Generally speaking, whenever possible, the Military Intelligence Bureau would arrest criminals at night. This had many advantages. First, at night, the target had finished their day's activities and would return to their residence to rest, making it easier to ascertain their whereabouts and avoid missing them.
Another point is that even the most alert person needs rest. When a person is asleep at night, their reaction is slowest and they are most vulnerable. Launching a surprise attack at this time greatly increases the success rate of the arrest.
The officer was well aware of this, and after glancing at the time, he said nothing more.
Soon, a sumptuous feast was laid out on the table, and the fine wine that had been hastily purchased was also brought out. Only then did Nie Tianming come up to ask Ning Zhiheng whether the banquet should begin.
Ning Zhiheng nodded in acknowledgment and invited the two bureau chiefs downstairs to the hall. Everyone gathered around, stood up, and waited for the bureau chiefs' instructions.
The bureau chief was in a good mood at the moment, and because of the Huangshan official residence case, he was naturally very satisfied with Nie Tianming. He first praised Nie Tianming highly, and his words were enthusiastic, which surprised all the officers. They did not expect that Nie Tianming, who was usually inconspicuous, would be valued so much by the higher-ups.
Next, Huang Xianzheng spoke, and this time his words were quite friendly. After all, Nie Tianming was still a member of the Baoding faction, and there was no need to be so formal when speaking among friends. Finally, he formally announced Nie Tianming's appointment. Previously, Nie Tianming was only temporarily acting as the head of the Third Section. With the formal appointment, his position was confirmed.
After the formal appointment, thunderous applause erupted again. With the two bureau chiefs in front, Ning Zhiheng didn't say much, just nodded to signal the start of the banquet. Then, the group went back upstairs to eat, since none of the officers under his command would feel comfortable if they stayed in the hall.
Nie Tianming was indeed in high spirits today. Both bureau chiefs made an exception to attend his celebration banquet. In his memory, only a section chief had such an honor when he was promoted. He was extremely proud and envied by everyone.
The bureau chief and his entourage ate only a few bites of food before leaving. For leaders, attending such banquets is merely symbolic, meant to show support for their subordinates. Once the message is conveyed, they do not linger.
Ning Zhiheng knew that they were preoccupied with capturing the Japanese spy and had no appetite. He was the same way. He also needed to go back and make arrangements as soon as possible. The three of them got up and went downstairs. With everyone seeing them off, they left Juxianlou and rushed back to the Second Operations Division.
As the officers watched the high-ranking officers depart, the atmosphere became even more lively. It was a rare opportunity for everyone to have such a gathering, and they toasted each other, their voices rising and falling in lively discussions, bringing the banquet to another climax.
Everyone raised their glasses to toast Nie Tianming and Zhao Jiang, especially Nie Tianming. Judging from the statements made by the two bureau chiefs today, it was easy to imagine that his future career would be smooth sailing and limitless. They were afraid that they would not even have the opportunity to drink together again in the future, so everyone was eager to befriend him.
But while some are triumphant, others are dejected. Gong Maode looked at the scene with mixed feelings, but also felt secretly sad. At this moment, Zhao Jiang walked over with a wine glass in hand and said apologetically, "Old Gong, I'm sorry. I wanted to find an opportunity to talk to you, but the two bureau chiefs suddenly arrived today, and Director Ning really didn't have time. I will definitely find an opportunity for you next time."
Gong Maode nodded repeatedly, raised his glass to Zhao Jiang, and thanked him, saying, "Thank you so much! You've really won big this time. It's an unprecedented honor to have two bureau chiefs personally present. To be honest, I'm truly envious!"
Zhao Jiang had been toasted a few times today, and he was a little tipsy. He was less cautious than usual when he spoke, and couldn't help but wave his hand and say, "It's because Tianming won the first prize again that the Director is looking at me differently. It has little to do with me."
Guan Xingxiu, who was standing to the side, narrowed his eyes, but said with a smile, "Team Leader Zhao, your Second Division is really making a name for itself right now. I heard that you've arrested so many Japanese spies that there aren't enough cells in the jail. What, did Section Chief Nie steal the spotlight again?"
Zhao Jiang slammed his wine glass on the table: "What a stroke of luck! It's reached the highest levels of government! Tianming is really blessed with good fortune now. Everything he does goes smoothly. Sigh, he's a graduate of Whampoa Military Academy, unlike me, who worked my way up from the bottom as a soldier and can only work for the section chief."
Zhao Jiang's words startled everyone. What was Nie Tianming doing? No wonder both bureau chiefs were present today.
Zhao Jiang quickly realized that the bombing at the Huangshan official residence could not be announced yet, and that he had talked too much today. He smiled and said, "We're happy today, so let's not talk about work. Come on, let's all have a few more drinks."
Several people hurriedly raised their glasses in response. Guan Xingxiu wanted to ask a few more questions, but Zhao Jiang had many social engagements. After taking a sip of wine, he got up to greet the other friends.
Guan Xingxiu watched Zhao Jiang's retreating figure, lost in thought. From the unusual situation at today's banquet, he had sensed an invisible crisis approaching him.
He had previously found out Ning Zhiheng's whereabouts at the celebration banquet and immediately notified his superior. As for why he had inquired about Ning Zhiheng's whereabouts, he had already guessed. The Second Operations Division was responsible for clearing out the Japanese intelligence network in Chongqing, and the results were remarkable. In just twenty days, the intelligence network was torn to pieces, and the number of spies arrested was countless.
Everyone in the Military Intelligence Bureau knew that this was because the person in charge of the operation was none other than Ning Zhiheng, the head of the Second Operations Division and the bureau's top counter-espionage expert.
The fact that the online order was urgently given to him to find out Ning Zhiheng's whereabouts shows that they were going to take action against him. However, judging from today's situation, the gunmen and restaurant staff lying in ambush outside were easily dealt with, indicating that the other party was clearly prepared.
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