Since Ning Zhiheng joined the Military Intelligence Investigation Department, Zhao Ziliang had treated him like a mentor. The two always spoke gently to each other and Zhao Ziliang never said a harsh word to Ning Zhiheng. Ning Zhiheng's rapid rise to prominence was largely due to Zhao Ziliang's help. Ning Zhiheng had always been grateful to Zhao Ziliang and was quite excited to see him today.
Zhao Ziliang also held Ning Zhiheng's hand tightly, and said with deep emotion, "I was worried about you the whole year you were gone. Shanghai is a dangerous place, and one wrong step could mean the end of your life. It's so good that you've returned safely!"
Xiang Yan, who was standing to the side, also said with a smile, "Zhiheng, everyone has heard about your deeds in Shanghai. We in the Action Section are all very proud of you. Well done!"
After saying that, he shook hands with Ning Zhiheng and made friends. The action team leaders behind him were also Ning Zhiheng's old friends. They reminisced about their long-lost friendship, laughing and chatting happily, making it quite lively!
Miao Yongyi, who was following not far from Ning Zhiheng, watched this scene and was secretly surprised when he heard Sun Jiacheng's introduction. It seemed that, just as the legends said, his brother Ning Zhiheng was not only a flag bearer of young officers in the Military Intelligence Investigation Department with great influence, but also held a very high position in the eyes of these veteran intelligence chiefs.
Zhao Ziliang was the top person in the Military Intelligence Bureau, second only to the two directors, but upon hearing of Ning Zhiheng's return, he personally lowered his rank to welcome him, which meant that Ning Zhiheng was being treated on the same level.
After everyone had finished exchanging pleasantries, Ning Zhiheng said, "Section Chief, I'll go report to the Director first, and then we can have a proper chat!"
Zhao Ziliang laughed and said, "Zhiheng, I'm afraid the Chief has been waiting anxiously for a long time. But this time you're back, you can't leave. We'll have plenty of time to talk later. I've already booked a banquet for you tonight."
"That's great, thank you so much, Section Chief!"
Ning Zhiheng cupped his hands in greeting, and Zhao Ziliang sent someone to guide him to the section chief's office. When he arrived at the office door, Secretary Liu was already waiting there, smiling and saying, "Station Chief Ning, the section chief has been waiting inside for quite some time. Please come in!"
Ning Zhiheng quickly bowed slightly and said, "Please forgive me, I exchanged a few more pleasantries with Section Chief Zhao at the door just now, I'm sorry to have kept Secretary Liu waiting!"
Secretary Liu knocked and entered, followed by Ning Zhiheng into the director's office.
"Chief, Ning Zhiheng is here to report for duty!" Ning Zhiheng stood at attention, saluted, and announced loudly.
As usual, the director sat upright in his seat. When he saw Ning Zhiheng enter, a smile appeared on his face. He stood up, walked up to Ning Zhiheng, looked him up and down, and then patted him on the shoulder.
He said with emotion, "Zhiheng, when we first met, I knew you were a good candidate to be a special agent. But I never imagined that in just two years, you would be able to take charge of a region and stand on your own, growing to this level. Your achievements in Shanghai are obvious to all and have far exceeded my expectations!"
This statement is indeed true. There were many reasons why the Chief of Staff left Ning Zhiheng behind enemy lines in Shanghai. Now, he is both glad and somewhat regretful. He is glad that Ning Zhiheng lived up to expectations and achieved remarkable results in Shanghai, which also benefited him greatly. He regrets that this tiger was released back into the mountains and forests, and he grew too fast in Shanghai.
Ning Zhiheng bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "You flatter me. During my year in Shanghai, I have constantly reminded myself to follow your guidance in everything I do, to be conscientious and dedicated to serving the country. However, any achievements I have made are all due to your effective command, and I dare not take credit for them!"
Ning Zhiheng's sincere tone pleased the section chief. Although this young man was shrewd and capable, he had always been respectful to him. He always did his best to complete the tasks assigned to him, and his work was impeccable. Alas, it was a pity that he was not one of his own, otherwise he would not have such a headache.
The director gestured for Ning Zhiheng to sit down before returning to his seat, whereupon Ning Zhiheng reported on his work over the past year.
Ning Zhiheng recounted his work in Shanghai in detail, but concealed many important details. Basically, he stayed in the International Settlement and his main job was to set up a smuggling channel and use it to buy intelligence. He glossed over everything else, but even so, the Chief nodded repeatedly.
"It's not easy! Zhiheng, in such a short time, you've managed to get things done with the Japanese and acquire so much important intelligence in the intelligence market. You're a hundred times better than people like Zheng Hongbo. Everyone has long acknowledged your work ability, especially in the Li Jiangguan case in Guangzhou. You not only stopped a rebellion that threatened the overall situation of the Party and the country in time, but also uncovered an intelligence group that had been lying in wait for seven years. The results were enormous. I will definitely recommend you for commendation this time, and your military rank will be promoted one level."
I mentioned to Deputy Director Huang before that I would be promoting you exceptionally this time. After the Military Intelligence Division is upgraded to the Military Intelligence Bureau, the two important departments, the Intelligence Section and the Operations Section, will be divided into two sections. You will be the head of the Second Operations Section, so your responsibilities will be much heavier from now on!
Ning Zhiheng quickly stood up at attention and said, "I am extremely terrified and will do anything to repay your kindness in nurturing me!"
The comrade laughed and waved for him to sit down. He then asked, "How is your smuggling route in Shanghai now? Is it possible to open another transport line to the Nationalist-controlled areas based on this? That would be very significant and would greatly help our war of resistance!"
The section chief gained a huge advantage in this negotiation with Huang Xianzheng. Not only did he take back the power of the Telecommunications Department from him, but he also got a benefit of $300,000, and it was $300,000 per year! This was an inexhaustible gold mine. When he held those three brand-new drafts in his hand, he was in a daze for a long time. Money really can be a powerful motivator!
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