Chapter 249 Licha Hotel (please subscribe for a monthly ticket)
Meinini Road.
A Shikumen residence.
Cheng Qianfan went to Sheng Shuyu's appointment.
“Brother Sheng, what can I do for you when you come to Shanghai?” Cheng Qianfan asked.
He received a secret message from the Nanjing headquarters, asking him to cooperate with Sheng Shuyu's actions.
The telegram did not say what the action was.
This made Cheng Qianfan even more vigilant.
Although Sheng Shuyu is young, he is a veteran agent. He is a famous "extremely young and highly qualified" ace agent within the Secret Service.
Sheng Shuyu did not answer directly, but took out a piece of paper from his briefcase.
"This is?"
“This is the floor plan of Licha Hotel.” Sheng Shuyu said.
“What do you need me to do?” Cheng Qianfan asked.
“Create chaos in the Licha Hotel and attract nearby police officers, people from the restaurant, and tourists.” Sheng Shuyu said.
"Licha Hotel?" Cheng Qianfan frowned, "This place is very sensitive. There is no problem in taking action. The problem is how to deal with the aftermath."
…
The Licha Hotel is a high-end hotel, where all foreigners and high-level Chinese stay.
The restaurant owner is British and has a rich background.
"Brother Cheng, this is your problem." Sheng Shuyu said coldly, "I only have one request. Do this before the morning of tomorrow."
"Brother Sheng, you are trying to force someone to do something difficult." Cheng Qianfan also turned cold.
Sheng Shuyu looked at the sulky Cheng Qianfan and suddenly burst out laughing, "Brother Cheng, if it weren't for you, I would give you a hard time. This matter is really urgent. The secret mission was personally assigned by Virgo. My brother also has pressure and difficulties."
Cheng Qianfan snorted coldly, obviously not believing it. He thought this was Sheng Shuyu deliberately making things difficult:
Where is the Richa Hotel? It has a profound background, both in the French Concession and the British and American Concessions. The big boss of the Richa Hotel also has very deep connections in the national government.
It is impossible for you, Sheng Shuyu, not to know about these circumstances. You want me to cause trouble there, and the time is so tight. Isn't this deliberately making things difficult?
“Brother Cheng, it would be difficult for me to do anything to you unless you were my brother.” Seeing that Cheng Qianfan was still angry, Sheng Shuyu had to lower his voice, “That’s all, I won’t hide this from you.”
“Don’t hurt me!” Cheng Qianfan’s expression changed, meaning if it was something extremely confidential, don’t tell me.
"When I came, Virgo also said that you can know about this." Sheng Shuyu said.
Cheng Qianfan then gave up.
…
"Tomorrow, a special guest will stay at the Licha Hotel." Sheng Shuyu said, "My task is to sneak into this person's guest room and obtain confidential information."
Cheng Qianfan didn't speak. Sheng Shuyu didn't say who the person was, and he didn't ask in a hurry.
Sheng Shuyu, who was deliberately trying to hide his identity, felt bored when he saw that Cheng Qianfan didn't ask in a hurry.
“This person is the one from the Red Party.” Sheng Shuyu said a name.
Cheng Qianfan was extremely shocked to find out that it was Comrade Xiangwu.
Comrade ‘Xiang Wu’ has come to Shanghai?
The northwest headquarters did not send a telegram in advance, so Cheng Qianfan did not know.
The northwest side did not inform in advance, indicating that Comrade "Xiangwu" came to Shanghai this time and had no plans to meet with "Huo Miao".
“What’s this guy doing in Shanghai? He’s not afraid of us doing anything to him.” Cheng Qianfan showed a surprised expression.
Although the relationship between the two parties eased after the Xi'an Incident and they began to have direct contact, the security issue is still the most important issue for Comrade Xiangwu who suddenly came to Shanghai.
"Are you going to start?" Sheng Shuyu glanced at Cheng Qianfan and shook his head, "My mission is to monitor this group of people and obtain intelligence and information."
“At the same time, there are other people, and their task is to protect.” Sheng Shuyu said with a serious expression, “Nothing can happen to this person.”
“Will the Japanese take action?” Cheng Qianfan reacted immediately.
"This person is transferring from Shanghai to Hangzhou, and the committee will meet with him in Hangzhou." Sheng Shuyu said, "This matter is currently extremely secret and the Japanese should not know about it. However, we cannot take it lightly. Once the Japanese know about it, This matter will definitely be destroyed at all costs.”
Cheng Qianfan nodded. He could guess that Comrade Xiangwu transferred to Shanghai to meet Chang Kaishen in Hangzhou, which must be related to the negotiation of the second cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party.
If the Japanese knew about it, they would destroy it at all costs.
“This man’s safety must be guaranteed,” Sheng Shuyu said.
"Understood." Cheng Qianfan nodded, "Two thousand French coins, I need two thousand French coins."
“What do you need so much money for?” Sheng Shuyu was startled.
“Buy news to attract people.” Cheng Qianfan raised a smile at the corner of his mouth.
…
That evening, Cheng Qianfan sent emergency power to the northwest headquarters.
He reported the Secret Service's plot and the plans he had conceived to headquarters.
Please tell the headquarters to inform Comrade Xiang Wu immediately.
Two hours later, at the Licha Hotel, Comrade Xiang Wu was still working at his desk. Xiong Jiahua knocked on the door and came in to report.
“Chief, this is a message from the headquarters.”
Comrade ‘Xiang Wu’ picked up the telegram and read it carefully.
After pondering for a moment, he said, "Call back to the headquarters. I have no objection."
An hour and a half later, Cheng Qianfan finally received a call back from the northwest headquarters: Follow the plan and ensure the safety of Comrade Xiangwu.
Cheng Qianfan called back: Protect to the death!
…
Going north along the Bund and crossing the famous Waibaidu Bridge, there is an east-west road called Huangpu Road.
Opposite the Consulate General of the Soviet Union in Shanghai, at No. 15 Huangpu Road, is the famous Licha Hotel.
In 1846, a foreigner named Richards founded this hotel.
This is the first Western Business Hotel since the opening of Shanghai, and is known as "Shanghai's famous landmark building".
The first electric light in China was lit here.
The first telephone in China was connected here.
Western semi-sound open-air movies made their debut here.
Many firsts have made this the most luxurious Western-style hotel in Shanghai and one of the most famous hotels in China and the Far East.
The entrance of Licha Hotel.
Three black cars drove up and stopped slowly.
In the car in the middle, Li Hao, who was in the driver's seat, pulled the handbrake, got out of the car, and opened the door of the rear seat.
Cheng Qianfan got out of the car, and then a slender and beautiful hand as green as white came out. It was Bai Ruolan who also got out of the car, holding a top hat in her hand.
"You go back first." Cheng Qianfan took the hat from Bai Ruolan's hand and put it on casually. Bai Ruolan saw that the hat was a little crooked, pursed her lips and smiled, and helped him straighten it out.
“Don’t fight.” Bai Ruolan whispered.
“I understand.” Cheng Qianfan smiled and nodded.
After Bai Ruolan returned to the car, he closed the car door.
Li Hao returned to the driver's seat, drove the car and left.
Shanghai is still a bit chilly in early spring.
Cheng Qianfan turned up the collar of his windbreaker and glanced at the third floor of the hotel.
He took out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it with a lighter.
Two minutes later, Cheng Qianfan threw the cigarette **** on the ground.
He took a step forward and was immediately guarded by several of his men on the left, right, and front.
Enter the hotel proudly.
In room 311 on the third floor.
A very elegant man with thick eyebrows and big eyes raised a corner of the curtain and kept looking down.
At this moment, I almost couldn't help but laugh out loud, "I haven't seen this kid in a few years, but he is quite majestic."
“Chief, you can’t be at the window.” Xiong Jiahua stopped him immediately.
Window is too dangerous.
“Okay, okay, I’ll listen to you.” Comrade Xiangwu asked in a low voice, “Has the meeting with the underground party in Shanghai been arranged?”
“It’s been arranged and we’ll take advantage of today’s opportunity to meet.”
In the lobby on the first floor.
“Inspector Cheng, what are you—” A Chinese manager of the Licha Hotel had already received the report from his subordinates and hurriedly came over to greet him.
“Manager Gou, excuse me.” Cheng Qianfan smiled and cupped his hands, “There are several uninvited friends in Guibao, and Cheng has to come to meet them.”
“Inspector Cheng, it’s not appropriate for you to bring so many people here.” Manager Gou frowned.
"Cheng is delicate and expensive, and is afraid of death." Cheng Qianfan wore gold-rimmed flat glasses today, with a smile on his face, but the eyes behind the glasses turned cold, "Bring a few more brothers and understand."
As he spoke, he took out a cigarette from the cigarette case and handed it over.
Manager Gou didn't answer, "Inspector Cheng, this is a public concession, not a French concession."
"I know." Cheng Qianfan still smiled, "I sent someone to talk to Lao Fei."
Lao Fei was the inspector of Huangpu Road in the British-American Settlement.
“Old Fei didn’t say a **** thing, you’re a fake foreign devil, you’re nothing!” Cheng Qianfan suddenly changed his face, and patted the other person’s cheek with his right hand wearing a white glove.
Manager Gou's face turned red after being slapped on the face. As the Chinese manager of the Licha Hotel, he prided himself on being a superior person. Except for foreigners, all other Chinese people had a low profile and respectful words when they saw him. , but I have never suffered such grievances.
…
“Cheng Qianfan, this is Licha Hotel, please understand.” Manager Gou gritted his teeth and shouted.
"Impolite." Cheng Qianfan shook his head, "I'm kind to you, but you don't listen. If I give you a cigarette and you don't take it, you're looking down on me."
Speaking, Cheng Qianfan ignored this person and walked straight forward. Five or six of his men followed him without saying a word.
Manager Gou was about to stop him, but Hao Zai immediately put his arms around his neck.
Whispered something in his ear, Manager Gou immediately changed his face and did not dare to speak any more.
The foreigners and Chinese people coming and going in the hall looked at this scene. Most of the Chinese tourists pretended not to see it. Some foreign tourists who had recently arrived in Shanghai frowned and wanted to come up and ask questions.
“Jody, what are you doing?” His companion immediately grabbed him.
“It’s so lawless.”
“You cannot afford to offend this man,” said the companion.
Jody looked incredulous. He was a citizen of the British Empire. He couldn't afford to offend a Chinese policeman?
"Yes, you don't need to be afraid of him on the surface, but privately, this person has a hundred ways to kill you." The companion explained in a low voice. He felt that it was not clear that this stupid companion of his was on the beach in Shanghai. Can’t live more than three days:
Don’t think that just because you are British, you can do whatever you want on the beach in Shanghai. The fish in the Huangpu River are not picky about their food.
Of course, the most important thing is that he has heard someone mention this Cheng Qianfan. This person has always been 'fastidious' in doing things, and his acting style is not arrogant. When such a person acts arrogantly, he must not provoke him.
…
Going up to the second floor.
Cheng Qianfan led people directly to room 206.
Cheng Qianfan pulled out the Browning pistol from the holster, and with a click, the gun was ready to fire.
The remaining six men also raised their guns and were ready.
Cheng Qianfan raised three fingers.
Three, two, one!
Datou Lu kicked the door open.
The room is empty.
The window is open.
Cheng Qianfan walked to the window and fired two shots at a figure below, but unfortunately he missed.
“Asshole! Who leaked the news?” Cheng Qianfan yelled angrily.
At this moment, gunshots were heard downstairs again.
“What’s going on?” Cheng Qianfan shouted, “Did you catch him?”
He saw Hao Zai shouting upstairs, "Cheng Tou, you ran away and missed."
“Idiot!” Cheng Qianfan cursed.
The gunshots caused chaos in the Licha Hotel, with some guests shouting in panic and running around.
Stinney, the British manager of the Rich Hotel, came here under the guidance of the inspector of Huangpu Road.
Looking at the door that was kicked open, Stinney looked gloomy and roared, "Inspector Cheng Qianfan, I need an explanation! Who gave you the right to arrest people at the Richa Hotel, and who gave you the right to shoot. "
As he spoke, he turned and roared at Fei Fei, "Inspector Fei, if I remember correctly, the patrol in the French Concession does not have the right to enforce the law in the public concession."
"Cheng Qianfan, I need an explanation." The scolded dog was **** and embarrassed, and he turned to Cheng Qianfan and asked coldly.
…
"Old Fei, I sent someone to inform you." Cheng Qianfan sneered and said, "There are three tenants in this guest room. One of them is the water bandit Jiang Mulezi, and the other is the water bandit Jiang Laosan."
He pointed out the window and said, "These two people have already jumped out of the window and escaped, and there was another Jiang Laosi who was outside to meet them and ran away."
Then, Cheng Qianfan bent down, pulled out a suitcase from under the bed, asked his men to open it, and said, "Three German M4 grenades, and these explosives."
He said to Stinney with a cold face, "Mr. Stinney, if this makes any noise, tsk tsk."
Stinney was sweating profusely. When he saw the grenades and explosives in the suitcase, he was completely stunned.
…
It is human nature to watch the excitement, and there were many people gathered at the door.
Hearing Cheng Qianfan say the names of these three people, and then seeing the grenades and explosives in the suitcase, the scene was filled with excitement.
“Oh God, it’s the water bandit Ginger Mule.”
“Oh my god, if this goes off with dynamite.”
Water bandit Jiang Mulezi is a water bandit who has only sprung up in the past year or so. This man roams the river and uses cruel methods.
According to newspaper reports, there were more than 20 named people who were killed by this group of water bandits.
This gang of water bandits robbed fishing boats and attacked small steamers. They committed all kinds of crimes and used cruel methods. After being caught, some fishermen were tortured for several days before being thrown into the river.
Originally, the concession authorities would not pay attention to the fact that Jiang Mule was so busy. The matters on the river did not belong to the patrol house manager.
This **** mule didn't know what he had eaten. Two months ago, he robbed a awning boat, which was rented by a French couple as tourists.
Jiang Mulezi killed the boatman, robbed the French couple and fled, and had a shootout with the arriving patrol.
Two patrolmen were killed, and among the French young couple who were kidnapped, the husband was killed by a grenade.
The woman was taken away and tortured for two days before her body was found on the river.
This incident caused a huge sensation in Shanghai newspapers two months ago.
The French Concession authorities were extremely angry and issued a "kill" order to the water bandit Jiang Mulezi.
The British and American public concessions finally stood up for justice and expressed their intention to arrest and bring to justice the water bandits Jiang Mulezi and his gang who harmed the people.
However, this group of water bandits appeared and disappeared, and the patrol could not do anything for a while.
Unexpectedly, this group of water bandits sneaked into the Licha Hotel and brought grenades and explosives with them.
If Cheng Qianfan hadn’t brought someone to arrest him and this person fled in a hurry, then—
Thinking of Jiang Mulezi's cruel and evil deeds, the onlookers were shocked.
“Is Jiang Mulezi going to do something big at Licha Hotel?”
“Are you going to kidnap people in the hotel?”
The residents were angry and asked Stinney one after another.
Stinney finally stopped questioning Cheng Qianfan and responded to the resident's angry words while sweating profusely.
(End of this chapter)