My spy diary

Chapter 558 There's No Escape (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
"boom"

Back in his office, Cui Fangping smashed a cup, his face ashen.

"Damn it, this is outrageous, I'm so angry."

Indeed, no other word could describe Cui Fangping's feelings at this moment. Li Mulin had been promoted and given a higher rank, and was even appointed as the director of the Central China Inspection Office. In the Military Intelligence Station, he was under Cui Fangping's command, but within the authority of the Inspection Office, he also had the right to supervise Cui Fangping. If things continued like this, who was really in charge?

Captain Cui shuddered inwardly, knowing that this had hit Station Chief Cui's sore spot. He said indignantly, "This is clearly an attempt to exclude us." Observing the expression, he changed the subject, "However, every cloud has a silver lining. People's energy is limited. He also has a position in the Supervision Office, so he will definitely be busy with that. He will be neglecting one thing for another, which will make it easier for us to manage the station."

Cui Fangping nodded, but seemed to disagree with Captain Cui's point of view. He pondered to himself that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the struggle within Yuzhou would intensify. He wasn't afraid to fight Li Mulin, but he worried that his subordinates, unaware of the situation, would all fawn over Li Mulin, kicking him while he was down, and causing a complete collapse of the alliance. If that happened, he would truly be left all alone. So he immediately asked:

"How's the operation going with the task force?"

Captain Cui understood that the station chief was asking about winning over the two deputy captains. He had thought that by using Station Chief Cui's name, he could easily bring the two under his command, even if only temporarily.

But reality slapped him hard in the face. Whether these two deputy captains were feigning ignorance or genuinely inflexible, they didn't understand the subtle hints in his words. Not only were they unmoved, but they also seemed inclined to curry favor with Deputy Station Chief Li Mulin. This infuriated him, and he said somewhat dejectedly:
"There has been no progress at the moment."

Cui Fangping was very dissatisfied with this answer and snorted heavily.

Captain Cui thought for a moment and said, "However, things are not without hope. I need some things."

Cui Fangping's eyes lit up: "What?"

"Small yellow croaker".

"You mean bribery?"

"Yes. I've done some research these past few days and learned some details about these two men. They both came from the Qingpu training program and joined the Loyal and Patriotic Army after graduation. Later, He Tianfeng, the deputy commander of the Loyal and Patriotic Army, betrayed them and defected to the enemy. The two men escaped to the headquarters and were later exiled to Yuzhou. They made some contributions under Niu Zidao and were promoted to captain."

The full name of the Qingpu Training Class was "Qingpu Special Technical Training Class of the Military Commission Jiangsu-Zhejiang Action Committee". It was jointly established by Dai Chunfeng and Du Yuesheng, the leader of the Green Gang, after the outbreak of the Battle of Shanghai. The class included young students and gang members, a mixed bag. Due to changes in the war, it was urgently relocated after only one month.

Captain Cui explained the two men's backgrounds and calmly analyzed, "Now that Niu Zidao is dead, the two have lost their backer, which is why they are eager to get close to the Li family. But what can the Li family give them? Nothing more than fame and fortune, but we can give them the same things. Moreover, we will not only give them, but also give them real money."

How much are you prepared to give?

Five small yellow croakers per person.

"Ten small yellow croakers, that's no small sum." Cui Fangping stared out the window, somewhat hesitant. It wasn't that he was unwilling to part with the money; money is just an external thing, you can earn it back if you lose it. But what kind of superior would eagerly chase after their subordinate to give them gifts?
If this were to reach the ears of Commander Chen or his former colleagues, it would only make them a laughingstock and give the impression that Cui Fangping was incompetent. Furthermore, the way to manage subordinates is nothing more than a combination of kindness and severity, with clear rewards and punishments. Only by complementing each other can we balance reason and emotion and unite people's hearts. Now, these two have not accomplished anything, yet they've been given small favors. We can't set a precedent like this.

Captain Cui noticed his hesitation and immediately said urgently, "Station Chief, if it really doesn't work, I'll provide the small yellow croaker."

“It’s not about the money,” Cui Fangping said seriously, looking at him. “What you’re doing is gambling.”

"At this point, we have to take the gamble, and I believe it will definitely be worth it."

"How to say?"

"They've been leaving early and returning late these past two days, supposedly cooperating with Deputy Station Chief Li in some kind of decoy operation. As soon as the meeting ended, they left excitedly, even talking about a portrait artist. They must have a target. Station Chief, if we can get them on our side, we can take control of the case."

Cui Fangping frowned. Taking the two deputy captains under his wing would give him control of the case, but what case could be more impactful than the assassination of Yoshikawa Teisuke? What case could be bigger than wiping out the Japanese spy network lurking in Luoyang? He didn't want to end up with nothing, losing both his wife and his troops.

Seeing that Cui Fangping was still hesitant, Captain Cui continued earnestly:

"Station chief, if we control these two, we can take control of the action team and then gradually sideline the man surnamed Li."

"Sleep stop of the Li family!" Cui Fangping was convinced by this: "Okay, go and do it. Also, from now on, keep an eye on the Li family's every move."

"Yes."

At this moment, in the deputy station chief's office, which was separated from the dejected Cui Fangping by only one wall, the portrait of Akisui Taro had been drawn and was placed on the desk in Li Mulin's office. The two deputy captains of the action team and two capable agents were looking at the portrait carefully.

Li Mulin instructed, "This person is very cunning. The rickshaw driver who had the longest contact with him has already been murdered. The portrait was pieced together by us based on the injured old lady and by interviewing passersby who witnessed the old lady's injury. These people were untrained and were like blind men touching an elephant, so the portrait may not be accurate. Therefore, everyone must use their imagination and carefully investigate anyone who looks like him. It is better to arrest the wrong person than to let one go!"

"Yes."

Li Mulin glanced at his watch and began assigning tasks: "Immediately make several copies of the portrait and distribute them to the police station, its various branches and districts, the garrison command's inspection department, all checkpoints, and all hotels and inns. Conduct a thorough comparison and investigation." He then looked at Zhang Yi, who was sitting to the side drinking tea, and respectfully asked:

"Director Zhang, is there anything else that needs to be added?"

Just as Zhang Yi was about to speak, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the door.

The next moment, Sun Shengan, who was acting as the agent for the telecommunications department, knocked on the door and came in excitedly: "Reporting to Director Zhang and Director Li, the telecommunications department has detected a suspicious signal!"

These words jolted everyone awake, and Li Mulin eagerly asked, "Where?"

Sun Shengan's gaze lingered on the map on his desk. After thinking for a moment, he said, "It should be..." He hesitated for a second, then pointed to a location and said:

"Probably in the residential area around Dahe Road."

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Mulin immediately made the decision: "Everyone check your weapons. Target: Dahe Road. Arrest them immediately."

"Wait a minute!" Zhang Yi waved his hand to interrupt him and asked Sun Shengan, "Can you figure out who the other party is?"

Sun Shengan said without hesitation, "He must be a novice. I've never seen him before."

Zhang Yi nodded and asked, "Has the telecommunications detection vehicle been returned?"

"It's back."

“Alright, then,” Zhang Yi glanced at Li Mulin and gave the order on his behalf: “Section Chief Sun, have your men closely monitor the radio station’s every move. Also, you, me, and Deputy Station Chief Li will go to Dahe Road immediately in the telecommunications detection vehicle. We’ll use a two-pronged approach to try and capture this guy in one fell swoop.”

"Yes, sir." Sun Shengan saluted, the title "Section Chief Sun" filling him with enthusiasm.

"Deputy Station Chief Li, what do you think?"

"I'll listen to Director Zhang." Li Mulin readily agreed; Zhang Yi's plan was indeed better than his. "Let's go!"

Once everyone agreed, they immediately rushed out and headed towards Dahe Road.

On the other side, it was Akisui Taro who sent the message.

After leaving the hospital last night, he suspected that he had alerted the enemy. To avoid being exposed, he did not hesitate to kill the rickshaw driver who had given him a ride, and then went to the safe house provided by Liu Ying.

The safe house is a long-term rental property, fully equipped with a radio, weapons, and ammunition.

However, Akisui Taro did not feel safe. Ever since he learned that Ryuki was a member of the Special Higher Police, he had been on guard. Moreover, on his way home last night, he suspected that someone was secretly following him, which made him very worried.

So, after obtaining the weapons and radio, he changed his residence overnight.

Worried about the safety of sending telegrams from his residence, Akisui Taro tossed and turned, racking his brains, and finally came up with an idea that can be described as ingenious—mobile telegram sending.

In this way, he can constantly change the transmitting position, making it difficult for the opponent to detect and locate the source of the transmitting signal.

Akisui Taro was very pleased with his brilliant idea.

At that moment, he was sitting in a rickshaw, threatening the driver to take him on a roundabout route while transmitting a telegram. To avoid attracting attention, he deliberately pulled down the rickshaw's canopy to cover himself, leaving only half of his body exposed.

"Kaifeng Headquarters: I have arrived safely in Luoyang, and the rendezvous went smoothly."

The radio waves streaked silently across the sky, but because the rickshaw was constantly moving and bumping along, his transmissions were not smooth. Akisui Taro paused, glanced around warily, and called out to the driver:
"Slow down, keep going forward."

The driver, drenched in sweat, was annoyed that he hadn't checked the almanac before heading out today, encountering such a menacing-looking fellow. Although he didn't recognize the radio, he had a feeling the man was up to no good. But threatened by the menacing sight of a dark pistol, he was terrified and, hearing Akisui Taro's words, obediently changed from a jog to a slow walk.

"Sir, this is the first time I've encountered someone taking a ride like you. I won't take your money, I just want..."

"Enough with the nonsense. As long as you don't interfere with my business, I might spare your life if I'm in a good mood." Akisui Taro said, while observing his surroundings.

Several black sedans sped past on the roadside, followed by a bulky black telecommunications detection vehicle.

Instantly, Akisui Taro's expression changed drastically.

Zhang Yi and his team had arrived at the intersection of Dahe Road, with the telecommunications detection vehicle following behind.

At this moment, Sun Shengan, who was in charge of listening, put down his headphones and said, "Reporting to Director Zhang and Director Li, the signal we located earlier was in this area, but it disappeared as soon as we arrived."

Zhang Yi and Li Mulin exchanged a glance, their expressions turning serious.

After thinking for a moment, Li Mulin suggested, "Director Zhang, the police and military police support will be here soon. Should we start searching house to house first?"

Zhang Yi nodded and added, "We should take a two-pronged approach: immediately block all major roads within a one-mile radius and set up checkpoints."

"Understood!" Li Mulin immediately got out of the car to make the arrangements.

Meanwhile, in the rickshaw, Akisui Taro's face was pale. He hadn't expected the Military Intelligence Bureau to react so quickly, even deploying a telecommunications detection vehicle. He glanced at the unfinished lines of code, took a deep breath, and as if making a great decision, raised his hand and whispered a rebuke to the rickshaw driver:
"Turn into that alley, quick!"

Inside the telecommunications detection vehicle, Zhang Yi kept telling himself two words—patience. The surrounding area was already sealed off; no matter who was sending the message, there was no way for him to escape.

Time ticked by, and after a brief commotion, Li Mulin's men had finished searching the surrounding residents and returned with bad news:

"Director Zhang, no radio was found in the room."

As soon as he finished speaking, Sun Shengan, who was listening through his earpiece, shouted, "Report, the signal has reappeared, and it's still nearby."

Li Mulin's face darkened, and he asked, "Are you sure you're not mistaken?"

Sun Shengan: "Director Li, I'm sure the radio station is nearby."

Li Mulin frowned, pondering for a moment, then suddenly turned around and ordered his men, "What are you all standing there for? Search again, dig three feet into the ground, find the radio for me."

"Yes, sir." The group of secret agents immediately ordered the police officers to follow, and they headed back towards the residential area.

"Huh!" Just then, Sun Shengan took off his headphones and said, "That's strange. Why is the signal sometimes strong and sometimes weak? It's like the radio station has grown legs and is running around."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yi seemed to understand something. He immediately rushed over and put on his headphones. He heard a ticking sound inside, sometimes loud and sometimes soft, while the signals on the monitoring instruments flickered at varying speeds. This indicated that the signal's location was changing, sometimes closer and sometimes farther away from the telecommunications detection vehicle.

The enemy is sending messages from a distance.

Zhang Yi pulled back the car window curtains, looked at the cars and pedestrians passing by on the street outside, and asked Sun Shengan, "Is it possible that the enemy is sending a telegram from the car?"

Sun Shengan paused for a moment, then said definitively, "A hand-cranked or battery-powered radio would certainly work."

Zhang Yi immediately said to Li Mulin, "Deputy Station Chief Li, it seems our opponent is very cunning." After a pause, he thought for a moment and said, "Call all the searchers back. Focus on searching the rickshaws and cars in our blockade area. Don't miss a single corner. Also, have the people on the outer perimeter advance into the encirclement immediately."

"Director Zhang, the signal has disappeared, what should we do?" Suddenly, Sun Shengan put down his headset and said with a frustrated look, "Could it be that the enemy has already finished sending the message?"

“He can’t escape.” Zhang Yi’s thinking remained unchanged. He ordered Li Mulin to immediately lead a search party, then looked at Monkey and Qian Xiaosan and pointed to the residential building across the street: “Take binoculars and rifles, go upstairs, take control of the high ground, and if you spot any suspicious targets, fire warning shots immediately.”

"Yes."

On the other side, Akisui Taro unplugged the radio antenna, put away the buttons, carefully put the codebook away, and then stuffed the telegram draft into his mouth. While chewing, he took off his hat, his forehead covered in fine beads of sweat. The approaching footsteps around him made him frown.

Seeing his gloomy face, the rickshaw driver stole a glance and asked in a trembling voice, "Sir, where to now?"

"go home!"

After saying this, Akisui Taro sneered, suddenly stood up, quickly stretched out his hands, grabbed the coachman, and strangled him from behind.

(End of this chapter)