freenovelworld Chapter 525: We really need to talk
Chapter 525: We really need to talk
"In espionage, the first thing you need to know is disguise." Zheng Yaoxian's voice was low and steady. "Your appearance, words, actions, even your aura, must make it impossible for the enemy to detect any flaws. You must make them believe that you are one of them."
He made Su Ming practice changing his posture, tone of voice, and even the frequency of his breathing. Zheng Yaoxian coldly pointed out every mistake Su Ming made, without mercy, until he had mastered it completely.
"Secondly, you must learn to observe," Zheng Yaoxian said, pointing to a map. "The enemy won't tell you their plans directly, but their actions will leave clues. Learn to find clues in the details and see through the surface to the essence."
Su Ming spent a whole night studying a piece of intelligence disguised as an ordinary document until he finally found the hidden code in it.
However, what shocked Su Ming the most was Zheng Yaoxian's profound understanding of psychological warfare.
"The enemy isn't scary; your own fear is." Zheng Yaoxian stared at Su Ming, his eyes like knives. "You must learn to control your own emotions while exploiting your enemy's. Make them suspicious and make them make mistakes."
To help Su Ming understand this, Zheng Yaoxian arranged a special training session. He had Su Ming play the role of a traitor, facing interrogation by "enemies." These interrogators were veterans appointed by Zheng Yaoxian, and their questioning was sharp and unforgiving. Su Ming had to remain calm and use his wits to navigate them.
That night, Su Ming nearly collapsed. But when he finally succeeded in deceiving his interrogator, he felt an unprecedented sense of accomplishment.
As time went on, Su Ming gradually mastered every skill taught by Zheng Yaoxian. He became calmer, more perceptive, and more dangerous. He knew that he was no longer the naive newcomer.
Late one night, Zheng Yaoxian suddenly handed Su Ming a piece of information, his expression unusually serious. "This is your graduation assessment. Complete it, and you can leave."
Su Ming accepted the intelligence, a wave of mixed emotions welling up within him. He knew this wasn't just a test, it was a true battle. He had to use his wisdom and courage to prove himself a true intelligence warrior.
He said nothing more, only gave Zheng Yaoxian a deep look before turning and leaving. His back, in the dim light, appeared resolute and lonely, like a sword unsheathed, ready to face an unknown battle.
The night was as dark as ink. Su Ming walked slowly along the damp, cold streets, his steps unhurried, as if he was deliberately suppressing his inner anxiety. The contents of the intelligence kept flashing through his mind, the danger and mystery revealed between the lines making him feel uneasy. This was Zheng Yaoxian's "graduation test," but he knew that this was more than just a mission, it was more like a battle between life and death.
Intelligence reports indicate that a mysterious figure codenamed "Shadow" has been appearing frequently within the underground network, relaying crucial information. Su Ming's mission is to locate this individual and uncover the secrets behind him. However, the intelligence offers no clear clues about Shadow's true identity. The only hints are a secret meeting location and a seemingly meaningless codeword.
Su Ming's fingers unconsciously clenched the pocket of his windbreaker, which held the copy of the intelligence. Countless possibilities surfaced in his mind, each one like a sharp thorn, piercing his heart.
"Who is Shadow?" he asked himself repeatedly. "Is he an enemy or an ally? What will be the consequences if I make a mistake?"
Zheng Yaoxian's words still echoed in his ears: "In spy warfare, the most deadly thing is not the enemy, but your misjudgment of the situation. It's either victory or death, there is no middle ground."
Su Ming took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. He knew that losing control of his emotions would only lead him to make mistakes, and in this game, any mistake could cost him his life.
He arrived at a dimly lit café, the meeting point mentioned in the intelligence. The place was sparsely populated, and the air was thick with the aroma of coffee. Su Ming chose a corner seat by the window, ordered a simple cup of coffee, and began to observe his surroundings.
He scanned each face, trying to find anything unusual. A middle-aged man wearing a hat was looking down at a thick book, his fingers occasionally tapping the pages. A young waiter was wiping the table, his movements seemingly casual yet a bit too mechanical. A couple was talking in low voices, their eyes revealing a hint of unnatural tension.
"Who among these people is Shadow?" Su Ming speculated in his mind, while trying to keep his expression calm and natural. He knew that the enemy was also observing him, and he had to act like an ordinary, unsuspecting person.
As time passed, Su Ming's heartbeat quickened. He couldn't help but wonder if the meeting time mentioned in the intelligence was correct, or if he had been discovered.
Just then, a man in a gray windbreaker walked in. He was tall and slender, with steady steps. After scanning the store, he walked straight to Su Ming's table.
"Sir," the man said in a deep and powerful voice, "can I sit here?"
Su Ming raised his head and smiled slightly: "Of course, please sit down."
After the man sat down, he took out a cigarette from his pocket, but did not light it. He just gently turned the cigarette with his fingers, as if he was thinking about something.
"Are you here to see me?" the man suddenly spoke, with a hint of temptation in his tone.
Su Ming's heart tightened, but he remained calm on the surface: "Maybe, maybe not. It depends on who you are."
The corners of the man's mouth rose slightly, revealing a meaningful smile: "Smart answer. However, I need a little sincerity."
Su Ming did not answer directly. Instead, he took out a folded piece of paper from his pocket and placed it on the table: "This is the only sincerity I can give you. If you feel it is not enough, you can turn around and leave."
The man picked up the note, unfolded it, and glanced at it. A flicker of surprise flashed across his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He folded the note, put it in his pocket, and whispered, "It seems we do need to talk."
Su Ming's heart skipped a beat, knowing he had captured the other party's attention. But at the same time, he felt a vague sense of unease. The man's expression was too calm, even carrying a sense of confidence that he was in control of the situation. This made Su Ming feel that he might have underestimated his opponent's strength.
"Do you know who 'Shadow' is?" Su Ming asked tentatively.