Ihara Taichi then pressed on, asking, "How did you two meet?"

"It was by chance that Mr. Mihara introduced me to him during an interview. They knew I had just returned from Shanghai and asked me a lot about China. We got along quite well. Not long after, Wang Xingyan returned to China, but Mr. Mihara and I kept in touch for a while. However, I was later transferred to China, and we gradually lost contact."

Takasugi Hitoshi's answers were a mix of truth and falsehood, and Ihara Taichi didn't entirely believe them either. Fortunately, Wang Xingyan's identity could be verified, which would allow them to report back to the Special Higher Police.

He then asked, "After that, did you see this Wang Xingyan again?"

"No, I've never seen him again!" Takasugi Hitoshi shook his head and replied.

This is of course a lie. Wang Xingyan was naturally very important to Takasugi Jinki, not only as a comrade, but also as Takasugi Jinki's mentor and introducer. Later, Takasugi Jinki's work in China was also arranged by Wang Xingyan, and they had a long period of contact.

However, Wang Xingyan's current identity is also very well hidden. Due to the strict internal discipline of the Party organization, Gao Shanrenxi really doesn't know where he is. Moreover, the name Wang Xingyan has not been used for a long time. Even if the Japanese intelligence agency knows this identity, the possibility of finding Wang Xingyan is very small. However, now that his photo has been leaked, it is a great hidden danger for him. He must notify the organization to take precautions.

After questioning him carefully for a long time, Ihara Taichi finally breathed a sigh of relief, his expression softening. He said slowly, "Takasugi-kun, we have been classmates and friends for many years. I believe I know you very well, and your performance over the years has been impeccable. However, this matter is indeed difficult to explain. I have done my best. Currently, General Uehara has agreed to allow us to conduct an internal investigation, and the Special Higher Police have promised not to target you anymore. You have finally escaped a disaster for the time being. However, you will have to endure some hardship for a while. Once the storm has passed, I will reinstate you to your job."

Takasugi Jinki knew that Ihara Taichi, as his superior and friend, had done his best. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to get through the internal investigation so easily. He bowed deeply and said sincerely, "This was truly an unexpected disaster. I owe it all to your help, senior!"

Ihara Taichi reached for the photo, looked at it again, then at Takasugi Hitoshi, and shook his head helplessly. He knew in his heart that Takasugi Hitoshi's words could not be entirely trusted, but he was unwilling to pursue the matter any further, otherwise the outcome might not be what he wanted to see.

Meanwhile, in a house in southern Nanjing, Cheng Xingye and Xiao Hong, the leaders of the underground party organization, were talking in hushed tones, sharing the information they had gathered and summarizing it.

Xiao Hong reported first: "This morning, Cheng Feng contacted Gao Shan and explained his situation, but Gao Shan refused to leave. He believes that the Special Higher Police do not yet have conclusive evidence and that there is still room to salvage the situation. If they leave rashly, the losses will be too great!"

Cheng Xingye felt a sense of relief. It was naturally best if Gao Shanrenxi was confident in stabilizing the situation. Cheng Xingye was also unwilling to arrange the evacuation. He had painstakingly planned for so long, and the Nanjing underground party organization had just recovered. If they were to withdraw, he would be the one who would be the most heartbroken!

However, he still asked with concern, "How confident is Takasugi? Did he give any other instructions?"

Xiao Hong replied slowly, "Takasugi said he was prepared and would handle the situation promptly if he were arrested by the Special Higher Police, reassuring us and allowing us to continue the fight."

"I understand!" Cheng Xingye nodded heavily. In underground work behind enemy lines, sacrifice was inevitable. Takasugi Hitoshi had made his final preparations.

"There's one more thing. Takasugi has found out some details about the Japanese building the poison gas plant, and he asked Chengfeng to pass this information on to the organization."

Xiao Hong then gave Cheng Xingye a detailed report on the findings of Gao Shanrenxi, which immediately attracted Cheng Xingye's attention.

"This intelligence is too important. We need to report it to headquarters immediately. Unfortunately, Takasugi will be unable to follow up on the subsequent situation. You need to send someone to investigate on-site."