German Red Prince

Page 110

As Fujimiya was leaving the hospital and was about to go to the regimental commander to explain the situation, someone called out to him.

"Matsui-kun? What's the matter?" The person who called out to him was Lieutenant Matsui Yamato of the 22nd Company.

"Fujimiya-kun, I've been looking for you everywhere."

Matsui Yamato breathed a sigh of relief. "The regimental commander is hosting a banquet tonight so we can relax. We're just missing you."

Seeing Matsui Yamato's relaxed expression, Fujimiya felt inexplicably awkward. After all, Matsui's company had just lost five soldiers to the guerrillas, so how could he be so relaxed?

"Okay, I'll go in a bit."

Since the regimental commander is hosting a banquet, this is a good opportunity to explain the current situation tonight.

Chapter 190 The Madam

"Kobayashi-kun, you're really amazing."

Having just finished browsing a stall, Kobayashi, carrying a full load of goods, said goodbye to the owner with a smile and chat, and Takahashi Masao also witnessed Kobayashi's skills.

Although it's unclear what he was saying, the stall owners' reactions show that Kobayashi Kazuo was completely innocent. They were chatting happily with him and had no suspicions whatsoever.

“Of course, I’ve been in China for so long, I’d say I’m a bit of a China expert.” Xiaolin picked up the things he bought and started showing off. “With these things, our sentry duty won’t be so tough, and we can also exchange these things with other people for some money to spend.”

Although Kobayashi Kazuo often says things that are full of resentment to Takahashi Masao, it is very comfortable to be around him. Kobayashi is a very realistic person and never talks to Takahashi about grand principles like his seniors and superiors do.

He would teach Takahashi many life skills, such as how to serve more rice without being noticed, and how to live more comfortably in the camp.

Kobayashi even took him to his secluded spot where he used to slack off on guard duty. It was so well hidden that most people wouldn't be able to find it. If you timed it right, you could even have afternoon tea there.

According to Kobayashi himself, with less than ten yen a month, what was the point of risking his life? If his monthly military pay was one hundred yen, he could have gone up the mountain the next day and wiped out the Korean guerrilla camp.

In the army, Xiaolin was a very unqualified soldier. Any one of these behaviors would be enough to send him to prison for several years.

"Come on, Takahashi-kun, let's go to a Japanese-style restaurant to relax."

"Wafu-kan? Kobayashi-kun? What kind of place is that?"

"You'll see when we get there." Kobayashi smiled mysteriously and led Takahashi to a very lively area in the neighborhood with practiced ease.

"Kobayashi-kun, this place looks expensive." Takahashi Masao looked at the signboard and craned his neck to see what was inside. This place didn't seem to be something they could afford.

"What are you afraid of? We received forty yen this time. If you don't want to spend the money, I'll treat you!" Before Takahashi Masao could refuse, Kobayashi tried to pull him inside.

"Xiaolin-kun!"

Someone called out Kobayashi Kazuo's name from behind. When he turned around, Kobayashi immediately gave him a warm hug.

"Suzuki-kun, it's been a long time!"

"Kobayashi-kun! It really is you!" Suzuki Nakayuki was very excited. "I never thought we'd meet again."

"This is Takahashi-kun." Kobayashi Kazuo introduced Takahashi Masao to Suzuki Nakayuki, who in turn greeted Suzuki.

"Suzuki-kun, what are you doing here?"

“I’ll be discharged from the army and going home soon. I’ve saved up some money in Manchuria and I’m planning to buy some things to take back with me.”

"Well, Suzuki-kun, are you planning to marry Sachiko this time you go back?" Kobayashi Kazuo teased from the side.

"Yes, Kobayashi-kun, I'm going back to get married this time. I'll use the money I saved in Manchuria to start a small business." Suzuki scratched his head sheepishly.

Kobayashi nudged Takahashi with his elbow again, "Let me tell you, Suzuki-kun is incredibly stingy. He only ever looks at his fiancée's photos himself. If he hadn't lost a bet once, he would have kept them hidden!"

"Come on, Suzuki-kun, now that you're discharged, we won't see each other again. This time it's on me, let's have a good drink!"

After saying that, Kobayashi generously pulled the two people into the building. The interior was luxuriously decorated, clearly not a cheap place. Takahashi probably would never enter such a place in his life, and would probably avoid it if he saw it normally. But Kobayashi seemed to be very familiar with the place, and after saying hello, he asked for a private room.

As dusk approached, the lights were turned on in the Japanese-style pavilion. The temperature inside was comfortable, and there was no need to wear those bulky coats anymore. The three of them sat cross-legged, the food was served, and sake was placed on the table. A geisha was playing music behind the curtain, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

Suzuki Nakayuki was also from Ishikawa Prefecture, and was practically a fellow townsman of Takahashi Masao. The group quickly started chatting, drinking and singing.

When the group was quite tipsy, Kobayashi suddenly leaned over to Takahashi in a mysterious manner and asked him if he wanted to have some fun.

Takahashi still didn't understand. Kobayashi pointed to several women dressed up in flamboyant attire outside, then gave a meaningful look.

Now Takahashi understood. He quickly waved his hand to refuse, firstly because he didn't have the money, and secondly because he was a little embarrassed. Before joining the army, he was an honest countryman and obviously couldn't play as well as Kobayashi, who had been in the army for several years.

Kobayashi looked at Takahashi's refusal with a disappointed expression, told Takahashi to take care of the already drunk Suzuki, and then left the house.

Stepping out of the house, Kobayashi entered a familiar room and lay down on the tatami mat. The lighting in this room was much softer and dimmer.

Xiaolin stretched and took a breath while lying on the bed. The soundproofing in the room wasn't very good, and Xiaolin could faintly hear groans coming from next door.

The man's panting, the woman's moans—Xiao Lin eavesdropped on the "battle" across the wall, but soon the commotion subsided and all sound ceased.

Xiao Lin cursed under his breath, "What a piece of trash! It hasn't been that long." He pulled up his pants, "I'll show you what a real man is later."

After a while, the madam came in, appearing very enthusiastic. From her smile, it was clear that Xiaolin was a regular customer.

Although Wafukan appears to be a high-end restaurant, it also offers special services as a side business.

"Mr. Kobayashi is here?" The madam was very polite. "We've brought quite a few girls this time, all of them still virgins, just waiting for you to come."

"Alright, hurry up and get things arranged. I'm not short of money tonight." Kobayashi tossed two yen to the madam.

"I want a new one!"

"Of course, I want the new one."

The madam smiled and accepted the money that Xiaolin tossed to her. Xiaolin had saved up quite a bit of money in Manchuria over the years and spent it lavishly. Every time she came, she would tip a lot of money. Naturally, the madam would provide the best service to such a customer.

After the madam left, Kobayashi hummed a little tune again and took a sip of wine.

"ごめんください" (excuse me)

A young woman pushed open the door, bowed to Kobayashi, and then walked in.

Seeing how unfamiliar she was with the job, Xiao Lin knew that this must be her first time doing this. If it were someone who had only done it a little, why would she greet them when she came in? She would just roll into the customer's arms as soon as she opened the door.

Xiao Lin patted the table, signaling her to sit opposite him. Since it was her first time, he couldn't just rush in with a gun.

Besides, he wasn't one of those veteran officers in the camp, and he was like someone who had never seen a woman before. He didn't know if he had the ability to just go up and hug and kiss her.

"Please take a seat."

Kobayashi took out a new glass, filled it with wine, and asked her to sit down.

The woman sat down opposite him. Although the room was dimly lit, Xiaolin could still make out her features. But it would have been better if he hadn't looked, because once he did, something went wrong. Her face looked familiar; he felt like he'd seen her somewhere before.

"Are you Sachiko Nishikawa?" Kobayashi asked tentatively.

"How did the guest know my name?" The woman opposite seemed surprised.

This was quite a shock, as it completely sobered Xiaolin up. He looked at the woman's face carefully again, and then grabbed her hand.

Suzuki once told Kobayashi while drinking that his fiancée had an injury on her right arm that had left her with lasting effects, causing her pain on rainy days.

He rolled up his sleeve and saw a scar on his right arm. Now he had to believe it: he had almost slept with his friend's fiancée.

Kobayashi sobered up completely and looked at Sachiko Nishikawa across from him with a wry smile. "Miss Sachiko, do you know Suzuki-kun? He's in the room across the street."

Chapter 191 The Way to Make Money Lies Within It

Because the regiment had suffered numerous attacks from North Korean guerrillas during this period, resulting in significant losses, the atmosphere at the beginning of the banquet was somewhat gloomy. Everyone sat silently at the table, appearing cold and aloof.

Regimental Commander Hiroji Noda remained silent, seemingly lost in thought. His men dared not look up. Since even the colonel had not spoken, the battalion and company commanders naturally refrained from speaking rashly, remaining seated and drinking.

"Everyone."

Seeing that no one was speaking, Fujimiya naturally couldn't speak rashly. After downing three cups of wine, Noda slapped his thigh, smacked his lips, and slowly began to speak.

"As you all know, the guerrillas in North Korea have become more active recently, causing heavy casualties to our unit."

Noda spoke with a hint of regret, "We have suffered numerous attacks, and many men of the Empire have sacrificed their lives on the battlefield. Let us mourn for these soldiers who died in Manchuria; they are all heroes of the Great Japanese Empire!"

Let us raise a toast to these warriors.

Noda picked up his wine glass, raised it to the air, and addressed the people below the stage.

As Noda raised his glass, the captains and platoon leaders sitting below also raised their glasses silently with grim faces and drank them down in one gulp.

Fujimiya finished his drink and, seeing that the atmosphere was about right, was about to tell Captain Noda about the possibility that the guerrillas might be using Japanese weapons, but he was interrupted before he could even speak.

"I'm sure you've all been suffering terribly at the hands of the North Korean guerrillas lately. I understand that you all have to be on guard against dangers from all over the world in this freezing weather. That's why I've funded this dinner to help you relax."

"Of course, this dinner won't just be about drinking; we'll also give everyone a chance to relax." Noda smiled and then clapped his hands.

A group of women dressed in flamboyant attire rushed into the room and immediately snuggled into his arms. Noda was also holding an extremely beautiful woman, his hand wandering towards her crotch.

"Please relax, everyone. There are plenty of rooms available. Take the women you like and have some fun!"

"Thank you, Colonel Noda!"

The officers below raised their glasses and cheered. They picked up the girl and went into the house with strange laughter. All of this happened too suddenly. Fujimiya had no time to react. The atmosphere was just serious. How could they all be gone all of a sudden?

He wanted to say something more, but there was no one else in the room except for Fujimiya, who was still standing there in a daze without reacting.

That's it? Just a simple statement of condolence is enough? What issues haven't been addressed yet, and it's already considered closed?

A few drinks and it's all over? What about the soldiers' lives? The enemy has their bullets, and the soldiers, lacking medical care, are dying in the hospital with resentment. His soldiers are still waiting for news. Is a few drinks enough to solve the problem?

"Sir, shall we go too?" the woman beside him asked cautiously when Fujimiya did not respond.

Fujimiya was still in a daze when the woman beside her pulled her into the room.

The woman skillfully undressed Fujimiya. Serving these officers earned her far more than ordinary people. If she served them well, the officers would be so pleased that they could give her rewards that she might not earn in several months.

Just like that woman who served Noda, she caught the eye of the colonel and rose to prominence overnight. Now she only needs to serve the colonel, and her daily life is much better than that of ordinary people like them. She doesn't have to squeeze together when she sleeps; she has her own private room and people to take care of her.

It wasn't until her clothes were undone that Fujimiya realized what was happening. He grabbed the woman's hand, squeezed it tightly, and stared at her with a serious expression.

Seeing Fujimiya's fierce expression, Lin Natsumi was quite frightened. Although she could often earn a lot of money per time by serving these officers, there were also risks. When they usually entertained customers, the two people they least wanted to encounter were ronin and officers.

For ordinary people, businessmen often end their business after a night of intimacy. Although they earn little, there is little risk involved. But for ronin and military officers, the risks are much greater.

Unemployed samurai become ronin, and they are extremely irritable. Spending a night with them is often unbearable. As for the officers, especially those who usually live on the edge, it's even more indescribable. They might even lose their lives after one night.

Natsumi Kobayashi had seen two women tortured to death in one night. These people were beyond reason with; if those ronin got angry, they would simply overturn the stall. As for the officers? Did they dare to reason with them? The dead sisters could only be buried hastily somewhere.

Lin Natsumi closed her eyes and waited for Fujimiya's next move, but after a while, Fujimiya simply put her hand down and stopped talking.

"Sir, are you not satisfied?"

More than being ripped off, Lin Natsumi was worried about not having any income this time. She hadn't had any customers for a long time, and if she went back empty-handed, she was afraid she would freeze to death on the street soon.

Seeing that Fujimiya remained unmoved, Lin Natsumi began to undress herself, afraid that she was not proactive enough and would be disliked by Fujimiya.

"Stop! Put your clothes on!"

Fujimiya snapped at him, then opened the window to calm himself down; he wasn't in the mood for such things.

"ごめんなさい!"

Seeing that the other party was unhappy, Lin Natsumi quickly apologized to Fujimiya.

"As a woman of the Great Japanese Empire, how could you stoop to prostitution like those Koreans! You will bring shame upon your family, don't you know that!"

"Sir, I'm so sorry to have made you angry! But, but if I don't do this, I'll starve to death." Hearing Fujimiya's reprimand, Lin Natsumi also started to sob. Fujimiya's words had just severely hurt the last bit of self-esteem she had left.

"After my father died, the family was left with a huge debt. This was the only way to pay it off."

"Where is your brother? Did he just watch you do these things?" Fujimiya continued to question, but his tone was much lower. He realized that he had spoken too harshly just now. He was angry about the wounded, but there was no need to take it out on a woman.

"Both of my elder brothers died in battle in Manchuria, and my younger brother starved to death."

Hearing what Natsumi Hayashi said, Fujimiya swallowed back all the words he wanted to say, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, and he didn't know what to say.

Through the window, Fujimiya suddenly saw Colonel Noda's adjutant, Uehara, and someone sneaking into the car. Remembering what had happened recently, Fujimiya suddenly became alert.

"Don't do these things again."

Watching Uehara leave by car, Fujimiya gave Hayashi Natsumi 500 yen. Born into a prestigious family, Fujimiya was naturally not short of money, but of course, he could hardly understand the living conditions of the lower classes in Japan.

A large truck was parked in front of the detachment's warehouse, and several Chinese men in overcoats were carrying supplies out of the warehouse.

Firearms, medicine, bullets, and clothing were quickly loaded onto the truck.

Major Ueharaji was having a pleasant conversation with Zhang Shouguo. "Major Ueharaji, this is for Colonel Noda." Seeing that there were no outsiders around, Zhang Shouguo took out three thousand yen from his pocket and handed it to Ueharaji.

"This is yours."

He took out another 1,000 yen and stuffed it into Ueharaji's pocket. Then he gave each of the Japanese soldiers guarding the warehouse 100 yen. These were all "one of our own" and he had to take care of them.

"Well, it's a pleasure to work with you."