Chapter Fifty: Stirring Up Trouble

"It seems this Shadow Group will enter a brief period of dormancy. With the capabilities of the Japanese, barring any surprises, the arrest of Huang Xiansheng won't be kept secret for long," Wei Liangbi had already deduced the issue, pressing his hand to his forehead and frowning as he spoke.

The longer the time dragged on, the harder it would be to conceal Huang Xiansheng's arrest. Besides, the Military Intelligence Office had searched his office and investigated his files—none of this was a secret within the Eleventh Division. The rumors might have already spread.

"What does this secondary method of contact refer to? Every mole has their own specific receiving time, channel, and codebook. Each is unique. Windmill’s capture shouldn’t affect the others' communications."

Ning Zhiheng pondered deeply, trying to understand why the method of contact would change. "Unless—unless the headquarters of the Tokko suspects every member of the Shadow Group due to Windmill’s disappearance. Since every piece of intelligence eventually flows to Windmill, if even one link fails, if a dead drop is exposed, it could be traced back to Windmill! So now they want to vet each member, restart one by one! Puppet’s arrest will be even harder to hide!"

Upon hearing Ning Zhiheng’s analysis, Wei Liangbi deflated, saying, "Then there’s no hope of breaking through with him. We should give up entirely!"

Ning Zhiheng's face was clouded with worry, but inwardly, he was exhilarated!

Others would find no clues and be forced to abandon the chase.

But he knew of a new mole—and if nothing went wrong, he could soon find them. Yes, this time he must search in secret, casting a long line to catch a big fish!

With Puppet’s prolonged absence, news of his arrest would soon reach the Tokko headquarters, giving them an explanation for Windmill’s disappearance.

Once the cause was found, they would quickly reestablish contact using the secondary method, assign a new carrier pigeon and leader, and restart the Shadow Group.

All he needed was to keep a close eye on the new mole, follow the thread to find the group’s new carrier pigeon, then meticulously watch every move of the pigeon. Following this line, he could unearth each member. Ning Zhiheng was confident that with his abilities, if he could uncover one, he could expose the entire Shadow Group.

If he could capture every member of the Shadow Group, it would be a tremendous achievement. Without any surprises, this merit would be enough for him to be promoted to Captain, perhaps even enter the ranks of field officers.

Thinking of this, Ning Zhiheng felt a surge of excitement. It was a rare opportunity—he must devote himself entirely, without the slightest negligence.

Returning to his office, it wasn’t long before Shi Hong and Wang Shucheng walked in, chatting and laughing, with Shi Hong grinning from ear to ear.

In this operation, Shi Hong hadn’t made any real contribution; it was Ning Zhiheng who handled everything. But the outcome was joyous for all! The Third Action Team received commendations, and Shi Hong received an unexpected windfall—a thousand dollars in hush money. Now he was wholeheartedly convinced by Ning Zhiheng as his captain.

This young captain had brains, skill, and connections—superior in every aspect. Shi Hong admired him.

Ning Zhiheng said to Wang Shucheng, "The case of Huang Xiansheng is over. Go to the Interrogation Department and bring out Huang Hui—let him go. Also, withdraw the six team members from Huang Jisheng’s house and lift the surveillance there."

Wang Shucheng nodded, turned to leave and handle the procedures. He had thought that once Huang Hui entered the Military Intelligence Office, getting out would be difficult. He hadn’t expected Ning Zhiheng to be so considerate about it.

Shi Hong watched Wang Shucheng leave, then lowered his voice with some intrigue, "Yesterday I ran into Captain Liang. He said his transfer to the Training Department is official—he won’t be coming back to the Action Department."

Ning Zhiheng nodded, "How’s Brother Liang’s mood?"

Shi Hong replied, "Don’t worry, he seemed quite pleased—probably doesn’t know we achieved such a great feat this time. He’s always been wary of the leader, afraid he’d be sidelined someday. Now the leader was merciful and arranged a good position for him. He’s satisfied, got what he wanted—just waiting to accumulate seniority. What more could he ask for?"

Ning Zhiheng did feel a bit guilty towards Liang Deyou, having left him behind halfway, which was somewhat unkind.

But Ning Zhiheng was no saint. If someone blocked his path and wasn’t on his side, why should he let them benefit? At least they parted amicably—there might be opportunities to interact in the future.

Checking the time, he remembered the plan discussed with Liu Datong yesterday: Liu would go to the detention center to fetch someone and lure out Wang Maocai. It should be about time.

Ning Zhiheng said to Shi Hong, "Gather the team, fully armed, and assemble. We're heading out on an errand."

Shi Hong hurriedly asked, "Is there a new target?"

He was in high spirits, full of energy.

Ning Zhiheng smiled, "Not so many targets—it’s a minor matter; we’ll be back soon!"

Soon the action team assembled, fully armed. They drove out in a grand procession straight to the police station’s detention center.

Meanwhile, in the detention center, Liu Datong and several subordinates were fiercely arguing with the guards.

"Liu Big Head, you’ve grown bold, daring to point your finger and curse at me! I tell you, don’t vent your anger at me. This case was handed to Captain Wang. If you want to take the prisoners, you need his approval! He’s the captain, he’s in charge here! And don’t accuse me wrongly—Wang Skinner hasn’t given me a single benefit, I’m still full of resentment!" The guard protested helplessly, finally blurting out Wang Skinner’s nickname.

"Old Liao, let me make this clear: these two prisoners were arrested by the officers from the Military Intelligence Office, only handed to us to guard. I’m just an errand boy. Our director knows about this. Now the Military Intelligence Office wants the prisoners—how dare you block them? How many heads do you have?" Liu Datong wore a stern face, rolled up his sleeves, and berated Old Liao.

Usually, he was all smiles, easy-going. But now, with powerful backing, his temper had grown, and today he was deliberately stirring trouble, waiting for Wang Skinner to jump out.

"Oh, don’t scare me! I don’t know any officers from the Military Intelligence Office. I’ve already notified Captain Wang—talk to him directly." Old Liao shook his head stubbornly.

Liu Datong stopped holding back, scolding Old Liao. His men also pushed and shoved the guards, creating chaos.

Soon Wang Maocai rushed over with his men, seeing the disorder from afar. He shouted, "Liu Big Head, have you eaten tiger’s courage? Trying to snatch people from me? Believe it or not, I’ll strip your skin and kick you out!"

Everyone quieted as Wang Skinner appeared, separating and returning to their sides. Liu’s men stood behind him, glaring at Wang Maocai’s group.

Lately, they knew their boss had powerful backing, receiving generous rewards, their pockets bulging. Everyone had benefited handsomely.

They were filled with confidence, just like Liu Datong, and no longer feared anyone. The once-dominant Captain Wang was now nothing special, and their presence wasn’t overshadowed by Wang Maocai.

This made Wang Maocai’s eye twitch. He wondered how these foot patrols who used to tremble at his glare now had such attitude!

Liu Datong showed no fear, his face cold, saying, "Captain Wang, I’ve worn this skin for over ten years—maybe it’s time for a change. Yours looks pretty good; how about we swap?"

Everyone was shocked. They all knew Liu Datong’s character—slick and adaptable, always polite. But lately, his temper had grown, and now he was confronting Wang Maocai directly.

Old Liao muttered inwardly; he’d heard Liu Big Head had gotten himself a powerful patron and plenty of benefits. Seeing Liu’s bravado now, it seemed true. He glanced at Wang Skinner, thinking there would be a show today.

Wang Maocai was stunned by Liu Datong’s words. Liu had always been deferential, never looking him in the eye, but now was openly confrontational, with no room for negotiation.

Damn it, just because I took some of your benefits, you’re this furious? You don’t know your place—if I don’t crush your arrogance today, what will happen next?

When Wang Maocai got the call that Liu was here to take the two traffickers, he knew it was because he’d intercepted Liu’s benefits.

Frankly, there was a lot to gain from this case. The two traffickers seemed insignificant, but he had extorted two thousand silver dollars and six small gold bars from them—a big catch from shallow waters! It had made Wang Maocai happy for days.

But he wasn’t satisfied yet. He thought these two had more to offer, planning to press them harder in interrogation. Now Liu Datong came to take them—how could he agree?

"Liu Big Head, you’re really something. I never realized you were such a character! Good! I want to see how you take them today!"

Liu Datong came to provoke, unafraid, retorting, "Wang Maocai, everyone calls you Wang Skinner—they’re not wrong! We patrol brothers live tough lives, and you snatch our hard-earned money, not even leaving us the soup. I tell you, this case was handed to me by Captain Ning of the Military Intelligence Office. I’m just running errands for him. Now you’ve robbed us, we’ll accept it. But you won’t even let us take the prisoners? How can we explain to the officers of the Military Intelligence Office?"

"Military Intelligence Office? Ha! You’re now waving the tiger’s skin as a banner, huh? Take a good look at yourself. Today I’ll teach you a lesson, let you know your place!" With that, Wang Maocai drew his pistol and pointed it at Liu Datong’s head!