Agent: Intercepting Yu Manli at the start!

Medical skills? Perfect timing!

Special agents aren't gods. If they've been stabbed, shot, or contaminated with drugs, how can they just walk into a hospital unscathed? A single injection, a single dose of medicine, a single dressing, a single bandage—sometimes, it's the line between life and death.

Sun Tzu's Art of War? It's an invaluable treasure!

It is not just a military treatise from 2,500 years ago, but also the matrix of strategy and the engine of thought. Suicide spies, feigned surrender, flanking maneuvers, feigned attacks... which one is not a daily routine for spies? Li Shimin said, "Among all the military treatises, none surpasses Sun Tzu's." Today, people use it to break through stalemates, set traps, and conceal their strength in the marketplace, yet still reveal their brilliance.

This sign-in was truly significant.

"receive!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a vast torrent of knowledge rushed in—the direction of the silver needle, pulse diagrams, military formation simulations, analysis of weaknesses in city defenses… all were imprinted deep into his mind.

Just as the event concluded, the system notification sounded again: "Ding—New sign-in coordinates locked: Mountain City Military Club. Rewards pending, unknown."

Mountain City Military Club?

That den of iniquity, a place of dazzling lights, extravagant spending, and secret conversations among drunkards.

received!

Zhou Xiao stepped down the stairs, his pace neither hurried nor slow.

He had barely stepped out of the second gate when a dark shadow darted out from the shadows at the alley entrance, clinging tightly to the wall.

Tracking?

Trying to pull this stunt under Zhou Xiao's nose? It's like showing off your skills in front of Guan Yu.

In less than two minutes, he noticed the rustling behind him, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

Without even turning around, I knew it must be Zhou Haichao.

Zhou Haichao, who was so guilty he could hardly sit still.

He was convinced that Zheng Yaoxian and Zhou Hai's sudden appearance in Shanghai was because of the attack on Xiao Zhengguo. Fearing that they might give themselves away, he hurriedly sent people to keep an eye on Zhou Xiao.

Zhou Xiao pretended not to notice, waved for a rickshaw, lifted the bamboo curtain, and directly gave the address: "Military Club, hurry up!"

The military club is a gathering place for comrades-in-arms, a place of warm stoves, cozy drinks, laughter, and lively chatter. It's a place where officers can take off their epaulets, loosen their collars, and indulge in food, drink, and relaxation. It's not just a place for leisure, but also a matchmaking hub—many officers' marriages, secret engagements, and even clandestine romances have quietly settled in this corner where the lights flicker and the music flows.

To capture Araki, Zhou Xiao must not alert anyone in the slightest.

To rashly attempt a site visit now? Before you even step inside, Zhou Haichao's men will likely be on high alert. Rather than blindly rushing in, it's better to remain still, observe the situation, and use stillness to control movement.

The military club was bustling with activity tonight, so lively it was almost unbearable.

Outside the door, sentries paced back and forth, the sound of their boots hitting the ground clearly audible; inside, however, the place was dazzling with light and color, the crystal chandeliers were so bright they made people dizzy, and officers in smart uniforms, arm in arm with their wives or with women they had never met before, twirled, glided, and whispered in each other's ears on the dance floor, their skirts fluttering like butterflies.

Zhou Xiao pushed open the door and entered. He glanced around and went straight to a corner booth. He ordered a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, sipped it slowly, and gently rubbed his fingertips on the rim of the glass.

He appeared relaxed, but his mind was racing: how to infiltrate the area? Who exactly was Zheng Yaoxian?

To be honest, he became suspicious of Zheng Yaoxian's identity—this man was far more than what was written on his top-secret Kuomintang agent ID. It was highly likely he was a member of the underground Communist Party.

The most suspicious thing is that Zheng Yaoxian is too "accurate".

As the top agent of the Second Division of the Military Intelligence Bureau, how could he be completely unaware of Zhang Li, an underground party member hiding right under his nose? For anyone else, escaping the net might be understandable; but who is Zheng Yaoxian? His mind is as meticulous as a hair, and his eyes as sharp as a hawk's. With just a blurry identification report and an old wound on Chen Shan's neck, he could expose the disguise on the spot—this is no ordinary agent; he's a living devil.

Of course, there is another possibility: Zhang Li is hiding too well, or he is a "dormant piece" that has not yet been used.

But this argument is untenable—Zhang Li personally appeared at the XinXin Café to hand over the radio, indicating that he had already broken out of his dormant state.

A high-ranking Kuomintang official turns a blind eye to the underground Communist Party members who are right next to him... unless he is one of them.

Tonight's events finally put an end to the heavy cloud of doubt that had been hanging over Zhou Xiao's mind.

Just as he was pondering this, a clear female voice drifted over, like a silver bell striking a porcelain cup: "Sir, would you do me the honor of dancing?"

Zhou Xiao turned and looked back—

acquaintance!

Yu Xiaowan.

The woman I brushed past in the Heart Heart Cafe.

By the way, she loves dancing and playing mahjong, and is a regular at the military club, appearing almost every day.

Zhou Xiao was slightly taken aback, then raised the corners of his mouth: "How could I refuse an invitation from a beauty?"

"Thanks." Yu Xiaowan hooked her fingertip and lightly grasped his wrist, pulling him into the center of the dance floor. Their waists were close together, their shoulders touching, rising and falling with the jazz music.

As soon as the music starts, your feet naturally follow.

Take a step forward, then retreat half an inch; turn left once, then turn right once—the rhythm is perfectly synchronized, as if it had been rehearsed a thousand times.

The people watching him had already infiltrated the club, hiding behind pillars, leaning against the bar, and sitting in booths, their eyes never leaving him.

Zhou Xiao pretended not to see it, focusing all his attention on the warm touch in his palm and the smiling face in front of him.

Yu Xiaowan spoke first, her voice light and cheerful: "Sir, you look unfamiliar. Is this your first time here?"

"Yes, the first time."

"Your dance steps are nimble, your skill is considerable—may I ask your surname?"

"Zhou Xiao".

"Yu Xiaowan".

Zhou Xiao replied calmly, "Judging from your familiarity with the place, you must be a local 'landlady.' Your husband is quite generous, allowing you to come here so often?"

Yu Xiaowan raised an eyebrow, feigning seriousness: "What? Do I look like I'm married?" She paused, her eyes sparkling, "To be honest, I'm still single. Before you, I never danced with a man—you're the first."

In this world, Yu Xiaowan truly loves to dance, yet she always maintains her boundaries: she doesn't actively invite others to dance, nor does she readily accept invitations. With her godfather Fei Zhengpeng backing her up, no one dares to misbehave, much less forcefully drag her along. Over time, she becomes a unique sight in the club—aloof amidst the liveliness, and aloof amidst the clamor.

single?

Never dances with someone of the opposite sex?

Indeed, this parallel world was subtly different in every way.

interesting.

Zhou Xiao laughed loudly: "Then tonight, I guess I've hit the jackpot."

"That's right." Yu Xiaowan's eyes flashed, bright as the spring sun.

When the song ended, the two returned to the bar and sat down.

"Waiter, bring this lady a glass of red wine." Zhou Xiao gestured, his tone as natural as inviting an old friend for a drink.

Yu Xiaowan smiled and said, "Not bad, you're pretty good at it."

The two raised their glasses for a sip, chatting about the weather, dance music, and the new theaters that had opened in Beiping.

At the same time, Zhou Xiao silently recited in his mind, "Sign in."

"Ding—The host has completed the check-in in the designated scene. Rewards: Peak physical fitness enhancement, 1000 points, and 10 small yellow fish."

Peak Physical Enhancement: The current body is already at the limit of ordinary people. This skill will comprehensively enhance endurance, explosiveness, reaction, agility - in some dimensions, and even break through the human physiological ceiling.

What is the foundation for physical strength and longevity?

Just what he wanted!

In chaotic times, violence is the only true means of survival. He was never weak, but only by becoming stronger can he live a more secure life.

Small yellow croaker?

There really is such a thing.

Gold bars during the Republic of China era came in various shapes and sizes: one tael, two taels, three taels, five taels, ten taels, etc. Among them, a ten-tael bar was called "Big Yellow Fish," while the most basic one-tael gold bar, due to its bright yellow color and fish-like shape, was affectionately called "Little Yellow Fish" by ordinary people. According to the old system, sixteen taels made up one catty, and one tael was approximately 31.2 grams.

In those days, gold was heavier than paper money and harder than guns—it didn't discriminate based on position or faction; it was the life-saving talisman of real money. A small yellow croaker could be exchanged for two acres of irrigated land; three or four were enough to buy a small courtyard house with blue bricks and gray tiles in Beiping.

The system sent ten sticks at once, which really surprised Zhou Xiao.

Having been here for so long, this is the first time I've received a real reward—ten heavy little yellow croakers—this isn't pocket money, it's ballast.

In chaotic times, money isn't everything, but without it, even life is in danger.

After all, money really can buy life.

This sign-in reward made Zhou Xiao's heart light up—it turned out that what the system gave out wasn't just a gimmick, but a real item that he could actually put in his pocket.

"Interesting." Zhou Xiao's lips curled up slightly, and a sense of relief appeared between his brows.

"Come on, let's have a drink!" Yu Xiaowan raised her glass and clinked it against his, a smile playing at the corners of her eyes. "Want to dance again? I'm not done yet."

"OK!"

The two glided onto the dance floor, their steps perfectly synchronized, their movements as swift as the wind. As the lights shimmered, their skirts and hems traced fluid arcs, as if the entire club's rhythm rose and fell with them.

An hour later, Yu Xiaowan's cheeks were flushed, but her eyes shone brightly. Leaning against Zhou Xiao's shoulder, her steps were light yet steady, and she kept laughing. As the two stepped out of the military club gate side by side, the night breeze brushed their faces, carrying the unique damp warmth of the mountain city.

"Xiao Wan?" Zhang Li noticed her slightly tipsy appearance at a glance, rushed forward, and asked with undisguised concern, "Have you had too much to drink?"

"Sister Li—" Yu Xiaowan looked up, her voice clear and bright, showing no signs of drunkenness, "I'm so happy today! Guess what? This Chongqing dance queen has finally bumped into a real Chongqing dance king!" She winked at Zhou Xiao, then turned back, lowering her voice but unable to hide her excitement, "His dancing energy... is amazing!"

Zhang Li steadied her with one hand, his gaze calmly falling on Zhou Xiao: "Hello, Zhang Li. We've met before."

—The second meeting took place in the second corridor.

"I remember." Zhou Xiao nodded. "Zhou Xiao."

"Xiao Wan loves to dance, she just wants to have some fun." Zhang Li's tone was gentle, yet carried an undeniable sense of propriety. "No need to trouble you, I'll take her home."

"Okay." Zhou Xiao raised his hand in acknowledgment, his smile crisp and decisive. "Until we meet again."

He turned and left the military club, his steps unhurried, as if taking a leisurely stroll. Whether someone was following him or not, he knew perfectly well, and too lazy to look back.

Zhou Haichao? Let him run wild for a couple more days. The time isn't right yet; we can't rush it.

A peaceful night.

The next morning, Zhou Xiao stepped into the second gate as usual, and just as he turned the corner of the stairs, he bumped into Zhang Li.

"Good morning." She nodded to him, the morning light illuminating her neat and tidy uniform collar.

"Good morning." He smiled back, and the two brushed past each other without saying another word.

On the way, Fei Zhengpeng came towards us.

Zhou Xiao recognized him—the deputy director of the Second Bureau of the Military Intelligence Bureau, outwardly mature and composed, but codenamed "Camel," his mind as deep as a dry well. He had once been sworn brothers with Yu Xiaowan's father, Yu Shunnian, but later defected to the enemy, personally pushing his old friend into the abyss. Years of guilt had gnawed at his heart, causing him to protect Yu Xiaowan as if she were his own daughter, yet he dared not acknowledge it, dared not speak of it.

Inside the director's office, Guan Yongshan, Chen Shan, and Zhou Xiao sat around the table, discussing Araki's matter.