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

Chapter 243 Rumors spread
Office of the Chief of the Land Transportation Section, Southern Transportation Department, Shanghai.

Chen Yang's gaze lingered on the dispatch order that had just been delivered from the supplies warehouse.

To be honest, without Yasuda causing trouble and dragging things down, the Land Transport Division's transportation efficiency is much higher than before.

At least we don't have to worry about being tricked by our own people when bringing in and out supplies.

Taking out a special sheet of paper, Chen Yang summarized the supplies recently allocated by the logistics department and the details of the transportation of supplies provided in recent times.

Then they slipped the note into a compartment of their wallet; this intelligence was extremely useful to the Red team.

Comrades in the Northeast can use this intelligence to exchange for the supplies they need with the Soviets.

As for how to arrange the subsequent transactions after obtaining the intelligence, that's beyond Chen Yang's control.

Knock, knock, knock. There was a knock on the door. Chen Yang quickly put away his wallet, looked up and said, "Come in."

"Mr. Chen, you're very busy with work, aren't you?" When Chen Yang saw Onodera's ingratiating smile, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He immediately stood up and showed the appropriate respect.

"Onodera-kun! What brings you here in person? Please have a seat."

Onodera nodded slightly, walked into the office, and sharply scanned the room filled with documents and shipping documents before finally fixing his gaze on Chen Yang.

"Mr. Chen, General Sato is very concerned about the work you are currently in charge of."

Onodera cut to the chase, "However, he is currently troubled by the rampant rumors circulating outside, which have severely damaged trust between Imperial agencies and interfered with the subsequent allocation of supplies for Operation Zero. His Excellency is very dissatisfied with this."

Chen Yang lowered his head with a solemn expression: "Yes, I understand. I am doing my best to investigate, but the rumors are like flowing water, the source is hidden, and the progress is slow. I am really letting down the general's expectations."

Onodera waved his hand, interrupting his "self-reproach": "The General knows your difficulties."

"But it is precisely because it is difficult that we need capable and decisive people to break the deadlock."

He changed the subject, lowering his voice slightly, with an almost seductive tone, "Mr. Chen, General Sato asked me to tell you that he greatly admires your abilities and loyalty."

"As long as you can quickly identify the exact source of the rumors and take effective measures to quell the disturbance, you will prove your value to the Empire..."

"His Excellency the General is willing to personally recommend you to take over the position of Vice Minister of Transport that Nobuo Yasuda has vacated."

The office fell silent instantly, with only the faint noise of the city coming from outside the window.

Deputy Minister of Transport!

This is not just a promotion in position and salary, but also means that he will truly enter the core management of the transportation system, have access to higher-level secrets, and build a wider network of resources. The value of this for his undercover work is self-evident.

This is a huge, alluring lure.

Chen Yang's heart clenched in his chest, but his face quickly showed excitement, disbelief, and an exhilarated expression inspired by immense trust.

"This... Your Excellency's kindness is too great, I... I am overwhelmed with gratitude!" His voice trembled slightly, and his breathing became somewhat rapid.

"Your subordinate will do everything in his power to live up to Your Excellency's expectations! Within a week, we will surely find out the truth and eradicate this poisonous influence!"

Onodera seemed quite satisfied with Chen Yang's reaction: "Very good. Mr. Chen, the opportunity is right in front of you, you must seize it. His Excellency the General never mistreats truly useful talents."

"I look forward to hearing good news from you."

After saying that, Onodera didn't linger any longer and turned to leave.

The office door closed again, and the excited and agitated expression on Chen Yang's face quickly receded like the tide, returning him to his usual calm, even more stern than usual.

He slowly sat back in his chair, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table.

The clanging of trams could be heard from outside the window from time to time. Chen Yang's eyes suddenly sharpened: "Secretary Li, prepare the car. I'm going to No. 76."

No. 76, Jisifeier Road, Shanghai.
Even in broad daylight, this Western-style building exudes a sinister and eerie atmosphere.

Inside the director's office, heavy curtains blocked out most of the sunlight.
The desk lamp cast a dim, yellowish halo over the large mahogany table, illuminating Li Shiqun's face, which appeared particularly sinister due to anger.

"Trash! A bunch of trash!"

He slammed the stack of reports he was holding onto the table, scattering the papers everywhere.

Standing in front of the table, Wu Sibao's bloated body trembled slightly, and a look of fear appeared on his fat face.

"Please calm down, Director. It's our incompetence that's to blame..." Wu Sibao's voice was hoarse and cautious, as was his usual self.

"Incompetent? More than incompetent!" Li Qun stood up, walked around the table, and stared intently at Wu Sibao: "'Plan 1'! What a grand name! Using the fat meat being transported to Nanjing as bait, and what was the result?"

"We didn't even see a trace of the fish! That shipment arrived in Nanjing safely, and our men guarded it like fools for days and nights! That mole was right under our noses, watching us put on a show!"

"Captain Wu, do you think he's laughing at us in his heart, huh? Laughing at me, Li Qun, for being an idiot?!"

His voice wasn't loud, but every word carried an uncontrollable ferocity.

Wu Sibao broke out in a cold sweat and dared not reply.

He knew that Li Shiqun was in a fit of anger at the moment, and any explanation might backfire.

Here, Li Qun is the emperor, and a capricious one at that.

This is a true villain, extremely bloodthirsty.

He always dealt with the Military Intelligence Bureau and the Communist Party using the simplest method: killing.
Kill them one by one, until they are terrified, until they dare not make a move.
“We investigated everyone who might have come into contact with the transportation plan, listened to all suspicious phone calls, and even searched the residences of several people…” Wu Sibao’s voice grew softer and softer.

"Will it work?" Li Qun waved his hand to interrupt him, his finger slamming into the table, making a series of beeping sounds.

"They didn't even move! What does that mean? It means either they're of a higher rank and don't care about these 'small fry' at all, or they're as cunning as a fox and have smelled the trap!"

"But no matter which one it is, it's a fucking menace!"

He paced irritably to the window, then impatiently pulled back the curtains. The traitor was as slippery as an eel, making it impossible for him to find a way to get to him.
“Director,” Wu Sibao licked his dry lips and tentatively said, “it seems the conventional methods won’t work; this devil is too cunning. How about… we use a more potent bait?”

Upon hearing this, Li Qun turned around abruptly and stared at Wu Sibao: "Heavy bait? What heavy bait? What bait do we have now that's heavier than that batch of 'important supplies'?"

Wu Sibao took a few steps closer, his voice carrying a hint of desperate ruthlessness: "I've heard... about Mr. Wang..."

He had barely uttered a few words when there was a gentle knock on the office door.

Li Shiqun and Wu Sibao fell silent at the same time, looking warily toward the door.

Li Qun took a deep breath, calmed his expression, and said in a deep voice, "Come in."

The door was pushed open, and Ding Cun, another director of No. 76, entered.

Strictly speaking, Ding Cun was the real director of No. 76, while Li Qun was just a deputy director.

Of course, Li Qun didn't think so. In terms of ability, Li Qun was almost entirely responsible for the establishment of No. 76. From organization to operation, he personally took charge of almost everything.
However, the Japanese believed that Ding Cun's identity and resume were more suitable as a brand, and that Ding Cun was also better at catering to superiors than Li Qun.

After all, this was someone who had served as the head of the Third Division of the Party Affairs Investigation Department.
"Beep beep beep." Ding Cun slowly walked into the office, leaning on his cane. He was wearing a well-fitting Zhongshan suit and gold-rimmed glasses, and looked more scholarly than Li Qun, but his eyes behind the lenses were equally sharp and deep.

"Director Li, I heard that the 'Imperial Plan' isn't going very well?" Ding Cun asked with a smile that was hard to decipher, as he sat down on the sofa.

Li Qun's face darkened, extremely dissatisfied with Ding Cun's seemingly caring but actually mocking attitude: "Director Ding is well-informed. It's just a minor setback, no need to worry about it."

Ding Cun chuckled softly, sat down on the sofa, and rubbed his walking stick between his fingers: "Director Li, there's no need to get angry. As the saying goes, you can guard against anything, but it's hard to guard against a thief within your own family."

"I can relate to that; it's really difficult to catch extraordinary fish with ordinary bait."

Wu Sibao tactfully stepped aside and stood with his hands at his sides.

Li Qun sat down opposite Ding, lit a cigarette, and looked at him through the smoke: "So, according to Director Ding, what should we do?"

Ding Cun did not answer directly, but said slowly, "I just received news that Mr. Wang's secretary, Qian Shizhao, will arrive in Shanghai three days from now by 'Yeshan Maru' and will be staying at Chongguangtang in Hongkou."

"This trip is to pave the way for Mr. Wang's subsequent arrival and to handle some confidential documents."

Li Qun's gaze sharpened.
In March, Mr. Wang’s secretary, Zeng Zhongming, was assassinated by Chen Gongshu. Mr. Wang was in a state of panic and could not eat or sleep.

The Japanese arranged for a ship to take him out of Vietnam, originally intending to send him to Shanghai and then directly to Nanjing.

However, he made various excuses to stay in a villa in the Mid-Levels of Hong Kong Island after the ship entered Hong Kong Island, claiming that he was unwell from the journey and needed to recuperate temporarily.

After that, no matter how the Japanese tried to persuade him, he refused to go to Shanghai, arguing that the Military Intelligence Bureau was active in Shanghai and he was afraid of being attacked again.

The Japanese had no choice but to put pressure on Kageyama Masaaki, ordering him to resolve the issue of the Shanghai Military Intelligence Bureau as soon as possible.

Immediately afterwards, Wan Tianmu betrayed the regime, leading his men to wipe out more than a dozen Kuomintang strongholds, almost leveling all the stations in Shanghai.

Just as Mr. Wang was about to leave, Liu Geqing was rescued again.

This proved that the Shanghai Military Intelligence Bureau had not yet completely rounded up the criminals. Upon receiving the news, Mr. Wang once again canceled his trip and refused to board the ship no matter what.

Japanese Colonel Takeo Imai and Yoshinori Shirakawa put aside their work and went to the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong Island for a long talk with Mr. Wang.

In the end, Mr. Wang agreed to let Qian Shizhao go to Shanghai to make preparations before setting off.

Takeo Imai knew this was Mr. Wang's bottom line, so he immediately sent a message to Masaaki Kagesa, instructing him to make arrangements.
Ding Cun was nominally the director of No. 76, and his information came faster than Li Qun's.

Ding Cun continued, “Secretary Qian’s identity is important enough, but his importance is far less than that of Mr. Wang himself. Using him as bait can make the mole think that it’s worth the risk, and even if the information does leak, the consequences will still be within a controllable range and will not shake the foundation. Compared to directly using Mr. Wang’s information, the risk is much smaller.”

Li Qun instantly understood Ding Cun's intention.
Qian Shizhao was Mr. Wang's absolute confidant, and his whereabouts were highly confidential, far exceeding the importance of ordinary supplies.

It can be said that his position was enough to arouse great interest from undercover agents.

If the plan fails and the news leaks, leading to Qian Shizhao's death, the responsibility they would bear and the anger of the Japanese would be much less than if Mr. Wang were to be in direct danger.

Moreover, Dingcun's decision to release this news at this moment was itself a calculated move.

If the plan succeeds, Dingcun provided crucial intelligence and deserves immense credit.
If it fails, Li Qun will be the main person in charge, and he can absolve himself of most of the responsibility.

Li Qun sneered inwardly, but had to admit that Ding Cun's suggestion was indeed better than that rash idea and the old-fashioned "Imperial Plan," and it was also more in line with his current cautious yet eager-to-achieve mindset.

After a moment's thought, he slowly exhaled a smoke ring: "Director Ding's information is indeed timely. Secretary Qian's whereabouts... are certainly a good starting point."

Ding Cun smiled slightly: "I'll need Director Li to take care of the specific arrangements."

"The 76th Division's operational force is naturally best deployed by Director Li."

The two exchanged a knowing glance, then simultaneously gave each other a knowing smile.
“Captain Wu,” Li Qun turned to Wu Sibao, his tone regaining its usual somber and decisive tone, “Did you hear that? The target has changed.”

"Find a way to leak the time and location of Qian Shizhao's arrival in Shanghai as 'top secret' information to the few key suspects we've identified, within a limited scope. Double the wiretapping and surveillance! I need to know who will be particularly interested in this information!"

"Yes, Director! I understand!" Wu Sibao replied loudly, his spirits lifting.

Ding Cun stood up and straightened his clothes: "Then I will await good news from Director Li and hope that Director Li can achieve a resounding victory and find that traitor."

Li Qun gave a slight smile, but it felt very forced, like a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Knock, knock, knock." A knock sounded on the door, and Li Qun said in a deep voice, "Come in."

The office door opened, and Lin Zhijiang, the team leader, stood at the door and saluted, saying, "Director Ding, Director Li, Minister Chen has arrived."

"Hmm?" Ding Cun and Li Qun exchanged a glance.

Both of them were a little puzzled. Chen Yang rarely interfered in the affairs of No. 76, so why did he suddenly come here at this time?

However, the two didn't think about it for long; Chen Yang was still their boss on the surface.
"Director Li, Minister Chen's arrival is just in time; you can now report this plan to him."

"If Minister Chen could help you think things through, perhaps you could complete this task more easily."

Li Qun smiled noncommittally, and the two walked out of the office together to greet Chen Yang.

In Hall 76, Chen Yang slowly walked into the hall, led by several junior agents.

Li Qun and Ding Cun stepped forward at the same time, bowed slightly and said, "Minister, you've worked hard."

Chen Yang glanced at them, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable air of authority, "Director Ding, Director Li, you're both here."

Have you heard any of the rumors circulating in the Shanghai stock market lately?

A hint of confusion flickered in their eyes.
Chen Yang continued, "I am here on orders from my superiors. The Kwantung Army Headquarters and the South Manchuria Railway Headquarters have filed a complaint with the Southern Expeditionary Army Headquarters."

"Recently, rumors have been circulating in places like Xinjing and Shanghai about 'the Land Transport Section colluding with military logistics officers to embezzle imperial supplies'."

"After investigation, the Kwantung Army Information Section confirmed that the rumors originated in Shanghai."

"This incident caused a great deal of discord between the military and the South Manchuria Railway Company, with extremely negative consequences. The higher-ups were very dissatisfied."

"Are there any leads in the recent cases being investigated that might be related to the source of these rumors?"

Li Qun and Ding Cun both felt a chill run down their spines.

They didn't expect Chen Yang to have come for this matter, and he even brought up the Kwantung Army Headquarters.

They had heard the rumors, but never thought to investigate them further, since the waters were too murky.

Transportation Department, Logistics Department, Kwantung Army, South Manchuria Railway
None of these departments are ones that a single 76th Division officer can afford to offend.

Moreover, a single rumor has brought several behemoths together.

For No. 76 to go and make such a fuss is like an old man hanging himself, tired of living.
Each of these departments alone could easily beat 76 to a pulp.
Ding Cun adjusted his glasses and said respectfully, "Minister Chen, we have occasionally heard such rumors. They are nothing more than slanderous remarks by petty people against the elites of the Empire, and it is difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood."

"At present, No. 76 is mainly focused on eliminating Kuomintang agents and Red Party operatives, and has not devoted much resources to such rumors."

Chen Yang nodded, but his gaze swept over Li Qun: "Director Li, rumors are often not unfounded. Sometimes they are used to cover up a bigger conspiracy or to confuse the public."

"For example, if someone deliberately spreads such rumors, their purpose may be to provoke discord between the South Manchuria Railway and the military, disrupt logistical stability, and thus create an opportunity for certain forces to take advantage of the situation."

"This is essentially no different from sabotaging supply lines; both are attacks on the jihadist forces from behind."

His words, though seemingly calm, were like a needle, gently pricking the hearts of Li Qun and Ding Cun.

They were just using "Qian Shizhao" as bait to lure out an inside man, and Chen Yang's words seemed to imply that they might also have been used by some kind of "rumor" or "misleading information".

Li Qun hurriedly bowed and said, "Minister, your insight is brilliant! You've reminded us. Sibao!"

"Did you hear what Minister Chen said? Immediately send someone to follow up and see if there are any clues in the recent news that may be related to these rumors, especially any attempts to sow discord and undermine the unity of the Imperial government. Report to the Minister in a timely manner."

"Yes, Director!" Wu Sibao replied quickly.

Chen Yang then slowly nodded.

Li Qun quickly said, "Minister, you've come at the perfect time. I have some work to report to you."

"Could I take up a little of your time?"

Chen Yang waved his hand, "Director Li, Director Ding, you should communicate with Director Mei about the issue of Operation No. 76 first."

"If there's anything that requires my intervention, Chief Haruki will contact me."

"You all just focus on your own tasks; I need to take care of the supplies."

Li Qun and Ding Cun were both taken aback.

Chen Yang's meaning was that Qingqi, the deputy director of the Mei Agency, was his subordinate, and the two of you weren't qualified to report directly to him.
If Ding Cun and Li Qun have any problems, they should report to Qing Qi first, and Qing Qi will relay the information to him.
"Congratulations, Minister! Congratulations, Minister!" Ding Cun immediately reacted and said ingratiatingly, "It seems the Minister is about to be promoted again."

Chen Yang waved his hand: "We can keep these things to ourselves, don't spread them around."

"Alright, I have to go now. Get the investigation into the rumors done as soon as possible."

Li Qun quickly patted his chest and assured him, "Please rest assured, Minister, we will definitely seize the time to find out the source of the rumor."

Chen Yang said nothing more, turned and left the hall.
Ding Cun and Li Qun remained in a half-bowed posture until Chen Yang's figure disappeared. Ding Cun then slowly said, "Director Li, why are the Kwantung Army and the South Manchuria Railway suddenly so concerned about rumors?"

"Since it's a rumor, it will eventually fall apart on its own."

"But the minister's words gave me a strange feeling, like a reminder, or like... a warning."

Li Qun's eyes flickered: "In any case, Minister Chen has given us a wake-up call."

"The plan to catch the mole will proceed as planned, but we need to be more careful."

"Also, Captain Wu, pass the word down to have our men keep an eye out for the source of those rumors. Even if we can't find any specific information, we should still do something to show our superiors."

In Shanghai, at the Maigen Road material warehouse, An Tian was checking the quantity of materials layer by layer with a material dispatch order.

He was demoted from a deputy minister of transport to a dispatcher.

He had no complaints about this. Instead, contrary to his usual behavior, he became diligent and conscientious, abandoning his arrogance.

Even Masanobu Miyajima, who works in the warehouse, thinks Nobuo Yasuda is a good comrade.
As the sun began to set, the sound of shift changes echoed from the supply warehouse.

Yuichi Kitaoka, from the Warehouse Materials Management Department, changed into casual clothes and greeted Yasuda as he left his office: "Yasuda-kun, you're off work now, let's go grab a drink."

Yasuda smiled upon hearing this, "No need, Kitaoka-kun, I still have some things to finish. I'll leave after I'm done."

"Thank you for your hard work, Yasuda-kun." Kitaoka Yuhan bowed and said, "Then I won't interfere with your work, Yasuda-kun."

"Actually, Yasuda-kun, things can't be finished in one day, and we should also pay attention to balancing work and rest."

"I'm leaving now."

Yasuda smiled and bowed slightly: "Take care, Kitaoka-kun."

As darkness fell, Yasuda compiled the verified supplies into a report and neatly placed it on the desk of Miyajima Masanobu, the head of the supplies warehouse. Only then did he change into casual clothes and head towards his dormitory building.

The dormitory building of the supplies warehouse is located near Maigen Road and was converted from several original residential buildings.

Yasuda is a mid-level manager and has a separate room.

Arriving at his private dormitory, Yasuda opened the door, his eyes instantly narrowing.

Suddenly, a graceful figure appeared in the room.

The woman had a faint smile on her face as she looked at herself.
(End of this chapter)