Chapter 39: Zhao Rui

Gu Ying, female, born in the second year of the Republic of China (1913), ancestral home in Lin'an, Zhejiang Province. Graduated from the Zhejiang Police Wireless Training Class in the twenty-third year of the Republic (1934) and was assigned to the Telecommunications Section at the headquarters of the Secret Service.

Zhao Rui, female, born in the fourth year of the Republic of China (1915), ancestral home in Jinling, Jiangsu Province. Graduated from Jiangsu Girls' High School in the twenty-third year of the Republic (1934). Joined the General Affairs Section at the headquarters of the Secret Service in the twenty-fifth year of the Republic (1936) through the introduction of Zhao Changjing.

Leaving the archives room, Song Yingge reflected on the two files he had just reviewed. On paper, Zhao Rui appeared to be the more suspicious of the two. She had joined later, had undergone no formal training, and was referred by someone else. However, determining which of them was the Japanese spy would require further investigation. Since Zhao Rui was a native of Jinling, he decided to start with her.

According to the records, Zhao Rui lived on Ganyu Lane. Ganyu Lane was formerly known as Ganyu (Dried Fish) Lane, rumored to be named after local merchants who would dry fish and sell salted fish there. It was also once called "Fish-Driving Lane." Later, finding the name unpleasant, it was changed to Ganyu (Sweet Rain) Lane.

Taking advantage of the early hour, Song Yingge arrived at a breakfast shop at the intersection of Ganyu Lane and Niupi Street. The shop was famous for its pan-fried beef dumplings, one of the four delicacies of Jinling breakfast. Song Yingge ate his dumplings while listening to the patrons chat, hoping to glean some useful information. Unfortunately, he heard nothing of value; this method of gathering intelligence was far too inefficient.

Zhao Rui’s home was in the middle of Ganyu Lane, where her parents, brother, and sister-in-law also resided. Song Yingge had hoped to sneak in and search the place while it was empty, but despite waiting for half the day, no opportunity arose. The house was truly crowded with family members. Having wasted half a day, Song Yingge returned to Caodu Lane empty-handed.

Back at his office, he grabbed a box of tea and headed straight for the General Affairs Section. Since Zhao Rui had been introduced to the Secret Service by Zhao Changjing, he likely knew her well. Zhao Changjing was the chief of the General Affairs Group.

When Song Yingge first arrived in Jinling, it was Zhao Changjing who had taken him to Tianyin Lane. The two had crossed paths many times and maintained a decent relationship. Entering the General Affairs Group, Song Yingge immediately spotted Zhao Rui sitting at her desk. She had delicate features and a slender figure—a quintessential Jiangnan woman.

"Team Leader Song, you're here?" Zhao Rui asked, greeting him quickly upon noticing him.

"Is your chief in?" Song asked.

"He's in his office," she replied.

Song Yingge smiled at Zhao Rui and walked into Zhao Changjing’s office. "Busy, Brother Zhao?"

"Oh, Brother Song is here. I heard you broke another big case? Captured over twenty Japanese spies in one fell swoop?" Zhao Changjing welcomed him warmly.

"Just luck. These spies happened to fall right into my hands. Here, have some Tieguanyin a friend gave me. Let’s try it together," Song said.

"Oh, I must try that." Zhao Changjing immediately ordered Zhao Rui to fetch some hot water.

Taking the opportunity, Song Yingge joked, "Brother Zhao, you are a lucky man to have such a beautiful subordinate. Unlike me, my team is full of rough men."

"Oh, brother, that’s not a joke you should make," Zhao Changjing exclaimed.

"Oh? Is there a reason?" Song asked.

"She’s my own niece. Can you really make jokes like that?" Zhao Changjing laughed helplessly.

"I truly didn't know that. Please forgive me, brother. I offer my apologies," Song said, genuinely surprised by the relationship.

"No harm done. How could I really blame you?" Zhao replied.

Just then, Zhao Rui returned with the hot water and stood by to pour the tea. Zhao Changjing glanced at her, then at Song Yingge, and an idea struck him. "Brother, if I recall correctly, you aren't married yet, are you?"

"How can I have a home while the Japanese invaders remain?" Song responded.

"You shouldn't think that way. Once you have a family, you have no worries behind you and can focus entirely on serving the country," Zhao countered.

"Then I suppose I must find someone soon," Song laughed.

As Zhao Changjing brought up the topic, Song understood his intentions immediately. He had been looking for an opening, and Zhao Changjing had practically handed him the key.

"We have so many young ladies at headquarters. Isn't there anyone who catches your eye?" Zhao Changjing asked.

Feigning shyness, Song Yingge glanced at Zhao Rui. "I’m in no position to pick; it would be good enough if someone were willing to look at me."

Seeing Song's expression, Zhao Changjing thought to himself that this had potential. "Who would dare look down on you? Little Rui, tell me, what do you think of Team Leader Song?"

Throughout their conversation, Zhao Rui had remained silent, her movements while pouring tea gentle and graceful. Hearing her uncle’s question, she finally spoke: "Team Leader Song is naturally a highly outstanding talent."

Zhao Changjing nodded, very satisfied with her response. "You see? I wasn't wrong, was I? Little Rui has high standards, and she has many suitors; it’s only you, brother, who she holds in high regard."

"Miss Zhao is a beauty herself. Such high praise makes me feel unworthy," Song replied.

"Say, brother, do you have plans for tonight?" Zhao Changjing asked.

"No. Does my brother have something in mind?"

Zhao Changjing pulled two tickets from his drawer. "A friend gave me two tickets for a play tonight, but I have a dinner engagement and can't go. If you have nothing else to do, you should go see it."

"Forget it. I have two tickets, but there's no point in going alone," Song said.

"That’s easy. Little Rui, you don't have plans tonight, do you? Why don't you accompany Team Leader Song?" Zhao suggested.

"Chief, I tonight..." Before Zhao Rui could finish, Zhao Changjing interrupted.

"Have a good time tonight." He shoved a ticket into Zhao Rui’s hand and turned to Song. "With a beautiful lady for company, brother, you wouldn't decline, would you?"

Song Yingge was desperate for a chance to observe Zhao Rui closely. "In that case, I would be honored to accept."

Clutching the tickets, Song Yingge smiled at Zhao Rui, revealing a flash of white teeth. *A mule or a horse, you only know after taking it for a walk.*

Zhao Rui offered a smile in return. Though it was sweet, Song Yingge still detected a hint of reluctance.

After Zhao Rui left, Zhao Changjing cleared his throat. "From now on, we can't call each other 'brother.' The hierarchy can't be messed up. Don't you agree, Little Song?"

"Uncle Zhao, you are right. Come, your nephew toasts you with tea instead of wine," Song joked.

"Good, good. This tea is truly fragrant." Zhao Changjing was a man who enjoyed a laugh.

As evening approached and it was nearly time to clock out, Song Yingge went to the General Affairs Section to wait for Zhao Rui. The two then got into a car and headed toward the World Grand Theater.

This scene was witnessed clearly by Chen Meili and her colleague Gu Ying as they stepped out of the Telecommunications Section.

"Team Leader Chen, that looks like Team Leader Song and Zhao Rui from the General Affairs Section," Gu Ying noted.

"Is that so?" Chen Meili said dismissively.

Seeing her indifference, Gu Ying tactfully changed the subject.