How to pronounce "竟然"

[Silent Honor]

[Episode 5]

My trip to Hong Kong this time

is to receive a shipment of American aid.

Chief Zhou indeed has no other option.

Actually, this kind of work

is much easier than working at the department.

Besides, Hong Kong's medical facilities

are much better than Taiwan's,

so more medicine can be prescribed.

Chief Zhou

has also assigned me a personal doctor.

So, Honey,

you can rest assured.

Your Chief Zhou is so considerate.

Then ask him to be even more considerate

and apply for me to go with you.

Senior.

I'm sorry

for disturbing you so late.

I hope I didn't interrupt your rest.

Chief.

This must be for something important.

Please go ahead.

I have good news for you.

President was very pleased

to hear that you're the one to be sent to Hong Kong

to receive the military aid,

so he specially approved for you

to take the Taikang Warship to Hong Kong.

Taking the Taikang Warship to Hong Kong?

The Taikang Warship used to be President's flagship.

It's not appropriate for a deputy chief like me to take it, right?

Well, it's not anymore, right?

What President means is that

the Taikang Warship

was originally part of American military aid.

Taking it to receive new aid

is meant to show certain people

the American Army's support for us.

Senior.

You'll be representing

the dignity of the Nationalist Government and our army.

I'm grateful for President's concern.

Also,

since the official purpose

is to receive economic aid from the American government,

we might as well make

the whole thing as high-profile as possible.

So after the handover ceremony,

there will be a grand banquet.

All the business leaders from across Hong Kong

will attend.

President wants those

who fled to Hong Kong to test the waters

to see that our relationship with the U.S.

is rock-solid.

Chief.

Social engagements are not my strength.

With such a grand banquet

and so many people,

I'm afraid...

You're being too modest.

Senior, you'll certainly demonstrate our government's prestige.

I've arranged for people from the Second Department to accompany you,

ensuring everything goes flawlessly.

The situation this time is somewhat special.

The signing ceremony for military aid with the American Army

will be held in Hong Kong,

but

the actual handover needs to take place on the high seas.

Thank you for your hard work, Senior.

Alright, got it.

I'll make some pineapple cakes for you to take along.

Go check on the kids.

[Dormitory of the Ministry of Defense]

[Gao Xiumei, Nie Xi's wife]

I thought you were working overtime.

You're back so early.

I didn't know you were back.

Going on a business trip?

Are you going back to Fuzhou to pick up the kid?

No. I'm going on a business trip with my mentor tomorrow,

to Hong Kong.

Your mentor is resourceful.

Perhaps you could try to find a way

to bring our kid

from Fuzhou to Hong Kong first,

and then from Hong Kong to Taiwan?

Mei, this trip with my mentor is for official business.

So when do you plan

to bring our kid here?

L-Let's wait a bit longer.

We've been in Taiwan for over two months,

and you keep saying the same thing over and over.

It's not like that, Mei.

The situation in Taiwan is very tense right now.

I don't want to hear your excuses.

I'm going back to work overtime.

Didn't you just get off work?

Why are you going back to work overtime?

Only when I'm working overtime

do I stop missing our child.

Nie Xi.

I need you to keep an eye on your mentor for me

and make sure he takes his medicine on time every day.

If something like last time happens again,

I won't let you off easily.

Don't worry, Madam. I'll remember.

[Mount Morrison Road, Hong Kong]

[Youngchun]

That's the mission this time.

In short,

The East Sea Team

is the source and core

of our intelligence work on Taiwan.

Their communication line absolutely cannot be cut off.

The Party has entrusted me

with such an important mission.

I will not betray that trust.

Starting tomorrow,

this will be your new identity.

Familiarize yourself with it quickly.

You may need to depart at any moment.

Yes.

Remember, when you get to Taiwan,

no matter how complicated the situation becomes,

you must stay calm and collected.

Protect your handler,

protect the intelligence,

and protect yourself.

Stay safe yourself too.

[Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, Ministry of Defense]

You want to go to Hong Kong?

Yes.

Director.

Given how critical the current situation is,

I believe Deputy Chief Wu's abrupt decision to go to Hong Kong

for military aid hand-over

must be for

intelligence exchange.

As you know, Hong Kong is

a place full of all sorts of people.

It's perfect for inserting agents to infiltrate.

We could even hide operatives

in Mr. Wu's entourage to...

To get close

and keep watch.

I hope you'll approve, Director.

Are you finished?

Yes.

Zhengwen.

Do you have any idea

what our current situation is?

The Second Department of the Ministry of Defense,

the Investigation Bureau, the Military Intelligence Bureau,

the General Political Warfare Bureau,

the Military Police Command, the Provincial Police Department—

most of China's intelligence agencies

are all crammed onto this tiny island of Taiwan.

With so many people and so little to go around,

even if we keep our heads down, we could be reorganized at any time.

Please trust me, Director.

Whether I trust you or not

doesn't matter.

Deputy Chief Wu is taking the Taikang this time.

Do you dare to go to Hong Kong

on the Taikang with him?

The Taikang...

Warship?

[Keelung Harbor]

For any problems,

go to Yongchuntang Pharmacy in Hong Kong

and ask for Manager Wan Jingguang.

The token and secret code from here will still work.

Sir,

I've checked everything.

All safe.

We only have two days in Hong Kong.

Anyway, Hong Kong isn't particularly safe.

Two days should be enough, right?

Let's hope so.

Zhou Zhirou arranged for a bunch of agents from the Second Department to follow us.

This trip to Hong Kong

probably won't go smoothly.

We'll likely arrive at

Victoria Harbor around noon the day after tomorrow.

If we go visit the American Army's representative,

General James Walker,

in a personal capacity that afternoon,

then on our way back to the ship,

we'll have a chance

to go to the pharmacy for the rendezvous on Hong Kong Island.

What do you think?

I think it's doable.

The department has scheduled you too tightly, Sir.

Starting from the second day,

there's simply no proper opportunity.

And I've confirmed that

from the Peninsula Hotel to Hong Kong Island,

we need to take a ferry.

I think after disembarking,

there should be a suitable opportunity to make the rendezvous.

No matter what,

we must get the Kinmen intelligence out this time.

At the same time,

we also need to ask the superiors

to send a new courier here as soon as possible.

Sir, do you think we should

send the military aid allocation plan to the superiors as well?

It's all your hard work.

Don't let it go to waste.

I'll draft a telegram right now.

Send it to the Americans over the warship's radio.

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Gu!

Thank you for coming all this way.

[Li Yunshan, Head of Hong Kong Station, BIS]

Mr. Li.

Welcome.

It's nothing, really.

This way, please.

Thank you.

About dinner,

I think maybe we should skip it.

You see, this mission

is extraordinary.

And we only have two days to prepare,

so we'd better focus on work.

I've long heard

that you handle cases with decisive efficiency, Mr. Gu,

and now I see your reputation is well-deserved.

Alright then.

After we go to the hotel

and get you settled in,

I'll show you around

to familiarize you with Hong Kong.

Hold on.

The hotel?

I thought I'd be staying at the station.

Director specifically instructed me

that you're here

on an important mission, Mr. Gu.

The American military aid signing ceremony

will be held in the Peninsula Hotel's ballroom.

The American Army's representatives are also staying there.

It also has the best accommodations in all of Hong Kong.

So, both officially and personally,

we should arrange for you to stay there, Mr. Gu.

Director has instructed me

to fully support you.

I've also assigned a team of field agents

who're familiar with Hong Kong's local conditions

ready for you to deploy at any time, Mr. Gu.

Let me put it this way.

If you need anything from me personally, Mr. Gu,

just name it.

I'll absolutely do my best to support your work.

You're too kind.

Thank you in advance then, Mr. Li.

Sir, the car is ready. We can depart anytime.

Get me my suit.

Yes, Sir.

Report!

Come in, please.

[Zhang Yongcheng, Director, 2nd Department, Ministry of Defense, KMT]

Sir.

General Walker is waiting for you at the dock.

Why is he at the dock?

The Americans never play by the rules.

They always catch everyone off guard.

Tell him I'll be right down.

Yes, Sir.

Those Americans are too enthusiastic.

Didn't they agree to meet us

at the Peninsula Hotel in a personal capacity?

Given the current situation,

can we still make it to the pharmacy

before it closes?

Plans can't keep up with changes.

Bring me my uniform.

Yes, Sir.

Salute!

How are the personnel arrangements going?

All in place.

All the shoe-shiners and newspaper vendors at the dock

are working in three shifts.

We also have cars following them at the entrance.

If they dare to leave the dock,

they won't escape our grasp.

Leader.

I'm thinking about something.

What if they're too scared to come out,

like turtles hiding in their shells?

That's impossible.

They went through all that trouble to get to Hong Kong

just to make the rendezvous.

They must be more anxious than we are right now.

Is General Walker's arrival

truly the Americans being overly enthusiastic

or deliberately arranged by the Second Department

or even the BIS,

Wu Shi would never know.

He came to Hong Kong as part of his own plan,

but now finds himself trapped under surveillance.

The Second Department's people follow him like shadows,

waiting for him to slip up.

Wu Shi knows

he must remain calm

to find a way out of this predicament.

Tomorrow is the handover ceremony,

and the day after, he must return to Taiwan.

Today

is his only chance to rendezvous with Manager Wan.

Time's ticking away.

Only one thought

echoes in Wu Shi's mind:

reach the island.

If he can reach Yongchuntang Pharmacy before 10 o'clock,

there's still hope.

So he has to take the risk.

General Walker.

Since we've had such a pleasant conversation today,

why don't we go to your hotel

and I'll buy you a drink?

That's an excellent idea.

I've brought some fine liquor from my hometown as well.

Let's drink to our heart's content.

Well, I've got to say,

I am very glad I finally got a chance to meet you,

General Wu.

Got an excellent dinner, a very good conversation.

Now I've got another excellent idea.

How about we go to the bar and have another drink?

I have to go back.

But today will always remain in my memory.

Mine too. See you tomorrow, my good friend.

See you tomorrow.

Let's go.

Sir.

Go back and rest early.

You've had a long day as well.

Sir.

Chief specifically instructed

that your health must be taken care of.

I'm not that fragile.

There's no need to follow me everywhere.

But...

Sir.

You all head back to the ship first.

I'll go buy some medicine.

My old ailment is acting up.

Is it serious, Sir?

Just tell me what medicine you need,

and I'll go buy it for you.

I'll have the driver take me to the nearest pharmacy.

It won't take long.

Besides, it's raining.

It's alright.

That's just how Hong Kong's weather is. Don't worry about it.

Right, Director Zhang.

I'll go with Mr. Wu. Don't worry.

I'm sorry, Colonel Nie,

but we have to go over with you

the details of General Wu's

signing ceremony tomorrow.

Adjutant Nie, if you have matters to attend to, please go ahead.

I'll escort Mr. Wu there.

Please.

Keep a close eye.

I'll go check the ballroom.

Overtake that car ahead.

Got it.

Stop the car. Pull over!

Check what's wrong with Deputy Chief.

Sir, what's wrong?

There's a car that's been following us.

Go check and ask what's going on.

Please wait, I'll go check.

Wait for me a moment.

Yes.

Stop right there!

Catch up with that car!

Drive.

But Director Zhang told us to wait for him here...

Drive.

Okay.

Get through it.

Reverse, reverse!

Go around! Go around!

[Yongchun]

Officer, what do you need?

Nitroglycerin tablets.

Alright, one second.

Are you the only one on duty?

Officer.

How can I help you?

Nitroglycerin tablets.

One moment please.

Do you need some traditional Chinese medicine

to help lower your blood lipids?

My blood lipids are all right.

Do you have any pre-made Xiaoke Pills?

Yes.

Let's go, hurry!

10 dollars.

You fell ill from working so hard for our party and country.

How could I let you pay for this yourself?

Director Zhang.

Please don't put me in a difficult position.

Here.

Keep the change. Thanks.

Let's go.

Come on.

This way.

The Second Department agents went after Mr. Li's car.

I took the chance to follow Deputy Chief Wu to Yongchuntang Pharmacy.

Mr. Gu, come on, try this.

You're too kind.

Why is there someone from the Second Department as well?

Leader,

was our car spotted?

What does it matter if they saw us?

Whether openly or covertly,

it's all for protecting Deputy Chief Wu anyway, isn't it?

Besides,

when it comes to anti-communist and counter-espionage work,

our department and the Second Department

have many overlapping responsibilities,

right?

Has Yongchuntang Pharmacy been investigated?

Yes.

Mr. Li's men did the check.

Their paperwork is in order,

and they've been in business for many years.

There are no issues for now.

Mr. Li,

I personally suggest

we should still assign a couple of people

to keep an eye on the Yongchuntang Pharmacy.

Just in case.

Of course, of course.

Come here.

Go get two sharp agents

to work with Captain Yu.

For anything that happens, take orders from Captain Yu.

Got it.

Yes, Sir.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Mr. Gu,

are we really protecting Deputy Chief Wu?

Doesn't he have people from the Second Department following him?

Of course.

Of course we're protecting him covertly.

Look,

Deputy Chief Wu holds a high position with great authority.

His schedule in Hong Kong

has been planned down to the hour

[Deputy Chief Wu's Hong Kong Visit Schedule]

in advance.

It's all written here.

But his visit

to the Peninsula Hotel tonight

wasn't part of the plan.

So I think we should gather

as much detailed information as possible.

Better safe than sorry.

However,

from the Peninsula Hotel

back to Victoria Harbor,

this pharmacy should be the most convenient stop.

Right?

Mr. Li.

To be honest,

my trip to Hong Kong this time is

by orders from above.

Among Deputy Chief Wu's entourage,

there are Communist spies.

They'll definitely exchange intelligence here in Hong Kong.

It's confidential, so I can't say more.

Please understand.

I understand. Of course.

We're in the same line of work after all.

It seems the BIS hasn't let its guard down

against you for even a moment.

That Gu Zhengwen is really relentless.

He's actually followed us to Hong Kong.

No wonder we were being tailed as soon as we left the hotel.

Those from the Second Department have been busy watching me too.

That was really close today.

Today's incident

will surely deepen Director Zhang's suspicion of you.

Sir,

as far as I know,

the BIS does have a Class-A station here in Hong Kong.

So around the dock,

including tomorrow's banquet,

there will surely be BIS eyes watching.

Tomorrow is the astronomical tide.

It's our last day.

We must get the message out.

But tomorrow is the military aid handover ceremony.

Your entire day is fully scheduled.

How about I go to the pharmacy instead of you?

I'll be a smaller target acting alone,

and I can shake off tails more easily.

That won't do.

Manager Wan doesn't know you.

I had no choice

but to take Director Zhang to the pharmacy today.

That was already very dangerous for Manager Wan.

It's easy to imagine

that the BIS will definitely set up an ambush at the pharmacy.

If you force a rendezvous,

it would be disastrous

for both you and Manager Wan.

Now you and I

are both under such tight surveillance

that we can't make a move at all.

If only Manager Wan could make a move.

But even if he could,

he has no way to contact us.

Arrange for some journalists

to interview me before departure tomorrow morning

to publicize the handover ceremony

and the evening banquet at the Peninsula Hotel extensively.

That's right.

The military aid handover ceremony

concerns relations between the U.S. and the Nationalist Government.

This kind of breaking news

can make the headlines the very same day.

Tomorrow night's banquet at the Peninsula Hotel

is our last chance.

Let's hope Manager Wan sees the newspaper.

Deputy Chief Wu probably won't

try anything at the handover ceremony.

That's a diplomatic occasion.

It could ruin his reputation.

I never said it was Deputy Chief Wu.

Did I say it was him?

Slip of the tongue.

You can't make such careless remarks.

Of course, of course.

But anyway,

no matter who this person is,

if they manage to send out the intelligence,

we'll both be in serious trouble.

Mr. Li,

but on the other hand,

if we manage to catch them,

the higher his position,

the better for us, right?

Actually, Director thinks the same way.

Today,

I've specially invited all of you journalists to the Taikang.

This is because the Taikang was originally

a warship provided by the U.S. to the Nationalist Government.

Therefore, tonight's military aid signing ceremony

signifies that

the cooperative relationship between China and the U.S. since the war

has not only not weakened,

but actually grown stronger.

The prospects for Sino-American relations

are bright.

Extra! Extra!

Exclusive headline:

the U.S. is stepping up support for the Nationalist Government,

signaling a bright future for Sino-American ties!

[The Nationalist Government and the U.S. Join Forces to Restart Economic Aid]

[Grand Banquet to Be Held Tonight at the Peninsula Hotel]

Did you manage to track the car

that was tailing me last night?

I'm truly sorry.

We're not familiar with this area,

so we lost them.

But I also find it strange.

Who would dare target someone of your position?

Are you suggesting my judgment was wrong?

Then how about this?

You guys follow me today.

If this car appears again,

are you willing to be punished?

Sir, that's not what I meant.

I was just wondering

who would be so bold.

Go investigate

who those people are

and find out if they're connected to Communist spies.

Chief didn't appoint you

to come to Hong Kong

for sightseeing.

Please rest assured, Sir.

I'll definitely get to the bottom of this.

Go now.

How long has it been here?

Since 7:30.

We have an urgent mission today.

Cancel all appointments.

Also, go find a public phone

and call the police station.

Tell them that the car used

in General Yang Jie's assassination has been found in this area.

Hurry up and go.

Alright, I'm on it.

Don't move!

Freeze!

Report, Sir.

We've caught the people who were tailing you.

We're interrogating them now.

Before the signing ceremony,

we'll definitely get answers.

That will be too late.

I'll give you two hours.

If you can't get to the bottom of this by then,

we'll have to reschedule the signing ceremony.

Yes, Sir.

We'll get back to you with answers in two hours.

Leader.

The two field agents

who were tracking Deputy Chief Wu still haven't returned.

The lookouts at the dock said

they saw them leave with Deputy Chief Wu's convoy.

What about the station? Did you check there?

We've checked the station and their homes,

but no trace was found.

For my next questions, nod if the answer is yes,

shake your head if it's no.

Understand?

Do you want to live?

You're a Communist spy, aren't you?

It seems to me you don't want to live anymore.

Bring him over!

We're from the BIS—

the Hong Kong station. We're on the same side.

Why would BIS agents be following Deputy Chief Wu?

We heard there's communist espionage activity,

and we're under orders to protect Deputy Chief Wu's safety.

You don't have much time left.

I'll give you one last chance.

If you don't behave,

I'll throw you into the sea!

I'll speak. I'll speak, okay?

Say it!

A special envoy appointed by Director Mao

joined the Hong Kong station recently.

He's the one who ordered us to investigate Deputy Chief Wu.

Even Head of Station Li follows his orders.

Mao Renfeng's special envoy

suspects that Deputy Chief Wu is a Communist spy?

That's right.

Have you found anything so far?

No, nothing at all.

Do you have any other plans?

Just tailing, nothing else.

The Peninsula Hotel!

Many of my colleagues are working as staff at the Peninsula Hotel.

That's all I know.

If I've told even half a lie,

just throw me into the sea to feed the fish.

D-Don't go!

Hey!

Send a telegram home immediately.

It rains every day.

What's with this darn weather in Taiwan?

Come in.

Director,

urgent telegram from Hong Kong.

[The BIS has sent people to Hong Kong to investigate Deputy Chief Wu's]

[alleged communist connections. Please clarify my role in this.]

Chief,

I have something to report to you.

Deputy Chief Wu is there on behalf of the Nationalist Government

to receive military aid from our ally.

Mao Qiwu is being incredibly brazen.

The BIS is really overreaching its authority.

This could cause a diplomatic incident.

I understand, Sir.

I'll arrange people to monitor their activities immediately.

Fighting communism and preventing espionage is also

part of your responsibility. The Ministry of Defense will not allow

any communist espionage infiltration.

You should know

what the Second Department needs to do.

I understand, Sir.

Send a reply to Hong Kong immediately.

Yes, Sir.

Fighting communism and preventing espionage

is also the foundation of our Second Department's existence.

We absolutely cannot let the BIS get ahead of us.

Since Deputy Chief Wu has resorted to such tactics,

it shows he's desperate.

He can't escape our surveillance.

He must make the rendezvous immediately,

and the best opportunity

is tonight's banquet.

As long as we can collect

solid evidence

of him meeting with communist spies tonight,

it will be a great merit.

That's true in theory,

but when it comes to taking action, think about it.

There will be many people tonight,

and they're all prominent figures from the business circle.

If they're really going to make the rendezvous

at the banquet,

it will be a tricky situation for us.

Mr. Gu,

do you have any clever plans?

I wouldn't call it clever,

but according to intelligence,

when this banquet was being prepared,

his communication line had been cut off.

He's lost contact with all his communist accomplices

outside the island,

which means

the person coming for the rendezvous tonight

can't possibly be on the guest list.

[Silent Honor]

[Episode 5]

My trip to Hong Kong this time

is to receive a shipment of American aid.

Chief Zhou indeed has no other option.

Actually, this kind of work

is much easier than working at the department.

Besides, Hong Kong's medical facilities

are much better than Taiwan's,

so more medicine can be prescribed.

Chief Zhou

has also assigned me a personal doctor.

So, Honey,

you can rest assured.

Your Chief Zhou is so considerate.

Then ask him to be even more considerate

and apply for me to go with you.

Senior.

I'm sorry

for disturbing you so late.

I hope I didn't interrupt your rest.

Chief.

This must be for something important.

Please go ahead.

I have good news for you.

President was very pleased

to hear that you're the one to be sent to Hong Kong

to receive the military aid,

so he specially approved for you

to take the Taikang Warship to Hong Kong.

Taking the Taikang Warship to Hong Kong?

The Taikang Warship used to be President's flagship.

It's not appropriate for a deputy chief like me to take it, right?

Well, it's not anymore, right?

What President means is that

the Taikang Warship

was originally part of American military aid.

Taking it to receive new aid

is meant to show certain people

the American Army's support for us.

Senior.

You'll be representing

the dignity of the Nationalist Government and our army.

I'm grateful for President's concern.

Also,

since the official purpose

is to receive economic aid from the American government,

we might as well make

the whole thing as high-profile as possible.

So after the handover ceremony,

there will be a grand banquet.

All the business leaders from across Hong Kong

will attend.

President wants those

who fled to Hong Kong to test the waters

to see that our relationship with the U.S.

is rock-solid.

Chief.

Social engagements are not my strength.

With such a grand banquet

and so many people,

I'm afraid...

You're being too modest.

Senior, you'll certainly demonstrate our government's prestige.

I've arranged for people from the Second Department to accompany you,

ensuring everything goes flawlessly.

The situation this time is somewhat special.

The signing ceremony for military aid with the American Army

will be held in Hong Kong,

but

the actual handover needs to take place on the high seas.

Thank you for your hard work, Senior.

Alright, got it.

I'll make some pineapple cakes for you to take along.

Go check on the kids.

[Dormitory of the Ministry of Defense]

[Gao Xiumei, Nie Xi's wife]

I thought you were working overtime.

You're back so early.

I didn't know you were back.

Going on a business trip?

Are you going back to Fuzhou to pick up the kid?

No. I'm going on a business trip with my mentor tomorrow,

to Hong Kong.

Your mentor is resourceful.

Perhaps you could try to find a way

to bring our kid

from Fuzhou to Hong Kong first,

and then from Hong Kong to Taiwan?

Mei, this trip with my mentor is for official business.

So when do you plan

to bring our kid here?

L-Let's wait a bit longer.

We've been in Taiwan for over two months,

and you keep saying the same thing over and over.

It's not like that, Mei.

The situation in Taiwan is very tense right now.

I don't want to hear your excuses.

I'm going back to work overtime.

Didn't you just get off work?

Why are you going back to work overtime?

Only when I'm working overtime

do I stop missing our child.

Nie Xi.

I need you to keep an eye on your mentor for me

and make sure he takes his medicine on time every day.

If something like last time happens again,

I won't let you off easily.

Don't worry, Madam. I'll remember.

[Mount Morrison Road, Hong Kong]

[Youngchun]

That's the mission this time.

In short,

The East Sea Team

is the source and core

of our intelligence work on Taiwan.

Their communication line absolutely cannot be cut off.

The Party has entrusted me

with such an important mission.

I will not betray that trust.

Starting tomorrow,

this will be your new identity.

Familiarize yourself with it quickly.

You may need to depart at any moment.

Yes.

Remember, when you get to Taiwan,

no matter how complicated the situation becomes,

you must stay calm and collected.

Protect your handler,

protect the intelligence,

and protect yourself.

Stay safe yourself too.

[Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, Ministry of Defense]

You want to go to Hong Kong?

Yes.

Director.

Given how critical the current situation is,

I believe Deputy Chief Wu's abrupt decision to go to Hong Kong

for military aid hand-over

must be for

intelligence exchange.

As you know, Hong Kong is

a place full of all sorts of people.

It's perfect for inserting agents to infiltrate.

We could even hide operatives

in Mr. Wu's entourage to...

To get close

and keep watch.

I hope you'll approve, Director.

Are you finished?

Yes.

Zhengwen.

Do you have any idea

what our current situation is?

The Second Department of the Ministry of Defense,

the Investigation Bureau, the Military Intelligence Bureau,

the General Political Warfare Bureau,

the Military Police Command, the Provincial Police Department—

most of China's intelligence agencies

are all crammed onto this tiny island of Taiwan.

With so many people and so little to go around,

even if we keep our heads down, we could be reorganized at any time.

Please trust me, Director.

Whether I trust you or not

doesn't matter.

Deputy Chief Wu is taking the Taikang this time.

Do you dare to go to Hong Kong

on the Taikang with him?

The Taikang...

Warship?

[Keelung Harbor]

For any problems,

go to Yongchuntang Pharmacy in Hong Kong

and ask for Manager Wan Jingguang.

The token and secret code from here will still work.

Sir,

I've checked everything.

All safe.

We only have two days in Hong Kong.

Anyway, Hong Kong isn't particularly safe.

Two days should be enough, right?

Let's hope so.

Zhou Zhirou arranged for a bunch of agents from the Second Department to follow us.

This trip to Hong Kong

probably won't go smoothly.

We'll likely arrive at

Victoria Harbor around noon the day after tomorrow.

If we go visit the American Army's representative,

General James Walker,

in a personal capacity that afternoon,

then on our way back to the ship,

we'll have a chance

to go to the pharmacy for the rendezvous on Hong Kong Island.

What do you think?

I think it's doable.

The department has scheduled you too tightly, Sir.

Starting from the second day,

there's simply no proper opportunity.

And I've confirmed that

from the Peninsula Hotel to Hong Kong Island,

we need to take a ferry.

I think after disembarking,

there should be a suitable opportunity to make the rendezvous.

No matter what,

we must get the Kinmen intelligence out this time.

At the same time,

we also need to ask the superiors

to send a new courier here as soon as possible.

Sir, do you think we should

send the military aid allocation plan to the superiors as well?

It's all your hard work.

Don't let it go to waste.

I'll draft a telegram right now.

Send it to the Americans over the warship's radio.

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Gu!

Thank you for coming all this way.

[Li Yunshan, Head of Hong Kong Station, BIS]

Mr. Li.

Welcome.

It's nothing, really.

This way, please.

Thank you.

About dinner,

I think maybe we should skip it.

You see, this mission

is extraordinary.

And we only have two days to prepare,

so we'd better focus on work.

I've long heard

that you handle cases with decisive efficiency, Mr. Gu,

and now I see your reputation is well-deserved.

Alright then.

After we go to the hotel

and get you settled in,

I'll show you around

to familiarize you with Hong Kong.

Hold on.

The hotel?

I thought I'd be staying at the station.

Director specifically instructed me

that you're here

on an important mission, Mr. Gu.

The American military aid signing ceremony

will be held in the Peninsula Hotel's ballroom.

The American Army's representatives are also staying there.

It also has the best accommodations in all of Hong Kong.

So, both officially and personally,

we should arrange for you to stay there, Mr. Gu.

Director has instructed me

to fully support you.

I've also assigned a team of field agents

who're familiar with Hong Kong's local conditions

ready for you to deploy at any time, Mr. Gu.

Let me put it this way.

If you need anything from me personally, Mr. Gu,

just name it.

I'll absolutely do my best to support your work.

You're too kind.

Thank you in advance then, Mr. Li.

Sir, the car is ready. We can depart anytime.

Get me my suit.

Yes, Sir.

Report!

Come in, please.

[Zhang Yongcheng, Director, 2nd Department, Ministry of Defense, KMT]

Sir.

General Walker is waiting for you at the dock.

Why is he at the dock?

The Americans never play by the rules.

They always catch everyone off guard.

Tell him I'll be right down.

Yes, Sir.

Those Americans are too enthusiastic.

Didn't they agree to meet us

at the Peninsula Hotel in a personal capacity?

Given the current situation,

can we still make it to the pharmacy

before it closes?

Plans can't keep up with changes.

Bring me my uniform.

Yes, Sir.

Salute!

How are the personnel arrangements going?

All in place.

All the shoe-shiners and newspaper vendors at the dock

are working in three shifts.

We also have cars following them at the entrance.

If they dare to leave the dock,

they won't escape our grasp.

Leader.

I'm thinking about something.

What if they're too scared to come out,

like turtles hiding in their shells?

That's impossible.

They went through all that trouble to get to Hong Kong

just to make the rendezvous.

They must be more anxious than we are right now.

Is General Walker's arrival

truly the Americans being overly enthusiastic

or deliberately arranged by the Second Department

or even the BIS,

Wu Shi would never know.

He came to Hong Kong as part of his own plan,

but now finds himself trapped under surveillance.

The Second Department's people follow him like shadows,

waiting for him to slip up.

Wu Shi knows

he must remain calm

to find a way out of this predicament.

Tomorrow is the handover ceremony,

and the day after, he must return to Taiwan.

Today

is his only chance to rendezvous with Manager Wan.

Time's ticking away.

Only one thought

echoes in Wu Shi's mind:

reach the island.

If he can reach Yongchuntang Pharmacy before 10 o'clock,

there's still hope.

So he has to take the risk.

General Walker.

Since we've had such a pleasant conversation today,

why don't we go to your hotel

and I'll buy you a drink?

That's an excellent idea.

I've brought some fine liquor from my hometown as well.

Let's drink to our heart's content.

Well, I've got to say,

I am very glad I finally got a chance to meet you,

General Wu.

Got an excellent dinner, a very good conversation.

Now I've got another excellent idea.

How about we go to the bar and have another drink?

I have to go back.

But today will always remain in my memory.

Mine too. See you tomorrow, my good friend.

See you tomorrow.

Let's go.

Sir.

Go back and rest early.

You've had a long day as well.

Sir.

Chief specifically instructed

that your health must be taken care of.

I'm not that fragile.

There's no need to follow me everywhere.

But...

Sir.

You all head back to the ship first.

I'll go buy some medicine.

My old ailment is acting up.

Is it serious, Sir?

Just tell me what medicine you need,

and I'll go buy it for you.

I'll have the driver take me to the nearest pharmacy.

It won't take long.

Besides, it's raining.

It's alright.

That's just how Hong Kong's weather is. Don't worry about it.

Right, Director Zhang.

I'll go with Mr. Wu. Don't worry.

I'm sorry, Colonel Nie,

but we have to go over with you

the details of General Wu's

signing ceremony tomorrow.

Adjutant Nie, if you have matters to attend to, please go ahead.

I'll escort Mr. Wu there.

Please.

Keep a close eye.

I'll go check the ballroom.

Overtake that car ahead.

Got it.

Stop the car. Pull over!

Check what's wrong with Deputy Chief.

Sir, what's wrong?

There's a car that's been following us.

Go check and ask what's going on.

Please wait, I'll go check.

Wait for me a moment.

Yes.

Stop right there!

Catch up with that car!

Drive.

But Director Zhang told us to wait for him here...

Drive.

Okay.

Get through it.

Reverse, reverse!

Go around! Go around!

[Yongchun]

Officer, what do you need?

Nitroglycerin tablets.

Alright, one second.

Are you the only one on duty?

Officer.

How can I help you?

Nitroglycerin tablets.

One moment please.

Do you need some traditional Chinese medicine

to help lower your blood lipids?

My blood lipids are all right.

Do you have any pre-made Xiaoke Pills?

Yes.

Let's go, hurry!

10 dollars.

You fell ill from working so hard for our party and country.

How could I let you pay for this yourself?

Director Zhang.

Please don't put me in a difficult position.

Here.

Keep the change. Thanks.

Let's go.

Come on.

This way.

The Second Department agents went after Mr. Li's car.

I took the chance to follow Deputy Chief Wu to Yongchuntang Pharmacy.

Mr. Gu, come on, try this.

You're too kind.

Why is there someone from the Second Department as well?

Leader,

was our car spotted?

What does it matter if they saw us?

Whether openly or covertly,

it's all for protecting Deputy Chief Wu anyway, isn't it?

Besides,

when it comes to anti-communist and counter-espionage work,

our department and the Second Department

have many overlapping responsibilities,

right?

Has Yongchuntang Pharmacy been investigated?

Yes.

Mr. Li's men did the check.

Their paperwork is in order,

and they've been in business for many years.

There are no issues for now.

Mr. Li,

I personally suggest

we should still assign a couple of people

to keep an eye on the Yongchuntang Pharmacy.

Just in case.

Of course, of course.

Come here.

Go get two sharp agents

to work with Captain Yu.

For anything that happens, take orders from Captain Yu.

Got it.

Yes, Sir.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Mr. Gu,

are we really protecting Deputy Chief Wu?

Doesn't he have people from the Second Department following him?

Of course.

Of course we're protecting him covertly.

Look,

Deputy Chief Wu holds a high position with great authority.

His schedule in Hong Kong

has been planned down to the hour

[Deputy Chief Wu's Hong Kong Visit Schedule]

in advance.

It's all written here.

But his visit

to the Peninsula Hotel tonight

wasn't part of the plan.

So I think we should gather

as much detailed information as possible.

Better safe than sorry.

However,

from the Peninsula Hotel

back to Victoria Harbor,

this pharmacy should be the most convenient stop.

Right?

Mr. Li.

To be honest,

my trip to Hong Kong this time is

by orders from above.

Among Deputy Chief Wu's entourage,

there are Communist spies.

They'll definitely exchange intelligence here in Hong Kong.

It's confidential, so I can't say more.

Please understand.

I understand. Of course.

We're in the same line of work after all.

It seems the BIS hasn't let its guard down

against you for even a moment.

That Gu Zhengwen is really relentless.

He's actually followed us to Hong Kong.

No wonder we were being tailed as soon as we left the hotel.

Those from the Second Department have been busy watching me too.

That was really close today.

Today's incident

will surely deepen Director Zhang's suspicion of you.

Sir,

as far as I know,

the BIS does have a Class-A station here in Hong Kong.

So around the dock,

including tomorrow's banquet,

there will surely be BIS eyes watching.

Tomorrow is the astronomical tide.

It's our last day.

We must get the message out.

But tomorrow is the military aid handover ceremony.

Your entire day is fully scheduled.

How about I go to the pharmacy instead of you?

I'll be a smaller target acting alone,

and I can shake off tails more easily.

That won't do.

Manager Wan doesn't know you.

I had no choice

but to take Director Zhang to the pharmacy today.

That was already very dangerous for Manager Wan.

It's easy to imagine

that the BIS will definitely set up an ambush at the pharmacy.

If you force a rendezvous,

it would be disastrous

for both you and Manager Wan.

Now you and I

are both under such tight surveillance

that we can't make a move at all.

If only Manager Wan could make a move.

But even if he could,

he has no way to contact us.

Arrange for some journalists

to interview me before departure tomorrow morning

to publicize the handover ceremony

and the evening banquet at the Peninsula Hotel extensively.

That's right.

The military aid handover ceremony

concerns relations between the U.S. and the Nationalist Government.

This kind of breaking news

can make the headlines the very same day.

Tomorrow night's banquet at the Peninsula Hotel

is our last chance.

Let's hope Manager Wan sees the newspaper.

Deputy Chief Wu probably won't

try anything at the handover ceremony.

That's a diplomatic occasion.

It could ruin his reputation.

I never said it was Deputy Chief Wu.

Did I say it was him?

Slip of the tongue.

You can't make such careless remarks.

Of course, of course.

But anyway,

no matter who this person is,

if they manage to send out the intelligence,

we'll both be in serious trouble.

Mr. Li,

but on the other hand,

if we manage to catch them,

the higher his position,

the better for us, right?

Actually, Director thinks the same way.

Today,

I've specially invited all of you journalists to the Taikang.

This is because the Taikang was originally

a warship provided by the U.S. to the Nationalist Government.

Therefore, tonight's military aid signing ceremony

signifies that

the cooperative relationship between China and the U.S. since the war

has not only not weakened,

but actually grown stronger.

The prospects for Sino-American relations

are bright.

Extra! Extra!

Exclusive headline:

the U.S. is stepping up support for the Nationalist Government,

signaling a bright future for Sino-American ties!

[The Nationalist Government and the U.S. Join Forces to Restart Economic Aid]

[Grand Banquet to Be Held Tonight at the Peninsula Hotel]

Did you manage to track the car

that was tailing me last night?

I'm truly sorry.

We're not familiar with this area,

so we lost them.

But I also find it strange.

Who would dare target someone of your position?

Are you suggesting my judgment was wrong?

Then how about this?

You guys follow me today.

If this car appears again,

are you willing to be punished?

Sir, that's not what I meant.

I was just wondering

who would be so bold.

Go investigate

who those people are

and find out if they're connected to Communist spies.

Chief didn't appoint you

to come to Hong Kong

for sightseeing.

Please rest assured, Sir.

I'll definitely get to the bottom of this.

Go now.

How long has it been here?

Since 7:30.

We have an urgent mission today.

Cancel all appointments.

Also, go find a public phone

and call the police station.

Tell them that the car used

in General Yang Jie's assassination has been found in this area.

Hurry up and go.

Alright, I'm on it.

Don't move!

Freeze!

Report, Sir.

We've caught the people who were tailing you.

We're interrogating them now.

Before the signing ceremony,

we'll definitely get answers.

That will be too late.

I'll give you two hours.

If you can't get to the bottom of this by then,

we'll have to reschedule the signing ceremony.

Yes, Sir.

We'll get back to you with answers in two hours.

Leader.

The two field agents

who were tracking Deputy Chief Wu still haven't returned.

The lookouts at the dock said

they saw them leave with Deputy Chief Wu's convoy.

What about the station? Did you check there?

We've checked the station and their homes,

but no trace was found.

For my next questions, nod if the answer is yes,

shake your head if it's no.

Understand?

Do you want to live?

You're a Communist spy, aren't you?

It seems to me you don't want to live anymore.

Bring him over!

We're from the BIS—

the Hong Kong station. We're on the same side.

Why would BIS agents be following Deputy Chief Wu?

We heard there's communist espionage activity,

and we're under orders to protect Deputy Chief Wu's safety.

You don't have much time left.

I'll give you one last chance.

If you don't behave,

I'll throw you into the sea!

I'll speak. I'll speak, okay?

Say it!

A special envoy appointed by Director Mao

joined the Hong Kong station recently.

He's the one who ordered us to investigate Deputy Chief Wu.

Even Head of Station Li follows his orders.

Mao Renfeng's special envoy

suspects that Deputy Chief Wu is a Communist spy?

That's right.

Have you found anything so far?

No, nothing at all.

Do you have any other plans?

Just tailing, nothing else.

The Peninsula Hotel!

Many of my colleagues are working as staff at the Peninsula Hotel.

That's all I know.

If I've told even half a lie,

just throw me into the sea to feed the fish.

D-Don't go!

Hey!

Send a telegram home immediately.

It rains every day.

What's with this darn weather in Taiwan?

Come in.

Director,

urgent telegram from Hong Kong.

[The BIS has sent people to Hong Kong to investigate Deputy Chief Wu's]

[alleged communist connections. Please clarify my role in this.]

Chief,

I have something to report to you.

Deputy Chief Wu is there on behalf of the Nationalist Government

to receive military aid from our ally.

Mao Qiwu is being incredibly brazen.

The BIS is really overreaching its authority.

This could cause a diplomatic incident.

I understand, Sir.

I'll arrange people to monitor their activities immediately.

Fighting communism and preventing espionage is also

part of your responsibility. The Ministry of Defense will not allow

any communist espionage infiltration.

You should know

what the Second Department needs to do.

I understand, Sir.

Send a reply to Hong Kong immediately.

Yes, Sir.

Fighting communism and preventing espionage

is also the foundation of our Second Department's existence.

We absolutely cannot let the BIS get ahead of us.

Since Deputy Chief Wu has resorted to such tactics,

it shows he's desperate.

He can't escape our surveillance.

He must make the rendezvous immediately,

and the best opportunity

is tonight's banquet.

As long as we can collect

solid evidence

of him meeting with communist spies tonight,

it will be a great merit.

That's true in theory,

but when it comes to taking action, think about it.

There will be many people tonight,

and they're all prominent figures from the business circle.

If they're really going to make the rendezvous

at the banquet,

it will be a tricky situation for us.

Mr. Gu,

do you have any clever plans?

I wouldn't call it clever,

but according to intelligence,

when this banquet was being prepared,

his communication line had been cut off.

He's lost contact with all his communist accomplices

outside the island,

which means

the person coming for the rendezvous tonight

can't possibly be on the guest list.