Chapter 15: Got the Money
Following this, Zhang Henshui's "Family of Golden Powder" was published as a standalone edition and quickly became a sensation.
The book was translated into several languages and distributed in multiple countries, including a Japanese version.
The reason Zhou Lin doubted was the book on Colonel Daisuke's desk.
That book was in Chinese.
While the Japanese market had the Japanese version, it was readily available.
So why place a Chinese version there? One by one, possibilities were ruled out until Zhou Lin finally concluded that the book might be a codebook.
Zhou Lin tucked the book and note away, heading to the nearest bookstore, conveniently located just 100 meters away.
He purchased a copy of "Family of Golden Powder" and returned to his previous location.
Unfolding the note, he translated the codes one by one, finally achieving success.
The tone was smooth and the meaning clear—this was undoubtedly the real code!
After deciphering the telegram, Zhou Lin lit a cigarette, burning the note.
Using the burning note to light his cigarette, he crushed the ashes underfoot—this was a show for anyone potentially monitoring him.
In espionage, caution was paramount. A single mistake meant no chance of recovery.
Following the telegram instructions, Zhou Lin arrived outside a building.
Coincidentally, this building was behind the graffiti wall.
Understanding, Zhou Lin realized someone in the building was monitoring the graffiti wall and, consequently, saw his drawings.
On the second floor, he found Room 202 and knocked.
The door quickly opened, revealing a woman—the same one who had watched "La Traviata" at Defeng Teahouse.
Seeing Zhou Lin, she smiled, "You've come!"
Zhou Lin entered, taking out "La Traviata" from his bag, saying, "I've come to return the book."
She accepted the book, extending her hand, "There's another book."
Zhou Lin replied, "That one I bought."
She insisted, "Even the one you bought must be handed over. If someone vigilant notices, imagine the consequences."
Knowing what she meant, Zhou Lin handed over "Family of Golden Powder," saying, "I heard it's well-written, so I wanted to keep it."
She took the book, "When conditions permit, you can read it again. It's indeed well written; I've read it three times."
Inviting Zhou Lin to sit, she asked, "Why do you need so much money?"
Zhou Lin explained, "I'm not sure. Contacts from the undercover network provided three crucial pieces of information, demanding 15,000 francs for each. I was furious."
She commented, "These insatiable Chinese people. Their character is poor."
Zhou Lin countered, "A person who can sell out their own country, do they have character? In their eyes, there's only money."
She agreed, "True. If possible, I would kill them. Leave them with nothing."
Zhou Lin agreed, "Not for now. They hold important positions; they're still useful to us. Let them live a bit longer. When the Imperial Army takes Shanghai, we'll see how much they've gained before taking it back."
She nodded, "Yes."
Standing up, she opened a cabinet, took out a briefcase, and handed it to Zhou Lin.
"Here's 45,000 francs."
Zhou Lin took the briefcase, asking, "Any further instructions?"
"The Colonel sent a telegram. Acquire the information immediately. After obtaining it within three days, return promptly."
"Understood."
Exiting the building, Zhou Lin took a rickshaw.
He was sweating profusely.
In that woman's room, he felt a sense of danger. Any problem, and he might not have come out.
Sitting in the rickshaw, Zhou Lin dared not look back, fearing surveillance.
Originally wanting to contact the Captain, he had to abandon the idea.
Carrying so much money and making contact, raised suspicions.
After a couple of rickshaw turns, Zhou Lin arrived at the pork shop.
Upon entering, he saw Da Dao pacing inside.
As Zhou Lin entered, Da Dao's expression eased.
Closing the door, Zhou Lin told Oshima, "Contact them immediately and prepare for the deal."
Oshima asked in excitement, "Did you receive the money?"
"Received it. The money is enough. Now, let's wait for their intelligence."
Zhou Lin opened the briefcase, revealing the money—four and a half bundles. One bundle was 10,000 francs, totaling 45,000 francs.
After seeing the money, Oshima said, "The meat is simmering in the pot. Eat by yourself. Don't drink. I'll go find him; if it works out, we can trade tonight."
Zhou Lin waved, letting Oshima go.
Exiting through the front door, Oshima hid the money and left through the restroom side.
He continued tailing Oshima
Oshima took a rickshaw and traveled about five miles, arriving at the 22nd Division's base.
Outside the 22nd Division's gate, Oshima made a phone call.
Afterward, he left the gate, heading to a grove next to the military camp to wait.
Zhou Lin followed into the grove, spotting a large tree and climbing up.
After a wait of over ten minutes, someone entered the grove.
This person wore a hat, a black robe, and a large scarf covering the face.
Zhou Lin cursed, "Is this necessary? Such secrecy even for a meeting with Da Dao? Aren't they familiar?"
The person was familiar with Oshima but not with Zhou Lin.
Approaching Da Dao, the person asked, "Did you receive the money?"
Oshima replied, "Received it. Did Sato go to get it?"
After saying that, Oshima recounted the incident of receiving a call today.
"That's a lack of trust in Sato. With 45,000 francs, they still need to verify by calling you. Too distrustful."
Oshima sighed, "I feel like I'm not wearing any clothes. They know everything about me. They know the password, yet they don't contact me directly. Instead, they use Sato as an intermediary."
The person sneered, "This business doesn't need Sato. Your superiors are unnecessarily complicating things."
Oshima said, "The one providing the money might not be from our group. Maybe it's just a team earning money for the Empire. For matters like intelligence, it must be handled by intelligence personnel."
"You're deceiving yourself."
Oshima sighed, "I think so too."