Agent: Intercepting Yu Manli at the start!

Chapter 97 The opportunity is right in front of you!

Zheng Yaoxian smiled and said, "It seems you've really improved, surpassing your teacher. This period of seclusion has made you more composed and steady than before, even surpassing this old man like me."

For those who infiltrate behind enemy lines, the hardest part is never taking action, but rather being able to keep their shadow hidden after taking action—that is the key to survival.

Zhou Xiao did it.

Having worked as an undercover agent for many years, Zheng Yaoxian knew the dangers and the nuances involved. Seeing Zhou Xiao handle the matter so flawlessly, he was truly shocked.

Zhou Xiaoqian said, "Sixth Brother flatters me. How could I survive navigating among Japanese spies without being extremely cautious?"

Zheng Yaoxian reached out and patted him on the shoulder: "Zhou Xiao, remember, the first priority when infiltrating is to survive. Once you sense any disturbance, withdraw immediately and don't linger."

"Of course, if it is truly necessary, don't hesitate to silence them—dead people won't speak."

Zhou Xiao nodded: "I understand that."

Zheng Yaoxian said seriously, "You proceed according to the original plan. I'll cover the external aspects and lend a hand whenever needed!"

His trip to Shanghai was not just to deliver orders, but also to coordinate operations—the core tasks were twofold: first, to obtain the personnel list for "Project Celestial," and second, to dismantle the Japanese counterfeit money printing base.

Zhou Xiao agreed.

The two then exchanged views on intelligence details and follow-up steps, confirming key points and methods of rendezvous.

Half an hour later, Zhou Xiao quietly left.

Beiping, headquarters of the secret service.

Doiyuu is currently facing a major headache – the position of head of the Special Higher Police in Shanghai remains unresolved, and a suitable candidate has yet to be found.

Those who volunteered were less qualified and less experienced; the seasoned veterans, on the other hand, were all tied up in their posts by other tasks.

With Aoki Takeshige and Sendoh Kaede both assassinated, how can this position be filled by just anyone? We must be extremely careful.

To make matters worse, the Japanese leadership and domestic public opinion are increasingly dissatisfied with him, and have officially sent a letter summoning him back to Japan to report on his duties.

Reporting on one's duties? To put it bluntly, it means being criticized and writing a self-criticism. If things go wrong, you might even have to go to a military court.

Despite immense pressure, he had no choice but to straighten out the situation in Shanghai before leaving office.

At that moment, Yamamitsu Ichiji pushed open the door and entered, looking directly at Doi-man: "Chief, I have a suitable candidate who can be transferred to Shanghai to take over the Special Higher Police."

"Oh? Who?"

"Asano Hirobumi."

Hirofumi Asano attended Hiroshima Kindergarten and Central Kindergarten in his early years. He graduated from the 30th class of the Infantry Department of the Japanese Army Academy on May 27, 1918, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in December of the same year. He later studied Chinese and was transferred to the General Staff Headquarters as a staff officer. He then transferred to the intelligence system and spent many years training in the Tohoku Special Higher Police.

In terms of seniority, methods, and ruthlessness, he was a true veteran spy chief.

This person has a distinct style: he doesn't rely on reasoning, only on intuition; if any doubt arises, he'd rather kill the innocent than let the guilty go free. Interrogation? Evidence? In his eyes, they're all superfluous. As soon as he senses something amiss, he acts immediately, quickly, accurately, and coldly—killing only to silence, torturing only for pleasure. To put it bluntly, he's a tough guy who treats violence as a habit and cruelty as efficiency.

Upon hearing this, Tufeiyuan's eyes lit up, and he sat up straight: "Can Asano-kun be transferred there now? Isn't he still in Northeast China?"

Kazuharu Yamamitsu: "It was he who took the initiative to request the transfer, believing that the situation in Shanghai was more complex and the challenges greater, that led him to accept the post."

"He has extensive practical experience and his methods are ruthless, but the current situation in Shanghai is chaotic and the anti-enemy forces are active, so such a decisive style is exactly what is needed to keep things in check."

Tu Feiyuan frowned: "But Shanghai is not Northeast China. It's an international metropolis where the forces of Britain, the United States, France, Japan, and China are intertwined."

"If Hirofumi Asano's iron-fisted methods accidentally harm people in Europe and America, it could cause even greater diplomatic trouble for the country."

"Shanghai is not a place where people can run wild."

Yamamitsu Kazuji nodded: "I understand that."

"We simply can't find a more suitable person right now. The position of head of the Special Higher Police in Shanghai has been vacant for almost a week, and if it drags on any longer, the situation will only get more out of control."

Tu Feiyuan fell silent, his brows furrowing slightly.

In fact, Hirofumi Asano was not the best choice.

His methods were too harsh and his actions too ruthless. If he made a few wrongful killings, he would easily make too many enemies.

If he were to take the helm, the situation in Shanghai would likely be even more murky than it is now.

But right now, there's really no one to take his place—no one is willing to take on this hot potato, and no one has the qualifications or the courage to do so.

After a moment's consideration, Doiyuu finally spoke: "Alright, we'll do it your way. Transfer Asano Hirofumi over to take over as head of the Special Higher Police Section. But you have to remind him to his face: leave room for maneuver in your actions, don't overexert yourself."

"Shanghai is already in such a mess, I absolutely cannot allow it to be added to the chaos."

With the Special Higher Police personnel finalized, it's time for Doihara to head back to Japan to report on his duties.

Yamamitsu Ichiji stood at attention and replied, "Yes, sir!"

The following day, an urgent order transferred Hirofumi Asano from Northeast China to Shanghai to serve as the new head of the Special Higher Police Section, and he was to depart immediately.

At the same time, the headquarters of the special agency also sent a secret telegram to Ken Oshima, informing him of Hirofumi Asano's appointment and related instructions.

Another new leader has arrived.

This one is particularly troublesome.

Magic City.

Military Police Headquarters, Commander's Office.

Ken Oshima picked up the phone and dialed Special Operations Headquarters: "Please connect to the office of Chief Zhou of the Intelligence Department."

A moment later, the line was connected.

Ken Oshima said calmly, "Director Zhou, if it's convenient, please come to headquarters. I'll be waiting for you in my office."

On the other end of the phone, Zhou Xiao only replied with one word: "Okay."

As soon as he finished speaking, the adjutant rushed in, saluted, and reported: "General, we have just received a secret telegram from the headquarters of the Special Service Agency regarding the personnel arrangements for the new head of the Special Higher Police. Please take a look."

Is a new section chief coming?

It's finally here?

These past few days, Ken Oshima has been overseeing the Special Higher Police Division, and the burden on his shoulders is so heavy that he can hardly breathe—the affairs are complicated, the clues are intertwined, and there is a power struggle among various parties, so he simply has no time to sort things out in detail.

Upon hearing that headquarters had sent someone to take over, a weight was finally lifted from my heart.

He quickly took the telegram and glanced at it: Hirofumi Asano is being transferred to the position of head of the Special Higher Police Section in Shanghai, effective immediately. He will arrive at Shanghai Airport tomorrow by special plane from the three northeastern provinces and take up his post immediately upon landing.

This time, they actually came by plane.

This clearly demonstrates the headquarters' anxiety and apprehension regarding the situation in Shanghai.

After all, the previous two section chiefs both died in this position.

"Very good." Kenjiro Oshima closed the telegram, folded it up, turned around and put it in the safe, locking it tightly.

These appointment documents must be archived for future reference and will be verified one by one after Asano Hirofumi takes office.

Zhou Xiao hung up the phone and immediately drove to the military police headquarters.

The military police headquarters was under heavy security.

Personnel entering and exiting must verify their identity. Military police are stationed at the entrance year-round, and a reinforced platoon of regular combat troops is also stationed inside the building.

To forcibly take this place, without a whole battalion of troops, you can't even get close to the gate.

Therefore, it is more secure than the Special Branch, and the intelligence stored there is naturally the most core and confidential.

Zhou Xiao rarely sets foot here; he usually stays in the Special Higher Police Department.

The fact that Ken Oshima personally called to invite him this time shows that the trust is extraordinary—he might very well be taking him to the counterfeit money printing base of Sugimoto today.

That life-risking rescue that night was ultimately not in vain.

When the car arrived at the headquarters, two military police officers stepped forward to check the driver's documents and then quickly searched the car before waving it away.

Inside the commander's office.

Zhou Xiao had just entered the room when he saw no sign of Oshima Fitness.

The secretary ushered him into the office and said politely, "Director Zhou, General Oshima has an urgent matter to attend to. Please wait a moment."

"Okay," Zhou Xiao replied.

The secretary left, the door closed slightly, and he was left alone in the office.

As Zhou Xiao walked along, he had quietly memorized the layout of this floor:

The commander's office is located at the end of the corridor, occupying the entire area and offering a spacious layout;

The archives are located to the left front, where all kinds of files are stored;

To the right front is the secretary's office, from which the secretary just came out—there are three people in the room, two women and one man, who are responsible for handling Ken Oshima's telegrams, daily communications and schedules.

Therefore, this office is usually quiet, and very few people come and go unless there is an urgent business to report in person.

There was no one around at that moment.

The corridor outside was empty and silent.

This is an excellent window to infiltrate the commander's office and gather intelligence—risky, but fleeting.

In the past, it would have been almost impossible for him to enter this place alone.

Moreover, Zheng Yaoxian's previous message clearly stated that the list of "Project Tianlai" was locked in the safe in the commander's office.

The opportunity is right in front of you!

Zhou Xiao didn't know when Ken Oshima would return, but this was a golden opportunity—he had to act immediately to locate the safe and review the list.

He had just taken a step when a glimpse of something arose out of the corner of his eye—he had noticed something unusual.

Listening device!

The commander's office was bugged.

These devices are hidden in the corners of the room, under the desk, and in several other extremely concealed locations.

Ordinary people wouldn't even notice it.

But Zhou Xiao was sharp-eyed and observant, and he spotted these hidden spies at a glance.

The listening device was clearly not used to eavesdrop on Ken Oshima's confidential conversations or intelligence gatherings—that would be too risky and unnecessary. The only explanation is: to prevent theft.

Zhou Xiao understood immediately and couldn't help but mutter under his breath: "That old devil is really cunning."

Back then, there were no surveillance cameras, so it was impossible to keep watch when no one was in the office. Ken Oshima then came up with a crooked idea: he simply planted listening devices all over the room and caught people by sound.

If someone secretly flips through files, pulls open drawers, or pries open safes, even if the movement is very subtle, it will make a strange noise—the sound is irrefutable evidence.

Of course, a bugging device is far less clear than seeing with your own eyes; it cannot record faces or distinguish who is who.

If someone does something in the middle of the night, you can at most hear that "someone was here," but you can't tell who did it, since all that's left is the sound.

Even so, having it is better than not having it at all.

Just like right now—

With only Zhou Xiao left in the office, any sudden noises of flipping through papers, opening cabinets, or dragging chairs would immediately put suspicion on him.

After all, normal people waiting for someone in the office are usually quiet and make almost no noise.

Once the bugging device records any unusual sounds, Zhou Xiao will be immediately exposed.

Zhou Xiao suddenly understood: Why was the commander's office located at the very end of the corridor? Quietness was there to amplify these subtle sounds.

In a noisy place, even the clicking sound of drawer slides is drowned out, so what's the point of listening?

In those days, there was no surveillance, yet Ken Oshima made good use of the listening device, which shows how cunning this old Japanese devil was.

Very bad!