manynovel Chapter 175 Sakai Searches for Someone
Chapter 175 Sakai Searches for Someone
Takagi Takayuki immediately chimed in, his tone fervent and urgent, as if afraid Yan Shuo would refuse: "Liu-san, the general truly wants to cooperate with you! Think about it, the navy commands a large army and has extensive channels. If you're willing to lend a hand and help the navy solve its supply problems, your business in Shanghai and throughout Central China will be much more stable. Neither the powers in the concessions nor the gangs on the ground will dare to easily touch you. This is an immense benefit!"
Yan Shuo thought to himself, just as he expected, this was one of Sakai's true purposes.
Under the guise of cooperation, they demanded supplies from him, while simultaneously trying to win over and control his influential power in Shanghai.
On the surface, however, he pretended to be deep in thought, his expression showing a hint of hesitation and flattery, as if he hadn't expected to receive the Navy's favor.
After a moment, a resolute expression appeared on his face, and his tone was respectful and sincere: "General Sakai, you flatter me. It is my honor and my duty to serve the Imperial Navy and supply the front lines. I do have some channels for obtaining ores, grains, and medicines. However, the situation has been turbulent recently, and transportation in various places has been inconvenient, making the supply somewhat unstable. But please rest assured, General, I will do my utmost to mobilize all channels to meet the Navy's needs as much as possible and will never let you down."
Sakai Kusanai nodded in satisfaction. Yan Shuo's pragmatism and "restrained respect" made him feel more favorably toward him and lowered his guard a bit. He then asked, "Mr. Liu, where has your business expanded to now? I heard that your business empire is expanding rapidly."
Yan Shuo understood perfectly. Sakai's words, though seemingly casual, were actually a test of his sphere of influence and resource distribution.
In this chaotic world, controlling territory means controlling resources. If the navy can cooperate with him, who controls a wide range of territorial resources, it can occupy a more advantageous position in the strategic layout. Whether it is for a stable supply of materials or to lay the groundwork for possible future military operations, understanding his business empire is crucial.
He deliberately pretended not to notice the probing, his face showing some sincerity, but his tone remained ambiguous.
Takagi Takayuki chimed in, his tone seemingly concerned but actually subtly probing: "Yes, Mr. Liu, we're all happy for you as your business grows bigger and bigger. The general is genuinely concerned about you and wants to see which areas have complex situations so the navy can provide protection and clear obstacles for your business expansion."
Yan Shuo pondered for a moment, his tone ambiguous yet measured, deliberately appearing frank yet leaving room for maneuver. He didn't reveal any specific information, only vaguely saying, "Currently, we're mainly focused on North and East China, barely managing to maintain operations. However, we're also trying to expand to other regions. But the situation in each place is complex, with constant warfare, making expansion quite difficult. We haven't made much progress, and we're also worried about not having a powerful backer. If we could get the General and the Navy's support, that would be ideal."
He knew very well that revealing too much about his actual business empire would be tantamount to exposing his trump card to the Japanese, which was an extremely dangerous act in this turbulent situation with its complex web of power dynamics.
No one knew whether this information would be used by the Japanese, thereby threatening their business, even their lives, and affecting the undercover work of the Military Intelligence Bureau's Shanghai station.
These seemingly candid words not only dealt with the probing but also went along with Takagi's words, catering to Sakai's attempt to win him over, making the performance all the more convincing.
After the business probing, Sakai Kusanai's expression gradually softened, his gentle demeanor replaced by a serious look. He put down his teacup, took out a photograph from his pocket, and carefully handed it to Yan Shuo, his tone filled with barely concealed anxiety and concern: "Mr. Liu, to be honest, besides the matter of supplies, I have another request for your help. My brother-in-law, Ito Kentaro, has been missing for a long time, without a trace. This young man is not even 28 years old, the young master of the Ito family, and the only heir. His elders have been extremely worried since they learned of his disappearance, and I have used many connections, but I still have no news of him."
Takagi Takayuki's expression also turned serious, abandoning his usual obsequiousness, and he added in a low voice, "Liu-san, you may not know, but the Ito family holds a very high position in Japan, wields considerable power, and has deep ties with the Navy. Young Master Kentaro's disappearance has put immense pressure on the General, and the elders of the Ito family have been urging him repeatedly. If he cannot be found, the General will have difficulty explaining himself to the Ito family."
Yan Shuo reached out and took the photo, his gaze sweeping over the young and handsome face in it.
The photograph of Kentaro Ito revealed a hint of arrogance in his eyes and a disdainful smile. Yan Shuo inwardly sneered, but outwardly feigned surprise and seriousness, carefully examining the photograph. His tone was sincere: "General Sakai, rest assured, young master Ito is a promising young man. Good fortune will surely protect him. I will do my best to keep an eye out and mobilize all my connections to inquire. However, I wonder where young master Ito was last seen? Are there any useful clues?"
He deliberately acted very attentively, as if he really wanted to help Sakai find the person.
Sakai Kusanai sighed, his tone filled with helplessness and anxiety: "The last time someone saw him was at a casino in Shanghai. I heard he lost a lot of money that day, got into an argument, and then disappeared without a trace, as if he vanished into thin air. I've used all the navy's connections in Shanghai, as well as my network in the concessions, searching the entire city, but I still can't find him. Mr. Liu, you have connections in both the underworld and the legitimate world. You can speak to the gangs on the ground and the powers in the concessions. If you could help me find out, I would reward you handsomely. Whatever you want, as long as I can do it, I will not refuse."
His eyes were full of expectation as he stared intently at Yan Shuo, as if he were placing all his hopes on him.
In his view, in the entire Shanghai, apart from the forces under his own control, only Yan Shuo had the connections and ability to find Ito Kentaro, who had been missing for many days.
Takagi Takayuki quickly chimed in, his tone earnest: "Mr. Liu, I'm entrusting this matter to you. The General trusts you immensely, and in all of Shanghai, only you possess such abilities. As long as you're willing to lend a hand, you're sure to find clues about young master Kentaro. In that case, the General and the Ito family will remember your kindness, and you'll naturally reap the rewards."
Yan Shuo carefully placed the photo on the table, his face showing a look of utmost dedication. His tone was firm yet tinged with a hint of flattery: "General Sakai, you are too kind. It is my honor and my duty to serve you. There is no need for your generous thanks. I will immediately arrange for my men to make a thorough inquiries. Whether it is underworld gangs, the concessions, or even street vendors, I will have people ask around. I will not let any clue slip by. I will also issue a reward. Anyone who can provide useful information about Young Master Ito will be richly rewarded. I will not go back on my word."