Anti-Japanese War Espionage: I Have an Omniscient Perspective

Uncle Xiang dared not delay, and quickly spread out paper, dipped his brush in the ink, and began to write rapidly.

He wrote with exceptional detail, noting the client's name, the person in charge's name, frequently rented items or venues, and the method of communication on every line. For those he knew particularly well, he even briefly noted their preferences, for fear that Lin Rui might miss or misunderstand.

In about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a piece of paper covered with writing was laid out on the desk.

"Manager Chen, look." Uncle Xiang pointed to the Xuan paper and explained to Lin Rui one by one, "The people at the top are the most influential people around Belle Road—Manager Wang from Lafayette Grand Theatre and Boss Li from Lanxin Grand Theatre. These two often come to rent our stage lights and scenery; below is Mr. Yu from Qingniao Theatre Company. Their theatre company was established not long ago and often comes to borrow photography equipment. Sometimes they also rent our space for rehearsals; and there is also Supervisor Zhang from Yihua Arts and Literature Society, who is in charge of coordinating the supplies for the charity performances for national salvation. He also often comes here to find props."

He then pointed to the remarks column and added, "Manager Wang loves to drink Longjing tea, and Boss Li likes to collect old magazines. I'm quite familiar with them; we've been working together since Boss Xu was in charge. If you have their help, it will be easier for you to do business on this street in the future."

Lin Rui carefully reviewed the information; it was very important and would be helpful for him to carry out his undercover operation.

Once the ink had dried, he put the paper away in the file book and nodded to Uncle Xiang: "Well done, thank you for your hard work."

Afterwards, Lin Rui led Xiang Bo out of the manager's office and into the dance studio.

Team Leader Li and his subordinates sat idly, not in a hurry.

Seeing the two men emerge, Team Leader Li asked, "Is the handover almost complete?"

"Team Leader Li, I've been thinking that now that we've taken over the Lianhua branch factory, we should at least make some contact with our old customers on this street. Firstly, to inform them that the factory has a new manager, and secondly, to build good relationships through Uncle Xiang's introduction, which will make it easier to deal with the concession's inspections and carry out our work. Therefore, I would like to ask Uncle Xiang to take me to visit the heads of the Raffles Grand Theatre and the Lyceum Theatre, as well as relevant personnel from nearby arts groups. Please wait here for a moment, Team Leader Li."

Upon hearing this, a clear look of surprise flashed across Team Leader Li's eyes.

He had initially thought Lin Rui was just a bold and decisive soldier, but he hadn't expected that the man would take the initiative to expand his network and pave the way for future actions as soon as he took over. This thoughtfulness and style of doing things exceeded his expectations.

A smile of approval played at the corners of his lips. "Alright, I underestimated you. Go on, hurry up, and be careful to stay hidden, don't cause any unnecessary trouble."

"Yes, Team Leader Li." Lin Rui replied, then followed Uncle Xiang out of the film studio and headed towards the Lafayette Grand Theatre.

The two went to the Lafayette Theatre first, a ten-minute walk away.

Uncle Xiang led Lin Rui to Manager Wang and introduced him with a smile: "Manager Wang, this is Chen Mo, the person entrusted by Boss Xu. From now on, Manager Chen will be in full charge of the Lianhua branch factory. I brought him here today to say hello. If you need anything in the future, just look for him."

Lin Rui stepped forward, extended his hand, and said politely, "Manager Wang, I've long admired your name. I hope you'll take good care of me in the future. Although the Lianhua branch is currently shut down for rectification, the props and venue are still usable. If your theater has any needs, please feel free to contact me, and I will do my best to cooperate."

Manager Wang sized up Lin Rui, noting his well-dressed appearance and composed demeanor, and with Uncle Xiang's introduction, he extended his hand to shake Lin Rui's: "Manager Chen, you're too kind. Lafite and Lianhua have a long-standing cooperative relationship; we should look out for each other in the future."

The three exchanged a few pleasantries, leaving an impression on each other, but they couldn't just linger there indefinitely.

Afterwards, Xiang Bo and Lin Rui went to the Lanxin Grand Theater, which is 500 meters away from Pushi Road.

This was also one of the important theaters in the cultural and artistic circle of Beile Road within the concession.

The two met Boss Li, and were introduced and exchanged pleasantries.

When Mr. Li learned that Lin Rui had taken over the Lianhua branch factory and that he was willing to continue cooperating with the theater's prop rental arrangements, he was very enthusiastic.

Finally, they went to the Bluebird Drama Club and met Mr. Yu.

After Xiang Bo finished his introduction, Lin Rui briefly explained that he had taken over the Lianhua branch factory and promised to continue to cooperate with the drama troupe's needs for props and equipment.

Mr. Yu was calm and composed. Although he didn't talk much, he expressed his approval of Lin Rui, which was considered a formal acceptance of this "new manager".

After making all the visits, it was already 3 p.m.

Lin Rui followed Uncle Xiang back to Lianhua Film Studio, went up to the second floor of the right building, and entered the dance studio.

Everyone was still in the dance studio; it seemed the handover had been completed.

"Team leader, we've completed all the handover. The files, ledgers, and equipment have all been checked and are correct. The keys have also been put away." Su stepped forward and reported on behalf of the team members.

Chen Shan and Zhao Erzhu nodded, indicating that the handover was complete.

Team Leader Li glanced at his watch. "Now that the handover is complete, Uncle Xiang, you and your men pack your things. We should get going."

Uncle Xiang, beaming with joy, readily agreed and, along with Lao Wu, Lao Zheng, and Lao Wang, hurriedly packed their luggage before following Team Leader Li out of the film studio.

Before leaving, Uncle Xiang bowed repeatedly to Lin Rui, saying, "Manager Chen, I'm entrusting the factory's affairs to you from now on. I wish you all the best."

Lin Rui and his four companions watched them leave.

After everyone had left, Lin Rui said, "Zhao Yong, you have the key to the main gate, right? Close the iron gate, and let's go upstairs for a small meeting to discuss the future."

The iron gate was locked, and everyone went upstairs.

Walking at the back, Zhao Yong (Zhao Erzhu) swung the keys in his hand and muttered casually, "These people are still dreaming of going to Suzhou. I think they can only get to Changshu at most."

"Haha, Old Zhao is right." Sun Fu (Sun Xiaoliu) joked with a smile, "That Uncle Xiang thinks too highly of himself. It's already good enough that we were able to send him out. The other three are just ordinary guys. They know our background. How could we possibly escort them all the way to Suzhou?"

Chen Shouyi (Chen Shan) pushed up his glasses, his expression calm. "Sending just one person out would still cause resentment, sending four people out isn't worth it. I think it's chaotic outside, anything can happen. They can't go to Suzhou, they can't even get to Changshu."

Su Nian (Su Wan) frowned, wanting to say something, but in the end she just pursed her lips and didn't speak.

Lin Rui, who was walking at the front, felt a slight sinking feeling in his heart as he listened to the conversation behind him.

With just these few simple words, he had already sensed the ruthlessness of the spies.

Xiang Bo and the other three were just ordinary people who cooperated in the handover and had done nothing wrong. But in the eyes of these spies, their lives were ultimately insignificant. They were used and discarded, and even their promises were meaningless.

Judging from their tone, Team Leader Li might not even send them out.

Lin Rui silently reminded himself that as a spy, one must never have emotions. A spy with emotions has weaknesses and can be exploited and manipulated by others.

He led the way into the second-floor dance studio and said to the others behind him, "Find a chair and sit down, the meeting is starting."