He reached out and gently stroked the brand-new banknote, his heart filled with conflicting emotions. What the other party said was true: counterfeiting Central Reserve Bank notes would have no impact on Japan's domestic economy, but would only harm the interests of the Chinese people. On this point, he had no psychological barriers whatsoever.
Moreover, I am already over forty years old. I have worked hard for most of my life but have not accumulated enough savings. In addition, the Japanese economy is declining rapidly, and some areas have begun to adopt a rationing system to control the supply of daily necessities. The lives of ordinary people are becoming increasingly difficult, and my family members are not well-off either. I am always worried about this. But with this huge sum of money, my family members can live a life of wealth that is unattainable for ordinary people. At my age, I will no longer have to run around and work hard. Everything will be different!
But what if he did that? It would be extremely risky. If he were discovered, he might lose his life. Thinking of this, he looked up at Fujiwara no Tomohito and slowly gained confidence.
This powerful figure holds a prominent position and possesses immense strength. It is said that he wields enormous influence in Shanghai, practically controlling everything. Cooperating with him might truly be an opportunity to gain wealth and status.
Especially now that he knows the other party's plan, he is well aware of the consequences if he insists on not cooperating. In fact, the outcome was already decided when he entered this house; he had no way out.
However, Teppei Ito still said with concern, "Fujiwara-kun, there are some things you may not know. Even if I am willing to cooperate, this matter is not as easy as you might imagine. Our work of engraving steel plates is under the full supervision of the Special Higher Police of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is almost a completely closed working environment, and the management of the engraving plates is very strict. Even if I copy the engraving plate, I will not be able to take it out of the workshop."
Ning Zhiheng, however, was prepared. He said, "Ito-kun, you're overthinking it. You only need to be responsible for copying the woodblocks. You don't need to worry about anything else. I can guarantee that the Special Higher Police's supervision of you will not affect you. At the same time, I will arrange for a suitable person to contact you and be responsible for taking the woodblocks out of the studio. In short, I will handle every step properly."
At this point, a ruthless glint flashed in Ning Zhiheng's eyes. He softened his tone and said arrogantly, "Besides, this is Shanghai. Even if someone questions me, I will handle everything myself. No one will do anything to harm you."
Ito Teppei was taken aback by what he heard. Fujiwara Tomohito's tone was clearly full of confidence, which made it clear that no one in Shanghai could threaten Fujiwara Tomohito's position.
He took a deep breath and nodded after a long while, agreeing, "Since Fujiwara-kun has arranged everything and smoothed things over, then I will no longer refuse."
"Great!" Ning Zhiheng slapped the table with delight. Ito Teppei's performance was exactly what he had planned. How many people in this world can resist the temptation of money? Besides, he wouldn't allow the other party to refuse. This Ito Teppei was a smart man.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in!" Ning Zhiheng ordered.
Kimura Maki pushed open the door and entered, bowing as he reported, "Chairman, Major Takeshita requests an audience."
Ning Zhiheng laughed heartily upon hearing this. He Siming's arrival was timely, giving Ito Teppei a boost of confidence. So he nodded and said, "Please invite him in."
After saying that, he turned to look at Teppei Ito and said with a smile, "Let me introduce you to a friend. You two will be interacting frequently in the future."
Soon, to Ito Teppei's astonishment, He Siming strode in, took a few steps to Ning Zhiheng, and respectfully asked, "Chairman, what are your instructions?"
Ning Zhiheng made a gesture, pointing to Ito Teppei opposite him, and said, "Takeshita-kun, I think you've already met. Do I need to introduce you?"
He Siming was prepared. He nodded slightly to Ito Teppei beside him and said with a smile, "No need. I picked Ito-kun up by ship when he came to Shanghai. We've met a few times in the past month, so we're not strangers."
As the liaison officer of the Special Higher Police, He Siming had participated in the entire process of this work and had contacted Ito Teppei multiple times. He Siming even specifically inquired about Ito Teppei's situation. It was He Siming who reported to Ning Zhiheng that Ito Teppei was a disciple of Kanda Tamayama.
At this moment, Teppei Ito could not hide his surprise and doubt. Of course, he knew this Major Takeshita, because this young officer was Takeshita Shinya, the liaison officer in charge of supervising their work. According to his staff, this man was not only a confidant of Taro Sagawa, the head of the Shanghai Special Higher Police Section, but also had the support of the Otani family. He was definitely a powerful figure in the Special Higher Police Section.
Hearing He Siming speak, he quickly stood up and said, "Major Takeshita, I didn't expect you to be acquainted with Chairman Fujiwara, what a coincidence!"
He Siming smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Ito, I am just a pawn serving the chairman. You are the chairman's honored guest. I will have to ask for your help in the future."
He Siming adopted a very humble attitude, wanting Ito Teppei to understand who he was dealing with.
As expected, upon hearing this, Teppei Ito felt a chill run down his spine. This powerful figure in the Special Higher Police was behaving this way in front of Tomohito Fujiwara. It seemed that he had underestimated Tomohito Fujiwara's power.
Ning Zhiheng gestured for He Siming to sit down as well, and said, "Ito-kun, from now on, Takeshita-kun will be in contact with you. He will arrange the personnel and provide you with all the necessary assistance. Once the woodblock is finished, hand it over to him, and you don't need to worry about anything else."
Teppei Ito suddenly realized that Major Takeshita was also part of the plan. The person supervising him was an accomplice, so things would be much easier and he could do things without any restrictions. He felt much more at ease.
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