Zhang Yong observed very carefully. There weren't many soldiers around him, and they didn't seem to intend to keep them under guard any longer. He said in a low voice, "No, it seems they really are letting us go. Not only are they letting us go, but they've also returned the vehicles and goods to us. The stationmaster and the others must have come up with a plan. Let's act quickly, and hopefully, there won't be any more complications!"
Everyone worked together to quickly load their business's goods onto the truck. Zhang Yong returned to the truck he had been riding in earlier, glanced at his seat out of the corner of his eye, and then sat down. He gently touched the toolbox under the seat with his right hand and found nothing unusual, which put his mind at ease.
Following the instructions of the Japanese officer, the six trucks drove out of the military camp one by one. Once they reached the main road, they found no Japanese obstruction and everyone breathed a sigh of relief, letting out a cheer in unison. The trucks immediately sped up and headed towards downtown Shanghai.
In the office, Takeshi Ishikawa and two others chatted and laughed, engaging in lively conversation. They talked about their hometowns and feelings in Japan, as well as their experiences and feelings after coming to China. In short, the topics were endless.
Yokoyama Yasuichiro hadn't expected his two fellow countrymen to be so easygoing and talkative, with such a friendly attitude. They didn't act arrogantly at all, despite their higher status. Of course, Yokoyama Yasuichiro was also in a good mood and deliberately flattered them, making the whole conversation very harmonious and pleasant.
Especially Ishikawa Takeshi, a noble officer, showed no arrogance whatsoever. He spoke warmly during the conversation, as if they had known each other for a long time. Moreover, from Nagahama Shunpei's attitude, it was clear that Ishikawa held a high position in the military police headquarters and was a noble officer with real power. His future development was undoubtedly bright and smooth, and it was conceivable that he would become a great figure in the future.
Ishikawa Takeshi estimated that it was about time, so he raised his hand to look at his watch, then stood up and said with a smile, "Pleasant conversations always make time fly by, Yokoyama-kun. It's been a great pleasure for us fellow countrymen to get together today, but I have official business to attend to and cannot stay any longer. I'll take my leave now!"
As he flicked his wrist, a gleaming gold watch flashed before Yokoyama Seiichiro's eyes. Yokoyama immediately recognized it as a top-of-the-line Longines watch, one he'd seen before in Japan. This single watch alone would have been enough to wipe out a year's salary for him. He couldn't help but marvel at the sheer wealth of this Ishikawa-kun, a true member of the Ishikawa family. Could he be a direct descendant of the Ishikawa clan? A chill ran down his spine at the thought. If so, he'd struck it incredibly lucky today!
Yokoyama Seiichiro quickly stood up as well, nodded and said, "Yes, I also feel that we haven't had enough of talking yet, and time has passed so quickly. I was just thinking of inviting Ishikawa-kun and Nagahama-kun to stay for a drink!"
Nagahama Shunpei, who was standing nearby, laughed and said, "Yokozan-kun, we are military police, and we can't drink alcohol while on duty."
At this point, he chuckled softly and meaningfully, "But when you're on leave, you can come find us at the Military Police Headquarters. I'll treat you to the best tavern there; the wine is excellent, and the people are even better! Haha!"
Yokoyama Seiichiro nodded repeatedly. He also longed to continue his good relationship with these two, and quickly said, "That's wonderful! I'll definitely go and pay them a visit!"
Takeshi Ishikawa smiled knowingly, then took off his Longines watch and presented it to Seiichiro Yokoyama with both hands, saying, "I hit it off with you immediately, Yokoyama-kun. This is my watch, which I would like to give to you as a keepsake. Please do not refuse!"
Yokoyama Seiichiro's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected that Ishikawa Takeshi would notice his slight envy and then give it to him without hesitation. Such a generous gesture left Yokoyama Seiichiro speechless.
"This?" After hesitating for a moment, Yokoyama Seiichiro extended both hands and solemnly accepted the Longines watch, then bowed deeply. "I am truly grateful for this!"
Japanese society is strictly hierarchical. Commoners cannot have any improper thoughts about nobles, and at the same time, they cannot refuse gifts from their superiors, otherwise it would be disrespectful to their superiors. Yokoyama Yasuichiro would certainly not be so tactless, especially since this was proof of his friendship with Ishikawa Takeshi. How could he possibly be unwilling!
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