He wore a well-fitting black suit that accentuated his slender figure and well-proportioned features, exuding an air of nobility and elegance from within.
The moment they appeared, they immediately attracted the attention of everyone near the hotel entrance. There were also many reporters from various newspapers who had been waiting nearby. When they saw Ning Zhiheng's motorcade, they all crowded around. They were well-informed and had sharp eyes. At a glance, they knew that this was the motorcade of Fujiwara Tomohito, the most powerful figure in Shanghai and the chairman of the Fujiwara Association. You should know that this top Japanese aristocrat rarely appeared in such public occasions. The opportunity was rare, so everyone swarmed around.
Seeing this, Ning Zhiheng frowned. What he feared most was the reporters taking photos. Kimura Maki was also prepared and took the initiative to surround Ning Zhiheng with his men. At the same time, he waved to the guards to stop the reporters from taking photos. Only then did Ning Zhiheng step into the hotel.
Not far away, Wang Hanmin, who was on duty for security, also saw this scene. However, Ning Zhiheng was surrounded by guards, and Wang Hanmin could not see his face clearly.
Just then, a group of people quickly walked out of the hotel. They were all high-ranking Japanese figures, and Hiroki Kagesa, as the host of the banquet, also came out to greet them personally.
Kagesa Hiroki grabbed Ning Zhiheng's hand and greeted him warmly, "Fujiwara-kun, it's an honor to have you here. I'm so sorry I didn't welcome you sooner. Everyone's already here, we've been waiting for you! Haha!"
Ning Zhiheng said with a smile, "General Yingzuo is too kind. We apologize for keeping you all waiting!"
Japanese military police commander Takashi Katsuta emerged from behind Hiroki Kagesa, shook hands with Ning Zhiheng, and said with a smile, "The banquet is about to begin. I was thinking of having Ishikawa pick you up since you haven't arrived for so long, but thankfully Fujiwara-kun has come. Let's go in quickly!"
Taro Sagawa, the head of the Special Higher Police, greeted them with a smile. Seeing everyone come out to welcome them, Ning Zhiheng exchanged pleasantries with each of them. Surrounded by the crowd, they entered the hotel lobby together.
Wang Hanmin had been watching all this from a distance, and he couldn't help but gasp in amazement at the scene before him. Just then, a voice behind him said, "That person is Fujiwara Tomohito!"
Upon hearing it, Wang Hanmin recognized Li Zhiqun's voice. He turned around and asked, "I've heard so much about this person. What a grand entrance! Even General Yingzuo had to come out to greet him personally!"
Li Zhiqun smiled dismissively and said, "He is a top Japanese nobleman and a direct descendant of the Fujiwara family. In terms of status, no one in Shanghai can compare with him. Although he is not in the military, he controls the Shanghai military police and garrison. Even General Kagesa has to rely on him to win over the local power brokers. We can only look up to such a person!"
Having spent a long time in Shanghai, Wang Hanmin was naturally familiar with Fujiwara Tomohito's situation. A thought struck him, and he nodded, saying, "Director, when the banquet begins later, will we have a chance to pay him a visit?"
The two men are not high-ranking members of the new government, not even ministers, but they control the most powerful departments and are considered important figures, so they are naturally qualified to attend the banquet.
Li Zhiqun was taken aback. He had a deep respect for this Chairman Fujiwara and knew how formidable he was. He had been quite frightened after only a brief encounter with him and still felt lingering fear to this day!
However, he knew what Wang Hanmin was thinking. It wouldn't be a bad thing to leave an impression on this powerful figure. He thought for a moment and said, "This person usually only contacts high-ranking Japanese officials. He can't even get close to the important officials of the new government. It will be difficult for us to get close to him. Let's see how things go!"
The two chatted for a while before going to check the security arrangements. They would then enter the hall to attend the banquet once it began.
Ning Zhiheng and his group entered the banquet hall, which was already full of people, mostly officials of the new government, who were chatting among themselves in their respective social circles.
The lobby of the Nine Nations Hotel is very large and spacious. There is a large lectern at the front of the lobby, with an open space in the middle, many dining tables on both sides, and sofas for guests to relax around the perimeter.
At this moment, the agents of Operation 76, dressed as waiters, moved among the crowd, setting out a variety of delicious dishes on each table, including some local Shanghai specialties—a dazzling array!
When the Japanese high-ranking officials, including Kagesa Hiroki, entered the hall, the hall fell silent for a moment, followed by a flurry of murmurs. Many people secretly glanced in their direction, but knowing their place, they dared not approach and speak.
Kagesa Hiroki and Ning Zhiheng ignored them and went straight to the left side of the hall, where Japanese dignitaries gathered.
Upon seeing Ning Zhiheng and the others appear, everyone stood up to greet them. The seat in the very center remained empty. Japanese society is strictly hierarchical, and since Kagesa Yuki and Ning Zhiheng held the highest positions, they did not yield and sat directly in the middle.
At this moment, Ning Zhiheng looked around and couldn't help but look at Major General Yoshioka Masakazu beside him with surprise, and asked, "Yoshioka-kun, why hasn't Commander Tada arrived yet? Is he not here yet?"
As the highest-ranking officer of the Japanese garrison in Shanghai, Lieutenant General Naoya Tada is expected to be present.
Yoshioka Masakazu shook his head and said, "The commander went to Taiwan yesterday, probably for other important matters, so he won't be attending today."
Ning Zhiheng nodded and didn't ask any more questions. He then whispered a few words to his friends. These people were all influential figures in the military who had many dealings with the Fujiwara Company. They shared interests and had a very harmonious relationship!
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