203: The desire to destroy me will never die.

Zheng Yaoxian was momentarily stunned upon hearing those words.

Then he looked down, his pupils shrinking violently.

In just an instant, the composure and calm on his face were replaced by immense shock.

He jerked his head up to look at Lu Fan, his eyes filled with disbelief and a sharp, re-evaluating light.

For him, this term held an extraordinary meaning and was a matter of life and death.

A brief, deathly silence fell over the headquarters.

Their gazes met, as if invisible sparks were colliding.

After a long while, Zheng Yaoxian took a deep breath. The shock on his face slowly faded, replaced by an extremely complex expression.

He lowered his voice until it was almost inaudible. "Mr. Lu's origins and ambitions are far deeper than I, Zheng, ever imagined.

Since that's the case, can we have an open and honest talk?"

"Can I see that token?" Lu Fan asked cautiously.

Zheng Yaoxian took a deep breath and pulled out a sapphire ring, breaking the silence first. "Boss Lu, since you already know...

I no longer need to hide it. I was assigned by the Soviet Central Social Department and have been undercover in the Statistics Bureau for ten years now."

His voice was very soft yet exceptionally clear, carrying a solemnity as if entrusting his life.

This light mention of ten years was deafening.

Lu Fan couldn't help but feel profound respect. He gave Zheng Yaoxian a salute in an extremely solemn and respectful manner.

Knowing the cruelty of this front, he spoke from the bottom of his heart: "Comrade Zheng Yaoxian, thank you for your hard work!

I offer my highest respects to all comrades who go deep into the tiger's den and fight silently for the cause of faith and national independence and liberation!"

The invisible barrier dissolved in this moment.

A trace of barely perceptible warmth appeared on Zheng Yaoxian's cold face.

A light shone in his eyes, and he said with a sense of relief, "It's all for the revolutionary work; it's just my duty."

As the atmosphere relaxed, Lu Fan asked curiously, "Zheng Yaoxian, I believe I've acted quite discreetly.

How did you determine my identity and find your way here?"

"Boss Lu, just call me Old Six." Zheng Yaoxian smiled and explained, "It's actually quite a coincidence.

Tang Jifeng, the Fourth Young Master Tang, and I are the best of friends.

The day before yesterday, with his help, I busted a Tokkō stronghold and achieved a great feat.

During the celebration, the Fourth Young Master once inadvertently mentioned that you have connections everywhere, and I took note of it then."

He paused and continued with a slight hint of embarrassment, "Privately, I secretly reviewed all the relevant materials about you.

Although there was no direct evidence showing a connection between you and that mysterious armed force,

the fact that you rose to become Shanghai's most mysterious nouveau riche in just a few months forced me to admit your immense influence.

Meanwhile, the mysterious armed force possesses unknown weapons of astonishing power, superb tactics, and explosive combat strength.

The two of you seem completely unrelated, but both feats can only be achieved by someone with god-like connections.

Combined with that ceasefire order from Nanjing, and looking at who was most likely to strike 'against orders'... although there were no substantive clues, I ultimately locked onto you. You were the only one I could lock onto.

I just didn't expect, Mr. Lu, that your background and power would be far greater than I imagined."

After this analysis, Lu Fan realized that Zheng Yaoxian had identified him purely based on the concept of having "god-like connections."

Even though it was based entirely on guesswork, he had guessed correctly.

Thinking about the nature of Zheng Yaoxian's work, he immediately realized this was an opportunity.

Then, appearing to take it from his chest but actually retrieving it from his system space, he pushed a thin file folder in front of Zheng Yaoxian.

"Old Six, inside is a partial list of Tokkō undercover personnel in Shanghai and the surrounding areas,

as well as the addresses of three secret contact points that haven't been discovered yet—two of which belong to Tokkō.

I hope this helps you carry out your work better and gain a firm foothold in the Statistics Bureau."

Zheng Yaoxian knew the value of this generous gift all too well.

This would allow him to easily achieve another extraordinary feat within the Statistics Bureau, greatly consolidating his position.

A promotion would not only allow him to execute his undercover mission more effectively but also make it easier to probe Nanjing's core secrets.

He solemnly took the file folder without unnecessary pleasantries. "Thank you, Boss Lu. Great kindness needs no words of thanks; just watch my performance."

After putting away the intelligence, Zheng Yaoxian's expression became solemn once more.

He shifted the topic, warning in a serious tone, "Boss Lu, your current risk of exposure is already very high.

Based on the intelligence I've received, the Nanjing side—both the Presidential Palace and the Executive Yuan—has already noticed you.

Their attitude is clear: if such a powerful force cannot be used by them, then it must be destroyed.

In their eyes, there are only factions and political maneuvering; the overall situation of the War of Resistance must sometimes give way.

So moving forward, you must be extremely careful and stay hidden."

Regarding this warning, Lu Fan gave a bitter smile and said frankly, "Old Six, I appreciate your warning; it fits the current situation.

But to be honest, killing the Japanese invaders efficiently while remaining completely hidden is an almost impossible task.

My existence itself is meant to change the tide of the war; I am destined to be unable to hide in the shadows forever.

One cannot have their cake and eat it too."

The atmosphere in the headquarters became heavy again due to this realistic dilemma.

Suddenly, Lu Fan seemed to think of something, and his eyes lit up.

He took another booklet from his chest and handed it to Zheng Yaoxian. "I almost forgot about this.

This is a set of high-level codebooks currently being used by the Japanese, which General Zhao Dengyu captured before he fell.

Keeping it with me isn't very useful; perhaps it will be more helpful for your work."

"A codebook?"

With excitement and trembling hands, Zheng Yaoxian immediately took the booklet without any hesitation.

For someone in his line of special work, this was a priceless treasure, more precious than gold.

He couldn't wait to open it and quickly flipped through the pages.

Relying on his professional knowledge, he immediately confirmed the authenticity and extremely high value of this codebook.

He jerked his head up, his eyes flashing with intense excitement. "Boss Lu, you really are a godsend!

Just before I came here, I happened to intercept a new Japanese coded telegram and was struggling to decrypt it. Now I have the means."

He immediately pulled another piece of telegram paper from the depths of his briefcase.

Using the newly acquired codebook, he began to decrypt it with full concentration.

His fingers moved rapidly, and he muttered to himself, sometimes frowning, sometimes having a realization.

After about ten minutes, Zheng Yaoxian jerked his head up, his face filled with shock and urgency.

He handed the decrypted telegram to Lu Fan. "Boss Lu, the Japanese ambition to destroy us never dies!

They plan to gather heavy troops in two days to launch another landing operation along the Chuansha Estuary and Bailonggang line.

They intend to outflank the rear of our main army and form a pincer attack from both sides."

The content of the telegram was clear and unmistakable, signaling that another great battle was imminent.

Lu Fan looked at the telegram, his gaze turning sharp. "Chuansha Estuary... it really is here again."

Zheng Yaoxian put away the codebook and telegram and stood up. "I must return immediately to report this intelligence. Farewell."

"Take care!" Lu Fan said solemnly.

Zheng Yaoxian left in a hurry, as if he had never appeared.

Lu Fan looked at the location of Chuansha Estuary on the map and fell into deep thought.

A new storm was gathering speed.