Chapter 379: Another mistake

There was a tram in Songhu. It had a Japanese spy working as a ticket collector.

There was also a similar tram in Jinling. It also had a Japanese spy working as a ticket collector.

Was this a coincidence?

Or was it a deliberate arrangement by the Japanese spies?

What could have possibly made the Japanese spies make the same arrangement?

The same secret service agency?

Or the same mission?

"Captain, this is tram 107.'

'It starts at Guiyi Road and focuses on Huangpi Road.'

'There are a total of 15 stops in between.'

Luo Yiming investigated very clearly. He also brought back the relevant route map.

A deputy manager of the tram company was also "invited" by him. The other party had a red and swollen forehead. It is estimated that he was rough when "inviting".

With a sinking feeling, the manager was 'invited' to Tang Shengming's office.

'Sir...'

Where had this deputy manager seen such a big scene?

It would be false to say he wasn't nervous. Cold sweat was breaking out on his forehead.

Fortunately, Zhang Yong's tone was calm.

'The tram that just passed by. What's the conductor's name?'

'He, he's called Wei Dongbao.'

'Does he have any family?'

'I don't think so. He lives alone.'

'Shouldn't all tram conductors be women? Why is there a man?'

'Well...'

The assistant manager hesitated.

He couldn't seem to find a good enough reason to explain.

He didn't know why there was a man either. There was, in fact, a man.

'How long has he been working?'

'Three years.'

'Three years and a few months?'

'I'll have to go back and check the records. It's been three years anyway.'

'He came here alone?'

'Yes. He said his family had all been killed. He came to Jinling to make a living.'

'Have you not introduced him to anyone?'

'Yes, yes!'

When the deputy manager talked about this, his eyes lit up and he became less nervous.

Of course there were introductions. At the time, tram conductor was considered a stable job. Although the tram company was privately owned. How could there be no introductions?

However, this Wei Dongbao had rather high standards and he didn't like anyone the others introduced.

As a result, he missed many opportunities.

'So, where does he usually go to solve his biological problems?'

'What?'

'He's a grown man, isn't he interested in women?'

'No, no. He...'

The deputy manager paused again. It seemed like he had thought of something.

Zhang Yong's eyes darkened.

'He likes to go to the Qinhuai River...'

'Where exactly?'

'The most he talks about is the Yihong Courtyard. But we don't know if it's true...'

'Does he have a specific girlfriend?'

'I haven't heard of any. He only earns 20-odd yuan a month, so he can only go occasionally. How could he have a regular mistress?'

'Yi Hong Yuan...'

Zhang Yong wrote it down.

Judging from this, it seems that there is no value in it.

Because the spy didn't sleep with prostitutes, the meeting point could not be a brothel.

And frequenting there doesn't fit the identity of a tram conductor. The spy paid great attention to these details. It is impossible for him to leave obvious clues.

The biggest possibility is on the tram.

It's natural.

The traitor gets on the tram, gives the information, and pays for the tram ticket together with the information. No one would find this strange. It's a routine exchange, so it can be done without anyone noticing.

The question is, who is this traitor?

Should we just arrest the Japanese spy and interrogate him?

I don't think that would be very effective.

Once you get to the heart of the matter, the Japanese spies will put up a stubborn resistance.

You can interrogate them about where their money is, and they might talk. But interrogating their superiors or subordinates is more difficult.

It's not that the Japanese spies won't talk. It's just more troublesome.

Just keep investigating!

First, circle the military officers who often take the 107 tram.

The result...

head in hands...

There are actually as many as 24.

Okay, no need to continue. This is the wrong direction. Checking them one by one will take forever.

Besides, with such a large tram service, perhaps the traitor, who doesn't usually take this tram, will occasionally take it. Exchanging information is a matter of seconds. Who will pay attention?

'Have you noticed anything unusual about Wei Dongbao?'

'Unusual?'

'Yes. Anything that sticks out in your memory.'

'Well, there is something. He used to be pretty clean-handed. But recently he's been taking advantage of the company a bit. He often brings food home from work.'

'Bringing food home?'

'Yes! He says he takes it home to feed his dog. He says he has a dog.'

'Oh...'

Zhang Yong didn't pay much attention.

Everyone is greedy for small advantages. The Japanese spy was no exception.

Taking some company food home to feed the dog is not a serious problem. Unless it is forbidden by the company.

Since no one stopped him, it means the tram company does not lack this one meal.

'Do other people bring food?'

'Yes.'

'Common?'

'More than half. Take it home after work and give it to their family for a bite.'

'What do they bring?'

'Just rice. No vegetables.'

'Oh...'

Zhang Yong thought. It turns out to be pure white rice!

How much is a serving of rice?

But for some families in difficulty, rice can be a lifesaver. With some pickles at home, a meal can be made do.

Especially for those families with teenagers. A serving of rice can go a long way.

Since it is a common phenomenon, there is nothing suspicious about it.

If everyone else is doing it, then it is not worth doing. Zhang Yong felt like a fool for not doing it. Even if he doesn't have a dog, he should bring some. Not taking advantage of a bargain is just silly...

However, a site visit was still necessary.

At the very least, they needed to go to this Wei Dongbao's home and take a look. To see if there really was a dog.

If there was no dog, then that would mean there was a problem.

If there was no dog, what were you bringing home for lunch? To throw it away halfway there?

First, they went to Wei Dongbao's home.

It was in the old town. The houses were all very run-down. Brick and tile houses were the majority.

Many of the roofs were already dilapidated. And no one was repairing them. It was possible that the residents had already moved out. The old houses had no time to take care of.

Many of the brick and tile houses have collapsed. Inside they have become ruins.

Wei Dongbao's home is also such a brick and tile house. There is a small courtyard in front of it. It's not big. About 20 square metres. There are also no flowers or plants. There are some messy household items thrown around.

The door is not locked. It is casually tied with a rope. The knot is a slipknot.

There is no need to go in,

because in a house like this, even thieves will not bother.

Because it's obvious that you're telling people that there's nothing of value inside. It would be hard to get in anyway.

Sure enough, Cao Mengqi pushed the door open and found it empty. Just a broken bed. It was lame. There was a messy old mattress on it. It looked like the den of a single dog.

There was an iron wire by the window. There were a dozen clothes hanging on it in a random mess.

Sigh...

The life of a Japanese spy is really poor!

In order to complete the task, this Japanese spy is really good at endurance. I guess their thinking is more fanatical.

In fact, it is often the case that these Japanese spies are very difficult to deal with. They are very resistant to interrogation.

It's just like the postman who was arrested earlier, who behaved very stubbornly. He didn't answer any questions. He wouldn't confess even if he was beaten to death. It's because they originally had nothing. They weren't afraid of death.

On the contrary, people like Meng Chaowei, Lou Qicheng, Wu Yuanfu, Tian Qingyuan, and Wen Zhenping were not as stubborn.

Because they are so happy. They have become corrupted.

Standing in their shoes, they have seen a lot and are not so fanatical about the emperor.

It seems that someone like Tian Qingyuan (Yosuke Kikuta) probably no longer has any awe for the emperor. He values himself more.

If he needs to abandon the emperor in order to maintain his current position, he probably won't even bat an eyelid. It's similar with Kitakata Taro. Life is happy. The ability to accept suffering is also weakened.

'There are no dogs.'

'Maybe he ran away?'

'Do we need to send someone to keep watch?'

'We'll just wait here for Wei Dongbao to finish work.'

'Good!'

Everyone hid nearby.

Zhang Yong looked at the time. According to the information provided by the deputy manager, Wei Dongbao should be finishing work soon.

It was said that he didn't have any hobbies. He went straight home after work.

Sure enough, a red dot appeared on the edge of the map a short while later. Holding up the binoculars, it was indeed Wei Dongbao. It was also clear that he was carrying his own lunch box and had filled it with rice.

What's the point of bringing your own lunch back without a dog?

Then they saw Wei Dongbao enter the door of the neighbouring brick house with the lunch box. Then he came out again.

The lunch box was not brought out. Obviously, he left it inside.

Next door?

Is there someone there too?

Zhang Yong monitored the map. Obviously there wasn't! How come...

Something's wrong...

Could it be a dog?

Could it be that he has a dog in the next house?

Decided to continue monitoring.

As a result, half an hour later, a figure approached.

He sneaked up to the next brick house, looked around to make sure no one was around, and then immediately crept inside.

Zhang Yong: ???

What's going on?

Who is Wei Dongbao taking food to? Why is he being so secretive?

Could it be a traitor?

Then he shook his head again.

What kind of traitor would stoop so low?

If he's a traitor, how can he not even get a meal?

Something's not right...

There's definitely something fishy going on.

Never mind. Let's just catch the traitor first. But we can't alert Wei Dongbao. We'll wait until the mysterious person finishes eating.

Sure enough, ten minutes later, the mysterious person came out.

Judging by his appearance, he seemed to have eaten quite a lot. He even burped.

Vaguely, Zhang Yong felt that the other person looked familiar. It was as if he had seen him somewhere before. But for the moment, he couldn't think of it.

His memory was really just so-so. This situation often arose.

He waved his hand. The group immediately followed.

When they reached the corner, they immediately pounced. Covering their mouths, they wrestled. They bound him. It was all done in one go.

Without making a sound.

The mystery man was tied up tightly, and a rag was stuffed in his mouth.

Then they got into the car. They quickly drove away.

The mystery man tried to struggle, but was knocked unconscious by a punch from Cao Mengqi.

A body search was conducted.

Nothing was found.

He was so poor that he didn't even have a coin.

Strange...

Who was he?

Why did Wei Dongbao bring him food?

He has arms and legs, is not sick or in pain, and can go out and do some work to fill his stomach.

Something's fishy...

He found a remote place and parked the car. He dragged the man down.

He looked him over carefully. He didn't notice anything unusual.

He was certain that this guy was not a Japanese spy.

So who the hell could he be?

'Clatter!'

Cao Mengqi poured a basin of cold water over the mysterious man's face.

The dazed man suddenly felt refreshed and came to his senses. Then he looked in horror at what was in front of him. His face turned pale.

It seems that he was really scared. That's good. It's good to be scared.

'Listen carefully. My name is Liu Heizi,' Zhang Yong took out a dagger and stuck it to the other person's chest, 'I know you're not an ordinary person. I only want money, not life. Understand?'

The mysterious man nodded desperately.

Zhang Yong then waved his hand. He had the rag in his mouth removed.

'Spare my life, spare my life...'

'I don't want your life. But I want money.'

'I, I...'

'Don't say you don't have any money. Then I'm sorry.'

'I, I, I'll give it, I'll give it...'

'What's your name?'

'Wei... no, Wan, Wan Jinfu. My name is Wan Jinfu.'

'Hit him!'

Zhang Yong shouted coldly.

You want to die!

I'll see if you have the backbone of a Japanese spy!

'Pang!'

'Pang!'

Cao Mengqi came up and gave him a severe beating.

He didn't use his fists. He used a special whip. He targeted the fleshy parts of the body. It was excruciatingly painful. But it wasn't fatal.

As a result, after a few lashes, the other person couldn't take it anymore.

He really did have soft bones.

'Stop, stop, I'll talk, I'll talk...'

'Keep beating!'

'Pang, pang, pang!'

'Stop, stop...'

'Lie and you'll get it.'

'I dare not, I dare not...'

'Say?'

'My name is Wei, Wei Heren, Wei Heren...'

'Who?'

Zhang Yong felt that the name was a bit familiar.

It seemed that he had heard it somewhere.

Damn it, what a memory...

Fortunately, after a moment, he finally remembered.

Isn't this guy the traitor Kong Fansong was looking for? The one who stole the metal master copies of the legal tender.

Wei Heren? That's the name.

No wonder he looked familiar. I've seen his photo before.

But there must be some difference between the photo and the real person. His eyesight is average, so he didn't recognise him immediately.

Take out the photo. Check it against the person.

Yes.

It's him!

Well, another false positive.

The traitor in the Military Senate was not caught. The traitor in the Kong family was caught.

Hey...

Damn, this is really...

Never mind. Who cares who it is? Anyway, another task is completed.

I want to call Kong Fansong. Suddenly, I think back. What did this guy say just now? He seems to have money?

Well...

The phone call can wait. No rush.

'Where's the money?'

'I, I, I...'

'Hit!'

Zhang Yong snorted.

Cao Mengqi raised his whip and lashed out again.

'I'll talk!'

'I'll talk!'

Wei Heren shouted desperately.

When had he ever suffered like this? After a few lashes, he felt like his whole body was falling apart.

'Where is it?'

'I'll take you there.'

'That's right!'

Zhang Yong applied a little pressure, and the dagger cut the skin of his opponent's throat.

It just cut the skin. It didn't hurt. But there was blood.

'If you lie...'

'No, no...'

Wei Heren hurriedly covered his neck. He hurriedly led the way.

He thought his neck was really going to be cut. How dare he be negligent. Hurriedly, he took Zhang Yong to another hiding place.

It wasn't far away. It was on the way to and from work for Wei Dongbao.

Zhang Yong frowned.

This guy, he's pretty cunning.

Fortunately, I wasn't following Wei Dongbao home.

If I had, Wei Heren would have definitely noticed. Then he wouldn't have shown up.

It seems that there is a reason why Kong Fansong couldn't catch him.

While everyone thought this guy had fled the country, he was actually hiding here and begging.

It's also pitiful...

Instead of living a good life, he deliberately became a traitor.

A traitor like this. He doesn't even have the chance to eat a full meal. I wonder what he's really thinking right now.

It's also an old brick house, surrounded by crumbling ruins.

Inside is just a dog kennel.

It's okay if it doesn't rain. If it rains...

Alas, the traitor...

'Where is it?'

'Inside, inside, inside...'

'Take it out!'

'Yes, yes.'

Wei Heren doesn't dare to be negligent. He quickly gets to work. He climbs down from the ruins and finds an oiled paper package.

He opened it. Inside were some banknotes. And ten gold bars.

There were no US dollars. And no British pounds either.

The gold bars were all small yellow fish. Very thin and short. Only one or two taels in weight. That's about 30 grams.

'What else?'

'No, there's nothing else...'

'Bullshit!'

'Really...'

'You think I don't know Wei Dongbao's identity? He's a Japanese. You work for him, and he can't give you favours?'

'I, I...'

Wei Heren suddenly sat down with a thud. He was full of shock.

It was over.

It was over.

The other party actually knew Wei Dongbao's identity.