Chapter 4
Rongxiang was still half asleep. Although he had opened his eyes, it took him a while to clear his mind. When he realized what Xiao Meng had said, he frowned in surprise: "Japanese?" Then a sharp pain in his lower body made him cry out.
Xiao Meng turned around and took trousers and a shirt from the clothes rack: "The people below reported that his name is Nakajima Hideo, a lieutenant colonel, and he is from Changchun."
Rong Xiang's expression changed slightly. His old man had just died, and the Japanese were already coming to his door to try and win him over? It was far too fast. He knew the Japanese well. They simply wanted the soldiers and guns he commanded. If he truly submitted to them, not only would he be branded a traitor, but they would also gradually strip him of his power until he was completely drained. The consequences were unimaginable. He wondered what Yi Zhongming's plans were, but since the Japanese had come, he couldn't avoid going downstairs to meet them.
Rongxiang dressed with a heavy heart, then helped Xiao Meng up. After taking a few steps, he felt that it wasn't enough to attract attention. It hurt, but he could still bear it. So he straightened his back and slowly walked out.
Reaching the top of the stairs on the second floor, he looked down at the man in military uniform sitting on the sofa. Coincidentally, the Japanese man was also looking up, and the two strangers' eyes met suddenly, creating a strange feeling. Rong Xiang quickly softened his expression, smiled, and nodded to the unwelcome guest before carefully descending the stairs. He was completely focused on his footing, afraid of hurting his injury or missing a step, unaware that to onlookers, his appearance, coupled with Xiao Meng supporting him from behind, was rather comical—two grown men, as if facing a formidable enemy, intently tackling those few dozen steps.
When he finally reached Nakajima Hideo, Rongxiang secretly breathed a sigh of relief and slowly sat down on the sofa opposite him. He leaned back on the sofa, seemingly in a lazy and comfortable posture, but it was actually out of necessity. Unfortunately, he had no way to express his suffering.
Like all Japanese soldiers, Nakajima Hideo sat upright in his neat uniform, his back ramrod straight. Because he wasn't very old, he didn't have a mustache. Seeing Rongxiang seated, he rose, bowed slightly, and then uttered a long string of extremely broken and clumsy Chinese. Rongxiang unconsciously listened intently, a troubled expression on his face. He thought to himself that this man was clearly overconfident in his Chinese; with such a level of language proficiency, he didn't even bring an interpreter when he went out.
After Nakajima Hideo finished speaking, Rongxiang, who was unable to move easily and was not good with words, could only make up for it with his expression and attitude, and smiled very nicely: "Oh, it's Mr. Nakajima, welcome, welcome. Have some tea."
A servant brought tea and served it to Rongxiang. Upon seeing the tea, Rongxiang suddenly felt thirsty. He reached out his hand, and Xiao Meng handed him the teacup. He tried taking a sip, but it burned his tongue.
Hideo Nakajima had no interest in tea. He briefly explained his purpose, first expressing his condolences for the deceased members of the Rong family, and then mentioning the Kwantung Army. His Chinese was poor, and he spoke incoherently, like a bandit inviting someone to join him, conveying the Kwantung Army's goodwill and expectations towards the Rong family. This was followed by some seemingly wonderful wishes. As he spoke, he glanced at Rong Xiang, noticing that the man opposite him was also gazing at him with affection. He also noticed that the man's lips were exceptionally beautiful, described in books as diamond-shaped lips, rosy red from the hot tea.
Rongxiang noticed that Nakajima Hideo's expression was somewhat strange. He assumed it was because he had been impolite by lounging motionless on the sofa. So his expression softened even more—he wasn't just gentle, he was gentle. However, a good attitude alone wasn't enough. Faced with Nakajima Hideo's overbearing attitude, he racked his brains for words, using evasive and ambiguous language to politely decline this well-intentioned but potentially dangerous offer.
Surprisingly, Nakajima Hideo didn't show any anger upon receiving this reply. He politely exchanged a few more pleasantries before taking his leave. Rongxiang, holding onto the sofa armrest, was helped up by Xiao Meng.
Hideo Nakajima looked at him strangely: "Mr. Rong, are you unwell? If so, please don't see me off."
Rongxiang blushed and murmured, "No, no. Thank you for your concern."
Both sides harbored ulterior motives and parted with a smile.
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