The car stopped in the French Concession. Fujita Kiyono asked Xie Chi to get out and talk.

They were all still in the car. Xie Chi didn’t dare make any moves and had to obediently get out.

“Where are you going?”

“To find a friend.”

“In Shanghai?”

“Yes.”

“Will we be able to see each other again?”

Xie Chi didn’t answer.

Fujita Kiyono lowered his head slightly. He seemed a bit nervous. During the few hours in the car, he had rehearsed the following words countless times in his mind, finally saying them without pause: “I’m going to Shandong. Could you have dinner with me tonight?”

Xie Chi looked at the people in the car and nodded.

“Wonderful.” Fujita Kiyono smiled, his hands gripping the edge of his clothes tightly. He looked toward a French restaurant not far away. “After I finish my business, I’ll wait for you there.”

“Mm.”

“You should hurry to see your friend. Do you need me to give you another ride?”

“No need.” Xie Chi walked to the back seat, opened the car door, and said to them, “Get out.”

Xie Chi hailed two rickshaws and got in without looking back.

Fujita Kiyono watched them leave with continued joy. The driver called from behind, “Sir, we’ve been delayed for quite a while. If we keep watching, the General will be displeased.”

He looked away and quickly walked over to open the car door, saying cheerfully, “Let’s go.”

…

Jiang Shouyue squinted and looked at the familiar route. “We’ve arrived in Shanghai?”

“Yes.”

“Where are we going?”

“First find a hotel to rest, then we’ll discuss where to go next.”

“Wangyun is gone, isn’t he?”

This sudden statement made Xie Chi’s heart skip a beat.

“I guessed it long ago. With his temperament, he wouldn’t abandon me and would definitely search for me everywhere.” Jiang Shouyue closed her eyes again. “He was just a weak scholar.”

Xie Chi didn’t know what to say for a moment.

Jiang Shouyue leaned against her shoulder and held her hand. “I’ve wronged you, making you bow to the Japanese invaders for my sake.”

“No.” Xie Chi smoothed the loose hair on her forehead. “I need to see Xiao Wangyun’s parents later.”

“I won’t go. Seeing me like this would make them even sadder.”

“Then you and A’Ru rest well at the hotel. When I come back, we’ll go eat. What would you like?”

“Something light.”

“Alright.” Xie Chi tucked her cold hands into her embrace. “I’ll come back as soon as possible.”

Jiang Shouyue seemed to sense Xie Chi’s worry. “Don’t worry, I won’t seek to end my life. I’m someone who crawled out of hell and barely kept my life.”

She opened her eyes and saw begging children prostrate on the roadside. “The Japanese invaders haven’t left yet—how can I leave in peace? This revenge must be repaid.”

Xie Chi hugged her tighter. “We’ll get revenge together.”

Jiang Shouyue coughed lightly twice. “When I’m better, come to Yan’an with me. This time, don’t refuse again.”

Xie Chi nodded. “I’ll listen to you.”

…

After arranging for them to stay, Xie Chi called a car to go to the Xiao family.

The Xiao family had some reputation in this area, so she found their address after asking around. Xie Chi quickly located their residence, but saw the front gate was desolate with accumulated snow that hadn’t been cleared, as if no one had lived there for a long time.

She rang the doorbell for a long time with no response. Just as she was about to leave, the door opened.

Xiao’s mother stood inside with drooping eyelids. She was much more haggard—she hadn’t had white hair before.

“Aunt.”

“Wanzhi!” She gripped Xie Chi’s arm. Her originally lifeless eyes immediately gained spirit as she urgently asked, “Did you come from Nanking? I heard from Wangyun before that you lived in Nanking.”

“Yes.”

“Did you see him? Last month he ran to Nanking with Jiang Shouyue. There’s been no news since. Do you know anything about him?”

“Aunt, let’s go inside to talk.”

Xiao’s father heard the noise and came out with a cane. “Is that Wanzhi?”

“Uncle.”

“How did you get out? I heard Nanking doesn’t allow people in or out. Are they letting people through now?” Xiao’s mother’s hands trembled as she held onto her. “Is there bad news? Say something!”

Facing the two aged elders, Xie Chi couldn’t bear it, but this wasn’t something that could be concealed forever. “Japanese soldiers massacred many soldiers and civilians in Nanking. Xiao Wangyun unfortunately perished.”

Xiao’s mother staggered back a step. “Dead.” Her mouth trembled, and her voice shook with it. “Dead.”

Xie Chi supported her. “Please accept my condolences.”

Xiao’s father beat his chest, trying hard to control his emotions and not let tears fall.

“I don’t want to live either!” Xiao’s mother let out a piercing wail, shook off Xie Chi, and was about to crash into the corner of a nearby table. Xie Chi held her tight. “Aunt, facing this great disaster, people cannot make a living, the country is in mortal danger. The Northeast is gone, Beiping, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanking are all gone, but we still have thousands of warriors fighting. Xiao Wangyun had aspirations to save the country—what he prayed for most was national peace and prosperity. Now the mountains and rivers are shattered, the Japanese invaders are pressing close. We ourselves cannot collapse first. You must take care of yourselves.”

“My son!” Xiao’s mother cried uncontrollably, almost collapsing to the ground. “He was only thirty-three, only thirty-three!”

Xiao’s father pulled up his wife. “Enough, get up.” He frowned deeply and said to Xie Chi, “Sit for a while. I’ll take her back to her room.”

“Alright.”

After the two elders left the living room, Xie Chi took out the film from her innermost layer of clothing and held it in her palm. When Xiao’s father came out after settling his wife, she handed it to him. “These are some photographs of the Japanese army’s killings and rapes in Nanking. I have no friends in Shanghai and don’t know anyone. I know it’s cruel to bring such terrible news and then entrust you with this, but there are still many people in Nanking living in dire straits. Countless people suffer every day. I—”

Xiao’s father took it directly and interrupted her. “You don’t need to say more. I understand. Leave this with me, don’t worry.” He solemnly promised, “I will do everything I can to expose these photographs.”

“I’m very sorry.”

“Don’t say that. Actually, we heard some rumors long ago and were prepared psychologically. We just held onto a bit of hope. How many people died in Nanking?”

“Countless.”

“These beasts.” Xiao’s father was silent for a moment, then struck the ground hard with his cane. “What about Shouyue? Is she also…?”

“Shouyue is still alive.”

“Is she… is she alright?”

“She’s with me. She just didn’t want to upset you both, so she didn’t come.”

“Will you stay in Shanghai, or…?”

“We’ll leave after some time.”

Xiao’s father didn’t ask too much but could vaguely guess where they were going. “Stay for dinner tonight.”

“No, I have other matters. I won’t disturb you further. Take care.” She looked toward the staircase. “Please take care of Aunt.”

“Alright, I won’t keep you then.”

Xie Chi walked outside.

“Wangyun’s body?”

She turned back. “I’ve already buried him properly.”

“Good, good.” Xiao’s father nodded and waved. “Be careful on the road.”

“Please don’t see me off.” She opened the door and walked out. Just two steps away, she heard tragic crying from inside the house.

Each cry was like a knife, cutting into her heart.

…

Night fell, and rain began in the evening.

Fujita Kiyono wore a suit and waited at the entrance of the French restaurant. Even after the restaurant closed, Xie Chi didn’t appear.

The driver got out of the car again. “She won’t come.”

Fujita Kiyono raised his long-lowered eyes and looked toward the end of the road, where bright lights danced cheerfully in the drizzling rain. “She said she would come. Maybe something came up. Let’s wait a bit longer.”

It rained all night.

He still didn’t wait for that woman.

…

Many things happened over the course of more than a year.

The Japanese army’s atrocities in Nanking gradually ceased only in February, followed by the Battle of Xuzhou, the Battle of Wuhan, the Defense of Mount Lu, and other battles that erupted one after another.

Many coastal cities fell in succession.

Fujita Kiyono led troops in three battles—one defeat and two victories—and even had one ear damaged by bombing. Fujita Noo let him rest for six months and work at the Japanese military headquarters stationed in Shanghai.

Since Shanghai’s fall, numerous intelligence personnel from various parties had gone underground to collect supplies for our army, gather intelligence, and assassinate Kuomintang officials who had defected to Japan.

Under Japanese rule, Shanghai appeared peaceful and prosperous on the surface, but underneath, undercurrents surged.

Xie Chi’s qipao shop had grown larger.

In the evening, A’Ru was playing with Guoqiang on the first floor while Xie Chi brought dinner for them. Guoqiang held onto Xie Chi’s leg and wouldn’t let go. She poked the child’s forehead. “Let go quickly, or I’ll spank you.”

Guoqiang wouldn’t let go. Though young, he understood who was good and who was bad. This godmother looked fierce but was actually very kind, while that Japanese man who always came looking for her, though always wearing a smile, made him feel afraid.

A’Ru picked up Guoqiang and saw Xie Chi go upstairs to get lipstick. She casually asked, “Where are you going?”

Before Xie Chi could answer, the bell at the door rang.

A’Ru turned around and saw Fujita Kiyono entering. She nodded slightly. “Mr. Fujita.”

“Hello, A’Ru. You look well today. Is the shop busy?”

A’Ru smiled in reply. “Not busy.”

Fujita Kiyono approached Xie Chi. “Can we go?”

“Mm.” Xie Chi carried a small bag and turned to instruct A’Ru at the door. “I won’t be back tonight. Remember to lock the door and go back early.”

“Alright.”

Fujita Kiyono opened the car door and protected her head as he helped her into the car.

Xie Chi smiled and said, “Thank you.”

He sat beside her and looked her over. “You’re dressed so beautifully today.”

Xie Chi glanced at him sideways. “Am I not usually beautiful?”

Fujita Kiyono covered her hand. “Always beautiful, but today you’re particularly eye-catching and stunning.”

Xie Chi smiled without speaking and looked at the street scene outside the car window.

Of course she had to be stunning. She had spent over two hours on makeup, put on her most beautiful red dress, and wore her most attractive jewelry—she was going to see the person she loved most.

Due to their connection, she was ordered to approach Fujita Kiyono. She had come to Shanghai a month and a half ago, and with just one meeting, she had won over this “old acquaintance.”

Yesterday, he had said to Xie Chi: Tomorrow evening there’s a banquet. I want to take you and introduce you to my family and friends.

The banquet gathered people from many countries—Japanese military, economic talents from various countries, cultural celebrities… Everyone there was a notable figure in Shanghai.

As Fujita Kiyono’s female companion, this was her first public appearance. Everyone watched this newly emerged beauty and talked among themselves.

Just as Fujita Kiyono had mastered Chinese, Xie Chi had also learned some Japanese. Though not completely fluent, basic communication was no problem.

Her gaze was composed and determined as she unhurriedly scanned every corner of the banquet hall, searching, waiting…

Finally.

“Brother Kiyono!” A clear voice came from behind.

Fujita Kiyono turned around and greeted the newcomer. “Michi.” He hugged the girl who rushed over.

“Brother, I’ve missed you so much! This time I’m staying in Shanghai longer, so you must spend good time with me!”

“Definitely.” Fujita Kiyono nodded to the tall man behind her. “Long time no see.”

“I heard your ear was injured. Are you alright?”

Hearing this familiar voice, Xie Chi felt her body stiffen, like a puppet dressed in formal wear, unable to move at all.

She had imagined their reunion countless times and thought she was fully prepared, but at this moment she still couldn’t control her heart’s trembling. She even felt she might faint from nervousness.

Fujita Kiyono said, “My left ear can’t hear sounds very clearly, but it doesn’t affect much.”

The female voice spoke again, “Brother Kiyono, you’ve gotten much thinner.”

Fujita Kiyono touched her head. “Right, let me introduce someone to you.”

“Sorry, I forgot about you. Come.” He pulled Xie Chi. “Why are you sweating so much? Are you feeling unwell?”

Xie Chi shook her head and followed him as he turned around. Her gaze passed over the crowd and fell on the man behind Fujita Michi whose eyes were wandering.

He had his hands half-inserted in his suit pockets, casually scanning around like a lonely boat lost in deep sea fog, or like a black panther waiting to hunt in a dark forest, showing no sharpness at all.

His gaze moved down and inadvertently fell on her face, immediately freezing.

Fujita Kiyono led Xie Chi closer. “This is my girlfriend, her name is Xie Wanzhi.” “This is my sister I mentioned to you before, Michi.”

Xie Chi was half a head taller than her and looked down slightly. “Hello.”

Fujita Michi tilted her face and looked at her with a smile. “A few days ago in Nanking I heard Brother Kiyono had found a girlfriend. Good taste.”

Xie Chi curved her lips. “I prepared a gift for you, but it was too big to bring today. I’ll have someone deliver it to you tomorrow.”

“There’s even a gift!” Fujita Michi naturally hugged her arm. “Thank you, sister-in-law.”

Fujita Kiyono looked behind Fujita Michi. “This is Koike Ryuji, my sister’s boyfriend.”

Fujita Michi turned back. “Brother Ryuji, come quickly. What are you spacing out for?”

Xie Chi extended her hand and said to him in Japanese: “I’ve heard so much about you. Nice to meet you, please take care of me.”

The man pushed Fujita Michi aside, stepped in front of her, and looked at her face with a calm gaze, making no movement.

Fujita Michi pushed him. “Brother Ryuji, she’s greeting you.”

He snapped back to reality, hooked his lips slightly, reached out his hand, and grasped hers. “Hello, Miss Xie.”

…