The very next morning, when Ning Zhiheng arrived at Fujiwara Company, he had just sat down in his office when Yi Hua'an knocked on the door and entered, whispering to him, "Chairman, during the contact time this morning, headquarters sent an urgent telegram."
Upon hearing this, Ning Zhiheng quickly guessed what was going on and couldn't help but smile wryly, "It's not about the blueprints again, is it?"
“You guessed right!” Yi Hua’an nodded and handed a telegram to Ning Zhiheng. “Headquarters has ordered the intelligence department to find these two blueprints at all costs.”
Ning Zhiheng took the telegram and examined it carefully. Just as he had guessed, the Director clearly stated in the telegram that he ordered the Shanghai Intelligence Section to keep a close eye on the Shanghai intelligence market. Once the blueprints were discovered, they must be acquired at any cost. At the same time, he also ordered the Second Intelligence Group of the Shanghai Intelligence Section, which was the Hong Kong Intelligence Group led by Shen Xiang, to do everything possible to search for the whereabouts of the blueprints. This was a matter of great importance and could not be shirked!
After reading the telegram, Ning Zhiheng felt a real headache coming on. The situation was escalating. These two sets of blueprints had already stirred up all sorts of nerves. It was easy to imagine that everyone's attention was now focused on Hong Kong and Shanghai. It was estimated that the Military Intelligence Bureau would mobilize all its forces in these two places. It was truly a momentous occasion, and there was bound to be a fierce struggle between the two sides.
Ning Zhiheng immediately drafted a telegram instructing Yi Huaan to notify the Hong Kong intelligence group to gather information about the blueprints, and to pay particular attention to the actions of various forces.
Of course, he still hoped that the blueprints would flow into the Shanghai intelligence market through various channels, so that even if it cost a lot, he could still get his hands on the blueprints.
His biggest worry now is that the blueprints have already fallen into the hands of some force and disappeared without a trace. In that case, no matter how hard he tries, he will be powerless to stop them.
The next day, in the lobby of a private club in the Shanghai International Settlement, a very secluded place, each table was set with exquisite wines and spirits, and the air was filled with a faint smell of smoke and alcohol. Scattered around were a dozen or so men and women dressed in different styles, who were in twos and threes, each finding their own companions and talking in hushed tones.
These people are all top figures in Shanghai's intelligence market. They each control a large amount of intelligence resources and have gathered here for a routine meeting.
They each have their own connections in the intelligence market, and only those whose strength and credibility are recognized by everyone are qualified to attend such gatherings.
At this moment, sitting opposite Huo Yueze was an old man in a blue robe. He was short and stocky with a chubby face and even his eyebrows were curved. He had long, narrow eyes and a kind and amiable smile. His appearance was like that of Maitreya Buddha. This man was Lao Kou, the intelligence broker from South China.
He looked helpless and said with a forced smile, "Old Chen, I'm just telling you the truth. You've come to the wrong person. This matter of the blueprints has attracted attention from all sides. Everyone's watching this place. How dare I, an old man, reach out? If I'm not careful, I'll be swallowed whole."
Huo Yueze, using the alias "Old Chen," looked at Lao Kou with a half-smile on his face and said in a more serious tone, "Old Kou, whether you're telling the truth or not, I need to make this clear beforehand. If you can get the blueprints later, you must talk to us first. You know our reputation. The price is negotiable, and I will never haggle."
Upon hearing this, Lao Kou quickly nodded in agreement, saying, "Don't worry about that. Everyone knows that you, Lao Chen, are incredibly wealthy. There are so many rich people in this room, who can compare to you? However, I really don't have any connections in the coastal area. You should wait for Xiao Fengxian. She's very capable. If there's any chance in this matter, it's only her."
Huo Yueze looked around, feeling a little anxious. Yong Feng was often absent from previous gatherings, and she didn't show up this time either.
In fact, it wasn't just him; everyone else present was doing the same thing, their eyes intentionally or unintentionally glancing towards the door, as if waiting for someone.
At this moment, Ji Hongyi finished his conversation with a middle-aged man and walked in this direction. Old Kou quickly seized the opportunity to say, "Alright, I've noted down your matter. I'll contact you if I have any news."
After he finished speaking, he stood up. At this moment, Lucas, the German who had been waiting on the side, waved to Old Kou as soon as he saw that Old Kou had finished talking, inviting Old Kou to come over and talk.
Old Kou couldn't help but shrug. At this gathering, he had become the most sought-after person. As soon as they met, he was pulled aside to chat, probably about the blueprints. It was a pity that he really didn't have any on hand, otherwise it would definitely have been a windfall!
Ji Hongyi approached Huo Yueze, sat down in the seat that Lao Kou had just occupied, looked around, and said in a low voice, "I've received some information that the situation in North China is becoming increasingly tense. The Red Army is mobilizing its troops frequently, and there's a high possibility of a major operation. The specific intelligence is being offered for $26,000. Should we accept it?"
Huo Yueze looked up at a middle-aged man with a thick beard not far away. When the middle-aged man saw Huo Yueze's gaze, he also raised his glass to Huo Yueze, and the two nodded to each other.
Huo Yueze knew that this was Lao Hong, an intelligence broker from North China, and that he was the one who had just been talking to Ji Hongyi.
"Accept all comers. The situation in North China is on the verge of exploding. The Japanese have been using the 'cage tactics' to attack the Red Party's base areas since the end of last year. The Red Party will naturally not sit idly by and wait for its demise. It seems that a major battle is about to begin. We cannot miss such important intelligence."
However, Huo Yueze was more concerned about the whereabouts of the blueprints at this moment, and then asked, "Does Lao Hong know anything about the blueprints?"
Ji Hongyi shook his head, and Huo Yueze was very disappointed. He then turned his gaze to Phillips and Anderson, who were not far away. These two were the focus of his attention.
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