Spy game? Stop guessing, I really am an undercover agent!

Chapter 270 Go to Leshan, there's a giant Buddha there. Tell him to leave, you sit there.
"Please come in, Mr. Fellman, what a distinguished guest." Chen Yang warmly rose to greet him, and courteously led the tall German man to the sofa, personally making him tea.

Consul Fellman didn't exchange many pleasantries. After accepting the tea offered by the other party, he went straight to the point, his tone tinged with urgency: "Minister Chen, I've come here today hoping to obtain some special assistance from you."

"Oh? Please go ahead. As long as it's within my authority, I will do my best." Chen Yang leaned forward slightly, adopting a posture of attentive listening.

“We need rare earth elements, and also a large quantity of tungsten ore,” Fellman said in a lower voice. “The quantity is large, and it needs to be shipped out as soon as possible through the most reliable channels. As for the price, we can offer a favorable rate.”

Chen Yang was slightly moved...

Rare earth elements and tungsten ore are both extremely important strategic materials, especially for the modern military industry. Tungsten ore is the core material for manufacturing armor-piercing projectiles, while rare earth elements are involved in many key fields such as alloys, optics, and electronics.

It was highly unusual that Germany was so eager to make a purchase from him, its "collaborator," through informal channels.

Chen Yang was certain that this was far more than just a regular business purchase.

He didn't answer immediately, but instead picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, and used this brief moment to think quickly.

He was well aware of Germany's actions in Europe, and the Führer's ambitions were obvious.

Now, his large-scale plundering of strategic materials can only point to one possibility: the war has moved from the preparatory stage to the substantive stage.

The future Germany will witness a military miracle, challenging the whole of Europe single-handedly.

Under Operation White, Poland was conquered in 27 days, followed by Luxembourg in one hour, Denmark in three hours, the Netherlands in five days, Belgium in eighteen days, and France in thirty-nine days. In just six years, Germany annihilated thirty-two countries in Europe, and at its peak, it was invincible.

If they hadn't later shifted their focus to the Soviet Union, they would have ruled all of Europe...

Therefore, maintaining good relations with such a country is still beneficial to him.

As for the future, well, Chen Yang can walk away at any time.

Having made up his mind, Chen Yang gently put down his teacup, a hint of difficulty on his face: "Mr. Fellman, as you know, these materials, especially the rare earth and tungsten ore of specific grades and quantities, are subject to very strict control."

"Japan also has a large demand for this, but it is very difficult and risky to implement."

"Furthermore, you should know that my position makes it inconvenient for me to make things too obvious."

"so……"

Felman seemed to have anticipated this. He leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and spoke in an almost confidential tone: "Minister Chen, I understand your difficulties."

"But please believe that the success of this deal will have immeasurable value for consolidating future German-Japanese relations, and even for you personally."

“That’s not what I want to hear,” Chen Yang said, getting up and walking slowly to the window. Then he strolled back and looked at Felman. “The Iwai Agency has received news that your Foreign Minister Ribbentrop will soon be representing the head of state to visit Moscow for a historic meeting.”

“Mr. Fellman, I can promise to help you raise supplies so you can report back to the mainland. In exchange, wouldn’t you need to be honest with me?”

Fellman raised an eyebrow. "Minister Chen, what do you want to know?"

"It's very simple. I want to know if Foreign Minister Ribbentrop is going to sign a cooperation agreement with the other side during his visit to Moscow." Chen Yang patiently repeated himself. Fellman's body stiffened, and his pupils behind his glasses contracted sharply!
“Minister Chen, you seem to be overthinking things…” Fellman directly denied Chen Yang’s words.

Chen Yang smiled and said, "Mr. Fellmann, you are insulting my intelligence. The German Foreign Minister, at this sensitive moment, personally visits the Soviet Union, with which we are ideologically irreconcilable?"

"I'm certain this is no ordinary diplomatic activity! It can only mean one thing: Germany is trying to reach some kind of strategic compromise with the Soviet Union!"

"What is the purpose of doing this?" Chen Yang stared at Fellman and said, word by word, "Naturally, it's to eliminate any worries about the eastern front, and then..."

"Then, the spearhead of war will be pointed at the West without hesitation! Europe, this giant powder keg, is about to be ignited!"

Felman licked his lips. At this moment, having his German battle intentions revealed so easily by Chen Yang, Felman felt a fine layer of cold sweat instantly seep out from his back. His heart was pounding violently in his chest, but his strong self-control allowed him to maintain his composure on the surface, and even his professional smile did not change in the slightest.

Taking a deep breath, Fehrman seemed to be weighing the enormous risks, but in reality, he was calming the turmoil in his heart.

A few seconds later, he raised his head, looked at Chen Yang, his eyes becoming "firm" and "meaningful," and slowly said, "Minister Chen, you shouldn't stay in the Ministry of Transport; you should take over the intelligence agency!"

“Mr. Fellman, it seems I was right…” Without denying it, Chen Yang suddenly smiled. “So, your country does indeed need to plan ahead. Since this matter is so important, concerning the friendship between our two countries and the future, I am willing to do my best to try.”

“I can try to allocate the first batch of supplies from the ‘special stock’. Of course, the quantity may not be able to fully meet your requirements, but it can serve as a starting point.”

Fellman nodded: "Thank you very much, Minister Chen! My military attaché will secretly negotiate the specific details of the transaction with your people."

"Don't rush, supplies are not a problem, but do you think this price is suitable?" Chen Yang wrote the price on a piece of paper and gently pushed it in front of Mr. Fellman!
"An increase of 60%? Minister Chen, you're kicking me when I'm down!" Felman's face turned ashen!

"Wow, not bad, Mr. Fairman can even use Chinese idioms..."

“However, what you said is not quite accurate!” Chen Yang put away the manuscript and said slowly, “If Mr. Fellman can give me two months to prepare and postpone the transaction until after October, I can sell it at the original price.”

"But you're in too much of a hurry, and you know perfectly well that what you need can't be solved with money!"

"I'll get you the supplies you want, even at double the price it's reasonable. Do you believe that at the same price, Britain and America would be fighting over them!"

Fellman was speechless!
His fingers tapped lightly on the table, as if he was considering whether the price of this deal was appropriate!

"Fifty percent, that's the most I can increase," Felman finally quoted a price that was extremely painful for him!

"Considering our long-standing cooperation, let's make a deal," Chen Yang said, feigning generosity. "Actually, I'm not making any money on this deal; I'm just helping Mr. Fairman out!"

"Well, we're friends, after all. My biggest flaw is that I'm soft-hearted. Mr. Fairman, you've struck gold by being my friend..."

Not making any money? Just friends helping out? Greedy Chinese people...

Fellman's lips twitched, and after a long pause, he still said politely, "Then thank you very much, Minister Chen. I'll go back and prepare the funds first, and I hope to see what I need as soon as possible!"

Chen Yang stood up and said, "Of course, you can rest assured about what I do..."

After seeing Fellman off, Chen Yang stood alone by the office window, gazing at the gray sky outside.

Europe is about to descend into chaos! The world's center of gravity will shift! What does this mean for Japan, which is deeply embroiled in the Chinese war and allied with Germany?
Of course, this news wasn't of much value to Chen Yang, but for the intelligence agency, it was a huge gift. Chen Yang walked to the table, picked up the phone, and said, "Moshi moshi, please connect me to the office of the deputy director of the Mei Agency. I'm looking for Qing Qiqingyin..."

Shanghai Stock Exchange, afternoon...

Soothing piano music filled the café in the afternoon.

As the clock struck two, the bell hanging above the door jingled crisply, and Shen Qingyao appeared precisely at the coffee shop entrance...

Today, she wore a well-tailored mauve cheongsam with a sheer blouse over it, a net hat, exquisite makeup, fashionable clothes, and a composed gait.

Slowly walking to Chen Yang's side, Shen Qingyao smoothed her robes at her hips with both hands, then leisurely sat down opposite Chen Yang, ordered a cup of black coffee, and moved with elegance.

"Minister Chen is in a good mood today, inviting me to a place like this." Shen Qingyao smiled slightly, her eyes gentle.

Chen Yang stirred his coffee and said in a low voice, "Miss Shen, let's not beat around the bush. There's a big business deal that needs your connections."

"Oh? Something that Minister Chen calls a 'big deal' must be extraordinary." Shen Qingyao picked up her coffee, remaining calm and composed.

"The Germans want a large quantity of tungsten ore, and they need it urgently."

"You can find a way to 'allocate' the goods from special channels. I need 3,000 tons. I'll be responsible for the subsequent shipments and transshipment. Currently, northbound supplies are suspended, and the focus of transportation is on the North China route. I'm sure that in the short term, North China will significantly increase its transportation capacity."

Shen Qingyao's fingers tightened slightly as she gripped the coffee cup.

Three thousand tons of tungsten ore? At this point in time?
She immediately realized that this was no ordinary smuggling. Why did the Germans suddenly increase their demand fivefold? They had never traded more than 600 tons before, but now they wanted 3,000 tons.
Could it be that Germany is carrying out a grand plan?

But why would Chen Yang tell her this?

Shen Qingyao even had a feeling that Chen Yang had deliberately leaked this information to her!

Could it be that he wanted to let the organization know through his actions?

This seems illogical, and he has no reason to do so...

After thinking it over, Shen Qingyao still didn't understand what Chen Yang was planning: "Minister Chen."

She gently put down her cup. "You know better than I how risky it is to increase the shipment volume of such sensitive materials in a short period of time."

“The manpower situation on my end will be under tremendous pressure. Moreover, things are very tense lately; the Japanese and the Special Higher Police are keeping a closer eye on us than before.”

“Risk and reward are proportional.” Chen Yang leaned forward and whispered to Shen Qingyao, “Let’s talk about something practical. This time, the price can be increased by 30% from what we discussed last time.”

Shen Qingyao remained silent for a moment, seemingly weighing her options.

"Minister Chen, I know that the price you offered has reached its limit, but we must also face the difficulty of procuring tungsten ore in a short period of time!"

“We have some in our warehouse, but it’s far from meeting your requirements.”

"I can only promise that I can help you find a way to get the first batch of goods you want, but... it will be too difficult to gather the subsequent quantities in the short term."

Chen Yang looked at her calmly: "Ms. Shen, Fellman is pressing us hard. This matter cannot be delayed in any way."

“I understand, Minister Chen.” Shen Qingyao sighed, raised her hand to rub her temples, a slightly fragile gesture rarely seen on her. “But you also know what the situation is like now.”

"The Japanese imposed a heavy blockade and strict control over the mining area. Our people risked their lives to collect the materials bit by bit. Frankly, it was extremely inefficient. And..."

"The recent sweeps in the mountains have been intense, and many original transport routes have been destroyed. Locals familiar with the routes..."

"We also suffered a lot, with manpower losses and blocked routes. The difficulty of this collection is much greater than we expected. Just maintaining the existing secret transportation network has already given us a lot of headaches."

"Minister Chen, in your words, money is important, but there are some things that are more important than money."

"We can't risk our lives for money!"

"Hahaha," Chen Yang suddenly laughed, "Even heroes have difficulty resisting the charms of a beautiful woman. Miss Shen is indeed a beauty, no, she should be called an American!"

"Americans are so good at negotiating."

"Okay, I'll make my final offer now, a 40% increase from the previously negotiated price!"

"The extra 10% is my payment for your hard work. Please make sure to deliver the goods within the stipulated time!"

A hint of excitement flashed in Shen Qingyao's eyes, but she did not agree. Instead, she continued, "Minister Chen, you must have heard that the Japanese army has recently been carrying out a 'pacification campaign' in the Taihang Mountains, which is essentially the 'Three Alls Policy': burn all, kill all, loot all!"

"Many villages were razed to the ground, people were displaced, lacked medical care and medicine, and were struggling on the brink of death."

"You're asking us to increase shipments, that's fine."

"But I hope that Minister Chen can, out of consideration for our compatriots, provide additional material assistance to the disaster-stricken areas in North China."

"Especially medicines, gauze, and food—these are life-saving! Your transportation department, even if it leaks a little bit through its fingers, could save thousands of lives."

"Miss Shen, are you joking with me?" Chen Yang sneered. "I'm a businessman, not a philanthropist. If you want to do charity, you can use your own money to buy enough supplies to help the disaster victims!"

"Instead of shamelessly asking me for money here!"

Shen Qingyao frowned and said, "But this involves hundreds of thousands, even millions of lives. As the big boss, can you bear to watch them become homeless?"

Chen Yang put down his coffee and stared at Shen Qingyao, saying, "Miss Shen, I actually have a suggestion!"

"After we finish talking, please turn right as you exit the building and go to the train station to buy a train ticket to Leshan, Sichuan!"

"After you get off the train, walk south until you reach the Jialing River. There's a large Buddha statue there. Tell it to stand up, and then you sit down..."

(End of this chapter)