Chapter 148 Telephone Bureau

Bai Zeshao subsequently recounted the events of today.

Regarding matters concerning dealing with the Japanese, Secretary He was equally supportive: "Xiao Bai, if you need any help, just let the organization know."

"For now, there isn't much, primarily the matter of the radio station. The organization must pay close attention to it; otherwise, once it is uncovered, our losses will be massive," Bai Zeshao emphasized once again.

"Mm, the organization will take this situation seriously. By the way, take a look at this. I originally planned to give it to you tomorrow," Secretary He said, picking up a file bag from the adjacent desk and placing it before Bai Zeshao.

Bai Zeshao opened the file bag and slowly pulled out the contents inside—it was an investigative report regarding Qi Zhengyi.

"So fast?" Bai Zeshao said, somewhat surprised.

"Because the higher-level organization is currently preparing to make contact with the Wen family, we gathered some understanding of their situation. Coincidentally, you requested information on Qi Zhengyi, so I applied to the superiors for it," Secretary He explained with a smile, looking at Bai Zeshao.

"Oh," Bai Zeshao acknowledged, and began reviewing Qi Zhengyi's dossier.

The contents within were extremely detailed, covering his personal background, social relations, and even his temperament, habits, weaknesses, and privacy.

Clearly, this investigation could not have been completed in a short time, which showed just how much importance the organization attached to the Wen family.

Half an hour later, Bai Zeshao put down the materials in his hand, his expression entirely serious.

"You've noticed it too," Secretary He said to Bai Zeshao.

"Yes, it seems this Qi Zhengyi really is in collusion with the Japanese. No wonder he sent people to kill me," Bai Zeshao said with a sudden realization.

"Because of this, the organization has temporarily suspended contact with the Wen family, as we have yet to ascertain whether Qi Zhengyi represents himself alone or the entire Wen family," Secretary He said gravely.

"Indeed. If it were just an individual, it would be somewhat manageable. If the entire Wen family has defected to the Japanese, the resulting impact would be immense," Bai Zeshao said, full of worry.

"You needn't worry too much; Wen Zongwei's moral character is still worthy of praise," Secretary He placated, observing Bai Zeshao's expression.

"Secretary He, do you think we can use Qi Zhengyi to track down the Japanese hidden in Shanning?" Bai Zeshao suddenly asked.

"Of course we can, but your timeframe is far too short; I estimate it will be very difficult. If not for the organization's specialized investigation into the Wen family's information this time, Qi Zhengyi might not have been exposed at all. Moreover, even now, we lack direct evidence proving Qi Zhengyi's collusion with the Japanese," Secretary He sighed and said slowly.

"Even so, I still have to investigate. After all, I have no way of knowing whether I can uncover the Japanese radio station tomorrow," Bai Zeshao insisted.

"As you wish. However, you'd best investigate this personally to avoid any leaks that could prove detrimental to you. After all, Qi Zhengyi is not someone you can easily move against right now," Secretary He advised with concern.

"Secretary He, rest assured, I will be careful," Bai Zeshao said, standing up. "Time is pressing, so I'll take my leave."

"Mm," Secretary He nodded.

When he left Secretary He's home, it was already past eight o'clock. To uncover the connection between Qi Zhengyi and the Japanese, Bai Zeshao could only try his luck at the telephone bureau.

To see if he could unearth any traces or clues.

Yet Bai Zeshao also knew that with Qi Zhengyi's shrewdness and the caution of the Japanese, unearthing anything useful would likely prove very difficult.

Despite this, Bai Zeshao, with his left arm in a sling, still made his way to the telephone bureau.

Disclosing his identity, Bai Zeshao smoothly entered the control room of the telephone bureau.

Yet, the moment Bai Zeshao stated his purpose, the person in charge of the telephone bureau saw his expression shift drastically.

"Section Chief Bai, you know the power of the Wen family. Could you please not make things difficult for me?" The telephone bureau official looked at Bai Zeshao with a bitter face.

"Hehe, it seems our Special Service Section's reputation isn't resounding enough," Bai Zeshao said indifferently, looking at the other man.

Upon hearing Bai Zeshao's words, the official felt a pang of anxiety. Those bastards from the Special Service Section were capable of anything; if he truly angered this fellow, the only one who would suffer bad luck was himself.

Immediately, the official put on a smiling face and said, "Section Chief Bai has misunderstood. I didn't mean that. We are all serving the Party-State—I'll check it, alright?"

"Rest assured, I'm not asking you to investigate the entire Wen family, merely to check the call logs of the Wen family's chief steward, Qi Zhengyi, for the past three months, as well as the origins of the parties he communicated with," Bai Zeshao patted the official's shoulder and said.

"Very well, but this might take some time," the official steeled his heart. Since he was going to offend someone either way, it made no difference whom he offended, so he spoke in a crisp and decisive manner.

"I am not in a rush; I can wait here. However, since it's not even 8:30 yet, you should be able to give me the results before midnight tonight, shouldn't you?" Bai Zeshao stared intently at the official.

"No problem. Before midnight, Section Chief Bai will certainly receive the results you desire," the official nodded.

"Very well, then get started right away."

"Section Chief Bai, let's wait in my office and perhaps have a late-night snack," the official said, instructing his subordinates to get to work before extending an invitation to Bai Zeshao.

"Very well," Bai Zeshao replied nonchalantly.

Sitting in the official's office, Bai Zeshao ate a little something before leaning back against the sofa and drifting off into a hazy sleep.

When he was woken up by someone, it was already eleven o'clock. Rubbing his face haphazardly, Bai Zeshao asked, "Are the results out?"

"They've been out for a while—they came out a little after nine. But I saw Section Chief Bai sleeping so soundly, so I didn't wake you," the official said ingratiatingly.

Ignoring the official, Bai Zeshao sat up and began reviewing the full eight pages of investigative results.

These findings once again made Bai Zeshao comprehend the sheer magnitude of Qi Zhengyi's—and by extension the Wen family's—influence, power, and deep-reaching tendrils.

Because the addresses of those who communicated with Qi Zhengyi were shown to belong either to high-ranking government officials, military magnates, or wealthy merchants and tycoons.

And this was merely Qi Zhengyi, a mere steward of the Wen family. What then of the Wen family? What of Wen Zongwei?

Bai Zeshao finally understood why the organization treated the Wen family with such extreme caution.

Suddenly, Bai Zeshao felt that the call logs in his hand weighed heavily.

Taking a deep breath, Bai Zeshao composed his emotions and once again began flipping through the records in his hand.

However, after looking for just a moment, he suddenly raised his head and said to the official, "May I borrow the map in your office, along with a fountain pen?"

"Certainly, certainly. Section Chief Bai, take your time," the official said, and tactfully left his own office.