Spy war in the Republic of China, peak undercover

After returning from the Western restaurant, Lu Yang's mood remained restless for a long time. Every encounter with Matsumoto Sakurako felt like dancing on the edge of a knife, thrilling and exciting, yet filled with uncertainty. Her beauty, talent, and the melancholy and complexity deep in her eyes, all like a web, slowly entangling him. He knew he was playing a dangerous game of emotions, but for the sake of intelligence, he had to continue.

In the days that followed, Lu Yang, under the guise of "Yamasa Shichiro," interacted more and more frequently with Matsumoto Sakurako. They drank tea together, admired flowers together, chatted about poetry and songs, and discussed romantic matters. In front of Matsumoto Sakurako, Lu Yang completely let go of the cold and vigilant attitude of a military intelligence agent, transforming into a humorous, gentle and considerate "ronin."

Matsumoto Sakurako, on the other hand, seems to be increasingly dependent on Lu Yang. She confides in him her loneliness and oppression in the mountain town, the strict control her brother Matsumoto Shixiong imposes on her, and her longing for freedom. Lu Yang acts as a patient listener, offering her warmth and comfort at just the right moments.

In this seemingly romantic atmosphere, the distance between the two people is getting closer and closer, and their feelings seem to be quietly heating up.

However, Lu Yang knew in his heart that all this was fake. His gentleness and consideration were just a disguise to extract information; her dependence and confession were perhaps just a performance to gain his trust.

It was a strange contrast. In the Military Control Commission, he was the decisive and ruthless Major General Lu, a fearless blade; in the face of the enemy, he was a flawless disguise, a ruthless hunter. Yet, at this moment, he was playing the role of a gentle and affectionate "ronin," engaging in a dangerous emotional entanglement with a Japanese woman who might be hiding a huge secret.

This fake-play-turned-realization made him feel an unprecedented sense of oppression and exhaustion. He didn't know how long he could continue to pretend like this, nor did he know where this game would end.

But that night, a sudden change made this fake game become more complicated and dangerous.

Matsumoto Sakurako invited Lu Yang to attend a small family banquet at the Japanese Consulate, saying that she wanted him to have a more in-depth communication with her brother Matsumoto Shio.

Lu Yang knew that this was a disguised way for Matsumoto Shixiong to observe him, and it was also a good opportunity to get inside the consulate. He gladly accepted the invitation.

The banquet was held at Matsumoto Shio's official residence. It was not large in scale, with only Matsumoto Shio, Matsumoto Sakurako, and several important officials from the consulate attending.

Lu Yang attended the event as "Yamazu Shichiro" and wore a well-fitting kimono, appearing more energetic than usual.

The atmosphere of the banquet was very relaxed. Everyone was chatting while enjoying the exquisite Japanese cuisine. Matsumoto Zhixiong was very polite to Lu Yang and kept asking about his experience in the mountain city, as if he wanted to know everything about him.

Lu Yang answered flawlessly, while also observing the surroundings and the people present calmly. He knew that this was the core area of ​​the Japanese consulate, and it must be hiding many secrets.

Just when the banquet was halfway through, Matsumoto Zhixiong suddenly mentioned, "I heard that Shan Zuojun is very interested in the 'Bashu Order'?"

Lu Yang's heart trembled, knowing that the main topic had come. He feigned surprise and said, "Oh, how did Military Officer Matsumoto know about this? Shan Zuo only heard about it occasionally and thought this artifact was of great historical value, so he was curious."

"Haha, there's no need to be so modest, Mr. Yamazuo." Matsumoto Shixiong smiled meaningfully. "The 'Bashu Order' is valuable beyond this. It's related to a crucial military plan. If you can help me find it, Mr. Yamazuo, I'll definitely reward you handsomely."

"It is an honor for Shanzuo to serve you," Lu Yang immediately stated. He then asked tentatively, "However, I know very little about the 'Bashu Order'. I wonder if you could reveal a few things?"

Matsumoto Shixiong hesitated, looked at Matsumoto Sakurako beside him, and then said: "This matter is confidential and cannot be disclosed. However, if you can provide some clues about the 'Bashu Order', I will consider telling you more."

Lu Yang cursed the old fox in his heart, knowing that Matsumoto Shio did not completely trust him.

At this moment, Matsumoto Sakurako suddenly spoke up, "Brother, I heard from Mr. Yamazuo that a group of mysterious people in the mountain city are also looking for the 'Bashu Order' recently, and they seem to be quite powerful. Why don't you let Mr. Yamazuo investigate the origins of these people? Perhaps there will be unexpected gains."

Matsumoto Shixiong's eyes flashed when he heard this. He looked at Lu Yang, then at Matsumoto Sakurako, as if weighing the pros and cons.

Finally, he nodded. "Yingzi, you have a point. Yamazu-kun, I'll leave this matter to you. If you can find out the origins and purpose of these mysterious individuals, I will consider allowing you to participate more deeply in the search for the 'Bashu Order'."

Lu Yang was delighted, knowing his chance had come. He immediately stood up and said respectfully, "Please rest assured, Officer. Shan Zuo will definitely fulfill his mission!"

After the banquet, Lu Yang and Matsumoto Sakurako walked out of the official residence together. The night wind from the mountain city blew, bringing a hint of coolness.

"Ms. Sakurako, thank you for your recommendation. It is all thanks to you that we have gained the trust of Military Officer Matsumoto." Lu Yang said sincerely.

Matsumoto Sakurako smiled and shook her head. "Mr. Shanzuo, you're too polite. I believe that with your abilities, you will be appreciated by your brother sooner or later." She paused and looked at Lu Yang with a hint of inquiry in her eyes. "But, is Mr. Shanzuo really that interested in the 'Bashu Order'?"

Lu Yang's heart trembled, knowing that Matsumoto Sakurako was testing him. A hint of greed and ambition flashed across his face. "To be honest, Miss Sakurako, Shan Zuo has been wandering around for years, experiencing the warmth and coldness of human nature. He knows that in these troubled times, only power and wealth can sustain one. If I can find the 'Bashu Order,' perhaps I can change Shan Zuo's fate."

His words were half true and half false, which not only fit the image of a ronin, but also revealed his desire for the "Bashu Order", making them seem real and credible.

Matsumoto Sakurako looked at Lu Yang with a complicated look in her eyes, as if she was thinking about something.

At this moment, one of Matsumoto Shio's followers came over. "Miss, the military attaché asked you to rest early."

Matsumoto Sakurako nodded and said to Lu Yang: "Mr. Shan Zuo, it's getting late, and I should go back. I hope you can find clues about those mysterious people as soon as possible."

"Please rest assured, miss." Lu Yang said.

Matsumoto Sakurako looked at Lu Yang deeply, then turned and left.

Lu Yang stood there, watching her retreating figure, his heart filled with questions. What exactly did Matsumoto Sakurako's eyes just now mean? Was it suspicion? Was it worry? Or... something else?

He felt that his relationship with Matsumoto Sakurako was becoming increasingly confusing. This emotional game, which was becoming real, seemed to be developing in an unpredictable direction. He didn't know what role he would eventually play, nor how this game would end.

But he knows he must continue. For his country, for his beliefs, he must walk the fine line of danger until all mysteries are uncovered and he finds the "Zero" hiding behind the scenes. And Matsumoto Sakurako, this beautiful and mysterious Japanese woman, is destined to become even more entangled with him in this storm of spy warfare. Is she friend or foe? Is she love or hate? Everything remains unknown, but Lu Yang is ready for whatever fate may hold. He knows that for ultimate victory, he must sacrifice everything, even his own feelings.

The night in the mountain city deepened, and Lu Yang's heart grew increasingly complicated. He and Matsumoto Sakurako, two people from different camps, met in this chaotic world. Their encounter made a thrilling spy war even more dramatic and full of uncertainties. ...

After gaining Matsumoto Shixiong's initial trust, Lu Yang, posing as "Yamasa Shichiro," began gathering clues within the mountain city about the "mysterious individuals"—members of the "Zero" organization. This was both a task assigned to him by Matsumoto Shixiong and something he desperately wanted to accomplish. Leveraging the Military Intelligence Bureau's intelligence network, combined with the list of core members he obtained from Liu Ruyan, he gradually pieced together the "Zero" organization's connections within the mountain city.

However, the members of the "Zero" organization are far more secretive than one might imagine. Scattered throughout the mountain city, they possess diverse identities and have minimal contact with one another. And once exposed, they are instantly silenced, just as Zhou Hai was, leaving no one alive. This slows Lu Yang's investigation and creates numerous obstacles.

While investigating Zero, he also intensified his search within the consulate for clues regarding the Bashu Order and Japan's military plans. As Matsumoto Shio's personal bodyguard, he had a certain range of activities, accessing documents and information unavailable to ordinary people. However, he knew that core secrets were kept in the most secure of locations, making them extremely difficult to obtain.

During this period, he and Matsumoto Sakurako continued to interact frequently. Matsumoto Sakurako seemed to trust him more and more, even beginning to confide in him about her troubles with her family and brother. She complained about Matsumoto Shixiong's coldness and harshness, his meddling in her life, which left her feeling oppressed and restricted. Lu Yang continued to act as a gentle and considerate listener, offering her understanding and comfort when appropriate.

This "fake-turned-real" relationship, unknowingly, seems to be developing in an unpredictable direction. Lu Yang discovers that his feelings for Matsumoto Sakurako are no longer just a pretense. Her beauty, vulnerability, and desire for freedom are gradually touching the soft spot deep in his heart.

He also felt that Matsumoto Sakurako's feelings for him seemed to be becoming more and more sincere. The way she looked at him was no longer just curiosity and exploration, but more of a sense of dependence and trust.

This left him with an unprecedented sense of conflict and struggle. He was a Kuomintang secret agent, her enemy; she was the sister of a Japanese officer, his target. Between them lay a deep blood feud, a national hatred, and a family feud, making true love impossible.

But he found that he seemed to be unable to extricate himself from it.

This inner torment made him more cautious when performing tasks, fearing that his true emotions would be exposed.

That night, Lu Yang was in the consulate's information room, pretending to organize documents, but actually secretly looking through some old files that might be related to the "Bashu Order".

Suddenly, the door of the data room was pushed open.

Lu Yang's heart trembled, and he immediately put away the documents in his hand and turned around.

It was Matsumoto Sakurako who came in. She was wearing a light-colored kimono and holding a tea tray with two cups of hot tea on it.

"Mr. Yamazu, are you still busy so late?" Matsumoto Sakurako asked with a smile.

"Oh, Miss Yingzi." Lu Yang's face showed a hint of surprise and apology. "Sorry to bother you. I was sorting through some old files to see if I could find some useful information."

"Don't work too hard." Matsumoto Sakurako handed Lu Yang a cup of hot tea. "Brother, you're such a pity to let you work so late. Come, have a cup of tea to warm yourself up."

Lu Yang took the teacup, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. He looked at Matsumoto Sakurako's concerned eyes and suddenly felt a deep sense of guilt. He had deceived this kind Japanese woman and used her feelings to obtain information, which made him feel like a despicable villain.

"Thank you for your concern, Miss Sakurako." Lu Yang took a sip of hot tea, trying to hide his complicated emotions.

Matsumoto Sakurako sat down next to him, looked at him, and asked softly, "Mr. Yamazu, are you really that short of money? Is it worth it for you to work so hard for your brother?"

Lu Yang's heart moved, knowing that Matsumoto Sakurako was giving him a chance to speak his true thoughts. But he couldn't reveal his identity and could only continue to play the role of "Yamasa Shichiro".

"Alas, Miss Yingzi, you don't know that Shan Zuo has been lonely and helpless since childhood, and has suffered a lot." Lu Yang deliberately sighed, a sad look on his face, "Shan Zuo's only wish is to save enough money to return to his hometown, buy a piece of land, build a house, and live a stable life. So, no matter how hard it is, Shan Zuo will try his best to persevere."

His words were sincere and touching, touching Matsumoto Sakurako.

A trace of pity and sympathy flashed in Matsumoto Sakurako's eyes. She reached out and gently held Lu Yang's hand on the table. "Mr. Shan Zuo, you are such a strong person. I believe you can realize your wish."

Lu Yang felt the warmth of Matsumoto Sakurako's palm, and a complex emotion surged in his heart again. He looked at her beautiful and kind face and almost wanted to tell her everything, tell her his true identity, tell her the crimes committed by the Japanese in China, and tell her the pain that this war brought to the Chinese people.

But he finally held back. He knew that once he said it, it would not only destroy himself, but also Matsumoto Sakurako.

"Thank you, Miss Sakurako." Lu Yang said softly, with a look of "gratitude" and "emotion" in his eyes.

Matsumoto Sakurako shook his hand back with a gentle smile on her face.

In this ambiguous atmosphere, a sense of alarm suddenly flashed through Lu Yang's mind. No! Matsumoto Sakurako's arrival was too coincidental! Moreover, her eyes just now seemed to be a little inquiring, not just caring.

Could it be... that she was testing herself?

Lu Yang's heart sank suddenly. He remembered what Liu Ruyan had said before: Matsumoto Sakurako was not as simple as she seemed.

He carefully recalled every detail of his interactions with Matsumoto Sakurako over the past few days, every look, every word. He suddenly realized that although Matsumoto Sakurako seemed to open her heart to him, she had never revealed anything about her brother Matsumoto Shixiong's work, nor did she reveal anything about the situation inside the Japanese consulate.

However, he himself was intentionally or unintentionally revealing some information about the identity of "Yamasa Shichiro" to her, and even made up some "touching" stories.

He felt a wave of fear. Was he being used by Matsumoto Sakurako? Was she trying to trick him?

He calmly withdrew his hand, a hint of just the right amount of shyness and uneasiness on his face. "Ms. Sakurako, it's getting late. You should go back and get some rest. I still have some paperwork to deal with."

Matsumoto Sakurako's smile froze for a moment, and a hint of subtle disappointment flashed across her eyes. But she quickly recovered, stood up, and said, "Well, Mr. Yamazu, don't work too hard, and get some rest."

She left the library carrying the tea tray.

Lu Yang watched her leave, his heart filled with doubts. He didn't know whether Matsumoto Sakurako really cared about him or was just pretending. This game of "pretend to be real" seemed to be becoming more and more unpredictable.

He felt that there was a layer of invisible glass between him and Matsumoto Sakurako. They could see each other but could not really touch each other's hearts. They were both playing a role and hiding their true selves.

This fake relationship made Lu Yang feel deeply exhausted and helpless. But he knew that in order to complete his mission, he had to continue. He had to find out whether Matsumoto Sakurako was "Zero" or a pawn planted by the Japanese beside him, and how many secrets she was hiding.

And it seems that all of this can only be solved through further contact and further testing.