Espionage codename: Shen Gongbao

Chapter 163 A God-Sent Opportunity

The next day, at nine o'clock in the morning.

Under the bright sunshine, Shanghai, which had been shrouded in gloom for a long time, finally welcomed a clear and sunny day.

On the tennis court, Shimizu Tosan and Ding Mocun were sweating profusely.

After playing for less than twenty minutes, the two players left the field, panting heavily.

Wang Xuesen had already prepared a warm towel and stepped forward to hand it to Shimizu Dongsan.

"Mr. Shimizu, please."

Shimizu Tosan took the towel, wiped his sweat, and sat down on the rattan chair.

He doesn't drink alcohol.

But the table was set with fine Shizuoka sencha and a plate of peach shortbread with a taste of home, which suited my taste perfectly.

Shimizu Tosan picked up a peach shortbread, took a bite, and couldn't help but glance at Wang Xuesen: "And who is this?"

Ding Mocun took the towel and wiped his neck, then introduced him with a smile: "He is the director of interrogation room number 76, named Wang Xuesen, one of my men."

Seeing Xue Sen's imposing presence and meticulous work ethic, Shimizu Dong San nodded in approval: "Hmm, not bad, young man. Following Director Ding, you have a bright future ahead of you."

Wang Xuesen bowed slightly: "Thank you, Mr. Shimizu."

Shimizu Tosan took a sip of tea, then looked at Ding Mocun without saying a word.

"Director Ding, shall we have our chat?" Wang Xuesen, being quite perceptive, smiled and prepared to get up and leave.

Ding Mocun raised his hand and pressed down on his shoulder: "Hey, Shimizu-kun, Gakusen isn't an outsider, so feel free to speak your mind. Besides, he speaks Japanese quite well, so it'll be easier for us to communicate."

Shimizu Tosan thought for a moment and nodded.

He and Ding Mocun, one with sparse Chinese and the other with poor Japanese.

A few simple pleasantries are fine, but once it comes to serious business, it's really too troublesome without a translator to help with gestures.

Shimizu Tosan put down his teacup, regaining his usual Japanese seriousness: "Mr. Ding, Assistant Nomura is very disappointed with our operation this time."

"With Yu Yefeng dead, it will be difficult for us to find such a good pawn again."

2

He paused for a moment, then sighed, "In the end, it's just that Yu Yefeng was too stupid."

"If only his reckless nephew could have been more patient and not alerted Zhang Xiaolin and Sakurai, once Zhang was secretly eliminated, great things could have been expected."

After hearing this series of words, Ding Mocun's eyes clearly looked confused.

Wang Xuesen calmly and steadily acted as the translator, speaking in a steady tone without embellishment or cutting corners.

After listening, Ding Mocun shook his head with a wry smile: "And Li Shiqun is too cunning. He secretly bribed Linzhijiang, that mad dog, and even turned the tables on me."

At this point, he frowned and said, "I don't know why, but I always feel like there's an invisible hand controlling things from behind."

As Wang Xuesen translated, a slight tremor ran through him.

Although Lao Ding is useless, his intelligence as a former Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics agent is still intact.

Fortunately, this fool would never guess that the one controlling the game was sitting right next to him, serving him tea and water.

After listening to the translation, Shimizu Tosan looked surprised: "Are you referring to Li Shiqun?"

Ding Mocun shook his head: "I don't know."

"It might be him, it might be Zhou Fohai, or it might be someone else."

"That's just a feeling."

"Therefore, I hope that you and the Iwai Mansion can secretly help with an investigation."

Shimizu Tōsan was silent for a moment, then asked again, "Zhou Fohai? Isn't he your fellow townsman and ally?"

Ding Mocun put down his juice glass and sneered, "Shimizu-kun, you don't understand Chinese culture."

"Friends are not necessarily friends, and enemies are not necessarily enemies forever."

39

Shimizu Tosan nodded thoughtfully.

He picked up his teacup, took another sip, and got down to business: "No matter what, we must get the position of Minister of Police this time."

"If Li Shiqun gets this position, the Yingzuo faction will be able to integrate intelligence and security, which will be very detrimental to our situation in Shanghai."

Ding Mocun crossed his legs and smiled confidently, "Don't worry."

"I know Zhou Fohai. He will stop at nothing to secure his position as the new government's financial backer."

1

"Compromising with me is his only way out."

He raised his hand and pointed to the sky.

"Mr. Wang isn't stupid; he won't give him all the police power."

Shimizu Tosan said, "Mr. Nomura acknowledges your abilities."

"Once you become the Minister of Police, he will return to Tokyo to report for duty."

"At that time, we, together with the Asia Development Institute and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will provide strong financial support for you to expand the intelligence capabilities of the police system."

"We must regain the initiative in Shanghai, no matter what."

Ding Mocun raised his juice glass: "Thank you for your trust, Mr. Shimizu. Let's wait and see."

Shimizu Tosan raised his teacup and gently clinked it against his: "Mr. Ding, recently Zhang Xiaolin has been using the military police to carry out a frenzied retaliation against Yu Yefeng's faction."

"Your brother has had contact with Yu Yefeng before, so you need to be careful."

He put down his teacup and stood up.

"I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

Ding Mocun nodded: "Take care, you and Mr. Nomura."

Wang Xuesen escorted Shimizu Dongsan to the club's main gate.

Before getting into the car, Shimizu Tosan turned back and said to him in Japanese, "Wang-san, your Japanese is very authentic. Do a good job assisting Director Ding. I have high hopes for you."

Wang Xuesen gave a slight bow and said, "Hi."

As the car drove away, Wang Xuesen straightened up and quickly began to ponder.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Navy were determined to promote Ding Mocun.

Shimizu Tosan's words today were like a reassurance to Ding Mocun.

We need to find a way to make him choke on this pill.

Turning back, Ding Mocun had already stood up from the rattan chair, stretching his limbs: "It's been a while since I've been out. Come for a walk with me."

"After spending these past few months in that dilapidated building, feeling neither human nor ghost, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

Having received Shimizu Tosan's promise, Ding Mocun was in high spirits.

Wang Xuesen deliberately led him to the other side of the tennis court, saying, "Uncle, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Navy, once you secure the position of Minister of Police, your future is limitless."

"Not at all, not at all, we're still far from certain, don't make such pronouncements." Ding Mocun waved his hand with a smile, his words humble but his eyebrows full of pride.

Wang Xuesen added fuel to the fire: "This is not mere idle talk!"

"Mr. Wang is in poor health, and Chen Gongbo has no prestige."

"It's still uncertain whether you'll one day become the leader."

"You should know that the Japanese invited you to be the director of No. 76 because they valued your overseas education and your elegant demeanor."

"Sometimes I think, Uncle and Mr. Wang are actually quite similar."

Ding Mocun laughed loudly and pointed at Wang Xuesen with his finger: "You've got some nerve."

"These are my heartfelt words, these are my heartfelt words," Wang Xuesen hurriedly replied.

Ding Mocun shook his head and smiled.

He knew perfectly well that this was a compliment.

Who doesn't love to hear a nice compliment?

As the two were talking, a clear, sweet laugh came from not far away.

Ding Mocun looked in the direction of the sound and immediately slowed down.

On the other side of the tennis court, two beautiful figures are playing against each other.

The tall, fair-skinned woman on the left, wearing a light blue tracksuit, is Su Wanjia.

The woman on the right is wearing a dress, has delicate features, and her hair is styled in an updo.

With each swing of the racket, her neckline rippled, revealing her full, snow-white breasts trembling violently.

Fine beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, and her already moist, almond-shaped eyes gained an even greater allure.

Ding Mocun stared at the woman, his feet seemingly rooted to the spot.

Not to mention Ding Mocun, even Wang Xuesen was stunned for a moment.

In terms of figure and appearance, Wanjia is actually a bit better.

Wearing sportswear, coupled with the lack of the mature and charming allure that Wanjia possesses, diminishes her appeal.

To put it bluntly, it's not sexy or alluring enough.

Ding Mocun swallowed hard. "Xuesen, aren't you going to go over and say hello?"

Wang Xuesen feigned annoyance and said, "So that's where that woman went early in the morning with her makeup on. Turns out she secretly came here to play tennis."

He waved his hand: "Ignore her, Director, let's go for a walk."

"Women talk too much; their constant chatter is annoying when you meet them."

Upon hearing this, Ding Mocun immediately adopted a senior's demeanor: "Hey, that's where you're wrong. Women need to be treated with care."

"Besides, it's not like she went out to play ball with a guy."

"I was just afraid of interfering with your official business, Uncle," Wang Xuesen said with a smile.

"I rarely get to come out today, so I'm not in a hurry to go back," Ding Mocun said hurriedly.

Wang Xuesen sneered inwardly.

The fish has taken the bait.

He feigned helplessness: "Alright then."

The two walked onto the court, and Su Wanjia saw them first.

She immediately stopped filming and jogged over to greet him, beads of sweat still clinging to her forehead: "Xuesen, Uncle Ding."

Ding Mocun agreed verbally, but his eyes were already fixed on Ruan Xiaolian.

Ruan Xiaolian was also sizing him up.

Their eyes met in mid-air, and an ignition broke out.

"Wan'er, who is this?" Ding Mocun spoke first.

Su Wanjia turned around and waved: "Mr. Ding, this is my friend Ruan Xiaolian from the Municipal Archives Office."

Ruan Xiaolian walked over confidently.

Su Wanjia then looked at her: "Xiao Lian, this is the famous Director Ding of Dingmo Village, No. 76."

A person's name, a tree's shadow.

Ruan Xiaolian knew all too well the significance of the number 76 in Shanghai.

She took two steps forward, covered her chest, and said in a coquettish voice, "Director Ding, I've heard so much about you. I look forward to your guidance in the future."

Ding Mocun smiled, reached out his hand, and gently grasped her fingertips.

So cool!

Electricity leakage!

He held on for an extra half second before letting go.

Wang Xuesen spoke up at the opportune moment, giving Su Wanjia a disdainful look: "Why are you calling me Director Ding?"

"In another month or two, Uncle Ding will be the new government's Minister of Police, so we should call him Minister Ding."

Su Wanjia quickly smiled apologetically, "Yes, yes, it's Minister Ding."

Ruan Xiaolian's eyes lit up.

As Yang Xinghua's mistress, she had heard some things about the formation of the new government in March.

Yang Xinghua is also trying to get the position of Minister of Police through connections, but lately he has been getting more and more depressed and his temper has been getting worse.

It now seems that this position will most likely fall to Dingmo Village.

Dingmo Village.

He studied abroad.

Director No. 76.

The incoming Minister of Police.

He was a guest of honor of Shimizu Tozo at the embassy.

Ruan Xiaolian mentally labeled the man in front of her, and each label was quite strong.

Compared to Yang Xinghua, who only knows how to drink alone and is full of jealousy, Ding Mocun is far superior in both status and future prospects.

Moreover, Ruan Xiaolian has a big dream.

She wanted to sleep with every famous person in Shanghai, like a stamp collector, adding them to her own stamp album.

Not to mention his extensive network of connections spanning the Yangtze River Delta region.

In my later years, I will not have lived a life of unbridled romance in vain.

Clearly, Ding Mocun is qualified to be included in her "stamp album".

Seeing the spring-like look in Ruan Xiaolian's eyes, Ding Mocun secretly thought he had a chance and quickly asked, "Miss Ruan, do you also like playing tennis?"

"Perfect timing, that's exactly what I've been learning lately. Miss Ruan, would you do me the honor of teaching me?"

Ruan Xiaolian didn't rush to answer, but turned to look at Su Wanjia.

Su Wanjia smiled knowingly and said, "Well, I happen to have something to say to Xuesen."

"Xiao Lian, why don't you keep Director Ding company for me?"

Ruan Xiaolian, an expert in the art of tea, looked at Ding Mocun with a shy expression: "Well, alright then, but I didn't play very well, so please forgive me, Mr. Ding."

Ding Mocun's eyes were glued to her, and he kept saying "good, good, good!" three times in a row.

The two quickly took to the field.

Wang Xuesen looked back every three steps.

This woman looks so fragrant and soft.

Unfortunately, it benefited Old Ding!

Damn!

Su Wanjia pinched the soft flesh of his waist with her fingers, quite firmly: "What are you doing?"

Wang Xuesen licked his lips: "I also want to play tennis."

Su Wanjia released her grip and said with a smile, "I'll play with you."

Wang Xuesen glanced at her, then looked away: "Never mind then."

He gestured towards the basketball court with his chin: "Hey, Lao Ding got caught by her again."

Su Wanjia was taken aback and asked in confusion, "She caught it? Shouldn't it have been Ding Mocun who caught it?"

Wang Xuesen smiled but didn't reply.

It's hard to say who will bail whom out.

Su Wanjia followed him toward the club's rest area, lowering her voice as they walked: "Do you think Yang Xinghua will fall out with Ding Mocun?"

""

"That's a sure thing," Wang Xuesen replied confidently, his hands in his pockets.

"Yang Xinghua is Yang Shuhui's younger brother and Zhou Fohai's most trusted confidant."

"Yang Shuhui and Ye Jiqing are both notorious for spoiling their younger brothers."

"Don't forget, Zhou Fohai is henpecked."

"He offended Yang Xinghua, and it's no wonder Yang Shuhui's words of advice to him have ruined him."

Su Wanjia frowned: "If Ding Mocun knew that Ruan Xiaolian was Yang Xinghua's woman, he would probably have some reservations."

"He'll definitely have to be careful."

Wang Xuesen nodded, then changed the subject.

"But anyone who gets involved with Ruan Xiaolian will be melted into tenderness, no matter how strong they are."

"And the problem now is that Ruan Xiaolian may not let Ding Mocun off the hook."

He glanced back towards the stadium.

"Once they're entangled, they won't be able to separate anytime soon."

"Xuesen, isn't what we're doing too obvious? What if Ding Mochun realizes what's going on—" Su Wanjia said with some concern.

Wang Xuesen took her hand and squeezed it: "Don't worry, I have my own plan."

"You go home first, I have to stay and wait for Lao Ding."

"I reckon it'll be noon by then."

Su Wanjia dismissed it: "It's just playing tennis. We'll go home together in a little while."

Wang Xuesen turned his head to look at her and smiled: "Then let's make a bet."

"By the time we came back from our rounds, they were already rolling around in the club's rooms."

Su Wanjia scoffed, "How could that be? We've only known each other for less than half an hour."

"To gamble or not?"

"bet."

A moment later, the two returned to the court.

The field was completely empty.

What about people?

"This—" Su Wanjia was stunned.

These two must be really addicted; they couldn't hold back after knowing each other for only a short time.

"You lost." Wang Xuesen slowly walked to the wicker chair and sat down.

Su Wanjia rolled her eyes at him angrily: "Alright, I'm going home first. You stay here and keep watch over your Uncle Ding."

Wang Xuesen watched her get into the car, then stopped smiling and leaned back in his wicker chair.

He took out his pocket watch and glanced at it; it read 9:58.

Then he closed the watch cover and rested with his eyes closed.

and so on.

It was exactly 12 noon.

Ding Mocun came down from the second floor of the club, his face beaming.

He adjusted his cufflinks as he walked, his steps light as if he were ten years younger.

Wang Xuesen got up and went to greet him.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Ding Mocun said with a beaming smile.

Wang Xuesen opened the car door: "Director, you have just as much energy as a young person."

Ding Mocun climbed into the back seat and leaned back comfortably: "This isn't bragging. Not a single woman I've slept with hasn't been thinking about me."

Wang Xuesen started the car and glanced at him in the rearview mirror: "Uncle, there's something I'd like to say."

"Yes, go ahead," Ding Mocun said.

"Ruan Xiaolian was Yang Xinghua's lover."

"Just take a small taste."

"Right now is a crucial time for the race to become the Minister of Police; it's best to avoid a woman like that."

Ding Mocun's expression froze: "She—she's Yang Xinghua's lover?"

"Yes, Uncle, let's stop here," Wang Xuesen advised.

Ding Mocun didn't say anything more, leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed.

Today, I had a passionate encounter with Ruan Xiaolian. This woman, in every way—her voice, her figure, her charm—perfectly suited my taste.

He hadn't been so addicted to or attracted to a woman in a long time.

That feeling was even better than Zheng Pingping's.

After the car had driven for a while, Ding Mocun said in a low voice, "I understand. Don't spread this around yet."

Wang Xuesen smiled and said, "If I wanted to spread this around, I wouldn't have mentioned it to you."

Ding Mocun nodded: "That's true. Thanks."

Wang Xuesen focused on driving and didn't say anything more.

He knew that Old Ding might agree verbally, but his actions wouldn't.

really.

Over the next few days, Ding Mocun initially managed to restrain himself, but he couldn't resist Ruan Xiaolian's constant phone calls to invite him out.

Soon after, Ding Mocun left No. 76 under the pretext of official business.

He took Ruan Xiaolian to a private villa in the French Concession and they began living together as a couple.

In Ding Mocun's absence, No. 76 was plunged into a "catastrophe".

It's not an external enemy, it's Hu Junhe.

Hu Junhe was appointed as the acting deputy director, and there were three small meetings a day and a large meeting every three days.

From intelligence reporting to canteen food issues, from attendance assessments to outing registration, every little thing requires a meeting.

Even Wang Xuesen was bewildered.

I originally thought Lao Hu was addicted to making money.

-

I never expected this guy to be addicted to meetings.

It's even more ruthless than making money.

January 19th.

Five o'clock in the afternoon.

Wang Xuesen spent an hour in the conference room, his mind buzzing.

After the meeting, Wang Xuesen quickly returned to his office and closed the door.

"Damn it, this old Hu, he holds meetings like this every day, he's going to torture us to death sooner or later."

He grumbled as he packed his briefcase, preparing to go home.

"Knock knock".

There was a knock on the door twice.

Before he could answer, Wu Sibao pushed open the door and walked in, sitting down on the sofa with a resentful look on his face without saying a word.

"Brother-in-law, what's wrong?" Wang Xuesen asked with a smile.

-

Wu Sibao rolled his eyes: "What do you think?"

He gestured towards the upstairs area with his lip.

"Look at how smug some of those scoundrels are."

"He holds meetings every day, as if he's afraid others won't know he's the acting director."

"It seems the deputy director position is already his for the taking."

He grew increasingly angry as he spoke, "My brother is really something! A new government is about to be established, and he puts Hu Junhe in charge at this time. Isn't that undermining our own people's morale?"

"I don't know what he was thinking."

Wang Xuesen quickly went over and closed the door, lowering his voice: "Sibao, don't say anything out of line."

"My brother has his reasons for doing things. Anyway, he'll be back in a while."

He sat down opposite Wu Sibao and poured him a cup of tea: "You're worried about your position as deputy director, aren't you?"

Wu Sibao took the teacup and said in a muffled voice, "That's right."

"Now everyone in the building knows that I was competing with Lao Hu for the deputy director position. He's just taking over temporarily, doesn't that just tell everyone that Hu Junhe is more suitable than me?"

"If we're choosing a custodian, who can't handle it?"

"Yes, I'm a rough man, but you and Lao Liu are both educated people, can't you still manage things?"

"We have to pick him."

Wang Xuesen quickly waved his hand: "No, no, no, you and Lao Hu are both the director's trusted confidants and old guard, I don't belong to that group at all."

"Old Liu is a taciturn guy."

"The deputy director in this building is the matter between you and Lao Hu."

He changed the subject: "Never mind, let's not talk about this anymore."

"I haven't seen Sister Zhen for a while now, has she run away again?"

Wu Sibao's face grew increasingly grim.

Now that things have come to this, Wang Xuesen can no longer pretend that his affair with Yu Aizhen is a sham.

He said with a bitter face, "Xuesen, you have no idea how miserable I am."

"What's wrong? Weren't you two getting along quite well a while ago?" Wang Xuesen asked.

Wu Sibao sighed: "Good my ass."

"They don't want to pretend anymore, saying it's too numb and they won't let me take the medicine."

"Now I'm sighing with longing for a daughter again."

Wang Xuesen leaned back in his chair and looked at him: "Who told you not to make that cut?"

"I'd like to go!" Wu Sibao's eyes widened. "Aizhen won't let me."

Wang Xuesen smiled mischievously: "Of course she doesn't want you to be happy."

"Once you get better, she'll have no reason to go out and have fun."

"At least on a moral and psychological level, she is not as free as she is now."

2

Wu Sibao was stunned.

These words were like a knife, piercing straight into his heart.

He opened his mouth, and after a long pause, he managed to squeeze out a sentence: "Chen Gongbo recently came to Shanghai on business, and his secretary, Song Zhiwei, also came."

"Ai-zhen has been going out a lot these past few days, I suspect—"

"What else do you suspect?" Wang Xuesen glared at him. "See, it all makes sense now. Sister Zhen must have gone out to steal."

"You used to go to Suzhou, and you just tolerated it because you didn't want to see it."

"They've come all the way to my doorstep, isn't that going too far?"

"If word gets out, how can a big, burly man like you maintain any pride?"

Wu Sibao suddenly stood up and slammed his fist on the armrest of the sofa: "You son of a bitch surnamed Song, I really want to skin you alive!"

""

"Sit down."

Wang Xuesen pressed down on his shoulder and pushed him back onto the sofa.

"This matter cannot be rushed."

"You know how much influence Chen Gongbo has with Mr. Wang. If you really kill his secretary, even the director won't be able to protect you when he comes back."

Wu Sibao sat back down heavily, and asked in a very pathetic manner, "Then what do we do?"

"I found out yesterday that Aizhen is persuading that guy to buy a house in the French Concession. She's trying to dump me and become his wife forever."

"Brother, give me some advice. I'm really out of ideas."

Wang Xuesen did not answer immediately.

Tao Shengxi and Gao Zongwu stayed in Hong Kong, waiting for the complete terms of the secret talks between Wang Jingwei and Japan.

Chen Gongbo was a confidant of Wang Jingwei and participated in the entire drafting and negotiation process. He must have had access to the original documents.

This guy is always accompanied by military police when he goes out, so kidnapping is impractical, and assassination is even more impossible.

Now Wu Sibao has brought Song Zhiwei's contact information right to his doorstep.

Chen Gongbo's personal secretary handles his documents and organizes his materials on a daily basis.

Wang Xuesen had heard Yu Aizhen mention that this person was highly valued by Chen Gongbo and was very talented.

Then it is highly likely that he has seen it, or even helped Chen Gongbo write it.

Hehe, isn't this like a pillow being delivered when you're sleepy?

"Brother, say something!" Wu Sibao grew impatient when he saw that he didn't speak.

Wang Xuesen feigned maturity and said, "I definitely need to vent my anger."

"If you don't teach this kid a lesson, your family will fall apart."

"It would be best to beat him up, teach him a lesson, and let him know that not just anyone can touch Captain Wu's woman."

Wu Sibao slapped his thigh hard: "That's right! I'm going to slap him, that'll clean things up."

"Okay." Wang Xuesen nodded.

"However, you cannot take action yourself."

"Chen Gongbo's secretary, you, a security captain from the 76th Division, have made a move. If the news gets out, the whole building will be in an uproar."

Wu Sibao was taken aback: "Then who should we contact?"

"Find someone on the black market who has absolutely no connection to our 76th Division."

Wang Xuesen patted him on the shoulder.

"Okay, don't rush. Let me investigate this guy surnamed Song for you first and find out what's going on with him."

"We'll hire someone from outside then, it'll be clean, efficient, and a one-off deal."

Wu Sibao jumped to his feet and grabbed Wang Xuesen's hand: "You're the one who comes up with the best ideas, brother!"

"Alright, go back and calm Zhen down first. Don't get into any conflicts with her these next few days."

"You'd better act well."

"Wait for my news."

Wang Xuesen offered him a few words of comfort.

"Don't worry, I really wouldn't dare make a scene in front of that woman. It would be best to catch them in the act and take some photos."

"Let's see how Aizhen still has the nerve to leave me."

"Brother, my happiness depends entirely on you."

"9

After Wu Sibao finished speaking, he opened the door and strode out.

The office door closed again.

Wang Xuesen slowly sat back in his chair and lit a cigarette.

Song Zhiwei.

Chen Gongbo's secretary.

He had handled documents related to the secret talks between Wang Jingwei and Japan.

The goal is not to beat them up.

The key is to figure out what information to get out of someone once you've captured them.

He took two puffs, stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray, picked up the phone, and dialed: "It's me."

"Let's meet at the usual place and time tonight."

"Call out Brother Fa Bao."

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