Anti-Japanese War Espionage: I Have an Omniscient Perspective

Within a single day, the conflict between the Tongfu Society and the Dumen Society escalated once again, reaching a tense standoff.

Lin Rui, the instigator of this incident, secretly observed everything from his position as the manager of Lianhua Film Studio.

The next morning, Lin Rui changed into a presentable suit and, as usual, went to visit various theaters in the concession.

Lianhua Film Studio mainly engaged in prop lending and had close cooperation with various theaters, which was also an excellent excuse for him to gather information and contact people from all walks of life.

He first went to the Grand Stage Theatre on Avenue Joffre, where the owner was already waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing Lin Rui, the owner immediately greeted him warmly: "Manager Lin, what a rare guest! Please come in!"

Lin Rui smiled and cupped his hands in response: "Sixth Boss, you're too kind. I just came to check on things. How's business at the theater lately? Are the props at our studio working well? If there's anything you need, just let me know."

The two chatted as they walked inside. Boss Wang sighed, his tone helpless: "Alas, business is tough these days. With war and chaos outside, fewer and fewer people are coming to the theater. We're so grateful to Manager Lin and your studio for their exquisite and practical props; they've saved us a lot of money. Thank you so much!"

"Mr. Wang, you're too kind. We help each other out; it's only right." Lin Rui smiled, then casually asked, "By the way, Mr. Wang, I've recently heard that there's a Miss Manli who performs in various theaters and is quite famous. Have you heard of her?"

Mentioning Manli, a hint of envy flashed in Boss Wang's eyes: "Manager Lin, you mean Miss Manli? How could I not have heard of her? She's the hottest actress in the French Concession right now, pampered by Boss Wan of the Du family. She has incredible resources, and her acting and singing are both superb. Every performance is sold out. However, she hasn't been performing at our theater recently. I heard she'll be putting on a play at the Jincheng Theater these next few days, and many dignitaries have already bought tickets in advance, just to catch a glimpse of her."

"Oh? Jincheng Theater?" Lin Rui's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm as he smiled and said, "It seems this Miss Manli is indeed very capable. I happen to be free lately, so I'd like to go to Jincheng Theater to see her performance and experience her charm."

"If Manager Lin wants to go, I can get you a good front-row ticket," Boss Wang said hurriedly. For him, having a good relationship with the manager of Lianhua Film Studio could only be beneficial.

"Thank you, Boss Wang," Lin Rui said with a smile. "But you don't need to trouble yourself. I'll just go to the Jincheng Theater to buy the tickets myself in a bit, and I can also check out the situation there."

After chatting with Boss Wang for a while and finalizing the subsequent prop loan cooperation, Lin Rui left the Grand Stage Theater and headed to the Jincheng Theater on Beile Road.

Along the way, he pondered as he walked. Manli was Wan Heilin's bedmate and also the key figure in his plan to connect Huang Dazhu with the Du family.

As long as Huang Dazhu can get acquainted with Manli, and through Manli introduce Wan Heilin, and then present a pledge of loyalty to Wan Heilin, the Loyal and Righteous Gang can successfully connect with the Du Clan.

This method of whispering in someone's ear is a shortcut, much more convenient than following the rules of the Green Gang.

The problem is that Huang Dazhu comes from a humble background and is the leader of a newly established small gang. He has no connection with Manli, an actress who is pampered by Wan Heilin. It will not be easy for him to get to know Manli.

If one were to visit rashly, Manli would only refuse to see him, and it might even arouse Wan Heilin's suspicion, which would be a loss.

Therefore, he had to find a good opportunity.

Before long, Lin Rui arrived at the Jincheng Theater. Located in the heart of the French Concession, the Jincheng Theater was lavishly decorated, with a large poster hanging at the entrance. The poster featured a portrait of Manli, with gentle and charming features, and read, "Miss Manli gives a passionate performance in the play 'Rainy Jiangnan,' which will be performed today and tomorrow."

People were coming and going at the theater entrance. Many well-dressed people were queuing to buy tickets, while some reporters, carrying cameras, were waiting at the entrance, hoping to interview Manli.

Lin Rui asked his assistant to wait at the entrance while he queued up to buy a ticket. He then went into the theater and found a seat near the front.

At this time, the play had not yet started, and the audience members entered one after another, chatting in hushed tones, with most of the conversation revolving around Manli.

Lin Rui sat in his seat, calmly scanning his surroundings, observing the theater environment and the identities of the audience, while pondering a way to get to know Manli.

He considered having Huang Dazhu pretend to be a theater fan and give flowers to Manli after the show to strike up a conversation; he also considered having Huang Dazhu pretend to be Manli's fan and "accidentally" meet Manli outside the theater to express his admiration.

However, these methods are either too deliberate or easily arouse suspicion, so they are not the best choice.

Just as Lin Rui was pondering, the theater lights gradually dimmed, the curtain on the stage slowly opened, and the play officially began.

Manli, dressed in an elegant cheongsam, slowly walked onto the stage. Every move she made exuded a gentle and charming temperament. She vividly portrayed the joys and sorrows of the character in the play, and the audience below the stage were attracted by her performance, with applause and cheers ringing out from time to time.

Lin Rui also looked at Manli on the stage, his eyes calm, but he was still making plans in his mind.

He had to admit that Manli was indeed very charming. Not only was she beautiful, but she was also a good actress. No wonder she was able to be promoted by Wan Heilin and attract the attention of so many high-ranking officials and nobles.

The play lasted for two hours. When the curtain fell, the applause and cheers from the audience were deafening. Manli bowed repeatedly to express her gratitude before slowly walking off the stage.

Lin Rui did not get up and leave immediately. Instead, he sat in his seat, pretending to tidy his clothes, while secretly activating his superpower. His three-dimensional perspective penetrated the stage curtain and looked backstage.

He wanted to see what was going on behind the scenes with Manli, hoping to find an opportunity to get to know her.

Backstage, the lights were on, and Manli was sitting in front of her dressing table, having her makeup removed by her maid.

She removed her stage makeup and wore simple casual clothes. Her eyes and brows lacked the grace she displayed on stage, and instead showed a hint of coldness and weariness.

Just then, a stylishly dressed young man with slicked-back hair, holding a bouquet of bright red roses, strode into the backstage area.

"Manli!" The young man strode up to Manli, handed her the red roses, and said urgently, "Manli, I know I was wrong, I really know I was wrong. Please forgive me, okay? Let's start over. I promise I'll treat you well from now on and never make you angry again. I'll also support you like Wan Heilin did, and make you the most popular actress, okay?"

Manli glanced at him, her eyes devoid of any emotion, only filled with impatience. She pushed away the roses the young man offered, her tone icy: "Mr. Li, please have some self-respect. I'm no longer your girlfriend. I'm with Boss Wan now. It's all over between us, and there's no way we can start over. Don't come looking for me again, lest you cause trouble."

Lin Rui had seen this young man before; he was a regular on Beile Street, nicknamed "Young Master Li." He was the son of a wealthy merchant in the French Concession, and his family had some influence.

Based on what I've observed with my supernatural abilities, it seems that Young Master Li pursued Manli before, and the two dated for a period of time.

Later, Manli caught the eye of Wan Heilin. In order to gain a foothold in the chaotic French Concession, Manli chose to leave Li Gongzi and seek refuge with the more powerful Wan Heilin.

Young Master Li was unwilling to give up and came to find Manli, hoping to win her back, but Manli rejected him every time.

Upon hearing Manli's words, the urgency and pleading on Young Master Li's face instantly turned into anger and resentment. He slammed the roses to the ground, his tone arrogant and fierce: "Manli, don't push your luck! He's just Wan Heilin, isn't he? How powerful do you think he is? My Li family's status in the French Concession is no less than that of the Du family! He can promote you, and I can promote you too, and I can do it even better! You're only with him because you're after his power and money. Let me tell you, as long as you come back to my side, I will give you more than Wan Heilin, not less!"

"I said, it's impossible." Manli's tone was firm, her eyes cold. "Right now, I just want to act peacefully and don't want to have anything to do with you anymore. Go away and stop bothering me here, or I'll inform Boss Wan."

"Notify Boss Wan? Do you think I'm afraid of him?" Young Master Li sneered, his tone growing increasingly fierce. "Manli, you just wait and see. I'm giving you face today, and you don't appreciate it. Don't blame me for being ruthless later!"

After saying that, Young Master Li glared at Manli, turned around and slammed the door shut as he left. The door to the backstage area slammed shut with a loud bang, startling the maid next to him.

After leaving, he uttered a harsh threat: "You bitch, I'll teach you a lesson tonight!"

Lin Rui's heart stirred, and he quietly followed Young Master Li out.