Chapter 36: Auntie Liu

When it came to academics, the original Zhao Xuan was a genuine prodigy. Had he not been so nervous when faced with crises, the original Zhao Xuan likely wouldn't have died, and he wouldn't have transmigrated into this era.

If Zhao Xuan were to take an exam now, well, with Edith’s help, he would probably pass.

"Uncle, as you said, the situation is quite clear now."

"So many coincidences cannot be mere coincidence. The Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (BIS) planned this operation in a rush; otherwise, they wouldn't have fired only two shots."

"Therefore, I believe this assassination attempt by the BIS was a spur-of-the-moment decision, and the trigger..."

Zhao Xuan stopped there, looking up at Ding Moqun, who stood before him.

Ding Moqun paused for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"As expected of a top intelligence student whose graduation thesis was included in the textbooks. Exactly, the trigger was what I mentioned at the meeting."

"The BIS is desperate; they don't dare let me continue the investigation. This proves that our direction is correct."

"I cannot let Boss Dai in Shancheng down. I will ferret out 'Yuweilan' and 'Young Tiger' no matter what!"

Confirming that Ding Moqun’s inner thoughts matched his words, Zhao Xuan breathed a slight sigh of relief.

However, Zhao Xuan remained puzzled. What was the purpose of Li Mingzhu's sudden action this time? How did Zhou Dahe and his daughter join the BIS in the first place? And why was Zhou Dahe willing to die?

As long as these mysteries remained unsolved, Zhao Xuan’s mind could not be at ease.

***

Shanghai Dojo of the Yamaguchi-gumi.

Liu-shen looked like a completely different person; she appeared six or seven years younger, dressed in a martial arts uniform, kneeling on a tatami mat before a low table. On the table lay an intelligence report regarding Zhou Dahe and his daughter, along with a rolled-up file detailing Zhao Xuan’s overseas studies.

"As outstanding as my own son. Zhao Xuan, I hope you can pass my screening."

Muttering to herself, Kyoko Watanabe—known as Liu-shen—picked up the report on Zhou Xiaoman.

Kneeling to her side, a samurai with his head bowed was narrating the investigation results in Japanese. This man was Kazuo Yamao, the public head of the Yamaguchi-gumi’s martial arts dojo.

"President Watanabe, according to our investigation, Zhou Xiaoman and Zhou Dahe had no prior contact with the BIS."

"Furthermore, the protest organized by Zhou Xiaoman’s classmates and teachers in the French Concession two days ago indicates that they are a group of students and faculty with communist leanings."

"Therefore, it is highly likely that Zhou Xiaoman also harbors communist sympathies, which makes her even less likely to be associated with the BIS."

"However, after I activated the 'Shadow,' the conclusion reached was that Zhou Dahe and Zhou Xiaoman do indeed have files in the BIS; they were members developed by the BIS in its early days."

"This paradox is inexplicable."

Hearing this, Kyoko Watanabe slammed the report onto the kneeling Kazuo Yamao.

"Baka! Who told you to activate the Shadow?"

"If the Shadow is exposed, your entire family committing seppuku would not be enough to atone for the sin!"

Kazuo Yamao prostrated himself on the ground in terror, his voice trembling as he replied, "Hai! It was this subordinate’s lack of foresight!"

Kyoko Watanabe stood up with a grim expression, walked slowly to stand before Kazuo Yamao, and kicked him in the head several times.

"Remember, I do not want to hear the existence of the Shadow from anyone ever again. If there is a next time, you know the rules of the Yamaguchi-gumi!"

"Get up."

Kazuo Yamao wiped the blood gushing from his nose, pinched his nostrils, and stood up shakily.

"How are the preparations for the task I assigned you?"

"President, it is ready to be executed at any time, in two waves."

Kyoko Watanabe smiled softly, walked to the edge of the dojo to pick up a katana, and turned back to Kazuo Yamao.

"Then let’s test the underground party first."

"By the way, is there any Ishida powder in stock?"

"Hai, there is enough stock. President, are you injured?"

"Why ask so many questions? Just prepare some for me; I have a use for it."

"No, never mind... After all, since his graduation thesis was included in the Berlin Military Academy’s intelligence curriculum, Ishida powder is ultimately inappropriate."

***

It was past nine in the evening when Ding Moqun’s family returned to their apartment.

Seeing them return, Liu-shen hurried forward to take the coats from Ding Moqun, Dao Yan, and Zhao Xuan, hanging them up before turning to ask, "Sir, you must not have had dinner yet. Mother Li has already left; shall I go to the kitchen and heat something up for you?"

Ding Moqun leaned against the sofa and nodded with his eyes closed; they were all famished. Liu-shen hurried to the kitchen.

Dao Ya, sitting on the same sofa as Dao Yan, glanced timidly at Zhao Xuan.

The living room fell silent until Dao Ya could no longer bear it. "Brother-in-law, is your injury alright?"

Zhao Xuan shook his head with an indifferent expression.

Seeing her brother-in-law’s cold response, Dao Ya knew that because she had always been critical of him in the past, he surely didn't like her.

"Uncle, why don't you give my brother-in-law a two-day break so he can return to work after his wounds heal?"

Ding Moqun opened his eyes and glared at Dao Ya. "Now you know how to be concerned?"

"Xiao Ya, I don't ask you to be as outstanding as Xiao Dao, but from now on, you must think clearly before doing anything. Ponder whether it might be a trap."

"After all, in a family like ours, one must always be on guard."

"However, Axuan needs to help me handle some important matters in the next few days, so he cannot be idle for now. Once he is finished, I will give him a long vacation."

Dao Ya nodded dejectedly; she truly knew she was wrong this time. "Yes, Uncle. I will be careful from now on. I will never let my brother-in-law or any of you face danger because of me again."

Hearing this, Dao Yan reached out and ruffled Dao Ya’s hair; the silkiness of it actually made Dao Yan feel a twinge of envy.

"Good to know. When people try to teach you, you always think we are restraining you, but once you learn from experience, you become quite obedient!"

Dao Ya huffed and immediately stood up to sit on another sofa, wanting nothing to do with Dao Yan. "Sister, I just realized, you are so cold-blooded."

Dao Yan’s expression hardened, and she glared at Dao Ya, who shrunk her neck in fear.

She was clearly speaking the truth—her sister didn't care about her own husband at all. It was she, the sister-in-law, who felt for him. Tomorrow, she would definitely go buy the best medicine for his wounds.

If not for her, Dao Ya, this family would fall apart sooner or later!

"Sir, Miss, Son-in-law, dinner is ready."

Liu-shen soon brought the dishes to the dining table. When Zhao Xuan followed, Liu-shen quickly brought over several packets of Chinese medicine.

"Son-in-law, I was truly terrified today. Seeing that you were hurt, I went to the herbal shop to get you some medicine after you left. Drink one bowl before bed every night, and your wounds will heal faster."