Chapter 21: The Accounting Department’s Expertise (Part 2)

Chapter 21: The Accounting Department’s Capability (Part 2)

“I’m Xu Ruiyang from the Foreign Affairs Counter-Espionage Division of the Central Security Bureau. Ma Yonghao, the deputy head of the Military Section in the Staff Department, means a lot to you, doesn’t he? If you say you don’t know him, then let’s just pretend we’ve never met.” Xu Ruiyang took the cigar Wilson handed him, speaking fluent English.

“You’re really something. The Foreign Affairs Counter-Espionage Division has been watching me for nearly a year, even broke into my home like thieves, and at the height of their surveillance, they monitored me for a whole month straight. Yet they never found my informant, but you did!” Wilson couldn’t help but marvel.

“To be honest, he’s crucial to me. I’m offering you twenty thousand dollars as hush money—enough for a lifetime of food and drink—and an additional two hundred dollars monthly for informant protection. All I ask is to keep Ma Yonghao as an intelligence channel. What do you think of my sincerity?” Wilson threw money on the table without hesitation.

He had no other choice. The fact that Xu could directly name Ma Yonghao struck at his weakest point. There was no deception or trickery involved, and with the matchbox containing the intelligence in their hands, denial was pointless.

“I’m just scraping by in the Security Bureau and don’t want to offend you Americans. Maybe one day I’ll emigrate to the United States, and if so, I’d need your help. Whether you give me the money or not doesn’t matter, but I have to answer to the Japanese to keep my job,” Xu replied calmly.

“I’ll pay you, and going to America won’t be a problem. I can help you obtain US citizenship. If you’re willing, you can temporarily join our diplomatic intelligence department as an external informant with a very generous salary. As for answering to others, I’ll provide you with alternative leads,” Wilson said.

He believed Xu’s words. Many from China sought to move to America, especially since China was in a conservative, aggressive, and bullying phase, while the US was considered a paradise by many.

This also explained why, despite uncovering Ma Yonghao, they had no motive to arrest him—the rewards weren’t sufficient.

“Then tell me. If you can help me, we can cooperate privately for the time being. I’ll protect Ma Yonghao while you finance me. The intelligence stays with me as evidence—his handwriting is easy to verify,” Xu smiled.

“Of course, cooperation must show sincerity. But I’m curious—how did you discover this intelligence channel?” Wilson breathed a sigh of relief.

He was genuinely curious and eager to find out where the breach in his channel was.

“There’s no clever trick. I found the pattern of your intelligence transmissions, locked in on the time, and first located Natalia, who relayed the intelligence. Yesterday, I followed Ma Yonghao; he was on a date with Natalia. That means intelligence was being passed—making money and enjoying life simultaneously. He’s living quite comfortably.”

“You always approached from the west side of the café. I saw a pentagram on the wall of a nearby shop—subtle but visible. On Friday, the pentagram’s position was different and had been erased. I believe it’s a secret sign between you,” Xu said casually.

Chapter 21: The Accounting Department’s Capability (Part 3)

“How did you know it was her passing intelligence to me?” Wilson asked.

“Did anyone else in the café come into contact with you? One cup of coffee’s time, and you didn’t even go to the restroom. How else did you get the intelligence?”

“Before you arrived at the café, she only had that one box of matches in her apron. Only after giving it to you did she go to the bar to get a few more boxes. Doesn’t that explain it?” Xu smiled.

“You’re the most insightful and logically sharp person I’ve ever met. Working with you is a very wise choice. My terms remain unchanged, and I hope for a pleasant cooperation ahead!” Wilson shook his head with a bitter smile, truly convinced.

He knew that no matter how intricate the design, there were always flaws. The key was discovering them. Xu’s ability to see through it earned him a place to cooperate, and Wilson was willing to work with such a formidable individual.

That same evening.

“You’ve been at the Security Bureau so long and still treat us to dinner. You’ve got a conscience, kid. It’s been ages since I had a good meal!”

At a restaurant not far from the New District police station, Xu invited two former patrol officer colleagues, Tang Rongcai and Zhang Tianshun, who mainly patrolled entertainment venues in the district.

They were the lowest-ranking patrol officers, earning less than Xu—only fifteen yuan a month. Eating fish and meat was a rare luxury.

“We’re all patrolmen, seeing each other every day. I know how hard life is for you—barely enough to eat, supporting a whole family. At the Security Bureau, there’s some opportunity. If you can help me, each of you will get a hundred yuan,” Xu said with a smile.

Tang Rongcai and Zhang Tianshun’s eyes widened—one hundred yuan could solve big problems!

“What do you need our help with?” Zhang asked eagerly.

“Give me the names of those you know who squander money at casinos, spend time in dance halls, or chase after white Russian women but have no legitimate income. I’m not talking about petty thugs or cigarette sellers, but those with some family connections who loaf around all day.”

“This investigation by the Security Bureau mainly targets old military and political contacts, like high-ranking officials or heads of key departments—relatives such as cousins, nephews, or nephews-in-law,” Xu explained.

Nepotism and backdoor dealings are unavoidable in any country. In China, it’s not just common in the municipal government offices, but also rampant in the puppet Manchukuo government. Even under Japanese control, such practices couldn’t be eliminated.

Holding a high position or wielding power means placing relatives in government offices with steady incomes—a rule of the bureaucratic game.

Because of these connections, these relatives often have access to important secrets. Why is that?

It’s simple.

The offices they work in aren’t low-level; otherwise, they wouldn’t receive such benefits. Their connections aren’t weak; otherwise, they wouldn’t get these positions.

Being an insider means a lucrative income. The purpose of selling intelligence is money. And what does one do with money?

No need to think twice—it’s for indulgence.

Money satisfies needs, including darker desires like finding women.

Of course, some people prefer to hide under the covers, counting money in secret without spending on food or clothes—everyone’s character differs.

But that’s a minority. Flaunting wealth is the nature of most people. The important thing is that this money is easy, fast, and abundant.

(End of Chapter)