Ding Mo was also a veteran agent of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS), with rich experience in struggle. Although he was not as sharp as Li Shiqun in specific matters, he was superior in political experience. His own forces were only a minority in the No. 76 Special Agent Headquarters. How could it be such a coincidence that the Chongqing Special Agents would target his own subordinate? Could there be other hidden reasons?
Ding Mo was suspicious, but couldn't find any evidence, so he could only put aside his doubts for the time being, leave the morgue, and return to his office.
His office and Li Zhiqun's office were originally on the third floor of the government building. Later, the two became bitter enemies, and he was sidelined by Li Zhiqun. In the end, he simply moved to the east side of the second floor, and the two did their own thing. Out of sight, out of mind.
But to his surprise, Li Zhiqun came to visit him as soon as he returned to his office.
Seeing Li Zhiqun arrive, Ding Mo felt rather helpless. The two of them had been arguing frequently lately, always ending on bad terms, and he was afraid they would have another argument today.
As expected, Li Zhiqun got straight to the point as soon as they met: "Director, Zhang Mingshi was assassinated by Chongqing agents, so the position of director of the First Division is now vacant. I would like to ask who should take over this position!"
Upon hearing Li Zhiqun's words, Ding Mo's expression changed immediately. The first place was his sphere of influence, and the person to replace Zhang Mingshi should be arranged by him. Li Zhiqun didn't need to worry about it at all. Just now, he was planning to let another confidant take over the position, but Li Zhiqun actually came to his door to talk about this matter. It was obvious that he wanted to compete with him for the position.
He said coldly, "Zhiqun, I've already arranged who will replace Zhang Mingshi, so you don't need to worry about it. You should focus on your own work. Since the Chongqing elements dared to assassinate an important cadre of the Special Agent Headquarters, it means you haven't done your job well. Otherwise, they wouldn't have had the resources to kill Zhang Mingshi!"
Li Zhiqun, however, didn't take it seriously at all. He stepped forward, stood directly opposite Ding Momo, curled his lip, and said arrogantly, "You don't need to worry about my work, Director. Just yesterday I met with Colonel Qingqing and Mr. Wang. They were both very satisfied with my work. Colonel Qingqing approved a sum of money for me as a reward, and Mr. Wang announced my new appointment on the spot. I am now officially serving as the Deputy Minister of Police in the new government. What? Didn't Minister Zhou inform you?"
Upon hearing this, Ding Mo felt a surge of heat rush to his head, making his temples throb with pain. He had been vying with Li Zhiqun for the position of Minister of Police, but seeing Li Zhiqun's relentless pursuit, he decided to take a step back and asked Zhou Fushan to concurrently serve as Minister of Police, while he himself sought the position of Minister of Social Affairs. Li Zhiqun's efforts were in vain, and Ding Mo was smug, thinking he had gained the upper hand. Who knew that Li Zhiqun would actually go around in circles and secure the position of Vice Minister of Police? In this way, within the intelligence department, Li Zhiqun still firmly held him in check, which truly frustrated Ding Mo!
"Fine, fine, then I wish you all the best in your future!" Ding Mo said through gritted teeth, enunciating each word clearly. "However, I am the director of the Special Agent Headquarters, and I have the authority to decide on the selection of the head of the First Division. I will not back down on this matter!"
Ding Mo's influence in the No. 76 Special Agent Headquarters was already inferior to Li Zhiqun's. If he were to give up the first location now, he feared that Li Zhiqun would gradually erode his power, leaving him with no place to stand. He was very clear about this and would never make any further concessions.
However, Li Zhiqun was determined to put Ding Mo in a difficult position today. His face darkened and he said coldly, "Director, I'm afraid you can't make that decision. To tell you the truth, the position of the head of the First Division is not for my people, but for Luo Xingchao, the head of the Intelligence Section. This is also Colonel Qingqing's intention."
"What?" Ding Mo was immediately shocked. He was naturally aware of Luo Xinchao's background. Luo Xinchao was an informant planted by the Shadow Agency at the headquarters of Agent 76. He had always remained outside the Ding and Li factions, watching from the sidelines and not participating in the struggle. Could this be an implication?
Previously, the Japanese had pretended to be generous in handing over the No. 76 force to the puppet government. Even if they wanted to intervene, they would only do so in a show and not be too blatant. But now, is it that Haruki Masayoshi has begun to directly intervene in the conflict between the two sides?
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