Zhou Lin descended to the basement and, after examining Gu Shang's body, discovered a tattered notebook beneath it. The book had been crushed into the earth below Gu Shang's corpse, escaping Qiao Shaowen's notice.
Unlike Qiao, Zhou Lin's mental prowess exceeded 300, allowing him to locate the notebook within the soil. Upon opening it, Zhou Lin realized it was the crucial diary of Xiao Nian.
In that drinking den, Xiao Nian had recorded pertinent information in this notebook. After collecting the notebook, Zhou Lin surveyed the basement again, finding nothing else of value.
Returning upstairs, Zhou Lin ordered for the scene to be photographed. Once the photography was complete, the bodies were buried. He then instructed, "Let everyone search for any valuables."
Qiao Shaowen and the guard captain eagerly awaited this command. Consequently, both parties began scouring the area.
Soon, a pile of items was amassed in front of Zhou Lin's chair. After tallying, Qiao Shaowen cursed, "Doing such big business, yet so little money."
Zhou Lin retorted, "They invested heavily in this establishment. The bulk of the money went into purchasing the shop. How much is there?"
"Two thousand four hundred and fifty-seven francs," came the reply.
From the heap, Zhou Lin retrieved a gold ring weighing about ten grams. Additionally, there were three other pieces of jewelry: a gold chain, and two jade pendants.
Zhou Lin decreed, "The gold chain is for Zheng Dafu, each of you take a jade pendant. The francs will be divided."
With over sixty individuals present, each received forty francs.
After the distribution, Zhou Lin told Qiao Shaowen, "You stay here, sell off the merchandise, and the money goes to us. This shop now belongs to the Artillery Division."
There was no other choice. Despite being a good shop, the deaths of so many deterred any potential buyers.
Left to the Artillery Division, they could handle its fate as they pleased.
Soon after, Zhou Weiguo arrived with his men.
Upon hearing the explosions, they rushed over. The sound of gunfire only hastened their pace.
Upon meeting, Zhou Weiguo was relieved to see Zhou Lin unharmed. He inquired, "Where is Zheng Dafu?"
"He was injured by the explosion while trying to save me and has been taken to the hospital," Zhou Lin replied.
While relieved, Zhou Weiguo's apprehensions resurfaced. Nonetheless, he commended, "He did well!"
Zhou Lin briefed Zhou Weiguo on his actions.
Zhou Weiguo condemned Gu Shang, "He was more loyal to Japan than the Japanese themselves, damn traitor."
Zhou Lin and Zhou Weiguo proceeded to the hospital to inquire about Zheng Dafu's condition.
The doctor assured, "He is not in critical condition. Once healed, it won't affect his life or training."
Only then did Zhou Lin relax. He withdrew the forty francs he had received earlier and added another hundred. He handed it to the soldier in charge of caring for Zheng Dafu. "Use this to buy him some good food and necessities. Let me know if more is needed."
Upon returning to the Artillery Division, Zhou Lin was welcomed by the Division Commander and other officers at the gate.
The Commander inquired, "Has the intelligence been transmitted?"
Zhou Weiguo replied, "Zhou Lin acted swiftly. Gu Shang was about to transmit the report when he was killed by a grenade. We successfully prevented them from transmitting any information."
The Commander jubilantly declared, "Excellent! Reward all those involved in the operation from the Guard Company."
Zhou Weiguo expressed remorse, "Gu Shang was my classmate, specifically targeted me. Xiao Nian was also brought in by me. I bear significant responsibility."
The Deputy Division Commander grunted in obvious displeasure.
Zhou Lin explained, "Let me brief you on the case. When Gu Shang invited Zhou Tuan to dinner, Zhou Tuan remained vigilant and brought me along. At the restaurant, Gu Shang's intentions became clear. He sought to intoxicate Zhou Tuan and proceed with their plan. Zhou Tuan discerned Gu Shang's treachery and instructed me to join them for drinks."
The Chief of Staff remarked, "Gu Shang was quite cunning."
Zhou Lin continued, "While Gu Shang and Xiao Nian were in the restroom, Zhou Tuan instructed me to follow. During the surveillance, I overheard their operational plans. They intended to infiltrate the Artillery Division and liaise with internal traitors."
"Upon returning, I advised Zhou Tuan to recruit Xiao Nian. I pledged to keep a close watch on him. Subsequently, Xiao Nian was recruited. To hasten his actions, I instigated our artillery comrades to pressure him, coincidentally, the dormitory residents were also pressuring him. In such circumstances, Xiao Nian couldn't withstand the pressure and made contact with the traitor."
Zhou Lin lit a cigarette, "Initially, I thought everything was under control. However, Tang Qinwei also emerged. He treated several staff to dinner, intoxicated them, and extracted information. Hence, I decided to close the net. Unexpectedly, Tang Qinwei fled through the secret door while driving a food cart."
Expressing his dissatisfaction, Zhou Lin added, "How big is the secret door that it went unnoticed?"
Several senior officers sheepishly lowered their heads.
"I chased after him outside the gate. By then, the Second Regiment had already deployed. I encountered Zheng Dafu, who was driving a car with others, and pursued. Eventually, we caught up with Xiao Nian's vehicle. He detonated the explosives on him, committing suicide. Zheng Dafu shielded me, saving my life, but he was severely injured."
Zhou Lin discarded the cigarette, "I believe Zhou Tuan coordinated with the Military Intelligence Bureau without error!"
The Division Commander hurriedly affirmed, "Indeed! Indeed!"
Observing two disappointed faces and two relieved ones, it was evident that intense power struggles existed within the Artillery Division.
Zhou Weiguo indeed made a mistake in this matter. He placed too much emphasis on personal loyalty. Gu Shang exploited this weakness, seeking his assistance in admitting Xiao Nian to the Artillery Division.
If not for Zhou Lin's presence in the Artillery Division, the outcome would have been catastrophic.
However, Zhou Lin admired Zhou Weiguo.
Who doesn't make mistakes?
Just like on the way back, Zhou Weiguo repeatedly questioned himself and vowed never to be sentimental again.
Therefore, Zhou Lin decided to assist Zhou Weiguo.
This case was led by Zhou Lin; whatever he said, the higher-ups believed.
Back in the Division's conference room, everyone was incensed.
Having visited the dormitory, they witnessed four disgraceful officers, the four staff members.
Their appearance brought shame upon the Artillery Division!
The Division Commander ordered them to be detained and handed over to Military Intelligence for interrogation.
Zhou Lin needed an excuse to stay longer, so he agreed.
Initially, Zhou Lin came to the Artillery Division to meet the mysterious person arranged by Daishima.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Nian and Gu Shang emerged, forcing Zhou Lin's attention onto them.
This provided a pretext
for the personnel of the Artillery Division to believe that Zhou Lin came for Xiao Nian.
With Xiao Nian's case resolved, Zhou Lin's mission was over.
If he wanted to stay longer, he had to find another way. Luckily, the Division Commander's request provided Zhou Lin with a pretext.
The trial would take at least ten days, which conveniently served two purposes.
(End of chapter)