Chapter 700: Return to Songhu

Originally, the understaffed Information Section, Action Section, and Translation and Telegraph Section each received ten personnel.

The Interrogation Section could completely let the Action Section's people temporarily fill in; if that really wasn't possible, there were still over two hundred soldiers, and one could always find a few to look after those being interrogated.

Upon returning to the Special Investigation Group, I saw a major standing at the office door.

"Chief Director, you've finally returned. General Okamura asks you to go to his office; he says he has something important to discuss." The Japanese lieutenant colonel bowed and said.

Important matter?

Could it be that Old Devil Okamura saw that all his subordinates were moles, causing his defenses to break and leading him to commit suicide?

After muttering to himself, Chen Yongren handed over the trivial matters to Zhongyuan Shen and a few others to handle, then followed that lieutenant colonel to Okamura Ningci's office.

Only after arriving did Chen Yongren, through his insight, learn that the so‑important matter Okamura Ningci mentioned was that the medal he had applied for had arrived.

A medal is a good thing—it symbolizes seniority and ability; the more of them one has, the more helpful they are for one's future plans!

"Chief Director Sir." Seeing Chen Yongren approach, Old Devil Okamura was very excited: "Chief Director, guess what good news I have to tell you?"

"Good news?" Chen Yongren feigned ignorance, thought for a while, and blurted: "Could it be that the Tuba Lu, under the intimidation of the Locust Army, couldn't withstand the pressure and finally surrendered?"

"If that were the case, it would also save me trouble." Okamura Ningci curled his lip.

"What else could there be that would make you this happy?" Chen Yongren asked.

"The medal—I've had the medal I applied for approved." Okamura Ningci's dog‑like face broke into a smile.

"That fast?" Chen Yongren feigned surprise.

"Because of your outstanding performance, plus my constant phone calls and telegrams, they finally decided to handle this specially." Old Devil Okamura, without showing a trace, indicated that this medal also owed him some credit, and added.

"Of course, the most important thing is that you uncovered the evidence of Yue Sheng Huzhuzhu's and Jing Shang Junxiong's crimes; even the General Headquarters couldn't delay it."

"Chief Director Sir, when I was your age, I never managed to earn a single medal."

Old Devil Okamura's eyes carried a hint of envy.

Not to mention the annual subsidy of 210 yen, a medal also symbolizes military honor, seniority within the unit, and affirmation of personal ability, being of great help for future promotion.

Within Japan there is a saying: "A slow first step makes every step slow."

If one promotion falls behind, it will affect all subsequent promotions.

If, during his upcoming inspections, he again achieves a military exploit, the matter of his promotion to colonel will be completely secured.

A colonel under thirty years old might, in just a few years, be promoted to major general and become the youngest major general in the Japanese army.

Thinking of this, Okamura Ningci's heart grew ever more envious.

"This is mainly thanks to Uncle Okamura's guidance." Saying pleasant words without losing a bit of flesh, Chen Yongren gave a slight bow.

"Even if I kept guiding you, if your personal ability weren't up to par, you'd still struggle to earn this honor." Okamura Ningci put on a show, waved his hand, took out a box, stood up, and walked over to Chen Yongren's side.

He took out a medal and pinned it on Chen Yongren's right chest, then took out a ribbon and solemnly fastened it on his left chest.

"Chief Director Sir, I hope you won't grow arrogant and will continue to earn new merits for the Younger Brother Country." Okamura Ningci patted Chen Yongren's shoulder heavily.

"The way you obtained this medal has offended too many people; the awarding ceremony isn't suitable for a grand affair. After the war ends, I'll make it up to you—you won't mind, will you?"

"I'll follow the general's arrangements." Chen Yongren didn't care either; as long as he had the medal in hand, he didn't give a damn about any ceremony or lack thereof.

"All right then." Okamura Ningci nodded in satisfaction.

Afterward, the old devil asked Chen Yongren how today's selection went, whether he had encountered any difficulties, and upon learning that he had more or less finished the tasks, he let Chen Yongren leave.

These days, besides being busy with the Special Investigation Group's affairs, Chen Yongren also gave the Special Investigation Team a boost, improved their rations, especially by not hesitating to hand out bonuses.

Even if injured during training, they could eat sick‑person meals and actually eat an extra piece of fried pork chop compared to usual.

Anyway, it wasn't his own money, so Chen Yongren felt no pang of regret.

Because this bunch of Japanese could obtain tangible benefits.

Especially after repeated comparisons, upon realizing his treatment was better than that of the army and the military police, Chen Yongren also grew ever more admiring.

This is truly a good commander who cares for his subordinates!

During training, the shouted slogans were basically "Chief Commander, how... how."

As for a certain locust in Kyoto, they had already nearly tossed it out of their minds.

After all, how could it compare to the Chief Commander who directly confers practical benefits?

And Old Devil Okamura also saw to the safety work along the route; Chen Yongren also finished the Special Investigation Group's expansion work; after the two sides held a simple telephone conference, they finally set the departure date for March 20.

Before the operation, Chen Yongren grew ever busier, making the corresponding arrangements.

The Special Investigation Team, as his own armed force, certainly had to be kept at his side.

Zhongyuan Shen, Anteng Zhongsi, and a few other loyal subordinates also had to be brought along.

To avoid being possessed and to stay informed of any happenings within the military headquarters at all times, Chen Yongren left Zao Chuan San Lang and Xiao Li Yixiong at the headquarters.

Even at home, Chen Yongren wasn't idle; new land needed to be cleared and sown, awaiting next year's harvest, otherwise it would lie fallow.

The factory also gradually got on track; Chen Yongren quietly instructed Lin Ke Xin to secretly help keep an eye on factory matters.

Chen Yongren was like a diligent old ox, toiling back and forth without complaint.

Only on the eve of departure did Chen Yongren finally find time to seek out Chen Yongyi.

Through his insight, Chen Yongren knew that the transfer work of Cun Xigong was going smoothly, so he also didn't waste time: "Old Devil Okamura gave me a personal task—to take the place of the General Headquarters and inspect all units along the Jinghu Railway."

"Ah?" Chen Yongyi showed slight surprise.

Chen Yongren simply explained the origins and developments.

"You're capable, you really are." Chen Yongyi, after holding it in for a while, finally said.

Killing two major generals at once—this younger brother really is …

"I won't be in Beiping during this period; you must look after your own safety, or if something really happens, I won't have time to come back and fish you out." Chen Yongren added two more reminders.

Chen Yongyi understood this could not be refused; he could only urge Chen Yongren to pay attention to safety.

The next morning.

Chen Yongren and Youqichuangongjingxiang arrived at the station.

The inspection special train underwent special reinforcement, sacrificing some speed but enhancing its safety performance.

Okamura Neiji was gracious, and together with Adachi Nijūsan saw Chen Yongren off onto the special train.

Inspection special train.

In a certain carriage.

Chen Yongren sat on the soft seat, gently stroking Jingxiang's fair thigh, gazing at the scenery constantly receding outside the window, his heart filled with myriad feelings.

Songhu, the young master is back for another kill!