A few days later, Wang Zifang indeed contacted me again. She sent a WeChat message, her tone casual and light:
"The May Day holiday is coming soon. Have you made up your mind? How about going to Japan to see the cherry blossoms together?"
I stared at the phone screen, feeling conflicted. Though I knew her true intention, memories of our past moments together made me hesitate. Still, thinking of Fang Zhiguo's plan, I decided not to reply immediately and called him instead.
"She invited me to Japan," I said over the phone. "How should I respond?"
Fang Zhiguo was silent for a few seconds before speaking with a serious tone:
"Even the strongest dragon cannot suppress the local snake. In Japan, our operation will be heavily restricted, and we cannot guarantee your safety. You must find a way to refuse her—she cannot take you to Japan."
I frowned. "But if I refuse, won't she become suspicious?"
Fang pondered for a moment, then said:
"You can give a reasonable excuse, such as a sudden work issue or a family matter. The key is to make it seem natural, not like you're deliberately avoiding her."
I nodded, an idea forming in my mind. After hanging up, I opened WeChat and replied to Wang Zifang:
"Sorry, the company just took on an urgent project. I'll have to work through the May Day holiday, so I probably won't be able to go."
After sending the message, I felt anxious, unsure whether she would believe the excuse.
Soon enough, Wang Zifang replied:
"Oh, what bad luck… How about we reschedule? Once you're done with your project, we can go together?"
My heart tightened. I hadn't expected her to be so persistent. It seemed she was truly determined to take me to Japan. Taking a deep breath, I replied:
"This project will likely take several months. I won't have time in the near future. How about… we just find somewhere to go within the country?"
Wang Zifang didn't respond further. I couldn't tell what she was thinking.
I leaned back in my chair, still uneasy. Though I had temporarily avoided the risk of going to Japan, the days ahead remained unpredictable. I had already seen how far the Kawashima Group would go—they would not give up easily.
My brother leaned over and whispered, "Fa-ge, how's it going?"
I briefly recounted the conversation. He frowned:
"That woman is really persistent. She seems determined to take you away."
Just then, Sherry walked over. "What are you two whispering about? Share it with me."
"Nothing, nothing," we said in unison, waving our hands.
"You've both been acting all mysterious lately. Surely you're hiding something from me. Or… have you two become…?"
I replied jokingly, "My brother said he'll marry you off one day—just wait and see."
"Fa-ge, I'll kill you!" my brother shouted, jumping at me and grabbing my neck. Sherry blushed and ran off, leaving me laughing heartily. If only life could always be this carefree.
Western Shanghai, a secret laboratory in a medical examination facility.
Under dim lighting, Kawashima Fukuichiro sat behind an old wooden desk, holding a steaming cup of green tea. His gaze was cold and deep, as if it could penetrate all facades and see straight to the essence of things. A thick file lay open on the desk, filled with dense experimental data and genetic analysis reports.
Kawashima Sakurako stood in front of him, visibly uneasy. She had just reported to her father about her interactions with me, especially my refusal to go to Japan. Her fingers twisted nervously, anxiety flickering in her eyes.
"Father, he seems wary of us," Sakurako said softly, her voice tinged with frustration. "I suggested going to Japan, but he refused, citing work."
Fukuichiro didn't respond immediately. He slowly sipped his tea, eyes still on the documents. After a moment, he set down the cup and looked coldly at his daughter.
"Sakurako, you're too impatient," his voice was low and icy, carrying a hint of reproach. "The Kawashima family's missions have never relied on brute force. Since he refuses to go to Japan, we'll handle him here in China."
Sakurako was taken aback. "In China? But father, our labs and equipment are in Japan. Domestic resources are limited. It may be difficult to extract his genes and study the virus here."
Fukuichiro let out a cold laugh, a sinister glint in his eyes:
"Sakurako, have you forgotten our family tradition? We never relied solely on equipment. During WWII, Unit 731 conducted countless experiments under primitive conditions. Now, we just need the right time and place."
Sakurako frowned, a sense of unease creeping in. "But father, the National Security Bureau is already monitoring us. The last operation failed, and they're paying attention. If we act rashly, we risk exposure."
Fukuichiro stood and walked to the window, back to his daughter. He spoke slowly:
"You're too young. The Bureau is powerful, yes, but they have weaknesses—their moral code is too high."
Sakurako paused, then asked quietly, "You mean…?"
Fukuichiro turned, his gaze sharp as a knife:
"Time is tight. Haven't you already gotten close to him? I know he has feelings for you. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Sakurako's heart tightened as she pictured his slightly naive face. She bit her lip, hesitating:
"But father, he's not easily deceived. Besides, his friend Liu Yu is always by his side. Finding an opportunity will be difficult."
Fukuichiro sneered, disdain flashing in his eyes:
"Liu Yu? Just a minor player. We can use other means to distract him."
Sakurako lowered her head, torn. She knew that once her father's plan was set in motion, I would be in grave danger. Yet, as the heir of the Kawashima family, she had no choice.
"Father, I understand," she said softly, a trace of helplessness in her voice.
Fukuichiro nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes:
"Good, Sakurako. Remember, the Kawashima family's mission is to serve the Empire loyally. This task concerns not only our family's honor but the Empire's future. You must give it your all."
Sakurako looked up at her father's expectant eyes, a heavy weight pressing on her heart. She nodded quietly.
"I will try my best, Father."
Fukuichiro smiled satisfactorily, returning to the desk and handing her a file:
"This is our new plan. Study it carefully. There can be no mistakes."
Sakurako took the file, her fingers trembling slightly. A chill ran through her.
"Father… this plan?" she asked, her face pale.
Fukuichiro gave her a cold glance, his voice full of unquestionable authority:
"Sakurako, those who achieve greatness do not fuss over minor matters. For the Empire's future, we must do whatever it takes."
Sakurako was silent for a moment, then nodded:
"I understand, Father. I will follow the plan."
Fukuichiro nodded, then turned to the window, gazing into the dark night:
"Sakurako, remember, the honor of the Kawashima family rests in your hands."
Sakurako stood behind her father, her emotions complex. She knew she was about to embark on a path of no return. And the man who once brought her warmth would become a pawn in this dark conspiracy.
"Father, I will complete the mission," she said softly, her tone resolute.
Fukuichiro did not look back, replying coldly:
"Go, Sakurako. Time is running out."
Sakurako turned and left the room, her footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. Her heart was torn, but as the heir of the Kawashima family, she had no choice.
The night was deep, and the web of conspiracy silently tightened.