"However, we have always cooperated with other bookstores, so how about I ask around for you first?"
If their bookstore doesn't have this book, aren't there other stores?
He had frequent dealings with bookstores, so he was naturally able to find them.
Upon hearing his answer, Shi Zhixin quickly replied:
"Okay, then I'll trouble you to look for it for me."
Whether or not this book exists is not important; what matters is that he can receive the message he wants to convey.
"Okay, I'll help you look for it later."
"Please leave your number. I will notify you when I have any news."
Since phones these days don't have display screens, you don't know whose number is calling.
Shi Zhixin quickly gave his home phone number.
Upon hearing the number, the person replied seriously:
"Don't worry, we will search diligently and get back to you within two days at the latest."
Upon hearing this, Shi Zhixin knew that he understood the meaning he wanted to convey.
It wasn't just about wanting him to find a book.
After all, it's on a bookshelf that no one notices.
I happen to have a copy of "Poetry and Dwelling," which has been worn out from repeated reading.
Not to mention Shi Zhixin anxiously waiting at home, the people at the bookstore who received the message started getting busy.
This was something they had agreed upon beforehand, in case of any urgent or important matter.
We'll use this book title as a code to pass messages.
However, Shi Zhixin did not dare to reveal too much information over the phone, only mentioning the information related to 'subordinates'.
Based on the clues he provided, they began to focus on Xin Zhi.
An investigation was conducted focusing on the people and events surrounding him.
They soon learned that Xin Chi had recently taken personal leave, citing his mother's serious illness and hospitalization.
Although he left wearing a human skin mask, outsiders knew almost nothing about his whereabouts.
But those who know the inside story only know their own affairs, and if they want to investigate, they'll find out the truth every time.
Naturally, they knew that Xin Chi had disappeared without a trace after going to He City to deliver goods.
Subsequent investigations revealed that even the people and vehicles he had taken from Chunshi had not been returned.
Unfortunately, he couldn't contact his people in He City and had no way of knowing what had happened there.
However, even though no information was found out.
The fact that there was no news was enough to make them take it seriously.
So two days later, the day after Yan Bin and others sent people to investigate Shi Zhixin and others.
The bookstore received the news two days ago.
That evening, Shi Zhixin, who had been busy with official business all day with a heavy heart, returned home with trepidation.
As soon as he got home, he chatted with his wife, Wang Anran, for a few words, and then went back to his study, just like any other day.
After placing his briefcase aside, he stared blankly at the telephone on his desk.
While hoping that news from the bookstore would come soon.
On the one hand, they were afraid that the final result would not be what they expected.
Just as he was engaged in a fierce internal struggle,
"Ring ring ring~~ Ring ring ring~~"
The sudden ringing of the phone snapped him back to reality.
With a solemn expression, he answered the phone as if facing certain death.
Hello.
"Zhixin, have you prepared the materials for tomorrow's meeting?"
Upon hearing the familiar voice, Shi Zhixin immediately deflated.
"Don't worry, I've already prepared all the materials, and I'll show them to you tomorrow."
It turned out that his superior was inquiring about his work progress.
This disappointed him, but also relieved him.
After all, he was constantly on edge, worried about receiving bad news, which made him uncomfortable.
"Okay, Zhixin, I trust you to get things done. Then give it to me first thing tomorrow morning!"
Although Shi Zhixin did a lot of bad things, he was also quite capable.
Otherwise, he would not have been able to stand out from the many politicians and achieve his current high position.
Since he said he had made all the necessary preparations for the meeting, the person on the other end of the phone believed him.
So I hung up the phone with a clear conscience, and waited to see the materials he had prepared the next morning.
As soon as the call ended, Shi Zhixin remained sitting upright.
"Ring ring ring~~ Ring ring ring~~"
Soon, the phone in front of him rang again.
He knew that this call was probably coming from the bookstore.
Having calmed down after what had just happened, Shi Zhixin answered the phone.
Hello.
He offered a brief greeting and then fell silent.
"Hello, this is Crescent Bookstore."
Sure enough, the person on the other end of the phone was someone from Crescent Bookstore.
Has there been any news yet about the book I want to buy?
"I'm sorry, sir, we couldn't find the book you were looking for."
“Our bookstore contacted other bookstores in the area, but none of them had any information about this book.”
All they knew was that Xin Chi and Chun Shi, the people who went to deliver goods, had disappeared without a trace.
But the exact reason is unknown.
They also didn't know what the future held for them.
But no matter what, their relationship still needs to be kept secret.
Therefore, the bookstore still uses code words when passing messages.
When Shi Zhixin heard his words, he felt a chill run down his spine.
After all, this organization has members almost all over the entire province of Kyrgyzstan.
It's terrifying that there's not even a hint of news about Xin Chi.
That's why he asked again:
"This... are you sure you've contacted all the bookstores?"
He questioned why he hadn't used all available connections, and urged them to investigate thoroughly.
The person on the other end of the phone also felt a pang of sadness.
Xin Chi is considered a high-ranking member of their organization and knows a lot of inside information.
He has been in contact with people from all walks of life, including himself.
So as soon as he received news of his disappearance, he mobilized all available resources to immediately search for his whereabouts.
To be honest, he wouldn't be worried if Xin Chi were double-crossed.
At worst, we'll just lose this batch of antiques or money.
Those who have already benefited from the system probably won't be so idle as to want to investigate them thoroughly.
As long as their organization's operations in Kyrgyzstan remain in place.
Even if it needs to remain silent for now, it can be put back into use after the storm has passed.
If you want antiques, calligraphy and paintings, or money, isn't it just a piece of cake?
The most terrifying thing was that Xin Chi was discovered and arrested by the authorities.
Although he was very confident in the human skin mask he made, he believed that no one would discover his true identity.
However, if the government or military really investigates, they will definitely not be able to protect that trading line in He City.
In addition, when Xin Chi went to make the deal, he also brought some marginal figures from the organization with him.
Although they didn't know much about the organization, they were very clear about the location of the goods.
As long as the authorities focus their attention on Chung-shih, it's only a matter of time before they uncover some clues.
He never dared to underestimate the power of the country, so two days ago, after Shi Zhixin hung up the phone, he did his best to investigate.
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