Agent: Intercepting Yu Manli at the start!

Chapter 56 This reward came at just the right time!

What is Yongxin? It's a behemoth in Shanghai, second only to the Green Gang, a black money empire that even the Special Higher Police find troublesome. Take it over? Let alone an unarmed girl, even a veteran action team leader from the Military Intelligence Bureau wouldn't dare to agree to it.

"This... is impossible!" she blurted out. "How could Yongxin be handed over to me? Absurd!"

Zhou Xiao's expression darkened, and he said, enunciating each word clearly, "I'll only ask you—do you dare, or don't you dare?"

Lin Yiyi bit her lower lip, then suddenly raised her chin and replied in a clear voice, "If you can really hand Yongxin over to me, I'll take it immediately! But... what exactly do you want from me, a weak woman, to manage Yongxin?"

"Don't ask now," he waved his hand. "You'll understand in time."

"...So mysterious." She muttered to herself, but nodded emphatically.

But a storm was brewing in his heart—at least, he had agreed. The revenge for the massacre of his entire family finally had a glimmer of hope.

Zhou Xiao, however, already had a plan in mind.

What does Shanghai have the most of?

Gangs.

The Special Higher Police, No. 76, the Special Operations Headquarters, and the Military Police—combined, their manpower is still less than that of a single branch of Yongxin. Their influence and reach are so vast that they can be considered the underground lifeline of Shanghai.

This city is a vital intelligence hub. Secret telegrams, black market prices, and confidential political and business agreements flow in and out daily, like a tidal wave. Relying solely on the four major intelligence agencies for surveillance and monitoring is tantamount to trying to scoop the sea with a sieve.

He had been waiting for a pair of eyes that could see into the heart of the gang.

Therefore, he knew Yongxin's background better than anyone else.

Currently, three major forces are entrenched in Shanghai: Yongxin, the Green Gang, and the Xingrong Gang...

In its early days, the Green Gang held absolute power. However, after the Japanese invaders entered Shanghai, they dealt a heavy blow to the Green Gang—its headquarters were smashed, key members were arrested, and its territory was swallowed up. In an instant, the Green Gang collapsed and its members scattered. The Green Gang was severely weakened, splitting into four or five factions, and could no longer unite as one. Taking advantage of this gap, Yongxin rose to prominence, and Xingrong Gang also quietly grew in strength, thus forming a three-way balance of power.

Zhou Xiao's intention to support Lin Yiyi in taking over Yongxin was tantamount to planting a pair of sharp eyes in the most intricate network of the underworld in Shanghai. Yongxin's disciples were everywhere—at the docks, in opium dens, teahouses, theaters—and even infiltrated the police station and the nooks and crannies of the puppet government. Their intelligence was faster than telegrams; their surveillance of the Japanese was more accurate than shadows; and their messages were more reliable than encryption keys.

Not to mention the old guns, sharp knives, and hard-working soldiers that Yongxin has in his hands. When it really comes down to it, this simmering armed force may not be any less effective than a regular squad.

To put it bluntly, taking over Yongxin means grasping the lifeline of Shanghai's underworld – the benefits far outweigh the risks, a sure-fire way to make money.

Zhou Xiao knew Yongxin's background very well: if he wanted to shake up this deeply entrenched power, the first thing he had to do was to bring down Zhang Wanlin.

He was still figuring out how to leverage the situation to break the deadlock, but he never expected that Lin Yiyi would break down that door the moment she stepped into Shanghai.

As for whether she had the skill, courage, and shrewdness, Zhou Xiao knew perfectly well—he had never misjudged people.

hum-

The roar of the engine tore through the night, and the car sped like an arrow across the empty streets, heading straight for Zhou's residence.

Although the villa is not yet fully renovated—the walls are mottled, the floors are dusty, and even the curtains aren't all hung up—Zhou Xiao's name is clearly written on the property certificate. For now, it's enough to settle Lin Yiyi in.

She scraped her left arm during the fight with the Yongxin gang members; blood soaked through her sleeve, but the injury wasn't deep. Zhou Xiao rolled up his sleeve; alcohol swabs, gauze, and medicine powder were all readily available. With swift movements, he bandaged her up properly in just a few moments.

"Let's stay here for a few days; no one can sneak in for now."

"Mm." Lin Yiyi looked up at him, paused, and said in a soft but deep voice, "Zhou Xiao, no matter what others say, I thank you—thank you so much."

"I'll keep the thank you message until I'm healed." He turned and pushed open the door, leaving without looking back.

The next morning.

As soon as Zhou Xiao stepped into the special operations headquarters, Feng Manna came to greet him.

Her first words were tinged with barely suppressed tension: "Director Zhou, Section Chief Aoki just called and wants us to go to the Special Higher Police immediately."

Going again?

Just one night later—he had just returned from the Special Higher Police with a commendation order, the keys to his new villa, and a letter of appointment as a committee member yesterday, and before dawn this morning, another summons flew over.

Zhou Xiao raised an eyebrow: "Manna, what's your purpose in calling us here this time?"

Feng Manna shook her head: "They only said on the phone that I must be there, they didn't reveal a single other word."

"Okay, I'll pack up and leave right away."

Ten minutes later, the black sedan drove out of headquarters and sped off towards the Special Higher Police.

On the way, Feng Manna turned her head and asked, "Third Brother, didn't you go back to headquarters last night?"

"He didn't go back; he slept at Zhou's residence."

Upon hearing this, she simply uttered an "oh" and said nothing more.

Just then, a sudden jolt went through my mind—

[Ding! Check-in task completed, intermediate psychology skill unlocked]

Intermediate Psychology Skills: Advanced abilities to understand people's minds. This includes accurately identifying emotional fluctuations, predicting behavioral tendencies, guiding thought processes, and even temporarily influencing others' consciousness. This skill supports continuous upgrades—from beginner to intermediate to advanced to super, progressing step by step.

psychology?

This is not something that can be glossed over with a few slogans. Even in the Military Intelligence Bureau training schools, the instructors only touched on this subject briefly—they themselves couldn't fully grasp it, so how could they dare to teach it in depth?

It studies how people think, fear, believe, deceive, break down, and rekindle their fighting spirit; it studies the calculations behind shifty eyes, the concessions after three seconds of silence, the foreshadowing of a smile hiding a knife, and the deadly move that can dismantle a defense line with a low shout in a critical moment.

Torture can be used, heart-to-heart talks can be used, setting traps can be used, and winning people's hearts can be used even more.

This reward has come at just the right time.

The road was clear, and the car stopped in front of the Special Higher Education Department.

Aoki Takeshige was already waiting in the office. When the two entered, he smiled warmly and said, "Director Zhou, Section Chief Feng, you're really fast. You arrived right after I hung up the phone."

Zhou Xiao bowed slightly: "How could I dare to neglect the summons from the section chief?"

"Hahaha!" Aoki clapped his hands and laughed, clearly the reward he received yesterday had worked—promotion, rank, and a house—three fires burning at once, which had indeed ignited some loyalty. "With you guys in charge of the Special Operations Headquarters, I can sleep more soundly at night."

Feng Manna smiled and agreed, "You flatter me, Section Chief."

Aoki glanced at the two of them, then changed his tone: "I invited you two here today to introduce a new colleague."

Before the words were finished—

The door was pushed open, and a slender figure stepped in.

It was so familiar it took my breath away.

Zhou Xiao and Feng Manna were both stunned, a look of unexpected surprise flashing across their faces.

Blue Rouge.

It really was her.

Aoki's smile deepened: "The three of you have a long history, especially Section Chief Feng and Miss Rouge, who are very close friends."

He paused, then said solemnly, "From today onwards, Miss Lan Yanzhi is officially transferred to the Special Operations Headquarters as an intelligence officer."

"She is exceptionally talented and quick-witted. Once she joins, she will undoubtedly be a sharp weapon for the Special Operations Headquarters."

Zhou Xiao knew perfectly well what was going on.

Who is Lan Yanzhi? A sharp blade meticulously honed by the Military Intelligence Bureau. Now she has brazenly walked right under the nose of the Special Higher Police and entered his department—if the Military Intelligence Bureau hadn't used every means at every level to pull strings, Aoki would never have agreed.

Aoki's decision to let her in might not necessarily be out of trust, but more likely—to keep her as a pawn that could be detonated at any moment.

Feng Manna, unable to contain herself any longer, blurted out, "Section Chief, are you aware of Lan Yanzhi's true identity?"

"I'm certain she's a spy planted by the Military Intelligence Bureau! Although we don't have concrete evidence yet, Lan Yanzhi's intrusion into the Special Operations Headquarters is definitely not to pledge allegiance—anyone with eyes can see what she's up to! Section Chief, you must act decisively and detain her immediately!"

"When I was working at the Special Operations Headquarters, she repeatedly urged me to resign and leave. Can someone who is eager for their colleagues to leave their posts truly risk their lives for us?"

The deaths of Feng Manna's parents were indeed inextricably linked to Lan Yanzhi. Hatred had long since eroded her reason; even clenching her teeth was insufficient to describe it.

Even if her parents were traitors who betrayed their country—they deserve to die!

This resentment is perfectly reasonable.

Aoki Takeshige raised his hand and pressed down hard on Feng Manna's shoulder: "Manna, I know about the old scores between you and Rouge. But right now, we need you to put aside your personal grievances and work alongside her for the Special Higher Police."

"Besides, the situation has changed—Rouge has come to us because she has been forced to the brink of despair and this is her only way out. Looking at the entire city of Shanghai, only the Great Japanese Empire is willing to take her in and protect her."

Lan Yanzhi smiled slightly, her gaze sweeping calmly over Zhou Xiao and Feng Manna: "Director Zhou, Section Chief Feng, I hope you will take good care of me in the future."

Zhou Xiao already knew her background, and the two had long since reconciled, so he greeted her with a beaming smile: "Miss Rouge, welcome to the team!"

"Thank you." She reached out her hand, her fingertips cool, and firmly grasped Zhou Xiao's hand.

Zhou Xiao was secretly delighted to have her join the team—the Special Higher Police had gained another member of their own.

From now on, all the intelligence transmissions that are inconvenient to show their faces and the handover of confidential documents that are difficult to handle can be completed quietly through her.

That was a brilliant move!

Feng Manna tensed her jaw, her voice turning cold: "Section Chief! This person is absolutely untrustworthy! He's most likely an informant planted by the Military Intelligence Bureau. A single misstep could backfire!"

"My father's painstakingly built intelligence network was destroyed by her! Letting her in is like planting a time bomb at headquarters that could explode at any moment! Section Chief, please think this through! Director Zhou, please persuade Section Chief Aoki!"

Zhou Xiao glanced at Feng Manna, his tone calm but unquestionable: "Manna, there is indeed some misunderstanding between you and Yan Zhi. But since it was the section chief who made the decision, we should execute it unconditionally—a soldier's duty is to obey orders without question."

"Director Zhou is absolutely right!" Aoki Takeshige nodded and smiled, his tone gentle yet carrying an unyielding authority. "Manna, I hope you two can mend your old relationship and work together to achieve your goals. The Special Higher Police never mistreat those who truly contribute."

Feng Manna looked around, her mind clear—no matter how much she argued today, she couldn't stop Lan Yanzhi from entering.

She took a deep breath, suppressing her surging anger, and smiled demurely as she turned to Lan Yanzhi: "Yanzhi, alright, let's wipe the slate clean of our past grievances. From now on, we're still best friends!"

"Come here, give me a hug!"

Before he finished speaking, he opened his arms and pulled Lan Yanzhi into a tight embrace.

In their intimate embrace, Feng Manna's voice was as low as a viper's hiss: "Remember—don't let me catch you by the tail. Otherwise, I'll make sure you're nothing but dust."

Every word was chilled to the bone.

Lan Yanzhi lowered her eyes and smiled faintly, without saying a word.