Two days later, in the calligraphy and painting hall of Mulan Academy, Ning Zhiheng was sitting opposite Iwai Kenji and Matsudaira Hidemi. The tea table in the middle was fully equipped with tea sets, and Ning Zhiheng personally served tea to the two of them. The three of them chatted amicably.
Iwai Kenji remarked with emotion, "Fujiwara-kun, I've been in Shanghai for so many years, but I've never been to Mulan Academy before. I never imagined it would be developed into such a beautiful place, with such lovely scenery and so many distinguished guests. It's truly a wonderful place!"
After his conversation with Ning Zhiheng at the banquet, Iwai Kenji, in an effort to befriend Ning Zhiheng, brought Matsudaira Hidemi to the Mulan Academy several times to meet with him. Both of them were intentionally trying to get closer to each other, and they quickly became close friends who could talk about anything.
Matsudaira Hidemi hadn't expected that his previous conversation with Ning Zhiheng at the consulate had left a very good impression on Ning. Now that Iwai Kenichi had specifically asked him to get closer to Ning Zhiheng, he was naturally more than happy to do so.
Fujiwara Tomohito held a prominent position and wielded considerable influence in Shanghai. Maintaining a good relationship with him would be highly beneficial to one's future work.
Matsudaira Hidemi also clapped his hands and exclaimed, "This is indeed a rare and peaceful place. The Muran Shain is already quite large now. I heard that Fujiwara-kun wants to expand the Muran Shain even further?"
Ning Zhiheng smiled broadly and said, “Mulan Academy is my favorite place to stay. I don’t like music and entertainment, but I have loved calligraphy and literature since I was a child. I have made many like-minded friends here, so I like it very much. I plan to expand a large garden to the west of the academy and plant more flowers and grass so that we can go on outings and play in the future.”
Iwai Kenji and Matsudaira Hidemi exchanged a glance, secretly marveling at the sheer amount of money involved in expanding a garden in Shanghai, where land is incredibly valuable. Yet, Chairman Fujiwara seemed completely unconcerned, demonstrating the extent of his wealth.
Matsudaira Hidemi gave a thumbs-up and exclaimed, "No wonder I've heard the locals say that Fujiwara-kun is like Lord Mengchang of China, a man of great generosity and chivalry!"
Ning Zhiheng quickly waved his hand politely and said, "Not at all, I just provided a place for friends to exchange ideas. Mr. Iwai, Mr. Matsudaira, please come and sit down when you have time. It's rare to have a moment of leisure, so we can brew tea and chat. It's a way to appreciate elegance, haha!"
The three of them smiled, raised their teacups, and drank together.
Setting down his teacup, Iwai Kenichi began, "By the way, Fujiwara-kun, I wonder if the assassins who tried to kill you a few days ago have been caught? Several newspapers in our consulate's possession are displaying bounties for them on the front page every day, which will help in the capture."
The Iwai Mansion was an intelligence agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They had control over newspapers and magazines in Shanghai, and controlled several newspapers that promoted the heresy of the Greater East Asia Co-operation Union, serving as the mouthpiece of the Japanese.
When Ning Zhiheng heard Iwai Kenichi mention this matter, his expression turned somewhat helpless. He forced a smile and said, "I'm sorry to trouble you, Mr. Iwai. We haven't found this person yet. Sigh, I don't know why, but now everyone is targeting me, an idle person with no position or power. I don't know what kind of background this assassin has, so now I have to carry a large group of people with me when I go out. The security situation in Shanghai is getting more and more chaotic. I estimate it will become even more chaotic after the new Nationalist government is formally established."
Upon hearing Ning Zhiheng discuss the new government, Iwai Kenichi immediately whispered, "Fujiwara-kun, General Kagesa of the Tsuchihara Agency has already begun negotiations with various parties. He even came to my place the day before yesterday to discuss matters. I wonder what your attitude is?"
Ning Zhiheng understood. It seemed that Kagesa Hiroki was very thorough in his work and had already begun to contact the local strongmen to gain their support. So he nodded and said, "General Kagesa respects our opinions, unlike General Tsuchihara, who is a bit too radical."
Iwai Kenichi echoed, "Yes, Tsuchihara always uses the pretext of forming a new government to reach out for his own interests. Personally, I think General Kagesa is easier to get along with."
The two were of one mind and formed an alliance, finding their conversation very congenial.
As they chatted idly, at a street corner outside the Mulan Academy, a man dressed in a gray long robe and wearing a top hat was leaning against the wall. His hat brim was pulled low, covering the upper half of his face, and he was secretly scanning his surroundings out of the corner of his eye.
This man was none other than Hirayama Jiro, who had been on the run for many days. He had escaped capture last time, but he had not given up on assassinating Ning Zhiheng.
For the past few days, Ning Zhiheng has been surrounded by a large number of bodyguards. Without his long gun, Hirayama Jiro could not shoot from a distance, so he could only rely on the pistol he had left to prepare for close-range assassination. Hirayama Jiro would not give up until he killed Chairman Fujiwara.
However, he had been following Ning Zhiheng for a long time but couldn't find an opportunity to make a move. But he was very patient and believed that as long as he persisted, he would find a suitable opportunity sooner or later.
At noon, Ning Zhiheng invited Iwai Ken'i and Matsudaira Hidemi to dine at Mulan Academy. Ning Zhiheng arranged for the best Japanese chef in Shanghai and the highest-grade ingredients. The exquisite lunch was highly praised by Iwai Ken'i and Matsudaira Hidemi.
They parted ways in the afternoon. The three of them had a harmonious day, chatted happily, and agreed to meet again another day.
Kenji Iwai and Hidemi Matsudaira waved goodbye to Ning Zhiheng, and after watching him get into the car, they waved goodbye again through the car window.
Hirayama Jiro could only shake his head in regret once again from a distance. The bodyguards were too vigilant. It was impossible to get within 30 meters. If anyone got even a little closer, the Fujiwara Company's bodyguards would turn their attention to them. Their positions blocked all angles, making it impossible for Hirayama Jiro to make a move.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
