Spy game? Stop guessing, I really am an undercover agent!

Chapter 215 You Dare to Touch My People (Two Chapters Combined)

"What is this?" Yoko Nanada licked her lips and asked.

"Hmph, I don't know..." Lin Xueli closed his eyes decisively.

A series of hurried footsteps came from behind, and Matsui Yokoji led his men in through the back door, quickly joining up with Minamida.

"Major Minamida, have you noticed anything?" Matsui stepped forward and asked.

Nantian was at a loss for words.

In principle, the Special Higher Police (THT) should not have the authority to access classified documents from the Navy Department.

But this document was found on Lin Xueli. Is it real or fake? Is there some secret behind it?
Nantian was suddenly caught in a dilemma.

Matsui looked at the chrysanthemum crest on the document bag and the word "confidential" below it, and for a moment he didn't dare to offer any opinions.

"Take him back to headquarters!" Nan Tian pondered for a moment, then ordered, "I want to interrogate him myself!"

In the interrogation room of the Special Higher Police in Shanghai, Lin Xueli was tied to a torture chair, his face covered in blood, but his eyes remained resolute.

"Tell me! What's in this file folder?" Yoko Minamida demanded sharply.

Lin Xueli sneered, "Miss Nantian, I've said it hundreds of times, I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't put it there."

"Still trying to deny it!" Nan Tian slammed his hand on the table. "Whose things were found on you if not yours?"

"I'm also curious to know what's inside. Why don't you open it and take a look, Miss Nantian?" Lin Xueli's tone was full of mockery.

"Perhaps there's nothing in here, or perhaps it's the information you've been searching for. You'll find out once you open it."

Yoko Minamida was speechless.
With a series of footsteps, Matsui Yokoji walked in, panting heavily.

"Major Nantian, we have already found out."

"This guy opened safe number 167. The safe is anonymous. The clerk said it was opened by a Chinese person."

"As for what this person looked like, he couldn't say for sure. He just said that the person was mysterious, wearing sunglasses and a trench coat."

"I think he's just being deliberately mysterious."

"It might be classified information from the Red Party."

Nantian stared at the document for a long time, then gritted his teeth, broke the seal, and pulled out the document.

But she was stunned after just one glance. The top page of the document clearly read "Naval Ministry Confidential" and was stamped with a bright red "Top Secret" seal.

The words "Imperial Navy Fuel Procurement Contract" are clearly written below.
This was not the underground intelligence she had expected, but an oil procurement contract detailing the agreement between the Japanese Navy and Total Energy, a French colony in Southeast Asia, including top-secret information such as quantity, price, and transportation routes.

She flipped through the pages quickly, her gaze growing increasingly surprised, until she saw the signature and seal of Shinshiro Toyoda, the Minister of Naval Affairs, on the last page.

In the folder, she also found a business card: Chen Yang, Director of the Shanghai Office of the Jinling Special Service Committee, with a line of small handwritten words on the back: "Wednesday, usual place, Shanmu".

"What...what's going on?" Nantian looked at Lin Xueli in confusion. "How did you end up with classified documents from the Navy Ministry?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Lin Xueli's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "I already said, that's not mine."

"I know nothing."

Nantian's mind raced.

On the surface, the contract seemed fine, but in reality, there were significant problems. Chen Yang and Minister Shan Mu had jointly purchased oil, but the price was far above the normal market price.

Could it be that Lin Xueli caught the two embezzling public funds?

No, Lin Xueli doesn't have that ability yet.

But if it had nothing to do with him, why was this document in the safe of Jinshang Bank? And how did Lin Xueli manage to get his hands on it so conveniently?

Was it a frame-up, or
Nantian racked his brains but could never have imagined that his briefcase had been switched long ago, and the contents were completely different.

"Continue the interrogation!" Nan Tian coldly ordered his men. "I must find out what's going on here!"

"Hai." The executioner beside him bowed slightly, grinning maliciously as he held a small leather whip, ready to strike.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the corridor of the Special Higher Police.

"Get out of my way! I need to see Nantian Yangzi!" Chen Yang's voice came from afar.

The interrogation room door was flung open, and Chen Yang stormed in angrily, followed by agents who tried to stop him.

"Major Nantian! What do you mean by this?" Chen Yang pointed at the briefcase on the table, "You came to my territory to arrest people without even a word, and you even arrested my people?"

"Your people?" Yoko Nanta looked at Chen Yang coldly.

"Nonsense, who in the entire city of Shanghai doesn't know that Lin Xueli is my elder brother?" Chen Yang said angrily, "You arrested my people without authorization, and now you even dare to detain documents from the Navy Department?"

"Are you from the Special Higher Police trying to rebel?"

Nantian calmly stood up: "Section Chief Chen, please calm down. I'm investigating a wanted Red Party criminal, and I found classified naval documents in this briefcase. Please explain why your business card is here?"

"A wanted Red Army criminal? Who are you talking about? Him?" Chen Yang didn't answer, but pointed to Lin Xueli, who was covered in wounds, and asked, "Are you sure?"

“That’s right, Section Chief Chen, this person has already appeared in our sights twice.”

"Even if you're a layman, you should know how low the chances of such a coincidence happening are."

"Therefore, I believe that Lin Xueli must have some unclear or ambiguous relationship with the Red Party."

"It is very likely that he is Qinghu, the leader of the Red Party's intelligence group in the French Concession, whom we have been looking for."

"Hahaha." Chen Yang laughed loudly, "Major Nantian, are you kidding me?"

"Are you saying my older brother is a Communist, or the head of an intelligence group?"

"What evidence do you have?"

Nantian Yangzi said in a deep voice, "Section Chief Chen, don't think that just because he's your older brother you can blindly protect him."

“If you don’t have evidence to prove his innocence, I believe you will also be implicated.”

"What's the connection?" Chen Yang sneered. "He's working for me now, and your Special Higher Police are disrespecting me by targeting him."

"Yoko Minamida, to put it bluntly, who the hell do you think you are? A mere honorary lieutenant commander dares to rummage through the Ministry of the Navy's top-secret documents without permission."

"If the secrets are leaked, can you take responsibility for that?"

Yoko Nanda retorted without any fear: "Section Chief Chen, I'm afraid your reputation isn't as valuable as you think."

"Is that so? What about mine?" At that moment, another authoritative voice rang out.

Yoko Minami looked back in the direction of the sound, and her face instantly turned pale.

The man had a yellow sash hanging from his shoulder down to his chest; this was the insignia of the chief of staff.

The general's rank on his shoulders and his crisp naval uniform both spoke volumes about his identity.

Lieutenant General Kichisaburo Hirata, Chief of Staff of the Shanghai Marine Corps Command
"What audacity! The Special Higher Police are now daring to directly seize top-secret documents from the Navy Ministry?"

Hirata was followed by four Marines. He walked directly to the table, picked up his briefcase, and said, "Major Minamida, please explain what's going on here?"

Nanda replied calmly and confidently, "Chief of Staff Hirata, we found this briefcase on a wanted Red Party criminal. It contains classified documents from the Ministry of the Navy. According to procedure, we need to investigate why the documents fell into enemy hands."

"Procedure?" Hirata sneered. "I think you're trying to use this to interfere in naval affairs!"

"These documents were used by Director Chen on behalf of the Navy Ministry to negotiate with foreign businesses. The classified information inside is something even your fat and round general has no right to inquire about."

"Major Nantian, I'd like to know in what capacity you are reviewing this document."

"Do you know that even if I were to shoot you right now, Tu Feiyuan wouldn't dare utter a single word of dissent?"

“But Chief of Staff,” Nantian insisted, “if I’m not mistaken, the procurement price recorded in the document is 30% higher than the market price, and the transportation route is also very unusual.”

"I think there's something wrong with this contract..."

"Outrageous!" Hirata slammed his hand on the table. "Does the Navy Ministry's procurement strategy need to be reported to you?"

"Does Lieutenant Commander Nantian mean that people in our Navy Department deliberately inflated procurement amounts in order to take kickbacks?"

"Do you know that your baseless accusations will cause all our hard work over the years to go to waste?"

"What gives you the right to speak to me like this? Even the Minister of Inspection, Eiji Kujo, wouldn't dare to question me in this tone."

"Kiyama-kun, immediately notify the Special Affairs Investigation Section of the Marine Corps Command that there is a risk of leakage of Navy secrets, and have them send someone to bring Minami Yoko back to me."

"Hai," the guard behind him bowed slightly and was about to leave.

Just then, a voice rang out: "Chief of Staff Hirata, it's a misunderstanding, it's all a misunderstanding."

Fujita Takeshi, the senior section chief of the Special Higher Police, rushed in, covered in sweat.

"Chief of Staff Hirata, please don't be angry. This is indeed a misunderstanding."

Chief of Staff Hirata glanced sideways at Fujita Tsuyoshi: "Misunderstanding, Fujita-kun, you think it's a misunderstanding just because you say so?"

"Now that the big shots aren't stepping forward, you small fry are being forced to shoulder the blame?"

"Where's Tu Feiyuan? Why doesn't he come over and explain himself?"

Fujita wiped the sweat from his brow and explained, "Chief of Staff Hirata, His Excellency Doi-ma received a call from the Army Ministry and is currently in a meeting with Chief of Staff Kawabe at headquarters."

“I’ve already called him, and he’ll be back soon.”

"As for Major Nantian's actions, I believe she was also trying to catch some anti-Japanese elements who were sabotaging the cause of the Empire."

"Although the action was somewhat rash, her intentions were good. I hope Chief of Staff Hirata will take this into consideration."

Nantian, who was standing to the side, wanted to explain, but Fujita gave her a look, signaling her to stop arguing.

Nantian gritted his teeth, unwilling to accept defeat, and lowered his head. "Fujita-kun, I accept your explanation, but this matter won't end so easily." Chief of Staff Hirata glanced at the defiant Nantian and slowly said, "If the procurement contract is leaked, or if the other party learns our bottom line..."

"This has resulted in us being unable to purchase sufficient fuel at the original price, and the Special Higher Police will be responsible for this consequence."

"I have a lot of things to do, and I don't have time to waste here with you."

"Section Chief Chen, keep the documents safe. You must ensure a successful negotiation with the French."

Chen Yang quickly put the documents into a file bag.

"Chief of Staff Hirata, what should we do with these people?"

Hirata looked around and said, "No one in this interrogation room today may leave the Special Higher Police until the negotiations are completed."

"Fujita-kun, do you think there's a problem?"

Fujita nodded hastily and said, "Yes, I will follow Chief of Staff Hirata's instructions and keep their activities within the Special Higher Police."

“Fujita-kun, you seem to have misunderstood,” Hirata sneered. “I meant they cannot leave this interrogation room.”
"Until the negotiations are over, understand?"

Fujita bowed and said, "Yes, I understand."

"Section Chief Chen, take your men and let's go." Chief of Staff Hirata said in a gentle voice, then strode out of the interrogation room without looking at the others.

After everyone left, Fujita turned angrily to Minamida: "Do you know you almost got yourself into big trouble? With Chief of Staff Hirata's influence in the Navy Ministry, if we offend him, we'll never be able to move an inch in the future!"

“But Colonel, those documents are clearly problematic,” Nantian argued.

"It's none of our business if there are problems!" Fujita shouted. "Let the Navy handle its own affairs. Your mission is to arrest the Reds, understand?"

"Hai!" Nantian lowered his head unwillingly.

Fujita sighed: "You all heard what Chief of Staff Hirata said."

"Everyone stay in this interrogation room until Section Chief Chen finishes negotiating."

Although Nantian was unwilling, he dared not disobey Fujita's orders.

The most wronged one should be Matsui Yokoji.

He just came in to deliver a message, without even glancing at the documents, and now he has to stay in this interrogation room with Nantian.

This place had always been where he interrogated others; now, he was to be imprisoned here.

Tsk tsk, as expected, karma is a cycle; see who the heavens spare no one.
Shanghai, French Concession, safe house on Avenue Joffre.

Rain pattered against the windowpane, and under the dim light of the desk lamp, Lin Xueli carefully placed the kraft paper envelope on the table.

Zhang Jianliang eagerly opened the document, but when his gaze fell on the title, his breath almost stopped instantly. The document inside clearly stated:

"Report on the March Mopping-up Operation Plan, jointly formulated by the Southern China Anti-Japanese War Forces Survey Committee and the Ministry of the Army"

The document details the large-scale "mopping-up" operation that the Japanese army planned to carry out in early March in southern Jiangsu and northern Zhejiang:
"I. Operational Objectives: To thoroughly eliminate the anti-Japanese armed forces in southern Jiangsu and northern Zhejiang, and to destroy underground resistance organizations."

"II. Participating Forces: Main force of the 22nd Division and the 11th Independent Mixed Brigade"

"III. Operation Period: March 5th to March 25th IV. Special Operation: 'Fox Hunt' Plan, targeting the leadership of the CCP's underground party in East China."

The appendix also includes a list of spies lurking in the base area and a detailed map of troop deployment.

"My God," Zhang Jianliang murmured, his fingers trembling slightly, "This is what Old Zhong protected with his life."

"Wait a minute," Zhang Jianliang and Lin Xueli realized at the same time.

This document is not something ordinary people can access, which means that our comrades may be lurking in the high command of the Japanese army.

The thought immediately filled the two of them with immense fear.

If the Japanese obtain this document, then the comrade who has painstakingly infiltrated the high command of the Japanese army will be at risk of being exposed at any time.

No wonder Old Zhong was willing to risk his life to spread this message.
Zhang Jianliang suddenly looked up: "We must send this to the base immediately! Every minute is crucial!"

“I’ll take care of it,” Lin Xueli was about to get up when Zhang Jianliang suddenly said, “No, you don’t need to worry about this anymore. You must leave immediately.”

Lin Xueli frowned: "Why? Now is precisely the time when we need people."

"Comrade Special Envoy, you don't suspect me just because I went to the Special Higher Police once, do you?"

“Comrade Qinghu, you must leave precisely because we need you,” Zhang Jianliang said sternly. “Nan Tianyangzi has her eye on you. Today’s encounter at the bank proves that the Special Higher Police are only one step away from uncovering your identity.”

"Furthermore, this 'Pill Plan' explicitly mentions a plan codenamed 'Operation Fox Hunt,' and since you are 'Blue Fox,' you are clearly the primary target."

"Comrade Special Envoy, shouldn't you reconsider? I think I can continue fighting on the front lines," Lin Xueli tried to argue.

“No, you have to leave,” Zhang Jianliang said firmly. “This is an order! Go to Hong Kong Island to lay low for a while, and you can also establish a new contact point there.”

"Don't worry, I'll arrange for someone else to take over the work in Shanghai."

Lin Xueli was silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Before I leave, I need to see one more person."

"who?"

"Chen Yang."

Zhang Jianliang was stunned: "Are you crazy? According to your description, he already knows your identity."

"Although he is your brother, don't forget that he is also a traitor."

"I can't really tell what your purpose was in saving you this time, but you should know the principle that you shouldn't have the heart to harm others, but you can't be without the heart to guard against others."

"What if he changes his mind and gives you away to the Japanese as a credit?"

“He’s an opportunist,” Lin Xueli said calmly. “I’ve watched him grow up since he was a child, and I know his character. Now is a critical period in the war of resistance. We must unite all forces that can be united. Perhaps we can win him over.”

“I disagree, it’s too dangerous,” Zhang Jianliang insisted on his judgment.

"Comrade Special Envoy, he may seem very dangerous to you, but he will always be my family."

"Comrade Qinghu, you've worked on the intelligence front for so long, you should be familiar with the characteristics of these opportunists."

Zhang Jianliang said in a deep voice: "Wang, Zhou, and even Liang Hongzhi of the new government, aren't they all opportunists?"

"If there's enough benefit, people will even betray their country, let alone their family?"

Lin Xueli frowned and said in a deep voice, "I know your concerns, but I bet my life that he is different."

Zhang Jianliang was a bit of a headache. Lin Xueli was like a top-tier love-obsessed person from some era.

Even though he knew that blond guy was unreliable, he still persisted. Although he was blond, he was different from other blond guys.
"Warehouse No. 7, I'll arrange for you to meet him before I leave."

"He must come alone and keep everything under our control; that's my bottom line."

Zhang Jianliang said in a deep voice, "You must leave alive, and then come back alive."

Shanghai, Sixteen Factories Wharf, Warehouse No. 7.
The rain pounded against the tin roof of the warehouse, making a monotonous and rapid sound, like countless tiny drumbeats breaking the silence of the night.

The warehouse was filled with dusty crates, and only a lone kerosene lamp flickered in the center of the open space, casting long shadows onto the mottled walls.

Lin Xueli glanced at the time on his wristwatch; the appointed time was fast approaching.

Suddenly, a black sedan with its headlights flashing came into view.

Chen Yang drove the car from the Lin Mansion and parked it smoothly in front of the warehouse.
Lin Xueli looked at Chen Yang with intense gaze, breaking the suffocating silence.

"You came"

"Big Brother," Chen Yang called out, and the two of them just looked at each other in silence.
Lin Xueli sighed, slowly took out a pack of "Old Knife" cigarettes, took one out, and paused it on his fingernail.

After a while, as if remembering something, he handed the cigarette in his hand to Chen Yang.

With a "click," Chen Yang struck a match, and the flickering flame briefly illuminated two expressionless faces.

"I'm leaving," Lin Xueli said calmly after a long silence.

"Chen Yang, have you thought about what your future path will be?"

Chen Yang took a drag of his cigarette, slowly exhaling the grayish-white smoke, his tone carrying an air of detachment, "What do you want to say to me? Or what do you want me to do?"

"Slam your fist on the table and rise up, then follow you to risk your lives and shed your blood?" He chuckled, a hint of mockery in his voice. "You're a scholar, and so am I. After all this fighting, haven't you figured it out yet?"

"What do you understand?" Lin Xueli stepped forward. "Do you understand the devastation of our land? Do you understand the suffering of our compatriots? Director Chen, you also have the blood of the Chinese people flowing in your veins!"

"Blood?" Chen Yang scoffed, flicking his cigarette ash. "Can blood be eaten as food? Can it be used as money?"

"Brother, you're too naive. Look at Shanghai: the British and French concessions, the Japanese Hongkou, the Kuomintang's underground organizations, your intelligence network—which side isn't calculating for its own interests? Saving the country? Anyone can shout slogans like that."

He straightened up and walked towards Lin Xueli: "I have my own philosophy of survival, brother. I won't criticize your beliefs, but please respect my choices. I just want to live on with my family..."

"Survive?" Lin Xueli's voice suddenly rose, filled with suppressed anger. "If everyone only thinks about how to survive, then this country is truly doomed! Without a country, where is the home? If the skin is gone, where will the hair attach?"

"Who doesn't understand the big picture?" Chen Yang interrupted him impatiently, his eyes sharpening. "But the reality is, any operation requires funding. Even when I'm directing my subordinates, I need a resettlement allowance."

"Their families starved to death, who will take care of them? You? Or those bigwigs in the mountain city who shout about resisting Japan every day but even embezzle military pay? Empty talk about saving the country is the easiest thing."

Their eyes clashed in the air, like two invisible blades colliding. The air inside the warehouse seemed to freeze, with only the increasingly urgent sound of rain on the roof remaining.

Lin Xueli sighed: "I really didn't expect that after sending you to Japan to study for four years, you would have learned all this."

Chen Yang smiled and said, "Actually, it's not that we can't cooperate. You know, I can actually help you too."

Lin Xueli's gaze sharpened: "Are you crazy? You want to do business with us?"

Chen Yang grinned and said, "Making money is not shameful, as long as you are willing to cooperate with me in the business of minerals and oil."

"I can talk, and I can love my country."

(End of this chapter)