Chapter 21 Chapter Twenty

Zheng Qi and many Chongqing citizens became direct witnesses of the tragic air battle.It's just that Zheng Qi has more worries and concerns than others.If it was just worry and concern, she would be more relaxed. It has been two years since the Japanese bombed Chongqing, and An Fuyao has taken off to fight the Japanese countless times. For her, all this has become normal.But this time is different.The night before, the quarrel provoked by Zheng Qi ended in An Fuyao slamming the door, which she did not expect.In fact, once An Fuyao left, she regretted it.Therefore, she was paying attention to this fierce air battle with a deep sense of guilt towards An Fuyao.After returning home at night, she called the base, but the call still didn't work.An Fuyao didn't come back either.A night of guilt and concern made her go out the next morning. She wanted to go to the air force base to find him and ask him to forgive her for everything that night.She knew in her heart that as long as she appeared in front of An Fuyao, he would forget all the unpleasantness.

It was raining lightly outside. Zheng Xianbo didn't know that Zheng Qi had gone out.After getting up, he worked in the kitchen for a while, made two simple breakfasts, brought them out and put them in the living room, and shouted upstairs: Xiaoqi!Down to eat.still not up? Hearing that there was no movement upstairs, Zheng Xianbo stopped screaming, and started to eat first, thinking that the weather would be cooler and let her sleep more.While eating, he unexpectedly saw Zheng Qi coming back from the outside. Zheng Xianbo hurried over to open the door for his daughter.Zheng Qi came in, gave Zheng Xianbo a blank look, and didn't speak.The fine rainwater wet her hair, which was wet and disheveled.She also held a newspaper in her hand.

Zheng Xianbo felt bad about Zheng Qi's appearance. He walked up to his daughter and asked directly: "Why do you look like this?"Did something happen to An Fuyao? Zheng Qi stared at him in a daze, with a sad smile suddenly appearing on the corner of her mouth, and then slowly handed him the newspaper.Zheng Xianbo hastily unfolded the newspaper.It was the "Central Daily" that day, and the newspaper prominently published a row of photos of soldiers with black frames, including An Fuyao and Kirichenko.The headline of the banner is "Enemy Planes Strike Yuyesterday and Then Injured Air Force Soldiers Bathed in Bloody Blue Sky".Zheng Xianbo was stunned and froze there.

Zheng Qi also threw herself on his shoulder all of a sudden, crying bitterly.Zheng Xianbo hugged her tightly, not knowing what to say, he could only cry silently.The newspaper slipped from his hand to the ground, and the picture of An Fuyao on the newspaper was very clear, with a smile on his face. Zheng Qi lay on his shoulder and wept loudly: Dad, he will never come back again. He came back that night, and I was the one who left him in anger. I went back to the base. There was an air battle yesterday. He went to the sky and fought the Japanese desperately. He must still be angry with me. Maybe he has forgiven me and came home after he was ready to land.I don't know what he thinks... I don't know!what should I do?I'm sorry for him, let him have such an unhappy last night at home, will he hate me?He must hate me in heaven... Zheng Xianbo gently stroked her shoulder, comforting her in a low voice: Don't cry, Xiaoqi don't cry.An Fuyao is the glory of our family!Don't blame yourself, don't torture yourself.He loves you so much, loves this family so much, he will not blame you, never will.

Zheng Qi shook her head vigorously, crying stubbornly: He will not forgive me, he will never forgive me!Dad, I don't deserve his forgiveness... what should I do!He will never come back again, Dad... In the afternoon, it was still drizzling and misty, the sky was gloomy, and the mountains and forests in the rain were silent.Suddenly, there was a gunshot in the forest, and the silence was broken. A group of frightened birds flew out of the dense forest, singing and circling in the air.The gunshots echoed in the mountains and forests, and then gradually disappeared. In the forest, a new hole was dug in the wet soil of the Soviet Air Force Cemetery, and Kirichenko's coffin was being slowly placed into the hole.Dozens of officers and soldiers of the Soviet Air Force and Chinese Air Force stood aside with guns.Du Lanxiang stood on the edge of the pit with red and swollen eyes and a haggard face. She no longer cried or cried, and watched the coffin slowly lowered to the bottom of the pit with some numbness.Du Lanxiang has been here with Kirichenko many times to express condolences to Kirichenko's comrades-in-arms.And now, Kirichenko is finally joining them.

Several soldiers picked up the shovel and began to fill the pit with soil.Du Lanxiang suddenly jumped into the tomb regardless of the obstruction, which surprised everyone. Gu Guosong hurried over and shouted: What are you doing?Come up! Du Lanxiang slowly knelt down beside the coffin, as if she hadn't heard it, and gently wrapped her arms around it.Gu Guosong became anxious and jumped down to pull her up.Du Lanxiang didn't struggle or cry, but just stood still stubbornly, and then slowly took out the medal that Kirichenko gave her from her arms.She wiped it carefully, stuck it on her face, and then placed the medal on the coffin... The shiny medal was soon covered with fine raindrops.Shovelfuls of dirt slowly covered the coffin and Kirichenko's medal on it.

The rain was getting heavier and heavier, and the rain fell on the dense leaves, making a rustling sound. Song Ziwen, Chiang Kai-shek's personal envoy and former Minister of Finance of the Nationalist Government, had arrived in the United States for two months in order to secure a loan from the U.S. government.In the past two months, Song Ziwen tried every means to move around, but with little success. Even the appointment with the US Treasury Secretary was canceled several times with excuses.The only thing worthy of his consolation was meeting with US President Roosevelt, although it was only a short 20 minutes.Roosevelt made a verbal commitment to the loan issue, but Song Ziwen could only discuss the specific matters with the Secretary of the Treasury.

Finally, Song Ziwen was notified this morning that US Treasury Secretary Morgenthau was willing to meet him in his office. The office is quite spacious, and Morgenthau is sitting behind his desk, with an American flag behind him.Morgenthau looked down at Song Ziwen sitting on the sofa with a polite smile on his face.Song Ziwen was wearing a straight suit, and he was sitting there with dignity, but the sunlight coming in from the window happened to shine on his face, which made him a little uncomfortable. After the secretary put a cup of coffee in front of Song Ziwen, Morgenthau began to speak, still with a smile on his face: Mr. Song, I'm very sorry, I should have met you long ago, but I've been too busy recently.As far as I know, you had a very good meeting with President Roosevelt.

Song Ziwen said: Yes, Mr. Minister.President Roosevelt understood and sympathized with China's current difficult situation.Mr. President readily agreed to provide a loan to China. Morgenthau nodded: We are happy to provide loans to anti-fascist countries to resist aggression and maintain a free and democratic system. Song Ziwen took the opportunity to echo: Mr. Minister is right.China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is part of the World Anti-Fascist War, so I would like to ask for your help regarding the specific matters of the loan! Morgenthau smiled faintly.Song Ziwen went on to say: China has been fighting against Japan independently for more than three years. I hope your government should understand that our war of resistance is not only to defend our own territory and sovereignty, but also to contain Japan’s invasion of Southeast Asia and the entire Far East. expansion attempt.I believe this is a contribution to the defense of democracy and world peace.

Morgenthau: I agree with that point of view.We are very concerned about the situation in the Far East, and based on your government's repeated requests, President Roosevelt will soon announce an embargo list for Japan. This news surprised Song Ziwen, he asked happily: May I know the contents of the embargo list? Morgenthau: It mainly prohibits the export of scrap iron and steel to Japan, and also adds some restrictions on oil export. Song Ziwen was a little disappointed with this answer, but still nodded in approval: This is a good start.We hope that the United States can fully implement the oil embargo against Japan.Because we all know that Japan depends on the United States for 75% of its oil.Only in this way can the interests of the United States in the Far East be effectively guaranteed.

Morgan said insincerely: As you said, this is a good start.I imagine the embargo list will get longer and longer in the future. After talking nonsense for a long time, Song Ziwen began to get to the point: Mr. Minister, what are your considerations about the provision of loans? Morgenthau did not answer this question directly: President Roosevelt has agreed in principle, and of course I will implement it.However, the timing of Mr. Song's visit this time was a bit unlucky, as it coincided with the presidential election.Mr. Song has studied here for many years, so he should be able to understand this.I think your country will have to wait until after the general election to obtain a more ideal loan amount.This is a more realistic question. Song Ziwen: That is to say, there are difficulties in obtaining loans? Morgenthau succinctly: I mean if you want to get the desired amount. Song Ziwen: Mr. Minister, China's current economic situation is already very critical.I thought it might be too late to wait until the general election was announced.If it is not an ideal loan amount, how much is it? Morgenthau seemed to find it hard to tell: it could only be a small amount. Song Ziwen insisted on asking: how much? Morgenthau had no choice but to stretch out five fingers. Song Ziwen was a little disappointed: 50 million? Morgenthau shook his head and said: Five million. Song Ziwen thought that there was something wrong with his ears, and was surprised: five million? Morgenthau shrugged his shoulders: that's the only way. Song Ziwen tried his best to suppress his dissatisfaction: This is disappointing, Mr. Minister.You must know that such an amount is far from meeting China's needs, if the United States still hopes that China will continue to fight Japan, so as to curb the momentum of the Japanese army's southward advance. Morgenthau looked helpless: I hope Mr. Song can understand our difficulties. Song Ziwen: As Mr. Chiang Kai-shek's special envoy, I have been here for more than two months. I can't explain it with only such a small loan. Morgenthau: I fully understand and sympathize with that.I would like to say this in private, five million is only the first loan, if President Roosevelt wins the general election and continues to be re-elected, there will soon be a second or even a third loan with a larger amount. Song Ziwen knew that it was useless to say anything else. Late that night, Chiang Kai-shek received a telegram from Song Ziwen.After reading the telegram, Chiang Kai-shek angrily threw the telegram in front of Soong Meiling, and said with a cold face: Did you see it?The Americans have gone too far this time. Soong Meiling was obviously a little surprised after reading the telegram, and said: Ziwen has stayed in the United States for so long, and he only paid five million, which is really too little. Chiang Kai-shek "hummed": Americans can talk beautiful words, they have never sincerely wanted to help us. Song Meiling persuaded tactfully: Although it is not ideal this time, it is not good to say it like this.The U.S. government is still very friendly to us, and they are indeed in a difficult situation right now because of the general election. I still know a little about things in the U.S. Chiang Kai-shek said angrily: The general election is just an excuse. At the same time, the United States is trying every means to provide Britain with various aids, including military supplies, even taking advantage of the loopholes of the Lend-Lease Act.This is the case with Britain, but with us it will always be prevaricated with the "Law of Neutrality".For Roosevelt, it will always be number one in Europe! Seeing him like this, Song Meiling couldn't say anything more. Chiang Kai-shek continued: I think Ziwen's opinion is correct, there are only five million, it is better not to have it at all!It means nothing to us. Song Meiling reminded: Whether this is appropriate or not, we need to think carefully. Chiang Kai-shek, who was in a fit of anger, shouted: What do you think?Absolutely not! Song Meiling: What I mean is that we should focus on long-term interests. I am afraid that it is unnecessary to have a deadlock with the United States for this matter. Chiang Kai-shek "hummed": Then what do you say?Accept this five million loan, and then say a lot of good things to the Americans with gratitude? Song Meiling: Don't be so arrogant.I understand that the second and third loans that Morgenthau mentioned to Ziwen in private are not Morgenthau's personal intentions, and he, a finance minister, would not dare to express his position in this way.This must have been what President Roosevelt meant, or at least he had hinted at something similar.So, we might as well wait and see if there will really be a larger loan later. Chiang Kai-shek calmed down a bit: Well, just wait a little longer and take a look.However, the War of Resistance has been fought for three years, and I know that whether it is the Americans or the British, as long as their own interests are not endangered, they will not be really in a hurry.I have to make them feel some kind of crisis, otherwise there will be no real assistance even if we wait another three years. Song Meiling asked a little puzzled: Crisis? Chiang Kai-shek looked at Song Meiling, but did not continue. The U.S. government only granted a loan of 5 million yuan. This was really unacceptable to Chiang Kai-shek, who was struggling to support the situation and placed high hopes on the Americans.That's not the worst thing, though.The British also stabbed China at this time-under pressure from the Japanese, the British government decided to temporarily block the Burma Road.The Yunnan-Burma Highway was the only transportation channel connecting China to the outside world after the Anti-Japanese War, and it was the lifeline of the Anti-Japanese War.Britain's announcement of the closure of the road is tantamount to cutting off the aorta behind China.Under the instructions of the National Government, Foreign Minister Wang Chonghui urgently summoned the British ambassador to China, Carl, and formally expressed the anger and protest of the Chinese government to him. After listening to Wang Chonghui's words, Karl did not overreact.On the contrary, he appeared to be very personable, and even the expression and tone of his speech were very similar to Morgenthau: Mr. Minister, I express my understanding and sympathy for your country's position. Wang Chonghui: Mr. Ambassador, we have repeatedly expressed our position to your country through diplomatic notes and our ambassador to the UK. We hope that your government will not make decisions that harm the relationship between the two countries based on the traditional friendship and long-term interests of China and the UK.But you did it anyway. Carl: I understand.However, Mr. Minister must also know that since the war between China and Japan, the Japanese government has been asking us to block the Burma Road. We know that the Burma Road is of great strategic significance to China, so we keep refusing and delaying it.However, the situation has changed now, and the whole of Western Europe has been captured by the German army, leaving only the British Isles.It can be said that the UK is facing unprecedented pressure and difficulties.Under such circumstances, it is impossible for the British government to have a head-on conflict with Japan. Faced with the huge pressure from Japan, we finally agreed to temporarily block the Burma Road, which is really a last resort. Wang Chonghui: The blockade of the Burma Road is just a compromise for you, but for China, it cuts off the supply line of anti-war materials. Carl: I can only express my sympathy once again. Wang Chonghui waved his hands helplessly: Mr. Ambassador, I only met with you to lodge a formal protest to your government on this matter through you. Carl nodded: However, I hope that your country has not overlooked some noteworthy details in the so-called blockade of the Burma Road. Wang Chonghui asked: For example? Karl: In the agreement between Britain and Japan, there are specific restrictions on the blockade of the Burma Road, that is, a period of three months. During this period, Japan should try to establish a comprehensive peace with China and end the war. Wang Chonghui smiled: Is there anyone who can't see that this is just an excuse that Britain and Japan both need?three months?In the eyes of the arrogant Japanese military, as long as they cut off the Burma Road, these three months are enough for them to occupy the whole of China. Carr: Mr. Minister is too pessimistic. Wang Chonghui said: I am not pessimistic.From my point of view, there will never be aid from the United Kingdom and the United States. In fact, so far, there has been no aid that can really turn the situation around. It is impossible for the Japanese to eat up the entire China, let alone three months, three Even thirty years is impossible!It's just that once the Japanese have an absolute military advantage in China, they will free up their hands to march into the Far East. At that time, the interests of Britain and the United States in the Far East will have to be handed over.There is an old saying in China that goes, "No tears will be shed without seeing the coffin." At that time, even if the British and Americans regret it, it will be too late. Karl said nothing more, and the formal meeting should have ended here.Wang Chonghui sent Carl away from the living room and came to the aisle.The two got rid of their respective official identities, and the tone and atmosphere of the conversation eased a little. Carl asked in a low voice: As far as I know, Prime Minister Churchill sent a telegram to Mr. Chiang Kai-shek specifically regarding the blockade of the Burma Road? Wang Chonghui nodded: Chairman Jiang saw it. Carl asked: How is it? Wang Chonghui: What else?Lose your temper and say your Prime Minister is a crooked politician. Carl smiled: That's true.But he was much better than Chamberlain. Wang Chonghui: It may be so for you, but for China, is there any essential difference?They are all willing to betray China's interests. Carl asked suddenly: Where is Mr. Zheng Xianbo?I haven't seen him for a long time. Wang Chonghui smiled bitterly: He is another friend who was betrayed by you. Carl puzzled: What do you mean? Wang Chonghui: Ever since the "Arita-Craig Agreement" was signed between you and the Japanese, Zheng Xianbo has been sidelined.When he went to the UK, your foreign ministers and members of parliament, including Churchill, all vowed to him that the British government will definitely take a tough stance against Japan on the issue of the Tianjin Concession Incident.Zheng Xianbo came back with good news and reported to Chairman Jiang.As a result, you backed down and signed the "Arita-Kreich Agreement".Zheng Xianbo was also suspended by Chairman Jiang. Carl sympathetically: Sorry.He is an excellent diplomat. Wang Chonghui: Yes.I'm trying to find a way to find an opportunity to get him out. Carl said suddenly: Ah, I remembered!When I returned to China last time, Prime Minister Churchill asked about Mr. Zheng Xianbo’s recent situation in private, and then he said vaguely that politicians and diplomats are different, and they always tell some unavoidable lies.Probably I wanted to express some kind of apology to Mr. Zheng in a tortuous way. Wang Chonghui just smiled, he knew it was meaningless to Zheng Xianbo. The so-called "crisis" that Chiang Kai-shek said to Song Meiling was not just angry words, but something to point out.He understands that there is only one way to go at this time, and that is to make the British and American governments think that China can no longer support it and prepare to give up resistance to Japan.Without China's containment, the Japanese might withdraw and "go southward", the interests of Britain and the United States in East Asia would be in crisis, and Roosevelt and Churchill could not stand idly by. That night, Chiang Kai-shek sent someone to call Lao Zeng. Chiang Kai-shek sat behind the desk, looked at him without expression for a long time, and then asked slowly: I called you, do you know what it is for? Lao Zeng said a flattering nonsense: the appointment must be something important. Chiang Kai-shek said: Let me tell you that the British have reached an agreement with Japan to close the Burma Road.This means that our main material supply line has been cut off. Lao Zeng was surprised to hear the news.As Chiang Kai-shek spoke, the anger in his heart gathered again: This is not counted. Song Ziwen, the special envoy I sent to the United States, stayed there for more than two months, hoping to get a loan. In the end, the wealthy and generous Americans only agreed. Give us a loan of five million yuan!That's what our friends do! Lao Zeng echoed: This is really too much. Chiang Kai-shek patted the table: too much!This is an insult to us, this is an insult to China's three-year war of resistance!They don't take China's battlefield seriously, they all regard China's war of resistance as insignificant, and they all regard China's interests as victims that can be traded with the enemy.Well, I would like to show them what would happen if China quickly gave up resistance and peacefully ceased war with the Japanese! Lao Zeng understood: the meaning of the appointment is to resume negotiations with the Japanese? Chiang Kai-shek: Recover immediately, you will return to Hong Kong immediately! Lao Zeng would never forget the last time when Chiang Kai-shek was furious over the "Memorandum of Negotiation between China and Japan" he brought back, so he asked with some doubts: Accept the Japanese's harsh negotiation premise? Chiang Kai-shek sneered: Then you go to negotiate with the Japanese on the premise of the negotiation!Understand?The Japanese set up negotiation conditions, can't we also set out our own conditions?From the end of last year to now, there have been several rounds of back and forth between the two sides. On the one hand, the Japanese support Wang Jingwei’s puppet government in Nanjing, and on the other hand, they want to talk about peace with us. They are nothing more than using Wang Jingwei to suppress us. side benefit.We can do them a little favor.Bargaining is the essence of negotiation. Lao Zeng seemed to understand a little bit: Commissioned seat, I will return to Hong Kong early tomorrow morning. Chiang Kai-shek shook his head: I don't care about this day or two.According to what I mean, go back and sort out the main points of the negotiation and come up with a plan. The Japanese can neither feel that we are insincere, nor can we easily reach a compromise. The Japanese should be full of hope and can't wait to talk to you.Send it over tomorrow morning to have a look. Old Zeng got up and said: Yes.Appointment. "Tong Work" started again, and Zheng Ming soon got instructions to go to Hong Kong with Lao Zeng.On the evening before leaving, Zheng Ming took the time to go home.Before entering the door, Zheng Ming heard the sad and melancholy melody of the cello from upstairs.After An Fuyao's death, Zheng Qi seldom went downstairs, and always hid in the upstairs room by herself, the only sound was the sound of her cello.The family members, including He Xuezhu in Beibei, also came back to persuade her, but it was useless. Zheng Xianbo sat alone in the living room, watched Zheng Ming walk in, and asked: What are you doing back here? Zheng Ming said: I am going to Hong Kong soon.It's still the "Tong work". Zheng Xianbo's eyes lit up: So, the chairman finally couldn't hold on and was going back to the negotiating table. Zheng Ming said angrily: "It's really unacceptable to think of peace talks with the Japanese even after you've reached this point!"It's been three full years, not counting the three eastern provinces.How many of us died on the battlefield?If the peace talks are successful, wouldn't they die in vain? ! Zheng Xianbo looked at him: Don't be so excited, your profession doesn't allow you to be so excited.Use your brains more.I am also firmly opposed to peace talks, but people like us cannot influence Lao Jiang's thoughts.So what we need is calm, rational analysis and judgment. Seeing that Zheng Ming was silent, he went on to say: The British could not withstand the strong pressure from Japan and blocked the Burma Road. Song Ziwen, who was sent by the Chairman to the United States to obtain a loan, has been tossing for so long. It is said that as long as he reaches a very small Number of.The situation of the Anti-Japanese War was almost troubled both internally and externally.At such a time, the long-interrupted "Tong Work" will start again, and I am afraid there will be a lot of articles in it.In my opinion, there are two possibilities for restarting the negotiations. One is that the chairman really doesn’t want to fight anymore. The actions of the Americans and the British made him feel the so-called “waiting for change” and finally dragged Britain and the United States into the war against Japan. The strategy has been completely shattered, so he did not hesitate to endure humiliation and signed the "Union under the Castle" with the Japanese.There is also a possibility that seeing Britain and the United States continue to watch the fire from the other side, he played a trick, pretending to have peace talks with the Japanese, to stimulate Britain and the United States, and to test whether the United Kingdom and the United States are really not afraid of Japan's settlement of China and then turning south. Zheng Ming nodded and said: You are right.I hope it's the latter. Zheng Xianbo smiled confidently: I have been engaged in diplomacy all my life, and I also know Chiang Kai-shek.But my analysis and your hopes don't count. The important thing is to understand what Chiang Kai-shek really thinks in his heart.If you want to let you know the bottom line and intention of the chairman of the negotiation, can you do it? Zheng Ming looked at him in surprise: What do you want to do? Zheng Xianbo said calmly: If Chiang Kai-shek really wants to surrender, then let the people of the whole country oppose him and exert the greatest political pressure on him.After all, in China, the general public opinion is to resolutely resist the war to the end. Zheng Ming: You mean to make the truth of the negotiations public? Zheng Xianbo did not answer directly, but looked at him with hopeful eyes and said: You should think of a way.I know it's risky to do so.To put it more seriously, this is for the benefit of the country and the nation. Zheng Ming rarely saw his father look like this today.So, he agreed without hesitation, although he didn't know why his father needed such information.He didn't want to ask more questions. The Grandos Hotel in Hong Kong is built on the edge of the beach. It is a very simple building with a beautiful and quiet environment.It was getting dark.There was almost no one else in the coffee shop in the hotel lobby, only Lao Zeng and Zheng Ming were sitting at a seat by the window, drinking coffee together.Zheng Ming looked at the distant beach through the glass.Old Zeng smoked a cigarette, looked at his watch, and seemed a little anxious.On the empty chair between Lao Zeng and Zheng Ming, there is the black briefcase that Lao Zeng almost never leaves. The two of them just sat there in silence, neither of them speaking.The phone at the front desk in the lobby rang loudly.Both Lao Zeng and Zheng Ming looked back at the same place.Lao Zeng's eyes were full of concern and anticipation, he was waiting for a call.Sure enough, the waiter of the restaurant put down the phone and came over, and asked respectfully: Who is Mr. Zeng? Lao Zeng stood up, glanced at Zheng Ming, and then at the briefcase.Zheng Ming nodded knowingly, and Lao Zeng went to answer the phone.A pillar just blocked the line of sight, so that Lao Zeng, who answered the phone, could not see Zheng Ming's side.Seizing this opportunity, Zheng Ming quietly opened Lao Zeng's briefcase, took out a document from it, and quickly put it into his suit.Lao Zeng took only a short time to answer the phone, and Zheng Ming's actions were also completed in an instant.When Lao Zeng came back, Zheng Ming looked at him nonchalantly. Lao Zeng did not sit down, and said briefly: The Japanese want us to go there immediately. Zheng Ming stood up and said: I'm going to the bathroom. Seeing Zheng Ming walking towards the bathroom, Lao Zeng picked up his briefcase and walked out of the gate. Zheng Ming walked into the bathroom, hastily spread the stolen documents on the toilet seat, and took pictures with a small camera.This is a "Outline of Negotiations with Japan", with Chiang Kai-shek's personal instructions on it. When he returned to the hotel lobby, he was surprised to see Lao Zeng standing outside the gate with his briefcase.He was taken aback, knowing that trouble was coming, and it seemed that he had no chance to put the file back.He came to Lao Zeng's side, and naturally wanted to take the briefcase from Lao Zeng.Lao Zeng smiled politely and refused.A black car drove up and stopped in front of them.Zheng Ming went over and opened the rear door, and after Lao Zeng got into the car, Zheng Ming sat next to the driver in the front row. Black cars drive on the streets of Hong Kong.Zheng Ming casually observed Lao Zeng behind him through the rearview mirror inside the car.The car was very stable, and Lao Zeng closed his eyes, so he couldn't tell if he was really asleep, or if he was closing his eyes and resting his mind.The briefcase was held in his arms. It was already dark when we arrived outside the building of Dongfei Yangxing.The streets of Hong Kong are still full of lights at night.But after all, it is night, and there will always be many dark places that the lights cannot reach, which may bring Zheng Ming the last chance.The car slowed down and the driver was about to stop. Zheng Ming suddenly pointed to a dark alley on the side of the building and said: Don't stop at the door. Lao Zeng didn't object to Zheng Ming's request, and he didn't even care about it.The car drove past the building of Dongfei Foreign Company, turned and stopped at the entrance of the alley.Zheng Ming quickly jumped out of the car and opened the rear door for Lao Zeng.When he reached out to open the door, he had already jammed a pack of cigarettes on the handle, so although the driver and Lao Zeng inside saw him trying to open the door, the door was impossible to open.Zheng Ming muttered dissatisfiedly, and went around to the rear door on the other side, and the door was easily opened. Old Zeng was in the car, and he moved his body to this side with some difficulty, and the briefcase in his arms seemed to be a little in the way.Zheng Ming reached out his hand naturally, and Lao Zeng handed him the briefcase.One last chance finally presented itself.Zheng Ming took the briefcase, immediately put it on the roof of the car, quickly opened it, and put the documents hidden in his arms back.All this was done in a very short time, and only one hand was used; with his other hand, he respectfully covered the edge of the car door for Lao Zeng. In the dark, no one noticed all this.When Lao Zeng got out of the car, Zheng Ming first returned the briefcase to him, and then closed the car door.He escorted Lao Zeng into the brightly lit area and walked towards the gate of Dongfei Foreign Company. The black sedan backed up from the alley and drove away.Zheng Ming looked back, the box of cigarettes he used to jam the car door had fallen to the ground as the car bumped, and a beggar immediately ran over to pick it up. He was relieved that everything was seamless. In the meeting room on the second floor of Dongfei Yangxing, where negotiations were held, thick curtains tightly blocked the indoor lights.But this time only Lao Zeng and Suzuki Zall appeared here, as well as two Japanese translators and recording documents. Across the large table, Suzuki Zall shook hands with Lao Zeng with a smile, and said politely: We haven't seen each other for a long time. Lao Zeng also smiled and said: Yes.Fortunately, we were able to sit together again today.Probably not too late. Suzuki Zall: Of course.It is always a joy to be able to sit down and negotiate.I am looking forward to the official resumption of the negotiations, and hope that today's meeting can be a good start for adjusting the relationship between the two countries. Lao Zeng said: We should have expressed enough sincerity in proposing to resume contact. Hearing this sentence, Suzuki Zall looked relaxed and happy: Then we can start. Lao Zeng opened his briefcase and took out the negotiation outline instructed by Chiang Kai-shek and put it in front of him: I think we should return to the premise of the negotiation in the last "Memorandum"? Suzuki Zall said patiently: Yes.Maybe that "Memorandum" didn't satisfy you, or did it cause Mr. Jiang to come under internal pressure? Lao Zeng looked at him: So I think the premise of the negotiation needs to continue to discuss and reach a closer position as much as possible. Suzuki Zall motioned for him to continue. Lao Zeng: First, it is still difficult to accept that the Chinese government must cooperate with the Wang Jingwei regime as a prerequisite.We have noticed that although the Wang Jingwei regime has been established for several months, it has not been officially recognized by any country except Germany, and even your country, which supported this regime, has not officially recognized it publicly. Suzuki Zall smiled confidently: Regarding the official recognition of the Nanjing government by the Chinese government, we have our own considerations and need a more suitable time.In other words, the Chongqing government should not have any wrong understanding of this.As I said last time, no matter what, the Japanese government has a moral responsibility to Mr. Wang Jingwei. Lao Zeng asked: Then how should we understand such a fact? Suzuki Zall: This is irrelevant. The important thing is that your country should not have unrealistic illusions about this. Lao Zeng was obviously impatient with the other party's detours, and resolutely: that's good.Let me reiterate that this negotiation premise is unacceptable. Suzuki Zall was still so unhurried, nodded, and said very straightforwardly: I agree that the resumption of formal negotiations between the two countries is not a precondition. Such an answer obviously surprised Lao Zeng, but he concealed himself very well and said: Very good.I am grateful for that. Suzuki Zall nodded: What else? Lao Zeng continued from a different angle: I would like to talk about the conditions for the Chinese government to reopen the peace talks first. Suzuki Zall was a little surprised: your prerequisites? Lao Zeng: Yes.First of all, the Japanese government should publicly issue a statement or talk, clearly denying the content of the first Konoe cabinet statement about "not using the national government as a negotiating opponent". Suzuki Zall: Two years have passed, is it still necessary now?What's more, the official resumption of negotiations between our two parties actually revised the previous position of "not using the National Government as the negotiating opponent". Lao Zeng shook his head and said: As an old Chinese saying goes, "If the name is not right, the words will not be right." We need a clear statement from the Japanese side.Hope you can understand. Suzuki Zall patiently: This is difficult.Is there any more? Lao Zeng continued: In the peace talks agreement, two clauses must be guaranteed. First, the Chinese government does not recognize Manchukuo; schedule. Suzuki Zall could hardly hide his surprise.The other party proposed such an unrealistic negotiation premise. He felt that the Chinese must be crazy. Outside the Tofei Corporation building.Zheng Ming strolled boredly alone on the street as in the past, watching the men and women passing by from time to time, waiting for Lao Zeng to come out.这时候，一个很熟悉的身影从灯光明亮的东肥洋行大楼里走出来，那人竟然是一身穿着都很讲究的林天觉。郑明显然对这样的意外邂逅完全没有心理准备，正想躲开的时候，林天觉也已经看见了他。 在这样的地方碰见郑明，对林天觉来说同样不是个好事情。他在郑先博的安排下到了香港以后，基本上也无所事事，每天不过是瞎混而已。不过混来混去，最终却和日本人打上了交道。 林天觉把一脸的惊喜堆积起来，大大方方地叫起来：表哥！cousin!想不到在香港还能碰见你，真让我高兴！ 郑明笑笑，直截了当地问：你是从那里面出来的？ 林天觉故作疑惑地：是啊，怎么了？ 郑明只是看着他。林天觉无所谓地笑了：你是说那儿是日本人的秘密特务机关？ 郑明反问道：我说错了？ 林天觉笑了：毕竟公开的还是东肥洋行嘛。我刚刚就是去和洋行的人谈一笔业务的。 郑明笑了：你和日本人做起生意来了？ 林天觉：闲得没事儿挣点儿零花钱。这里的消费可是很高啊。家里人都还好吧？小琪呢？ 当郑明告诉他安富耀已经牺牲，以及郑琪现在的心情和状态以后，林天觉表示出了应有的惊讶和关切，他啧啧地叹息着：真是太可惜了，其实从心里我对安富耀还是很敬佩的，一看就是那种很刚毅的军人。 郑明不知道林天觉是不是说的真话。 林天觉：要不然我把小琪接到香港来住上一阵？ 郑明觉得这也不失为一种调整郑琪心境的办法，便说：也许你可以给她写封信，让她过来？ 林天觉说：这没问题。只不过我怕她现在更不会听我的了。 说着，他有些自卑地笑了笑。