Agent: Intercepting Yu Manli at the start!

Chapter 75: Swift movements and confident posture!

Zhou Xiao, Feng Manna, Chen Shen, Sakurada Kaoru, Chen Shan, Wang Manchun, Liang Zhongchun, and others had already taken their seats. Xian Daofeng sat in the main seat, Shen Fang stood to the side, and Oshima Ken sat by the window, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest.

Sendoh Kaede's gaze slowly swept across the entire room, his smile gentle, but his voice carried a barely perceptible soft tone: "Hello everyone, I am Sendoh Kaede, from Northeast China."

"Don't be shy. I invited you all here today so that we can get to know each other."

Zhou Xiao's heart skipped a beat—he hadn't expected the Special Higher Police to send such a person: with red lips and white teeth, a soft voice, and even more delicate than those male actors who wore makeup these days.

But the more someone is like this, the more they resemble a needle coated in honey—they prick without drawing blood, the pain is slow, but it pierces the heart.

"Director Wang, I have long admired your name. Your father, Mr. Wang Fuzhao, was an important figure in the new government and made outstanding contributions; I have heard of your own shrewd and capable methods and truly admire you."

Wang Manchun smiled faintly: "You flatter me, Director of the Immortal Path Department."

"Director Liang, a wise man knows when to yield—I admire your decision to 'abandon darkness and embrace the light' from the bottom of my heart."

Liang Zhongchun was originally a key member of the Military Intelligence Bureau, but later defected to the 76th Bureau.

"Captain Chen, I heard that you once infiltrated the mountain city single-handedly and retrieved many top-secret intelligence reports for the Empire. Your courage and skill are exemplary."

Chen Shan lowered his eyes: "Section Chief, you flatter me."

—According to Zhou Xiao's plan, Chen Shan returned to the Shang Mansion, ostensibly serving the Japanese, but in reality planting a spy for the Military Intelligence Bureau. He was also Zhou Xiao's sharpest weapon.

Of all those present, only he knew Zhou Xiao's true identity; he also knew that every step he took was on the edge of a knife.

Chen Shan was indeed a genius: after returning to his post, he dealt with the series of tests set up by Sakura Kaoru without making a single mistake, and eventually secured his position as the captain of the action team, even making the other party believe it to be true.

"Director Chen, I am deeply saddened by the heroic sacrifice of Director Bi. I imagine that at this moment, you are more eager than anyone else to expose those anti-Japanese elements."

Chen Shen remained expressionless, simply nodding slightly: "Yes."

Xian Daofeng changed the subject, strolled over to Feng Manna, and said in a light tone, "Miss Manna, everyone outside says you are the top female general of the Special Higher Police—and seeing you today, you are indeed impressive and extraordinary."

"The intelligence network built by your father, Feng Zixiong, is as solid as an impregnable fortress; like father, like son—you have carried this responsibility steadily and steadily, which is truly remarkable."

Feng Manna nodded slightly: "Thank you for your kind offer, Section Chief."

Xian Daofeng knew everyone present like the back of his hand, and his words struck a chord with each person he glanced at—he had done this exercise countless times.

"Director Zhou," he shifted his gaze, fixing it steadily on Zhou Xiao's face, his smile warm but not reaching his eyes, "during your time behind enemy lines, even the headquarters archives were secretly buzzing with your name. How many coded telegrams were quietly delivered to us through your hands?"

"As soon as the mission was completed, you were promoted to the youngest head of the intelligence department; in just a few months in office, you launched a three-pronged attack of cracking down on key cases, turning people into defectors and intercepting criminals."

"It is a blessing for the empire to have a talent like you, and it is also the source of its confidence."

In an instant, all eyes in the room turned to Zhou Xiao.

He became the silent focus of the entire room.

Zhou Xiao remained expressionless, only raising his eyes to meet Xian Daofeng's gaze, his tone flat: "Section Chief Xian Daofeng, it's just my duty, my responsibility."

"Good! Those are words that resonate!" Sendoh Kaede laughed heartily, raised his hand and patted him on the shoulder, "Let's join forces from now on and hope for a resounding victory."

Ken Oshima interjected at the opportune moment: "Gentlemen, this is Committee Member Shen Fang, who was transferred from Nanjing."

"Committee member Shen will serve as a member of the Special Affairs Committee, in charge of intelligence coordination and security in Shanghai."

Shen Fang bowed slightly: "I am new here, so please feel free to offer your guidance."

Zhou Xiao stood up, took two steps forward, and shook hands with him: "Committee Member Shen, from now on we will be comrades fighting side by side. Please give me your guidance."

He was both the head of the intelligence department of the Special Operations Headquarters and a resident member of the Special Affairs Committee, spanning both the Special Operations Headquarters and the 76th Bureau, making him a true central figure.

Shen Fang gripped his hand firmly: "Let's work together in harmony."

Shen Fang's arrival made Zhou Xiao's heart sink slightly, yet it also faintly shone.

Xian Daofeng looked around, his voice suddenly becoming deep: "I know that Shanghai is in complete chaos right now, like a pot of boiling oil."

"Assassinations, arson, ambushes... one after another. Just a few days before I took over as section chief, the city was hit by the largest and most intense wave of assassinations."

"Next, we must unite as one—point our blades at the enemy and restore peace to the people."

"As for me, I'm new to this position, with limited experience and unfamiliar with the business. I'll have to rely on the guidance and assistance of the veterans!"

Before he finished speaking, he bowed deeply to everyone—the movement was swift and the posture was impressive.

The people below had different intentions; they appeared respectful on the surface, but each harbored their own schemes in their hearts.

This first meeting of intelligence chiefs, hosted by Xian Daofeng, was devoid of any substance; it was purely a matter of meeting face to face, recognizing each other, and getting acquainted.

After the meeting, he kept Zhou Xiao, Feng Manna, and Chen Shen behind.

"Director Zhou, Section Chief Feng, Director Chen," Xian Daofeng's smile faded, and his tone turned serious, "I'm keeping the three of you because I trust you—the anti-Japanese forces in Shanghai have become a malignant disease that must be eradicated. This matter will require your strong support."

"Especially you, Director Zhou."

Zhou Xiao raised an eyebrow slightly: "Section Chief, more than anyone else, I long for Shanghai to return to peace. This morning, I was almost ambushed and shot by anti-Japanese elements at the alley entrance!"

"Luckily, the patrol officers arrived quickly. The King of Hell flipped through the Book of Life and Death, deemed me too tough, and confiscated my life."

Xian Daofeng's expression tightened: "Director Zhou is safe and sound? These anti-Japanese elements are becoming increasingly rampant, daring to open fire and commit violence in broad daylight!"

"That's precisely why we must act swiftly and decisively, leaving no one alive!"

Zhou Xiao nodded slowly.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the three said goodbye and left the Special Higher Police.

Upon first meeting Xian Daofeng, Zhou Xiao had already made up his mind: this person was even more troublesome than Qingmu Wuzhong—appearing humble on the surface, but a cold-blooded viper at heart.

If you can't tame them, then you'll have to... nip it in the bud.

On the return trip, Zhou Xiao and Feng Manna rode in the same car, while Chen Shen had other important business to attend to and left first.

In the car, Feng Manna turned her head and chuckled in a low voice, "Third Brother, Section Chief Xiandao has nothing but eyes for you. As long as you make one more contribution, your promotion is practically guaranteed."

Zhou Xiao smiled faintly: "The Military Intelligence Bureau is like an eel, and the underground Communist Party is like a fish, hiding deeper than a rat hole. Want to find them? Difficult."

"But I'll remember that shot this morning—blood debts must be repaid with blood."

Feng Manna's eyes flashed: "Third Brother, don't worry, their contact point will soon be revealed."

Zhou Xiao looked at her but didn't respond, only gently shifting his gaze away.

As the car approached the entrance of the Special Operations Headquarters, Feng Manna suddenly said, "Driver, please stop for a moment."

The car came to a smooth stop.

"I'm going to the security guard to pick something up." She pushed open the door and got out of the car, her steps light and quick.

Zhou Xiao sat motionless, his gaze fixed on her back like a hook.

She walked straight to the gate, took a thin letter from the sentry on duty, flipped it with her fingertips, and slipped the envelope into her coat pocket; as she turned to go back to her car, a barely perceptible smile remained on her lips.

Zhou Xiao witnessed this entire scene.

Back in the car, both remained silent. Neither spoke, nor did either ask any questions.

The office of the head of the intelligence department was dimly lit.

Zhou Xiao sat quietly for a long time, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the table.

Feng Manna's act of obtaining the letter seemed ordinary, but it was strange in many ways.

Having lost both parents years ago and long since severed ties with relatives, where would the letter come from? To whom could it be sent? And who would dare to slip a letter to the Special Operations Headquarters?

A thought flashed through his mind—a Kuomintang spy!

In response to the frequent assassinations in Shanghai, he instructed Feng Manna to activate a covert agent within the Kuomintang's Military Intelligence Bureau, codenamed "Nightingale." However, even he himself did not know the true identity of this agent.

And that letter at that moment was most likely a secret intelligence letter sent by "Nightingale".

The method of delivery followed the same old trick as Feng Zixiong: using ordinary envelopes as a shell, with hidden codes buried between the words—this was the trick that "Shadow" and Feng Zixiong used back then; now, Feng Manna and the Kuomintang undercover agent are following in his footsteps.

If we can open that letter... not only will the true identity of "Nightingale" be revealed, but we might also be able to follow the clues and uncover an even bigger net!

Upon closer examination of Feng Manna's words in the car, "We'll find the contact station soon"—it's clear that she and the undercover agent have already been secretly communicating.

This further confirmed Zhou Xiao's judgment.

"We need to intercept some intelligence." Zhou Xiao tapped his fingertips lightly on the edge of the table twice, his gaze darkening as he locked onto the secret file in Feng Manna's hand.

He was already 80% certain that the letter was no ordinary object and that there must be something fishy going on behind it.

If the right path is blocked, then the only option is to take the wrong path.

After a moment's thought, he picked up the phone and dialed the extension number in Feng Manna's office.

beep...beep...beep...

The busy signal rang three times, but no one answered.

The person is not here.

The opportunity is here.

Zhou Xiao pushed open the door to his office and walked unhurriedly through the corridor. Just as he turned into the intelligence department's office area, he bumped into Gao Xiang, who was tidying up documents.

"Gao Xiang, where is Section Chief Feng?"

"Oh, Section Chief Feng just took some people out on an errand; they left in a hurry."

"Did the section chief want to see her about something?"

"It's nothing, she's not here, so it's fine." Zhou Xiao waved his hand, turned around and left, his back view crisp and clean.

Gao Xiang didn't suspect anything and continued organizing the case files with his head down.

The entire corridor fell silent instantly, with only the echo of footsteps breaking the silence.

But no sooner had he turned the corner than Zhou Xiao darted back to the door of Feng Manna's office—his movements were as fast as a shadow.

The doorknob was turned, but it didn't budge.

Locked.

With a flick of his thumb, he pulled out a thin steel wire, and with a slight tremor of his wrist, inserted it into the keyhole. A gentle twist, a slight shudder, and then a flick—

"Click".

With a soft click, the latch popped open.

He quickly glanced left and right, made sure no one was there, and then crouched down and slid into the doorway.

The room was empty, filled only with silence.

The teacup on the table was still warm, with a faint water mark floating around the edge of the celadon. The tea leaves were unfurled and had not yet sunk, indicating that the person had just left the table.

Even more eye-catching was the bottle of iodine—the cap was askew and open, with a little bit of damp, shiny liquid remaining at the mouth of the bottle, gleaming slightly yellow in the light.

Upon seeing the secret report, Feng Manna practically grabbed her bag and rushed out the door.

This old-fashioned method works: write secret messages with starch water, and they will disappear without a trace after drying; just dip it in iodine and apply it lightly, and the blue-purple writing will appear clearly—the most basic steganography technique, but also the most easily overlooked flaw.

These details, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, were gradually being embedded into Zhou Xiao's mind, becoming clearer and clearer.