Chapter Forty-One: The Olive Branch

  "A Yao, I want to let A Huan follow Xiao Ting, what do you think?" Yu Gong took a sip of tea, his eyes fixed firmly on the old man Chang Yao in front of him.

  Chang Yao thought for a moment, his sharp voice lowered: "The time has not come."

  Yu Gong asked with interest: "Oh? What's the reason?"

  Chang Yao smiled wryly: "Master, I'm a eunuch. If it wasn't for you taking me in back then, I'd probably have turned to dust already. Chang Huan is my nephew, and I know his personality well. Since he started serving under you, everything has been smooth sailing with your and my support. He's never experienced any setbacks, so he's developed a proud and arrogant attitude. Who else would he bow to besides you and me?"

  Chang Yao paused for a moment, and his tone suddenly revealed a hint of comfort and surprise: "It's just that this time after following Xiao Tang young master to do things and coming back, I found that he has become somewhat different."

  "Let's hear it." Mr. Yu put down his teacup and turned around to face Chang Yao.

  "In the past, Ah Huan was high above the top, but this time he came back. Although he didn't say it explicitly, through his few words and phrases, I could still sense that this kid had a genuine admiration."

  Yu Gong nodded: "It's not just him, I'm also surprised." Yu Gong's face broke into a smile: "I didn't expect Xiao Xiang to give me such a surprise. Without spilling a drop of blood, he charged into the enemy's lair and beheaded their commander-in-chief. This is beautifully done!"

  The tea cup was refilled with hot water and handed to the host: "Xiao Tang has just opened up a new front in Shanghai. According to news from Chongqing, Nie Shangyun has already asked Tang Zong for help to get credit for him. After all, Xiao Tang is his recruit into the Military Bureau. Next, the Military Bureau will likely make some moves too. At this time, it's not suitable for Ahuan to go. On one hand, Ahuan's temper is a factor; I suggest letting him interact with Xiao Tang again and understand more before making plans. With Xiao Tang's methods, Ahuan will eventually submit to his orders. On the other hand, Nie Shangyun is meticulous in his thinking; if he discovers the relationship between Xiao Tang and us, it won't be good for Xiao Tang either!"

  Yu Gong gently stroked his forehead: "Thanks to your reminder! I was too impatient, Xiaotang is still a young man who has just made some achievements, at this time it's about being steady, the situation changes rapidly, and there will be plenty of opportunities."

  The firecracker sounds outside interrupted their conversation, and Yu Gong was taken aback, suddenly realizing that today was New Year's Day.

  Yu Gong stood up, Chang Yao followed him to the floor-to-ceiling window, and they gazed out at the bustling street scene not far away. Yu Gong sighed: "Every time it's a holiday, this is always the hardest time!"

  Chang Yao gazed anxiously at the profile of Yu Gong, then turned back to look at a photo on the wall of Yu Gong and his daughter, his eyes becoming slightly moist.

  In the fifth-floor manager's office of the Shanghai Jierdian Road Kehua Hotel, Lin Xiaotang sat in a large sofa chair, looking at Shen Baozi, Ma Qixiang and Da Tou who were smiling but not quite smiling across from him, as well as Huo Yan standing beside him with his head bowed. Suddenly he felt extremely awkward: "No way, no way, being the boss really isn't my style!"

  "Listen up, you little punk! Old Master Wan has already given the order. From now on, this Kehua Hotel is yours to manage. That's also Mr. Du's intention. You dare disobey? I and Young Master Xiang will throw you out of here immediately!"

  Ma Qixiang said slowly and calmly: "That's not going to work, he needs to find a girl to lose his virginity first, otherwise even King Yan won't see him!"

  Shen Pangzi burst out laughing and said it was true. Dà Tóu hastily interjected, saying that he must go to Ma Qixiang's Hero Nightclub tonight to open his eyes wide. Ma Qixiang readily agreed.

  A few people were laughing and chatting when an employee knocked on the door and came in with an invitation, saying that the other party was still waiting downstairs for a response.

  Lin Xiaotang opened it and took a look: "General Manager of Futong Trading Company, Zheng Shisong." The content was an invitation to Lin Xiaotang for dinner that evening.

  Lin Xiaotang furrowed her brow. She had never heard of this Futo Company or Zheng Shisong before, so how did they suddenly send her an invitation?

  Ma Qixiang smiled: "Don't be surprised, Shanghai is like this, the emerging new rich will always have many people paying attention to them. Since the person who sent the message hasn't left yet, you might as well meet him and see what his background is."

  Lin Xiaotang nodded and excused himself from the crowd, following the staff member downstairs. Huo Yan closely followed behind him.

  Lin Xiaotang turned around and smiled: "Alright, no need to always follow me, this is my own place, don't be so careful."

  "Mr. Lin, I..." Counterattack Republic's Special Agent 41

  Lin Xiaotang gave him a white eye: "Forgot what I told you again? I'm only a few months older than you, so just call me Seventh Brother!"

  A warm feeling surged up in his heart, and he nodded slightly.

  The visitor was waiting in the lobby of the Ke Hua Hotel on the first floor. Lin Xiaotang saw him and was taken aback.

  Liu Chengfeng, wearing a gray long gown, quickly walked up and saw the hotel staff standing on one side. He then awkwardly put down his right hand and changed to a bowing gesture.

  The fiery eyes of the official made a signal with his eyes, and the official understood and covered the door and retreated.

  Liu Chengfeng's intention, Lin Xiaotang guessed some of it. As expected, he was indeed representing Wang Tianmu to pay a special visit. Wang Tianmu's meaning was simple, he wanted to secretly meet with Lin Xiaotang, Lin Xiaotang speculated that this might be the olive branch thrown out by the Military Affairs Department.

  Lin Xiaotang readily agreed, which also made Liu Chengfeng feel much more at ease. Before coming, he had been a bit apprehensive in his heart. Because based on his observation, this Officer Lin might have some estrangement with Wang Tianmu, for which he had even prepared a set of words, but it turned out to be completely unnecessary.

  After seeing off Liu Chengfeng, Lin Xiaotang specifically instructed Huo Yan that regarding matters related to the Military Commission, not a word should be mentioned to Shen Pangzi and Ma Qixiang, or even Da Tou. From now on, some things that Lin Xiaotang himself found inconvenient to handle in person, including contacts between him and the Military Commission, would all be taken care of by Huo Yan.

  Huoyan was taken aback, he had only been by Lin Xiaotang's side for a short two days, yet in these two days, Lin Xiaotang first handed over all his assets to him to manage, and then fully entrusted him with handling these shady matters. This showed that Lin Xiaotang truly regarded him as a trusted confidant, which made Huoyan even more confident in his own choice.

  Winter nights always arrive especially early, and before seven o'clock, the sky is completely dark. Wang Tianmu looked at the appointment letter in his hand and couldn't help but smile bitterly.

  Nie Shangyun, this old fox, probably didn't even think that the stone he casually threw out would stir up such a big wave. As a result, he and his disciple Tang Zong couldn't wait to start building their power in Shanghai.

  Within three days after Du Yuesheng's death, Dai Li and Zheng Jiaomin sent telegrams one after another, both of which were very cryptic reminders that he should go all out to keep the Shanghai base intact. The position of Shanghai Military Bureau was crucial in the country, not only had to maintain contact and cooperation with Britain, America and France, but also had to handle some big shots' sideline business, while also dealing with some shady transactions between Chongqing and high-ranking officials of the Wang puppet government, the pressure on Wang Tianmu can be imagined.

  At this time, the 76th Division launched a strong attack under the support of the Japanese, and the activity space of the Shanghai Military Station was greatly compressed. Li Shiqun, this madman, didn't know the principle of leaving room for everything and getting along well in the future, and he did things without considering the consequences at all, Wang Tianmu couldn't bear it anymore.

  At this time, he decided to meet with Lin Xiaotang, just wanting to understand the true thoughts of this person. Wang Tianmu had also inquired from the side about his dealings with Yun Gong Nie Shangyun, and found that there was no unbreakable interest relationship between them. Wang Tianmu also harbored the idea of talking to Lin Xiaotang, thinking that as long as he offered a suitable price, this person might be willing to help him weather the storm.

  The door curtain was lifted, and one of Wang Tianmu's trusted scouts came in, nodding to him. Wang Tianmu then got up and went to the entrance of the private room to greet him. This restaurant was a property of Shanghai Station, located in the commoner district of the French Concession, hidden in a winding alley, without drawing any attention, and it was also one of the most confidential contact points. Except for Wang Tianmu and that trusted scout, even his deputy officer Cheng Peiguang did not know about this place. This time, when meeting with Lin Xiaotang, Wang Tianmu was extremely cautious, he didn't want anyone to know that there were any secret transactions between him and this person surnamed Lin.

  Lin Xiaotang still came with a fiery eye, originally today was when Shen Baozi and others were going to celebrate for him, but he also knew that Wang Tianmu had asked himself to meet, it wouldn't be just for seeing each other's faces or eating a meal. To be honest, Lin Xiaotang also wanted to see if he could get some benefits from this Shanghai intelligence big shot.

  After the two sat down, Wang Tianmu's confidant poured wine for the two and retreated with Huo Yan.

  Wang Tianmu and Lin Xiaotang looked at each other, suddenly bursting out laughing in unison.

  Wang Tianmu first raised his wine glass: "Yu Zhong younger brother, in the past, I have often been at fault. This cup of wine will serve as an apology. I'll drink it first to show my respect!"

  Lin Xiaotang gently pressed down Wang Tianmu's hand: "Director Wang, this move is not suitable. Although I am a junior, I also understand the principle of being in the world and having no control over one's body. Past events may not have been your intention. Let's drink this cup together and not mention past matters again!"

  Wang Tianmu's eyes lit up, but his heart was filled with emotion. The young man in front of him, who didn't look impressive at first glance, had such a broad mind and way of doing things. It seemed that he had indeed underestimated him earlier.

  The two men clinked glasses and downed three cups of wine. Wang Tianmu slowly pushed the letter of appointment on his side to Lin Xiaotang's face, indicating that he should take a look first.

  Lin Xiaotang put down his chopsticks and quickly scanned the room, but Wang Tianmu was disappointed to see that Lin's face remained calm and expressionless.

  "Colonel Senator, what kind of position is this?" Lin Xiaotang tossed the appointment letter lightly back onto the table, but his mind was racing rapidly. It seemed that this was another result of the power struggle between the upper echelons of the military and the intelligence agency - a high rank, but a hollow position with no value whatsoever.

  Lin Xiaotang was very clear in his mind that this time he had to safely escort Gao Tao and the others to retreat, get rid of Duan Baohu, and let Yuan Gong, who was far away in Chongqing, discover his own value. What he needed to do next was to establish himself in Shanghai and gain a foothold, with the goal of obtaining greater benefits. Yuan Gong was using him, but now Lin Xiaotang felt that he had no reason not to accept this "kindness". The question was whether Wang Tianmu would accept it?

  It occurred to Lin Xiaotang that he casually threw out a sentence: "I heard that Wang Zhanzhang and Zheng Jiemin have a close relationship, and are also relatives of Old Master Dai?"