Anti-Japanese War Espionage: I Have an Omniscient Perspective

Manager Wang took a sip of tea, pondered for a moment, and slowly said, "Manager Chen, that's a good question. The arts and culture circles in the concession have been quite lively lately, but the situation is rather turbulent, and many celebrities have begun to restrain themselves. Speaking of important figures who frequently visit the theater, there is one—Mr. Lu Dahong. You must have heard of him, right?"

Lin Rui's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm. He feigned doubt and said, "Lu Dahong? I've heard of him. He's supposedly a prominent figure in the French Concession, a big shot in the business world. I just didn't know he also enjoys opera?"

"It's not just that he loves opera; Mr. Lu is a regular at our theater." Manager Wang lowered his voice, looked around to make sure no one was watching, and continued, "He comes to listen to operas every Wednesday, always sitting in a private box on the second floor. Every time he comes, he brings two bodyguards, burly men in black short jackets, very imposing, who don't allow anyone to get close. But he hasn't come these past few days. I heard he's been busy dealing with the Japanese, and there are even rumors that he's going to take up a position in the puppet regime."

Lin Rui silently noted down the key information: "Every Wednesday, second-floor private room, two guards," and then subtly guided the conversation: "I see. With Mr. Lu's status, he must associate with important people. Do you know where he lives? Besides going to the theater, where else does he usually go? If our film studio wants to pay him a visit, we can prepare in advance."

Manager Wang waved his hand and laughed, "Manager Chen, it's not that I don't want to tell you, it's just that Mr. Lu is a low-key person and always keeps his residence a secret. I only heard it by chance from a waiter at the theater. He lives in Yongfeng Estate on Luban Road. That area is full of upscale villas and the security is very tight. As for where he usually goes, I don't know much about it. I only heard that he has close ties with many socialites, including one named Su, who often appears with him at the coffee shop on Xiafei Road."

"Thank you for informing me, Manager Wang." Lin Rui smiled and bowed in thanks. He chatted with Manager Wang for a few more minutes about the film before getting up to take his leave. He knew that saying too much would only lead to trouble, and asking any more questions would only arouse suspicion.

After leaving the Lafayette Grand Theatre, Lin Rui walked to his next stop: the Lyceum Theatre.

The Lyceum Theatre, located in the middle of Avenue Joffre, mainly featured Western dramas and operas. Its clientele consisted mostly of expatriates and celebrities with Western educations. Mr. Li was one of the most prominent among them, as he was an avid collector of old magazines and had extensive connections in the arts and culture circles.

The doors of the Lanxin Grand Theater had already opened, and Lin Rui asked the doorman, "Where is Boss Li?"

"He's sitting inside," the doorman gestured to indicate where the owner was.

Lin Rui went inside.

Mr. Li was sitting on the sofa in the lobby, flipping through an old magazine with a focused expression.

Lin Rui stepped forward lightly and said with a smile, "Boss Li, busy?"

Boss Li looked up, saw Lin Rui, and remembered him: "Manager Chen? A rare guest indeed! Please have a seat!"

After Lin Rui sat down, he handed the wrapped movie magazine directly to Boss Li: "I recently found this old magazine while taking inventory of the film studio's warehouse. Knowing that Boss Li is a big fan of collecting magazines, I specially brought it over, hoping it will catch your eye."

Mr. Li took the magazine, flipped through it, and his eyes lit up instantly. His voice trembled with excitement: "This special edition of *The Young Companion*? It's a rare, out-of-print copy! Manager Chen, this gift is incredibly valuable, thank you so much!"

He flipped through the magazine with great interest, a smile never fading from his lips. He had been searching for this magazine for a long time but had never been able to obtain it. Today, he unexpectedly received it, and the joy in his heart was beyond words.

"I'm glad you like it, Mr. Li," Lin Rui said with a smile, then smoothly transitioned into the topic, "Actually, I came here today because I have something I'd like to ask you. Lianhua Film Studio is planning to expand its business recently and wants to make more connections with people in the arts and culture circles of the concession. However, I'm new here and have limited connections. I wonder if Mr. Li could tell me about the recent activities of celebrities in the concession? Especially those big shots who frequently associate with the arts and culture and business circles."

Mr. Li put down the magazine, took a sip of tea, and said slowly, "Manager Chen, you're too kind. It was nothing. Recently, most of the prominent figures in the concession have been acting cautiously, given the turbulent times and the close watch of the Japanese army. If I had to name a prominent figure who's been making headlines lately, it would be Lu Dahong. He's a Chinese chairman in the French Concession and controls many businesses. He also enjoys listening to music and occasionally comes to our theater to watch Western plays."

Lin Rui feigned curiosity and asked, "Oh? Mr. Lu also enjoys Western drama? I didn't expect that. I wonder what other hobbies he has besides watching plays and managing his business? Where does he live? If our film studio wants to pay him a visit, we can prepare in advance."

"He lives at 17 Wing Fung Estate, Lupin Road. There are guards outside, so you have to talk to them before you can visit him. Besides watching plays, he also likes women. Recently, he's been seeing a socialite named Su, and they go to Sullivan's Cafe on Avenue Joffre every Friday afternoon."

At this point, Boss Li hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice and said, "Manager Chen, to be honest, Mr. Lu is currently riding high on his success and is getting very close to the Japanese. Many people are talking about him in private as a traitor. If you're going to visit him, you'd better think it through."

"Really?" Lin Rui feigned surprise.

"I heard that he's been preparing for the establishment of a fake 'SH Citizens' Association' recently. He frequently meets with Japanese military officers at the Xinpuyutang, ostensibly to handle refugee affairs, but in reality, he's colluding with the Japanese army and plotting something sinister. Manager Chen, since you're new here, it's best to avoid dealing with him to prevent getting into trouble."

Or perhaps realizing he shouldn't have said that, he quickly corrected himself: "Look at my mouth, why did I say such things?"

"Thank you for reminding me, Mr. Li. I've noted it down." Lin Rui's face showed gratitude, but he had already memorized all the information in his mind: No. 17, Yongfeng Village, Luban Road; Sullivan Cafe every Friday afternoon; close contact with a socialite surnamed Su; and frequent meetings with Japanese soldiers at Xinpuyutang.

This intelligence was far more detailed than he had anticipated, sufficient to complete the initial investigation.

After chatting briefly with Boss Li about Western drama and film studio business, Lin Rui got up to say goodbye.

It was already 10 a.m. when I walked out of the Lyceum Theatre.

It was still early, and Lin Rui didn't plan to go back to the film studio right away. Instead, he decided to use this time to scout out Lu Dahong's residence.

Others might go and find nothing because of the heavy security, but he has a three-dimensional vision and might be able to discover some useful intelligence.

Immediately, Lin Rui merged into the crowd on the street and headed towards Lüban Road.

Rue Luban is located parallel to Rue Belle, both being north-south roads within the French Concession.

It's on the left, Belle Road is on the right, and after passing through a straight alley for several hundred meters, you'll reach Luban Road.

Not far away is Gujiazhai Park, where the patriotic students held their roadshow last time.

Where is No. 17 Wing Fung Estate?