Chapter 480: The Goblin's Lair

Is it strange to see Japanese people in the British concession?

Of course not. The British concession did not refuse the entry of Japanese people. As long as the procedures are complete, they can move freely.

There were so many Japanese invaders in North China that the British were unable to stop them even if they wanted to.

The only problem was that Zhang Yong discovered that the Japanese soldier was not dressed as a Japanese soldier, but as a Chinese person. He was even more surprised when he looked through his binoculars.

He had met so many acquaintances today. This Japanese soldier was actually an acquaintance.

Who?

Hirotaka Noguchi.

He was an important member of the Kuaiji Agency.

Was he an archaeology professor at Waseda University? He couldn't quite remember. It could have been another university...

However, Zhang Yong remembered the name Hirotaka Noguchi.

Because he was responsible for authenticating all the cultural relics of the Sycamore Agency. He had already arrested him twice.

In order to ransom Noguchi Hirotaka back, Nogaya Kintaro also spent a lot of money. The person who was sent to deliver the money before was even knocked unconscious by Zhang Yong. Then it was sent a second time.

One after the other, Zhang Yong used Noguchi Hirotaka to extort tens of thousands of dollars from the Sycamore Agency.

So, he is the walking golden pig.

Curious.

What was Noguchi Hirotaka doing in the British concession?

Noguchi Kintaro has already been arrested. Has the Kuaiji Agency replaced its director? And moved to North China at the same time?

North China is indeed a very suitable place for the Kuaiji Agency to operate.

It is currently in chaos, which is the perfect time for the Japanese invaders to steal cultural relics. Even the Japanese invaders have a way to get the cultural relics from the Forbidden City.

At that time, the Chinese generally had no concept of those cultural relics. They didn't know how much they were worth either. As long as they had a way in, they all tried to get them out.

'Is that Noguchi?'

Zhong Yang and the others also noticed.

They had all arrested Hirotaka Noguchi before. Of course they remembered him clearly.

'He actually came to Tianjin?'

'Where is the other one?'

The group searched carefully with binoculars. They didn't see anyone else.

It was just Hirotaka Noguchi. There were no suspicious people nearby either.

'Arrest him?'

Wu Liuji was eager to do so.

Zhang Yong shook his head, 'No. Let's see what he's up to first.'

Arrest Noguchi Hirotaka?

Of course not.

Zhang Yong decisively rejected Wu Liuji's suggestion.

This Japanese spy was not in immediate danger. There was no point in arresting him. It would be better to keep an eye on him.

He suddenly remembered the marking function of the map. So he immediately marked him. Number 3. Then he silently watched Noguchi Hirotaka pass by on the nearby street.

In the end, he noticed that Noguchi was heading towards the harbour.

Huh? He's getting on a boat?

Zhang Yong's mind raced. What kind of secret could there be on a boat?

A hostage...

Maybe the hostage isn't even on land?

Maybe it's on a boat somewhere?

You know, on a boat, both secrecy and safety are quite perfect.

Then he thought of the Japanese invaders' secret stronghold...

It seems that it would also be safer to arrange it on a boat.

The ship is anchored on the water, and it is impossible for ordinary people to get close to it. It is also impossible for the people inside to escape. Unless they are very good at swimming. However, once they fall into the water, it is also very dangerous. Because this is a harbour. There are always large and small ships coming and going. If you are not careful, you may be smashed to pieces by the propellers.

However, Noguchi Hirotaka should have nothing to do with the hostages, right?

This guy is a professor of archaeology. He shouldn't be involved in kidnapping hostages.'

'Follow?'

Wu Liuji started to get restless again.

Zhang Yong nodded. He instructed Wu to arrange for someone flexible to follow them.

'Don't stick too close,'

'It's better to lose them than to be discovered,'

Zhang Yong cautioned.

Wu immediately arranged for it to be done.

'Wait!'

Zhang Yong suddenly changed his mind.

Wu turned back. He looked at him doubtfully.

'No need,'

'I'll change to some new faces,'

Zhang Yong saw Ma Donggui and Yan Wuji. They were still nearby.

They seemed to want to leave. But they also seemed to feel embarrassed. After all, they owed Zhang Yong a favour. They felt uneasy about just walking away.

Although, they did not have much courage. However, they knew what was right and what was wrong. They could not forget the kindness of others.

Zhang Yong then decided to give them something that was not dangerous to do.

For example, to follow Noguchi Hirotaka.

It should not be dangerous.

Go over there.

Ma Donggu and Yan Wuji's faces began to look embarrassed again.

Zhang Yong came right out and said, 'For the next few days, keep an eye on someone for me. It's the one who just went by.'

'The one who walks with his feet slightly turned in and likes to fling his arms around?' Ma Donggui asked.

'Yes, that's him,' Zhang Yong nodded, 'follow him for me.'

'For how long?'

'Three days!'

'Okay.'

'After three days, we'll be even.'

'Great!'

Yan Wuji and Ma Donggui couldn't have asked for anything more.

They had to do something. It would make them feel better. There was no danger in following someone. That was just as well.

They might not be able to do anything else. But they could follow someone. And they had no need to learn from anyone. Why? Because their line of work often involved people from all walks of life.

They knew a little bit about everything. But they were not experts at anything. But that was enough for following someone.

'That's it!'

Zhang Yong took out a stack of banknotes.

They were the same as the ones from the Baoshang Bank. The ones that had been shot through.

He took out two 100-silver-dollar notes. He handed one to Ma Donggui and one to Yan Wuji.

They both looked puzzled.

'These two silver notes are both damaged. You have to find a way to spend them,' Zhang Yong said. 'You can use any means, but you can't rip off the poor. It's best to rip off the Japanese or the traitors.'

Ma Donggui and Yan Wuji looked at each other again.

They felt that it would be a bit difficult. But it wasn't completely impossible. After all, they had really come into contact with all kinds of people.

They had also heard about some unscrupulous businesses.

This kind of silver note with a face value of 100 silver dollars couldn't rip off the poor people either! The poor people wouldn't have silver notes of such a large denomination.

'Can you handle it?'

'Yes!'

'Yes!'

The two replied.

Zhang Yong nodded. He turned around and left.

If you can handle it, then it's fine. Start slowly.

Maybe at some point, you'll discover that stalking people is actually quite interesting. It's also a technical job. You might even like it.

Let those police academy graduates do the stalking. Zhang Yong actually didn't want to. They were all combatants. They were responsible for fighting.

Let other people do the auxiliary work like stalking.

Each has their own area of expertise.

Those responsible for fighting are responsible for fighting.

Those responsible for stalking are responsible for stalking.

You can only be good at one thing.

Otherwise, you'll be good at nothing. In the end, you'll be mediocre at everything. That's tragic.

Back. Just in time to see Lin Beiqiu come out.

The Indian boss, Tiwari, sent him out with trepidation. Seeing Zhang Yong from afar, he hurriedly raised his hand to indicate that he meant no harm. He was afraid that Zhang Yong would target him again.

The point is, he had something in Zhang Yong's hands. And he was photographed by a beautiful British reporter.

Two bombs. He can't afford to offend either one.

He can only pay to avoid trouble.

Zhang Yong walked up and asked, 'Have you found anything?'

'No,' Lin Beiqiu shook his head in frustration, 'I was wrong before. They didn't steal anything.'

'So, are you still investigating the theft?'

'Yes.'

'Can you turn your attention to the missing person case?'

'I don't have the authority...'

'I can give you the authority.'

'You're not from the police department.'

'Now, would you mind telling me how Yu Zhongchun's son went missing?'

'After he left Nankai University, he got into a car and never reappeared. That night, the Yu family received a mysterious phone call.'

'Where was the call made from?'

'The British concession. The Poplar Hotel. Run by the Russians.'

'Russians?'

Zhang Yong looked around.

There were actually Russians in the British concession?

Oh, I forgot. Back then, the White Army was supported by Britain and France.

They were the most active in interfering in the Russian Revolution.

Later, the White Army lost. Many of its key members scattered. Britain and France would of course help them escape secretly. It's not surprising that some of the White Russian aristocrats fled to Tianjin.

Of course, that's not the point.

The point is, the person who made the call can definitely not be found.

Someone chose a hotel to make the call from. How would the hotel staff remember who they were? There were no surveillance cameras back then.

But, as a matter of procedure, they still had to walk around.

What if they found something at the White Russian Hotel? Oh, it's the Poplar Hotel...

'Let's go together!'

'Thanks!'

Lin Beiqiu was very grateful.

He knew his weak point. It was that other people wouldn't cooperate.

If those Russians didn't cooperate, there was nothing he could do. Because their police station was in the British concession, they had no power.

The Russians simply didn't care about the police. The constables wouldn't help either.

But Zhang Yong was different.

This guy brought a lot of people with him. And a lot of guns.

Without saying a word, they just came straight up and started fighting. If they were gentle, they would just grab you by the neck. If they were angry...

They would just swing their fists. They were all violent.

However, the cruel reality proved that Zhang Yong's methods were often the most effective. Fists speak the truth. Whoever has the biggest fists speaks the loudest.

Arrived at the hotel.

Entered the doorway and was stopped.

They were two very burly Russian strongmen. Their fists were almost as big as Zhang Yong's head.

'Stop!'

'You can't go in!'

The other party yelled in a stiff voice.

Lin Beiqiu stopped.

The other party was too burly. He was scared just looking at him.

It felt like the other party was not a human being at all. It was a beast. A thick layer of various black hairs covered his body.

Zhang Yong frowned as well.

Damn, he had to admit, this kind of big guy. Not easy to deal with.

Unless you use weapons. Just shoot to kill. But the situation is not that serious.

Zhang Yong is arrogant and domineering. But he is not stupid.

After all, this is the British concession. If he goes too far, Minister Anderson will be under a lot of pressure.

Something has to be done. But Anderson cannot be made to look bad.

You can only be lawless if you have someone to protect you. If you get rid of the people who protect you, how can you be lawless in the future?

'What should we do?'

'Easy...'

Zhang Yong took out a ten-pound note.

The two burly Russians looked at each other. Then they shook their heads. Zhang Yong had to reluctantly take out another one.

Damn, these White Russians really won't do anything for less than a penny.

He had wanted to kill three birds with two stones. But he didn't expect the White Russians to fall for it at all.

So frustrating...

Another loss of 20 pounds!

Ahhh, today I've always been paying money outwards!

Not a penny in...

Oh, wait. I just got 3,000 pounds from the Indian guy...

Check your pocket. Yes. There is indeed an extra 3,000 pounds. All in cash. It's a bit old. But it's all real. Genuine.

This gradually improves my mood. I cheerfully hand over the pounds.

Inside, I curse. Sooner or later, I'll give these white Russians fake money!

'Welcome!'

'Welcome!'

The two Belarusians each received ten pounds and immediately beamed, making way for them at the door.

However, only five people could enter at most. No more.

Zhang Yong then led Lin Beiqiu, Catherine, Zhong Yang, and Wu Liupi into the hotel.

He secretly resented them.

Damn Belarusians.

Sooner or later, I'll send you all to Siberia to dig coal...

They entered the hotel lobby.

They noticed that the lighting inside was very dim.

It was daytime outside, but inside they had drawn the curtains and turned on the dim yellow lights.

It was sudden and unexpected. It felt like there were two different worlds inside and outside. It was very uncomfortable.

He scanned the room with his eyes.

Everyone around him felt suspicious.

In particular, the Russians sitting in the corner of the lobby seemed to be plotting something.

Many of them were carrying guns.

There were many pistol marks on the map.

In particular, the Russians hiding in the dark were all carrying guns.

That was impressive.

He wondered what kind of deal they were making.

Zhang Yong had the impression that the White Russians were involved in every business except the serious ones. And they were still the rough side.

Is this a hotel?

It feels like a goblin's lair!

And yet, he had brought in a beautiful woman like Catherine. He wondered how the White Russians would react.

He realised that he had been worrying for nothing.

The White Russians around him were completely indifferent to Catherine.

At first, Zhang Yong couldn't figure out why. Then he looked around a little more and finally understood.

There were many beautiful Russian women in every corner of the hotel!

The receptionists were all beautiful Russian women.

Young. Pretty. Not at all inferior to Katherine. No wonder the Russians weren't tempted.

I really want to help them...

But.

Business is important.

Zhang Yong said to Lin Beiqiu, 'You go and ask. I'll wait here for you.'

and casually handed Lin Beiqiu a silver dollar.

Lin Beiqiu looked at him suspiciously. Stupidly, he didn't take the silver dollar.

Zhang Yong: ...

speechless. Is he really a master detective?

Could it be that Chen Gongshu made a mistake in his recommendation? I'm giving you a silver dollar, and you're looking at me with such a clear and stupid expression?

Don't you understand?

How did you communicate with other people before?

'If you don't give someone a tip, they won't tell you a word.'

'Okay...'

Lin Beiqiu took the big silver coin and left, frowning.

Obviously, he was not happy about the money exchange. But he had to admit the reality.

If he didn't have a big silver coin, the others would definitely not provide the real situation. Or just make things up. They would just lead you to a dead end. You can forget about getting the truth.

Zhang Yong looked around silently.

He saw a number of beautiful Belarusian women with bright eyes. So he quietly raised his hand to greet them.

The Belarusian beauties smiled back at him. Unfortunately, none of them came over. Perhaps it was because Catherine was standing right next to Zhang Yong. They thought Zhang Yong was already taken.

Zhang Yong then decided to temporarily kick Catherine aside.

'Miss Catherine, why don't you go over there and rest for a while? It's quite tiring to stand like this...'