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

Chapter 229 If he wants to be dignified, then let him be dignified.
"Miss Fujiwara, hello, my name is Chen Yang." Chen Yang gently shook Fujiwara Keika's hand.
"Minister Chen, it's an honor to meet you." Fujiwara Keika's voice was very gentle.

"I wonder if Minister Chen would find it convenient to have a few words with me privately?"

Ah, the real business is here. Chen Yang felt a slight tightening in his heart. This was probably the real reason why he was invited to the party today.

The fact that a special director has to come in person to discuss this matter suggests it's quite significant.
"Of course, I wonder what advice you have for me, Ms. Fujiwara."

Fujiwara's lips curled up slightly, revealing a charming smile: "Please follow me."

As he spoke, Fujiwara turned and walked towards the small door he had come from. Chen Yang handed his wine glass to the waiter and followed him.

After exiting through the small door, the two walked up a flight of stairs. The wooden steps were covered with a thick, dark carpet, which absorbed all the sound of their footsteps.

At the end of the second-floor corridor, a heavy ebony door was tightly closed, and two burly guards in black suits with sharp, eagle-like eyes stood solemnly on either side of the door.

The military bearing they exuded was unlike that of ordinary bodyguards; they were true soldiers.

Upon seeing the two appear, the bodyguard immediately opened the door. The door slid open silently a crack, and the two entered the room one after the other. The door behind them then closed immediately, shutting out all outside noise.

This is a study, with floor-to-ceiling dark bookshelves embedded in two walls, the spines of the books arranged neatly like an army formation.

The entire wall directly opposite the entrance is covered with countless calligraphy and paintings by famous people.
In the center of the study, a long, black conference table, as smooth as a mirror, gleamed with a cold metallic sheen.

"Minister Chen, please have a seat." Fujiwara Keika walked behind the table and bowed slightly to invite Chen Yang to sit down.

Chen Yang sighed slightly, "The security at Miss Fujiwara's residence is comparable to that of the Imperial Army General Staff."

"It was necessary due to the circumstances, and we had no choice but to do it." Fujiwara Keika's tone was flat, as if she were talking about a trivial matter.

"Minister Chen and my father should have a good relationship. Before I came, my father told me that I don't need to beat around the bush when dealing with you."

"So, I'd like to show you something first."

As she spoke, Fujiwara Keika took a file from the drawer and gently pushed it in front of Chen Yang.
Chen Yang frowned, unsealed the file, and pulled out the manuscript paper inside.

This file is divided into two parts. The first part is "Internal Briefing of Donghe Pharmaceutical Factory: Experimental Report on Penicillin Strain Vigor Determination (Sixth Draft)".

Another part is an encrypted copy of the flow of funds from Donghe Pharmaceutical's bank loan.

"Ms. Fujiwara, what is the meaning of these things?" Chen Yang frowned slightly and said, "It seems that Huafu Fund has not authorized Donghe Pharmaceutical to conduct drug data analysis. What you are doing is an infringement."

"Minister Chen, please calm down." Fujiwara Keika clapped her hands gently.

The door opened again, and a bodyguard walked in carrying a box. Chen Yang couldn't see what was inside because the box was covered with a very thin black dust cloth.

Fujiwara Keika reached out and gently lifted the black cloth covering it.

It was a transparent glass box, with several grains of rice-sized, irregularly shaped crystals lying quietly on the glass plate. Under special cold light, they showed a slightly yellowish white luster.

Next to it was a small, exquisite metal badge.

It's the kind of cherry blossom badge embedded in invitations.

In the "petal" section, several micro-engraved codes are etched with extreme precision, almost imperceptible to the naked eye.

“Mr. Chen is a technical expert, so I probably don’t need to introduce him further.” Fujiwara Keika’s gaze swept over the crystals and badges. “This is the crude crystal obtained from the third stage of centrifugal concentration in the pilot production line of the latest batch from the European laboratory.”

"The purity is approximately 65%, with a high residual solvent content and trace amounts of degradation impurities. It is still significantly below the pharmaceutical-grade purity standard. As for this badge..."

She tapped the badge with her fingertip. "It's just a trivial invitation."

"Are you stealing Sunshine Pharmaceuticals' core secrets?" Chen Yang's tone was somewhat angry. For Huafu Fund, this was no longer just an ordinary case of commercial espionage.

Of course, Chen Yang was also very clear about whose intentions this was. This was clearly an overwhelming technical reconnaissance operation launched by the imperial machinery, something that one or two companies could not accomplish!
Fujiwara Keika waved her hand: "Minister Chen, although you are not an Imperial soldier, you have always been working for the Empire."

"For you, this behavior should not be called stealing secrets, but rather researching pharmaceutical processes."

"Frankly speaking, Huafu Fund has been boasting that it has mastered the complete production process of penicillin and will soon be able to achieve mass production, but based on the current data, there is still a lot of room for improvement in this technology."

"Mass production? Heh, there's still a long way to go..."

“A few days ago, Minister Suzuhara conveyed your message back to Japan. After deliberation, the board of directors believes that if Huafu Fund is willing to cooperate with the Empire, Osaka Chamber of Commerce can provide sufficient research and development funds.”

"However, I need a shareholding of more than 30%."

Chen Yang scrutinized Fujiwara Keika's every move, then suddenly laughed: "Miss Fujiwara, you seem to misunderstand your position. Huafu Fund holds the complete patent license for penicillin, so how could you lack funds?"

"Thirty percent of the shares, just for R&D investment. I don't know if you're oversimplifying this business or if you don't have a clear understanding of the value of this drug."

"Miss Fujiwara, the Osaka Trading Company enjoys so many privileges within the Empire and has such a well-established sales network, don't you understand the true value of medicine?"

"It should be understood that under wartime controlled economy, the price of medicines distributed to the public will be more than ten times that in peacetime, and may even become a privileged consumable for a few."

"In this situation, money is actually the cheapest form of capital for us."

"I am certain that the Osaka Chamber of Commerce is not the only one that can provide funds. If we were to find funding through a bidding process, the Yasuda family would probably have an advantage over the Osaka Chamber of Commerce."

"After all, they have financial privileges within the empire that other companies cannot match. As soon as Huafu Fund shows even the slightest sign of wanting to cooperate, they will come knocking on our door."

"In this situation, Miss Fujiwara, do you still believe you have more advantages than them?"

Fujiwara Keika's expression remained unchanged, but her gaze towards Chen Yang carried a hint of admiration.

As expected of her father's best student, she refuted all the advantages of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce with just a few words.

"Of course, it's not just about money. The Osaka Chamber of Commerce is a staunch supporter of the Navy."

"You should know what the Navy Department represents."

"Does Miss Fujiwara mean the Navy wants to monopolize the patents? You want to bypass the Army and have complete patent licensing all to yourself?" Chen Yang was slightly taken aback: "My dear lady, are you kidding me?"

"You dare to do that? We at Huafu Fund wouldn't dare. If we offend the Ministry of the Army, wouldn't all our commercial development plans in China have to be scrapped?"

“There’s no need to be so pessimistic…” Fujiwara smiled and said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide assistance, and the Navy will also provide some support.”

"Huafu Fund will be our most sincere partner."

"Sincerity? You want us to take risks based on just those two words?" Chen Yang shook his head. "Miss Fujiwara, I want to know what else you have to offer."

Fujiwara Keika said seriously, "Minister Chen, I am now representing the Imperial Medical Bureau and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce to propose a joint plan: we hope that the Huafu Fund can entrust the core technology of penicillin to the Empire for overall planning, research and development and production, as well as to be incorporated into the joint entity led by the Bureau."

“If Huafu Fund agrees to this cooperation model, I can try to secure a 49% stake for your fund.”

"And you personally can obtain a key position in this 'entity' that truly determines the direction of technology and the pace of production, rather than being a vassal with only shares but no say."

"The position of merely a princess's private advisor is far too unworthy of your talent."

"Of course, if you are unwilling to cooperate, the Japanese side is also capable of investing huge human and material resources to forcefully overcome the difficulties, although it may take longer and detours. But the losses to Huafu Fund will be incalculable."

Wow, isn't this just being a scoundrel?

Either you cooperate with me, or I develop generic drugs myself. In the end, I won't be responsible for your losses.

This is blatant shamelessness.

"Miss Fujiwara, what do you mean by this?" Chen Yang's tone was somewhat unfriendly.

Fujiwara Keika smoothed a stray hair from her temple with an elegant movement. "My meaning is very simple: Is Huafu Fund going to choose to build that doomed castle in the air on this cold abyss alone?"

"Or should we choose to merge with the power of the Empire, so that the core value in the hands of the Foundation—the strain screening model and concentration process control points that you have painstakingly verified—can truly become the pills that keep the soldiers on the front lines alive?"

"Of course, the choice is yours, but I must remind you that the abyss will not wait for those who hesitate."

After saying that, Fujiwara Keika looked away from him, as if giving Chen Yang time to consider.

Standing up, Fujiwara Keika picked up a silk handkerchief from the side of the bookshelf and began to carefully wipe the rim of the already crystal-clear glass above the bookshelf.

Beneath her short hair, the pale, sharp lines of her neck, bathed in the cool light of the study, resembled a finely crafted work of ice jade, beautiful and elegant in every movement.
“Miss Fujiwara, you are indeed a very good negotiating opponent. Calm and composed.” Chen Yang stood up and buttoned the top two buttons of his suit jacket. “Unfortunately, you still don’t have a good enough understanding of your own strengths.”

"The Imperial Navy's idea of ​​bypassing Donghe Pharmaceutical and directly negotiating cooperation with Huafu Fund is probably just wishful thinking on your part. At least the Ministry of the Army will not back down easily, after all, this is related to the logistics and lives of millions of soldiers."

"Also, I'd like to make a small suggestion to you: the intelligence department of your Osaka Chamber of Commerce should be headed by a different person."

“I can tell you that your crystal sample is from January 16, 1939.”

"In other words, this sample is a finished product from three months ago."

"The latest finished product has now reached 85%, fully meeting the standards for pharmaceutical water."

"If you're still interested, then consult with your superiors and bring the contract to me." "I'll be waiting for you at the Land Transportation Department."

“Oh, right,” Chen Yang paused, leaned closer to Fujiwara Keika, and gently brushed aside the stray hairs covering her forehead, “You look beautiful today, but your perfume doesn’t quite suit you.”

"I'll send you a perfume that suits you better another day. Goodbye."

Sensing that uniquely masculine and aggressive aura, Fujiwara Keika's hand trembled slightly in the air, but Chen Yang did not linger and turned to leave the study.
The sudden disappearance of that aura left Fujiwara with a strange sense of loss.
March 28, 1939.

Jinling Hotel, Shanghai.

The spring chill was biting, yet it was more desolate than the dead of winter.

Inside the restaurant's private room, Chen Yang's fingers, which were holding the wine glass, turned slightly white.

Chen Yang came here today not for a meal, but to meet with the special envoy from the New Army's Special Operations Section.

In the end, it all comes down to that Suzuki Kawataro thing.
Taking a small sip of red wine, in a daze, Yingzuo's instructions still echoed in my ears: "Regarding the Red Party... you should use your intelligence network in the concession to make contact in your private capacity."

“Remember, Mr. Chen, I’m confirming this with you one more time: your actions have nothing to do with the Mei Agency, and absolutely must not involve the will of the ‘Imperial Palace’! This is a high-voltage line that cannot be touched! If you fail… we both know the consequences.”

With a creak, the door to the private room was pushed open, and an agent from the special operations team dispatched by the headquarters entered the room. He quickly walked to Chen Yang's side and whispered, "Minister Chen, the person has arrived."

Chen Yang put down his wine glass and said softly, "Then please invite him in."

"Yes," the person bowed slightly and quickly left the private room. A moment later, footsteps sounded.
The newcomer removed his soaked hat, revealing a weathered yet sharp-looking face, like that of an eagle.

"Minister Chen," the newcomer said in a hoarse voice, his gaze sweeping over Chen Yang's figure before he cut straight to the point without any further pleasantries, "I'm late. I wonder if you have received a response to the conditions we raised earlier?"

Chen Yang raised his eyes: "Your conditions for releasing Colonel Suzuki are: a list of ten captured comrades, confirmation of their identities, and a list of supplies including ten brand-new portable radios, one hundred kilograms of high-purity sulfanilamide powder, twenty American-made Colt M1911 automatic pistols and one hundred Type 38 rifles, and thirty-two thousand rounds of ammunition."

The man nodded, a cold, hard smile curving his lips: "Minister Chen, please don't get confused, this is just the price for 'releasing the person'."

"We also need the Mei Agency to issue a public statement regarding the 'failure' of the intelligence operation that led to the arrest of our seven comrades,"

"This is our talisman to ensure our people walk out of the interrogation room alive!"

"Otherwise, the real reason for Colonel Suzuki's capture and his 'confession' might have been delivered directly to his colleagues who were eager for him to 'show loyalty' through some channels?"

Chen Yang's fingers trembled slightly as he thought to himself, "As expected! The Red Party accurately sensed the discord in Tokyo!"

"His Majesty wants to save people, but the military is preventing it. We hope Suzuki will commit suicide to preserve the dignity of the entire family."

"But if the Mei Agency were to issue such a statement, it would damage the Mei Agency's image within the Imperial intelligence agencies."

"It is very likely that the Special Higher Police will use this as an excuse to launch an attack on the Mei Agency."

"After all, these two agencies belong to different camps, much like the relationship between the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong) and the Military Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Juntong) in Chongqing."

“Kagesa would never allow the Mei Agency to do such a thing.”

The air inside the private room froze under the weight of this blatant threat.

Chen Yang paused for a moment: "Mr. Mu Yun, the most basic requirement for 'all concerned parties' is that Suzuki leaves your controlled area alive."

"As I see it, the 'statement' you requested is not a talisman, but a detonator to ignite a barrel of explosives!"

"Once it appears, the military's henchmen, already provoked, will only tear all those involved into a frenzy."

“Those seven comrades, and even the ten you are about to release, will only die faster and more tragically! The basement of the Mei Agency is never short of corpses!”

Mu Yun was momentarily stunned, his sharp eyes scrutinizing Chen Yang, trying to discern whether this was a delaying tactic or the truth.

Chen Yang said slowly, "Leaving alive is the only true principle!"

"I personally guarantee that once the list of ten comrades you provided is confirmed to be accurate and all the supplies are in order, I will arrange a passage within twelve hours to ensure their safe arrival in central Jiangsu!"

"Colonel Suzuki, I will personally pick him up. I will 'escort' him to board the 'Kobe Maru' bound for Yokohama at the Huishan Wharf, ensuring his 'safe' return to his superior without giving him any chance to say anything out of line."

"His 'health report' after he returns will only record the fatigue of the journey, with no other illnesses. This is the limit of what I can manage, and it is also the fastest and safest solution!"

"I hope you can consider those ten comrades who are still waiting for the light in the darkness, and think about how many lives on the front lines these radios, medicines, and weapons can save!"

"Which is more important: a statement that benefits no one, or ten living lives plus precious strength?"

A hint of hesitation flashed in Mu Yun's eyes: "Minister Chen, what if I insist on having this statement?"

How did this guy get chosen as a special envoy? Is he a lobster? Is his brain full of shit?
Chen Yang picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and said earnestly, "Mr. Mu Yun, I have no ill intentions towards you."

"I hope you will seriously consider my suggestion."

"The Japanese would not exchange a captured colonel for their so-called dignity."

"Supplies and personnel are tangible benefits, but this statement, even if you get your hands on it, will only cause them temporary trouble."

"But have you thought about the retaliation that might follow?"

"Negotiation is about achieving a win-win situation, not choosing a path that results in both sides losing."

Mu Yun frowned, but finally said reluctantly, "Minister Chen, I need to consult with my superiors."

"Of course," Chen Yang breathed a slight sigh of relief. Luckily, this guy listened to advice, otherwise he really wouldn't know how to make a move.

"I can give you time, and please rest assured that I will handle all your safety issues in Shanghai."

"Until our deal is completed, you and your comrades will leave safely."

Mu Yun's face showed a hint of calm: "Then thank you very much for your care, Minister Chen."

"Goodbye."

Office of the Chief of the Land Transportation Section, Southern Transportation Department, Shanghai.

Chen Yang held his coffee, stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the far distance, but his thoughts wandered elsewhere.

A knock sounded on the door, instantly pulling Chen Yang back to reality: "Come in."

The office door was pushed open, and several figures in military uniforms entered.

"Officer Abe, what brings you here?"

“Mr. Chen,” Abe Mitsuhiro’s voice was like sandpaper rubbing against the surface, “I have received extremely important instructions from headquarters. They concern… Mr. Suzuki.”

The lieutenants Abe brought immediately stood with their backs to the door in a standard guard posture and closed the office door, isolating the inside from the outside.

The door had barely closed when Mitsuhiro Abe cut straight to the point, his voice low but each word like a hammer blow:
"Mr. Chen, the capture of Suzuki Kawataro has aroused extreme concern among the high command in Tokyo. His identity is special, and any mishandling of the matter will directly tarnish the supreme honor of the Imperial Army!"

"The latest order from headquarters: Suzuki Kawataro, you can 'save' him! This is both a 'decent' response to His Majesty's wishes and out of...humanity."

“However,” Abe Mitsuhiro’s voice suddenly turned to absolute zero, like a Siberian icicle, each word piercing like an ice shard, “Headquarters has issued a strict order: After Suzuki Kawa is rescued, he is absolutely not allowed to set foot on Japanese soil!”

"A high-ranking officer who was captured alive by the new army and survived in the enemy's prison is a disgrace to the Imperial Army!"

"The dignity of the Army Ministry does not need to be tarnished by a 'living' stain! His Majesty needs a 'decent explanation.' As for the Army, what it needs is complete erasure!"

That's it!

Chen Yang immediately realized that the military's "can be saved" was just a last fig leaf for the royal family! Their real purpose was for Suzuki to die "dignified" in China!
They had to satisfy the emperor's demands while also thoroughly resolving this "stain" to preserve the "army's reputation," which they could not afford to tarnish!
The only acceptable scenario for the military is for Suzuki to "serve his duty" in the most "voluntary" way!

"So, Staff Officer Abe, what do you want me to do?" Chen Yang asked hesitantly.

A cold, inhuman glint flashed in Abe Mitsuhiro's eyes: "To be loyal to the country! To preserve the last vestige of dignity as a samurai!"

"The location, timing, and method... are up to you, Minister Chen, to flexibly determine based on the 'actual situation'."

"This is the solution that truly aligns with the highest interests of the Imperial Army! It also reflects the Command's... highest trust and expectations in your abilities!"

He paused, his tone softening slightly: "Chief Kagesa must already have rescue plans in place. Command will not interfere with the specific operations."

“We just need to see the final result: the ‘people’ leave the Red Party-controlled area, and then…”

"We will provide all necessary support. Chen, remember, this is not just a mission, but an opportunity to wash away the shame of the Army! It is also your moment to prove your worth!"

Abe's sharp gaze pierced Chen Yang one last time, and she said expressionlessly, "If he wants to maintain his dignity, then let him maintain his dignity."

"If he doesn't want to maintain his dignity, then you help him to."

(End of this chapter)