A Kuomintang agent's spy career during the War of Resistance against Japan

Chapter 77: To call this gift as light as a "goose feather" would be an understatement; th

The entire token is simple yet sharp, and it is clear at a glance that it is no ordinary item.

"Li Xian, the Swallow in the Clouds..." Chen Gongshu's fingertips caressed the cold swallow dart, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes.

He said to his trusted confidant Zheng Luxian: "Back then, he failed to steal a volume of the 'Complete Library of the Four Treasuries, Volume 4, Sub-section, Complete Collection of Techniques' from the Palace Museum in Beiping. He was seriously injured and was chased to the point of desperation by the Beiyang government's wanted squad!"

Just as he was about to be captured like his junior brother "Li San the Swallow in the Rain," I happened to pass by. Remembering his bravery, I devised a plan to distract his pursuers and gave him ten silver dollars for travel expenses, helping him escape.

He paused, looking at the swallow-shaped dart: "Before he left, he gave me this dart, saying that it was the 'Gratitude Swallow' of their Swallow Sect. Any disciple of the Swallow Sect, no matter where they are in the world, must repay the kindness unconditionally if they see the dart, even if it means going through fire and water!"

Furthermore, the principle is "accepting the shipment without asking who the owner is," meaning they accept the shipment, not the person!

Zheng Luxian was dumbfounded. He never expected that this cold-faced stationmaster would have such a deep connection with the martial arts sects!

Chen Gongshu carefully put away the "Gratitude Swallow," his eyes gleaming with calculation: "Although Wu Zhiguo's capture of Crow Lin Wuyai led to the hero's death, according to the latest intelligence from headquarters, Lin Wuyai was not the real provider of those three strategic intelligence reports, but merely a 'substitute by chance.'"

Although Wu Zhiguo's actions were driven by greed, objectively speaking, they did not actually cause significant losses to our Military Intelligence Bureau!

As for the later failure of the assassination attempt on him by Lao Si's organization, the capture of Ma Gui, and the complete annihilation of the Shanghai station, although it was directly related to him, it was ultimately the Kuomintang's assassination attempt that came first, followed by Wu Zhiguo's revenge.

Those who commit murder should be killed by people; it is only natural!

So it can't be considered any deep-seated hatred!

Moreover, after taking office, this person did not completely lose his conscience. He repeatedly upheld the law impartially and cared for the people, so he still has some commendable qualities.

More importantly, he is Li Xian's apprentice! If we can win him over, his position as police chief will greatly benefit our reconstruction efforts and future intelligence operations behind enemy lines!

According to what Colonel Sorge of the Soviet Far East intelligence station said in class during the first Qingpu training course...

Western sunk cost calculation method

It means, "No matter what job you have or what you've done before, since it's in the past, don't dwell on it or worry about it anymore."

Instead, we should think more about how to maximize our gains in the future.

I think what that Russian guy said makes a lot of sense; let bygones be bygones!

He immediately ordered Zheng Luxian: "Yu Xian! Select two absolutely reliable and skilled brothers, prepare them, and set off to Daming Prefecture in central Shandong tonight!"

"Go to 'Wanlihang' in the west of the city, find the manager, show him my token (another token), and he will arrange for you to reach Daming Prefecture as quickly as possible through secret channels."

"Once you arrive in Daming Prefecture, go find the largest pawnshop on Quancheng Road in the city, 'Daming Pawnshop'!"

That's the "Divine Swallow's Lair," which the Swallow Clan has been operating for over a hundred years.

"Find the head manager of the pawnshop, show him this 'Gratitude Swallow' coin, and say that an old friend from Beiping has a favor to ask of you in Shanghai. Please ask Master Li Xian of 'Cloud Swallow' to come to Shanghai in person!"

On the way, he told him his plan to win over Wu Zhiguo, his protégé, in detail, without holding back, emphasizing the importance of sincerity.

"Yes, station chief! I guarantee I will complete the mission!" Zheng Luxian took the other token and route map handed to him by Chen Gongshu with both hands, his eyes filled with admiration for the station chief's strategic planning and foresight.

Chen Gongshu watched Zheng Luxian accept the order and leave, his gaze turning deep and cold once again.

Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Luk Mansion.

This magnificent villa, nestled against the mountain and overlooking the sea, blends Chinese and Western architectural styles. It features both traditional Chinese pavilions with their upturned eaves and bracket sets, and spacious, bright Western-style terraces overlooking the azure Victoria Harbour. More than a residence, it is a small estate, silently testifying to its owner's former prominent status in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

A black Buick Silver Sedan slowly drove through the iron gate and came to a stop under the guidance of a servant. Han Zhenhua and Feng Chengcheng got out of the car one after the other, and under the protection of eight Green Gang members, including A-Qiang, they walked towards the main building.

Han Zhenhua was still dressed in a sharp suit, exuding elegance, but the worry between his brows was less pronounced and replaced by a more composed air compared to when he was in Shanghai. Feng Chengcheng held his arm, her pretty face showing a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

Inside the hall, a sprightly old man dressed in a silk robe sat in a mahogany armchair, holding an ancient book in his hand. He appeared relaxed, but his gaze was sharp as an eagle's. He was Lu Yunsheng, one of the three tycoons of Shanghai in the past, who now lived in seclusion in Hong Kong.

"Uncle Lu!" Feng Chengcheng greeted the elder politely.

"Uncle Lu, I am Han Zhenhua, and I have come to pay my respects." Han Zhenhua stepped forward and bowed respectfully, his attitude respectful yet dignified.

Lu Yunsheng put down his book, a gentle smile on his face. His gaze lingered on Han Zhenhua for a moment, a subtle scrutiny flashing across his eyes: "Chengcheng is here. This must be Teacher Han, whom Jingyao often mentions in his telegrams, right?"

"Indeed, a young talent, handsome and accomplished. Please, have a seat."

After exchanging pleasantries, a servant served fragrant tea. Lu Yunsheng chatted with Feng Chengcheng about everyday matters, inquiring about Feng Jingyao's situation in Shanghai, his tone revealing concern for his old friend. The conversation naturally turned to Han Zhenhua.

"I've heard that Professor Han has achieved remarkable success in Western physics at such a young age, even winning a major Western award. He truly brings honor to our country," Lu Yunsheng praised, stroking his beard.

"Mr. Lu, you flatter me. I was just lucky to make a discovery," Han Zhenhua replied modestly. He then gestured to A-Qiang behind him to present a beautifully packaged gift box. "This is a small token of my appreciation for your first visit. It's a small gift but carries great meaning. I hope Uncle Lu will like it."

"Oh? Teacher Han, you're too kind." Lu Yunsheng smiled slightly and gestured for the butler to take it.

He had seen all sorts of rare and precious things, and he didn't care much about the gift itself, but rather valued the other person's sentiment and manners.

The butler opened the gift box, but instead of the antiques, calligraphy, paintings, gold, silver, or jade he had expected, it contained only a very ordinary vinyl record of this era. His expression immediately changed!

To call this gift as light as a "goose feather" would be an understatement. If this person hadn't come with Feng Chengcheng, this gift would have been considered a "serious provocation" against Lu Yunsheng, one of the three most prominent figures in the former Shanghai entertainment industry.

"Uncle Lu, this record is a rare and exquisite piece of music that I acquired at a high price when I was studying in the UK and the US. There is only one copy in the world. Why don't you listen to it first, Uncle Lu? I guarantee you've never heard it before!"

"Life is incomplete without music; music brings joy!" Han Zhenhua explained with a smile. (He knew that to build his influence in Shanghai, he needed to cultivate a good relationship with Lu Yunsheng, the top tycoon. Therefore, these were four of the world's most famous songs, played on his phone the night before he arrived, which he then recorded on a record player!)

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunsheng was taken aback, but still smiled and gestured for the butler to play the recording.

The next moment, a clear, pure, and noise-free selection from the first classic English song, "Yesterday Once More," flowed out melodiously!

"Hmm!............." Lu Yunsheng slowly opened his eyes, and his body, which was half-lying on the bamboo chair, unconsciously straightened up!

Feng Chengcheng was completely immersed in the beautiful music, her beautiful eyes sparkling. Although the guards, including Aqiang, couldn't understand it, they also found it incredibly beautiful.

After the song finished playing, Han Zhenhua smiled and explained, "This song is for relaxing. How does Uncle Lu feel? Are you feeling more relaxed?" (This is a classic that has been praised by billions of people over the decades, and it is basically suitable for everyone's aesthetic.)

"It's beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!" Lu Yunsheng couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. "Although I don't understand what this foreign girl is singing, just as my nephew said, it really does make me feel much better, hehe..."

"Uncle Lu, this record has four songs in total. The next one is 'Uplifting'!"

Immediately following was a passionate piano prelude to the first piece, "Yesterday Once More," a style completely different from the first soothing piece, which later became known as Maksim's "Exodus."

The high-pitched notes, like a tidal wave crashing over him, quickly pulled Lu Yunsheng back into his past memories:

The story begins with "Fruit Yun Sheng," who started as a fruit stand in the southern part of Shanghai. Later, he was beaten so badly by "Ebony Kaitai" that he couldn't get out of bed for five days because of a dispute over a stall location. He then vowed to make a name for himself. (If you haven't read "The Legend of Lu Yun Sheng," then read "The Storm." Gao Qiqiang's entire story is based on Lu Yun Sheng's rise to power.)

He willingly lay down on the gambling table and let the thugs beat him for three minutes without begging for mercy in order to seek refuge with Huang Quanrong. In the end, he was appreciated by Huang Quanrong's wife, Lin Guisheng, and gradually rose to become one of the three most influential figures in Shanghai!

This is in line with the theme of Exodus:

Though we are as insignificant as ants, we should aspire to great things.

Life may be as fragile as paper, but one should have an indomitable spirit!