Chapter 679: Solving the puzzle step by step
“Telephone!” Qiao Chuntao looked at Cheng Qianfan, “The team leader must have been contacted by phone.”
"Lu Fei probably violated confidentiality rules and left the phone number of the meeting place at home, and then he received a call from home." He became more and more excited as he spoke, while the expression in his eyes gradually became serious.
“You understand how urgent the situation is now.” Cheng Qianfan said in a deep voice.
"Yes." Qiao Chuntao nodded, "Although everything is just speculation for now, we have reason to suspect that there is something wrong with the call from home that Lu Fei received."
“Yes, there is a problem.” Cheng Qianfan nodded.
All of this is just a guess, even whether Lu Fei received such a call is just a guess. However, Cheng Qianfan was relatively confident that everything was as he expected.
"It's simply unbelievable." Haozi, who was driving, shook his head. "The secret base at Shanghai Station should be absolutely confidential. Someone actually revealed their phone number to their family members. Aren't they afraid that the enemy will follow the map and catch them all?"
Qiao Chuntao sneered and said nothing.
Li Hao is the team leader's trusted younger brother. He was trained by the team leader. He is not from the regular channels of the Secret Service and has no experience in other units.
Taozi was born in the Peking Station of the Secret Service. Later, after training at Xiongzhen Building and graduating, she did not return to Peiping, but was suddenly assigned to the Shanghai Special Situation Team.
Qiao Chuntao has long been familiar with all kinds of irregularities within the Secret Service.
In fact, in his mind, leaders like team leader Cheng Qianfan are extremely cautious in doing things and always emphasize safety and confidentiality. In particular, they pursue rationality in doing things, and they are very well prepared in advance and attach great importance to the aftermath. It is very rare.
“What we can do now is do our own thing well.” Cheng Qianfan shook his head and said. There have been several incidents at Shanghai Station. There are reasons for this, especially because the confidentiality work has been very poor.
This is why he has been trying his best to avoid cross-connections between the Shanghai Special Situation Group and the Shanghai Station.
…
"This phone number should exist." Cheng Qianfan thought and frowned slightly, "As long as we can get the address or phone number of one of the parties, we can find the other one."
With Mr. Xiao Cheng’s vast powers in the French Concession, it was not difficult to check the address through the telegraph office without anyone noticing.
In fact, Cheng Qianfan was well aware of the importance of the telegraph office. He had previously arranged for an agent from the Shanghai Special Intelligence Group to secretly break into it.
"Whether it's the stronghold at Shanghai Station or Lu Fei's home, as long as we keep an eye on it, we will definitely find some clues." Qiao Chuntao said.
At the Shanghai station base and the restaurant where they held the celebration party, you can know if there is any problem by just keeping an eye on them to see if anyone is spying on them or even preparing to arrest them.
Similarly, looking at Lu Fei's home, it would also explain the problem if Lu Fei and his family had been controlled by the Japanese or even taken away.
Of course, if this is the case, it will be too late.
“I asked A Yuan again and again, but he refused to tell me.” Qiao Chuntao bit her lip and frowned.
…
“Stop the car.” Cheng Qianfan said suddenly.
“Brother Fan, what’s wrong?” Li Hao stopped suddenly and turned around to ask.
Cheng Qianfan didn't say anything. He took out the cigarette case from his pocket, popped out a cigarette, held it in his mouth, and flicked the lighter to light it.
Taking a deep breath of cigarette.
Cheng Qianfan looked at Qiao Chuntao, "Did you arrive at the meeting point agreed with A Yuan in advance?"
"Yes!" Taozi nodded, "A Yuan arrived just as I arrived, but I didn't show up right away."
“Which direction did he come from?”
“East.” Qiao Chuntao said decisively. He has a strong memory and a good sense of direction.
“Map!” Cheng Qianfan said in a deep voice.
Li Hao took out the map from his briefcase, turned around and handed it to Cheng Qianfan.
“Point it out.” Cheng Qianfan said to Qiao Chuntao.
Taozi stared at the map for half a minute, then pointed, "Here, we agreed to meet here today."
Then, he moved his finger towards the east and said, "A Yuan came from this way."
…
Cheng Qianfan said nothing, he was thinking.
After a moment, he asked, "No, why not at Notre Dame Road?"
“It was said to be a bit far from Notre Dame Road, so I chose Compaq Road.”
"Kangbai Road..." Cheng Qianfan took the pencil handed over by Mouse and drew a line along Kangbai Road and the east side where A Yuan came from. He paused and then drew a small semicircle.
“Is there anything special about A Yuan?” Cheng Qianfan asked.
“What’s special?”
“For example, the smell, is there anything on the shoes, trousers, or clothes?” Cheng Qianfan asked.
…
Qiao Chuntao didn't answer immediately. He was silent and even closed his eyes.
He was remembering and thinking hard.
“I remember that the soles, toes and edges of A-Yuan’s shoes were stained with something red. I don’t know what it was specifically,” Qiao Chuntao said.
“Are you sure?” Cheng Qianfan asked.
“I’m sure it’s red, and the traces are relatively new and haven’t dried yet.” Qiao Chuntao said.
“It’s red paint!” Cheng Qianfan thought for a while and said with excitement.
The French Concession authorities are repairing the exterior walls of some areas and painting them with red paint.
Thinking in his mind, Cheng Qianfan looked at the area he drew on the map, and his brows furrowed even more tightly.
“That’s not right.” He shook his head, “The east side of Compaq Road is not within the scope of this repair.”
Qiao Chuntao understood something was wrong. The east side was not within the scope of repairs, and A Yuan could not possibly get red paint during that period of time.
…
"Notre Dame Road!" Qiao Chuntao raised her eyebrows, "After I separated from A Yuan, I pretended to leave first, but actually went to a nearby tea stall to have tea. I faced the east side of Kangbai Road. A-Yuan’s foot power couldn’t have disappeared from my sight so quickly, but I didn’t see A-Yuan’s figure.”
"So you judge that A Yuan went to Notre Dame Road!" Cheng Qianfan's eyes lit up, "Yes, A Yuan was originally on Notre Dame Road, but he deliberately lied that he was far away from Notre Dame Road. In fact, It went around to the east of Kangbai Road from another direction, acting like it was coming from the east."
“Brother Fan, is the Notre Dame Road side covered by this renovation?” Li Hao asked.
"Good question." A smile appeared on Cheng Qianfan's solemn face, "Notre Dame Road is not within the scope of this repair. However, Cordier Road adjacent to Notre Dame Road and Blanchamo Road slightly further away are under repair. within range.”
"This means that A Yuan came from Cordier Road or Bailanmao Road to meet me." Qiao Chuntao speculated.
…
“You still contacted A Yuan the same way today?” Cheng Qianfan asked suddenly.
“Yes.” Taozi nodded.
Cheng Qianfan fell into thinking. There was an intermediary between Tao Zi and A Yuan. The intermediary was the owner of a fruit stall on Notre Dame Road. This person was Uncle A Yuan.
A Yuan is a cautious person who will explain everything in advance.
In this way, Taozi called, and Ayuan had already informed his uncle in advance, asking him to tell him that it was far away from Notre Dame Road today, and if he wanted to meet, he would make an appointment at Compaq Road.
What does this mean?
This shows that A Yuan has long known that today will be busy, and at the same time, today's things are very important, and he needs to be extra cautious, so he has made preparations in advance.
“Why does A Yuan deliberately avoid Notre Dame Road?” Cheng Qianfan asked Qiao Chuntao.
“This shows that today’s awards ceremony at Shanghai Station, or the location of the restaurant celebrating the ceremony, is relatively close to Notre Dame Road. In order to avoid being stared at and for safety reasons, he is very cautious,” Qiao Chuntao said.
"That's right." Cheng Qianfan nodded with satisfaction, "Where did you call the middleman?"
“When we are three miles away from Notre Dame Road,” Qiao Chuntao said.
As he spoke, his face became solemn, "This is wrong!"
"Yes, no." Cheng Qianfan nodded, "From the time you called to make an appointment with A Yuan to the time you met A Yuan, there was only about three quarters of an hour."
Cheng Qianfan stared at the map, "A Yuan's uncle received your call and he was going to inform A Yuan. Then after A Yuan got the news, he started to rush towards Compaq Road."
“And he still bypassed Notre Dame Road and entered Compaq Road from the west.” Qiao Chuntao added.
"Time is very tight!" Cheng Qianfan said. He glanced at Qiao Chuntao and asked, "Can you see anything?"
“I can see it!” Taozi nodded, “It’s Cordier!”
…
Starting from A Yuan's uncle's fruit stall, if A Yuan's uncle is going to Bailanmao Road, which is quite far away, even if he runs, starting from the time when A Yuan receives the news, it is impossible to bypass Notre Dame Road in time. to Compaq Road.
Only Cordier Road is closer to Uncle A-Yuan’s fruit stall, so A-Yuan can reach Comba Road in a detour within three-quarters of an hour.
"Focus on Cordier Road!" Cheng Qianfan looked at Qiao Chuntao, "Focus on the wall that has just been painted with red paint. Which section of the wall has footprints?"
"Footprints." Qiao Chuntao was stunned for a moment, then understood, her eyes showed excitement, and she nodded.
Li Hao watched Brother Fan and Taozi analyze each other's words. His expression was serious and solemn. He understood some things, but he hadn't figured it out yet on some things.
He glanced at Miss Tao. It’s no wonder that Brother Fan has a special regard for Taozi and focuses on cultivating her. Among all of us, Taozi is probably the only one with the brains that can barely keep up with Brother Fan.
“I know this, A Yuan’s soles are stained with red paint.” Li Hao said happily.
“Yes, great progress.” Cheng Qianfan glanced at Haozi and said.
Then, he said with a serious expression, "Haozi, find an inconspicuous place in front to put the peach down."
“Yes!” Li Hao nodded.
"Taozi, take people to Cordier Road for reconnaissance." Cheng Qianfan looked at Qiao Chuntao, "Bring weapons in case something unexpected happens."
"yes!"
“Call Wu Shunjia.” Cheng Qianfan thought for a moment and then added.
“Understood.” Qiao Chuntao nodded. He understood what the team leader meant.
The situation this time is very critical, and there may be a firefight with the enemy. With Wu Shunjia, a guy who is good at blasting and playing with bombs, acting together, this will not only enhance our own firepower, but most importantly, it will make it easier to retreat if something unexpected happens. Got a guarantee.
Among other things, there are many small bridges near Cordier Road. If Wu Shunjia successfully blows up a certain bridge, he can delay the enemy's pursuit.
…
“Do you think the place we are looking for is the base where the Shanghai Station held a commendation meeting, or the restaurant where they held a celebration banquet?” Cheng Qianfan asked again.
"It should be the base for holding a commendation meeting." Qiao Chuntao said, "Judging from the time, it's not time to go to dinner yet."
"That's right." Cheng Qianfan smiled and nodded, "And judging from the complaints in A Yuan's mouth, they should have been responsible for patrolling and guarding near the stronghold, and eating had nothing to do with them."
Qiao Chuntao nodded, admiring the team leader even more in her heart. He only drew the conclusion based on time, but the team leader analyzed it from a deeper level through the details of A Yuan's words.
Qiao Chuntao believes that if he is given time, he may think of the link later. However, this extra thinking time is the difference between him and the team leader.
“The place where they eat will not be too far from the secret stronghold.” Cheng Qianfan said, “It is most likely on Cordier Road.”
He has a certain understanding of Zheng Lijun. To be precise, he once heard Sheng Shuyu mention Zheng Lijun.
According to Sheng Shuyu, the current acting station director of Shanghai Station, Zheng Lijun, has a habit of preferring familiar places and being accustomed to activities in familiar environments.
Of course, when Sheng Shuyu mentioned Zheng Lijun and told these stories, his tone was slightly contemptuous. He said that Zheng Lijun was not aggressive enough and liked the comfort of his home. He was a household dog.
Cheng Qianfan highly suspected that Sheng Shuyu and Zheng Lijun had a private quarrel, so he taunted him, because as far as he knew, Zheng Lijun was a master of assassination in the Secret Service and was ruthless. How could such a person be a housekeeper.
Sheng Shuyu's words may be a bit exaggerated and subjective, but Cheng Qianfan is relatively certain of one thing, and that is what Sheng Shuyu said that Zheng Lijun likes familiar environments.
This may not be because Zheng Lijun is timid. Cheng Qianfan has secretly speculated that people will subconsciously feel more at ease in environments that they are more familiar with. This should be a relatively common phenomenon.
“Understood.” Qiao Chuntao nodded, “Team leader, if you confirm the target, do you want to alert it?”
"Protect yourself first and act according to the opportunity." Cheng Qianfan thought for a moment and said, "I emphasize again, protect yourself first in everything. If there is no chance, you must not take risks."
"yes!"
“You should be familiar with some of the styles at Shanghai Station.” Cheng Qianfan suddenly said.
Cheng Qianfan didn’t point out what to do specifically. Things were in a hurry, so he could only give urgent instructions and reminders. The rest was up to Tao Zi to act according to the situation.
“I understand,” Taozi nodded.
At the entrance of a less eye-catching alley, Li Hao stopped the car. Qiao Chuntao got out of the car gracefully, waved to the car, then turned around and quickly disappeared into the alley.
…
“Haozi, I’ll give you two tasks.” Cheng Qianfan said to Li Hao.
“Brother Fan, tell me, I’m listening.” Li Hao said.
“Inform Hao Zai and ask him to temporarily stop his investigation and meet me at Notre Dame Road immediately.” Cheng Qianfan said, “He knows the address.”
“Yes.” Li Hao nodded, “Brother Fan, is Haozi alone, or is he bringing his brothers?”
“Just him.” Cheng Qianfan said.
"Understood."
“One more thing, you bring Dumb with you.” Cheng Qianfan said, “I had a drink with you at your house this afternoon and got drunk.”
"yes!"
“Tell Ah-Dai to keep it secret.” Cheng Qianfan emphasized.
"Don't worry, Brother Fan." Li Hao said, "We will never betray you to our death."
Cheng Qianfan glanced at Li Hao. He wanted to say, "Don't say such things." In the end, he patted Li Hao on the shoulder, smiled and said, "According to the picture, this idiom is used well."
He knew that Haozi’s words came from the bottom of his heart!
Haozi, Dui, Yu Litou, etc., they are really willing to die for him.
However, he, and countless other Red Party members like him (her), shed their heads and blood, and were not afraid to sacrifice their lives to fight and revolution, for the sake of Dui, Zhitou, Haozi and countless other suffering people. Our fellow citizens can live, live with dignity, and live well!
Hearing Brother Fan’s praise, Haozi beamed…
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(End of this chapter)