novelslam Chapter 14 Are there wolves in this world that don't eat meat? [Please continue reading]
Chapter 14 Are there wolves in this world that don't eat meat? [Please continue reading]
The shed had no foundation, no bricks or tiles, and was supported only by a few wooden frames, with yellowed reed mats on the ground.
Despite being mentally prepared, Hong Zhong was still shocked by Mo Xiaoli's simple home when he walked in.
If this can even be called a home.
"Is your family facing such difficulties?"
Hong Zhong had obviously said something meaningless.
They are refugees; it's a miracle they're alive. How could it not be difficult for them?
However, Mo Xiaodao smiled and said, "It's already very good. At least my brother and I are still alive!"
"Boss Hong, you have no idea, we've seen more dead people than living people on our escape route!"
These words left Hong Zhong speechless. As a person from a later era, his understanding of starvation was still based on those few lines in history books:
"During the great famine, people ate each other."
In the few days since he came into this world, he has been living in the city and has no real sense of the old society.
Only now, through Mo Xiaodao's experiences and words, has he truly come to understand what the cannibalistic old society meant.
Perhaps realizing that his words were somewhat inappropriate and had dampened Hong Zhong's spirits, Mo Xiaodao quickly said:
"Boss, what do you plan to do with me? I'm just a rickshaw puller; besides my strength, I have no other skills!"
Hearing Mo Xiaodao's words, Hong Zhong snapped out of his reverie and laughed:
"I'm planning to open a shop. You seem quite clever, so you can help me manage the shop!"
Don't worry, the pay will definitely be more than you earn pulling a cart now, and it'll even let you bring your sister to live in the city!
"Such a good deal is easy to find anywhere else, why did you choose me?"
Mo Xiaodao asked, somewhat puzzled.
"We clicked!"
Hong Zhong knew Mo Xiaodao didn't believe him at all, so he added, "Of course, I also want to ask you something!"
"Please speak!"
Upon hearing Hong Zhong's next words, Mo Xiaodao knew that the main event was about to begin!
"Tell me more about Han Tieshan, the guy we ran into on the road yesterday!"
Hong Zhong went to great lengths to find Mo Xiaodao for three reasons:
Firstly, since he had said he wanted to open an antique shop in front of Wu Jingzhong, he had to hurry up and open it.
Even though this antique shop is just a front, the antiques inside can be replaced with fakes.
Such a candidate naturally needs the station manager's approval, but at least one of our own people should be in the store to keep an eye on things so we can feel at ease.
I've only met Mo Xiaodao once, but I can tell he's clever and principled. Besides, he's poor and has a younger sister. If you just cater to his interests, he'll be easy to win over!
Secondly, the only flaw in my actions yesterday was that phone call, and Mo Xiaodao was the only witness.
If I don't want to kill him, the best way is to turn him into one of my own!
Thirdly, it was his understanding of Han Tieshan.
Rickshaw pullers in this era, much like taxi drivers in later times, were veritable living maps of a city, and could even help you unlock hidden maps within the city.
The investigation conducted by the Military Intelligence Bureau is different from the information gathered by subordinates. Hong Zhong hoped that Mo Xiaodao could bring him some surprises.
"Oh, you mean him? Well, you've come to the right person. Let me tell you..."
As Hong Zhong listened to Mo Xiaodao's story, his eyes lit up more and more. He thought to himself: I didn't expect him to give me such a big surprise!
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"Welcome to have some fun, sir/madam!"
These days, the liveliest places in the city late at night are undoubtedly the music venues.
A two-story brick building with a black lacquered door and a wooden plaque that reads "Xiuchunlou" hanging above it, with a large red lantern on each side.
Several women dressed in cheongsams stood at the entrance, occasionally striking poses for passersby.
The Republic of China issued several orders to abolish public prostitution, but these were all superficial and were not effectively implemented.
Furthermore, because the government relied heavily on donations at the time, the ban on prostitution often became a mere formality, which in turn led to the increasing prosperity of brothels.
"Take care, Mr. Wang!"
At this moment, a middle-aged man walked out of the Xiuchun Pavilion, with a girl in a cheongsam in his arms.
This man was overweight, and although he was wearing a long robe, he was adorned with gold and silver, giving him the distinct appearance of a nouveau riche.
"Haha, Caiyun, I'll come see you again another day!"
The man called Boss Wang let out a burp, pinched the girl's cheek, and then waved for a rickshaw.
Once in the car, the cool summer breeze and the effects of the alcohol made Boss Wang a little drowsy, and he fell asleep in the car.
"Boss Wang, we've arrived!"
After sleeping for an unknown amount of time, Boss Wang heard the driver's voice and opened his eyes, only to see an unfamiliar small building.
"Where am I?"
"The Bureau of Investigation and Statistics!"
"The Bureau of Investigation and Statistics?"
Boss Wang was stunned at first, then reacted and jumped off the car, but the next moment he was pinned to the ground by two agents who emerged from the surrounding area.
"You've misunderstood. I haven't broken the law. It's a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding..."
No matter how much Boss Wang shouted, these people did not stop moving in the slightest.
After arresting him, they threw him directly into the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics' interrogation room.
By this time, Boss Wang's drunkenness had long since worn off. When he saw the torture instruments behind him, such as the tiger bench, bamboo sticks, brazier, and rattan cane, he was so terrified that he wet himself.
I really peed, it's not an adjective!
Are you kidding me? This is the Secret Service!
For ordinary people, this place is not much better than the King of Hell's palace.
"What's wrong with Boss Wang?"
At this moment, Hong Zhong walked in from outside the interrogation room, saw the disheveled Boss Wang, and asked with a surprised look.
"Sir, it's a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding!"
At this moment, when Boss Wang saw the bookish Hong Zhong, he seemed to see a savior and quickly defended himself.
"What's the misunderstanding?"
Hong Zhong, however, continued to ask with a "kind" smile.
"I'm a law-abiding citizen, I haven't broken the law, why are you arresting me?"
"You must have made a lot of money buying and selling on the black market, right?"
"This...this..."
Upon hearing Hong Zhong's words, Boss Wang's shouting stopped abruptly, but he quickly put on an awkward smile and said:
"Sir, I'm just running errands for someone!"
"Who are you running errands for?"
Seeing that Hong Zhong was determined to get to the bottom of things, he remained silent for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said:
"My business has shares held by Brigadier General Anrida's wife and the wife of Regiment Commander Yang of the 20th Military Police Regiment, among others!"
"You think bringing them up will save you? You're also suspected of being a communist sympathizer; they can't save you!"
"No, how could I be a communist sympathizer? It's a misunderstanding!"
When Boss Wang saw that Hong Zhong had pinned such a crime on him, he immediately panicked.
Seeing the anxious Boss Wang, Hong Zhong realized that the charge of being a communist sympathizer was really useful, just like an imperial sword that could be used to kill anyone!
"I'm asking you, have you been doing business with Han Tieshan?"
According to Mo Xiaodao, Han Tieshan colluded with the military police logistics company to resell military supplies, and he was working with this Boss Wang in front of him on the black market!
"Him? He couldn't possibly be a member of the Communist Party, could he?"
"We have found evidence that he is suspected of being a communist sympathizer!"
"I really don't know! I'm completely innocent!"
Upon hearing this, Boss Wang felt as if the sky had fallen and hurriedly tried to defend himself.
Hong Zhong walked up to Boss Wang and patted him on the shoulder:
Whether you are innocent or not depends on your performance!
"No problem, I have the money, I'll definitely do my best!"
As if grasping at a straw, Boss Wang quickly said that he clearly regarded Hong Zhong as someone who had solicited bribes.
"Who wants your money? I need you to do me a favor!"
Upon hearing Hong Zhong's words, Boss Wang was stunned for a moment, looking at Hong Zhong as if he were a monster, his eyes seeming to say: Are there wolves in this world that don't eat meat?