Chapter Seventy: Time Waits for No One

“Just two people?” Bian Ze was somewhat puzzled by Ning Zhiheng’s answer and asked again, “Only two? Do you know that Snow Wolf is a renowned tactical expert in the Japanese Special Higher Police? He’s a master of shooting and close combat. I once tailed him for a month and made two assassination attempts. In the end, three of my men died, but he was unscathed. And you’re saying the two of you forced him to pull the grenade?”

Bian Ze was clearly skeptical, doubting whether this Snow Wolf was really the one he remembered. How could someone so formidable be driven to despair so easily by a greenhorn who’d only just joined the Military Intelligence Division?

Ning Zhiheng now understood: the colonel before him must have crossed paths with Snow Wolf before. Every question he asked revolved around Snow Wolf, while the key figure in this case, Xie Ziming, barely piqued his interest. Two assassination attempts—clearly there was a deep-seated grudge between them.

He answered carefully, “It was indeed just the two of us. However, my subordinate, Sun Jiacheng, is highly skilled in close combat. Plus, we set up an ambush and caught him off guard, knocking him down before he could react. What we didn’t expect was that he didn’t hesitate for a moment before pulling the grenade. We nearly went down with him!”

Before he’d finished, Zhao Ziliang, who’d been listening, burst out laughing. “Young man, there’s no need to be so modest. Let’s call it as it is. According to the report on the Huang Xiansheng case, you personally apprehended Huang Xiansheng. In the case of Snow Wolf, you made the first move, and you risked your life to save your subordinate at the last minute. Both times, you took the lead. It’s obvious you’re highly capable. No need to hide it—we’re not blind!”

He glanced deliberately at Bian Ze, clearly supporting Ning Zhiheng. So much for being a tactical expert—after all the losses in Shanghai, he returned disgraced, while two of their own easily took the Snow Wolf’s life.

Bian Ze, embarrassed by Zhao Ziliang’s gaze, changed the subject. “Do you know when Snow Wolf entered Nanjing?”

After a moment’s thought, Ning Zhiheng replied, “Based on our questioning of staff at his lodging house, we confirmed he entered Nanjing eighteen days ago. His secret meeting with Xie Ziming and this telegram both show a definite link between the Shadow Group and Snow Wolf. Our initial judgment is that Snow Wolf’s mission in Nanjing was to verify the identities of other Shadow Group members and relaunch their mission.

As for Xie Ziming, known as Black Sparrow, our investigation shows he also rented his place eighteen days ago and took up a post as a Chinese teacher at Hongcheng Primary School seven days ago.

From the radio transmitter we found in his residence, we believe he’s the successor to the group’s previous leader, Windmill—Black Sparrow, the new head of the Shadow Group.

He must know the cover identities of his team. We need to break him as soon as possible and uncover the rest of the group.”

The chief, who’d been quietly watching, raised the telegram in his hand and spoke. “However, this telegram makes it clear we don’t have much time. Your analysis is sound—Snow Wolf’s disappearance will alert the Japanese Special Higher Police headquarters, and it won’t take them long to respond—certainly not beyond tonight.

Night is when radio stations are most active. Spies usually receive broadcasts after dark. Right now, it’s ten in the morning. We have eight hours left. What do you suggest?”

Zhao Ziliang couldn’t wait to speak. “Sir, let’s use force. We don’t need to worry about Black Sparrow’s life. Honestly, if we wait until tonight and the others are warned and escape, Black Sparrow becomes worthless. We must act swiftly and not hesitate!”

Even Bian Ze nodded in agreement. In espionage, you always have to plan for the worst. There’s no room for luck—a moment’s carelessness can cost you dearly.

If the Japanese Special Higher Police really decide to cut their losses and order the Shadow Group to withdraw, Black Sparrow will be left isolated and useless.

“Very well. Notify Yu Cheng immediately: no matter if the suspect lives or dies, we must have a confession by nightfall!” The chief finally made his decision.

With their plan set, everyone returned to their tasks. Ning Zhiheng was about to leave the office when Bian Ze suddenly spoke. “Ning Zhiheng, wait. Come with me to the morgue to confirm Snow Wolf’s identity.”

“Yes, sir!” Ning Zhiheng replied.

It was clear that Snow Wolf weighed heavily on Bian Ze’s mind. The two of them quickly made their way to the Military Intelligence Division’s morgue. Along the way, Bian Ze’s expression was dark and silent. Ning Zhiheng neither dared nor wished to speak; both were naturally reserved, so they walked quickly in silence.

They soon reached the morgue. The sentry on duty, seeing Bian Ze, immediately complied with his request and brought out the body of Cui Hai.

As the freezer drawer was opened, Ning Zhiheng said to Bian Ze, “Confirmed. This is definitely the Cui Hai I apprehended yesterday.”

Bian Ze stepped forward heavily and pushed Ning Zhiheng aside. Staring at Cui Hai’s face, his eyes flickered with hatred, pain, and, finally, relief.

After a long while, Bian Ze’s voice came out low and hoarse. “Yes, it’s him. Snow Wolf. For two years now, every time I close my eyes, I see my brothers falling again and again beside me, shouting for me to run. I’ve sworn countless times to avenge them, or I’d have no face to meet them in the afterlife. Thank you.

Though I regret not killing him with my own hands, I’m still deeply grateful to you for avenging this blood debt.”

“Colonel Bian, you’re too kind. It was my duty,” Ning Zhiheng replied softly, somewhat taken aback by Bian Ze’s words.

“Ning Zhiheng, I’ll remember this favor. If you ever need my help, just ask.” With that, Bian Ze turned and left without looking back.

Ning Zhiheng nodded to himself at Bian Ze’s promise, then quickly took his leave.

Meanwhile, Bian Ze returned to the chief’s office.

“Has it been confirmed?” the chief asked, noting Bian Ze’s somber face and already guessing the outcome.

“It’s confirmed. It was Snow Wolf. Hard to believe—a top veteran agent of the Japanese Special Higher Police died so easily at the hands of a novice. Heaven must be on my side, helping me take vengeance,” Bian Ze said with emotion.

Ever since his transfer back to Nanjing, he’d been unable to let go of this grudge. He’d planned several revenge operations, but the chief had never approved—things were just too tense with the Japanese to risk provoking them. Now, with his greatest enemy finally dead, he felt a great weight lifted from his heart.

“What do you make of these two young men?” the chief asked, picking up the telegram and reflecting.

“Wei Liangbi is a man of responsibility. I’ve read his file. Last year, he won great merit in Guangzhou, persuading key figures to defect. He was promoted from captain to major for his achievements. The evaluation was that he’s bold, careful, and takes initiative,” Bian Ze replied after some thought.

“Indeed, Wei Liangbi is a real talent. He assassinated a diehard leader in broad daylight and went alone into enemy territory to win over others—he caught my eye early on,” the chief said approvingly.

“Since you think so highly of him, why not transfer him to the Intelligence Section?” Bian Ze asked.

“That’s a pity. He’s one of Old Huang’s men. He’s out of our reach,” the chief said with some regret. These Baoding graduates were all sons of the elite, top students of Whampoa. Yet he still had his reservations and couldn’t fully trust them.

“What about Ning Zhiheng?” Bian Ze pressed. He had a good impression of Ning Zhiheng and was curious about the chief’s view. As the chief’s confidant, he knew the type of people the chief valued.

“A rare talent! Did you notice? From the moment he entered this office, I saw something different about him. His composure astonished me. Fresh out of school, facing us for the first time, his tone never faltered. He wasn’t pretending to be calm—he truly wasn’t nervous. That kind of psychological strength is exceptional—he’s a natural for this line of work,” the chief said with admiration.

The chief’s praise startled Bian Ze. Having served under him for years, he knew the chief rarely spoke so highly of anyone. He’d known Ning Zhiheng was gifted but hadn’t expected him to leave such a strong impression on the chief.

“I might not have your keen eye, sir, but Ning Zhiheng impressed me too—sharp mind, meticulous. I reviewed the Huang Xiansheng case; for a rookie, his performance was outstanding,” Bian Ze continued, not hesitating to praise him further—Ning Zhiheng’s achievements were indeed remarkable.

He went on, “The report also says Ning Zhiheng has a special talent for sketching suspects based on witness descriptions—without ever seeing the person himself. I saw the portrait he made of Huang Xiansheng for the search. It was nearly identical to the real thing—an extraordinary skill!”

“I saw the report too. Such a talent might be little more than a street performance elsewhere, but in our line of work, it’s a powerful weapon. That’s why I say he’s made for intelligence work,” the chief agreed. “It’s a pity—he’s also Old Huang’s man. Did you know? Wei Liangbi and Ning Zhiheng are true classmates, disciples of the same master. You wouldn’t guess it, but both were taught by Crazy He!”

This time Bian Ze was truly surprised. He Feng had quite a reputation among the Nationalist mid-level officers. A Baoding Military Academy graduate, he’d made his name as a fearless commander during the Northern Expedition, earning the nickname “Crazy He” for his aggressive and daring style.

But his straightforward character earned him both many friends and plenty of enemies. When the Baoding faction grew too influential in the military, the leader reassigned many of them to teach at Whampoa Military Academy under the guise of cultivating talent for the party and nation. He Feng was among them.

That’s why so many Whampoa instructors came from Baoding—a fact well known in the military.

Sadly, He Feng had held the rank of colonel for many years but never advanced to general.

“Both are He Feng’s disciples? Who would have thought? With his fierce temperament, to have trained two such outstanding agents is truly surprising. I can’t say how well he taught them to fight, but as for teaching them to be agents, I must say I’m impressed!” Bian Ze couldn’t help but smile.