Chapter 100 Wang Xuesen, do you dare to bet with me?

1:45 PM.

Wang Xuesen's bulletproof car came to a steady stop on a quiet street in Hongkou.

Neatly trimmed holly trees lined both sides, and a Japanese-style courtyard wall was hidden behind the branches and leaves. Two Japanese soldiers with rifles slung across their shoulders stood at the entrance.

This area was inhabited by Japanese military officers and high-ranking residents, and the patrol density was even higher than in the French Concession.

Wang Xuesen turned off the engine, picked up two packs of Camel cigarettes and a basket of seasonal fruit, and got out of the car.

When he arrived at the Fujita house, he glanced around the yard.

A black Buick sedan was parked quietly beside the flower bed.

Shanghai license plate, last four digits: 387.

Bai Junqi's car.

Wang Xuesen's lips twitched slightly.

They arrived early.

The Japanese soldiers at the door stopped him, and Wang Xuesen gave Okamura's name in fluent Japanese and handed him his business card.

The soldier took the business card and went inside to report.

A short while later, a Japanese maid in a dark kimono quickly came out and bowed to him: "Mr. Wang, the section chief invites you in."

Wang Xuesen followed the maid through the gravel path in the front yard.

The yard wasn't big, but the flowers and plants were kept extremely well.

Upon entering the foyer, Wang Xuesen changed into the prepared wooden clogs and slippers, and followed the maid into the hall.

The hall was furnished with tatami mats, and three people were sitting around a mahogany table.

In the center is Fujita Hajime.

He was in his early fifties, wearing a white shirt, with a thin face, and his upright posture exuded the composure and imposing presence typical of Japanese officers.

A woman was sitting to his right.

She was in her early thirties, wearing a well-tailored lotus-root-colored cheongsam and a pearl necklace around her neck.

She had an oval face and arched eyebrows, but she wasn't exactly a stunning beauty.

But the allure emanating from her entire being, along with her captivating almond-shaped eyes, was simply irresistible to the core.

A woman like this is so alluring that just one glance at her can make your heart itch.

Wang Xuesen knew her.

Fang Yao.

A prominent socialite in Shanghai's elite circles, and Fujita Hajime's bedmate.

Bai Junqi was sitting to her left.

Bai Junqi dressed up specially today, his hair and shoes were polished so much that you could see your reflection in them.

This guy is actually quite handsome.

At only 1.7 meters tall, with a bluish complexion and lack of energy, he paled in comparison to the 1.8-meter-tall and extraordinary Wang Xuesen.

Several rolled-up oil paintings were laid out in front of Bai Junqi, tied with silk ribbons, and they looked quite valuable.

The three people were having a lively conversation.

Fang Yao, in particular, looked at Bai Junqi with eyes full of affection, as if she had the words "good son-in-law" engraved on her forehead.

Bai Sihai, the patriarch of the Bai family, secretly promised her 100,000 yuan.

If this marriage goes through, Fang Yao's status in Shanghai's socialite circles will rise even higher.

Driven by both whispered advice and self-interest, Fujita's attitude towards Bai Junqi became increasingly ambiguous.

Moreover, Bai Junqi was quite diligent in his work at the Special Higher Police, and the Bai family had a strong foothold in the business world. Fujita had already decided on this marriage proposal in his mind.

The only variable is Miyako herself.

That girl inherited her late mother's stubbornness from a young age, and was always indifferent to Bai Junqi.

This gave Fujita a huge headache.

Wang Xuesen walked over, handed the cigarettes and fruit to the maid, and bowed slightly.

"Mr. Fujita, Ms. Fang, it's my first time visiting, I'm sorry to bother you."

His Japanese pronunciation was impeccable, and his tone was neither humble nor arrogant, displaying both politeness and a hint of flattery.

Fujita Hajime raised his eyelids, holding his teacup, and looked Wang Xuesen up and down.

Fang Yao also looked over.

The two of them were stunned for a moment almost simultaneously.

Wang Xuesen was over 1.8 meters tall and handsome.

In particular, his eyes are bright and clear, yet with a hint of sharpness hidden within.

Just by standing there, his gentle and dignified demeanor made the entire hall shine even brighter.

Fang Yao's gaze slid down Wang Xuesen's face, past his chin, Adam's apple, and chest, before finally sweeping down his chest.

That slut Bai Meigui said Wang Xuesen was the modern-day Lao Ai, I wonder if it's true or not.

Unfortunately, Wang Xuesen's trousers were too loose, so nothing could be seen.

Then look at Bai Junqi on the side.

Both are young and handsome men, but when placed next to Wang Xuesen, Bai Junqi's carefully crafted dignity instantly fades.

Not only was he shorter than average.

The pale, wine-colored stain on his face made him look even more sleazy, and the fawning curve of his lips was on a completely different level from Wang Xuesen's composure.

Damn it, what's with this ghost, Young Master Wang?

Bai Junqi tightened his grip on the teacup, his eyes almost overflowing with hostility.

They're old enemies.

Back in Shanghai, he and Wang Ershao pursued Wanjia together, but Wanjia ended up marrying Wang Xuesen.

Bai Junqi was so angry he almost ground his teeth to powder.

Now that bastard is married, he still dares to try and make a move on Miyako.

That thing is like a persistent ghost, it's really messing with my mind!

In front of Fujita Hajime, Bai Junqi dared not act rashly.

He stared intently at Wang Xuesen with a cold smile, as if he were eyeing prey that needed to be disposed of.

The Bai family of today is not the same as the Bai family of the past.

If things really come to a head, bringing out his godfather Zhang Xiaolin would be enough to wipe out Wang Xuesen, and even the entire Su family, in no time.

If Wang Xuesen really dared to snatch Miyako...

That would be suicide!

"Mr. Wang, please have a seat."

Fujita Hajime, with a stern face, raised his hand and spoke in a businesslike tone.

He felt somewhat unhappy.

He had investigated Wang Xuesen's background. He was the director of interrogation room number 76, and was known for his womanizing ways. It was said that his romantic escapades could fill three books.

He was deeply unhappy about people like that approaching Miyako.

But we can't refuse Okamura's request.

Wang Xuesen thanked him, put down the items in his hands, and sat down opposite Bai Junqi in a generous manner, smiling warmly: "Young Master Bai, what a coincidence."

Bai Junqi gave a cold snort, completely lacking in manners, and didn't reply.

Fang Yao broke the brief silence with a smile: "Mr. Wang, what brings you to see our Ya Zi?"

Her voice was soft and sweet, with a touch of the coquettishness unique to Shanghai women.

Wang Xuesen looked at Fang Yao and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "I had the pleasure of reading Miss Miyako's poems in the Tongwen Academy's publication last time. I have always been a great lover of poetry."

He paused, turned to look at Fujita Hajime, and bowed slightly.

"I have come here today specifically to seek your guidance, and I hope you will allow me to do so, Section Chief."

Fujita Hajime held his teacup without moving, his narrow eyes narrowing slightly.

Yes, Bai Junqi is at a crucial point in pursuing Miyako, but this unexpected obstacle is getting in his way.

I won't agree.

This kid didn't seem to be overly respectful to me, nor did he deliberately lower his stance; he was interacting with me as an equal.

This shows that he has a very strong relationship with Okamura, which is why he has this confidence.

If you refuse too bluntly, it will easily give others grounds for criticism.

Fujita didn't immediately respond, but instead glanced at Fang Yao.

Same as always.

When faced with difficult situations, Fang Yao would step in to mediate, providing flexibility and tact.

Fang Yao understood immediately and turned to Wang Xuesen with a smile.

"Young Master Wang even knows poetry?"

Wang Xuesen frankly said, "I don't know much about her; I mainly admire Ms. Miyako's talent."

Fang Yao was amused by his frankness and covered her mouth, saying, "Yako doesn't like philanderers."

The implication is that we are well aware of your reputation.

Wang Xuesen showed no embarrassment whatsoever. Instead, he smiled and said, "Miss Fang is joking. I just want to learn from you, not propose marriage."

That's a brilliant way of saying something that uses minimal force to achieve maximum effect.

Fujita Hajime's brows relaxed slightly.

Bai Junqi's face turned even uglier... "Your real intention is not what you seem; nobody would believe you."

Wang Xuesen stopped wasting words and looked at Fujita Hajime seriously: "I, Xuesen, would like to see you. Please grant me permission, Section Chief."

Fujita was silent for a few seconds, then turned his head and whispered to Fang Yao in Japanese, "What do you think?"

Fang Yao leaned close to his ear and whispered in Japanese, "Let him see her. Don't you know what kind of person Miss is? She hates playboys the most. Let her see him once, and that will be enough to get rid of him. Wang Xuesen will then give up completely."

Fujita nodded slightly.

He put down his teacup, raised his hand and said, "Wait a moment, I'll have someone invite Masako down."

As he spoke, he beckoned to the maid waiting in the corridor and whispered a few instructions to her.

The maid responded and quickly went upstairs to the second floor.

The rooms on the second floor are softly lit.

Miyako was sitting at the table.

She held a stack of letters in her hands, the paper carrying a faint floral fragrance.

It was a letter from my pen pal, "My Dear One".

The font is round and plump.

The content is short, and it talks about everyday trivialities, but it is full of warmth and kindness.

Miyako read it over and over again, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up.

This person must be a gentle and sunny man.

He is in Shanghai.

I have no idea what he's doing right now.

Is anyone else reading her reply, just like you?

Miyako carefully folded the letter, held it in both hands, and pressed it firmly against her chest.

She closed her eyes, quietly feeling the lingering warmth of the letter.

My heart is beating a little fast.

dong dong dong.

The knocking interrupted her.

The maid pushed open the door and bowed, saying, "Miss, a Mr. Wang from apartment 76 has come downstairs. He says he would like to ask you for advice on poetry. The section chief has asked you to go down and meet him."

No. 76?

Miyako's expression instantly turned cold.

She had heard of that place; it was a den of iniquity where traitors and executioners gathered.

Do people who work in such places have the right to talk about poetry?

She put the letter in the drawer and locked it, saying in a flat tone, "I won't see it."

The maid hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "Miss, this Mr. Wang is a friend of Captain Okamura. The section chief thinks you'd better meet him."

Miyako pursed her lips.

Captain Okamura was my father's superior, and his reputation couldn't be ignored.

She sighed helplessly, stood up from the chair, and tidied her hair in front of the mirror.

Today she was wearing a simple, plain-colored kimono, with her sash loosely tied, and her long, black hair was pinned behind her ear with a white crescent-shaped hairpin.

She was not wearing makeup or any jewelry.

She pushed open the door and walked out of the room, descending the wooden stairs step by step.

A slight creaking sound from the stairs reached the hall.

Everyone looked up.

The moment Miyako walked into the hall, Wang Xuesen's gaze fell on her.

Her slender figure was wrapped in a plain kimono, her shoulders were narrow, and her waist moved with a lightness unique to young girls.

Her face was slightly chubby, and her skin was fair with a rosy glow. She wore no makeup, yet her clean skin was so captivating that it was impossible to look away.

Miyako's features are quite different from those of typical Japanese women. Her eyes and brows have a delicate and bright quality, and just sitting down next to her, you can smell the unique fragrance of a young girl.

Wang Xuesen sniffed slightly.

Clean.

Virgin!

The word popped into his head.

She is a completely different type from Wanjia.

Although Wanjia was a virgin before, she was already married. She usually wears makeup and dresses in a mature and glamorous style, which is further enhanced by her strong genetics.

This made her breasts and hips appear to be at an almost unbelievable level.

Miyako, on the other hand, is as simple and pure as a cup of freshly brewed white tea, without any embellishment, yet with a refreshing fragrance.

Although her figure, especially her bust, is much smaller than Wanjia's.

But the clean and simple texture of this clear broth noodles has its own charm.

Wang Xuesen mentally gave her a score of eight.

The two points deducted were, one for her figure and the other for the way she looked at him when she walked in.

Those eyes were filled with:

Scum!

Rubbish!

Dismissively.

Although it was painful, Wang Xuesen liked it very much.

He came to see if Miyako was as aloof and lonely as described in her letter.

Now it seems that at least she wasn't obsessed with looks, nor was she the two-faced, despicable type like White Rose.

Miyako walked to the tea table, first bowing slightly to Fujita Hajime, then nodding to Fang Yao and Bai Junqi.

Finally, her gaze fell on Wang Xuesen.

She sized him up for two seconds.

Handsome, tall, well-dressed, with a gentle smile.

He looks quite different from those rude No. 76 thugs.

But her expression remained unchanged.

He lowered his head, remained silent, and maintained a facade of politeness and respect.

Fujita Kazuki's lips curled slightly when he saw Miyako's expression.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and didn't even lift his eyelids.

Wang Xuesen?

A toad wants to eat swan meat.

He gave Okamura face, letting him in and preparing tea. But he knew Miyako's temperament best; from childhood to adulthood, this girl had hated the 76th Division the most.

Even if Wang Xuesen had the looks of a goddess, it wouldn't matter to Miyako.

He couldn't get past this hurdle alone.

Wang Xuesen, however, was not in a hurry.

He bowed slightly and said in a gentle tone, "Miss Masako, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Wang Xuesen, the director of interrogation room number 76, and a friend of Director Li Shiqun and Warrant Officer Shibuya."

As he said this, there was a hint of unintentional boasting in his tone.

Li Shiqun's name was enough to stop children from crying at night in Shanghai, and Warrant Officer Shibuya was a powerful figure in the Japanese military police.

There are very few Chinese people in Shanghai who can establish connections with both of these people at the same time.

Miyako's gaze grew even colder.

Number 76. Interrogation Room. Li Shiqun.

Every word made her stomach churn.

She nodded slightly, her voice as flat as plain water: "Mr. Wang."

The two words conveyed both extreme politeness and extreme estrangement.

Bai Junqi sat to the side and saw it clearly.

He almost couldn't hold back his laughter.

Wonderful!

It seems that being handsome isn't enough; he still doesn't get the favor of Ms. Miyako.

Wang Xuesen won against Wanjia once, but he wasn't so lucky with Miyako.

comfortable.

Bai Junqi cleared his throat and took the initiative to speak: "Miss Yazi, you may not know this Director Wang very well. Let me introduce him to you."

He turned to look at Wang Xuesen, a smile playing on his lips, but his eyes were full of malice.

"This man was once a notorious playboy in Shanghai."

"Oh, no, he's already been expelled from the Wang family."

He paused deliberately, as if recalling some interesting past events.

"He had previously been scorned by the Su family and had even resorted to borrowing money from loan sharks to make ends meet."

Fang Yao held her teacup, watching the spectacle with great interest.

Bai Junqi continued, "Brother Wang is married, but his reputation as a womanizer remains as strong as ever. He had a one-night stand with White Rose and kept Li Lu, the beautiful wife of his colleague Mao Ziming, as a mistress. These are all top-notch romantic escapades in Shanghai."

He clicked his tongue, shook his head, and looked regretful.

"Wang Shao and I are old friends. His specialty is picking up girls. He often uses poetry and making friends as an excuse to deceive women."

"Miss, you'd better keep your eyes open."

These words were spoken slowly and deliberately, each one like a bucket of dirty water being poured in Wang Xuesen's face.

Miyako's expression indeed grew even colder.

Married. A womanizer. Deceitful of women.

Exactly the same as the person she had imagined among No. 76.

Fujita Hajime held his teacup without saying a word, but a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

Although Bai Junqi isn't exactly a figurehead, he can be quite useful in crucial moments.

After listening, Wang Xuesen was neither annoyed nor anxious.

He smiled, his tone as calm as if he were talking about someone else's business.

"The amount of praise I can withstand is equal to the amount of slander I can bear."

He turned his head and glanced at Bai Junqi.

"Just like me, I never spread stories about Young Master Bai's romantic escapades."

Bai Junqi's expression immediately changed.

"Who praised you?"

"Shameless bastard!"

Wang Xuesen shrugged, turned to Miyako, and said apologetically, "I am very sorry to hear such foul language in front of Miss Miyako."

Bai Junqi's face flushed red, and his fingers gripped the teacup tightly.

"you!"

He wanted to lash out, but with Fujita present, he swallowed back what he was about to say.

In terms of Tai Chi skills, Wang Xuesen was clearly several levels above him. He first absolved himself of any responsibility, then pushed Bai Junqi away, making him appear desperate and pathetic in front of Miyako.

Fang Yao watched from the side and couldn't stop laughing.

The duel between these two men was more exciting than any play she had ever seen.

Miyako's gaze swept between the two of them.

Bai Junqi's outburst and Wang Xuesen's composure formed a stark contrast.

Her dislike for Wang Xuesen did not diminish, but her affection for Bai Junqi did not increase in the slightest.

In her eyes, the two people were essentially no different.

One was the executioner, the other was the lackey.

After a moment of silence, Miyako spoke.

Her voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear enough to be heard.

"Mr. Wang, what are your thoughts on my poem 'Caged Bird'?"

This is a poem she published in the Tongwen Academy's student magazine. It describes a bird locked in a cage, gazing at the sky outside the window, and striking the iron bars day after day.

The poem makes no mention of war, nor any sensitive words.

But anyone who has read it can discern the meaning beneath that thin veil.

Wang Xuesen hesitated for two seconds.

"I feel that your poetry leans towards the style of Mitsuharu Kaneko, which is out of step with the current trend."

His tone was calm, as if he were giving a literary critique in class.

"You should learn from Miyoshi Tatsushi or Hasegawa Motoo."

Miyako's expression changed slightly.

Miyoshi Tatsushi and Hasegawa Motoo were both court writers who catered to militarism.

Wang Xuesen's words couldn't be clearer: you should write things that glorify war.

Seeing her reaction, Wang Xuesen continued, "If this poem hadn't been written by you, you would have been invited to have tea at No. 76 by now."

He paused, his tone becoming more serious.

"Out of concern for your well-being, I advise you to publish fewer poems of this kind in the future."

He said that on purpose to see Miyako's true attitude.

After all, the Japanese devils were very cunning.

Women can be very good at pretending too.

It's always good to test the waters a little more.

The hall was silent for a few seconds.

Miyako stared into Wang Xuesen's eyes, trying to find any hint of humor or goodwill in them.

No.

His expression was serious.

He was actually suggesting that she write those bloody words.

disappointment.

Utter disappointment.

She had previously thought this person was different from those rude 76th Division thugs. Now it seemed they were cut from the same cloth. No, even more despicable.

Those thugs at least wouldn't pretend to understand poetry.

Miyako stood up, gave a slight bow, her movements precise yet distant.

Thank you for your guidance.

"I'm not feeling well, sorry."

After saying that, she put on her wooden clogs and went upstairs.

His steps were crisp and decisive, without looking back.

The hall fell silent again.

Bai Junqi could barely suppress the smile on his lips, but he tried his best to hold it in and put on a sympathetic look.

Wang Xuesen stood up, turned to Fujita Hajime, and bowed slightly.

"Section Chief, I apologize."

"Perhaps I'm too straightforward, or perhaps my views on poetry differ from yours."

"She didn't seem to welcome or like me as a guest."

He picked up his handbag, his tone frank.

"Goodbye."

Fujita put down his teacup, his face expressionless.

"No need to see me out."

Two words, dry and uncompromising, skipping even the pleasantries.

Fang Yao sat there, glancing at Wang Xuesen's groin several times.

The trousers were cut too loosely; you couldn't see anything clearly.

She couldn't help but feel a little regretful.

Is what that slut White Rose said true or false?

Bai Junqi stood up abruptly, his face beaming with smiles: "Brother Wang, let me see you off."

The two walked out of the hall one after the other and crossed the front yard.

Once outside the courtyard gate, Bai Junqi could no longer contain himself and burst into laughter:

"Young Master Wang, this tactic of yours won't work either."

Wang Xuesen leisurely took out a cigarette, casually dangling it from the corner of his mouth: "What advice does Young Master Bai have?"

Bai Junqi took two steps forward, his voice lowered, but every word was laced with venom.

"Things are different now. Today, Shanghai is dominated by the Japanese and Boss Zhang."

"Wang Xuesen, you can't handle this."

He extended a finger and tapped Wang Xuesen's chest, sneering provocatively:

"I know you've never been one to submit to me."

"How about we make a bet?"

Wang Xuesen pulled out a gold-plated lighter, lit it with a click, took a drag, and slowly exhaled the smoke: "How do you want to bet?"

He was actually willing to play around with Bai Junqi.

This at least proves that this fool didn't really consider himself a mortal enemy and always looked down on him.

There's still some time before New Year's Day.

If the plan is in place, this will be enough time for Li Shiqun and the Bai family to break off relations.

When the New Year's Eve party comes down with the final blow, cutting off Bai Junqi's escape route and sending him on his way, it will be a perfect ending for him.

Bai Junqi said, "New Year's Day happens to be Miss Yazi's birthday, and I will propose to her on that day."

He had his hands in his suit pockets and his chin slightly raised.

"Would you like to come and take a look then?"

"Watch how I make her my woman."

Wang Xuesen took a drag of his cigarette and exhaled a wisp of white smoke.

"Are you sure? You seem pretty confident."

……