At this point, Zheng Hongbo pointed to the numerous wounds on Luo Xingchao's body and said again, "These are clearly marks left after being tortured. Two months ago, you went back to your hometown to visit relatives. I just sent people to Wuxi to investigate your return home. We will get back to you soon. You can't deny this."
Your problems are so obvious. If you and I were in each other's shoes, would you believe that all of this is just a coincidence?
Don't harbor any illusions, Luo Xingchao. I am the head of the military intelligence station, in charge of all intelligence work in Shanghai. Behind me is Section Chief Bian from the Nanjing headquarters, our former station chief, a pivotal figure in the Military Intelligence Investigation Department. We two assure you that as long as you repent and return to our ranks, and atone for your crimes through meritorious service, we can overlook your previous defection. Everything can start anew. I think you should believe our promise.
But if you remain stubborn and defiant, you will not only betray your nation and country, becoming a traitor to your people, but you will also lose your life and bear a bad name even after death! We will not easily let your family off the hook either. Think carefully about what is more important!
Zheng Hongbo's words were a combination of soft and hard tactics, explaining the consequences, from obeying the greater national cause to the life-or-death situation, and finally threatening his family.
Upon hearing this, Luo Xingchao could no longer muster the will to resist. If he hadn't been forced into this situation, how could he have betrayed his nation and country? Besides, what Zheng Hongbo said was indeed the truth; the scars on his body were simply inexplicable.
Zheng Hongbo even sent people back to his hometown of Wuxi to investigate, but he was arrested by Japanese agents on the way back before he could even return. He was tortured and then spent half a month recuperating at the Special Higher Police. All of this would be clear once he returned to his hometown to investigate, and now he could not deny it.
After a moment of internal struggle, Luo Xingchao finally nodded and said with utter helplessness, "Station Chief, I have failed the Party and the State in nurturing me. I was indeed arrested by the Japanese on my way home, forced to write a confession, and even had my picture taken. The Japanese gave me a sum of money, a lot of money! I really had no other choice, so..."
Hearing Luo Xingchao's words, everyone felt relieved, which meant that the double agent had been successfully planted.
Zheng Hongbo laughed and said, "To admit your mistakes and correct them is the greatest virtue. However, Luo Xingchao, you know the rules of our Military Intelligence Investigation Department. Although we will not pursue the matter before, it was still an act of defection to the enemy. Therefore, you still need to redeem yourself through meritorious service so that we can believe that your actions are genuine. Otherwise, we will still have to settle accounts with you in the future."
Since he has already admitted to defecting to the enemy, it means that Luo Xingchao's psychological defenses have collapsed. At this point, there is no need to be polite anymore. A combination of kindness and severity, along with a warning, will make him obedient.
"I will definitely atone for my crimes and do good deeds. I would never dare to have any ulterior motives. If I hadn't been forced to, why would I be willing to work for the Japanese?" Luo Xingchao quickly said.
This time, Zheng Hongbo was able to spare his life, and he escaped death. It was truly a stroke of luck amidst misfortune. How could Luo Xingchao dare to have any second thoughts? Besides, with this, his worries about being threatened by the Japanese were completely put to rest, and he felt a sense of relief.
Zheng Hongbo nodded, then turned to Hou Weizhao and said, "Since we're comrades again, let's talk somewhere else. Tidy him up and bring him to my office."
"Yes, stationmaster!" Hou Weizhao hurriedly replied.
Soon, Luo Xingchao, dressed in a crisp military uniform and all dressed neatly, was already standing in Zheng Hongbo's office, giving a detailed report to the senior officials.
Just two and a half months ago, on his way home to visit his family, Luo Xingchao was ambushed by Japanese agents and captured, and taken back to the headquarters of the Special Higher Police.
After being subjected to severe torture, including being put in the electric chair, Luo Xingchao finally succumbed to the ordeal and wrote a handwritten surrender letter before defecting to the enemy. The letter was photographed as evidence.
After the harsh treatment, they gave him a sweet treat, a full five thousand dollars, before releasing him. Under coercion and enticement, Luo Xingchao became a spy planted by the Japanese in the military intelligence station.
It's past midnight! Old Vine will never break his promise, and everyone else must keep their word too! Time to vote! Lalalalalalalalalala~ What a long echo!
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