Chapter 620: Auspicious Day, A Blunt Blow

The lunch banquet began promptly at noon.

Nothing special happened in the morning. Even if there was, Zhang Yong pretended that nothing was wrong.

Really. The year was busy from beginning to end, and if there wasn't even time for a reunion dinner, what was the point? It was better not to do this crappy job...

I don't need the money.

Bring on the good stuff.

The hotel chefs pulled out all the stops and prepared a sumptuous reunion dinner for everyone.

This also included the hotel staff themselves. They also enjoyed the benefits.

After all, they were not confiscating the money of the Japanese spies. It was not wasted. There are still a large number of Japanese spies in Hangzhou, and some of them are fat lambs.

There is nothing but drinks, and everything else is available.

Everything that flies in the sky, walks on the ground, and swims in the water. There is no shortage of any of it.

Drinking is out of the question. Zhang Yong doesn't drink himself, and he doesn't allow his subordinates to drink and make mistakes.

He himself is a prick. He often disobeys. But he doesn't like his subordinates being pricks. He doesn't like subordinates who make their own decisions. What a double standard. A complex of contradictions.

Dinner is also prepared. And for the next seven days. In the future, the Spring Festival holiday will be seven days.

Are the Fuxing Society considered civil servants? It seems that they are. Anyway, they are on holiday according to the standards of civil servants.

Of course, if the Japanese spies come out and cause trouble, that's a different matter.

Everyone was there except Natasha's radio team. Everyone else was there. Including Li Jingqian.

She also sat silently in the corner. She didn't talk to anyone either. No one dared to disturb her. But she did attend the reunion dinner.

As the leader, Zhang Yong came up to the top floor halfway through to show his regards to Natasha.

However, he was stopped by Natasha.

'Zhang, I've detected some very strange radio signals,' said Natasha, immediately getting down to business.

'How strange?' Zhang Yong said he was not an expert.

'It's a long-wave radio station.'

'What do you mean?'

'It's used to contact naval warships.'

'Huh?'

Zhang Yong immediately became alert.

Contact naval warships? For what purpose? Are the Japanese preparing for a landing operation?

That's not that serious...

Doesn't the landing at Jinshanwei seem to be in October next year?

Could it be that the Japanese are already preparing for it? So far ahead of schedule? No way...

'Shortwave radios are used for land communications.'

'Longwave radios are only needed for naval communications. That's why it's so special.'

Natasha could only talk about work.

Zhang Yong felt that she was wasting such a good body.

What a waste!

What a waste of talent!

Just as he was daydreaming, Zhang Yong suddenly remembered something.

Natasha had mentioned a long-wave radio station. It seemed impossible that such a thing could exist. At least, it couldn't exist in Hangzhou. Because the conditions for such a thing did not exist.

In his messy memory, a long-wave radio station was not a radio station. It was a base. It needed a very, very long antenna. How long? At least tens of kilometres! That's right, the unit is kilometres! The antenna needs to be tens of kilometres long! How could this be possible in this day and age?

'Natasha...' Zhang Yong wanted to say something, but stopped.

'Go on,' Natasha was actually quite happy.

As long as it's about work.

Whatever it is.

'That,' Zhang Yong deliberated slightly, organising his words, "how big is this radio station?'

'At least as big as this room," Natasha replied.

'And how long is its antenna?'

'Very long. Maybe a few hundred metres!'

'That long?'

'Yes. It has to be that long.'

'So...'

Zhang Yong scratched his head.

It indicated confusion.

This was his persona. He couldn't know too much.

You're just a small-time guy born and raised on the Shanghai beach, and if you even know about long-wave radio, that's just too professional.

You'll be suspected by Natasha in no time.

This woman seems very professional.

In fact, judging from the way Natasha talks, this radio station should be different from the long-wave radio stations of later generations. At the very least, it's not as large in scale. The technology is also not as advanced. This long wave may not be the same as that long wave. The German U-boats were so powerful, but it seems that they were unable to communicate underwater.

'Is the room this big?'

'Yes.'

'The antenna is several hundred metres long?'

'Yes.'

'How far does the transmission reach?'

'It's not a matter of distance. It's a very specific signal. It must be for communicating with warships.'

'Can't you use a shortwave radio?'

'You can. But longwave is more stable. It's not affected by interference.'

'I see.'

Zhang Yong nodded. He seemed to understand, but he didn't.

It wasn't an act. He really didn't understand. Can't you use a high-powered shortwave radio?

A 30W shortwave radio is already capable of transmitting a signal across the entire globe. How can it not meet the communication needs of naval warships?

If 30W isn't enough, then get a 50W one, or a 100W one, and the signal can go around the world a few times. What's the problem?

However, Natasha is a professional. He can't question her. And there's no need to.

It's enough to know that such an exaggerated radio exists. The rest is just finding it and destroying it.

One thing was certain: the radio could not possibly be Chinese.

It did not have the same technical specifications.

Only the Japanese had such technology. And only the Japanese had the motive.

'Can you determine the range?'

'No.'

'Thank you!'

'It's not that I'm not competent. It's just that it's the first time it's been turned on. And it's the first time I've picked up its signal.'

'Understood.'

'But I don't think it will be turned on again. Unless it's been put into official use.'

'Understood.'

Zhang Yong took out his notebook and wrote down the matter.

Natasha was very satisfied with this. She felt that Zhang Yong attached great importance to it. It's okay if you don't understand. But it must be taken seriously.

Vaguely, she felt that Zhang Yong seemed to understand a little.

At least, the two questions he asked had both hit the nail on the head.

One was the size of the radio.

The other was the antenna of the radio.

'Wait. I have another question.'

'Go ahead.'

'Does it use batteries or an external power supply?'

'It must be an external power supply. No battery could support that kind of power.'

'So...'

Zhang Yong hesitated.

Natasha was even more satisfied.

Zhang Yong had grasped a third key point.

That was the power supply.

Long-wave radios could not use batteries.

They must be connected to a stable mains supply. And the power they consumed was enormous.

'I'm off!'

'You go!'

Zhang Yong said goodbye.

The third question almost pinpointed the answer.

This long-wave radio could not be in a slum. It could only be in a wealthy neighbourhood.

Or maybe in a factory.

Because only these places had stable mains electricity.

The power supply in 1936 was very poor. Even in Hangzhou, not all of the city was connected to the electricity grid.

Only some special areas were given priority.

Such as wealthy neighbourhoods.

And large factories.

No one cared about the rest of the ordinary people.

Of course, the average person couldn't afford electricity. They couldn't afford to install wiring. They couldn't afford electric lights.

In some spy dramas, there are electric lights and telephones upstairs and downstairs, but that's actually quite idealised. Zhang Yong saw that most areas actually didn't have electricity.

So the question was, how do you search for rich areas?

It's not easy.

There's also not a strong enough excuse.

And the map can't show longwave radios. It's just like a blind man feeling an elephant.

Obviously, Xuan Tiewu would not agree.

Nor would the Director. Radio stations and the like are not goods.

There is no need to do such thankless tasks. It would only be a pretext for others to attack the Restoration Society.

It can only be a secret investigation...

Suddenly, a red dot appeared at the edge of the map. His thoughts were immediately drawn to it.

Huh?

It is actually marked.

Check. It was found to be Takatoshi Akagi again.

Strange. What does this guy want? Why did he come here?

Could it be that he knows I'm at the Huaqiao Hotel and has come here on purpose? Is he following me?

That would be interesting.

I hope this guy comes closer and I can kill him.

I'm keeping a close eye on him.

It seems that Takatoshi Akagi is riding a bicycle.

He's faster than a pedestrian, but not as fast as a car. He's still heading down a quiet alley.

He's quietly approaching the end of the corridor. He's hiding by the window. I raise the binoculars. I keep a close eye on him.

Soon, a figure appears. It's a middle-aged man on a bicycle. The appearance has changed a lot. It doesn't look anything like Akagi Takatoshi.

But the map shows that this is definitely Akagi Takatoshi. No mistake.

Impressive.

This Akagi Takatoshi is very good at disguising himself!

If it weren't for the map, Zhang Yong feels sure he wouldn't have recognised him. The other party is indeed very professional.

The question is, what does this guy want to do?

Sneaky.

Not acting in good faith.

I want to send someone out to arrest him right away. But then I change my mind.

Let's see what this guy is up to first.

Continue monitoring. Soon after, Akagi Takasumi enters an unoccupied house. Then he stops moving.

The map doesn't show the house number. The distance is about 200 metres.

Akagi Takasumi stays still inside. Does he seem to be lying down?

Zhang Yong: ???

This house, could it be Akagi Takasumi's safe house?

What a coincidence. It's actually right near me.

He goes downstairs in silence. He continues to monitor the situation.

He happens to meet Li Jingqian. So he chats with her for a while.

Li Jingqian is obviously trying to create a certain illusion in others too. So she talks with Zhang Yong in a way that seems to be just going along with the conversation.

Finally...

Another red dot appears.

This red dot is arriving by car. It's very fast. It goes straight to the house where Akagi Takasu is.

It stops.

It goes in.

The two red dots come together.

One minute...

Two minutes...

The second Japanese spy left. It was fast.

Due to the angle, Zhang Yong couldn't see who the other person was. He also didn't see the license plate number.

In fact, even if he had seen it, it wouldn't have been clear. The other person must have used a fake license plate. Since it was confirmed that they were Japanese spies, of course they couldn't leave any real and valid information.

They were all cunning old fellows!

The meeting was so short, and it was judged that they were handing something over.

So, here's the question...

Did Akagi Takatoshi give something to the other Japanese spy, or did the other Japanese spy give something to Akagi Takatoshi?

It's impossible to tell.

We can only find out by arresting this guy.

But if we arrest him directly, he'll probably put up a fight. Interrogation won't go well either. Maybe we should just beat him up!

Beat him up...

Zhang Yong was eager to try. He was itching to do it.

It's been a long time since I've hit someone. Today is New Year's Eve. An auspicious day. Suitable for hitting someone.

Yes!

"What are you thinking about?'

Li Jingqian suddenly asked. She noticed the change in Zhang Yong's expression.

This guy's face is so exciting.

You can tell he's thinking about something good.

But it shouldn't be about her. And it's not about women either.

'That...'

Zhang Yong originally wanted to cover it up. But then he suddenly changed his mind.

It might not be safe to act alone. That Akagi Takatoshi was also an expert. A clubbing might not be 100% successful. In case it backfired...

To be on the safe side, it would be better to bring someone along. Li Jingqian was the perfect candidate.

She was a member of the Red Party. She could use a gun. Perfect.

No matter what he did, she would keep it a secret.

'Can you use a gun?'

'Do what?'

'Go out with me and do something.'

'You want to kill someone?'

'No.'

'Then what is it?'

'Don't ask so many questions. Just say if you're going or not.'

'I'm going,'

Li Jingqian answered immediately.

Zhang Yong nodded. He led her out of the side entrance of the hotel.

It so happened that Qin Lishan was here again.

When he saw Zhang Yong leading Li Jingqian out, Qin Lishan's face looked strange, and he tactfully avoided them.

The two police cadets on guard duty also pretended not to see on purpose. They let the two quietly go out.

The big boss is taking a beautiful woman out for a walk, what are you looking at?

Act naturally and pretend that nothing is wrong.

If anyone asks, just say you know nothing.

You must have such a sharp eye.

Otherwise...

Zhang Yong led Li Jingqian quietly closer to the house where Akagi Takasumi was.

It so happened that it was a bit dark over here. There was no one else around either. So they hid next to the door. As soon as Akagi Takasumi came out, he would be knocked unconscious with one blow.

He took out a revolver. He handed it to Li Jingqian.

The revolver was already loaded with ten bullets.

I hope it's okay.

It's not good to move the gun.

It will alert others.

Li Jingqian looked at Zhang Yong doubtfully, wanting to say something but stopping herself. Zhang Yong stopped her.

Shh. Don't say a word. The target is in the house. As soon as he comes out...

Akagi Takatoshi came out.

He kept his head down to avoid the cold wind outside.

Suddenly, he felt something was wrong.

It felt like...

He didn't react, and then he fainted.

Zhang Yong hit the target on the back of the head with a stick. Akagi Takahisa didn't say a word and immediately collapsed.

Li Jingqian was stunned.

Faint.

What was this for?

Who was Zhang Yong going to hit?

No. He already did. Who exactly did he hit?

Why did he sneak up from behind without saying a word?

Did he know who it was?

He didn't even see the person!

How could he be sure?

What if he's hit the wrong person?

However, Zhang Yong has already put away the hawthorn stick.

Very good.

Very satisfied with the result.

It seems that his craftsmanship has improved again.

No matter who the target is. Just one blow from behind and they are all down.

Li Jingqian: ...

can't help but turn his head and look behind him.

Feels a chill on his back.

Zhang Yong starts to feel the corpse.

First he feels a thick envelope?

Hurry up and take it out.

It was indeed an envelope.

At a glance, one could tell that it contained banknotes.

He was very experienced in this regard.

He opened the envelope.

Sure enough. What a haul. A thick stack of banknotes!

All of them were 100-dollar bills. There were more than 100 of them. That's more than 10,000 yuan.

In addition, there were some scattered US dollars and British pounds.

Unfortunately, there were no gold bars.

If there had been gold bars, the map would have given a hint.

'Who is he?'

Li Jingqian immediately realised that something was wrong.

The person who had been knocked unconscious by Zhang Yong was definitely no ordinary person. There was so much money on him.

'Akagi Takasumi.'

'What?'

Li Jingqian hurriedly looked down and took a closer look.

Then she realised that it didn't look like him. This guy didn't look like a Japanese spy. Then she noticed that there were traces of disguise on the other person's face.

Subconsciously, she reached out to uncover the disguise. But Zhang Yong stopped her.

'Don't. Don't move. Keep it as it is.'

'You're not...'

'We just want the money. We don't want your life. Don't move a muscle.'

'You're still talking about the rules of the underworld?'

'No. Let him be at a loss. He won't know who did it.'

'He...'

Li Jingqian understood.

It turned out that this Zhang Yong was definitely an expert at robbery.

Judging by his technique, he must have done this before. He's a master at it. No one else can do it like him.

God knows how many people he's done this to before.

The more she looks at this guy, the less he looks like a good guy.

But...

She likes it!

This is how you deal with a Japanese spy!

Zhang Yong continued to search the body.

He found some more bits and pieces. Unfortunately, they were of little value.

Finally, he found a photo. It was hidden in a close-fitting pocket. He took it out and looked at it carefully. It turned out to be a photo of Jieqiao Airport.

The photo was a bit blurry. You couldn't see the distance clearly. But you could see all the planes.

Obviously, this photo should be part of the intelligence. But it seems to be of little value. After all, it is very blurry.

But why did Takatoshi Akagi collect it so carefully?

There must be something special about it.

After thinking about it, he put it back.

It's good to know there is such a thing. There's no need to take the photo away.

He needs to make it look like an accident. It was just a simple robbery. The robbers wanted money. Nothing else.

Go inside the house. Search around. Make it look like the robbers looted it.

Of course there is nothing in the house. It's so clean that even the mice would starve to death.

But strangely, there is a contour map on the wall. But there are no place names marked. Just the contour lines.

Confused?

Where is this place? Hangzhou?

Look more closely, and you'll see that it doesn't look like it. Keep looking, and you'll still have no idea. There's nothing you can do.

You can't take the map with you. Otherwise, you'll give yourself away.

Get out your camera. Take a photo of the map.

'Click!'

'Click!'

Make sure there are no problems.

At the same time, he roughly memorises the map.

'Let's go!'

Zhang Yong waves his hand.

He quietly leaves with Li Jingqian.

...

After a long time.

Akagi Takasumi finally woke up.

Confused...

Dazed...

It was only with great difficulty that he realised what had happened.

It seemed that he had been robbed...

There is good news. And there is bad news.

The good news is that basically nothing was stolen from him. Including the photos.

The bad news is that all his money was gone. All the banknotes and other currencies had been taken.

'Ahhh...'

'Ahhh...'

Takatoshi Akagi wanted to cry, but there were no tears.

He almost burst into tears right there and then.

He had travelled a long way to Hangzhou to receive this money!

He really needed this money!

And yet, he had been robbed.

Damn it!

For a moment, he wanted to die!

Who on earth was it!

Who on earth was it?

Takatoshi Akagi was so angry that he was about to explode on the spot.

He wanted to raze the entire city of Hangzhou to the ground! Kill everyone! He suspected everyone!

Ahhh...

Ahhh...

Everything started spinning, and he felt dizzy.

He almost fainted again.

Fortunately, a cold wind blew, preventing him from fainting.

He felt cold all over. It was freezing.

Suddenly, it started snowing.

Standing in the snow, Akagi Takajun felt frustrated, desperate, and doubtful about life...

Why was this happening?

Why was this happening?

Why...