Chapter 21: New Year, Action

Five days later, the Joyful Heart Bookstore, which had only been open for half a month, closed its doors because the day after tomorrow would be New Year's Eve.

New Year’s was of utmost importance to the people of China; no matter how hard their lives were, they always prepared carefully for the holiday.

The streets, once deserted, began to fill with people.

Early that morning, Li Wensheng went out to buy some New Year's goods, then disguised himself as a rough laborer and made his way toward the Dongya Hotel.

Not far from the Dongya Hotel stood the government building occupied by the enemy in Nanjing, which had formerly been the central government headquarters of the Nationalist Party.

Most residents in the area were high-ranking enemy officials and businessmen from the island nation, so typically, hardly any Chinese people came here.

Only in these few days did many Chinese appear on the streets.

But these Chinese were not truly here to shop; they had all been arranged by the enemy.

For the sake of appearances under the banner of Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity, the enemy arranged for many Chinese to walk the streets and set up stalls along the sidewalks.

Such arrangements were not meant for the people of Nanjing to see.

The massacre had already revealed to the people of Nanjing that the essence of Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity was plunder and ruthless slaughter!

These arrangements were for Chinese in other regions and for the international community. The enemy brought in numerous journalists to take photos of the lively, seemingly prosperous streets.

Upon entering Nanjing Road and seeing several journalists taking photos under the protection of the military police, Li Wensheng immediately dismissed the idea of scouting the surrounding roads.

He could not afford to be photographed by the enemy; otherwise, they might trace him through the pictures. Though the possibility was slim, he would not risk it.

After quickly turning over these thoughts, Li Wensheng walked forward a few steps and then naturally turned around.

As he turned, he squinted slightly.

He noticed a young-looking man ahead, secretly observing his surroundings.

Although the young man was cautious, as a fellow operative, Li Wensheng recognized the methods all too well.

The man appeared to be buying something at a pushcart stall, but his posture was slightly turned to the side.

Li Wensheng remembered what Wang Tianfeng, his surveillance instructor at the training camp, had taught: when observing, it’s best to stand sideways. This way, you can discreetly watch your surroundings without turning your head, appearing perfectly natural.

Li Wensheng glanced at the man twice, then walked on calmly. No matter who this person was, it had nothing to do with him.

After exiting Nanjing Street, Li Wensheng did not return immediately to the bookstore, but instead began to scout the roads around Nanjing Street.

Unable to gather information on Nanjing Street itself, he made sure to get a clear understanding of its surroundings.

Spending two days on this task, Li Wensheng finally finished his reconnaissance and waited for the New Year.

Winter nights fell quickly; by a little after six on New Year’s Eve, darkness had already descended.

In Nanjing, lights shone in more than half the homes.

Those without lights had lost their families in the massacre; there was no one left.

Soon, the city echoed with the crackling of firecrackers.

Amid the festive sounds, Li Wensheng, dressed in a suit, slipped out the back door a