Exposure
The third brother then stepped into the room, his footsteps very light. "We brought back the guns, grenades, and radio, and we also found several maps. They've all been hidden according to plan."
"The base has also been destroyed. All the laboratories and equipment have been completely destroyed. Nothing of value has been left behind."
"Is the location safe?" Zhang Xiande pressed.
“It’s very safe. It’s an old location that has been thoroughly scouted,” the third brother replied confidently. “It will definitely not be exposed in the near future.”
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiande nodded. "Alright! Before the news spreads, the brothers who are going to participate in the operation tonight should leave the city overnight and not come back."
The third brother nodded and left.
Zhang Xiande looked at You Jiale standing to the side and said, "We need to be prepared. This operation will definitely attract the attention of the Japanese. We need to come up with a series of countermeasures."
Just as Zhang Xiande had predicted, the atmosphere in the city became unusually tense early the next morning. The number of Japanese military police on the streets had noticeably increased; they patrolled in groups of three or five, their eyes scanning their surroundings warily. Temporary checkpoints were set up at some important intersections and streets, and all people and vehicles entering or leaving the city were subject to strict checks.
Soon, rumors began to circulate in the city that a secret Japanese stronghold had been attacked the previous night, suffering heavy losses. The Japanese high command was furious and ordered the military police in China to launch a "cleansing" operation to thoroughly find the mastermind behind it all.
Not long after, more reliable news arrived: martial law was imposed throughout the city, all city gates were sealed, and no one was allowed to enter or leave at will. The military police began searching house to house, especially merchants engaged in transportation and factories with warehouses, who were the primary targets for inspection.
"A delivery company?!" You Jiale's heart jumped into her throat. Wasn't "Leji" a food delivery business? Although they mainly delivered food, they were also involved in the transportation of goods!
“They acted swiftly,” Zhang Xiande said in a deep voice. “Last night’s operation caused them considerable losses.”
The Japanese military police swarmed through the city like locusts, searching everywhere. The barking of police dogs and the harsh shouts of the military police filled the air, creating a sense of dread. Merchants and individuals suspected of having ties to the resistance were arrested one after another, and the entire city was gripped by fear.
"Leji" naturally became one of the main focuses of the Japanese attention. Before the afternoon, several Japanese men in military police uniforms, accompanied by a translator, arrived at the store in a menacing manner.
Yu Jiale suppressed her unease, forced a smile, and went to greet them: "Gentlemen, welcome. How can I help you?"
The lead Japanese military policeman, his sharp eyes scanning every corner of the shop, asked in broken Chinese, "What kind of business do you run?"
“We are ‘Leji Delivery,’ mainly providing food delivery services to residents and businesses in the city,” You Jiale quickly replied, trying to sound as respectful and natural as possible.
"Delivery?" The Japanese military police frowned, seemingly puzzled by the term.
The translator quickly explained, "It means delivering the food to the place the guest specifies."
The Japanese military police nodded and continued, "What do you usually use to transport food?"
You Jiale quickly pointed to the bicycles and handcarts parked in the backyard: "We mainly use these. They are simple tools to make it easier to get around in the city."
Several Japanese military police followed Yu Jiale to the backyard, carefully inspected the bicycles and handcarts, and even searched the cargo boxes on the vehicles to see if anything else was hidden inside.
"Do you have any other means of transportation?" the Japanese military police continued to question.
Yu Jiale said innocently, "No, sir. We're just a small shop, doing a little business, this is enough for us."
The Japanese military police didn't seem to fully believe him. They questioned him further about "Leji's" business scope, partner merchants, and usual sources of goods. You Jiale answered patiently and cautiously, trying to avoid revealing any flaws.
While the Japanese were questioning him, Zhang Xiande quietly entered the front hall. He stood not far away, calmly observing the situation. His gaze briefly met You Jiale's, and he gave her a reassuring look.
After a thorough investigation and questioning, the Japanese military police found nothing suspicious and left "Leji" with a hint of reluctance.
After seeing the Japanese off, You Jiale let out a long sigh of relief, feeling his back was soaked with sweat. He turned to Zhang Xiande, a worried look on his face: "Will they come back?"
Zhang Xiande shook his head: "The Japanese won't give up easily. Starting today, the store's business will be temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of our staff."
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