Chapter Twenty-Nine: Interrogation under Torture

Everyone in the Secret Service knew that Song Yingge was exceptionally skilled at interrogations. If he were assigned the task of questioning Chen Xunlei, there could be no leniency; otherwise, suspicion would inevitably arise. Moreover, since Dai Li had spoken so plainly, refusal was impossible without a very special reason. For a moment, Song Yingge found himself trapped between a rock and a hard place.

“What’s the matter? Unwilling?” Dai Li asked.

“I’m just considering how to pry his mouth open,” Song Yingge replied cautiously, trying not to arouse Dai Li’s suspicion, and reluctantly agreed to the task.

Song Yingge approached Chen Xunlei and said, “Team Leader Chen, you’re a veteran of the Secret Service. You know these interrogation methods better than I do. After all we put you through, do you really have the confidence to withstand it?”

“I really am not a Communist spy,” Chen Xunlei said with great difficulty.

“Then please explain, under the headquarters’ full martial law and the prohibition on acting alone, why did you go to the wall by yourself?” Song Yingge pressed.

Chen Xunlei remained silent.

“Were you trying to scale the wall to pass information to the Communists?” Song Yingge asked again.

Chen Xunlei said nothing.

“I believe you’re from Anhui Province, with many relatives back home,” Song Yingge remarked.

Before Chen Xunlei could respond, Song continued, “Section Chief Wei, have the brothers from Anhui contacted Team Leader Chen’s family?”

“We sent urgent telegrams; they should have been reached by now,” Wei Si said with a smile.

“That’s good. A family should remain whole,” Song replied.

At that moment, someone from the communications department entered with a telegram.

After reading it, Dai Li’s expression darkened.

“Chen Xunlei’s family has been missing for several months,” Dai Li said coldly.

“Haha, besides threatening with family, what else can you do?” Chen Xunlei mocked.

Dai Li’s face grew even colder.

It was rare for Communist undercover agents to betray after being captured. Especially in such a short time, extracting a confession was nearly impossible.

“So you’re deliberately provoking me, hoping I’ll kill you? No chance. I’ll play with you slowly,” Song Yingge said.

Wei Si leaned toward Dai Li and whispered, “Director, shall we try the truth serum?”

At this time, truth serum was available, but its effectiveness was poor in practice. It also damaged the brain, severely impacting future interrogations. Unless absolutely necessary, it was never used.

“Not yet,” Dai Li shook his head.

“Use torture on me, I refuse to believe he’s truly made of steel,” Song Yingge said.

During the torture, Chen Xunlei never once cried out in pain.

“I face the sky laughing with my sword, my loyalty unwavering like the Kunlun Mountains.”

“It doesn’t hurt, not at all. Old dog Dai, is that all you’ve got?”

“A single spark can start a prairie fire. Though I may die, the spark will not be extinguished.”

“One day, this land will be adorned with red flags.”

“When that day comes, you vermin will be forever disgraced, spit upon by future generations.”

Song Yingge barked, “Shut his mouth!”

Each harsh word pierced Dai Li’s ears. His face turned ashen with anger. Glancing at Song Yingge, he swept his sleeve and left.

Seeing this, Song hurried after him. “Director, if I fail in my duties, please punish me.”

Indeed, this was no easy task.

During the torture, Song had spared no effort. He even feared Chen Xunlei wouldn’t hold out.

Dai Li knew it wasn’t Song’s fault. He had witnessed the interrogation in the room.

No one expected that beneath Chen’s usually smooth demeanor lay such unyielding steel.

“This isn’t your fault,” Dai Li said stiffly, then walked away without looking back.

Back in the interrogation room, Song said to Wei Si, “Section Chief, this man’s mouth is too tough. Shall we put him in the black cell for a few days?”

Wei Si was unperturbed. “After working in this line for so long, you encounter people like this. Sometimes I wonder what exactly sustains them.”

“Section Chief, be careful with your words,” Song reminded him.

Wei Si shook his head with a smile and soon left as well.

Looking at the barely breathing Chen Xunlei, Song said kindly, “Enough. Drink some water and rest.”

Then he added, “Find a doctor to treat him. We can’t have him die without saying a word.”

After attending to that, Song returned to Intelligence Group Four and sat down, sipping tea.

Chen Xunlei had left a deep impression on him.

So many tortures, even Song himself might not have endured silently.

Yet Chen had managed without uttering a sound.

Suddenly, Song thought of the comrade who had died by his own gun. The nameless comrade often appeared in his dreams.

Perhaps soon, another comrade would join those dreams.

That afternoon, in the interrogation room, Song continued his relentless questioning.

He wasn’t sure if everything happening during the interrogation would be reported to Dai Li.

For the sake of the undercover mission, Song could not show mercy.

Fortunately, Chen Xunlei endured once again.

Tomorrow was New Year's Day. After the handover and the transmission of Chen’s capture, even if he confessed, the damage would not be severe.

Near the end of the day, Chen Meili invited Song Yingge to a dance. He accepted.

At the dance, he met his brother Zhao Yaohui.

“The ship deal is nearly done. Six ships in total, docked at the Shanghai port. Once the paperwork is complete, they can sail. When will you head to Shanghai?” Zhao Yaohui asked.

“How much in total?” Song inquired.

“We were a bit short, so I covered the difference. Don’t even think about paying me back,” Zhao Yaohui said.

“Once this busy period is over, I’ll treat you to a meal. I can’t make it to Shanghai myself, so I’ll have a friend handle the handover,” Song replied.

“Arrange it as soon as possible. Docking fees aren’t cheap,” Zhao Yaohui reminded.

As their conversation neared its end, Zhao Yaobang joined them. “Brother Song, if you’re too busy, I can help.”

“You? I don’t dare. If you open your mouth, I’m afraid all my ships will sink,” Song joked.

“Yingge, you really underestimate him. When it comes to company affairs, he manages things more smoothly than I do,” Zhao Yaohui said.

“Really?” Song looked doubtful.

“I talk a lot, but I’m not stupid. Brother Song, don’t underestimate the young,” Zhao Yaobang said.

“You’re young? So am I. I’m only a year older than you,” Song teased.

While bantering with Zhao Yaobang, Song seriously considered the feasibility of the idea.

Since Xu Zhong’s leg injury made long-distance travel unsuitable, Song had no one available at the moment.

If Zhao Yaobang truly had the ability, it was worth a try.

Song appraised Zhao Yaobang carefully, making the latter a little uneasy.

Though sharp-tongued, Zhao Yaobang was a man of integrity with no character flaws.

With Zhao Yaohui’s endorsement, his capability was certainly not low.

However, Song was uncertain about his loyalty.

Sensing Song’s hesitation, Zhao Yaobang spoke up, “Brother Song, a drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude, especially when it’s a life-saving favor.”

Song still shook his head. This matter was too important to entrust to others.

“Your battlefield is not here. Studying hard is what you should focus on,” Song said.

Wait a moment—this phrase sounded strangely familiar.