Espionage: Mastering the Ten Cruelest Tortures of the Military Intelligence Bureau from the Start

As time marched on, it was early 1937 when Su Mingzhe and the others returned to Chang'an Station.

Inside Chang'an Station, colorful flags fluttered in the breeze, announcing the return of heroes.

The station chief, dressed in a crisp and neat military uniform with the top button of his collar fastened tightly, quietly awaited the triumphant return of Su Mingzhe and his two companions.

Li Qi, who was beside him, should have been resting and recuperating, but even so, upon hearing the news that Su Mingzhe had returned safely, he stubbornly refused the advice of others and came to Chang'an Station with his cane, just to personally confirm that Su Mingzhe and the others were safe and sound as soon as possible.

"Congratulations on your triumphant return, three heroes!"

The stationmaster's voice was full of energy.

In an instant, thunderous applause erupted all around, lasting for a long time.

All eyes turned to Su Mingzhe and his two companions, their eyes filled with undisguised admiration and respect.

Deepen into the wolf's den, take the enemy's life, and retreat unscathed.

Doing any one of these three things would be something to brag about, but these three people have done it all.

Although Li Qi was not yet fully recovered and was still weak, he still mustered all his strength to congratulate Su Mingzhe.

The stationmaster smiled broadly and strode toward the three men. He steadily picked up the wine pot and poured the fragrant white wine into the glasses in front of Su Mingzhe and the other two, the wine rippling in the glasses.

Then, the stationmaster solemnly raised his glass of wine high and said loudly:

"Salute to the three brave warriors! Their deeds will be remembered for generations to come, and they have enhanced the prestige of China!"

After saying this, he tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.

Looking at the wine glass in front of him, Su Mingzhe couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

In his previous life, he was allergic to alcohol, and this was the first time he had ever drunk so much baijiu (Chinese liquor).

Luo Dayou and Shen Bei, standing beside him, had already tilted their heads back and downed their drinks in one gulp. Then they wiped their mouths and looked at Su Mingzhe with eager eyes.

In an instant, all eyes were on him.

Seeing that the atmosphere was right, Su Mingzhe took a deep breath, reached out and picked up his wine glass, and, imitating the others, tilted his head back and downed it in one gulp.

In an instant, the pungent and spicy taste of the liquor shot straight to the top of his head, his throat felt like it was being burned by fire, causing him to cough, his eyes to turn slightly red, and he looked rather disheveled.

Seeing Su Mingzhe's embarrassing predicament, the stationmaster couldn't help but grin and jokingly say:

"I really thought you were invincible, always so capable and powerful. I never expected you to stumble when it comes to drinking, hahaha..."

The hearty laughter echoed through Chang'an Station, drawing knowing smiles from everyone, adding a touch of humor to the originally solemn and enthusiastic atmosphere.

The officers and soldiers at Chang'an Station were also surprised that the all-powerful Section Chief Su didn't drink alcohol.

While everyone was still immersed in the celebratory atmosphere, the stationmaster's smile faded slightly, his expression instantly becoming solemn. His tone abruptly changed, becoming serious and earnest as he spoke with a resounding voice:

"Shen Bei and Luo Dayou, you went deep into enemy-occupied territory, faced life-or-death dangers, and endured numerous hardships to successfully complete your arduous mission. Your merits are outstanding and well-deserved!"

As decided by the Jinling Bureau, you two are hereby promoted to the rank of lieutenant and appointed as deputy leaders of the second and third action groups of the Action Section, respectively.

I hope that you two will make further contributions to the Party and the country!

At this time, Su Mingzhe and his two companions were still dressed in worn-out civilian clothes and had not yet had time to change into military uniforms.

Therefore, the conferment ceremony could not be held.

However, the station chief was clearly well-prepared. He walked steadily to the neatly arranged table to the side, picked up the three sets of military uniforms stacked on it, and solemnly handed them to Su Mingzhe and the other two.

The brand-new military uniforms gleamed crisply in the sunlight, their deep green color exuding the solemnity of the military.

Shen Bei and Luo Dayou took the military uniforms, their eyes immediately drawn to the lieutenant's uniform, which already had his rank insignia.

In contrast, given that Su Mingzhe could not be promoted in rank for a short period of time according to regulations, the station chief carefully took out a fourth-class Yunhui Medal from his pocket and presented it with both hands as a reward.

Su Mingzhe took it; it felt slightly heavy in his hand, and the metallic coolness of the medal traveled through his fingertips.

However, compared to the Order of the Blue Sky and White Sun, this fourth-class Yunhui Medal does appear somewhat dim and lacks a bit of solemnity.

When it comes to rewarding Su Mingzhe, even Boss Dai is a bit hesitant.

In terms of military rank, Su Mingzhe was the youngest major section chief in the Military Intelligence Investigation Department, and he was promoted by President Chang through his keen eye for talent.

In terms of honors, the Order of the Blue Sky and White Sun has placed him at the very top of the Kuomintang's military honor system. Ordinary awards seem insignificant and inadequate to match his achievements.

Discussing further rewards is truly difficult, as it seems we've reached a point where there's nothing left to reward.

Even Boss Dai was a little envious.

Because he didn't even have the Order of the Blue Sky and White Sun.

However, Boss Dai was still quite satisfied with Su Mingzhe.

Because he once again successfully completed the mission, he made Boss Dai look good in front of Principal Chang.

Some are happy and some are sad.

Director Xu was severely reprimanded by Principal Chang, while Boss Dai was overjoyed when he found out.

Those bastards deserve it!

Due to the special nature of his position, Boss Dai's power was entirely dependent on Principal Chang, which is why he valued the principal's attitude towards him so much.

......

Laughter and cheers filled the hall as everyone was completely immersed in the joyous atmosphere of celebrating their triumphant return, toasting and exchanging drinks.

Su Mingzhe was among them, and apart from the few glasses of wine offered by the stationmaster, he drank them all out of respect and courtesy.

When others came forward to offer him a toast, he politely declined, citing poor health and inability to hold his liquor.

Within Chang'an Station, a strict hierarchy prevails, personal connections intertwine, and various forces are vying for influence.

However, Su Mingzhe has already established an unshakeable position based on his past military achievements and outstanding abilities.

Aside from the station chief and deputy station chief Li Qi, it was really difficult for Su Mingzhe to lower himself and force himself to drink and save face among the rest of the people.

On the contrary, many people rely on Su Mingzhe for handling various internal affairs and tasks, hoping that he can give them face or do them a favor at crucial moments.

After some social maneuvering, Su Mingzhe spotted Li Qi in the corner, and with light steps, steadily approached him.

Over time, their friendship deepened, transcending the rigid and cold relationship between ordinary superiors and subordinates, which was merely about orders and obedience.

They are more like elders and juniors in the same family.

Although Li Qi's figure appeared thin and weak due to injuries, the light in his eyes as he looked at Su Mingzhe was still burning, full of relief and excitement.

He slowly raised his arm and patted Su Mingzhe's shoulder heavily, muttering three words:

"Alive."

A simple sentence, yet it is filled with the joy of being reunited after a disaster.

Su Mingzhe nodded emphatically, then responded softly:

"Alive."