Agent: Intercepting Yu Manli at the start!

Chapter 20 The Shadow General!

The Shang Mansion was under the jurisdiction of the Japanese Special Higher Police, a highly hierarchical organization that controlled the core intelligence network in several southwestern provinces; Araki was the number one target on the Military Intelligence Bureau's bounty list for five years.

Zhou Xiao's attack was both thunderous and precise—being summoned was a natural outcome.

"Okay," he readily agreed.

With their wine empty, the two walked out of the headquarters gate side by side.

As night deepened, a dark green Jeep quietly drove out of the alley and sped off towards the Dai Mansion.

Zhao Jianzhi gripped the steering wheel, while Zheng Yaoxian and Zhou Xiao sat side by side in the back seat. Neon lights flowed outside the car window, clearly outlining the silhouettes of the two men.

Built against the mountain, the Dai Mansion has a low-key and understated appearance, with its blue bricks and gray tiles exuding a calm and composed demeanor. The lintel is not decorated with dragons and phoenixes, but it is exquisite in every detail. The stone is taken from the old mines in Bashan, the windows are inlaid with stained glass made in the early years of the Republic of China, and even the century-old banyan tree in front of the door was specially transplanted back then.

As the car approached the entrance, two agents in black immediately stopped it. According to protocol, entry required disarming and undergoing a routine search; the checkpoints were impenetrable.

"Sixth Brother, it's just a routine check, please excuse me." The young agent was respectful, but his movements were meticulous.

Zheng Yaoxian nodded in acknowledgment, his expression calm. His skill in winning people over was always subtle and pervasive, making people both convinced and at ease—which, for an undercover agent, was precisely the sharpest disguise.

After verifying their identities, registering them, and allowing them to pass through each level, Zhou Xiao followed Zheng Yaoxian into the depths of the mansion.

The courtyard's layout is typical of the Republican era: winding paths lead to secluded spots, moss covers the steps; vines climb between white walls and black tiles, and copper rings gleam on carved door lintels; a spiral staircase winds upwards, its handrails as smooth as jade, each step feeling like stepping into the rhythm of bygone times. The cold, solemn marble walls, ironically, accentuate the building's dignified and serene atmosphere.

In the shadows of the pillars, figures occasionally flashed by—visible sentries stood guard with guns, while hidden sentries were concealed behind carved windows; even the wind chimes hanging from the eaves were secretly equipped with traps.

As you pass through the front hall, a middle-aged man stands in front of you.

He was slightly overweight, with a broad forehead and a high hairline that did not make him look old. His eyes were surprisingly bright. He wore a plain dark blue long gown with frayed cuffs, but it was clean.

Boss Dai.

The true leader of the Military Intelligence Bureau, a major general, operated in the shadows for many years. He was known as the "Shadow General." The magazine *Colliers* once devoted a full page to him, stating, "He appeared unnoticed and left unnoticed—he is the most elusive ghost in the history of Asian espionage."

This was the first time Zhou Xiao had met Boss Dai.

Zheng Yaoxian and Zhou Xiao bowed simultaneously and shouted in unison, "Boss Dai!"

"Hahaha—Sixth Brother!" Boss Dai spotted Zheng Yaoxian at a glance, immediately strode over, grabbed his hand tightly, his palm burning hot: "You've been working yourself to the bone these past few days! The Japanese spies are like wild dogs, biting everywhere, they're rampant!"

"Boss, you flatter me." Zheng Yaoxian's lips curled up slightly, his tone relaxed yet measured. "Running errands is just part of our job. If you really think we're working hard, why not give us something more substantial—a raise would be better than anything else."

"Alright! Leave it to me!" Boss Dai laughed heartily, fine lines appearing at the corners of his eyes.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zheng Yaoxian stepped aside to introduce him: "Boss, this is Zhou Xiao, a recent graduate from Whampoa Military Academy, a promising young talent."

Boss Dai's eyes gleamed as he scrutinized Zhou Xiao from head to toe for a long time. Suddenly, he reached out and patted Zhou Xiao's shoulder twice, laughing heartily, "Good! Truly a young man of exceptional talent and bearing!"

He paused, then his voice deepened, each word clear and distinct: "Sixth Brother mentioned you to me long ago—you single-handedly stormed the Shang Mansion liaison station in Shancheng, killed Araki, that Japanese leader, and seized a batch of crucial intelligence. That battle was fought cleanly and decisively, showcasing the might of our Military Intelligence Bureau and giving the Japanese a real slap in the face! Entering the tiger's den alone, completing the mission unscathed—the greatest achievement is well-deserved!"

"The headmaster of the garden is also very concerned and has specially instructed me to convey his sincerest gratitude to you, a loyal and courageous man."

Zhou Xiao lowered his eyes, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said in a steady voice, "I dare not accept such praise. Serving the country is simply my duty."

"Ha! What a fine 'duty'!" Boss Dai turned to look at Zheng Yaoxian, his smile deepening. "Sixth Brother, your eyes are still sharp—the Military Intelligence Bureau has gained another capable lieutenant!"

The tone shifted abruptly, and he stood up solemnly: "The ironclad rule of the Military Intelligence Bureau is: merit must be rewarded, and demerit must be punished. Zhou Xiao, listen to my command!"

Zhou Xiao straightened his back, pressed his feet together, his spine as straight as a pine tree, and his expression was stern.

Boss Dai's voice boomed: "In recognition of Zhou Xiao's courage, resourcefulness, and outstanding achievements in the raid on the Japanese intelligence station at the Shang Mansion, he is hereby awarded the Fourth Class Order of the Cloud Banner and promoted to the rank of Major, in accordance with the 'Rewards and Awards Regulations'!"

The Order of the Cloud Banner is awarded to all three branches of the armed forces (army, navy, and air force). It is named for the auspicious cloud banner engraved in the center of the badge and is divided into nine ranks: ranks one, two, and three wear a grand sash; ranks four, five, and six wear a collar sash; and ranks seven, eight, and nine wear a lapel sash. Generals are awarded ranks one through four, field officers are awarded ranks three through six, and company officers are limited to ranks four through seven. Zhou Xiao, originally a lieutenant, was promoted two ranks to major, a promotion that can be described as exceptional and a meteoric rise.

According to the military hierarchy, from General of the Army (Special Class) downwards, the ranks are: General (First Class), General (Second Class), Lieutenant General, Major General, Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Major... down to Private. Major is a key position, neither a newcomer nor yet a high-ranking officer, but a crucial link between the higher and lower ranks.

As soon as the commendation order was issued, an adjutant quickly stepped forward carrying a sandalwood tray, on which lay quietly a Cloud Banner Medal and a Major's collar insignia.

"Thank you for your generous gift, Boss!" Zhou Xiao replied loudly.

Boss Dai took the medal personally and solemnly pinned it below his left lapel, his fingertips pausing slightly: "You do secret work, so the awarding of this medal can only be done in secret. But the Party and the State remember your name, and they also remember the sweat you shed and the risks you took."

Secret agents live on the edge, relying on remaining anonymous. Once their identities are exposed, it's a death sentence.

Zhou Xiao clasped his hands in a fist salute, his tone calm and simple: "To be loyal to the country, what need is there for empty fame?"

"Good!" Boss Dai nodded and gestured behind him. Another adjutant then brought over an ebony tray covered with red silk, so heavy that the edges of the tray bent slightly under the weight.

"Zhou Xiao," he lifted the red silk, revealing five small, golden yellow fish that gleamed in the slanting sunlight, their light warm yet not glaring. "You are a pillar of the Party and the nation. Medals alone are not enough; you also need some real money—this small token of my appreciation is a personal gift from me."

Zhou Xiao's gaze swept over the few small yellow croakers, and his heart stirred slightly: This Boss Dai is really good at winning people over, and he is so generous that he makes no attempt to hide it.

Zheng Yaoxian raised an eyebrow and paused for a moment—this was real money being poured in to keep people firmly tied down.

"Thank you for your guidance, Boss Dai!" Zhou Xiao accepted the gift naturally and without any hesitation. "I will certainly live up to your expectations in the future."

Boss Dai's face suddenly broke into a smile, like spring ice cracking: "Hahaha! I, Dai, love to mentor young people with courage and talent! Zhou Xiao, you're a promising seedling, with strong roots, sturdy branches, and plenty of drive!"

He then turned to Zheng Yaoxian, his tone earnest: "Sixth Brother, Zhou Xiao is a young and talented man. You must mentor him and hone his skills, so that he can use this sharp blade to cut through the toughest bones—to drive out the Japanese pirates and restore our homeland as soon as possible!"

"Yes, boss!" Zheng Yaoxian stepped forward and agreed.

The dinner was held at Dai's mansion, and the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely. During the meal, Boss Dai frequently raised his glass, his words full of expectations, paving the way for Zhou Xiao's future: to give him important responsibilities, to train him, and to entrust him with significant tasks. Zhou Xiao responded with a smile, his words humble yet sharp, his stance clear and impeccable.

After a satisfying meal, the two bid farewell and left.

On the way home.

Zheng Yaoxian turned his head and glanced at Zhou Xiao: "You acted quite well just now."

Zhou Xiao was taken aback, then burst into loud laughter: "Boss Dai offered me a face, how could I refuse? He gave me the face, but I've always kept my heart safe—I can accept it with peace of mind and use it with confidence, hahaha!"

Zheng Yaoxian didn't reply, but slowly put on his sunglasses. His gaze behind the lenses was deep and unfathomable. He simply uttered two words: "Understood."

Zhao Jianzhi sat in the front row, completely bewildered.

What he didn't understand was the very essence of the entire play—Zhou Xiao's composed and controlled demeanor perfectly aligned with the rhythm that Boss Dai cared about most.

If he had put on a stern face and refused the gold bars, it would have aroused suspicion: a person indifferent to money must be after greater power. Especially someone as clever, quick-witted, and daring as Zhou Xiao, Boss Dai would never let him remain subordinate for long—who knows, one day he might really become a sword hanging over his head.

When Zhou Xiao accepted the five small gold bars, he didn't even lift his eyelids, as if accepting the gold bars was just as casually picking up a button. Boss Dai saw this and a nail was quietly driven into his heart—this man was greedy, greedy in a frank and undisguised way.

Greed is not a flaw, but a weakness.

A flaw makes it easier to exploit.

Boss Dai suddenly felt that Zhou Xiao was like a newly tamed horse, with the reins already in his hand, so he didn't have to be on guard against him kicking off all the time. But if you really encounter someone who is unyielding and has no desires, it's the kind of person who sends chills down your spine—people without weaknesses are the hardest to deal with.

This seemingly simple act of reaching out to accept money concealed a test, a weighing of options, and a calculated scheme. The Military Intelligence Bureau appeared calm on the surface, but beneath lay treacherous whirlpools and hidden reefs; one wrong step could mean certain death.

Boss Dai tossed out five small gold bars, ostensibly a reward, but actually killing two birds with one stone: to gauge Zhou Xiao's temperament and to use the opportunity to win over this ruthless character who dared to trespass into the Shang Mansion. His methods were shrewd and meticulous.

This is the only way for the Military Intelligence Bureau to survive.

Of course, Boss Dai was extremely suspicious and didn't trust anyone completely—even Sixth Brother Zheng Yaoxian was always viewed with a veil of distrust, treated with respect but with utmost caution.

The next day, the streets and alleys of the mountain city were bustling with excitement.

"Breaking news! Breaking news! The Military Intelligence Bureau has wiped out a Japanese intelligence hideout, and Araki was killed on the spot! The arrogance of the traitors has been utterly crushed!"

Newsboys ran through the streets carrying newspapers with the ink still wet, their voices hoarse but they wouldn't stop.

"Give me one!"

"Me too!"

……