Espionage: I Have Photo Editing Software

"Those Japanese devils in Manchukuo must be racking their brains to find me. After so many days, they haven't found a single thing, so they must be getting suspicious. In order to prevent them from focusing their attention on Shanghai, it seems I have to let some clues out to prove that I'm in Manchukuo."

Wei Renming stared at the Japanese newspaper on the table, and through a combination of guesswork and deduction, he was able to make out the gist of it. It was about the imminent completion of the new office building of the State Council of Manchukuo, accompanied by a picture of a six-story tower.

"Enter the data."

Wei Renming touched the newspaper, and with a thought, the newspaper's illustrations were saved into the image editing software's resource library.

"Next, if we just pretend it's an accident and let the tower appear in the smaller version of the artwork, won't those Japanese devils from the puppet Manchukuo regime pounce on it like dogs seeing a bone?"

Wei Renming entered the darkroom, locked the door, and began operating the camera with the photographic paper in his hand.

Kimura Ihei donned a formal suit.

He naturally had to respond in formal attire: a ceremonial robe.

The Yiyi was one of the six garments worn by noblewomen, and the highest ceremonial dress of the empress.

Wei Renming referenced the characteristics of the crowns and robes of empresses from the Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties, and made slight modifications to suit contemporary aesthetics, making them more in line with the tastes of people at the time.

Soon, with the help of photo editing software, a picture of a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe was created.

"The phoenix crown seems a bit off."

Without any source material or reference images, it would be difficult for him to replicate the twelve-dragon, nine-phoenix crown of Empress Xiaojing of the Ming Dynasty based solely on his memory.

This phoenix crown is considered a pinnacle of ancient gold and silver craftsmanship.

The details are too numerous to reiterate.

In short, in Wei Renming's view, this phoenix crown alone was enough to outshine all Japanese clothing.

The only way to restore this phoenix crown is through the passage of time.

By noon the next day, Wei Renming breathed a long sigh of relief; the Twelve Dragons and Nine Phoenixes Crown had finally been photoshopped out.

"Next, we need to add the tower to the photo. It can't be too obvious; only a corner of the tower should be visible, and it should be blurred..."

After everything was over, Wei Renming climbed into bed and fell fast asleep, completely unaware that the outside world was in an uproar.

After Kimura Ihei's work was published, some Chinese newspapers began to switch sides under the Japanese side's financial offensive.

Although some Chinese newspapers with a firm stance published works by other domestic photographers, the works, while beautiful, lacked sensationalism and received only a lukewarm response.

In the battle of public opinion, the Chinese people have begun to be at a disadvantage.

"Why hasn't the anonymous person shown up yet?" Xue Ning asked anxiously.

Xue Wan lay on the bed, swinging her legs, flipping through the supplementary issue of "Liangyou" magazine, and casually said, "I heard from my elder brother that the anonymous author seems to be in Manchuria. It will take at least three or four days for him to find out the situation here and send his new work to the newspaper."

"Then isn't he in constant danger?" Xue Ning asked worriedly.

Xue Wan nodded. "You know the situation in Manchukuo best. The Japanese exercised oppressive rule there, and it was difficult for anyone to hide unless they went deep into the mountains. He might have already been captured by the Japanese."

"Can't our elder brother send someone to rescue him?"

"My brother would like to, but unfortunately, we can't find anyone to help."

"The Japanese deserve to die!" Xue Ning pursed his lips, the hatred in his eyes almost tangible.

Xue Wan sat up, took Xue Ning's hand, and said softly, "Sister Ning, give us a little more time, we'll definitely find Uncle and Aunt..."

Xue Ning lowered his head, his expression somber.

"How are things going at the Peerless Beauty Photo Studio?" Xue Wan changed the subject.

"Wei Renming went to take photos for the Japanese a couple of days ago..." Xue Ning sighed.

"Why didn't I see it in the newspaper?" Xue Wan wasn't surprised.

"I don't know. I haven't seen him in the last two days."

Are you angry with him because of this?

"He's Chinese, how can he work for the Japanese?"

"When you're in business, you naturally want to make money, that's perfectly understandable. Even if he took photos of the Japanese, it doesn't necessarily make him a traitor. Sister Ning, we can't expect everyone to be a saint. You went to the photo studio to learn his photography techniques, nothing else matters."

Xue Ning remained silent for a while, then raised her head, her gaze resolute. "You're right! I want to learn his photography skills!"

"Don't force yourself. If you really don't want to go, then forget it. He's not the only photographer in Shanghai." Although Xue Wan is a year younger than Xue Ning, she's more like an older sister to him.

……

"Chief, judging from the current momentum, it seems Kimura is going to win." Yamagami Ryosuke's face was grim.

Jiro Sato laughed and said, "Isn't this a good thing?"

"It is indeed a good thing for the Empire. But Kimura was invited by Matsumoto Shigeharu, and his victory makes us look incompetent."

"Ultimately, this is something you didn't think through. Someone else is cleaning up your mess, so why are you complaining so much?" Jiro Sato scolded.

Ryosuke Yamagami opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word for a long time.

"However, what you said isn't entirely unreasonable. Wei Renming's photos were taken, so why weren't they published?"

"You want to use his photo..."

"If Matsumoto Shigeharu can buy the newspaper, why can't we? As long as Wei Renming's work isn't too bad, what's wrong with spending some money and giving him some praise? Besides, having a top Chinese photographer who is passionate about Japanese culture represent us will generate more buzz in Manchukuo and domestically."

Yamagami Ryosuke exclaimed excitedly, "Chief, you are wise! I understand what to do!"

As the two were talking, the assistant knocked on the door and entered.

"What is it?"

"Two newspapers have sent letters, saying they were sent from Manchukuo by an anonymous sender." The assistant presented the envelopes.

"What?" Sato Jiro eagerly tore open the envelope and took a look, his expression changing drastically.

There are only two photos.

The first photograph, titled "Phoenix Coronet and Embroidered Robe," depicts a stunningly beautiful woman in a bright red wedding gown and a phoenix coronet, walking on a red carpet laid out on the grass, exuding elegance and opulence.

The second photo is titled "Twelve Dragons and Nine Phoenix Crowns," featuring a close-up of the phoenix crowns, revealing every detail and making them dazzling.

In addition to the photos, there was also a letter.

The letter was very short, containing only two sentences:

In this tiny country, mourning clothes were mistaken for wedding attire.

The magnificent land of China, with its phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, has been passed down through the ages.

"Baka!!!"

Jiro Sato slammed his hand on the table, his eyes blazing with fury.

Ryosuke Yamagami sensed something was wrong. After reading the photos and letters, he gritted his teeth and said, "This is outrageous! How dare they insult the Empire! Who is this anonymous person?!"

Besides anger, he was mostly worried.

He's not blind; he can tell the difference between kimono and Hanfu.

"The Phoenix Coronet and Embroidered Robe" almost completely overshadows Kimura's works.

It is foreseeable that public opinion will undergo a dramatic change after the photos are published tomorrow.

"Chief, this might not be a bad thing!"

"explain!"

"The materials used in this outfit and phoenix crown are exceptionally luxurious and rare; they must be difficult to obtain. Furthermore, I suspect the anonymous person is very likely the fashion designer or tailor. If we follow these two leads and investigate thoroughly, we'll surely be able to find him!"