Chapter 8
Yi Zhongming never expected to receive such a warm welcome from Rong Xiang when he returned to Fengtian.
He felt a bewildered sense of emotion, even though he knew things wouldn't always be as idyllic as they appeared. But when it came to Rongxiang, he was always a little confused. His lifelong, clear and resolute sense of right and wrong seemed somehow insignificant here, becoming more flexible.
He was unaware that he possessed such a sentimental side. Sitting on the large sofa in the Rong family's living room, he held a half-smoked cigar, appearing lost in thought.
After Rongxiang finished his welcoming formalities, he prepared to get straight to the point. In any case, the two of them were already in cahoots and colluded in evil deeds—neither of which were positive terms, but they were very apt descriptions of their relationship.
"Does Mr. Yi know a lieutenant colonel in the Japanese Kwantung Army named Nakajima Hideo?" he asked as he sat down next to Yi Zhongming. As usual, he maintained a symbolic distance of one centimeter. He was used to it; it seemed that without this, he couldn't expect Yi Zhongming to open up to him.
Yi Zhongming placed his hand on Rong Xiang's back, and through the thin woolen vest and shirt, he could feel Rong Xiang's body temperature: "I know. He comes from the Black Dragon Society."
Rong Xiang was a little surprised and turned to look at Yi Zhongming: "You know him?"
Yi Zhongming shook his head with a half-smile: "No, I've only heard a little about it."
"He came a few days ago, and said the same old thing. What do you think?"
Yi Zhongming's hand slowly slid down: "What are your plans, Third Master?"
Rongxiang suddenly laughed: "I don't understand."
What Yi Zhongming couldn't stand was his smile, which evoked the phrase "a face as beautiful as a peach blossom." But that phrase didn't suit Rong Xiang. Let's try something else: "a beast in human form"? --- That's outrageous, it's an insult to him.
With a wry smile, Yi Zhongming withdrew his hand: "I'll go back and have someone investigate."
After his trip to Xi'an, Yi Zhongming seemed to have lost even more weight, his skin almost translucent and pale. Rong Xiang secretly suspected he was ill, but judging from his spirits, he was no less energetic than himself. How long had he known Yi Zhongming? He couldn't even remember; it was as if he'd known him since birth. As a child, he called him Uncle Yi, but later, realizing Uncle Yi seemed to have an unusual fondness for him, he changed to calling him Mr. Yi, always maintaining a polite distance. Although he was always under Yi Zhongming's control, Yi Zhongming had indeed helped him a great deal.
He didn't know whether to thank him or resent him. Rongxiang thought with a smile.
"During my trip to Xi'an, I took the opportunity to visit Fu Yangshan. He has just become the provincial governor, but people below him don't really listen to him, which is also because his own abilities are still somewhat lacking."
"Fu Yangshan? Is that the bandit general who made a fool of himself in Congress back then?"
Yi Zhongming curled up the corners of his mouth: "Exactly. He can now be considered half the king of the Northwest—of course, his position is very unstable. The place is very chaotic right now. The Hui and Han people are still fighting each other. Ma Zhongying has such a great influence in Xinjiang, who would listen to Fu Yangshan? The mayor of Xi'an is a subordinate of Marshal Li, and he also has his own group of people—it's really a complete mess."
Rongxiang had absolutely no interest in the situation in Xi'an. He was only focused on the present—the Japanese had already come knocking on his door, and it seemed that Nakajima's side wouldn't let it go unless he gave a clear answer. As for Nakajima's talk about the so-called revival of Manchuria—of course, it couldn't be taken seriously—but it certainly sounded wonderful.
Rongxiang suddenly had a thought: if the Japanese didn't require him to give up his territory, he could perhaps feign politeness and appease them for a while. However, he feared that if he got too close to the Japanese, it would be difficult to extricate himself later.
He was still young, full of vigor but lacking experience, so after a few moments of thought, he finally turned to Yi Zhongming again. He was too close to him, and he noticed that Yi Zhongming seemed to be starting to go bald.
Yi Zhongming removed the cigar from his mouth and glanced indifferently at Rong Xiang. Rong Xiang looked quite well, his face rosy and fair, which made his short, black hair stand out even more. Although he was in Xi'an, Rong Xiang's every move was under his watchful eye. He'd heard that Rong Xiang was currently getting along famously with a young reporter, and he felt a little uncomfortable, but ultimately didn't make a big deal out of it—why should he, at his age, get jealous? Besides, Rong Xiang had always been like this; once he became close to someone, he'd put on an act of devoted, unrequited love. Wasn't he the same with Feng Huizhen? But when it really came down to it, he was nothing more than that, nothing more. Thinking about this, Yi Zhongming felt a chill. Rong Xiang was only willing to submit to him because he was under someone else's roof and had no choice but to bow his head. Once Rong Xiang grew up, he would probably try to destroy him completely.
“Um…” Yi Zhongming pondered for a moment before slowly speaking, “From now on, have that Japanese man come directly to me. Also, whatever you do, don’t offend him.”
Rong Xiang nodded, initially relieved, but then his heart pounded again: Could Yi Zhongming have colluded with the Japanese to sideline him—or perhaps even surrendered to the Kwantung Army with his troops? If so, he would be left without an army and would be seen as a thorn in the side by the Japanese. Moreover, with the chief of staff defecting to the Japanese, he too would be branded a traitor… He smiled and leaned closer to Yi Zhongming, reaching for a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his brow. One suspicion after another surfaced, almost suffocating him.
The two people on the sofa were so close they seemed to be glued together when Xiao Meng suddenly appeared like a ghost: "Third Master, you have a phone call."
Rong Xiang's hand was still on Yi Zhongming's leg, and he was preoccupied with his own thoughts, so when he heard this, even though he knew it must be Fu Jingyuan calling, he still replied somewhat impatiently: "Tell him I have something to say, ask who he is, and call back tonight."
Seeing Xiao Meng walk away quickly, Yi Zhongming stared at the hand on his leg and chuckled softly, "What's wrong with you? You're not avoiding people again?"
Rong Xiang just smiled, seemingly a little foolish. In truth, he wished he could immediately sleep with Yi Zhongming to earn his unwavering loyalty. Otherwise, he simply couldn't rest easy—Yi Zhongming was a cunning old fox, impossible to guard against!
That night, Yi Zhongming stayed at the Rong family's house.
Rongxiang stopped smiling abruptly after the lights were turned off. He had been smiling for quite a while, and the muscles in his face were starting to ache.
Yi Zhongming was rustling as he undressed by the bedside. He was a slowpoke, and it took him a long time to finally get into bed. Touching Rong Xiang's naked body again, he seemed quite excited, though he still made a flustered effort. Rong Xiang trembled in pain, and he didn't hide his suffering, wanting Yi Zhongming to know that he had made a sacrifice and therefore deserved appropriate compensation!
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