Chapter 5 - The Panel

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"Captain! Anyone who goes is in danger! I speak Japanese and talked with that Japanese for an hour, understanding his habits and speech pace. No one is more suitable than me. Let me go!"

The captain agreed that Zhou Lin was the most suitable person, but he couldn't decide and needed to report to the bureau chief.

"Rest and eat well for now! I'll give you an answer tomorrow," the captain said before leaving.

Back at the headquarters, after contemplating the report, the captain made a confidential long-distance call to Nanjing, reaching Dai Li.

Under normal circumstances, the captain couldn't report directly to the bureau chief. However, Dai Li had authorized Zhou Lin's case to be reported directly to him.

Dai Li sensed trouble, "Did Zhou Lin encounter issues?"

"Yes, but he returned safely. All his comrades in the squad died protecting him," the captain revealed.

Dai Li paused, then instructed, "Increase the compensation for each of the twenty-five families by an additional hundred francs."

"Yes, Chief. Zhou Lin brought back a message."

"What message?"

The captain reported Zhou Lin's words to Dai Li, who was surprised, "That's good news. He wants to take responsibility for this. You did well to report it to me directly."

"This direct report is beneficial. There may be internal issues. If reported through normal channels, the Japanese might catch wind. If the case is solved, you'll be rewarded."

"Thank you, Chief."

"Zhou Lin is right. He understands the Japanese well. To crack this case, we can't do without him. Didn't you appoint him as the leader of the 20th squad? Assign this case to the 20th squad."

"Chief, the 20th squad has only one person."

"No one else can be added. Don't send recruits. Transfer capable and reliable individuals from other squads. Your job is to support Zhou Lin."

"Understood!"

Meanwhile, Zhou Lin, having finally eaten a satisfying meal, recorded the addresses and family names of his fallen comrades. Their belongings were divided into twenty-five piles.

With 7,500 francs, Zhou Lin exchanged yen with the squad leader for an additional 1,000 francs.

Each package contained 300 francs, a personal letter from Zhou Lin, and condolences. The squad leader and a few others accompanied Zhou Lin to the post office, emphasizing the importance of delivering these items.

Back at the barracks, Zhou Lin, in his original bunk, couldn't sleep. He took out the remaining gold jewelry, realizing the system could trace the past but required a substantial amount of gold.

Thinking ahead, Zhou Lin considered exchanging more gold for points, and the system confirmed it.

Excited, he exchanged all the gold, gaining 178 points. His attributes increased, and he acquired a new ability: time travel.

Curious about the points' usage, Zhou Lin asked the system for more information.

The system replied cryptically, "No spoilers! Want to know? Work hard to level up!"

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