The 70s Novel: The Supporting Character Just Wants to Lie Down-Chapter 52: Cracking the Code by Chance

After leaving the Wang Family’s sight, Yang Zhigang pedaled his bicycle like the wind, just like his pounding heart.

Racing all the way to Jiang Yan’s residence, he burst into his study, "Boss, there’s a new discovery, come take a look."

Jiang Yan was sitting elegantly on a wooden sofa, sipping tea while reading a book. For the intruder making a fuss, he merely raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Brother Jiang, I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop Brother Yang." Xiao He followed behind Yang Zhigang, looking pitifully weak. He was formerly Jiang Yan’s communication officer and is now assigned to take care of Jiang Yan’s daily affairs and miscellaneous tasks as a small assistant. He couldn’t reveal Jiang Yan’s previous identity, so he couldn’t call him Captain since Jiang Yan wasn’t a steel factory employee, calling him Director was also inappropriate. Finally, with Jiang Yan’s consent, he settled on calling him Brother Jiang.

"It’s fine, you’ve worked hard too, get some rest early." Jiang Yan wasn’t difficult to serve. Although he didn’t like being abruptly disturbed, he was more tolerant towards those he approved of. Of course, only a bit more; if truly angered, he would certainly teach the person a lesson.

Xiao He gave Yang Zhigang a hard glare, then left with a sulky face.

"Hehe..." Yang Zhigang chuckled foolishly, finally realizing his inappropriate behavior. He shivered at the thought of the numerous unspeakable days spent under Boss Jiang a few years ago, quickly explaining, "Boss, I just got a little too excited. It was really unexpected today..."

"Alright, just get to the point." Jiang Yan put down his half-read book and looked at him to listen to his story.

In fact, his temperament has improved a lot over the years. He was older now, with much better patience, and naturally possessed unfathomable depth.

Getting a pardon from the man across, Yang Zhigang relaxed and grew excited again, pulling out a bicycle ticket from his pocket, handing it to Jiang Yan, "Boss, take a look at this, could the bumps on it be a code?" He noticed the bumps on this bicycle ticket felt familiar, looking much like the code used by a spy they had caught before. Unfortunately, he wasn’t well-versed in this area and could only seek Jiang Yan’s help.

Jiang Yan reached out, accepted the ticket, and began examining it closely with a serious demeanor. After a moment, he stood, walked to the desk, took out pen and paper, and began writing letters and numbers, which soon turned into words.

"Number 15, Qingfeng Lane, Liu Guangkui..." Yang Zhigang read it word by word, "This is an address and a name."

"Where did you get this bicycle ticket?" Having cracked the code, Jiang Yan naturally wanted to ascertain the origin of this ticket.

Yang Zhigang hurriedly explained, afraid his old superior would suspect his future in-laws’ family. After a series of assurances, he added, "My father-in-law’s family absolutely has no issues. This ticket was just received today. They even asked me to exchange it for a watch ticket, wanting to buy a watch for my sister-in-law to wear."

"Hmm." The explanation was clear; Jiang Yan wouldn’t suspect anything. He opened a drawer, retrieved a ticket, and handed it to Yang Zhigang, "Go win over your sister-in-law with this."

"This, isn’t it inappropriate..." Yang Zhigang smiled fawningly, though he said it wasn’t right, his hands moved briskly.

Jiang Yan gave him a cold glance, and Yang Zhigang immediately ceased his silly smile.

"Since the Wang Family is not problematic, the issue lies with that commune clerk. It’s just unclear if it’s intentional or accidental... Return this bicycle ticket to the Wang Family. See if the clerk comes to reclaim it tomorrow. If he does... let him take the ticket back. Have someone keep an eye on him, see who he contacts. We’ll cast a long line to reel in a big fish... Do I need to teach you the rest?"

"No need, no need, I’ll handle it and ensure the task is completed." Yang Zhigang promptly assured with confidence.

"Alright, go quickly, return the ticket to avoid undue complications." Jiang Yan stood up, returned to the sofa, picked up his book, and resumed reading, no longer paying attention to Yang Zhigang.

Yang Zhigang carefully put away the ticket and raced off, his lively demeanor so unlike the rigid image of a soldier... 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

By going back and forth, the Wang Family lit up the oil lamp late at night once again. Seeing him return, they were somewhat bewildered.

Yang Zhigang took out two tickets, giving detailed instructions not to ask questions and adhere strictly to the plan, then hurriedly departed.

He still needed to research, find Qingfeng Lane Number 15, Liu Guangkui, this address and person must be located quickly.

After sending Yang Zhigang off, the family sat around the table in silence, looking at the two tickets.

Wang Miaomiao was more thoughtful. From Yang Zhigang’s behavior, she sensed a brewing storm of danger. After scrutinizing the bicycle ticket again, her eyes flashed. Pressing down her inner turmoil, she said, "Dad, Mom, let’s just follow brother-in-law’s instructions. Don’t let anyone know he helped exchange the ticket, Jia Bao, did you hear?"

"Got it, I’m going to sleep, so boring." Wang Jia Bao, seeing neither the bicycle nor the watch was for him, disinterestedly headed back to his room.

"Listen to your sister, keep your mouth shut, you hear?" Liu Yulan reiterated his indifference.

"Heard..." Wang Jia Bao waved off and returned to his room.

Liu Yulan pressed her lips together, saying, "You all go to sleep too, let’s pretend this never happened, just return the ticket tomorrow."

Liu Yulan, being sharp, seemingly deduced something, instructed everyone, and silently went to her room. She somewhat regretted agreeing to Yang Zhigang’s betrothal.

A sleepless night ensued. Liu Yulan rose early, feeling lethargic and absent-minded. She intentionally skipped work, waiting at home for someone to come.

Wang Miaomiao noticed and, worried, was at a loss for comforting words, sigh... the situation was hard to grasp, a bit tough to discuss...

"Is anyone home?"

Hearing voices outside, Wang Miaomiao’s heart skipped—someone was here...

Liu Yulan hastily composed herself, stepping out to greet, "Oh my, Mr. Li, why... come in, come in..."

She saw Mr. Li holding a package, appeared surprised, and warmly invited him inside.

Mr. Li forced a smile, genuinely feeling down on his luck. For the commune’s reputation, he unauthorizedly used a ticket issued to others. With the leader absent yesterday, reporting to him this morning resulted in a severe scolding, forcing him to reclaim the ticket immediately.

Mr. Li placed the package on the table, revealing two cans of Ovaltine upon opening, "Mr. Liu, my apologies. I’m here to retrieve yesterday’s envelope. It’s my work mistake, mixing up two envelopes, this one is the reward meant for student Wang."

Liu Yulan’s expression shifted with his words, from displeasure at reclaiming the envelope to suspicion upon seeing another envelope...