.

The Japanese are now extremely strict about this area; if someone is caught, they will be investigated relentlessly.

The buyers were either government officials or secret agents; getting involved with either would mean getting skinned alive.

Su Muyang said calmly, "I know."

"Isn't this person from your No. 76? I know you're well-connected, so getting him out shouldn't be a big problem."

Wang Xuesen put down his teacup and leaned back in his chair: "You overestimate me. Give me a break. Wouldn't it be more effective to find the Japanese from Mitsui & Co. than me?"

"Many people are watching my position right now, so it's not convenient for me to speak out publicly, as that would cause trouble."

"You're different; you're a broker by nature."

"I've helped people find jobs and protect their rights a lot in the past. Helping others is helping others, so why are you holding a grudge against me, your older brother?"

Su Muyang took a few sips of tea and asked with a smile.

"Yes, I'm petty and I tend to hold grudges," Wang Xuesen nodded.

Su Muyang smiled and continued, "My friend Youli is a clerk at a foreign firm, and he also sells German goods."

He adjusted his glasses and said calmly, "Germany and Japan are allies. The Japanese are much more lenient with German goods than with British and American goods."

"Moreover, the buyer ran away at the time, and there is no evidence to prove that he was dealing with anti-Japanese forces."

"See if you can find a way to redeem it."

Wang Xuesen remained silent for a few seconds.

With a German backer, things are indeed easier to handle.

Since the buyer hasn't been caught and there's no solid evidence, there's room for maneuver.

"Alright then," Wang Xuesen said, holding up one finger. "Take the money."

Su Muyang's face showed a hint of surprise: "Really? You want money from your own family?"

"I don't know you well, do I?" Wang Xuesen said expressionlessly.

Su Muyang stared at him for two seconds, then suddenly smiled.

He pulled a check from his inside suit pocket and handed it to him: "Citibank draft, five thousand dollars, is that enough?"

Wang Xuesen took it, glanced at it, folded it, and put it in his pocket: "More or less."

He stood up and gestured for him to leave: "Alright, you can go now. Seeing you makes me angry; it feels like a duck that was about to be eaten has flown away."

Su Muyang didn't mince words, standing up and buttoning his suit jacket: "Alright, then I won't get in your way. Oh, his name is Xiong Fei, just say that Consul Bell from the German Consulate wants to ransom him."

Wang Xuesen asked, "Will this person admit to it?"

He walked to the door, glanced back at Wang Xuesen, and smiled:

"He will."

"Waiting for your good news."

"Um."

The door closed.

Wang Xuesen didn't sit down immediately.

He walked to the window and watched Su Muyang's car drive away.

hardware.

Etiquette and foreign trade.

Half of the German-made equipment on the black market comes from this place.

Su Muyang is Manager Hua of Mitsui, the eldest son of the Su family, and a business elite.

Is this guy secretly dealing in arms?

Holy crap.

If he were an arms dealer, wouldn't I have found a ready-made opportunity?

In times of war, arms dealing is an unavoidable way to make a fortune.

I'll have to talk to my older brother when I have the chance. Whether he's the supplier or the distributor, he'll at least save me half the trouble.

It's like a pillow being delivered just when you're about to fall asleep.

Bringing himself back to reality, he picked up the phone and dialed the interrogation room: "Hey, Lao Ma, is there anyone named Xiong Fei?"

"Okay, I understand."

After hanging up the phone, Wang Xuesen pondered for a moment.

Hu Junhe arrested the person.

It must be said that Lao Hu's intelligence department is quite capable, having set up hidden sentries in the black market, schools, and many other places.

However, this guy's special characteristic is...

Once the fish is caught, the habit is to squeeze out the oil first, and then report to Li Shiqun based on the intelligence gathered from the other party.

The person was not taken to the interrogation room, but to the detention room.

This is to protect oneself.

Hehe, if you want to make money, that's easy.

……

Wang Xuesen strolled to the entrance of the intelligence department.

The door was half open.

Hu Junhe's cursing could be heard from inside.

Peng Sanhu stood there, head drooping, not daring to breathe.

Wang Xuesen knocked on the doorframe and walked in with a smile: "Old Hu, what's wrong? Why are you so irritable so early in the morning?"

Hu Junhe sat behind the table, his face as long as a donkey's, and waved to Peng Sanhu: "You can go down now."

Peng Sanhu felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He bowed and scraped as he left, secretly giving Wang Xuesen a grateful look as he passed by.

Wang Xuesen closed the door slightly, pulled up a chair and sat opposite Hu Junhe, pouring him a cup of tea in a familiar manner: "Old Peng is an honest man, why are you bullying him?"

Hu Junhe plopped down, saying irritably, "He's just too honest, honest to the point of being spineless!"

He tapped the table, annoyed, and said:

"Didn't your brother-in-law just come to deliver supplies?"

Don't get lost while following the story; bookmark it and read "Spy Code: Shen Gongbao" anytime.

"At the guard headquarters, each squad leader and deputy squad leader and above will receive three bags of flour."

"When we got to my intelligence office, well, two bags for each person."

He raised his voice by half a beat: "What does the General Affairs Department mean by this? Do the people in my Intelligence Department not eat or defecate?"

"Old Peng and his men helped unload the goods."

"They come to us to do the work, but when it comes to the distribution of supplies, they get less. This is utterly inhumane! It's outrageous!"

Wang Xuesen picked up his teacup, took a sip, and subtly added fuel to the fire: "Don't get worked up."

"Director Ye of the General Affairs Department is a relative of my sister-in-law. He's in cahoots with Si Bao and is biased to the core. You know that."

"Besides, the people of Sibao have risked their lives in battle."

"The head of the Shadow Agency personally commended Zheng Pingping for her case last time."

"It's understandable for anyone to give the guards a larger share."

He put down his teacup and shrugged: "At least you still have two bags."

"We didn't even receive a notification in our interrogation room. I'd be lucky if we got one bag per person."

Hu Junhe got even angrier when he heard this, shaking his head and sighing, "You know, those guys are the ones who spoiled them with their bad habits."

"No, I have to make amends for this."

"It's one thing if I don't get any credit, but why should I be left out when it comes to meals?"

He spoke fiercely, but his anger had actually subsided by half.

Wang Xuesen chuckled to himself.

Hu Junhe is that kind of person.

He could berate his subordinates for half an hour, but if you really confronted Wu Sibao head-on, he would smile and call you brother.

A dog biting a hedgehog is just a fleeting, superficial act of pleasure.

Their real backup plans are all underhanded tricks.

That guy's a real sly one.

Wang Xuesen waited until he had finished rambling before slowly saying, "Alright, bear with it. Sibao will make a contribution, but you'll be the one making money."

He lowered his voice by two decibels: "Regarding Wang Tianmu's matter, his wife asked me to pass on a message that she is willing to offer a thousand silver dollars in exchange for Old Wang's freedom."

"This case has been dragging on for a while; it's time to close it."

Hu Junhe's heart skipped a beat.

One thousand silver dollars.

However, he immediately put on a troubled expression: "There's something fishy about this, what if..."

Wang Xuesen immediately stood up: "Alright, I'll go back and tell Madam Wang to wait. You can notify her when you're ready to close the case."

He was about to leave after he finished speaking.

Hu Junhe quickly grabbed his sleeve: "Wait, what's the rush?"

"Sit down, sit down. Aren't we discussing this?"

Hu Junhe coughed and said seriously, "As you said, this Old Wang is indeed a hidden danger if he stays at No. 76."

"I can release him and close the case, but he must leave No. 76."

"You understand what the director means: the Ding faction must be eliminated. If Wang Tianmu is sensible, it will be a good thing for him."

Wang Xuesen nodded: "That's natural."

Hu Junhe stroked his finely trimmed mustache, his eyes darting around: "The money..."

"Have your sister-in-law come to my house to play cards tomorrow. I'll secretly put it in your car then," Wang Xuesen said in a low voice. "A thousand dollars is hard to carry; I can't let you carry it around the streets."

"It easily attracts jealousy and envy."

"You've thought of everything, brother," Hu Junhe said with a satisfied smile.

The two drank another cup of tea and chatted for a while.

Hu Junhe noticed his hesitation, put down his cup, and raised an eyebrow: "Brother, is there anything else?"

Wang Xuesen hesitated for a moment, looking somewhat embarrassed, and asked, "Brother, did you capture a guy named Xiong Fei?"

Hu Junhe's smile faltered for a moment.

He squinted at Wang Xuesen, his tone changing: "Your little brother has pretty sharp ears."

"I haven't even sent the person for interrogation yet, and you already know?"

Wang Xuesen quickly waved his hand: "Old Hu, don't misunderstand, I have no interest in asking about your affairs."

He leaned forward: "It was Bell, the German counselor of the Lihe Trading Company, who went through a lot of trouble to find me."

"He said one of his men, Xiong Fei, was arrested on the black market by your people, and he asked if I could help him out."

Upon hearing this, Hu Junhe's face darkened.

He put down his teacup, straightened up, and his speech suddenly quickened: "Take care of me? How should I take care of you!"

"This person is highly suspected of being involved in a cross-border ticket scheme."

His voice was cold and extremely serious, a stark contrast to when he was discussing money: "My people have been watching him on the black market for days. We've already identified the buyer, and it's a red note."

"I used to be Mao Liying's subordinate."

Wang Xuesen's smile froze for a moment.

"After Mao Liying left, this buyer specialized in purchasing scrap gun parts on the black market, packing them up and shipping them to the anti-Japanese base areas in Jiangsu and Anhui."

"Most of the goods were purchased through Xiong Fei."

Hu Junhe continued, "A pass, the illegal sale of weapons—which one isn't a capital offense? And he actually thinks he can get out?"

"What are you thinking, bro!"

"I advise you to mind your own business and stay out of trouble."

Wang Xuesen paused for two seconds, then stammered, "Old Hu, you...you can't be so serious, you're giving me the creeps."

Hu Junhe then loosened the dough and managed a slight smile:

"Brother, don't mind me, but when it comes to business, you have to be in the right place at the right time."

He shook his head and sneered, "It's not that I'm not giving you face, it's just that this is something we can't discuss. Please leave."

Wang Xuesen stood up and nodded with a bored expression: "Okay."

"I'll go back and tell Counselor Bell that this isn't something money can solve, and that he should call Director Li himself and ask for the person through diplomatic channels."

Hu Junhe's expression changed.

money.

Diplomatic channels.

Li Shiqun.

If Bell goes directly to Li Shiqun, what chance will I have?

Even worse, Mao Liying's downstream buyer ran away.

He only had Xiong Fei on his hands, so the evidence wasn't solid enough.

If we really go through diplomatic channels, we'll end up releasing the person, not making any money, and losing face completely—a double loss.

"Wait! Wait!" Hu Junhe quickly grabbed Wang Xuesen.

"Hey bro, what's the rush?"

Wang Xuesen pretended to be in a hurry: "I really can't sit here anymore. They're waiting for a letter. I have to go back and make a call."

"Sit down!" Hu Junhe stood up and pressed him back down to sit.

He cleared his throat and said seriously, "Tell me, if anyone else came to plead for leniency, even if Mr. Wang himself came, I would not tolerate the illegal sale of arms."

He pointed at the table with his finger, speaking with righteous indignation: "Since we wear this uniform, we have to be responsible for the building and for the Imperial Army."

"Don't you agree?"

Wang Xuesen nodded repeatedly, his face sincere: "That's a must."

Hu Junhe changed the subject, pointing at him: "But what is our relationship? You are my brother."

As the saying goes, "National laws are no different from human sentiments."

"I may not give Mr. Wang face, but I must give your brother face."

He leaned back. Crossing his legs: "Otherwise, you'll lose face in front of the Germans, and I'll lose face too if word gets out, won't I?"

"Outsiders might think that we brothers have fallen out."

Wang Xuesen said gratefully, "Old Hu, you're the one who understands me best."

"To be honest, my friend, Consul Bell and I made that promise on our chests."

"I'm saying if this guy falls into Wu Sibao's hands, there's really nothing we can do. But if he falls into your hands, Director Hu, hehe."

"It's just a matter of me saying hello."

Hu Junhe said smugly, "That's right, that's what our relationship is."

Wang Xuesen sighed: "To be honest, if I really can't get out, I won't have the face to live in the International Settlement anymore."

"Thank you so much, brother. Thank you so much."

"Don't mention it!"

"Isn't brotherhood about sharing joys and sorrows?" Hu Junhe crossed his legs and tapped his knee twice with his fingertips. "So, what does Counselor Bell mean?"

Wang Xuesen said, "Two thousand yuan."

Hu Junhe frowned: "Those Germans are too stingy. A bag of flour now costs sixty or seventy yuan, so two thousand yuan would only buy thirty bags of flour."

Wang Xuesen shook his head, "It is indeed a bit too little."

"How about this, I'll talk to him again and see if we can increase it a bit more."

"But I estimate at most it will be an extra five hundred or a thousand."

He then changed the subject: "The main thing is that Xiong Fei is just a gofer, not some big shot."

"I'm afraid if this drags on too long, the Germans will get impatient and go directly to Director Li, then everything will be for nothing."

Hu Junhe hesitated for two seconds, weighing the pros and cons.

Getting two thousand is better than losing a single penny.

"Okay." He nodded. "For your brother's sake, two thousand it is."

"That's what happens when we're brothers."

"Thank you, brother." Wang Xuesen took out a wad of bills and placed them on the table.

"Hey bro, give me a count."

Hu Junhe shoved it over and shoved it into the drawer: "What kind of relationship do we have? Don't I trust you to handle things?"

"If anyone needs your help again in the future, just say so."

"We're all on the same side, I'll definitely do my best."

Wang Xuesen cupped his hands in a gesture of respect: "Thank you for your trouble, elder brother."

Hu Junhe picked up the phone on the table, loosened his tie, and dialed a number: "Xiao Li, it's me. Let Xiong Fei go."

He hung up the phone, smiled at Wang Xuesen, and said, "Done."

Wang Xuesen exchanged a few polite words, then rose to take his leave.

Old Wang didn't earn a single penny.

My brother-in-law actually made a small profit of three thousand.

It's so-so, alright, I guess.

……

Guard battalion office.

Wu Sibao lay on his back on the sofa, staring intently at the ceiling.

Last night, no anesthesia was used, and it only lasted a few seconds.

Without saying a word, Aizhen wrapped herself in the blanket and went to the next bedroom.

This is unbearable.

Damn it, should I cut it or not?

He touched his crotch, his face showing the discomfort of someone constipated.

But what if everything goes wrong?

What if it still doesn't work after everything is done?

Just as I was torturing myself, the phone on the table rang.

He grabbed the receiver in frustration: "Feed?"

"Brother Bao, Peng Sanhu brought someone with him, saying he was released by Director Hu. Should we release him or not?"

Wu Sibao sat up abruptly, his brows furrowing: "Hu Junhe caught it?"

"Has the investigation been completed?"

"It seems not yet; they were just arrested not long ago last night."

Wu Sibao smacked his lips.

Old Hu never leaves empty-handed; he usually catches a fish whenever he makes a move.

They released it so quickly, isn't there something fishy going on?

"You keep it for now, I'm going to find the director." He put down the phone, grabbed the round hat on the table, put it on his head, and went straight to Li Shiqun's office.

……