Chapter 147: Preparation

General, since we have obtained the roster and Zhou Sen is definitely unclear about Anthony’s identity, why do we need to continue using him? We can assign elite agents trained by the Greater Japanese Empire to execute the following plan!" Yamamoto Satoshi was the first to speak.

Naturally, Yamamoto Satoshi distrusted the Chinese.

Hata Hikosaburo did not speak immediately; instead, he shifted his gaze to Shibuya Saburo. Within the intelligence agency, competition was omnipresent.

This concerned not only the Empire's strategy but also personal futures.

Whoever could render distinguished service could advance further.

"Although the agents we train are more reliable, do they truly understand Zhou Sen's past and lifestyle habits? Even if they could manage that, the moment a single flaw is exposed and they are recognized, all our efforts will be in vain," Shibuya Saburo said. "We do not have much time left; we must head to Khabarovsk as soon as possible."

Hata Hikosaburo nodded.

"Director Shibuya, we only have one month. Can a coward be trained into a qualified agent in that time?" Yamamoto Satoshi still objected.

"We can focus intensive training on certain aspects while skipping others, or even postpone some parts. Everything can be adapted to meet the demands of the mission," Shibuya Saburo replied.

"Then our agents could easily take over, with top-tier skills in every area..."

"I do not deny the capability of our agents, but can we be certain whether the person sent by Anthony might have had intersections with Zhou Sen? If they knew each other in the past, and we send a fake one, Director Yamamoto, what do you think the consequences would be?" Shibuya Saburo countered.

Yamamoto Satoshi was instantly left speechless!

"Yet, Zhou Sen is so cowardly, possesses so many flaws, and is a Manchukuo local. How can he be trusted?" Yamamoto Satoshi retorted.

"We are not sending him alone, Director Yamamoto. What are you worried about?" Shibuya Saburo rebuked.

Yamamoto Satoshi was about to speak again when Hata Hikosaburo raised a hand and said, "Enough, I have heard both of your opinions. In that case, Yamamoto-kun, you recommend someone to participate in the special training alongside Zhou Sen, and their final results will decide who executes the mission. How does that sound?"

"General, absolutely not!" Shibuya Saburo hurriedly intervened.

Hata Hikosaburo’s expression darkened, and he irritably asked, "Why?"

"If you arrange for someone to undergo the joint training with Zhou Sen, he will inevitably slack off and drag his feet. Based on my understanding of him, he is inherently resistant to intelligence work. Once he learns that he is merely one of two choices, he certainly will not exert any effort."

"If he does not exert effort, then there is no need to keep him around!" Hata Hikosaburo snorted coldly.

Hearing this, Shibuya Saburo froze. He knew this decision could no longer be changed and chose to remain silent. If he provoked displeasure again, he would be the one to suffer misfortune.

"Haii!"

Yamamoto Satoshi revealed an imperceptible smile. If he could spearhead the "Spring of the Far East" plan, rendering such meritorious service would be tremendously beneficial for his promotion.

...

Paodui Street, "Fu" Grocery Store.

"Has he made any recent moves?" Poporov arranged a meeting with the "Courier" Jiang Rou.

"After his health improved a bit, he went back to work. He goes out in the morning and returns very late. He did come back rather early yesterday, but I heard he was sent back drunk..." Jiang Rou said after careful consideration.

"Who was he drinking with?"

"I heard it was someone surnamed Lin from the Special Service Section of the Police Department."

"Investigation Director Lin Dakuan of the Special Service Section?"

"It seems to be him. He never talks to me about work matters, the same as with Bai Yulan."

"Understood. Continue to observe him, but do not act rashly, and especially make sure not to arouse his suspicion," Poporov said solemnly.

"Understood. But Comrade Poporov, I still don't quite understand what my mission actually is," Jiang Rou asked, "And what on earth is Zhou Sen's identity?"

"Comrade Jiang Rou, your current mission is to stay by his side, observe all his actions, and wait for further instructions!" Poporov said sternly.

"Understood, I obey orders."

"Go. Do not meet here next time; I will find another location and notify you then," Poporov said.

"Alright."

...

Haicheng Street, "Sen" Company.

"I just received a notice from Director Shibuya telling you to pack your things. Bring nothing other than changes of clothing, and a car will come to pick us up tomorrow."

"Us?"

"Yes, us," Anna said earnestly and with certainty.

"Where to?"

"I don't know, but you'll find out when the time comes." Anna smiled faintly. "You can prepare today and handle whatever matters need settling. You may not be able to return for quite a long time."

"Alright, I understand." Zhou Sen nodded, knowing that the Japanese special training for him was about to begin.

This would surely differ from the promotion training at the police academy; it ought to be geared toward agent training.

Up until now, he had still been unable to re-establish contact with Armand. He had come very close to success last time, but he had underestimated the speed of the Japanese response, and Armand's eventual absence had helped shield him.

Otherwise, his career would have ended before it even truly began.

Later, although he received a signal that seemingly requested another meeting, he was confined to his bed at the time, unable to leave or shake off Japanese surveillance.

He had felt almost suffocated, not daring to make any excessive movements for fear of being discovered by the Japanese.

"Wuen, go home and pack my clothes!" Zhou Sen instructed. Since he wouldn't be able to return for a long time, he naturally needed to prepare more garments, especially since the weather was warming up and he needed single-layer clothing.

The carriage passed through Paodui Street.

Zhou Sen caught sight of the sign for the "Fu" Grocery Store.

Should he go take a look?

A fierce internal battle raged in Zhou Sen's mind. From current indications, the Japanese seemingly did not know the secret hidden inside the capsule.

Yet, one could never be certain if the Japanese were playing a long game.

Just as Zhou Sen was deep in thought, his eyes widened as a familiar figure walked out of the "Fu" Grocery Store, head lowered, and hurried rapidly in another direction—presumably to catch a streetcar.

Zhou Sen's whole body jolted.

"Wuen, drive a bit faster..."

The carriage gave chase. Zhou Sen opened the window, letting a blast of cold air rush in, carrying along various scents and sounds.

It was that familiar scent; he hadn't mistaken it.

Why would she be coming out of the "Fu" Grocery Store? This was the Harbor District, and her daily activities shouldn't be in this area.

And she had come out alone...

If she hadn't emerged from the "Fu" Grocery Store, he never would have noticed. With people coming and going on the main street, who would have nothing better to do than stare at strangers on the street for amusement?

"Wuen, stop the carriage for a moment. I'm getting down to buy a pack of cigarettes," Zhou Sen abruptly ordered a halt. If they went any further, the carriage would pull ahead of her.

Once ahead, Jiang Rou would recognize his carriage and he would be exposed.

Zhou Sen got out of the carriage, approached a cigarette vendor, and watched out of the corner of his eye as Jiang Rou boarded a streetcar and found a seat.

The direction from which the streetcar had come happened to be directly opposite to where he stood.

Zhou Sen casually bought a pack of cigarettes, tore open the corner, pulled out a cigarette, lowered his head to light it with a lighter, took a puff, and watched the departing streetcar with a thoughtful gaze.

"Let's go, Wuen, home!"

...

"Irina, I might be leaving home for a period of time. This is half a year's food allowance; buy whatever you like to eat while you're home." Returning home, Zhou Sen handed Irina six months' worth of living expenses in one go.

"Master Vasim, where are you going?"

"I'm going to the police academy for special training and will be living there. I won't be able to return in the middle of it," Zhou Sen explained. "It's similar to my previous studies at the police academy, but this time it might be stricter."

"I understand, Master Vasim," Irina said.

Going upstairs, Zhou Sen packed his clothes—primarily changes of underwear—along with toiletries, a towel, soap, and a razor.

As for non-essentials like perfume and hair pomade, Zhou Sen didn't consider them at all, though after a moment's thought, he grabbed a bottle and tucked it into the suitcase.

He couldn't appear overly ignorant. He also needed to bring some reading material, though he didn't need to worry about that too much, plus a blank notebook and fountain pens...

It was best to look as much like an unknowing young master as possible. Of course, he couldn't overdo it; after all, he had attended the police academy and understood a thing or two.

It didn't look like much, but it packed a large suitcase to the brim.

The suitcase was loaded onto the carriage.

He ate a midday meal at home with Irina, which served as a farewell.

Returning to "Sen" Company, he gave instructions to Old Liu Gu and Ye San, asking them to help look after his books and personal belongings.

Along the way, he issued a warning to the Qing brothers to behave themselves while he was away and not stir up any trouble.

The last person he saw was Qin Lang.

"Brother Sen, do you really have to go?"

"What do you think?" Zhou Sen rolled his eyes at the fellow. When the Japanese tell you to go, do you dare refuse unless you intend to fight them with guns? Could he avoid going?

"Is there danger?"

"I don't know." Zhou Sen spoke the truth. He genuinely had no idea whether this trip would be dangerous, but it certainly wouldn't be easy.

"Did you offend someone?"

"I didn't want to go, but there are plenty of people who do," Zhou Sen said. That much was true; many people desired promotion training, but the Japanese did not grant the opportunity to just anyone.

"These Japanese are hard to deal with; they have eccentric tempers, and some are even psychologically warped. Seriously, be careful, especially someone tender-skinned like you, Brother Sen..." Qin Lang looked at Zhou Sen, his smile carrying an indescribable nuance.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Sen felt a chill run through him. Yet, absurd as Qin Lang's words sounded, they held a grain of truth. He really needed to be mindful and watch out; becoming a laughingstock by "losing his integrity" would be disastrous.

"Don't worry, with my brilliance and wit, that kind of thing won't happen to me. As for you, do you know what you are supposed to do next?" Zhou Sen warned.

"I know, I guarantee I will cooperate with Sister-in-law Yulan to acquire the shares in Tang Peiyuan's hands at the lowest price!" Qin Lang said instantly.

"As long as you know. If this matter is handled well, I can let your big brother off the hook, and you can win some favor in front of the old man at home!" Zhou Sen said.

"Was the sealing of the Qunfang House really arranged by you, Brother Sen?"

"He secretly sent someone to take a potshot at me. Did he really think I was easy to bully? This is just teaching him a lesson. If there is a next time, never mind the Qunfang House, I'll tear down the Taipingqiao Gambling House as well!"

"Don't, Brother Sen, that has nothing to do with me, right?"

"Who told you to also have the surname Qin?" Zhou Sen chuckled softly.