Chapter 110: Work Assignment

Looking at the calm-faced Yu Ping’an.

Cheng Qianfan answered without the slightest hesitation: “No matter what the work may be, it is all in service to you, Director, and in service to the Party and the nation. I will naturally obey the Director’s orders.”

“You brat.”

Yu Ping’an laughed as he cursed him lightly.

He was quite satisfied with Cheng Qianfan’s answer.

Given the merits Cheng Qianfan had earned, the young man certainly had the qualifications to be proud and to express some personal preferences.

However, this answer was naturally the most correct one.

He did not believe Cheng Qianfan lacked personal ideas.

But being able to suppress those ideas and immediately state his willingness to obey orders.

That was a matter of attitude.

Yu Ping’an was very pleased.

He had two possibilities in mind regarding Cheng Qianfan’s future assignment.

One was for him to join the intelligence group of the Special Service Office Shanghai District.

Song Fuguo was a veteran agent of the Special Service Office, and Dai Chunfeng intended to promote him.

He was to be elevated from the position of leader of the French Concession Intelligence Group within the Special Service Office Shanghai District to Chief of the Shanghai District Intelligence Section.

His intention was to place Cheng Qianfan in the French Concession Intelligence Group as deputy leader.

The other possibility was for Cheng Qianfan to independently lead a separate undercover group within the Shanghai French Concession.

Each option had its own advantages.

Under the first arrangement, Cheng Qianfan had been recommended to the special training class by Song Fuguo, who had been his former superior.

As deputy leader of the French Concession Intelligence Group, he would have the intelligence group leader above him, and above that, Song Fuguo, an experienced veteran agent.

There would be little concern that Cheng Qianfan might make mistakes upon suddenly assuming a high position. His primary responsibility would be intelligence related to the police station.

Yu Ping’an was fairly reassured by this arrangement.

As for the second option, Cheng Qianfan’s outstanding performance at the training class had caused Yu Ping’an to hold even greater expectations for him.

Especially in the Endo Hiroshi case, Cheng Qianfan had performed excellently from beginning to end, allowing Yu Ping’an to see his capability to independently lead a group.

However, temporarily leading a team in Hangzhou with Yu Ping’an backing him and with military and police cooperation was one thing.

Shanghai’s environment was far more complicated than Hangzhou’s.

Japanese.

Soviets.

Americans.

British.

French.

Germans.

As well as the Communists and personnel from the Party Affairs Investigation Department.

In such a complex environment, could Cheng Qianfan truly handle operating an independent group in Shanghai?

Yu Ping’an was somewhat hesitant.

Yu Ping’an briefly explained these two possibilities.

“Group Leader Song is about to be promoted?”

Cheng Qianfan asked in delight.

“Song Fuguo has both seniority and ability. The Director holds him in high regard.”

Yu Ping’an’s explanation was concise.

Cheng Qianfan understood.

Song Fuguo was likely one of the Director’s trusted confidants.

“Tell me. What do you think?”

Cheng Qianfan hesitated.

“You brat, I told you to speak, so speak.”

Yu Ping’an said sternly.

Independently leading an undercover group in the French Concession?

Naturally, Cheng Qianfan found that prospect very appealing.

The reason was simple. Cheng Qianfan knew that he carried far too many secrets.

Working alongside agents of the Special Service Office Shanghai District for long periods would be equivalent to dwelling deep within enemy territory, dancing on a steel wire. One careless mistake could expose him.

There was another reason as well.

Years of underground work had made Cheng Qianfan extremely sensitive.

Becoming a member of the Special Service Office Shanghai District would greatly increase the possibility of exposure, meaning the exposure of his identity as a Special Service Office agent.

The Special Service Office Shanghai District was the front line in the fiercest struggle against Japanese agents.

If any Special Service Office operative who knew his identity were captured by the Japanese, Cheng Qianfan’s identity could be exposed at any time.

In undercover work, the fewer people who know your identity, the better.

That was a principle Cheng Qianfan had always upheld.

However, there were benefits to serving within the Special Service Office Shanghai District.

He would be able to grasp the organization’s movements and intelligence.

Most importantly, he would learn at the earliest possible moment about intelligence concerning the Shanghai Communists, allowing him to protect his comrades to the greatest extent possible.

“I have an immature idea, sir.”

Cheng Qianfan said.

“Let’s hear it.”

“My qualifications are still shallow. If I return to Shanghai and immediately assume the position of deputy leader of the French Concession Intelligence Group, I fear it will be difficult to convince others.”

Yu Ping’an frowned.

“Your lack of seniority is indeed a weakness. However, your merits are sufficient. Since you are one of my people, no one would dare criticize your appointment as deputy leader of an intelligence group in the French Concession.”

“I am deeply grateful for the Director’s favor.”

Cheng Qianfan said seriously.

“However, I do not wish to put the Director in a difficult position.”

“You brat, stop hemming and hawing and finish what you want to say.”

Yu Ping’an cursed.

No matter what, the fact that Cheng Qianfan was willing to consider his position and give up the post of deputy group leader pleased Yu Ping’an.

“My thought is that I could return to the French Concession Intelligence Group, but not serve as deputy leader. I would work directly under Chief Song’s leadership while simultaneously leading an independent undercover group of my own. That way I could both contribute my modest efforts to the intelligence group and also...”

Cheng Qianfan’s voice grew lower and lower.

Seeing Yu Ping’an’s darkening expression, he did not dare continue.

“You bastard. Since when is revolutionary work something you get to pick and choose?”

Yu Ping’an cursed.

“You’ve certainly worked out a good scheme. You get to be the boss of your own undercover group while currying favor with your former superior.”

“Director, I’ve been wronged.”

Cheng Qianfan protested.

“I was merely considering that if I returned to Shanghai and immediately formed an independent group, then Chief Song...”

Seeing Yu Ping’an’s expression, Cheng Qianfan cautiously continued,

“I follow only the Director’s lead. Whatever the Director decides is what I will do.”

Yu Ping’an’s expression remained dark, though he was not truly angry.

Cheng Qianfan remembered favors and had not forgotten Song Fuguo’s recommendation.

That was not a bad thing.

Yu Ping’an was not so narrow-minded.

Loyalty and gratitude were virtues.

Besides, Song Fuguo was one of Dai Chunfeng’s trusted confidants, while Yu Ping’an himself was one of Dai Chunfeng’s principal subordinates. He had always maintained a good relationship with Song Fuguo.

Moreover, he now understood Cheng Qianfan’s true thoughts.

The youngster clearly preferred independently leading an undercover group in the French Concession.

A clever young man.

Compared with the position of deputy leader of the Special Service Office French Concession Intelligence Group, independently leading an undercover group carried far less authority.

However, it was better training, offered greater freedom, and made it easier to achieve accomplishments.

“So you want to independently lead an undercover group?”

Yu Ping’an asked directly.

“Yes.”

Cheng Qianfan answered respectfully and seriously.

“I have one request.”

“You still dare to make requests?”

Yu Ping’an laughed in exasperation.

“I request that this independent undercover group report directly to the Director.”

Cheng Qianfan said.

“You certainly have grand ideas.”

Yu Ping’an looked deeply at Cheng Qianfan before cursing with a smile.

“I’m afraid you’ll get yourself into trouble and leave me cleaning up after you.”

“I will naturally act cautiously and avoid causing trouble for the Director.”

Cheng Qianfan grinned.

“However, if I truly do get into trouble, then of course I would seek the Director’s help. If the Director refuses to help me, then I really would be left crying to Heaven and Earth with no answer.”

Cheng Qianfan put on a smiling face and looked at Yu Ping’an.

I am your man. I listen only to you. If you don’t take care of me, who will?

“You lazy rascal, now you’re trying to stick yourself to me?”

Yu Ping’an said irritably.

Cheng Qianfan could only laugh awkwardly.

“Enough. I will give careful consideration to your work assignment.”

Yu Ping’an glared at Cheng Qianfan and waved his hand.

“Get out.”

Cheng Qianfan respectfully saluted.

He picked up the cigarette Yu Ping’an had given him from the desk, then glanced at the half-pack of cigarettes still lying there.

“Get lost!”

Yu Ping’an threw the half-pack at him.

Cheng Qianfan caught it and, before Yu Ping’an could curse him again, hurriedly made his escape.

“You little brat.”

Yu Ping’an’s voice came from behind him.