Espionage codename: Shen Gongbao

Chapter 293 If you're not arrogant, are you even a young person?

"Mr. Okamura!" Chen Bijun said with a long face and displeasure.

"This is my official residence. What brings you here so abruptly?"

As the first lady of the new government, Chen Bijun frequently interacted with Hata Shunroku, Kawabe Shozo, as well as high-ranking officials from the Asia Development Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If this were in Shanghai, people would naturally have to give Okamura face.

But in Jinling, Chen Bijun was very unhappy that her territory had been so offended.

"Madam, I've come to bring someone with me, Wang Xuesen, the director of interrogation room number 76."

"I know he's inside. Please do me a favor, Madam."

Okamura smiled and said politely.

He knew this lady well; she was shrewish and domineering, much more difficult to deal with than Wang Jingwei.

Of course, he could also disregard Chen Bijun's feelings, but that would cause a diplomatic incident and be purely asking for trouble.

"This person is a secret agent of Dai Li's Military Intelligence Bureau. I have evidence. Moreover, this is an internal matter of our Special Affairs Committee. Please do not interfere," Chen Bijun said.

No, no.

"76 is under the surveillance of the military police. Wang Xuesen's matter is an internal affair of ours, and as far as I know, you are not a member of the Special Committee."

"It was Madam who forcibly interfered in the affairs of our military police."

Okamura stated this logically and with evidence.

With her hands behind her back, Chen Bijun forcefully argued, "Mr. Okamura, I am a member of the Standing Committee of the Supervisory Committee and a member of the Rural Cleanup Committee. Wang Xuesen is suspected of multiple crimes, including reselling supplies and colluding with Dai Li to transport supplies."

"According to the rules, I have the right to manage and intervene in this matter."

"If you insist on handling this matter, that's fine. I'll let you know after I've dealt with it."

"Of course, you can also provide me with more clues to assist in the investigation."

Okamura's eyes turned cold: "Mrs. Wang, don't try to be unreasonable."

"Have you forgotten that you are speaking to a major general of the Empire?"

"If you have any objections, I can call the Nanjing Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and let them judge the matter." This wasn't the first time Chen Bijun had argued with the Japanese, so she wasn't flustered at all.

This is Nanjing, and the ambassador and key officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Asia Development Council are all on our side.

Wang Xuesen felt a sudden tightness in his chest.

Chen Bijun was far more domineering than imagined. You should know that Okamura was the "Emperor" of Shanghai, holding absolute power.

Chen Bijun and her son had many interests and business dealings in Shanghai, and they all had to be mindful of Okamura's wishes.

This woman actually went against Okamura for her own sake.

This clearly demonstrates the depth of his murderous intent.

Damn it!

I must have had the worst luck in eight lifetimes to have this ugly monster set his sights on me.

"You can call the embassy!" Seeing that she was unmoved, Okamura Ichiro pulled out the document issued by Kawabe Masazo from his pocket and almost shoved it in Chen Bijun's face: "Open your dog eyes and see clearly. You'd better think about how to explain this to the chief of staff."

"This!" Chen Bijun looked at it several times, and after confirming that the seal and signature of the General Staff were correct, she was immediately stunned.

No matter how arrogant she was, she wouldn't dare to question Kawabe Masashi.

"Chief of Staff Riverside has ordered that Wang Xuesen be released immediately without charge and reinstated to his original position for another purpose," Okamura shouted sternly, spitting in her face.

Chen Bijun immediately lost her confidence, forced a smile, and bent her back slightly: "Since it is the Chief of Staff's decision, I agree to transfer the case to the Military Police for investigation."

Okamura sneered, "Mrs. Wang, are you deaf?"

"What the chief of staff said is that it means not being acquitted, not transferring the case for investigation, but immediately closing the case and releasing the person."

Chen Bijun was severely humiliated by the insults.

She didn't dare to vent her anger on Okamura, so she could only glare at the guards beside her and shout, "Are you deaf? Release him right now!"

Chu Minyi snapped out of his daze. "What are you all standing there for? Release Director Wang right now!"

Wang Xuesen stood up unhurriedly, straightened his watch and collar, walked up to Chen Bijun with his head held high, and said lazily, "Madam Wang, the egg noodles at your residence are quite good, thank you."

Chen Bijun said coldly, "If I have the chance, I'll invite you to try it again, and I'll add some extra ingredients for you then."

"Okay, I'll be waiting!"

"What goes around comes around; fortunes change, and who can predict what will happen in a few years?"

"But don't worry, I'll definitely pay you back for this bowl of noodles."

Wang Xuesen lit a cigarette, gave a smirk, and turned to walk towards the door.

"Kid, I'm warning you, young man, don't be so arrogant!" Chen Bijun screamed, never having been treated like this before.

Wang Xuesen stopped in his tracks, turned around, and pointed at her: "If you're not arrogant, can you even call yourself a young person?"

"I respect you because you're my teacher's wife; if I don't, you—"

Wang Xuesen blinked and wagged his index finger: "It's nothing!"

After saying this, he turned and walked out under the protection of the Japanese military police.

He was not outrageous.

If the Japanese wanted to frame Wang Xuesen, people like Yamai Sora, Squad Leader Kobayashi, and even Shibuya would have been qualified.

But Wang Zhaoming really couldn't do it.

Wang Jingwei did not have military power; if he wanted to take action against Wang Xuesen, at the very least, it would have to be Li Shiqun who did it.

In fact, Chen Bijun had been refused many times in the past when she asked Li Shiqun for people or favors.

Within the Wang Jingwei regime, Zhou Fohai, the god of wealth, had more influence than Wang Jingwei and his wife.

Now that Kawabe Masazo has his clerk and she is in Shanghai, Chen Bijun can neither mobilize the military police nor is she disliked by Li Shiqun. She can't find any way to deal with him.

It's pointless to argue with them.

"You bastard!"

As soon as Wang Xuesen left, Chen Bijun was so angry that she felt dizzy and almost fainted.

"Madam!" Chu Minyi quickly helped him up.

"That bastard, he thinks he's all that just because he knows a few Japanese people, he can get away with anything. Call Li Shiqun right now and tell him to kick Wang Xuesen out of No. 76!"

"Get him out!"

"I refuse to believe that he can still fly without this skin."

Chen Bijun cursed breathlessly.

Chu Minyi said with a wry smile, "Big sister, why are you doing this to yourself?"

Even if Wang Xuesen lied to you about the intelligence.

"That's all in the past, why can't you let it go?"

"Besides, if you don't want him to get close to Wenying, just tell Wenying not to associate with him."

"He was with Mr. Wang in the past, there's no need to make a scene like this."

Chen Bijun was furious and glared at him angrily: "Even you're siding with him? Fine, you're afraid I can't boss Li Shiqun around, right?"

"Then tell me, how much money would it take to kill him?"

"Five hundred silver dollars!"

"Is one thousand silver dollars enough?"

Chu Minyi gave a wry smile: "It's not about money—anyone can hire an assassin, and Wang Xuesen has been involved in the underworld for many years; he has far more ruthless men under his command than we do."

"Putting everything else aside, Zhan Shen, the notorious assassin of the Military Intelligence Bureau, is now his trusted confidant."

Chen Bijun looked up and sighed, "Alas, I, this so-called First Lady, can't even handle Wang Xuesen. How laughable, how laughable."

"This isn't over yet. He shouldn't let me get the chance."

Today's slap in the face has made me realize this.

The issue is no longer whether Wang Xuesen will harm his son.

This feud of spitting filth right in someone's face is irreconcilable.

Wang Xuesen was not in a hurry to leave Nanjing.

He first called home from the Japanese-style inn arranged by Okamura to let his family know he was safe. Upon learning that Zhan Shen had run away with his bags, Wang Xuesen had a bad feeling.

Zhan Shen has abandoned his wife and son; he's very likely coming to Nanjing to wait for him.

Thinking of this, Wang Xuesen immediately called the military police to drive him to the Nanjing branch of Guangming Daily.

He asked the editor-in-chief to send him a missing person notice and arrange to meet at the Confucius Temple Bar.

However, simply issuing a notice is not enough.

Wang Xuesen began to ponder and think.

Zhan Shen needs to drive to Nanjing, which takes at least six or seven hours. Then, by the time he finishes staking out the location to look for the person, it will be afternoon by the time he arrives.

Jinling.

Yihe Road.

Zhan Shen, dressed in a tattered short jacket and wearing a straw hat, squatted by the rickshaw smoking.

Just across the street is Wang Jingwei's residence.

There is close monitoring and patrol.

This is the nearest ambush point.

He is waiting for news.

If Wang Xuesen is killed, or if there is no news for more than three days, Zhan Shen will assume that Wang Xuesen has been murdered.

He had experienced torture.

After enduring three days of torture, it's practically the same as death; you'll emerge as a cripple.

This grudge must be held against Chen Bijun.

He really wanted to ask his traitorous father if he could find out anything.

But after thinking about it several times, I decided to hold back.

in the afternoon.

Wang Xuesen was wearing makeup.

He first took a rickshaw to the vicinity of Jiming Temple, where Wang Jingwei's daily office building is located, and Zhan Shen might be staking out there.

I looked around but couldn't find anyone.

He realized that Zhan Shen might be staking out near Wang Jingwei's residence.

It was 6:30 PM.

In winter, the cold wind howls.

Dark clouds pressed down, and the sky was completely dark.

A convoy of cars was approaching from the direction of the Wang Mansion.

Wang Xuesen has been detained by Chen Bijun for more than twelve hours.

The situation is very bad.

Zhan Shen frowned, peered out from the side, and quietly placed his hand on his waist, waiting for the right opportunity.

He wouldn't mind shooting Wang Jingwei.

Anyway, he never thought he could go back alive after he ran away.

If we could also get rid of that traitor Wang Jingwei, it would be a cause for celebration, setting a good example for our son.

Outside, Chu Minyi led his patrol team on motorcycles and surrounded them from behind.

Wang Jingwei was terrified of assassination attempts.

Each time he went on patrol, people would be sent to patrol the ten streets in the vicinity from all directions.

Moreover, Chu Minyi must personally lead the team.

"Is this the place you came from? Stand against the wall!" Several policemen following behind on motorcycles surrounded them menacingly.

He swung his baton and began beating a few passersby and drivers nearby.

Zhan Shen secretly sensed something was wrong.

He was carrying a gun; these traitorous dogs were trying to outflank him from two streets away—they were being quite cautious.

It would be troublesome if they found a gun.

Zhan Shen felt a surge of courage. As the convoy drew closer, he wondered if he should rush out and launch a counterattack.

We can't have come all this way for nothing.

"Stand against the wall, are you deaf?" A policeman raised his hand and hit him with a stick.

Zhan Shen gritted his teeth, placed his hands on the wall, and glanced in the direction of the convoy.

Getting closer and closer.

He saw the curtain of one of the cars move slightly, vaguely revealing Chen Bijun's face.

Let's do it!

Just as Zhan Shen was about to storm out, a voice rang out: "Hey, buddy, are you coming or not?"

Zhan Shen shuddered.

That voice is so familiar.

He turned his head and saw Wang Xuesen almost jogging over.

The police officer standing nearby immediately raised the rifle on his shoulder.

Wang Xuesen smiled and said, "Mr. Chu, we meet again."

Chu Minyi glanced at him, frowned, and said, "Xiao Wang, why are you still in Jinling?"

Wang Xuesen smiled and said, "It's a rare opportunity to come to Nanjing, so I'll take this chance to discuss some business with my friends here."

"Mr. Chu, it's getting dark. Would you mind if I took a rickshaw?"

Chu Minyi glanced at Zhan Shen.

Although the kid's face was against the wall, an expert could tell at a glance whether he was capable or not; he sensed a murderous intent emanating from Zhan Shen.

Moreover, his posture is unlike that of other coachmen.

He probably understood.

These are Wang Xuesen's henchmen and bodyguards.

"Director Yin's son, isn't he?" Chu Minyi sneered.

Zhan Shen turned around: "Minister Chu."

"It's alright, you can go now." Chu Minyi paused for a few seconds, then waved his hand and said.

He and Yin Dingyi were very close friends.

Judging from Zhan Shen's posture, he may have come to avenge Wang Xuesen.

Sure enough, young people these days are all incredibly reckless; they're fearless when it comes to risking their lives.

Did Chen Bijun also want to assassinate Wang Xuesen?

They really picked the wrong target.

"Mr. Chu, I will pay you a special visit another day. Thank you." Wang Xuesen got directly into Zhan Shen's rickshaw.

He continued staring at the convoy, still somewhat unwilling to give up, and said to Zhan Shen, "Young Master Yin, it's time to go."

Zhan Shen snapped out of his daze, grabbed the rickshaw, and sped away.

Wang Xuesen knew that this fool's killer bloodline had been revived.

He usually spends his days making money and being a stay-at-home dad, having long since put the matter of murder aside.

It's understandable that I feel a little itchy to touch Wang Zhaoming now that I see him.

"You don't really want to sleep with me, do you?" Once they reached a secluded spot, Wang Xuesen got off the road.

"No, killing Wang is a bit difficult, but I'm confident I can shoot Chu Minyi," Zhan Shen said.

"I didn't expect you to actually come."

"I knew you'd be there. Luckily I made it in time, otherwise it would have been troublesome if Chen Bijun had taken her anger out on you."

"Thanks, bro." Wang Xuesen patted him on the shoulder and chuckled.

Zhan Shen glanced at him and said, "What are you thinking? I came to Jinling because Xiaomin was craving something sweet, and I wanted to buy her two roast ducks to help her make up for it."

"What's it to you?"

Wang Xuesen was already used to his stubbornness: "Fine, fine, I'll pay for the roast duck, and I'll reimburse you for the bus fare and gas on the way back."

"That's more like it." Zhan Shen pulled the rickshaw with one hand and walked to a beggar by the roadside.

"Hey brother, even the landlords don't have surplus grain these days, who cares about a beggar like you?"

"Here, have something to eat."

In a good mood, he simply handed the rickshaw to the beggar and gave him a few silver dollars as a bonus.

"Oh my, we've run into the God of Wealth!"

"Thank you so much, kind person."

The beggar was overjoyed and kowtowed repeatedly.

The next day.

Wang Xuesen returned to Shanghai.

He didn't rush to work at No. 76, but went to the hospital immediately.

After being released from Chen Bijun's imprisonment, Wang Xuesen immediately agreed to re-establish contact with Dai Li.

However, they refused to use the radio station arranged by the Japanese, insisting on using Qian Xinmin's radio station and the previous codebook.

Kawabe Masazo was eager to establish this communication line, so he readily agreed. Okamura Ichiro immediately called Li Shiqun and released Qian Xinmin.

We arrived at the hospital.

Qian Xinmin was lying on the hospital bed, looking weak and exhausted, with a dull look in his eyes.

Clearly, he had just escaped death and endured torture, leaving him on the verge of mental and physical collapse.

Wang Xuesen walked in and closed the door behind him: "Old Qian, are you alright?"

Qian Xinmin smiled palely and said, "I'm alright, I won't die."

"I was prepared to sacrifice myself, but I never expected that you would pull me back from the brink of death."

"That's fine too, now I can cooperate with you openly and honestly."

Wang Xuesen shook his hand and smiled, "If people don't let me down, I won't let them down. The Japanese can't afford to lose anymore and want to negotiate with Yamashiro."

"You're really going to help them negotiate?" Qian Xinmin asked, frowning.

"Of course not."

"The international situation is improving, and the Nationalist government is providing more and more aid. The Japanese have miscalculated."

"They used me only to keep a window open, a glimmer of hope."

"I doubt even Masazo Kawabe would dare to dream that I could persuade them to make peace by sending a telegram." Wang Xuesen took a drag on his cigarette, about to light it, but then remembered that Lao Qian was still recovering from his illness and put the lighter back in his pocket.

"Hmm, when do you need me to work?"

"It's just a skin wound, I can go home and heal it."

Qian Xinmin couldn't wait to collaborate with Wang Xuesen.

Wang Xuesen pressed down on his shoulder: "No need, you should rest first."

"If you need anything, just go to Dean Yang. He's my sworn brother, and he's reliable."

"Also, Lao Du is back. If anything comes up, I'll contact him first."

"Don't worry."

Qian Xinmin nodded.

Wang Xuesen left the hospital and arrived at number 76.

As soon as I arrived at the entrance, I saw Li Shiqun and Ye Jiqing leading several department heads to greet me at the lobby entrance.

Damn, Old Li's skin is getting thicker and thicker.

As soon as they got out of the car, Li Shiqun stepped forward, grabbed Wang Xuesen's hand, and said enthusiastically, "Xuesen, what did I tell you? Good people are always blessed by heaven."

"I knew you were innocent."

"Commander Okamura and Director Kagesa personally called to inquire about your situation and gave instructions to reinstate you to your original position."

"Your office is still here, untouched," Ye Jiqing said happily, her eyes slightly red.

Wang Xuesen glanced around and knew perfectly well that 99% of the people here were hypocritical and most of them wanted him dead, including Lao Hu and Wu Sibao.

After all, the interrogation room is a lucrative opportunity.

I reckon the only ones who would truly be reluctant to part with her are my sister-in-law and Wanlilang.

"Thanks to the good fortune of Director Tuo, his wife, and all his colleagues, Xuesen has made a fortunate return."

"However, as the director said, the innocent are innocent. With the documents from Chief of Staff He Bian, the stain of my Kuomintang affiliation has finally been washed away." Wang Xuesen said politely, while also subtly praising himself.

When dealing with these bastards, if you have a useful name, you have to use it. Otherwise, everyone will bring up his alleged involvement in the Kuomintang's secret service and expose him.

With Zheng San by the river as a formidable obstacle, anyone who dares to cause trouble again will have to think twice.

Sure enough, the mere mention of the riverbank ignited a burning jealousy in Li Shiqun's eyes.

After all, that was something he couldn't even begin to grasp, no matter how hard he tried.

"Alright, I've booked a table at the Richard Hotel for lunch. Everyone, let's go celebrate Xuesen's birthday." A hint of displeasure flashed in Li Shiqun's eyes as he greeted them.

"Director, there's no need for a celebration."

"While I was away, there must have been a lot of documents piling up on my desk. I'd better get back to work first," Wang Xuesen said modestly.

"That works too," Li Shiqun said.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with everyone, Wang Xuesen went straight upstairs to his office. Ye Jiqing wanted to follow him and have a chat, but was stopped by a glare from Li Shiqun.

Back in his office, Wang Xuesen leaned back in his chair and breathed a sigh of relief.

I've now overcome the toughest hurdle.

He casually flipped through the calendar on the table and adjusted the date.

We're about to enter our 42nd year.

Now that I'm free of suspicion and have no worries, it's time to do something big and cause trouble for No. 76 and those Wang Jingwei regime bastards.

Otherwise, Shen Gongbao would have been a figurehead for nothing.

Moreover, I haven't made a lot of money in a long time.

It can be moved.

Just as he was pondering this, there was a knock at the door, and Wan Lilang's deep voice came from outside: "Brother, it's me."

"Please come in." Wang Xuesen knew that the person bringing the gift had arrived.

He wanted to see what kind of surprise Wanlilang could give him.