Chapter 0001: Assassination

"I have already said to call me Senior Brother, why are you still being so distant?" Guan Jingyan said with a smile, chiding Fang Buwei.

Guan Jingyan peered curiously out of the car window and pointed into the distance, asking: "Is that Hongkou ahead?"

Fortunately, the opponent is only armed with handguns, which cannot penetrate the steel plates of the small vehicle

The bullets fired by the opponent mostly struck the body of the vehicle, and the gunfire sounded like beans popping in a frying pan, making a chaotic "pitter-patter" noise

"Let's go!" Guan Jingyan fired two more shots at the opposite side, but his marksmanship was not very good, and the bullets flew who knows where.

Upon hearing the first gunshot, the three guards, including Fang, reacted immediately and lowered their bodies at the first opportunity

A group of men, dressed in various styles, stood at the window of a room on the third floor, watching a middle-aged man in a long robe and top hat, who, surrounded by three bodyguards, got into a small car at the entrance of the hotel

However, it is not at all affected: "If it is about killing enemies on the battlefield, I, as a subordinate, will certainly strive to be the first to fight, but the special envoy..."

Since the first Shanghai Incident, the predatory ambitions of the Japanese have become glaringly evident: they have entrenched themselves in Shanghai, with their sights set on Nanjing

He actually wanted to take a closer look at the situation of the Japanese army stationed in Shanghai, so that he could report back to the principal after returning.

Hearing several cries of anguish, accompanied by shouts in Japanese, two gunmen sat on the ground, clutching their legs

If not for excelling in military academy with outstanding grades, excellent skills, proficient marksmanship, and quick thinking, upon graduation a year ago, he would not have been assigned to the Special Affairs Office

After several business trips to other locations, Guan Jingyan always had Fang Buwei accompany him. During an unexpected ambush, Fang Buwei calmly led Guan Jingyan out of the encirclement, saving his life. From that moment on, Guan Jingyan regarded Fang Buwei as a close friend.

With their marksmanship, both myself and Lin Zhicheng could easily drive these individuals back

Bang bang! Fang did not hesitate to reveal his head, raised his pistol, and fired a few shots at the opposite side. Then he heard two cries of agony, and the gunfire from the other side weakened.

Not long after arriving, it happened that Guan Jingyan was out on an inspection. The Special Affairs Office dispatched personnel to accompany and protect him. Director Ma, well aware of this student's habits, specifically chose those with a background from Huangpu Military Academy, which was precisely why they were selected.

Fang did not block Guan Jingyan's path, instead, he turned sideways and retreated into the alley

Enter the alley! Guan Jingyan glanced at the alley that was three to five meters away.

This mission is to provide protection, not to eliminate the enemy. Fang, gritting his teeth, said, "I will cover you, Commissioner, be careful!"

"Commissioner, the Japanese intelligence agency has considerable influence in Shanghai, so it is better to be cautious..." Fang Buwei advised again

After just a few minutes of observation, Guan Jingyan lost interest. Apart from seeing a few Japanese people dressed in kimonos walking together, there was not much difference from Nanjing City.

"Alright, I know you are my guard now... then let's just take a look here!" Guan Jingyan said

The driver had just turned the car around when suddenly seven or eight men in black rushed out from the opposite side, raising their guns and unleashing a barrage of shots at the vehicle.

Fang was somewhat hesitant. The opposing gunmen numbered only seven or eight, and seeing them standing there shooting without even seeking cover indicated that, although they were Japanese, they were likely not agents of the Tokko but rather ronin.

... ...

Spring of 1934, the 23rd year of the Republic of China

However, Fang's argument is also quite reasonable. The reason why Ma Chunfeng repeatedly ventured into the tiger's den is that no one recognized his true identity. Having lingered in Shanghai for many days and made public appearances, he is likely already under the watchful eye of Japanese agents.

Fang nodded slightly: "Once you cross the road, it was originally a public concession, but later the Japanese stationed their troops there, and the people of Shanghai began to refer to Hongkou as the Japanese Concession"

Shanghai, French Concession

Guan Jingyan, as the deputy officer of the attendant office, can be considered a trusted aide of the Chairman, while Fang Buwei is merely a squad leader in the Operations Section of the Revival Society's Special Affairs Bureau. The disparity in status between the two is vast.

Fang pressed Guan Jingyan's head down with one hand. He drew his pistol, kicked open the inner car door, crouched down to protect Guan Jingyan, and took cover behind the car.

"Is he Japanese?" shouted Fang while shooting.

Guan Jingyan instructed the driver to turn around, preparing to return the same way, passing through the French Concession, and heading back to the Zha Bei Military Camp

Every time Guan Jingyan evaluated Fang Wuwei's tasks, he deemed them outstanding. In less than a year, Fang Wuwei's military rank was elevated by one level, and he became a Second Lieutenant. His position also rose accordingly, as he became the leader of the first team in the Action Section's Capture Unit.

Guan Jingyan was eager to visit the Japanese concession, but due to Fang Buwei's insistence, he was unable to do so on several occasions

"Stationmaster, isn't this Commissioner Guan also quite easy to get along with?" said Yang Ding'an, the deputy stationmaster of Shanghai Station, with a smile.

Having met with the head of the Shanghai station of the intelligence agency, his mission on this trip can be considered complete, and he plans to return to Nanjing tomorrow

Several subordinates were whispering among themselves, while Chen Haoqiu frowned as he watched the sedan gradually drive away

Guan Jingyan chuckled and said: "The principal often praises Brother Chunfeng for his bravery and might, treating the concession as if it were uninhabited. As a subordinate, why are you always so cautious?"

Chen Haoqiu chuckled lightly, not providing a direct answer: "It all depends on everyone's hard work; even the chairman is aware of the reputation of our Shanghai station. The director has already sent a message of commendation, and I hope everyone will continue to strive for excellence..."

The attempt to paint a tiger resulted in a dog instead. This Commissioner Guan greatly admires Director Ma's repeated solo trips to Shanghai, even rejecting the team of guards he arranged for him. Hopefully, no unforeseen incidents will occur

The room was filled with several key officials from the Shanghai Station of the Revival Society's Intelligence Agency. Due to the different nature of intelligence agencies and stationed troops, Guan Jingyan could only meet in secret. He followed the suggestion of Chen Haoqiu, the head of the Shanghai Station, and arranged the meeting at this hotel in the French Concession.

Guan Jingyan gazed out at the scenery, feeling a great sense of enthusiasm. From time to time, he inquired about some intriguing anecdotes and stories from Shanghai to the guard sitting beside him

Commissioner, we are about to enter the territory of the Japanese, and this period is rather unstable

Guan Jingyan has a particular fondness for graduates of the Whampoa Military Academy, often considering himself a disciple of the emperor. Furthermore, Fang is not overly mature for his age; he is cautious and steady. After spending some time together, he has gained considerable esteem from Guan Jingyan

The tire was punctured, and the sedan crashed into a shop by the roadside, coming to a stop

Fang did nothing but smile faintly, without responding.

Get out of the car!" Fang did not shout at the driver Xu Jintao and the guard Lin Zhicheng, then crawled on the ground, targeting the opponent's legs through the gap under the car.

However, the assistant of Guan Jingyan, who was sitting in the passenger seat, was hit by several bullets and was clearly on the verge of death

Guan Jingyan, after graduating from the Whampoa Military Academy, participated in the Northern Expedition, making him a seasoned veteran. Although startled, he remained composed, drew a pistol from beneath his long robe, and took cover behind the vehicle to return fire

Seeing Guan Jingyan no longer insist, Fang Buwei also secretly breathed a sigh of relief

The National Government is increasingly placing importance on Shanghai, frequently dispatching officials to inspect and offer condolences, with Guan Jingyan being the special envoy for this occasion