Chapter 229: If He Wants Decency, Let Him Have It
“Miss Fujiwara, hello, I’m Chen Yang.” Chen Yang gently shook Fujiwara Keika’s hand
“Minister Chen, I’ve heard so much about you.” Fujiwara Keika’s voice was very gentle.
“I wonder if Minister Chen is convenient to chat privately for a few words?”
Huh, the real business has arrived. Chen Yang’s heart tightened slightly. This was probably the true purpose of inviting him to the evening party today.
For a special director to personally come negotiate, it seems the matter is not small.
“Of course, I wonder what instructions Miss Fujiwara has.”
The corner of Fujiwara’s mouth curved up slightly, revealing a charming smile: “Please follow me.”
With that, Fujiwara turned and walked toward the small door they had come from. Chen Yang handed his wine cup to the waiter and followed smoothly.
Out the small door, the two climbed a flight of stairs. The wooden steps were covered with thick dark carpet, absorbing all footsteps.
At the end of the second floor corridor, a heavy ebony door was tightly closed, with two robust guards in black suits and eagle-sharp eyes standing solemnly on either side outside.
The military air about them was not that of ordinary bodyguards, but true soldiers.
Seeing the two appear, the bodyguards immediately pulled open the large door. It slid open silently into a gap. The two entered the room one after the other, and the door behind them closed promptly, shutting out all external noise.
This was a study room. Two walls were embedded with floor-to-ceiling dark bookshelves, the book spines arranged neatly like a military formation.
The entire wall directly opposite the door was hung with countless calligraphy and paintings by famous people.
In the center of the study room, a mirror-smooth black conference table gleamed with metallic cold light.
“Minister Chen, please sit.” Fujiwara Keika walked behind the table and slightly bowed to invite Chen Yang to sit.
Chen Yang sighed softly: “The security at Miss Fujiwara’s residence rivals the Army General Staff Office.”
“Necessary due to the times, no choice.” Fujiwara Keika’s tone was flat, as if speaking of a trivial matter.
“Minister Chen should have a good relationship with my father. Before I came, he instructed me that dealing with you requires no beating around the bush.”
“So, I’d like to show you something first.”
With that, Fujiwara Keika took a file from the drawer and gently pushed it in front of Chen Yang.
Chen Yang frowned, undid the seal on the file, and pulled out the draft paper inside.
This file was divided into two parts. The top was《Toa Pharmaceuticals internal brief: Penicillin strain viability determination experiment report（Sixth draft）》.
The other part was a copy of the encrypted record of fund flows for Toa Pharmaceuticals’ bank loan.
“Miss Fujiwara, what do these things mean?” Chen Yang frowned slightly: “Huafu Fund does not seem to have authorized Toa Pharmaceuticals to do medicine data analysis. What you’re doing is infringement.”
“Minister Chen, please stay calm.” Fujiwara Keika gently clapped her hands.
The large door opened again. A bodyguard entered carrying a boxed item. Chen Yang couldn’t see what was inside, as the box was covered with a very thin black dustproof cloth.
Fujiwara Keika reached out and gently lifted the black cloth covering it.
It was a transparent glass box. On the glass plate lay several rice-grain-sized substances in irregular crystal form. Under special cold light, they showed a slightly yellowish white sheen.
Beside it was a delicate small metal badge.
It was the kind of sakura badge embedded in the invitation.
In the “petal” section, extremely finely etched were several micro-engraved codes nearly invisible to the naked eye.
“Mr. Chen is a technical expert, no need for me to introduce.” Fujiwara Keika’s gaze swept over the crystal and badge. “The crude product crystals obtained from the third stage centrifugal concentration of the trial production line in the latest batch from the European laboratory.”
“Purity around 65%, high residual solvent, with trace degradation impurities. Still a significant distance from pharmaceutical-grade purity standards. As for this badge…”
Her fingertip tapped the badge. “It’s just a trivial invitation credential.”
“You’re stealing the core secrets of Sunshine Pharmaceuticals?” Chen Yang’s tone showed some anger. For Huafu Fund, this was no longer just an ordinary commercial espionage case.
Of course, Chen Yang knew exactly whose intention this was. It was clearly the empire’s machine conducting crushing technical reconnaissance, something no single company could achieve!
Fujiwara Keika waved her hand: “Minister Chen, though you’re not an empire soldier, you’ve always been working for the empire.”
“For you, this behavior shouldn’t be called stealing secrets, but rather researching pharmaceutical processes.”
“Frankly, Huafu Fund has been boasting externally that it has mastered the complete penicillin production process and will soon achieve mass production. But based on the current data, this technology still has great room for improvement.”
“To mass production, heh, there’s still a long way to go…”
“A few days ago, Minister Suzuhara conveyed your intentions back to the homeland. After study, the board of directors believes that if Huafu Fund is willing to cooperate with the empire, the Osaka Chamber of Commerce can provide ample research and development funds.”
“However, I need more than 30% share proportion.”
Chen Yang’s gaze repeatedly scrutinized Fujiwara Keika, then he suddenly laughed: “Miss Fujiwara, you seem not to understand your positioning. Huafu Fund holds the complete penicillin patent authorization, so would it lack funds?”
“30% shares, merely for investing research and development funds. I don’t know if you think this business is too simple, or if you lack clear cognition of this medicine’s value.”
“Miss Fujiwara, the Osaka Chamber of Commerce has so many privileges within the empire and a mature sales network. Don’t you understand the true value of the medicine?”
“You know, under wartime controlled economy, the price of civilian rationed medicine tablets will be more than ten times that of peacetime, and may even become a privilege consumption item for a few.”
“In that case, money is the cheapest capital for us.”
“I can confirm that those who can provide funds are far more than just your Osaka Chamber of Commerce. If seeking funding sources through bidding, the Yasuda family likely has more advantage than your Osaka Chamber of Commerce.”
“After all, they hold financial privileges within the empire that other enterprises cannot match. As long as Huafu Fund leaks the slightest signal of willingness to cooperate, they will quickly come knocking.”
“In that case, Miss Fujiwara, do you still think your capital exceeds theirs?”
Fujiwara Keika’s expression unchanged, her gaze toward Chen Yang faintly carried a hint of appreciation.
As expected of Father’s most outstanding student. In just a few words, he negated all the advantages of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce.
“Of course, it’s not just about money so simply. The Osaka Chamber of Commerce is a firm supporter of the Navy Department.”
“You should know what the Navy Department represents.”
“Miss Fujiwara means the Navy Department wants to eat alone? You want to bypass the Army and solely own the complete patent authorization?” Chen Yang was slightly stunned: “My lady, aren’t you joking?”
“If you dare to do that, Huafu Fund doesn’t dare to. Offending the Army Department would mean restarting all our commercial development plans in China.”
“No need to be so pessimistic.” Fujiwara smiled: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide convenience, and the Navy Department will also provide certain support.”
“Huafu Fund will be our most sincere partner.”
“Sincere? Just with those two words, you want us to take risks?” Chen Yang shook his head: “Miss Fujiwara, I want to know what other capital you have.”
Fujiwara Keika said seriously: “Minister Chen, I now represent the Empire Medical Bureau and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce to propose a joint plan: Hope Huafu Fund can hand over the core penicillin process to empire coordination, with research and development and production incorporated into a joint entity led by the Bureau.”
“If Huafu Fund agrees to this cooperation model, I can secure 49% equity for your fund.”
“And personally, you can obtain a key position in this ‘entity’ that truly decides technical direction and production rhythm, not a nominal equity holder with no say.”
“Merely the private advisor to Your Highness the Princess is far from matching your talent.”
“Of course, if you refuse cooperation, the Japanese side also has the capability to invest massive manpower and resources to forcefully breakthrough, though it may take detours and longer time. But the losses to Huafu Fund would be incalculable.”
Huh, this is just playing rogue.
Either cooperate with me, or I’ll make generics myself, and your losses are your problem…
This was simply writing “shameless” on the face.
“Miss Fujiwara, what do you mean by this?” Chen Yang’s tone was somewhat unfriendly.
Fujiwara Keika brushed the stray hair at her temple, her movement elegant. “My meaning is simple: Does Huafu Fund want to choose to build alone that doomed unfinished castle in the air above this icy cold abyss?”
“Or choose to fuse with the empire’s power, turning the core value in the foundation’s hands, the strain screening model and concentration process control points you painstakingly verified, truly into tablets that let frontline soldiers live?”
“Of course, the choice is yours, but I remind you: the abyss won’t wait for the hesitant.”
After saying this, Fujiwara Keika’s gaze no longer looked at him, as if leaving time for Chen Yang to consider.
Standing up, Fujiwara Keika took a silk handkerchief from beside the bookshelf and began meticulously wiping the already crystal-clear rim of the crystal cup atop the bookshelf.
The segment of fair, cold-hard neckline under her short hair, in the study room’s cold-toned light, was like a finely carved ice jade artwork, every movement beautiful and elegant.
“Miss Fujiwara, you are indeed a very good negotiation opponent, calm and composed.” Chen Yang stood, fastening the two buttons on his suit: “Unfortunately, your cognition of your own capital is still insufficient.”
“The Empire Navy wanting to bypass Toa Pharmaceuticals to directly negotiate cooperation with Huafu Fund is probably just your one-sided wish. At least the Army Ministry won’t easily yield, as this concerns the logistics and lives of a million army soldiers.”
“Also, I have a small suggestion for you: the Osaka Chamber of Commerce’s intelligence department should change its head.”
“I can tell you, this crystal sample is from January 16, 1939.”
“That is, this sample is a product from three months ago.”
“The latest product now has reached 85% purity, fully meeting pharmaceutical standards.”
“If you’re still interested, consult with the higher-ups before bringing the contract to find me.”
“I’ll be waiting respectfully at the Land Transport Section.”
“By the way,” Chen Yang paused, leaning close to Fujiwara Keika, gently brushing aside the stray hair covering her forehead: “You look very beautiful today, just the perfume on you doesn’t quite suit.”
“Someday I’ll send you a bottle of perfume more suitable for you. Goodbye.”
Feeling that uniquely masculine aggressive aura, Fujiwara Keika’s hand trembled slightly in the air, but Chen Yang didn’t linger, turning and leaving the study room.
That aura mysteriously vanished suddenly, leaving Fujiwara with an inexplicable sense of loss.
Year 28 of the Republic of China, March 28.
Shanghai, Jinling Hotel.
Chilly spring cold, yet more chilling than deep winter.
In the hotel private room, Chen Yang’s fingers holding the wine cup were slightly pale.
Chen Yang came here today not to eat, but to meet the New Army Special Agent Section special commissioner.
In the end, it was still about that Suzuki Kawataro matter.
He took a slight sip of red wine. In a daze, Kagesa’s entrustment rang in his ears: “The Communist Party side… you, in a private capacity, use your intelligence network in the concession to make contact.”
“Remember, Mr. Chen, I confirm once more: your action has nothing to do with the Ume Agency, and absolutely cannot involve the ‘Imperial Palace’ will! This is a high-voltage line not to be touched! If it fails… the consequences are known to you and me.”
With a creak, the private room door was pushed open. An action team agent dispatched from Special Agent Headquarters entered the private room, quickly approaching Chen Yang and whispering: “Minister Chen, the person has arrived.”
Chen Yang set down his wine cup and said softly: “Then invite him in.”
“Yes,” the man bowed slightly and quickly left the private room. Soon, footsteps sounded.
The arrival removed his soaked hat, revealing a weather-beaten yet hawk-sharp face.
“Minister Chen,” the man’s voice was hoarse, his gaze sweeping over Chen Yang’s figure, straight to the point without extra pleasantries: “Sorry for being late. Have you received a reply to the conditions we proposed earlier?”
Chen Yang raised his eyes: “Your side’s conditions for releasing Colonel Suzuki are: list of ten captured comrades, identity confirmation, and a materials list containing ten brand-new portable radios, one hundred kilograms of high-purity sulfanilamide powder, twenty U.S.-made Colt M1911 automatic pistols and one hundred Type 38 rifles, with thirty thousand rounds of matching ammunition.”
The man nodded, the corner of his mouth hooking a cold hard arc: “Minister Chen, don’t mix it up. This is just the price for ‘releasing the man’.”
“We also need the Ume Agency to issue a public statement on the intelligence action ‘mistake’ that led to our seven comrades being captured.”
“This is the amulet to ensure our people walk out of the interrogation room alive!”
“Otherwise, the true reason for Colonel Suzuki’s capture and his ‘confession’ might, through certain channels, be directly delivered to the desks of those colleagues eagerly awaiting his ‘loyalty’?”
Chen Yang’s fingers trembled slightly as he thought to himself: “As expected! The Communist Party has precisely sniffed out the discord in Tokyo!”
“His Majesty wants to save the man, but the Military Department won’t allow it, hoping Suzuki commits seppuku to preserve overall face.”
“But if the Ume Agency issues such a statement, it will affect the Ume Agency’s image among empire intelligence agencies.”
“The Special Higher Police Affairs might use this as an excuse to challenge the Ume Agency.”
“After all, these two agencies belong to different camps, much like the relationship between the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics and the Military Statistics Bureau in Chongqing.”
“Kagesa absolutely won’t allow the Ume Agency to do such a thing.”
The air in the private room solidified due to this naked threat.
Chen Yang was silent for a moment: “Mr. Mu Yun, Suzuki leaving your control area alive is the most basic requirement of ‘all concerned parties’.”
“In my view, the ‘statement’ you want is not an amulet, but the detonator to explode the powder keg!”
“Once it appears, the Military Department’s provoked hounds will only bite all related parties more crazily.”
“Those seven comrades, and even the ten you’re about to release, will only die faster and more miserably! The Ume Agency’s basement never lacks corpses!”
Mu Yun was instantly stunned, his sharp eyes scrutinizing Chen Yang, trying to discern if this was delay or fact.
Chen Yang said slowly: “Leaving alive is the hard truth!”
“On my personal guarantee, once your list of ten comrades and identity confirmations are verified, with all materials list ready, within twelve hours, I’ll arrange a channel to ensure they safely reach Su-Zhong!”
“Colonel Suzuki, I’ll personally take custody. I’ll ‘escort’ him aboard the ‘Kobe Maru’ at Huishan Wharf bound for Yokohama, ensuring he ‘safely’ returns to his superiors without chance to speak recklessly.”
“His ‘health report’ upon return will only record travel fatigue, nothing else—this is the limit of what I can arrange, and the fastest, safest solution!”
“I hope you’ll consider those ten comrades still waiting in the darkness for light, think how many frontline lives these radios, medicines, weapons can save!”
“A statement that benefits no one versus ten living lives plus precious resources—which is lighter, which heavier?”
A flicker of hesitation in Mu Yun’s eyes: “Minister Chen, what if I insist on that statement?”
How was this guy selected as special commissioner? Is he a lobster? Is his brain full of shit?
Chen Yang picked up his wine cup and took a gulp, earnestly advising: “Mr. Mu Yun, I harbor no malice toward you.”
“I hope you can seriously consider my suggestion.”
“The Japanese won’t exchange a captured colonel for their so-called decency.”
“Materials, personnel—these are tangible benefits. And that statement, even if obtained, is just temporary trouble for them.”
“But have you thought about the retaliation afterward?”
“Negotiation is for win-win, not choosing a way for both to lose.”
Mu Yun frowned, finally saying reluctantly: “Minister Chen, I need to consult superiors.”
“Of course,” Chen Yang breathed a slight sigh of relief. Good thing this guy listens; otherwise, he really wouldn’t know how to proceed.
“I can give you time. Please rest assured, I’ll handle your safety in Shanghai fully.”
“Until our transaction completes and you and your comrades safely leave.”
A trace of calm appeared on Mu Yun’s face: “Then thank you for your care, Minister Chen.”
“Goodbye.”
Shanghai, Southern Transportation Department, Section Chief of Land Transportation office.
Chen Yang held his coffee, standing by the window, gaze on the distant horizon, mind drifting who knows where.
Knock knock knock, a knock sounded, snapping Chen Yang back: “Come in.”
The office door was pushed open, revealing several figures in military uniforms.
“Staff Officer Abe, why have you come.”
“Mr. Chen,” Abe Mitsuhiro’s voice was like sandpaper rubbing, “By headquarters order, to convey extremely important instructions. Concerning… Mr. Suzuki.”
The several second lieutenants Abe brought immediately stood in standard guard posture against the door and closed the office door, sealing off inside and out.
Door just closed, Abe Mitsuhiro cut straight in, voice low and deep yet each word like iron nails hammering down:
“Mr. Chen, the ‘Suzuki Kawataro capture’ incident has aroused ‘extreme concern’ from Tokyo high levels. His identity is special; any mishandling will directly stain the supreme glory of the Empire Army!”
“Headquarters’ latest order: Suzuki Kawataro can be ‘saved’! This is both a ‘decent’ response to His Majesty’s will, and out of… humanity.”
“However.” Abe Mitsuhiro’s voice suddenly turned to absolute zero like Siberian cold current, each word like ice shards stabbing: “Headquarters strictly orders: After rescue, Suzuki Kawataro absolutely must not set foot half a step on Japanese homeland!”
“A senior officer captured alive by the New Army, surviving in enemy cage—his very existence is the Empire Army’s utter shame!”
“The Army Department’s dignity needs no ‘living’ stain to ‘tarnish’ it! His Majesty needs a ‘decent explanation’. And the Army needs total erasure!”
So that’s it!
Chen Yang instantly reacted: the Military Department’s “can save” is just leaving the royal family the last fig leaf! Their true purpose is Suzuki must “decently” die in China!
Satisfy the imperial request while thoroughly resolving this “stain”, preserving their untarnishable “Army face”!
Having Suzuki “voluntarily” “fulfill loyalty” is the only script the Military Department can accept!
“So, Staff Officer Abe, what do you hope I do?” Chen Yang hesitated and asked.
Cold inhuman gleam in Abe Mitsuhiro’s eyes: “Fulfill loyalty to the country! Preserve final dignity in samurai way!”
“Location, timing, method… up to you, Minister Chen, flexibly based on ‘actual situation’.”
“This is the handling truly in line with the Empire Army’s highest interests! Also headquarters’ highest trust and expectation of your ability!”
He paused, tone softening slightly: “The Kagesa Agency head must already have rescue deployment. Headquarters won’t interfere in specifics.”
“We only need to see the final result: the ‘man’ leaves Communist Party control area, then…”
“We will provide all necessary support. Mr. Chen, remember, this is not just a mission, but a chance to wash away Army shame! And your moment to prove your worth!”
Abe’s sharp gaze finally pierced Chen Yang deeply, expressionless: “He wants decency, give him decency.”
“If he doesn’t want decency, help him have decency.”
