Chapter 123: Seeking Cooperation With You
Zuo Mingquan put down the phone receiver and excitedly rubbed his hands together.
Zhang Zixian, standing nearby, asked strangely, “Fourth Uncle, what’s wrong with you?”
“What’s wrong.” Zuo Mingquan said domineeringly, “This time I can settle scores with those who have grievances against me and take revenge on enemies.”
“Notify Ling Jiang to gather all team members, everyone fully loaded with ammunition, I’m going to flatten Zhang Xiaolin’s Great World today.”
Ever since Action Team Captain Liu Chang was beaten to death by Chen Yang, Deputy Captain Ling Jiang had taken over his position.
Zhang Zixian hesitated and said, “Fourth Uncle, shouldn’t you think it over again? I’ve been to the Great World.”
“From what I know, they have over a thousand employees there, at least over a hundred just watching the venue.”
“We only have three action teams, a few dozen people in total.”
“If it really comes to a firefight, we won’t have the advantage.”
“Does he dare?” Zuo Mingquan said in a deep voice, “I’m acting on official orders now. If he dares to make a move, I’m just worried I won’t have the chance to kill him on the spot.”
“Officer Chen said that if we can’t get this venue back, the Nanjing Special Affairs Committee’s reputation will be ruined.”
“After that, we won’t be able to stand in Shanghai anymore.”
“Fourth Uncle, we’re not hooligans, why care about that.” Zhang Zixian was somewhat puzzled.
Zuo Mingquan glared and said, “What do you know? What’s the difference between us and hooligans.”
“Isn’t it just having an extra gun at our waist? If we’re bullied by a local gang, how will others look at us?”
“Your Fourth Uncle can overlook small matters with them, but if it escalates to this point, can I back down?”
“If I retreat, Officer Chen will shoot me dead.”
“And besides, the matter of capturing his elder brother last time still hasn’t been settled. If we handle this beautifully, maybe Officer Chen will let it go in a moment of happiness.”
“But if we mess it up, heh heh.”
Zhang Zixian asked curiously, “What will happen then?”
Zuo Mingquan sneered, “Old and new accounts settled together. If we’re lucky, we’ll pack our things and prepare to roll back to Nanjing.”
“If we’re unlucky, we’ll find a nice feng shui spot right here and keep each other company.”
“Gulp.” Zhang Zixian subconsciously swallowed saliva, not knowing if Zuo Mingquan was serious or not.
“Alright, go arrange it quickly.” Zuo Mingquan patted Zhang Zixian’s shoulder, “Whatever happens, Fourth Uncle has your back, don’t worry.”
“Yes.”
Shanghai, City God Temple, Dexing Restaurant…
The threshold of the VIP Hall “Pine Crane Pavilion” in Dexing Restaurant was like an invisible boundary, isolating the noisy and bustling street atmosphere of the City God Temple outside.
Dexing Restaurant was an old establishment with history, and its decoration style was somewhat heavy.
The four walls were covered with dark teak panels, polished to a shine.
High on the walls hung several exquisitely framed landscape calligraphy and paintings, the ink appearing somewhat dim under the soft lights.
From the ceiling hung a Western crystal chandelier with a brass frame, its layered glass pendants refracting light, illuminating the hall brightly.
Ceiling fan blades rotated slowly overhead, stirring a complex atmosphere mixed with aged wood fragrance, expensive perfume, and lingering dish aromas.
In the center of the hall was a massive round table surface covered with a snow-white linen tablecloth.
The heavy rosewood base was carved with the pattern of the Three Stars of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity.
On the dining table were complete sets of Jingdezhen blue-and-white fine porcelain tableware, shiny silver knives and forks, and sparkling high-stemmed glass cups, gleaming under the lights.
In the center, a cloisonné large vase held several late-blooming white chrysanthemums, their petal edges slightly curled, revealing a subtle sense of decay.
Such old restaurants usually have their own regular patrons.
Dexing Restaurant was no exception. At this moment, several middle-aged men in luxurious clothes were seated in the VIP Hall.
Most of this group were around fifty, with arrogant expressions.
The valuable ornaments on them combined could easily buy ten Dexing Restaurants.
“Boss Shen, on a day that’s neither holiday nor festival, suddenly inviting us here—has something happened?” The speaker was Yu Bingwen, a Chaoshan man and one of the Bagudang members.
This man was a famous opium businessman in Shanghai. Ever since Sanxin Company monopolized the opium business, members of these big Bagudang had become much more low-key.
This old-name Dexing Restaurant was their usual gathering place.
However, they didn’t gather often, and sudden gatherings like today were rare.
Shen Xing Shan gently placed the bracelet he was fiddling with on the table and said, “Everyone, a few days ago someone sent me a great gift.”
“I was originally going to agree, but I felt this matter should be discussed with you all.”
“Great gift?” Yang Zaitian asked puzzledly, “What gift could catch Boss Shen’s eye?”
Shen Xing Shan said slowly, “The approval document for Customs General Administration Supervisor Commissioner.”
“What does that mean?” Yang Zaitian and Yu Bingwen glanced at each other, both somewhat confused.
Ji Yunqing reacted first, “Someone wants to move against Zhang Xiaolin?”
Shen Xing Shan nodded. Originally, the opium business was theirs, but later Boss Du let the small Bagudang snatch it away.
After Shen Xing Shan became in-laws with Huang Jinlong, he simply handed the opium business to Sanxin Company.
Last year war broke out, Huang Jinlong unwilling to serve the Japanese hid away pretending to be mad and foolish.
Boss Du had gone to Hong Kong Island and probably wouldn’t return for a short time.
Now in Shanghai, Zhang Xiaolin called the shots. This supervisor commissioner sent an approval document to Shen Xing Shan, with an obvious purpose: to cooperate with him to take down the tiger.
“There’s such a good thing? Of course I have no objection.” Yu Bingwen smiled and said, revealing the huge gold tooth in his mouth.
Ji Yunqing pondered, “Is this person reliable?”
“I’m just afraid that instead of killing the tiger, we’ll be harmed by it.”
Shen Xing Shan hesitated, “I’m not sure, but since he dares to challenge Zhang Xiaolin, he must have some ability.”
“I’m here today to ask everyone’s opinion.”
Ji Yunqing, as a Green Gang elder brother, had been around Shanghai for decades.
His understanding of Zhang Xiaolin was deeper than anyone else present.
This was a ruthless guy. If provoked, he wouldn’t show mercy.
After thinking for a long time, Ji Yunqing slowly said, “Boss Shen, I want to know what we can get.”
Shen Xing Shan said, “He promised to return the opium business to us, and the rest goes to him!”
Ji Yunqing sneered, “So he wants Zhang Xiaolin’s territory and business. What a big appetite.”
“But he might actually be able to swallow it. I don’t mind helping him.”
“There’s a saying that fits: the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
Everyone nodded frequently upon hearing this.
Shen Xing Shan said amiably, “Since everyone has no objections, I’ll take the first step.”
“Boss Shen, take care.” Everyone hurriedly stood to see him off.
Shen Xing Shan picked up his cane and briefcase, gradually walking away.
Shanghai, Jinling Hotel, second floor, Thousand Li Landscape.
Thousand Li Landscape was the best private room on the second floor of Jinling Hotel.
Shen Xing Shan leaned on his cane and ascended to the second floor along the carved spiral staircase.
“Boss Shen,” Just at the staircase entrance, a strange voice rang out—it was the sound of a foreigner speaking stiff Chinese.
Shen Xing Shan looked up upon hearing this and saw two French people in Western-style clothing approaching him from not far away.
“Mr. Pi Shaona, Mr. Bogus, how come you two are here?” Shen Xing Shan was somewhat surprised after recognizing them.
These two were directors of the French Concession Municipal Council—one was Bogus in charge of the taxation department, the other Pi Shaona of the finance department.
“Here to see a friend.” Pi Shaona looked at Shen Xing Shan and said, “Our goal should be the same as Boss Shen’s.”
“Boss Shen, we’ve finished our business. Please go ahead.”
Shen Xing Shan cupped his hands to the two, growing increasingly curious about this Chen commissioner he hadn’t met yet.
Walking a few steps forward along the soft Persian carpet and turning another corner, he saw a handsome young man already waiting at the private room door not far away.
The host greeting guests was basic etiquette, and Chen Yang was no exception.
Seeing Shen Xing Shan’s arrival, the smile on Chen Yang’s face grew even wider.
As long as he was willing to come, this cooperation was already half done; the rest was just about distributing interests.
“Boss Shen, I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Commissioner Chen is truly young and promising.” Shen Xing Shan moved his cane to his left hand and stepped forward to shake hands warmly with Chen Yang.
“Boss Shen is too kind. Please come in.”
Waiters waiting on both sides pushed open the thick private room door.
Chen Yang slightly bowed and made an inviting gesture. Shen Xing Shan didn’t stand on ceremony and slowly stepped inside.
The private room door slowly closed, instantly isolating all outside sounds as it shut tight.
“What does Boss Shen like to drink, old wine or red wine?” The room’s serving cart was already prepared with many types of alcohol.
Whether whiskey favored by foreigners, or baijiu and huangjiu preferred by Chinese people, or champagne and red wine popular in high society, everything was available.
Shen Xing Shan waved his hand and said, “Commissioner Chen, no need to trouble yourself. What did you invite me here for today?”
Chen Yang sat opposite Shen Xing Shan and said, “Since the founding of the Republic, the government has issued several 《anti-opium orders》. Boss Shen should know this, right?”
Shen Xing Shan smiled impassively, “I’m just a law-abiding businessman who never touches illegal things.”
Chen Yang smiled, “Boss Shen is a man of the world. May I ask if you know how much opium the French sell to us Chinese every year?”
Shen Xing Shan was slightly stunned and laughed, “How would I know about such things?”
Chen Yang said slowly, “At least fifty thousand cases.”
“According to their commission ratio, just from opium, they earn five million silver dollars.”
“So much money flowing into the French people’s pockets is something the new government doesn’t want to see.”
“Banning opium is a top priority. I’ve received instructions from Nanjing to rectify officialdom and prohibit opium proliferation.”
“So, I think we can cooperate.”
Shen Xing Shan smiled slightly, instantly grasping the key point in Chen Yang’s words.
Five million silver dollars falling into the French people’s pockets—that was the main point.
