Resumo do episódio 17 de THE REBEL
> Resumos de THE REBEL
Lan Xinjie found herself in a precarious situation within Ikeda’s study. Despite her attempts to feign admiration for his antiques, Ikeda remained suspicious after discovering her presence, insisting on inspecting her purse. Despite her resistance, he discovered a miniature camera, prompting him to aggressively interrogate her, demanding to know who sent her. Just as Ikeda was pressing Lan Xinjie, Zuo Qiuming intervened, stating that Lan Xinjie was under his purview and requesting her release so he could remain to explain.
Lan Xinjie, terrified, fled with Lin Nansheng. Upon arriving home, she gave Lin Nansheng the genuine film she had carefully hidden, explaining she had followed his instructions to prepare a spare film to swap. Still shaken, she vehemently declared her intention to sever all ties with the Secret Service, demanding her payment. Lin Nansheng apologized for the danger she faced and promised to deliver her money soon. Meanwhile, Zuo Qiuming individually addressed Ikeda and Takahashi's questions.
He explained that this incident was a "screening" process to verify the Japanese side's identity for commercial cooperation, as his organization, operating under Director Zhou from Nanjing's Low Profile Club, only collaborated with the Japanese Army. This was necessitated by a past deception involving a "Hattori" from the South Manchuria Railway branch who had falsely claimed to be from the Army.
Zuo Qiuming’s logical and flawless explanation, coupled with the fact that the confiscated camera contained a swapped, blank film, convinced Ikeda and Takahashi. They released Lan Xinjie and accepted Zuo Qiuming's explanation as a resolved misunderstanding, toasting to future cooperation. Gu Shenyan had worked through the night to compile intelligence on Ikeda, planning to report to Wang Shi'an.
However, Lin Nansheng was the first to present developed photos, which confirmed Ikeda's true identity as a Japanese spy engaged in coastal mapping, a clear preparation for war. Gu Shenyan then shared his own intelligence, revealing Ikeda's background as a former assistant to Kenji Doihara and a notorious intelligence leader responsible for the deaths of four Secret Service agents. Wang Shi'an was elated with the conclusive evidence, seeing an opportunity for a significant report to headquarters.
Wang Shi'an then had a private conversation with Gu Shenyan, expressing his strong desire to keep Lin Nansheng in Shanghai. He cited Lin Nansheng's exceptional intelligence-gathering skills and his current excellent performance, arguing that despite his past misconduct in the Wang Zhi case, the current wartime situation demanded talented agents. Wang also wanted to avoid being seen as heartless for discarding Chen Moqun's man now that Chen was out of the picture.
He believed that if properly cultivated, Lin Nansheng could become a valuable asset for the Shanghai branch. Gu Shenyan, understanding Wang Shi'an's intentions, agreed and proposed assigning Lin Nansheng to the operation squad as a group leader, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Ikeda investigation. Gu Shenyan later met with Lin Nansheng, questioning his strong desire to remain in Shanghai and his initiative in the Ikeda investigation.
Lin Nansheng explained that he believed Shanghai was the frontline of resistance and that if the nation was in peril, a teacher could not contribute meaningfully or teach in peace. He passionately declared his resolve to fight against the invaders to protect Chinese children from being forced to learn Japanese. Impressed by his conviction, Gu Shenyan returned Lin Nansheng's service pistol, reminding him to act cautiously in the future.
Lin Nansheng was then officially appointed as the group leader of the Fifth Group in the Second Company by Hu Daoyi. A new recruit in his group, Zhao Jinglong, promptly introduced himself and offered assistance, making a favorable first impression. Nanjing Headquarters issued orders to eliminate Ikeda swiftly but without providing Japan with any pretext for war. Lin Nansheng presented a detailed plan: since Ikeda was still mapping the coast, he would likely visit a specific area again.
Lin Nansheng proposed creating a fake car accident on a narrow, sloping dirt road in that area. To ensure Ikeda's car took the designated route, they would set up a fake road construction to divert traffic. A hidden trap, covered with dirt, would then cause his car to flip, making his death appear accidental. He emphasized that no firearms were to be used, and the scene would be restored afterward to avoid suspicion.
Wang Shi'an entrusted Gu Shenyan to lead the operation, instructing him to photograph Ikeda's body for headquarters. The operation commenced, with agents disguising themselves as construction workers to direct Ikeda's car onto the planned route. The trap was sprung, sending Ikeda's vehicle tumbling down the slope. However, Ikeda survived the crash and, emerging from the wreckage, seized Lin Nansheng at gunpoint when he approached to check.
Gu Shenyan, maintaining his composure, engaged Ikeda in a tense standoff, offering himself as a hostage. This distraction allowed Gu Shenyan and Lin Nansheng to secretly collaborate, subduing Ikeda. In the struggle, Ikeda was killed by a shard of glass that severed his carotid artery. Shortly after, Takahashi and his men arrived to investigate. Gu Shenyan's subordinate explained that Ikeda likely died trying to escape the wreckage, with glass shards severing his artery, leading to extreme blood loss and shock.
They presented evidence of the dangerous road conditions and previous accidents at that exact spot, making Ikeda's death appear to be a genuine car crash. Takahashi, after inspecting the scene and finding Ikeda's handgun fully loaded, accepted the official explanation. After the mission, Lin Nansheng thanked Gu Shenyan for his critical intervention. He then collected the gold bars for the peripheral agents, adding his own share for Lan Xinjie.
However, she firmly refused his portion, reaffirming her desire to be free from Secret Service involvement and asserting she would soon be a major's wife, no longer risking her life for them. Later, Gu Shenyan met with Ji Zhongyuan in a park. Gu Shenyan informed him that Lin Nansheng would remain in Shanghai, assigned to the operation squad, a decision strongly influenced by Wang Shi'an's recognition of Lin Nansheng's capabilities and the need for more manpower.
Gu Shenyan acknowledged that while Lin Nansheng, a former operative of Chen Moqun, might not currently pose a direct threat with Chen Moqun sidelined, his strong anti-Japanese sentiment and latent potential as a secret agent were noteworthy. Gu Shenyan also recalled an earlier incident where Lin Nansheng subtly aided Zhu Yizhen's release by removing a radio coil. Gu Shenyan expressed his intention to further observe and potentially recruit Lin Nansheng for the Communist Party.
Ji Zhongyuan, in turn, cautioned Gu Shenyan about Wang Shi'an's covert use of Lin Nansheng in the Ikeda assassination and warned him to be vigilant about his own safety given the escalating tensions in Shanghai and Gu Shenyan's unique identity. Finally, Lin Nansheng drove to the pier to bid farewell to Zuo Qiuming, who was departing on a ship.
Zuo Qiuming encouraged Lin Nansheng to continue his efforts, reminding him that if they walked the same path, they would meet again. As a parting gift, Zuo Qiuming returned the miniature camera, informing Lin Nansheng that he had cleared it with their station, to which Lin Nansheng responded that he had been waiting for it. After Zuo Qiuming's departure, Lin Nansheng looked at the camera in his car, a knowing smile on his face.
For their exceptional contributions in the Ikeda case, Gu Shenyan and Lin Nansheng were later awarded the Order of Precious Tripod with Special Cravat, while Zhao Jinglong received the Order of Precious Tripod with Special Rosette.
