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Chapter 143 You already have plans?
Special Operations Headquarters.
Wang Manchun's "fishing operation" naturally aroused the high vigilance of Lan Yanzhi and Zhou Xiao.
Lan Yanzhi: "Right now, Wang Manchun's 'fishing' poses a significant threat to us—many anti-Japanese patriots who are unaware of the truth may expose themselves due to momentary impulse."
"I just received news that she has made a breakthrough on Good Street, arresting an anti-Japanese activist on the spot. Although we cannot yet confirm his faction, it is certain that this is her first successful 'fishing' operation."
Zhou Xiao frowned: "It seems that Nantian Yangzi has indeed given Wang Manchun a lot of credit, otherwise she wouldn't dare to launch such a high-profile 'fishing' operation. The whole of Shanghai would probably be thrown into a state of panic."
"The most urgent task is to stop her actions as soon as possible."
"Or, just get rid of her."
Before his transmigration, Zhou Xiao had watched the TV series "The Disguiser" and knew that according to the original plot, Wang Manchun would not have fallen so early.
But now that we're in a parallel universe, anything can change.
He is weighing the pros and cons repeatedly.
As the day of his rendezvous with the codenamed "Wind Chime" drew closer, a new worry crept into his mind: would they be followed and exposed when they met?
Risk is extremely high.
The meeting between "Lone Shadow" and "Wind Chime" was a crucial operation that could not afford to fail.
Both of them were spies deeply embedded in the enemy camp.
Zhou Xiao was unaware that Shen Fang's true identity was Feng Ling.
Shen Fang was also unaware that Zhou Xiao was Gu Ying.
Wang Manchun is currently pushing forward with the "fishing operation," which puts their secret rendezvous at great risk.
There are only three days left until the meeting between Lonely Shadow and Wind Chime.
Countdown: Three days.
Lan Yanzhi asked, "Zhou Xiao, what's the next step? Should we let Wang Manchun continue her 'fishing' scheme? Is it possible to stop her without revealing anything?"
Zhou Xiao frowned slightly: "There are many ways to stop her actions; but it's difficult to do it discreetly and without implicating yourself."
"Especially people like Nantian Yangzi and Wang Manchun, who are meticulous and leave traces if they make the slightest mistake—we can't withstand any disturbance."
This is definitely not an easy task.
Revealing our hand in an attempt to stop an operation would be like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs—a losing proposition.
He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Rouge, immediately notify everyone at the Military Intelligence Bureau's Shanghai station to go into a state of silence. Make sure they understand that this is a 'fishing' trap set by Wang Manchun, and that they must not act rashly, or they will fall into the trap."
Lan Yanzhi nodded: "The message has been conveyed, and everyone is on high alert."
Wang Manchun's actions have far-reaching consequences, most importantly shaking the already fragile order and stability of Shanghai.
According to the original plot of "The Disguiser", Minglou used Nantian Yangzi to put pressure on Wang Manchun, ultimately forcing her to stop the "fishing".
Zhou Xiao, who held the upper hand, naturally considered this as well: "I'll find a way to resolve this matter."
Lan Yanzhi's eyes lit up: "You already have a plan?"
Zhou Xiao smiled faintly: "Let's give it a try first."
This is a time of intense espionage and conflict. What will happen next? Will it mirror the original storyline? Or will subtle changes trigger a chain reaction of shocks...? Everything remains uncertain.
But as soon as the words were spoken, Lan Yanzhi knew that he had a plan in mind.
She simply said, "Just tell me what you need my help with."
Zhou Xiao nodded in agreement.
Six o'clock in the afternoon.
Zhou Xiao went straight to the film studio after leaving the special operations headquarters to find Li Xiaonan.
Thanks to his connections, Li Xiaonan is now doing very well at the studio, and has landed the second female lead role in the new film, which makes her radiant with joy.
"Congratulations, Xiao Nan! This time you're definitely the second female lead!"
"I heard her co-star is none other than Best Actress Hu, what a stellar lineup!"
"Our little boy is about to become a big star, hahaha!"
A group of female colleagues surrounded her, laughing and joking. As they walked to the factory gate, Li Xiaonan spotted Zhou Xiao leaning against his car—a car, a bouquet of flowers, and himself, waiting as usual.
The group dispersed in unison, and Li Xiaonan ran off excitedly.
Zhou Xiao handed over the flowers: "Xiao Nan, these are for you."
She took the bouquet, took a deep sniff, and smiled brightly: "Thank you, Zhou Xiao."
The two chatted as they got into the car.
Seeing her radiant expression, Zhou Xiao casually asked, "You seem to be in such a good mood, is something good happening?"
Li Xiaonan couldn't hide her excitement: "Thanks to you! I'll be playing the second female lead in my next drama, and I'll even be acting alongside actress Hu!"
She used to be just a third-rate actress playing minor roles, almost unnoticed in the factory. But ever since she started associating with Zhou Xiao, directors have been giving her face, offering her increasingly solid roles—this time, as the second female lead, she's jumped straight into the leading lady category.
The transition from extra to leading supporting role was both swift and steady, a rare feat in the industry.
In chaotic times, connections are sometimes more useful than a script;
With the backing of a gun, their words truly carry weight.
Zhou Xiao paused for a moment: "Actress Hu...is it Hu Die?"
He had looked through the records of the Republican-era film industry in his early years and was familiar with this name.
Hu Die, whose real name was Hu Ruihua, was born in Shanghai and was widely recognized as one of the most outstanding screen actresses of her time, as well as the first "Movie Queen" in China. She made her screen debut in 1925 with the film *Battle Achievements*, and subsequently joined the Star Film Company. In 1931, she starred in China's first sound film, *The Singing Girl Red Peony*, which caused a sensation at the Shanghai New Light Grand Theatre. In January 1933, she topped the Queen poll organized by the *Star Daily* with 21334 votes, and subsequently won the title for three consecutive years, truly deserving the title of Shanghai's film industry leader.
After the outbreak of the War of Resistance against Japan, Hu Die had already left Shanghai and should have been filming in Hong Kong.
Li Xiaonan blinked: "Yes, you've seen her before?"
Zhou Xiao chuckled: "Who in Shanghai hasn't seen Hu Die's performances? But... is she really in Shanghai right now?"
Li Xiaonan explained, "This time, the filming location was chosen in the French Concession, and with the production company from Country Y in charge, even the most arrogant Japanese wouldn't dare to barge into the French Concession and cause trouble."
"Besides, given Hu Yinghou's influence, they wouldn't dare to provoke her easily."
At this time, the Japanese army had not yet launched a full-scale war and still harbored fear of the European and American powers.
Choosing to start filming in the French Concession was both a security safeguard and a wise decision.
Zhou Xiao nodded: "I see. Then our little boy is really going to be famous—congratulations!"
Li Xiaonan waved her hand playfully: "How could I dare to be a big star? Hehe, I'm already overjoyed to be in the same frame as Actress Hu."
She concealed her status as a third-rate actress perfectly.
The more concealed one's identity, the less likely the enemy is to suspect anything—even if the Japanese devils racked their brains, they would never imagine that this cheerful and lively extra was actually a top agent of the underground party.
After the casual conversation ended, Zhou Xiao said, "Xiao Nan, all underground party activities are to be suspended immediately, and all members are to remain inactive. The operation to capture Wang Manchun is still ongoing. I heard that someone else fell into the trap today, but it's still unclear which line of the organization was captured."
When it came to business, Li Xiaonan's expression immediately became calm: "Okay, I'll relay the instructions again right away to make sure our people don't step into the trap."
"However, Zhou Xiao, your meeting with 'Wind Chime' is approaching. Given the current tense situation in Shanghai, should we postpone this meeting?"
Who is Feng Ling?
Zhou Xiao also had a question mark in his mind.
Who killed Gu Ying?
Shen Fang was also pondering it.
Cancel the connector?
This is not even in the scope of consideration!
Zhou Xiao must find out the truth about "Wind Chime".
Shen Fang was also eager to uncover the true identity of "Lone Shadow".
Li Xiaonan made this suggestion purely out of fear that the two of them would run into the eye of the storm, and she wanted to minimize the risks.
But Zhou Xiao didn't feel the need to back down: "Proceed as planned, the rendezvous will proceed as scheduled."
"What I want to know most right now is who 'Wind Chime' really is—this is crucial for subsequent deployment, communication, and operations."