Chapter 149 A Sudden Fortune

At that moment, Wei Liangbi, who had been sitting silently in his seat, finally spoke up: “Zhiheng, it’s fortunate that you weren’t involved in this latest operation. When I first heard the news, my heart sank. Later, I found out you hadn’t participated in the raid.”

Ning Zhiheng replied gravely, “It was assigned by Deputy Section Chief Xiang. He originally intended to do some work for Guo Xueyi, but things went awry. Guo Xueyi has been his loyal subordinate for many years; this must be a heavy blow to him.”

Wei Liangbi sighed deeply and turned to the three men beside him, speaking earnestly: “This is precisely why I’ve repeatedly warned you not to push yourselves too hard in your work—especially you, Zhiheng! You’re the one who worries me the most, taking risks again and again during operations. The saying goes, ‘Preserve the green mountains to have a chance to see the blue sky.’ Guo Xueyi’s case is a harsh lesson.”

“I understand. I’ll be more careful next time,” Ning Zhiheng nodded quickly.

Just then, the phone in the neighboring office rang. Taking the opportunity, Ning Zhiheng hurried back to his office and picked up the receiver.

“Captain, the operation went smoothly. We’ve sealed off Dai Daguang’s home and trading company. Any further instructions?” came Sun Jiacheng’s voice on the other end.

“Where are you now?” Ning Zhiheng asked.

“At Dai Daguang’s residence.”

“Good. Don’t move from there. Wait for my call.”

Hanging up, Ning Zhiheng quickly left the Military Intelligence Investigation Department.

One of the department’s vital units was the Telecommunications Section, expert in eavesdropping—monitoring all radio frequencies within Nanjing, decrypting enemy codes, and wiretapping key targets’ calls.

Those who truly understood the inner workings knew that many seemingly trivial details could be perilous.

Ning Zhiheng couldn’t guarantee that his own phone wasn’t being monitored, especially within the same communications network of the department. The Telecommunications Section could easily tap internal calls.

Thus, to be safe, he always avoided discussing sensitive matters over the office phone.

He walked briskly to the Red Melody Teahouse and signaled the waiter to leave the counter.

As a regular at the Red Melody, the owner knew Ning Zhiheng was an officer in the Military Intelligence Investigation Department and always treated him with utmost respect. The owner had instructed every server to be extremely courteous to Ning Zhiheng, so as not to invite trouble.

The waitstaff knew that despite Ning Zhiheng’s refined appearance and quiet demeanor, when he did lose his temper, he was a ruthless force to be reckoned with. Hence, they served him cautiously, never daring to slack off.

Seeing Ning Zhiheng’s gesture, the waiter quickly stepped away, allowing him to pick up the phone. Having thoroughly investigated Dai Daguang, Ning Zhiheng naturally knew his home phone number.

He dialed back to Sun Jiacheng.

“How’s the situation now?” Ning Zhiheng inquired.

“Captain, we’ve recovered large amounts of cash and valuables from Dai Daguang’s home and trading company. The contents of two bank safes have also been seized. Any further orders?” Sun Jiacheng reported.

“Well done. Tonight, you and Shucheng bring all the confiscated items to my house!” Ning Zhiheng was elated; the haul was substantial—just what he needed. “Oh, and arrest Dai Daguang’s wife and children. Detain them at the police station’s holding cells until I decide the next steps.”

There was a long pause before Sun Jiacheng hesitantly asked, “Captain, it’s just a raid, right? You’re not planning to wipe out the whole family?”

“What are you thinking? I’m not that cruel. Just follow my orders. I’m doing a good deed here. Leaving behind widows and orphans won’t do them any favors—they won’t survive the night. You’ll understand soon enough,” Ning Zhiheng chuckled bitterly. Clearly, Sun Jiacheng still saw him as too harsh. How could he imagine Ning Zhiheng would commit such an atrocity? He had limits.

In truth, although Ning Zhiheng had only led the operations team for half a year, his repeated successes had earned him growing prestige. Those around him perceived him as tough, decisive, and ruthless. Though no one voiced it openly, many feared him. His commands were executed swiftly and without question.

Even Shi Hong, when alone with Ning Zhiheng, felt an invisible pressure, speaking with more caution than when facing Wei Liangbi.

After hanging up, Ning Zhiheng glanced at the fading daylight and decided not to return to the Military Intelligence Investigation Department. Instead, he went to a leather goods shop and bought several sturdy large trunks and finely crafted small suitcases, loading them into his car to take home.

By eight in the evening, Sun Jiacheng and Wang Shucheng arrived in a car.

Ning Zhiheng stepped out as they unloaded three large trunks into his room. After ensuring no one was around, he closed the door.

The two men lined up the trunks side by side, unbuckled the leather straps, and opened them one by one. Inside were stacks of crisp new bills and gleaming gold bars, filling three trunks to the brim.

Even the composed Ning Zhiheng was momentarily stunned by the sight.

“So much... this Dai Daguang! Damn, he’s incredibly rich!” Ning Zhiheng muttered, uncharacteristically cursing. He had never imagined a petty thug and local landlord could amass such wealth.

“That’s nothing. Over the years, Dai Daguang played both sides—legitimate and underworld. He made money through both channels and was merciless. When rivals appeared in business, he didn’t hesitate to strike them down, seize their assets, acting as both merchant and bandit. And this is only part of it,” Sun Jiacheng said dismissively.

“Only part? What else is there?” Ning Zhiheng asked, puzzled.

“We found many land deeds in his safes. Dai Daguang secretly owns properties all over Nanjing. Given the city’s real estate prices, these deeds represent a fortune,” Wang Shucheng laid a thick stack of certificates before Ning Zhiheng.

Ning Zhiheng laughed heartily, delighted by the unexpected windfall. To him, such wealth was no small sum.

Without further ado, Ning Zhiheng fetched two of the small suitcases and began stuffing them full with stacks of cash from one of the large trunks.

He repeated the process for the other small suitcase, then pushed both toward the two men.

“These are for you,” he said.

Sun Jiacheng and Wang Shucheng were startled. This entire operation against Dai Daguang had been orchestrated by Ning Zhiheng—from the raid to ordering the seizure of assets. Sun Jiacheng had spent days helping to interrogate Dai Daguang, but Wang Shucheng had only come on the day of action at Ning Zhiheng’s summons. Neither expected such a generous reward—an entire suitcase filled with cash.

“Take it. We’re brothers; no need to fuss over this,” Ning Zhiheng said casually.

In this chaotic era, power and influence made wealth accessible. When one’s ability reached a certain level, money became just numbers—tools.

Ning Zhiheng intended to use these tools to weave a protective network, a web of connections, to ensure his survival in this turbulent time.

The same applied to Sun Jiacheng and Wang Shucheng, his core team. If he wanted them to work for him in the future, he had to reward them well. As a leader, securing the team’s combat effectiveness and cohesion relied not only on his own abilities and charisma but also on bringing tangible benefits to the members.

After so much time together, everyone had to admit Ning Zhiheng’s abilities were unquestionable. These two suitcases of cash were proof enough.

“One more thing—I want to give you a heads-up,” Ning Zhiheng gestured for them to sit. “After this case, I might be promoted to a regimental-level officer, and my position will be adjusted.”

“Adjusted? Captain, are you leaving our operations team? What will we do without you? Can I come with you?” Sun Jiacheng’s face fell.

He had struggled for years at the bottom, talented but unrecognized. By a twist of fate, Ning Zhiheng had taken notice—saving his life, promoting him to officer, and giving him the deputy team leader position.

From a personal standpoint, Ning Zhiheng was his savior, deserving of utmost loyalty. From a career perspective, Ning Zhiheng was his only hope for advancement. Without connections or backing in the military, following Ning Zhiheng was his best chance to rise.

Wang Shucheng felt the same. Compared to the prodigious Ning Zhiheng, he was a mere footnote. Under Ning Zhiheng’s leadership, the Third Operations Team had earned honors, and he had contributed to many successes, receiving several commendations. He respected Ning Zhiheng completely and never questioned his orders.

“Captain, if you leave, what will become of us? We’ll be lost without you!” Wang Shucheng’s face was filled with worry.