The Wind Rises in 1898: Becoming a Warlord Starting in Southeast Asia

Chapter 50 A Beautiful Woman Arrives

At such close range, even though the other party deliberately lowered their voice, Chen Feng's exceptional hearing allowed him to hear every single word.

The Independent Army has set a date for the siege: dawn the day after tomorrow. They have also assembled three thousand main forces.

Chen Feng immediately beckoned to Zhang Xiuwu, leaned close, and whispered urgently, "The Independent Army will attack the city at dawn the day after tomorrow. The main force will number three thousand. Quickly send Li Chenghua back to the camp and pass the message to Tian Gang, so that they can reach the designated tactical positions before then."

"clear!"

Zhang Xiuwu's eyes lit up, and after responding, he quickly walked to Li Chenghua's side and whispered the message to him.

Just as Zheng Mingsong recovered from his shock, he saw a burly man quickly turn and leave. He hurriedly asked in a low voice, "Brother Chen, has something happened?"

Chen Feng didn't answer, but instead stared intently at him: "You looked so serious just now, I'm afraid something important has happened?"

Zheng Mingsong hesitated for a long time before finally lowering his voice and revealing the news that the Independent Army was about to attack the city. His tone was urgent as he urged, "Brother Chen, no matter why you've come to the city, you should leave immediately. The army will attack the city the day after tomorrow. In the chaos of war, swords and spears will be indiscriminate. Even the best martial arts skills won't withstand a thousand troops; individual skill will be utterly useless!"

This fellow is alright to befriend; he doesn't hold back at all.

Chen Feng nodded inwardly, a faint smile playing on his lips: "Brother Zheng, rest assured, I already knew about this news and have made arrangements. You only need to do me one more favor: leave me two carriages tomorrow night."

"Ugh!"

Zheng Mingsong stomped his foot heavily, his face full of exasperation. "Brother Chen, why won't you listen to advice?"

"I have important business to attend to, and I cannot leave," Chen Feng said in a deep voice.

"You're asking for it, I can't be bothered with you anymore. When the Independent Army takes over the city, they'll definitely conduct a thorough investigation."

"If you're determined to get yourself killed, I'm not going to care anymore!"

Zheng Mingsong uttered a resentful remark and turned to leave, but after a few steps he turned back and added in a low voice, "If it really comes to a last resort, go hide at the Zheng family's trading company. My Zheng family has a close relationship with Liu Hengfu, and we can guarantee your safety."

"Thank you for your kindness, Brother Zheng!" Chen Feng bowed and thanked him, then gestured to Zhang Xiuwu, who led the group to follow Zheng's carriage towards the warehouse.

Zheng Mingsong let out another heavy sigh, turned around, and quickly walked away towards his own business.

Chen Feng nodded slightly as he watched his retreating figure, and then, following his memory, walked towards the hotel where he had previously stayed.

With a major battle imminent, the streets and alleys of the entire city of Malolos were filled with a deathly stillness and desolation.

The streets, which used to be bustling with pedestrians, were now deserted. Only patrols of the Spanish colonial army hurried by in orderly steps. Apart from them, not a single ordinary person could be seen.

In stark contrast to the deserted streets, the hotel was bustling with activity. A host of foreign businesspeople were using it as a temporary refuge during this chaotic time, and all sorts of people crowded into the lobby, creating a noisy atmosphere.

Chen Feng walked straight to the counter and asked in a deep voice, "Charles, is the room I stayed in last time still available?"

Charles looked up, paused for a moment before recognizing him, then took out a brass key from the drawer and said with a smile in fluent Mandarin, "You're extremely lucky; this is the only room left in the entire hotel."

"Same as always, three steaks and a bottle of red wine," Chen Feng said casually as he took the keys.

"The lobby and restaurant are full, so we can only take you to your room." Charles gestured with his chin towards the restaurant, his gaze seemingly meaningful, and then suddenly added, "Chen, I envy you."

Chen Feng thought he was referring to Zheng Mingsong's request to put the bill on the tab, so he didn't take it to heart. He turned his head and looked at the restaurant, which was already full of people, with red hair, brown hair, blonde hair, and black hair, but no familiar faces.

He had originally intended to stay downstairs and eavesdrop on the conversations to see if he could glean any unexpected information, but seeing the situation, he could only nod helplessly: "Then take it to the room!"

Pushing open the door, the furnishings inside remained unchanged, not a single detail altered.

Chen Feng lit a candle, walked a few steps to the window, lifted a corner of the heavy curtain, and looked straight at the Spanish military camp not far away.

Most of the barracks inside the camp were empty, and the flags were askew, indicating that most of the troops had been dispatched to other areas for defense.

He then turned his gaze to the church on the street corner. The afterglow of the setting sun fell on the church spire, where three priests, two elderly and one young, were bowing their heads and making pre-meal prayers.

Shortly after, a knock came at the door, and a waiter entered with steak and red wine. He put down the plate and bowed before leaving.

Chen Feng poured himself a glass of red wine, leaned against the window, gently swirled the glass, and let his mind work.

What the US military wanted was to destroy the San Antonio supply depot ahead of schedule.

He himself had to get the gold from the church first before rushing to provide support.

As for whether George Dewey will blame us, there's no need to worry too much. Connor has already been fed and will surely come up with a good excuse. As long as we can complete the mission in the end, that's enough.

How can we get our hands on that batch of gold?

Chen Feng casually forked a piece of steak, stuffed it into his mouth, and chewed it while his brows furrowed slightly.

Once the independence army attacks the city, the Spanish army will surely mobilize all its troops, leaving the area around the church undefended and easy to enter.

Although the church was not large, finding gold in the basement in a short time was by no means easy.

unless……

Marilyn knew the exact location of the gold.

Just then, a series of urgent knocks sounded on the door.

Chen Feng frowned and asked in a deep voice, "Who?"

"It's me!"

Marilyn stood in front of the door, biting her lower lip tightly with her teeth, her fingertips clenched until they turned white.

A few days ago, she endured countless internal struggles before finally tiptoeing to the door of this guest room in the middle of the night and mustering up the courage to knock.

But the room remained completely silent, without the slightest response.

She only learned from Charles the next day that Chen Feng had already checked out, and she felt empty and depressed.

He had considered giving up, but the allure of gold was too strong to resist, which is why he repeatedly instructed Charles to inform him immediately if Chen Feng came again.

"What's this woman doing here?"

Chen Feng muttered to himself, somewhat confused, but still stepped forward and opened the door.

As soon as the door was pushed open a crack, Marilyn couldn't wait to squeeze in sideways.

Chen Feng subconsciously took a step back, his gaze sweeping over her body. He then realized that the woman's attire today was almost identical to that of the woman in his dream that day. She wore a snow-white, tight-fitting bodice underneath a semi-transparent silk blouse, and a close-fitting black mini-skirt. Her snow-white skin was dazzling in the candlelight.

Marilyn lowered her head and closed the door behind her, her ears burning red, her voice barely audible: "Chen, do you believe in love at first sight?"

What the hell?

There's no such thing as love at first sight in this world, only lust at first sight!

Startled, Chen Feng took two steps back and instinctively blurted out in Mandarin, "I only believe in feelings that grow over time!"