Solving Middle Age Crisis by Intelligence System-Chapter 449 - 280: Attitude (Three-in-One)_3

Zhou Hongchang swallowed the words he was going to say, gave Zhang Dayong a deep look, then opened the door and got out of the car, his back resolute.

Zhang Dayong sighed and shook his head, not bothering to stop him. Instead, he took out his phone from his pocket, quickly found Ge Dabao’s number, and dialed it.

The phone rang twice and was quickly answered, with Ge Dabao’s voice coming through the receiver: "Hello, Director Zhang."

"Sorry for bothering you so late, Captain Ge." Zhang Dayong spoke very politely. He wasn’t personally acquainted with Ge Dabao; their connection was purely work-related.

"Hehe, I haven’t slept yet. Is there something you need from me, Director Zhang?"

"Yes, I wanted to confirm something with you." Zhang Dayong pondered before asking, "Has Qi Yun contacted you today?"

"Qi Yun?" Ge Dabao paused and asked back, "Why do you want to ask about him, Director Zhang?"

"Nothing much, just a casual inquiry." Zhang Dayong carefully chose his words and responded cautiously, "I heard someone say he was taken away by the Customs Anti-Smuggling Bureau today, and they went with szx’s paperwork."

Although he guessed Qi Yun’s role in national security, he couldn’t directly reveal it; otherwise, he would be asking for trouble, given the special nature of that department.

Ge Dabao was silent for several seconds after hearing this: "He hasn’t contacted me."

"Alright, I understand. I won’t bother you any longer, Captain Ge. Goodbye."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Dayong let out a long sigh.

As soon as he heard Qi Yun was taken by the Anti-Smuggling Bureau, he immediately thought of the artifact pickup at the airport two nights ago.

Zhang Dayong knew Qi Yun planned to donate these artifacts to the country and had contact with Beijing on this matter. So the Anti-Smuggling Bureau’s attempt to frame Qi Yun would likely yield no results.

As to why they would even try, the answer was obvious.

It’s just a smuggling case, yet the Anti-Smuggling Bureau bypassed the city’s zx, clutching szx’s paperwork to arrest someone. It seemed too hasty, and any slightly politically astute person could see what was happening.

Although he understood this, he didn’t have the power to intervene. With his insignificant stature, he couldn’t make a splash; even those backing him wouldn’t be effective.

Therefore, he contacted Ge Dabao at the first instance to inform him, providing Qi Yun with an extra layer of security.

As for Shao Yuewen, whom Qi Yun had mentioned last time, his father-in-law had the qualifications to get involved.

Zhang Dayong decided to wait another day or two to see the situation. If Qi Yun hadn’t been released, he would then inform Shao Yuewen.

...

Sure enough, Ge Dabao, upon hearing the news, did not care that it was already early morning and immediately called Director Duan to explain the situation.

Qi Yun, though only an external investigator, was still part of national security and received a salary from them every month.

Ge Dabao was very fond of Qi Yun and had earned several significant merits following his lead, with advancement opportunities already under review.

"The kid was caught by the Anti-Smuggling Bureau?" Director Duan was somewhat surprised.

Ge Dabao nodded: "Yes, Director Zhang from the New District Branch informed me. Their relationship seems quite close and has probably guessed Qi Yun’s identity."

Director Duan pondered for a moment: "What do you think?"

"I don’t think Qi Yun would be involved in smuggling; he does legitimate business, and quite large ones too." Ge Dabao expressed his thoughts truthfully, then added, "This matter... feels quite suspicious."

After hearing Ge Dabao, Director Duan instructed: "Tomorrow, personally go to the Anti-Smuggling Bureau and ask them about the situation."

"What’s the reason?"

"Last time we exposed ourselves, who needs a reason now?" Director Duan said with some frustration.

Ge Dabao scratched his head: "Alright, I’ll go first thing tomorrow morning."

...

At the Anti-Smuggling Bureau, inside the interrogation room.

Qi Yun was feeling uncomfortably thirsty but dared not drink the water on the table, only licking his dry lips and enduring.

Across from him sat Director Han, who hadn’t spoken for a while. Beside them, a young officer endlessly repeated the same questions.

Qi Yun was annoyed by the incessant questioning but didn’t snap, knowing it was their interrogation tactic. He simply crossed his arms and started to doze off.

However, under the glaring incandescent light, sleep wouldn’t come. It was destined to be a difficult night...

The next day, Ge Dabao indeed arrived early at the Anti-Smuggling Bureau to meet their leader.

"Director Fang, sorry to bother you. I’m here on Director Duan’s behalf to inquire about some matters."

The middle-aged man called Director Fang stood up and gestured for Ge Dabao to sit on the sofa beside him. Although his rank was much higher than Ge Dabao’s, he dared not take him lightly.

"Haha, I haven’t seen your Director Duan for a long time. Is he getting better with that back pain?"

Ge Dabao placed his briefcase down and replied, "Summer helps a bit, but it’s an old problem, must visit the hospital every few days."

Director Fang nodded and poured Ge Dabao a cup of tea: "What does Director Duan want you to inquire about?"

Ge Dabao accepted the cup with thanks, then seriously said: "Director Fang, yesterday, our external investigator named Qi Yun was taken away by your Anti-Smuggling Bureau colleagues. Are you aware of this matter?"

Director Fang nodded slightly, his smile not reaching his eyes as he replied: "This matter is under the investigation of our Deputy Director."

"Director Han reported to me that this Qi Yun has a special identity, belonging to city zx, and I didn’t expect him to also be your external investigator."

Ge Dabao inwardly sneered, thinking it’s hard to believe he didn’t know.