Chapter 7: The Simple-minded Person
"Yes, they came over to understand some situations, it is a routine matter, as instructed from above, if they do not come, they cannot report back. " Orenikov lowered his head and said, "As per your instructions, I have sent them away."
Orenikov expressed his gratitude and sat down on the chair in front of the desk of the president: "President, regarding the death of editor Shelkin, the editorial department is discussing it, and there are speculations that Shelkin's death is related to the 'Hassan Lake' incident he reported on earlier"
In the section of Daoli District, Zhou Sen and the tall Wuen each rode a bicycle to the Songjiang Daily Newspaper Office.
Aurenikov was taken aback, hurriedly lowering his head, with a fine layer of sweat appearing on his forehead, unsure of what had gone wrong with him
After identifying oneself
President, if this is caused by personal grievances, then it would be a relief; however, if it is not, then it is not only Sheerkin who is in danger...
This kind of minor police officer is not yet qualified to own a car as a means of transportation. Given Zhou Sen's wealth, it is not impossible, but it would be too ostentatious and could easily attract attention.
Most of the people working here are Belarusian, with only a small number of individuals of East Asian descent, but they communicate in either Russian or Japanese
"Did those two police officers leave?" Hayate Ohzawa stood behind the window with his hands clasped behind his back, his voice somewhat detached, clearly lost in thought.
Confused! Dazawa Hayate turned around and snorted coldly
Since the case has been returned from the Special Investigation Division of the Police Department, he has focused the investigation on two directions: "revenge killing" and "passion killing"
... ...
This is a three-story brick-concrete structure building with yellow exterior walls, designed in an eclectic style. A black plaque above the main entrance bears the inscription in Chinese and Russian: Ice City Songjiang Daily.
Through the newspaper, the common people of Ice City can learn about local news, at most extending to the territory of the puppet Manchukuo. Beyond that, the information is limited to what the Japanese want you to know.
Indeed, if that is the case, then those who reported on the 'Hassan Lake' incident are all in danger... Oleinikov's face revealed deep concern, along with a hint of fear
This is not difficult to understand; after the editor of this newspaper was murdered at home, personnel from the police department's special investigation unit appeared.
"President, the Shelkins live on Gogol Street, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Nangang Police Station." Orenikov quickly explained, "Shelkin died in his own home, and the Nangang Police Station is likely just following routine procedures by coming over to ask a few questions"
I mentioned some issues regarding Xie Erjin's relatively irritable temperament, his poor relationships with colleagues and subordinates, as well as some problems related to his lifestyle
... ...
The murder of an editor from our own publication has shockingly gone unreported in today's issue of the Songjiang Daily
The "Songjiang Daily," the largest Russian-language newspaper in Ice City, is also subscribed to at Zhou Sen's home
"Lao Liu gave me two bottles of liquor, a roasted chicken, and a large bag of peanuts, so I won't starve or freeze to death," Wu En said with a grin. "If it weren't for Brother Ye San coming to find me the next day, I wouldn't have known that you, young master, had already returned home"
It is said that Xie Erjin has a very bad temper; when his subordinates do not meet his expectations, he often resorts to harsh verbal abuse. Many people dislike working with him, and such a personality that offends others naturally breeds resentment.
After a brief introduction and pleasantries, Zhou Sen requested to meet with the president of Songjiang Daily, but Orenikov outright refused at that moment
Seeing the other party's attitude was exceedingly arrogant, Zhou Sen also realized that during today's visit to the newspaper, he was unlikely to obtain any useful leads
Perhaps it is because I have just arrived that I have such strong feelings, while those who have long since given up seem to have become numb.
What a fool
"Wen, where did you go the night before last?" Zhou Sen asked. Wen had always been closely following the original body, and that night after staying at the Ningxiang Pavilion, he did not find him when he came out early the next morning.
Furthermore, Xie Erjin is quite lecherous, frequently visiting places of ill repute, and he has a particular preference for young girls.
"Yes, President, how should we handle the arrangements for Xie Erjin's funeral?"
Officer Zhou, please wait a moment, Officer Wuen.
"Come on, Wuen, I will take you out to eat," Zhou Sen said, feeling touched
Given the control exerted by the Japanese over public opinion in the Ice City, it is inconceivable that such a large Russian-language newspaper would escape their oversight. Considering the status of Japanese staff within the newspaper, it appears that this Russian-language newspaper is likely one of the tools for shaping public opinion under Japanese control
Should I learn from them myself, just to endure, after all, it is only a matter of six or seven years
"Orenikov, please take a seat," said Hayabusa Ohzawa, standing up to greet.
From the mouth of Orenikov, setting aside his identity as a journalist and editor, this is simply a scoundrel
This sense of suffocation made Zhou Sen feel as if he could not catch his breath
"President, two police officers have arrived, stating that they are here to inquire about the circumstances surrounding the murder of Editor Xie Erjin." The person who entered was the secretary of Hayabusa Oze
"Everyone has died. After all, he was an editor at our newspaper. Let's first issue an obituary, and then inquire at the police station. Xie Erjin has no relatives in Ice City, so the newspaper will handle the funeral arrangements on his behalf. Let's retrieve the body as soon as possible and proceed with the burial" said Ozawa Hayabusa.
Ice City is different from cities like New Jing (Changchun) and Fengtian (Shenyang). It has many rickshaws, with a greater number of horse-drawn carriages. There are two types: large and small. The large carriages are operated by White Russians, while the small ones are operated by Chinese, with a clear distinction between the two.
Moreover, judging from the attitude of the Belarusians, the status of the Japanese within the newspaper is significantly higher than theirs; it does not resemble a newspaper, but rather an organization with strict discipline akin to a government agency
Please come in
In this era, newspapers are one of the most direct means for people to access and understand information from the outside world, with the only remaining option being radio
The obstruction of information, news censorship, distorted historical perspectives, restrictions on written expression, and the domestication of thought can be felt everywhere in the Ice City
In fact, he is a member of the Japanese espionage agency in Ice City, holding a high rank, and has participated in the planning of the "September 18th Incident," with his hands stained with the blood of the Chinese people
All are raised by their parents, and are born equal
Do not even mention the police; even the Japanese steal without hesitation.
In any case, he has no intention of solving the case, and naturally, he has no desire to dig deeper into the matter
For example, to ensure the safety of Zhou Sen
There are no signs of forced entry at the Sheerkin residence, and so far, no loss of property has been discovered. The scene does not align with the circumstances of a burglary or homicide.
Lock the car; otherwise, when you come out later, it might be pushed away by someone. The thieves in Ice City are quite skilled.
This is simply ... ...
Under the guidance of a staff member, Zhou Sen ascended to the second-floor editorial reception room
It should not be the case. The Soviet Union's intelligence station in Ice City was just recently destroyed by us, and at this moment, they are severely weakened. I fear they may not even be able to relay information back to their homeland" said Daze Hayabusa, frowning.
Dazawa Hayabusa, in his forties, is of short stature and wears a pair of gold-rimmed glasses on his nose, presenting the appearance of an intellectual
The Soviet agents move stealthily in the Ice City, while they are in the open, others are in the shadows. It is uncertain; the next person to die could very well be oneself. How can one not be afraid
President
Radios are not items that ordinary citizens can easily acquire; not only are they expensive, but purchasing them also requires registration. The Japanese impose strict regulations on the sale of radios and electronic components.
A portly man with a prominent nose, dressed in a sleeveless suit, walked in after knocking on the door and slightly bowed, saying, "President Daze."
Zhou Sen was entering the Songjiang Daily Newspaper building for the first time. Contrary to his imagination of a bustling and busy newsroom, it seemed rather quiet here, with everyone focused on their own tasks, even reluctant to engage in conversation with those nearby.
"What did you say?" asked Hayate Ohzawa
Third floor, President's office
At this point, a sudden knock on the door interrupted their conversation
"I am in Daoli District, what is the police from Nangang Police Station doing here?" Daze Jun asked with an unhappy expression
Thus, newspapers are very important in people's daily lives
In the memories of the original self, Father Anthony would read the Songjiang Daily every day before going to work at his own company
However, in Ice City, there are not many people who know about his past.
Well, you should handle this; it is best not to let them meddle too much. " Dazawa Hayate nodded and gave a command.
Understood, I will take care of it right away
However, such a simple person is truly a treasure. Zhou Sen suddenly felt a twinge of guilt in his heart. The original self took all of this for granted, but he did not think so. Why should someone stand at the door in the middle of winter? What if they got frostbite?
There is no need to say, they are basically all Japanese
Dazeyuan's eyes narrowed slightly: "The 'Hassan Lake' incident has long passed, and subsequent reports have already ceased. If it was the work of Soviet agents, that would indeed be a troublesome matter"
Hayase Jun squinted his small eyes and waved his hand: "Forget it, since you have said so, let's leave it at that. Do not complicate matters further."
Instead, Ye San'er was the first to find the Ningxiang Pavilion
I stood guard at the telephone booth at the entrance of the Fragrant Pavilion all night long, Wu En explained
Orenikov immediately stood up: "Understood, President, I will take care of it right away"
"What? You stood guard outside the gate all night in temperatures below minus thirty degrees..." Zhou Sen was shocked. Are there really such earnest people?
Generally, bicycles are the most commonly used mode of transportation by patrol officers, followed by trams and horse-drawn carriages
The tea in front of him was nearly finished, and Zhou Sen finally met with the senior management of the newspaper, namely Deputy Editor-in-Chief Orenikov.
... ...
In summary
No, it seems to be the Nangang Police Station
... ...
I simply inquired about Xie Erjin's work situation and his interpersonal relationships with others at the newspaper
Zhou Sen did not know what words to use to describe this newspaper, which does not even care about the lives and deaths of its own people, truly bizarre
Is this from the Ice City Police Department
Not even an obituary was published
The winter in Ice City is long, with external temperatures dropping to minus twenty or thirty degrees. In such cold weather, relying on human power to pull a cart can truly be life-threatening
The greatest benefit of Wuen is that there are not so many problems; as long as he believes it is right, he will take action.