Beiyang Dream

Chapter 62 1 You're obviously a Japanese female spy!

Chapter 62? You're obviously a Japanese female spy! (Tenth update)

Luo Jingrou's shout was actually in Japanese.

The sound was quite loud, and it carried a hint of surprise.

Chang Desheng was taken aback, then turned to look at Luo Jingrou: This little rich girl can speak Japanese? When did she learn it? She's been keeping it a secret! I'll have to get her to say a few words in bed with me later—

He turned his head again and saw that the "fried dough stick" lady had clearly been startled when she heard the shout, and then quickly looked over. When she saw that it was Luo Jingrou, the faint smile on her face instantly turned into unbelievable surprise.

She almost subconsciously let go of Tojo, who was holding her hand. Tojo didn't react for a moment, his arm pausing in the air before he put it down with a wry smile.

Then, Miss "Youtiao" took quick, short steps towards Luo Jingrou, saying in broken Chinese as she walked, "Jingrou?! Is it really you? I was just thinking of going to Victoria Girls' School to look for you these past few days, but I didn't expect to run into you here!"

She walked up to Luo Jingrou, and the two naturally took hands.

Chang Desheng stood aside, squinting as he carefully examined this "Qingzi".

This girl was indeed beautiful. Her skin was as white as fine porcelain, her eyebrows and eyes were gentle, and her gaze was clear and scholarly. Her figure appeared slender and graceful in her moon-white dress. She exuded four qualities: delicate, elegant, well-mannered, and harmless.

But Chang Desheng's vigilance instantly spiked!

For no other reason than that Haruko is Japanese!

Moreover, the probability of a Japanese woman appearing at the graduation ball of the Prussian War Academy in Berlin in 1891, and who "happened" to be an old friend of Luo Jingrou, was even lower than the probability of him waking up the next morning to find himself the German Emperor!

He was scanning the area with eyes that seemed to suspect every Japanese person when Tojo walked over with a smile and naturally stood in the spot where Luo Jingrou had been sitting, right next to Natalie. He nodded to Xiao Maoqi and Chang Desheng first, then his gaze involuntarily drifted towards Natalie's deep V-neckline—

"Tojo is a practical guy, he likes big things..." Chang Desheng thought to himself.

"Brother Zhenbang," Tojo said with a smile in German, glancing at Natalie's two "mountains," "your friend seems to know Miss Okura?"

Chang Desheng didn't reply. He turned to look at Luo Jingrou and asked with his eyes: Who is this? What's her style?

Luo Jingrou then realized what was happening and quickly introduced Chang Desheng: "Zhenbang, this is Okura Haruko, my classmate at Cheltenham Girls' College in England, and one of my best friends!" She then turned to Okura Haruko and said in Japanese: "Haruko, this is Chang Desheng, courtesy name Zhenbang. He is currently an inspection commissioner of the Beiyang Army and a graduate of the Prussian War College this year."

After hearing this, Haruko Okura opened her beautiful almond-shaped eyes wide and looked at Chang Desheng, her face showing a hint of surprise and—admiration?

She took a half step back, placed her hands together in front of her, and bowed respectfully to Chang Desheng, a standard Japanese gesture.

"My name is Haruko Okura," she said in soft, slightly halting Chinese. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Chang. I have heard of your achievements at the War Academy and deeply admire you. I look forward to your guidance in the future."

Chang Desheng thought to himself, "Oh ho!"

That's quite a performance.

You said you "had already heard about it"? Where did you hear that from? Did Tojo tell you? Or was it information provided by your Japanese intelligence organization?

However, he didn't show it on his face, and politely clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute: "Miss Qingzi, you are too kind. I am Chang Desheng, and it is an honor to meet you today. Please take good care of me."

Haruko Okura straightened up, gave him a faint smile, and softly said "Hi".

Then, Luo Jingrou took Okura Haruko's hand and sat down at a small round table nearby. The two leaned their heads together and chatted in Japanese and Chinese, occasionally letting out soft laughter. Judging from their affection, they were indeed old best friends reuniting.

But Chang Desheng's mind was already racing, calculating the costs and benefits:

First, the Okura zaibatsu. He knew this; they were the Japanese army's official merchants and later the vanguard of the invasion of China. The presence of their daughter here could not possibly be merely a "traveler's visit."

Second, Cheltenham College. A top-tier girls' school in the UK, with tuition fees of at least £200 a year, equivalent to 2,000 taels of silver. Those who can afford to send their daughters there are either extremely wealthy or have an "international perspective." Haruko's persona as a "chaebol's daughter" is quite convincing.

Third, Luo Jingrou also speaks Japanese. She's never mentioned this. Did she forget to say it, or—did she feel it was unnecessary to mention it? I'll ask her later.

Fourth, the timing. Seven days later, the Britannia sets sail. If Haruko Okura "happens" to be on that ship returning home—

Conclusion: This girl is almost certainly sent by the Japanese military. Her mission is either espionage or—assassination! I'll have to get Hessman to send someone to protect me!

Chang Desheng withdrew his gaze and looked back at Tojo. Tojo was just now taking a glass of wine from Natalie. Because he was short, Natalie leaned forward slightly when she handed him the wine, revealing a glimpse of his neckline. Tojo took the glass, tilted his head back, and took a big gulp, but his eyes were still glued to Natalie.

"Tojo-kun," Chang Desheng asked in German, with a hint of teasing, "you're quite the ladies' man, with Miss Okura—"

Tojo hurriedly waved his hand: "Hey, Zhenbang, don't talk nonsense. She's the daughter of the Okura Zaibatsu! How could someone like me possibly be worthy of her!"

He paused, leaned closer, and lowered his voice: "Besides, I've been married for a long time! My son, Eitaro, is already six years old! And his wife is quite fierce!"

Eitaro? Chang Desheng thought to himself: He doesn't sound like a good kid. He should be sent to a temple to become a monk as soon as possible!

Tojo took another sip of his drink and continued, "Miss Haruko was arranged by Minister Saionji; she was brought in at the last minute to fill in. She just arrived from England—what the heck—the Royal Household Agency, what the heck—"

What? Chang Desheng thought to himself: Could it be Hogwarts? Those aren't ordinary courses.

"Royal Holloway Academy," Natalie added in German with a smile, her eyes darting between Tojo and Chang Desheng, as if watching a show.

"Yes, she graduated from Royal Holloway, College of Economics, and is traveling in Europe. She happens to be in Berlin. His Excellency arranged for her to be his companion, so that we roughnecks wouldn't look too shabby." After explaining, Tojo glanced at Haruko, who was chatting animatedly with Luo Jingrou not far away, and turned to Chang Desheng with curiosity: "Brother Zhenbang, who is this lady—and how does she know Miss Haruko?"

Chang Desheng sneered inwardly.

So you're asking about my wife? Trying to find out what's going on with me? No, wait, you probably already knew, right?

He smiled and casually said, "Jingrou, her family does business in Southeast Asia, dealing in rubber, tin mines and stuff like that. She also studied in England and was classmates with Miss Qingzi, so we ran into each other."

"Oh, you must be the daughter of a wealthy Chinese merchant from Southeast Asia?" Tojo nodded with a hint of envy, but didn't ask any further questions. He then turned his attention back to Natalie, standing on tiptoe, trying to discuss the Berlin weather with the beautiful and tall lady.

Chang Desheng picked up his glass of dark beer, took a sip, and then his gaze drifted back to the small round table not far away.

As he watched, the band changed to a soothing waltz. Little Moltke, who had appeared out of nowhere, patted him on the shoulder, gestured towards Haruko Okura and Jingrou Luo, and whispered, "Zhenbang, aren't you going to invite the lady to dance? It's basic social etiquette. Who's that lady? She seems like a good dance partner!"

Chang Desheng knew that "Teacher Mao" was instructing him on how to deal with the enemy's intelligence agents!

Not all intelligence agents can be shot dead; for example, those with diplomatic immunity.

"The teacher is right." Chang Desheng put down his wine glass, straightened the front of his suit jacket, and walked towards the small round table.

When Luo Jingrou saw him coming, she smiled and said something to Qingzi. Qingzi looked up and saw Chang Desheng standing in front of her, her eyes widening slightly.

"Miss Haruko," Chang Desheng bowed slightly, extended his hand, and said in Chinese, "would you have the honor of dancing with me?"

Haruko Okura seemed to hesitate for half a second, then quickly glanced at Jingrou Luo. Jingrou Luo wasn't jealous at all, and smiled as she nudged her, saying in Japanese, "Go ahead, Haruko. Zhenbang's dancing is pretty good; he won't step on your feet."

Haruko then stood up and gently placed her hand in Chang Desheng's palm. "It is my honor, Mr. Chang. Please—please guide me."

The two stepped onto the dance floor. Chang Desheng gently supported her waist with one hand and held her hand with the other, maintaining a standard social distance.

Haruko lowered her eyes slightly, seemingly too afraid to look Chang Desheng in the eye. Her shy and timid appearance did indeed have a pitiful quality.

But what Chang Desheng was thinking was: This girl's palms are a little cold, but her pulse is steady... Either she has excellent mental fortitude, or she has received professional training.

"Miss Haruko speaks excellent Chinese," Chang Desheng said, putting his arm around her and spinning her around, striking up a conversation. "Did you learn it in Japan?"

"I'm sorry to have embarrassed you, Mr. Chang," Haruko said softly, her eyes still half-closed. "I didn't speak well. It was in England that Jingrou and I learned from each other. I taught her Japanese, and she taught me Chinese." She paused, then added, "Father—Father said that it's always good to learn another language. Especially Chinese, it's very important. So I've been familiar with Chinese characters since I was little, but I just can't speak them."

"Oh? Mr. Okura, you have a keen eye." Chang Desheng nodded. "I've heard that the Okura Group's business spans East Asia, so they must have a lot of dealings with China."

Qingzi gave a soft "Mmm," then quickly glanced at Chang Desheng before looking down again. "Yes. Father often goes to Shanghai and Tianjin. The group also has some business in Southeast Asia." When she mentioned "Southeast Asia," her tone became more natural. "He also has dealings with Jingrou's father and uncle. Jingrou said that Mr. Chang is going to Southeast Asia soon?"

coming.

Chang Desheng sneered inwardly, but smiled outwardly: "Yes, I was sent by His Excellency to Singapore on some business. Southeast Asia is a good place, but—it's not peaceful. I've heard that the local kings and sultans there often cause trouble, robbing merchants and travelers, making life difficult for the Chinese."

The fact that he was "going to Singapore on business" was already public knowledge. It was a lucrative assignment that Guo Shigui had "invited" from Li Hongzhang for Chang Desheng, to persuade the Beiyang government to donate to coastal defense.

Upon hearing this, Haruko sighed softly, seemingly worried for someone: "Yes, Jingrou also told me. She's very worried about the family business and the safety of her clan. Mr. Chang is going to do something important; if possible, we must help them."

Chang Desheng thought to himself: If you weren't a female Japanese soldier, I might actually think you're a good girl who cares about her best friend.

"That's all within my duty," Chang Desheng replied casually, then changed the subject, "The Okura Group's business is so large, and I've heard they have close ties with your country's army? I suppose they can provide some assistance to the Jingrou family?"

He asked directly, his gaze seemingly casually falling on Haruko's face.

Haruko seemed taken aback by his direct question about the army. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, but she replied calmly, "Yes. My father and General Yamagata were old acquaintances. The Okura Group does indeed handle many orders from the army and provides them with supplies." She paused, then added earnestly, "My father often said that the fate of a trading company is intertwined with the fate of the nation... The fate of Lanfang Company must be intertwined with the fate of China, right?"

A dance was drawing to a close. Chang Desheng led Haruko through the final spin, then whispered in her ear, half-jokingly, "Miss Haruko, I guess you'll be heading back to Japan soon, right? Perhaps we'll meet again on the ship. Please take good care of me on this journey, Miss Haruko." After all, the sea voyage was long, and who knew what might happen?

Haruko stiffened slightly in his arms, then relaxed instantly, replying softly in Japanese, "Hello, Mr. Tsuneo."

ぞよろしくお愿いいたします. (Yes, Mr. Chang. Please take care of me.)

The dance music ended.

Chang Desheng politely escorted Qingzi back to Luo Jingrou's side. Tojo also came over, clamoring to ask Mrs. Natalie to dance, while Moltke smiled silently to the side.

Chang Desheng then extended his hand to Luo Jingrou: "Jingrou, shall we dance a dance together?"

Luo Jingrou smiled and offered him her hand, and the two glided onto the dance floor.

"How is she?" Luo Jingrou leaned against him and asked in a low voice in Chinese.

"That's impressive!" Chang Desheng tightened his grip on her waist slightly. "How did you two meet?"

Luo Jingrou said, "I met her in Cheltenham. She's my best friend—and I did it intentionally. The Okura Group is the official merchant of the Japanese Army, and I wanted to use Haruko to pave the way for Lanfang to potentially purchase arms from Japan in the future."

"She's probably a spy!"

"It can't be that bad," Luo Jingrou shook her head. "She's the daughter of Kihachiro Okura, that kind of status... But when we were in England, she did teach me some things, observation, memory, and little tricks for getting information out of people—she said that daughters of wealthy families should learn a little bit, because they might be able to use it when they marry, whether they marry a politician, a military officer, or a businessman, it's a way of serving the country." She looked at Chang Desheng, "You don't think—I have a problem too, do you?"

Chang Desheng chuckled: "Problem? No, I think I've struck gold. It turns out I not only found a wealthy and powerful partner, but also an assistant who has received basic intelligence training? This is great! From now on, I'll be much more confident in swindling and deceiving—no, I mean in carrying out intelligence work."

Luo Jingrou was amused by him and lightly punched him: "You're so serious! So—what do you think is her purpose in coming this time?"

"Of course it's for me!" Chang Desheng's smile faded, his voice lowered. "But she herself probably can't do the dirty work... She's the eyes and ears; the real work is done by someone else!"

"So, should we—"

"Let's play along," Chang Desheng interrupted her. "Even without her, Fukushima will arrange for someone else... something clandestine is far more dangerous than something exposed."

Luo Jingrou's eyes lit up: "I understand."

The music reached another climax. Chang Desheng held Luo Jingrou tightly as they spun around in the center of the dazzling dance floor.

Not far away, Haruko Okura stood beside Moltke, holding a glass of juice, chatting with the nephew of this legendary German military genius. However, her gaze remained fixed on Chang Desheng.

"The Britannia, huh?!"

Just now, she learned the name of the cruise ship that Chang Desheng and others took when they left Germany from Moltke.

2