209: Du Yuesheng's banquet

Leaving the headquarters, both Lu Fan and Tang Jifeng felt quite heavy-hearted.

Although they had obtained the orders, the road ahead was treacherous, difficult, and long.

By the time they returned to the Xiafei Manor villa, it was nearly dusk.

Before even entering the door, Lu Fan's multifunctional glasses sent out an alarm.

"Something's wrong!" He instantly became alert; with a sharp glance, he drew his pistols into both hands.

As the two pushed open the study door, a faint scent of blood wafted toward them.

A figure lay collapsed on the study's carpet, dark red blood pooling beneath them. Upon closer inspection, it was actually Zheng Yaoxian.

"Old Sixth!" Tang Jifeng cried out in shock and rushed over.

Lu Fan quickly checked him and found Zheng Yaoxian unconscious, his face pale and breathing weak, with multiple gunshot wounds on his body.

"Quick! Carry him to the inner lounge and bring my medical kit! Hurry!"

Lu Fan displayed astonishing calmness and professionalism. Putting on surgical scrubs, he quickly cut away Zheng Yaoxian's clothes and began disinfecting the wounds.

Relying on his Mastery of Surgery ability, he skillfully performed debridement, stopped the bleeding, and probed for the bullets.

Tang Jifeng assisted from the side, his heart racing at the sight.

The surgery proceeded under crude conditions.

Fine beads of sweat broke out on Lu Fan's forehead, but his hands remained as steady as a rock.

Finally, with the soft clink of metal tweezers hitting the tray, five blood-stained bullets were removed one by one.

Lu Fan picked up a bullet, carefully examining the characteristics of the projectile and the primer. His face instantly darkened.

"6.5mm Arisaka rifle rounds, and... Nambu Type 14 pistol rounds? They're all standard Japanese equipment!"

Just then, Tang Jifeng, who was helping clean Zheng Yaoxian's clothes,

Pulled a slip of paper mostly soaked in blood from his inner pocket.

A few words and symbols were scribbled on it in pencil, barely legible: "Tokkō... New base... Ambushed... Kamikaze..."

"Tokkō base... Ambushed... Kamikaze..." Tang Jifeng read aloud, his expression changing drastically.

"Old Sixth must have run into that Kamikaze Special Agents unit while clearing out a Japanese spy base."

Lu Fan nimbly set up an IV drip for Zheng Yaoxian and said with a solemn expression, "They really have infiltrated the Shanghai."

"Brother Fan, should we recall Old Li and the others first? To resist foreign aggression, we must first stabilize the internal situation. Let's wipe out these animals first."

Tang Jifeng looked at his unconscious younger brother and made the suggestion through gritted teeth.

"To resist foreign aggression, we must first stabilize the internal situation?" Lu Fan fell into deep thought as he heard the familiar phrase.

Now was a critical moment for troop deployment; he really couldn't leave this time bomb alone.

But on second thought, the arrow was already on the string. It wouldn't be right to delay the entire war effort because of this Kamikaze Special Agents unit.

For a moment, he was caught in a dilemma.

Just then, the telephone in the living room rang sharply.

The abrupt ringing sounded particularly piercing in the tense, silent villa.

Tang Jifeng warily picked up the phone. After listening for a few moments, he covered the mouthpiece and whispered to Lu Fan, "Brother Fan, it's a call from the Du Mansion.

Mr. Du is inviting us to a banquet at his home tonight."

Lu Fan and Tang Jifeng exchanged a look, both seeing the suspicion and surprise in each other's eyes.

A sudden invitation from Du Yuesheng at a time like this? Was it a coincidence, or...?

Lu Fan was restless due to Zheng Yaoxian's heavy injuries and the appearance of the Kamikaze Special Agents, so he wanted to decline the invitation.

But Tang Jifeng signaled him intensely with his eyes. After a brief struggle, Lu Fan nodded in agreement.

After hanging up the phone, Tang Jifeng said, "Du Yuesheng may have come from the underworld and be a mob boss,

But he values loyalty immensely and possesses a patriotic heart. Most importantly, he has operated in the Shanghai for decades.

His connections are deeply intertwined, he is extremely well-informed, and his reach is vast. He might be able to help with the Kamikaze unit matter."

With this explanation, Lu Fan felt a bit of anticipation for the upcoming banquet.

As the evening lights flickered on, crystal chandeliers inside the Du Mansion glowed brilliantly, and exquisite dishes filled the round mahogany table.

At the feast, Du Yuesheng sat in the seat of honor wearing a silk robe, looking very amiable.

He raised his glass and spoke: "Mr. Lu, Brother Tang, you both honor me with your presence!

As the director of the Resistance Support Association, I thank Mr. Lu for his repeated generosity.

The large quantities of scarce materials you donated were like charcoal in the snow, a truly noble and righteous act.

I truly admire you. Come, let me first toast the two of you."

With that, he drained his glass.

Lu Fan and Tang Jifeng raised their glasses in return.

After a round of drinks, the capable-looking Ms. Winter Meng, who was sitting beside Du Yuesheng, also rose gracefully.

She looked at Lu Fan with sincere gratitude in her eyes: "Mr. Lu, I toast you with this glass on behalf of my good sister, Hu Lan.

Months ago, had you not stepped in to help, she might have met with disaster. She has never been able to thank you in person.

Today, I take this opportunity to express our gratitude."

She gently finished the wine in her glass.

Lu Fan recalled that minor incident and nodded slightly. "Ms. Meng is too kind. It was a small matter, not worth mentioning."

He then calmly accepted the toast.

Du Yuesheng laughed heartily and raised his glass again.

This time, his smile faded slightly, and his tone became more solemn: "Mr. Lu, for this third glass,

I must thank you for your life-saving grace on behalf of the many elders and fellow villagers of my Tangqiao Village!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Lu Fan's hand holding the glass paused slightly, and a flash of undeniable surprise crossed his eyes.

The annihilation of the enemy at Tangqiao Village had only happened yesterday. It was in the suburbs, and he had evacuated immediately after the battle.

He hadn't shown his face much and had handled things very quickly and discreetly, yet Du Yuesheng had actually obtained the news in such a short time.

And he was so certain it was his doing? This intelligence capability was indeed as unfathomable as Tang Jifeng had described!

Du Yuesheng saw Lu Fan's surprise but did not point it out.

He only said meaningfully, "Though I am of little talent, I have operated in the Shanghai for many years and still have some ties to my hometown.

In Tangqiao Village, there are many of my fellow villagers and old acquaintances. Had it not been for Mr. Lu appearing like a divine soldier today, the consequences would have been unthinkable.

I and my fellow villagers will keep this kindness in our hearts."

With that, he drained his glass again.

Lu Fan was shaken internally, but he remained calm on the surface. He slowly drank the wine in his glass, effectively admitting to the matter.

Since the other party already knew, denying it would only seem pretentious and lacking in sincerity.

Seeing this, Tang Jifeng immediately smiled to smooth things over. "Boss Du is indeed well-informed, just as the rumors say!

However, this matter is of great importance. I hope Boss Du will keep it confidential for us to avoid unnecessary complications and trouble."

"Of course, of course." Du Yuesheng nodded with a smile. "Am I one to be so careless as to cause unnecessary trouble?"

Tang Jifeng took the opportunity to shift the conversation and press further: "Boss Du, speaking of trouble, there really is a thorny issue right now.

According to reliable information, the Japanese have an extremely fierce and cunning special forces unit codenamed 'Kamikaze'.

They were the ones who started the slaughter in Tangqiao Village. Currently, reliable sources say they have already infiltrated the city area.

These people act ruthlessly, intending to stir up trouble in the Shanghai and obstruct the smooth progress of the war strategy.

Boss Du, your reach is vast and you have friends in both the underworld and the establishment. Could you help keep an eye out for the movements of these Japanese?

If there is any trace of them, please be sure to let us know so we can be prepared."

"Kamikaze Special Agents?" Du Yuesheng frowned slightly and pondered for a moment.

He then readily agreed, "Since they are a cancer harming the country and endangering the people, I will not hesitate!

I will give orders for the brothers everywhere to pay extra attention. As soon as there is news, I will notify you both immediately."

"Thank you, Boss Du!" Tang Jifeng and Lu Fan thanked him in unison.