Chapter 36: We Can’t Touch Him
Ino Yusuke couldn’t help but exclaim: “Minister, Assistant Chen is too arrogant.”
“He just has some background from the Osaka Chamber of Commerce. Where does he get the confidence to deal with these people?”
“Even if we take ten thousand steps back, even if he really has the ability to swallow the wharf in the French Concession, the four major wharves in Chinese Territory each have their own forces. What gives him the right?”
Suzuhara Shingo smiled faintly: “What gives him the right? Of course, it’s us.”
Ino Yusuke asked suspiciously: “Us? What do you mean?”
Minister Suzuhara sighed: “Yusuke, what method do you think there is to let Assistant Chen take control of these wharves?”
Ino Yusuke said: “I think it’s very difficult. These wharves in Chinese Territory have long been occupied by various forces. If he wants to stand out, he has to risk offending everyone.”
“Moreover, even if he takes them, how can he be sure others won’t come back to kill him?”
“You’re right,” Minister Suzuhara nodded: “So, at this time, he needs to borrow the intervention of a third-party force.”
“Let all the wharves fall into chaos. Only chaos can break the existing order.”
“Only then will he have the opportunity to grab the wharves.”
Suzuhara Shingo raised the envelope in his hand: “Do you really think he just simply asked you to give me the letter to let me know about these four wharves?”
“He wants to see my cards.”
Ino Yusuke was silent for a moment before suddenly saying: “Minister, Assistant Chen doesn’t want you to take action against these wharf forces, does he?”
Suzuhara Shingo smiled: “You’re not too stupid. That’s exactly what he plans.”
“Yamada-kun’s security composite team is in charge of stability on the streets.”
“But to make a move on these four wharves, Yamada-kun alone definitely can’t do it.”
“Unless the higher-ups at Gendarmerie Headquarters intend to reorganize the wharf order.”
“He wants to use this opportunity to see how far I can go. Heh, not simple. He’s already calculating how many cards I have.”
Ino Yusuke was silent for a while before slowly saying: “Minister, do you think this Assistant Chen is really suitable to be our partner?”
“I always feel this man has too deep a mind, profound scheming, and terrifying calculations. Once we let him grow big, it will be hard for us to control him later.”
Suzuhara Shingo asked gently: “Yusuke, what are your thoughts?”
Ino Yusuke said: “Since he proposed the idea, perhaps we can follow his idea and find some people who are easy to control to do it.”
“I think the risk might be smaller that way.”
Suzuhara Shingo looked at Ino Yusuke and decisively shook his head: “Yusuke, you won’t find a second person to replace him.”
“Because our faction is destined not to openly control all the wharves in Shanghai. That would arouse the wariness of countries like Britain, America, and France.”
“Only Chinese people can do this, and now it seems Assistant Chen is the best choice.”
“If you change to someone else, can you be sure they have such ability?”
“Alright, since we’ve selected a partner, we should give the other side a certain degree of trust. Otherwise, cooperation will be hard to continue.”
“Yusuke, go discuss with Ando-kun. Recently, have the Joint Special Higher Police Affairs focus on the security issues at these wharves.”
“Those anti-Japanese elements come and go at the wharves without any scruples. They should be dealt with.”
“Mm, have him submit an investigation report as soon as possible.”
Ino Yusuke opened his mouth, but didn’t say anything. He respectfully bowed and turned to leave the office.
Suzuhara Shingo stood in front of the map, hands clasped behind his back, quietly looking at the full panorama map of Shanghai.
After a while, he seemed to have made a decision. He took a few documents from the table, pushed open the office door, and went all the way to the top floor.
He looked up at the nameplate hanging above the office door. Suzuhara Shingo straightened his clothes, then gently knocked on the door.
A majestic voice came from inside: “Come in.”
Suzuhara Shingo pushed open the door: “Commander Your Excellency, the Logistics Department has some work that needs to be reported to you.”
Shanghai, Three Horse Road, Zhang Mansion.
This was the residence of Shanghai tycoon Zhang Xiaolin.
In the living room, Zhang Xiaolin looked at Song Zushan who had rushed over in a hurry, his face gloomy as if water could drip from it.
“Tell me, what’s going on?” Zhang Xiaolin pointed to the newspaper on the tea table: “I want to know who is so bold as to oppose me?”
Song Zushan took a breath: “Boss, we’ve investigated. The one who made the move is Boss Cao’s disciple, named Lin Xueyi.”
“Lin Xueyi?” Zhang Xiaolin repeated it several times, still with some confusion in his eyes. He really had no impression of this name.
Almost none of the prominent gangsters in Shanghai were called this name.
Song Zushan seemed to see Zhang Xiaolin’s doubt and quickly explained: “Boss, this Lin Xueyi is not some remarkable figure.”
“He’s just an ordinary gangster at Sixteen Rows Wharf.”
“Sixteen Rows Wharf? You mean the wharf that Xu Biao took over?” Zhang Xiaolin still remembered Xu Biao.
“Yes, but Xu Biao died of a sudden illness some time ago. This Lin Xueyi used some means to take over Xu Biao’s position.”
“Xie Yuankui probably wanted to take this opportunity to plant his flag on the other side’s wharf, but ended up being countered.”
“Good, I didn’t expect there to still be someone in Shanghai who dares to touch my Zhang Xiaolin’s people.” Zhang Xiaolin’s face turned cold, and he said in a deep voice: “Gather the brothers. Today we’ll settle him. I want to see if this Lin Xueyi has eaten bear heart and leopard gall.”
Song Zushan clasped his fists: “Yes, Boss. I’ll go arrange it right away.”
“Ding ling ling, ding ling ling.” Suddenly, the telephone in the living room rang.
The butler at the side very tactfully picked up the phone: “Zhang Mansion. May I ask who you are?”
The next moment, the butler trembled all over, and his tone instantly became extremely respectful.
He handed the receiver to Zhang Xiaolin: “Master, there’s a call for you. It’s Minister Suzuhara from Gendarmerie Headquarters.”
Zhang Xiaolin was slightly stunned. Suzuhara Shingo had no relation to him at all. Why would he call here?
However, he didn’t dare to neglect it and quickly stepped forward to take the phone.
“Hello, Minister Suzuhara. This is Zhang Xiaolin.”
“Mm, there’s such a matter.”
“Minister, rest assured. I know what to do.”
After hanging up, Zhang Xiaolin was like a deflated ball, unable to muster any energy.
Song Zushan cautiously stepped forward: “Boss, has something happened?”
Zhang Xiaolin glanced at Song Zushan and said listlessly: “Pass the order: don’t let anyone touch Xinkaihe Wharf.”
“This matter ends here.”
Song Zushan was shocked. No one in all of Shanghai could make Boss Zhang suffer such a big loss and not dare to retaliate.
What ability does this Lin Xueyi really have?
“Boss, does this Lin Xueyi have some issue?”
Zhang Xiaolin glanced at Song Zushan, a bitter smile appearing at the corner of his mouth: “This Lin fellow has Japanese behind him. We can’t touch him.”
