Chapter 387: I'll bring the Italian cannon

Jinfulu, as the name suggests, means both 'gold' and 'happiness'.

It is the most famous commercial street in the old town of Jinling. Both sides are lined with quite old buildings. Unfortunately, they were destroyed in the war.

Before the capital was set, both sides of Jinfulu were the most prosperous.

After the capital was established, the construction of the new city gradually began, and the commercial centre gradually moved.

But for most of the old residents of Jinling, this is still the most prosperous city centre. There is no one like it.

Wanguo Department Store has a long history. It was established during the Qing Dynasty.

During the Self-Strengthening Movement, it was a foreign trading company. Later, it gradually developed into Wanguo Department Store. It has become synonymous with high-end.

Most of the items sold inside are imported goods from abroad. Naturally, the prices are expensive. For example, perfumes, cigarettes, watches, coffee, diamonds, and so on. They are exclusive to the upper class.

Today is not Thursday, and it is not 10 o'clock in the morning. Zhang Yong came early to scout the place out.

He came here by tram, specifically tram 107. But there were too many people, so it was impossible to get on the tram all at once. Zhang Yong then set off with Zhong Yang and the other three.

Since they were scouting the place out, Yan Guangkun and the others needed to set up surveillance outside. So they arrived a little late.

The tram swayed all the way and finally arrived at the Jin Fu Lu Wanguo Department Store stop. It stopped.

Zhang Yong gets off the tram. He checks the time.

It's exactly 6pm. The lights are just being switched on, and the smoke from the kitchens is rising.

He looks around. The place is packed. There are lots of people coming and going. All kinds of people.

There are some foreigners. Including some white Russian women.

There are also some red dots.

They are Japanese people who are openly identifying themselves as such.

After scanning the area, he doesn't notice anything unusual. So he enters the department store.

It is indeed luxurious inside. The floor is made of marble. It is a bit like a large shopping mall in the modern era. There are also three floors. There is a central atrium.

The key thing is that it is nighttime. There is actually resplendent lighting.

Look up. The crystal chandeliers are dazzling.

There are also many crystal lamps on the surrounding walls. Each one is dazzling.

It is as if one has entered a five-star hotel in the modern era.

It should be noted that in this era, even in the national capital, the power supply was seriously inadequate.

Even the headquarters of the Rongfu Society in Jige Lane used the most common incandescent light bulbs. Air conditioning was unthinkable. There weren't even any electric fans. They were imported goods. Very expensive.

There was also an elevator for VIPs. And a bellhop to control the elevator.

The first floor was for jewellery and cosmetics. The second floor was for clothing and watches. The third floor was a cinema. Haha. The layout was similar to that of the future.

Zhang Yong had a great time exploring the place.

This was the first time he had been to such a high-end shopping mall. Indeed, he had gained a lot of knowledge.

In his previous life, he had also visited some large shopping malls. But he had never dared to go into the most high-end ones, such as the Li and the Hui. What would he do there with no money in his pocket?

Now...

he felt a little giddy.

He had actually dared to go to such a high-end shopping mall. And he was still composed.

Indeed, money gives people courage.

He did have 'a few cents' on him now.

It can be said without any hesitation that he can afford all the goods in this department store.

That is, if he wants to.

The most expensive goods here cost no more than 10,000 yuan.

So, he still needs to work hard to make money!

For him, making money is the same as catching spies. So, he still needs to work hard to catch spies...

Standing on the second floor of the corridor, he silently surveyed the crowds coming and going below.

At this time of day, the people who appear in the department store are not ordinary people. The men are all smartly dressed in suits, and the women they are with are also dressed attractively and look graceful...

Suddenly, a petite figure catches Zhang Yong's attention.

It's her. Chu Chu. The girl he once had a special relationship with. Alas, he has so many memories...

She appears to be alone.

Huh?

Is she here for work?

She was wearing a little black suit. It looked like she really worked here!

Strange, didn't she say she was leaving Jinling?

Why is she still here?

He watched her silently.

He saw her come up the stairs to the second floor and enter a Swiss watch shop.

Amazing. She'd actually changed careers and started selling watches.

Without making a sound, he waited until she was officially on duty before walking over to her.

'Hello, sir...'

Chu Chu greeted him politely. Her eyes sparkled.

She had actually seen Zhang Yong a long time ago. She just didn't greet him right away.

Now that Zhang Yong was walking over to her, she didn't want to reveal her identity.

'Hello, you're very pretty,' Zhang Yong said with a smile, 'I want to buy a watch, what do you recommend?'

'Sir, we sell authentic Swiss watches here...'

'Can I take a look?'

'Sure!'

Chu Chu took him the watches.

Zhang Yong took the opportunity to whisper to her.

'Are you still in Jinling?'

'I've changed my mind. I'm not leaving for now.'

'Why don't you come and find me?'

'What would I find you for?'

'To continue our affair!'

'If you spend 1,000 taels, I'll accompany you again.'

'Great!'

Zhang Yong readily agreed.

He really bought a Tissot watch worth 1,200 taels.

He had wanted to buy a Patek Philippe, but it was out of stock. Chu Chu had never heard of the brand either. It wasn't available in any other watch shops either. Maybe it hadn't yet entered China?

At that time, the most expensive Swiss watch was Tissot. It started at 300 yuan. Sales were quite good.

There were indeed rich people at all times.

I remember now. It seems that Tang Shengming wore a Tissot watch. It was just as well, as he could copy him.

Of course, this was for wooing girls.

He couldn't normally wear it. It was too flashy.

He's just a small team leader in the Special Branch of the Restoration Society, and he usually wears a Tissot?

It seems that even the head of the department doesn't have such an expensive one...

'What are you doing here?'

'On a mission.'

'Oh? Who are you going to catch?'

'I don't know. I'm here to scope out the place today.'

'Then let me tell you something. You'll be very surprised when you find out.'

'What is it?'

'Kiprov is not dead at all. His death was fake.'

'How do you know?'

'I just know. You have to thank me.'

'Okay. How do I thank you?'

'Three times.'

'What?'

Zhang Yong was stunned.

This woman...

Hmph, who's afraid of whom?

He turned around and left.

He was going to go get some wolfberries...

The information provided by Chu Chu really did surprise him a little.

Kiprov hadn't died.

He had faked his own death.

Weird.

What was this guy up to?

Who was he trying to lure into a trap by faking his own death?

Or was he trying to get away?

Damn it. This son of a bitch. He faked his own death and got someone else involved.

There's a huge reward on his head right now. A hundred thousand dollars! I don't know how many hitmen are tempted. One mistake and he could lose his life right there and then.

It's so annoying.

I must get this son of a bitch.

Faking death, huh?

One shot to the head. See how you fake death now.

Damn it...

No. I need to find a way to get Chu Chu to reveal more information tonight.

And I need to ask Xia Wan-jun what's going on.

Hey?

Where can I buy wolfberries?

His eyes were scanning the area when suddenly a red dot appeared on the map.

It was moving fast. It seemed to be driving. But after moving 200 metres, it stopped moving. Maybe it had stopped. Then it started moving again. Judging from the speed, it was walking.

Finally, it stopped about 100 metres west of Wanguo Department Store on Jinfu Road.

Zhang Yong looks around and spots a window. He walks over and leans against it. He looks in the direction of his target. There is a clock tower there.

Yes, an old clock tower. It is about five storeys high. But the clock on top is not working.

He raises the binoculars silently. He sees his target.

It is a man in a black suit. He does not have a weapon in his hand.

It is dark and there is little light. He cannot see the man's face clearly. Even though they are only about 100 metres apart. The binoculars cannot pick up the details.

I try hard to adjust the focus. Finally I can see clearly. Then I am greatly disappointed.

The target is wearing a black mask.

No, it should be called a face shield. It covers most of the face. Only the eyes are exposed.

Frowning.

This Japanese spy is up to no good!

He has even put on a face shield. Obviously he wants to hide his identity.

From the clock tower, you can observe all the movements around you.

And you are facing the entrance of the department store.

If Zhang Yong steps out of the store, he could be killed instantly.

From such a high vantage point, over 100 metres away, and firing from the shadows into the light, there is almost no chance of missing. Even if Cao Mengqi were to take the shot, he would have a 99% chance of killing Zhang Yong.

Danger!

Turn around. Wave to Yang Zhi.

Yang Zhi immediately runs over. Zhang Yong then gestures for him to walk along the wall.

The Japanese spy is on the clock tower, and he may have binoculars, so he can see what's going on here. Maybe he can shoot through the window from a distance and kill someone.

When the others saw Zhang Yong's movements, they immediately knew that there was danger. They hurriedly moved along the wall.

Yang Zhi came to Zhang Yong's side and cautiously poked his head out to look outside. Then he whispered, 'It's the Luk Fook Road clock tower. Is there an enemy up there?'

'Yes. There's a Japanese spy. He probably has a rifle,' Zhang Yong said slowly. 'None of us should move. At this time, we must not go out.'

'Team Leader Yan is outside. I'll go get him.'

'No, if they move, the Japanese will notice. We'll get someone from headquarters.'

'Then we'll keep watch.'

'Good!'

Zhang Yong quietly went to find a phone.

Luckily, the Swiss watch shop had a phone. The smiling saleswoman invited him in.

He called the department head directly.

'Shaolong, have you found something?'

'Director, I've been targeted by a Japanese spy...'

Zhang Yong gave a brief explanation of the situation.

The director was not surprised. He had encountered this kind of thing himself.

In their line of work, ambushes and sneak attacks were commonplace. The Japanese spies were ruthless, and it was no surprise that they killed people in the street.

'Luk Fook Road Clock Tower?'

'Yes.'

'Good. I'll let Yice handle it.'

'Thank you!'

Zhang Yong let out a sigh of relief.

Dai Yice's action team has more than 50 people. They should be able to handle it.

The Japanese invaders are hiding in the clock tower. This has advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that they are high up, with a good view. They can observe the surroundings. The disadvantage is that there is no escape route.

Once they are surrounded, they can only break out by force. There is no other choice. Unless they jump off the clock tower.

However, even the most skilled Japanese spy, jumping from a height of five storeys, should fall to pieces.

Hang up the phone.

Suddenly, Chu Chu came up to him and gave him a quiet kiss.

Zhang Yong: ...

Hey, hey, hey, this woman is really...

She actually attacked me in front of everyone? Just wait. I'll pay her back tenfold tonight...

'Give me some money...'

'How much do you want?'

'Five hundred.'

'Okay!'

Zhang Yong directly gave her a hundred dollars.

A hundred dollars is enough to exchange for five hundred yuan. Maybe she can even exchange for more.

And so it was...

He was kissed again.

Zhang Yong: ...

Hey, this woman is really...

He knew she was playing him, but he was happy to be played.

The news she had just told him was worth at least 500 US dollars. She had probably made a fortune. But he would never lose out.

He hated spies.

They had no regard for people's private lives!

What was supposed to be a happy and perfect evening had been ruined by a man in a mask hiding on the clock tower.

But!

There is still a chance to save the day!

If he can just hurry and get rid of this man, he can still...

However, just as he was distracted, suddenly another red dot entered the map. Instantly, his distracted mind immediately froze.

Shit, another one?

Looking at the trajectory of the movement, it was sneaky, hiding, winding, and you could tell it wasn't a normal person.

Needless to say, the other person must also be coming for him.

Damn it!

I guess I won't get to make out with Chu Chu tonight.

I'm so angry I want to explode right here. For the first time, I grit my teeth and secretly swear that I will definitely not let any of them live tonight.

You interrupted my good time and you want to live? Go find Amaterasu!

Collect yourself. Prepare for battle.

The second red dot finally settled near the clock tower on Liufu Road. South. About 50 metres.

This is a bit troublesome. This location was obviously carefully chosen by the Japanese invader.

If someone attacks the Luk Fook Road clock tower, they will inevitably suffer an ambush from this Japanese soldier from the flank.

In the dark, Dai Yice and the others don't know the Japanese soldier's background, and they may suffer heavy casualties. They came here to hunt the Japanese soldier, but they were killed instead.

Frown. There are actually two Japanese killer soldiers.

It seems that they were targeted early on after they appeared on Jin Fook Road.

One of the Japanese spies must have received the information and started making plans. They were going to kill him in front of the Wanguo department store.

Damn, there really is something fishy going on here.

At the time, I didn't notice the Japanese spy. But there must have been an informant for the Japanese spy.

The Japanese spy must have planted a traitor here. It's possible that there was 24-hour surveillance. This shows that this place is very important.

Strange, what could have been so important that the Japanese spy would pay so much attention to it?

Suddenly, another red dot appeared.

This Japanese spy finally stopped at the north side of the clock tower. It's also about 50 metres away.

These two Japanese spies, one in the south and one in the north, protect the clock tower from the sides.

'Ahhh!'

'Good timing!'

This time, Zhang Yong is really angry.

Damn it. The Japanese spies are so arrogant! They actually sent three assassins!

Where is this place? It's Jinling!

It's not Shanghai. There's no Hongkou Japanese occupied zone. Where did so many assassins come from?

Have the Nans not all died out yet?

It seems that the previous sweep has not been thorough!

Just killed one Miyamoto Tetsuo, and immediately a bunch more have popped up. This is bullshit. There's no way to finish killing them all!

However...

I'm not afraid.

This is Jinling. It is the national capital.

There are large numbers of troops stationed here, and large numbers of military police.

So what if you have three Japanese spies and assassins? I'll fucking get a few hundred people to gang up on you!

I'll bring mortars!

I'll bring a heavy machine gun!

And I'll even bring an Italian cannon...

A report was hurriedly sent to the Chief.

'Cancel the operation!' the Chief ordered decisively.

'Huh?' Zhang Yong was at a loss.

What?

Cancel?

No way! Just three Japanese spies, and we're backing down?

No way!

Give me a company. No, give me an infantry battalion. Three mortars. I'll deal with him myself. I'll just blow him up with a mortar...

'Nanjing is the national capital. We can't make a scene,' explained the Chief.

'I understand,' Zhang Yong nodded.

Indeed, this is not Shanghai. We can't make gunshots every day.

In the United States of America, there are gunfights every day. That's the United States of America. Not China. Besides, no one else has resorted to using mortars.

If the capital of the country also has gunshots every day, what will happen?

Mortars are constantly exploding, what will people think?

They'll think an army is attacking.

It's true that the noise is too loud. It's easy to cause panic.

Even if you kill the Japanese spy, you won't get a reward. It will only make the military commander feel that you are incompetent.

The military police headquarters will also feel that the Fuxing Society is causing trouble.

'You withdraw quietly.'

'Yes!'

Zhang Yong agreed.

The commander hung up the phone. Then he notified Dai Yice to withdraw as well.

Tonight's operation is cancelled.

The Japanese spies must be captured. But they can't just charge in. They can't turn the capital into a battlefield.

Zhang Yong frowned.

Retreat?

He wasn't happy about it. To be honest,

now that they knew the enemy's position, couldn't they launch a counterattack?

It didn't seem impossible.

The Japanese soldier on the clock tower was indeed a tough nut to crack.

However, there was still a chance of success if they attacked the two Japanese soldiers on the flanks by surprise.

It was dark!

In the dark, the Japanese spies might not notice them.

But he can use the map to determine the exact location of the Japanese soldiers. Then attack.

I can't beat you in a fair fight. I'll attack you by surprise.

Getting closer. Throw a grenade straight at them. It won't kill you.

As long as it's a killing blow, there won't be any melee. Naturally, there won't be any chaos.

Right. That's what we'll do.

The Japanese spy wants to attack you, so you'll attack him in return.

We must kill a few tonight. Otherwise, it'll never end.

What did the great man say? A single blow can prevent a hundred. We must show the Japanese that they can't mess with us. No more sneaking up on us. They'll never dare do it again.

But I can't fight this battle alone. I need some help.

I'll ask Zhong Yang, Yang Zhi, Cao Mengqi and Luo Yiming. The four of them aren't exactly the best fighters. Luo Yiming's not that good.

But Zhong Yang and Cao Mengqi are still very capable fighters. Cao Mengqi in particular is good with both long and short weapons. The only problem now is that they don't have any rifles.

Of course, this is not a fatal problem. In the dark, a rifle is not very effective. There is no chance to make use of it.

Really, at a range of tens of metres, a revolver is sufficient.

Or a large-calibre rifle would also do.

A 11.43 mm bullet is still very lethal. At a distance of about 50 metres, it can definitely kill.

Are you sure you can get within 50 metres?

Of course.

It's possible from 10 metres.

A volley of shots from a distance of more than 10 metres...

Even an elephant would be killed.

'The commander wants us to retreat. Don't tangle with the Japanese spies. I'm not willing to give up,' Zhang Yong said bluntly. 'I want to sneak up on the Japanese invaders in the dark. What do you guys think?'

'I'm in favour!' Sure enough, Cao Mengqi is definitely an restless person. He immediately raised his hand.

'Fuck it!' Zhong Yang also didn't waste any words.

'Can you determine the position of the Japanese invaders?' Luo Yiming asked cautiously.

'Yes,' Zhang Yong nodded.

'Then let's do it!' Luo Yiming was not afraid either.

As long as they could detect the enemy in advance, they still had a good chance of winning.

It was dark, and both sides were a bit "blind". Whoever discovered the enemy first would be able to strike first.

The first to strike will strike first. The second to strike will be struck.

In the battlefield, striking first is very important. Otherwise, you will be beaten.

'Good!'

They immediately began to move.