Spy Wars: I can get rewards by being a bully!

That evening, Shinichi Ito returned to Astor House with bloodshot eyes.

He dared not investigate further. If the North China Transportation Corporation really stopped running trains and caused a huge mess, no matter whose fault it was, he would definitely be held responsible.

He found Hiroaki Nomura and roared in a hoarse voice, "There's a mole! There must be a mole! They're always trying to outmaneuver me! Someone must have made contact with them beforehand; someone wants to take all the spoils for themselves!"

Hiroaki Nomura frowned slightly.

It wasn't because of Shinichi Ito's crazy behavior, but because what Shinichi Ito said made sense.

The people of Tianjin were so calm and well-prepared!

“Minister Yi Dong, you have made great contributions to Tianjin this time, and we have all seen that. Our family has always had a pleasant cooperation with you. Regardless of whether you can find out the accounting problems in Tianjin this time, we will be grateful for your help.”

Shinichi Ito stopped performing.

He was not a loyal subject who was wholeheartedly devoted to the empire. On the contrary, he was able to stand out from the Ministry of Finance and become a powerful official in the Planning Institute by colluding with the zaibatsu and helping them suppress dissidents. In return, he received financial and networking support from the zaibatsu.

So he came to Tianjin this time determined to find out something, but now Tianjin is so slippery that he has no way to start, which makes him feel very cheated.

However, since Hiroaki Nomura said he would be grateful no matter what, there was no need to act so exaggeratedly.

Shinichi Ito calmed himself down and lit a cigarette. "Nomura-kun, maybe I'm overthinking it. I have a feeling that Lin Ze is more cunning than we think. If every step we take is within his consideration, then has he set a trap for us from the very beginning?"

Hiroaki Nomura smiled and said nothing more.

In his view, this was impossible; it was just an excuse for Shinichi Ito to save face. It was like two people fighting, and one of them lost. He would either say that he didn't sleep well the night before, or that the other person was too strong and not in his league, so it was unfair.

The decision to acquire Tianjin's Xinhang was a secret one made by several major conglomerates, and it was quickly put into practice. The investigation of the North China Army and related industries connected to Lin Ze was also a last-minute move. Even though Lin Ze received the news a few days in advance, those equity transfer documents were from several months ago!

He couldn't have known months ago that we were going to seize his port.

After seeing Shinichi Ito off, Akihiro Nomura sighed.

We can't delay any longer!

My original plan was to deliver a crushing blow to Lin Ze once we arrived in Tianjin, and then exert pressure through the Planning Institute to get him to help us gradually acquire the port's shares.

It seems that Lin Ze is no pushover. To save time, we have no choice but to confront him directly.

"Someone, go and deliver my calling card to Commander Lin, and tell him that I wish to pay him a visit."

Tianjin Military Police Headquarters.

Lin Ze was reading a briefing, which recorded everything Shinichi Ito said and did at the North China Transportation Company, even down to the changes in his micro-expressions.

After looking at it for a while, he tossed the briefing aside, shook his head and said, "The Japanese are still petty after all. Before doing anything, they always think about playing tricks first. When the tricks fail, they think about going back to fix them."

At this moment, Niu San'er knocked on the door and came in. "Master, Nomura Akihiro wants to visit."

Lin Ze thought for a moment, "Let him come tonight. I'll treat him to dinner at the Military Police Headquarters."

That evening, Akihiro Nomura discreetly left through the back door of the Astor Hotel, changed to an inconspicuous car, and headed to the Military Police Headquarters.

Lin Ze was very polite; although he didn't go to the main gate, he stood downstairs at the office building to greet him.

Nomura Akihiro bowed deeply as he got out of the car, saying, "How could I dare to trouble Commander Akihiro to personally greet me?"

Lin Ze chuckled and said, "Mr. Nomura is a prominent figure in the business world, and I have long admired the Mitsui family, so it is only right that I greet him."

Nomura Akihiro raised his head, revealing a knowing smile. "The Commander's wisdom and intelligence are truly unparalleled in my life. I am honored to have come to disturb you today, and I hope that the Commander will not hesitate to offer his guidance."

The two then went upstairs together and entered the reception room.

The sofa had been removed and replaced with a round table. Lin Ze and Nomura Akihiro took their seats as host and guest, and with a wave of their hand, the servants began to serve the dishes.

Even the waiters were military police officers acting as waiters; this kind of dinner party was quite interesting.

"Nomura-kun, what would you like to drink?"

"Of course, we should follow the host's lead."

Lin Ze picked up a bottle of Zhigu Gaoliang liquor and said, "When we get to Tianjin, we should try out the local bars."

Several kinds of cups were placed in front of each person. Lin Ze wanted to pour wine for Nomura Hiroaki, but Nomura Hiroaki insisted on not letting him. He took the wine bottle, poured some for Lin Ze first, and then poured some for himself.

"Come, Nomura-kun, I've been running around with Ito these past few days and haven't been able to entertain you properly. Please forgive me. Drink this cup to the brim."

"Commander, you are too kind. I already feel bad about it."

The two drank a toast. This Nomura Akihiro was quite capable, chatting fluently about all sorts of things, occasionally mentioning some strange anecdotes about Tokyo, and for a time the atmosphere was quite lively.

After a few rounds of drinks, Lin Ze, slightly tipsy, sighed, "Nomura-kun, you're a reasonable person. Let's not beat around the bush. I know perfectly well why you're here, but why do you always resort to underhanded tactics, letting Minister Ito find fault everywhere? I'm a person who loves making friends. That port isn't mine; at most, there's a little profit involved. If I could exchange a small profit for a big one, who wouldn't want that?"

Nomura Akihiro's eyes gleamed. "The Commander is right. We were at a disadvantage from the start. I'm here today to apologize to the Commander. I wonder if the Commander could teach me about this port..."

Lin Ze held up three fingers. "Control is in the hands of three companies: the North China Area Army, which is General Okamura, the Northern Federal Reserve, and Miyamoto Trading Company."

"Then, if I may ask another question, what influence can you have...?"

“Miyamoto is a businessman, and business matters should be resolved through business. However, the North China Area Army and the Northern Federal Reserve have no intention of holding onto the port's shares. As you know, Your Excellency will soon be taking up your post in Nanjing, and I will probably be going with you.”

Will the Federal Reserve soften its stance?

Lin Ze laughed heartily, "The portion of shares held by the Northern Federal Reserve is essentially a takeover of the Americans; it's a risk-free deal!"

Nomura Akihiro understood.

Just then, Lin Ze suddenly said, "But since three of you have come, it will be difficult to negotiate a lot of things once you form a joint acquisition. In my opinion, there can only be one counterparty. As for which one to stay, you'll have to discuss that."

Nomura Akihiro looked at Lin Ze, speechless for a moment.

In this situation, should we ditch the other two companies and go it alone?

………………

P.S. Updates will gradually resume; one chapter today. My condition is still somewhat unstable lately; my eyes become painful and dry after looking at the screen for a while. I used to think Sjögren's syndrome was just dry eyes, but now I know it's an immune system issue. Dear readers, please don't worry, updates will gradually return to normal soon.