Anti-Japanese War Espionage: I Have an Omniscient Perspective

The man on the left slowly put down his teacup, his accent harsh and cold:

"We are military police officers from the Special Higher Police Section of the Central China Military Police Command, stationed in Shanghai."

Lin Rui's fingers tightened slightly as he gripped the brush. As far as he knew, the Special Higher Police was the most core intelligence agency of the Japanese.

Zhang Xiaolin's smile deepened, and he leaned forward slightly, adopting an extremely humble posture.

"So you two are from the Special Higher Police! I've heard so much about you! It's a great honor for me, Zhang, to serve the Imperial Army!"

"We know you," the officer on the right said, his eyes sinister. "The Shanghai gangs. You have power, and... ambition."

Zhang Xiaolin chuckled, neither denying nor admitting:

"Feel free to ask me anything. As long as it's within Shanghai, I, Zhang Xiaolin, will handle it without hesitation."

The officer on the left said, "The Imperial Army needs the cooperation of local forces to control Shanghai. You, from the Tongfu Society, will work for the Imperial Army. You'll be well rewarded."

Zhang Xiaolin's smile faded slightly:

"To be honest, gentlemen, I genuinely want to cooperate with the Imperial Army. But we're in the French Concession now, and you both know about Zheng Dahong's assassination. That makes people afraid to take the lead like him again. If I openly get too close to the Imperial Army, it won't be long before my old life ends up like Zheng Dahong's, at the hands of an assassin. And the Tongfu Society will disband."

He paused, his tone earnest:

"I can secretly collude with the Imperial Army, remaining outwardly discreet. I will contribute what I need and provide information when necessary, but... I cannot openly take sides. I hope you two can understand."

The two Special Higher Police officers exchanged a glance.

The officer on the left nodded slowly:

"Okay. We can cooperate covertly."

Zhang Xiaolin breathed a sigh of relief:

Thank you for your understanding!

"But," the officer's tone suddenly turned cold, "we'll be placing our own people in your Tongfu Society."

Zhang Xiaolin's eyelids twitched, but he dared not refuse and could only agree repeatedly:

"Of course, of course! I'd be more than happy to have you send people to help me maintain order and offer advice!"

"It's not about maintaining order," the officer said calmly. "It's about supervision and carrying out the mission."

He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice, yet it reached Lin Rui's ears clearly:

"In a few days, an important figure will enter the French Concession to meet with you. This person is crucial to the Imperial Army. Your men and your territory must fully cooperate and provide cover. This is the first major task you've undertaken for us; I hope you don't mess it up."

Important person.

Lin Rui's heart sank.

That person was very likely Fang Dongcheng, who had betrayed his country and defected to the enemy.

His value lay in entering the concession and finding the people he knew at Shanghai Station.

"Understood!" Zhang Xiaolin nodded vigorously. "I will definitely protect them. The entire Tongfu Society will follow your orders!"

"Remember your words." The officer stood up. "Let's go. You'll be notified of the mission details later."

"I'll see you two gentlemen off!"

Zhang Xiaolin respectfully escorted the two Special Higher Police officers downstairs, watched the black sedan drive away from Zhang's residence, and then slowly put away his smile, his face showing an uncertain expression, as if he was plotting something.

After a while, he summoned one of his men.

"Go to Tongfu Society. You'll stay there for a while. Treat the people the Japanese send well, especially their important figures."

"Boss, what do the Japanese want us to do?"

Zhang Xiaolin scoffed, "What else could it be but arresting those Nationalist government spies? We won't lift a finger; we'll just do their bidding. If a fight breaks out, you'd better keep an eye on our men and make sure they don't get involved."

"Understood. This is called reaping the benefits. Once the Japanese have cleared out all the Nationalist government agents who have infiltrated the concessions, we will have no worries about the future."

"You're quite clever. For this matter, I even put aside what happened on Beile Street. Once we've wiped out all the Nationalist government's spies, we'll turn our attention back to bringing down Du Men and throwing that Huang Dazhu into the Huangpu River to feed the fish."

...

On the second floor of a shop diagonally opposite Zhang's mansion, Lin Rui slowly withdrew his supernatural power.

He continued to slowly and deliberately brush the wall, his expression blank, no different from that of an ordinary laborer.

But my heart was in turmoil.

Special Higher Police, Zhang Xiaolin, Tongfu Society, Fang Dongcheng's imminent arrival...

A large net is quietly being cast in the French Concession.

He had to find a way to set up surveillance and keep an eye on the Tongfu Society.

Half an hour later, the wall was finished painting. The boss came upstairs, looked at the painted wall, and was very satisfied. He gave each laborer 10 copper coins.

Lin Rui and the other two accepted the copper coins, saying, "Thank you, boss. Congratulations on your fortune!"

The three then left the shop and walked from the alley to Avenue Joffre.

Now that the work period has passed, there are far fewer laborers squatting there.

Lin Rui squatted down and used his supernatural ability to observe.

Before long, a fit and middle-aged man in short clothes walked out of the Zhang mansion. His face was stern and his eyes scanned left and right.

He then quickly left with two of his men.

It was the confidant who had just spoken with Zhang Xiaolin.

Lin Rui stood up and walked parallel to his confidant on Avenue Joffre, in the same direction.

Not long after, they arrived at Julaida Road.

This is a short street that runs east to west.

Lin Rui emerged from the alleyway on Xiafei Road and watched as the three people across the street turned into a lane.

This alley is called Tongfu Lane, and the Tongfu Society's headquarters are located inside.

He walked across the street, squatted down by the roadside, and used his supernatural abilities to observe the alleyways behind him.

The alleyway was narrow and dark.

Walk about twenty meters in, and you'll find the Tongfu Society's headquarters.

The main entrance to the hall was wide open, and inside was a cacophony of noise—gambling, drinking games, smoking, and laughing, all members of the Tongfu Society, their voices arrogant and grating.

The passersby all lowered their heads and walked quickly, not daring to even glance around, for fear of getting into trouble.

The supernatural power spread silently, taking in the entire front yard and hall of the Tongfu Association.

The confidant didn't give any instructions to his subordinates, but instead joined a gambling game and started playing Pai Gow.

After observing for a while, Lin Rui withdrew his supernatural power.

he thought.

The Japanese representative sent to the Tongfu Association is unlikely to come today.

Fang Dongcheng will also arrive in a while.

He is officially the manager of Lianhua Film Studio, but he needs to deal with the inspections by Mr. Li, the cultural inspector, during this period, so he can't stay here every day.

We must find another way.

Thinking of this, he stood up, carried the carrying pole, and left. He walked all the way to the safe house near the French Concession New District, changed his clothes and removed the makeup from his face inside the safe house, transforming back into the identity of the film studio manager. Then, he left when no one was paying attention outside the safe house.

..........

Back on Belle Street.

Lin Rui went to the Loyalty Gang.

"Manager Chen is here." The brothers from the Loyalty Gang greeted him.

Everyone knows that Manager Chen Mo is Chief Huang's savior, so they all respect him.

Lin Rui smiled and asked, "Where's the gang leader?"

"The gang leader was tricked into going away by several business owners, but he should be back soon," Da Niu said.

"Then I'll wait for him," Lin Rui replied.

The brothers in the gang brought Lin Rui a stool and made him some tea.

After a while, Huang Dazhu returned, his face reeking of alcohol.

He saw Lin Rui: "Dong... um, Manager Chen, what brings you here?"

"I need your help with something." Lin Rui stood up.

"Come to my room."