Espionage: You're tasked with spying, but you'll blow up the Special Higher Police?

Ding Mocun naturally wouldn't let him succeed. Slightly tired, he sat on the single sofa and said, "Zhongliang, your chance has come. Because of your performance last time, Colonel Shimazu and Mr. Hasegawa are very satisfied and at ease with you. Today I received news that they intend to recruit you into the Sakura Trading Company's preparatory group, giving you the title of director. Don't think it's too small. After all, you are still young. As long as you perform well, there will be plenty of opportunities to move up."

Zhou Hongyi inwardly scoffed, thinking to himself, "Stingy."

These Japanese devils are playing hard to get with him. It seems they're still wary of him. He originally thought they'd let him take over the Chamber of Commerce directly, or at least give him a second-in-command position, but he only got a directorship in the preparatory group. But titles don't matter; as long as he has real power, he can still achieve great things.

Zhou Hongyi was disdainful in his heart, but on the surface he pretended to be surprised and said, "Really? But brother-in-law, I don't want to lose my job at the police station so soon."

Ding Mocun said matter-of-factly, "Who told you to give it up? Just keep it up. The police station has a lot of advantages, so don't let go of either side. I'm even thinking about whether there's a way for you to be affiliated with No. 76. I have nothing to hide from you two siblings. Now your brother-in-law seems to be doing well, but in reality, I face obstacles everywhere when dealing with work. After all, it's Deputy Director Li who's in charge behind the scenes. If Zhongliang can go, at least I'll have one more helper I can completely trust."

Zhou Hongyi was more than happy to see it, but he couldn't show his eagerness, so he pretended to be worried and asked, "Brother-in-law, could it be that Deputy Director Li intends to seize power?"

Ding Mocun smiled and said, "It's not that bad, but you should have heard the saying that two tigers cannot share one mountain. At the No. 76 Special Agent Headquarters, one person is enough to handle things. An extra one would only be an eyesore."

Zhou Hongyi's eyes darted around. He wasn't about to let such a good opportunity to sow discord slip by. He scoffed and said, "Have you forgotten who begged and pleaded to bring you here back then? The current 76th Special Agent Headquarters was all built by you, brother-in-law, with your own blood, sweat, and tears. Yet Deputy Director Li still treats you like a thief. That's really unfair. Don't you understand the principle of 'trust those you employ, and don't employ those you don't trust'?"

"Hehehe, what a great saying, 'Use people without suspicion, and don't use those you don't trust.' Everyone understands this principle, but putting it into practice is extremely difficult."

Taking advantage of Ding Mocun's rare free time and good mood, Zhou Hongyi hurriedly sought out more relevant information.

"Brother-in-law, do you know someone named Gu Tianbo?"

“Gu Tianbo?” Ding Mocun repeated the name, then asked, “Why are you asking about him?”

"That day at the Paramount, Miss Manyu mentioned this Gu Tianbo and compared him to me. I was indignant and wanted to find out what made him so special?"

Ding Mocun pointed at him and said, "Zhongliang is still a young man who can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman. I've heard that Miss Manyu seems to be quite interested in you. She even asked about you last night."

"Brother-in-law, we're just friends."

"Hehehe, you're both unmarried and she's not married, so even if there's something going on, who would dare to gossip? But that Gu Tianbo... he's certainly capable in business, but he's extremely lecherous. Not only does he have four concubines at home, but it's said he also keeps four more on the side. I wonder how he manages to spend his time all day?"

"What? You have four at home, and four more on the side?"

Zhou Hongyi was in a dilemma for a moment, because the system did not specify which mistress it was. Did he have to visit all four of their boudoirs?

Just as I was thinking of this, Ding Mocun added, "But I heard that his most favored mistress, who is also his newest mistress, is a foreigner, a French girl, who lives near Huangpu Park."

"Wow, that's a nice place. It seems Gu Tianbo really dotes on his new love. But I wonder what kind of business he's in? If I become a director of the preparatory group in the future, I'll definitely have to deal with these businessmen a lot."

Ding Mocun said, "Gu Tianbo is in the jewelry and jade business. He has seven stores in downtown Shanghai. If you want to pursue a girl in the future and give her jewelry, you really can't avoid his connection."

"Jewelry and jade business? I understand. If I ever need anything in that area in the future, I'll have to ask my brother-in-law to help me make some connections. But there's one thing I don't agree to."

"What's wrong with you?" Ding Mocun asked curiously.

With a wicked smile, Zhou Hongyi lowered his voice and said, "No matter how capable he is, he only has four at home and four outside. Compared to you, brother-in-law, he is still a million miles behind."

Ding Mocun had just picked up his teacup to drink when Zhou Hongyi's words startled him so much that he choked and almost spilled the water on his pants.

"Don't talk nonsense, brat! If your sister hears this, you won't have a good night tonight. Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Eat your food and get some rest. No matter where you're transferred, make sure you heal your injuries first and be in the best possible condition to meet the challenge."

"Okay, brother-in-law, then you and my sister should go to bed early too. Don't rush to do personal things after finishing work. Your health is the most important thing."

Zhou Hongyi's words had a double meaning, making Ding Mocun blush. If Zhou Pan'er heard this, she would definitely pinch his ear again. He laughed and ran away.

Back in his bedroom, Zhou Hongyi lay on the bed and began to review the information he had received from various parties that day, weaving it together in his mind and deducing the possibilities that might follow.

The title of director of the Sakura Chamber of Commerce preparatory group was only mentioned by Ding Mocun; the specific rank still needed to be finalized by Shimazu and Hasegawa. However, Zhou Hongyi was not worried about the real power he held. After all, these Japanese had to maintain a populist facade, and it was impossible for him to be just a figurehead in the preparatory group.

As for the businessman named Gu Tianbo, Ding Mocun's tone and reaction when he mentioned him were quite disdainful. This disdain was not due to any personal grudges. Zhou Hongyi guessed that this person must have a significant difference in political stance with Ding Mocun.

Zhou Hongyi crossed his legs and muttered to himself, "Could it be that Gu Tianbo just has a bad reputation, but is actually a patriotic businessman? It seems I need to find an opportunity to meet him soon and confirm the exact address of his new lover."

Just as Zhou Hongyi was working out his plan in his mind, the blind man, his mother Qingxia, and his sister Shen Guduo arrived at Zhou Hongyi's antique shop "onepiece".

"Oh my gosh~~~ You must be Beckham? Just as Zhou Xun described, you're so handsome~~"

Since Zhou Hongyi had already told Xiao Bei that he would find her a teacher, Xiao Bei was not surprised when the blind man's family arrived. However, the blind man's mother's overly friendly enthusiasm made her feel a little uncomfortable for a while.

"Mom, she's wearing a mask, how did you see the mark?" The blind man tugged at his mother's sleeve, signaling her not to frighten the little girl.

The blind woman rolled her eyes and said, "What do you know? With my eyesight, even if she covered her whole head, I could tell at a glance whether she's pretty or ugly. Don't be afraid, girl. Young Master Zhou sent me to give you some training. I'm here to help you watch the shop; he was worried you wouldn't be safe here alone. But seriously, this Western-style shop is really grand! I've only ever seen these things in the manager's office at the Paramount before, and they're all so expensive!"

Seeing Qingxia touching this and that, Xiao Bei felt rather helpless and could only get to the point, saying, "Sister Qingxia, Brother Zhou has already told me, so from today onwards I will have to ask you for help. I would be extremely grateful if you could teach me everything you know."