Chapter 23: Induction
Nanjing University, officially known as "National Central University," is affectionately referred to as Nanjing University.
Its academic roots trace back to the Nanjing Taixue in the year 258 AD. In modern times, its history began with the establishment of Sanjiang Normal School in 1902, evolving through periods of Two Rivers Normal School, Nanjing Higher Normal School, National Southeast University, and National Central University.
Zhou Lin returned to the university.
All graduates had already left, and Zhou Lin was the last one to collect his assignment notice.
Having obtained the notice, Zhou Lin promptly left.
Upon returning home, he discovered that his older brother and sister had also returned.
Only his parents knew about Zhou Lin's involvement with the Military Statistics Daredevil Detachment. His siblings thought he had just gone to Shanghai for a visit.
His assignment notice had been seen by his siblings, and they cautioned Zhou Lin to be careful, emphasizing that Shanghai was currently the most dangerous place in China, with a high number of casualties daily.
Zhou Lin chuckled, saying, "I am interning as a staff officer at the Ministry, not heading to the front lines. Where's the danger?"
His sister advised, "Remember, stay away from the front lines."
His elder brother suggested, "Just let Dad inform them."
The second brother smiled, "Even without informing, the 7th Division knows. If they dare mistreat the youngest, I'll drive my armored vehicle straight to their headquarters."
His sister teased, "As if you could!"
Next, the two brothers shared their experiences in the army with Zhou Lin.
Each unit had similarities and differences, but the key was that higher-ranking officials could make or break you. Being careless could lead to making enemies and facing both visible and hidden threats.
Every unit was a society, and only those who were astute could survive.
After listening for over an hour, Zhou Lin felt the genuine concern from his siblings, melting away any past estrangement.
From this moment forward, he was one of them!
The next day, Zhou Lin left home.
He arrived at an ordinary courtyard where Dai Su awaited.
Upon meeting, Dai Su asked, "What happened yesterday? What did you discover?"
It seemed Dai Su was aware of Zhou Lin's situation.
Zhou Lin reported the events on the train to Dai Su.
Dai Su remarked, "Since you saw the cipher machine, that Gao Xiuhang is a Japanese spy. You don't need to intervene; I will arrange for someone to monitor Ma Tong from the Finance Department and that Japanese man."
"Understood."
Dai Su added, "When you go to the 7th Division this time, they should know you're there to gain experience. They won't give you a hard time. They'll try to build a good relationship with you."
"What should I do then?"
"Build good relationships with them. Keep a distance from Wang Hong and his group. Understand?"
"Understood. I am the undercover agent."
"Yes, stay away from the Political Department, and you'll be close to them. Besides investigating the Japanese spies, there's another task; there might be communist sympathizers among the 7th Division's leadership."
"Communists!"
"Yes, they infiltrate everywhere. In the party and the military, they have their people. For the Party and the nation, the threat of communists is greater than that of the Japanese. So, be vigilant in this regard."
"I will do my best."
"Also, be cautious of Wang Hong."
Zhou Lin was surprised, "Director, you don't suspect Captain Wang, do you?"
"Why not? Your uncle said, 'Doubt everything.'"
"What about me?"
Dai Su smiled, "Anyone can be a communist except for your three brothers. They won't recruit you; they'll eliminate you. In their words, you are an irredeemable counter-revolutionary."
Zhou Lin acknowledged that even if he tried to ingratiate himself, the communists would resort to violence.
Knowing he was the top nephew, Zhou Lin had given up hope.
After staying in Nanjing for eight days, Zhou Lin returned to Shanghai.
Dai Su delayed Zhou Lin's return to work to avoid arousing suspicion from the 7th Division when Wang Hong entered around the same time.
Zhou Lin was familiar with the location of the 7th Division.
He had been here before, following behind Oshima.
Now, he arrived with a different identity.
At the gate, Zhou Lin was stopped by a sentinel.
Unable to bear the scorching sun, Zhou Lin looked at the sentinel and said, "Dare you stop me?"
The sentinel laughed, "Exactly! I'm stopping you! Any objections?"
Zhou Lin retorted, "What objections? I have none; I just want you to scram."
The sentinel, baffled by this audacity, immediately called for backup.
Soon, over a dozen soldiers arrived, led by a junior officer.
Upon arrival, the officer arrogantly said, "Who are you? How dare you trespass into the military camp? Do you want to die?"
Zhou Lin, dressed casually and without an official escort, became a target of the officer's bullying.
"Do you think I want to die?"
"Oh! Seems like you're quite bold."
"This isn't bold; at the gate of the Nanjing Garrison, I was bolder than this."
Zhou Lin didn't want to escalate the situation; after all, he was a guest in someone else's territory.
Sometimes, the mighty dragon refrains from oppressing the local snake.
So, he said what he did to make the officer understand.
Indeed, the officer grasped the situation, lowering his voice, "What's your name?"
Zhou Lin lit a cigarette and replied, "Tell Chief Huang that Zhou Lin is here."
The officer waved off the soldiers, and Zhou Lin pointed at the sentinel, saying, "Tell Chief Huang that I want this guy to raise pigs."
The sentinel widened his eyes, preparing to resist.
Zhou Lin pointed at him, threatening, "If you speak again, I won't let you raise pigs; instead, you'll be cleaning up manure every day."
The sentinel fumed, "Why?"
At this moment, someone rushed over, taking over the conversation. "Why? Because his uncle is the Chairman."
As soon as this was said, all onlookers recoiled.
This was the Young Master, no wonder he was so fierce and audacious.
The officer hurriedly saluted, "Greetings, Chief!"
The newcomer was the staff officer of the 7th Division, who had previously worked with Zhou Yongqiang.
Zhou Lin bowed, "Greetings, Chief!"
Chief Huang put his arm around Zhou Lin's shoulder, "When I last saw you, you were twelve years old. Now, you've grown so tall and handsome in the blink of an eye."
Zhou Lin remarked, "I think the same way. Too handsome to fit in anywhere."
Everyone laughed; this guy was a self-centered weirdo. Who dared claim there was no place for their beauty?
Chief Huang chuckled, "How are your parents?"
Zhou Lin grumbled, "They're fine! Living a comfortable life. As for me, I've been driven out."
Chief Huang comforted, "Welcome to the 7th Division! It's your other home. With me around, you won't suffer. Come, I'll take you to your dormitory."
Under the gaze of the crowd, Zhou Lin followed Chief Huang into the military camp.