Chapter 87: Where Did The Special Commissioner Go?
In this era, many people compromise and grovel just to survive.
Some become traitors, seeking wealth and glory, bullying others with their power.
Some become running dogs just for three meals a day.
Of course, more people refuse to live on their knees; they choose to pick up their guns and fight the enemy to the death.
In the end, how one chooses to live is just a personal choice.
Zuo Mingquan was originally with the Nanjing local Security Regiment. Because he was good at currying favor, he was transferred to the government Security Headquarters.
When Kagesa Shinzhao organized the Nanjing Special Affairs Committee, he certainly selected people nearby.
Thus, on the recommendation of some big shot, Zuo Mingquan entered Kagesa’s core list.
This old soldier had been around for so long without trouble, so he naturally knew the principle of keeping a low profile to protect oneself.
This Chinese not fighting Chinese was not just talk; it was a means for him to survive.
The key was to not offend anyone in any way.
However, what these old soldiers were best at was naturally corruption, extortion.
It seems only such people could build an office from nothing.
Shanghai, French Concession, Avenue Joffre, Vienna Coffee House…
Fine rain threads lightly tapped against the Vienna Coffee House’s large floor-to-ceiling windows, and the misty vapor blurred the street scene outside.
Zhong Yuan’s gaze lifted from《Declaration》’s latest report on “shortage of rear-area materials,” seemingly casually scanning the doorway.
His position was excellent, allowing him to observe the entrance while using the pillar to block some views from the depths of the lobby.
Soon, a figure in a well-fitted Western suit, with neatly combed hair, appeared at the door.
After entering, he didn’t immediately look around but calmly folded his umbrella, handed it to the waiter at the door, and walked to the front desk.
“Mr. Lin, long time no see. Are you alone today?” The front desk waiter was clearly very familiar with the man.
The man nodded slightly and said, “Yes, Miss Cui Cui, you look even more beautiful after just a few days.”
“Mr. Lin, you sure know how to talk.” The waitress named Cui Cui blushed slightly and said coquettishly, “Do you need me to arrange a seat for you?”
The man shook his head. “No need, we’re all acquaintances. I can take care of myself.”
With that, he strolled to table six, pulled out the chair, and sat down.
Then he raised his right hand and snapped his fingers.
The waiter from afar hurried over and skillfully handed him the menu.
Seeing the man appear, Zhong Yuan put down the Declaration, naturally picked up his coffee for a sip, and while the waiter turned to place the order, Zhong Yuan’s fingers lightly tapped three times on the wooden counter.
The man behind him also lightly tapped the table.
“Safety signal confirmed.” Zhong Yuan murmured to himself, picked up the slightly cool black coffee for another sip; the bitter taste sharpened his focus even more.
The man ordered a Vienna-style cream black coffee. The waiter brought the black coffee to the man, respectfully placing the coffee and a newspaper of the day in front of him.
The man said thanks, took the black coffee for a sip, skillfully crossed his legs, and opened the newspaper.
“Waiter,” Zhong Yuan waved his hand and said, “Where is the restroom?”
The waiter pointed to the other end of the coffee shop and said, “Sir, that direction, around the corner and you’ll see it.”
Zhong Yuan said thanks, stood up, and headed to the restroom. Soon after, the man also stood up and went to the restroom.
The two figures entered the restroom one after the other, then walked to the sinks in perfect sync.
“So urgent to find me, is there a mission?” The man’s voice was very soft, but it was clear they knew each other.
“Comrade Qing Hu, the organization has a mission for you.”
“The New Army special commissioner from the Central Anhui region disappeared after getting off the train.”
“We’ve already mobilized most of the couriers in Shanghai to search for clues.”
“You’re more familiar with the situation in the French Concession. See if you can look into it.”
The man codenamed Qing Hu didn’t hesitate: “Any detailed information? Like physical characteristics?”
“All the information is in storage box three. Here’s the key.”
“Understood.”
Their conversation ended quickly. Zhong Yuan took the draft paper from the wall, wiped his hands, and tore off two sheets to hand to Qing Hu.
Qing Hu took the paper and discreetly removed the key sandwiched inside.
The two exited the restroom one after the other and returned to their seats.
Soon, Zhong Yuan raised his hand and said, “Waiter, check please.”
He took a legal tender note from his pocket, placed it on the table, and walked out.
Seeing this, Qing Hu prepared to get up and retrieve the information from storage box three, but at that moment, a familiar figure appeared at the Vienna Coffee House door.
“Elder Brother, I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” Chen Yang spotted Qing Hu and hurried over. “I asked the manager of your business firm and found out you were here drinking coffee.”
Clearly, the agent codenamed Qing Hu was none other than Eldest Brother Lin, Lin Xueli.
Lin Xueli’s gaze followed the departing Zhong Yuan. Chen Yang curiously looked behind him and said, “Elder Brother, what are you looking at? Do you know that guy?”
“No,” Lin Xueli shook his head and said, “I just saw he forgot his newspaper and wanted to call him back.”
“By the way, why aren’t you at the Economic Department working at this hour? What are you here for?”
“I’ve heard you’re doing well at the Economic Department; City Hall gives you a lot of face up and down.”
Chen Yang waved his hand and said, “Those are empty titles, not worth mentioning.”
“I’m here to ask you to introduce me to some foreign lawyers.”
“Foreign lawyers? What for?” Lin Xueli was a bit puzzled.
Chen Yang said slowly, “I want to establish a foundation, register it in the United Kingdom, and then have an office in the International Settlement.”
“But I’m not familiar with UK law and want to consult some professionals.”
“If possible, I plan to assemble a legal team dedicated to serving the foundation.”
“Foundation?” Lin Xueli nearly choked on his coffee. “What do you need that for? Do you have the funds?”
Chen Yang had no intention of telling Lin Xueli he already had five hundred kilograms of gold on hand.
He just said calmly, “Elder Brother, just tell me if you have a way or not.”
“If not, I’ll find someone else.”
Lin Xueli frowned, paused for a moment, then nodded and said, “I do know one.”
“Asia Oil Company’s chief legal officer, William Taylor.”
“If you really need it, I can introduce you to him.”
“Don’t worry, he’s very professional, with Dutch Royal Family background. He’s good, just a bit expensive.”
Chen Yang frowned: “Alright, as long as he’s professional enough. I don’t want complications. Contact him this afternoon; I’ll meet him.”
Lin Xueli was stunned: “So urgent?”
“Of course the sooner the better. Hey, Elder Brother, where are you going?”
“Oh, I have some things in the storage box. Wait for me a bit; I’ll go get them.”
