Chapter 366: I Call the Shots in Hong Kong

Soft music echoed in the gorgeously decorated, massive room. Many foreigners and Chinese, dressed in exquisite formal wear, paced around the room, holding expensive red wine, champagne, and the like, occasionally finding people to chat with. In the center, men and women were dancing ballroom dances to the rhythm of the music. On both sides, there were long tables full of food, with various Western foods, Eastern pastries, and so on spread out. Chinese waiters went back and forth, occasionally adding food and providing drinks.

This was the banquet hall of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Central, which had been built and put into use only a few years ago. An iconic Western cold buffet banquet was being held. The protagonist of the banquet was the newly appointed Governor, MacLehose.

In a corner, a man also dressed in formal wear, with a slicked-back hairstyle and an uninhibited demeanor, sat on the sofa, the plate on the table in front of him piled high with food. He ate heartily, occasionally taking a few sips of wine.

William, the Deputy Commissioner of Operations of the police force, who was smoking a big cigar, looked helplessly at the man eating and drinking heartily: "Wang, I think you should give the Governor some face."

"Aren't you doing the same?"

"You know, I'm retiring next year. Here I am the Deputy Commissioner, back home I am a wealthy man. In the words of you Chinese, that is called 'having no desires makes one strong'."

This old boy was of course not really as "having no desires makes one strong" as he licked his face and said. The fundamental reason was that he couldn't reach the position of Commissioner of Police, and he had earned enough. If he could earn for a few more years, he guaranteed that he would be another face.

"What is called giving face? Actively go up and beg to say a few words to him? Look at those people who are bowing." Wang Yan gestured towards the direction of MacLehose, who was surrounded in the center, and then continued to eat and drink: "I really haven't eaten, and I can only eat leftovers when I get home. The craftsmanship of these chefs today is not bad, it's a pity to waste it, so of course I'm eating my fill here before going back."

Whether it was a Western cold buffet or an Eastern drinking party, in so-called formal occasions, people basically wouldn't move much food, mainly relying on drinking and chatting.

It wasn't that he was unconventional and attracted attention. If he wasn't high enough, then needless to say, he would act like a grandson if he had to. But now, to a certain extent, he was the rule-maker. It was not bad that he could come. He didn't have the hobby of not eating when there was food and having to be hungry. Now that he was eating like this, many people said "Wang Sheng is truly authentic"...

"Wang, I heard that he seems to want to clean up corruption and engage in clean government."

"I heard that too, why aren't you in a hurry at all?"

William laughed out loud: "As long as he's not crazy, he won't investigate to my level. And, Wang, you know, I just participated in more of your Long Teng's prize-winning activities, all of which are regular and legal. What did I do wrong? You know the situation of the police force better than anyone, and what you did before, he must want to rectify, and the one most affected is you."

This laughter was somewhat gloating, actually it was also very normal, after all, he had been a puppet for so many years, it was impossible not to have some resentment. Now seeing the fire burning on him, naturally there was some small happiness.

Glancing at him, Wang Yan shook his head and said: "Whatever moves he makes, it doesn't matter. I'll just take it as it comes."

The two of them were hiding here for leisure, and no one came to disturb them. Wang Yan took the initiative to sit in the corner, the signal was very clear, that is, he didn't want to deal with it boringly. Most of the people present were human spirits, and no one rushed to find trouble, just occasionally saying hello when passing by.

However, this leisure was destined to be unavoidable. MacLehose was observing the situation in the field, and at a glance, he saw Wang Yan eating and drinking in the corner, and William, who was smoking a big cigar gracefully beside him. He immediately said a few words to the people around him, and walked over with a few people with a smile.

Seeing this scene, William didn't say a word, stood up, nodded to MacLehose to say hello, and walked away directly and simply to hide for leisure on the side. He said that he wouldn't be found, but it was better for him to hover less in front of the big leader.

"Wang, your appetite is really good, which makes people of my age very envious." MacLehose sat beside Wang Yan naturally and spoke with some humor.

The two had met before, but they didn't say much, just introduced by someone, which was considered checking in.

Wang Yan wiped his mouth with a paper towel with a chuckle, raised his glass to signal: "This is thanks to you, sir. The food today is delicious. It's not easy to eat so much usually, so I ate a little more."

"If possible, I would be like you too." MacLehose laughed and clinked glasses with Wang Yan.

After drinking, he said: "I heard your name in London, Wang, you are really an amazing young man. Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world. Before I came, I thought it was bragging, but after really seeing it, I found that maybe that 'one of' should be removed. This is your credit, you have an indelible contribution."

"You're overpraising me. As the Chief Chinese Detective, this is what I should do."

"They all say that Chinese people are humble, Wang, you are so mature, it really doesn't fit the huge achievements you have made at your age of less than forty."

"Oh? Then what should I say to fit it?" Wang Yan looked at him with a chuckle: "I call the shots in Hong Kong? What do you think?"

"That's better to be humble." MacLehose was stunned for a moment, laughed to relieve the embarrassment, and changed the subject: "However, Wang, there is one thing I don't know if you are clear about."

"You say."

"I heard that your Chinese police officers are brothers with those who violate the law and commit crimes, and they also take their money, allowing them to operate various illegal places. And there is a unified model, drawing a percentage according to the turnover, and at the same time collecting market management fees from ordinary citizens. You should know, Wang?"

Wang Yan looked at the young man standing on the side with a chuckle: "Sir, this young man can be by your side, I think he is also a young talent, why don't you introduce him to me?"

"Oh, sorry, Wang, this is my negligence." MacLehose pointed to the young man: "His name is Yan Fu, graduated from Oxford University, proficient in law..."

After listening to his pile of praise for this Yan Fu, Wang Yan nodded, staring straight at Yan Fu: "If I remember correctly, your old man is Yan Tong?"

"Wang Sheng's memory is really good, I didn't expect that after so many years, you can still remember."

Yan Fu was a little surprised, surprised that a person in such a high position as Wang Yan could remember the son of a defeated opponent.

"Kid, teach you a little, you must remember it well. Treat enemies, when you are not as good as others, you must learn to hide. I don't like your eyes very much. Maybe you don't know, I am very interested in I Ching, and I have some achievements. If you look at me with that kind of eyes again, I guarantee you will have a bloody disaster today."

MacLehose shook his head and patted Yan Fu, signaling him to be at ease: "Wang, I have also heard about the matter between his father and you. Although everyone says that you secretly harmed his father, I believe you. He was just young at that time, and it is understandable that he has some misunderstandings about you. After all, he can have what he has now, or your Long Teng acquired their industry, so that he can concentrate on his studies without worry."

"Of course, I was just joking with him." Glancing at Yan Fu, who lowered his head and dared not look at him, Wang Yan smiled: "I do know the situation you just mentioned. It's not that I'm shirking responsibility, but since you found Yan Tong's son to help you do things, you should also understand that this situation existed before I joined the police force. And Yan Tong, he was once one of the people who earned the most money. You should also be clear about the public security situation in Hong Kong before. Although I dare not call it indelible, I have contributed to the peace of Hong Kong today."

"Since you said this, and found Yan Tong's son to do things, I think you already have ideas. Governor, I don't know if it's convenient to tell me."

"Of course, Wang. Actually, you don't have to think too much, there is absolutely no intention to target you. This time, not only the police force, but other departments must also be vigorously rectified. To be a clean public service team and improve the efficiency of the Hong Kong government. I decided to establish a separate department responsible to me, giving it special authority, specializing in the clean government work of public officials."

Wang Yan nodded, indicating understanding. This was very clear, that is, to start from the police force, the most powerful violent department in Hong Kong. After destroying the biggest one, the remaining people would not be afraid.

It could also be said that it was to deal with him, Wang Mou. After all, this MacLehose had already understood the situation before he came to take office, and found Yan Tong's son to do things, which was obviously aimed at him.

Of course, he would not move him, even if he openly earned black money, he would not move him. After all, Long Teng's scale was there. Although there was no such enterprise in history, there was one now, and it was indispensable. If Long Teng was turbulent, the whole of Hong Kong would be affected. They would not be so unable to think, looking for trouble for themselves.

It was mainly to move those Chinese police officers, strike the backbone of them, so that the police force could not be twisted into a rope, and could not gather to protest or riot. After all, he had instigated a grand protest before, and this time it was related to personal interests, so it was impossible for foreigners not to guard against him coming for another protest.

This was an open and honest anti-corruption, he could not intervene to stop it, let alone help. Then, as a result, it would inevitably lead to his alienation from the police officers. Coupled with the start of cracking down on yellow, gambling, and drugs, so that the bottom-level police officers had no extra money and earned less, then he, the Chinese number one, was the first responsible person.

Police officers would not think about whether this money was right or wrong, what they cared about was that the money that should have reached their hands was gone, and so many brothers were arrested. As the Chinese number one, he was indifferent, so why support him? Even if he provided work for the families of these police officers and provided them with extra welfare, it would not prevent them from blaming him because of their own losses. So after this, for him, it was a major blow, after all, his foundation was these people in the police force.

The Hong Kong government and even the British government did not allow such a powerful person to exist. It was also mainly because his existence affected many things, after all, to a certain extent, he was the representative of public opinion for Chinese in Hong Kong, which of course was not allowed.

As for why MacLehose told him openly, because there was really no need to cover up and hide. Establishing a new department, this kind of thing could not be hidden, saying it generously could also have a sense of achievement like a cat watching a mouse.

"I personally think this matter is very good, and I am also very supportive. But there is one point I have to remind you, Governor, there have been Kowloon riots before, and there have been 'June 25th Grand Protests'. Doing things to achieve results cannot be too impatient. And the most critical point is that the law does not blame the public. A small number of people may be nothing, but if all Chinese police officers feel dangerous, they gather together, and come for another police-ICAC conflict, that would not be good."

"Thank you for your reminder, I will definitely pay attention." MacLehose stood up with a chuckle, raised his glass to signal: "Wang, you continue to enjoy the food, there are still many colleagues you haven't met."

After clinking glasses and taking a sip, Wang Yan made a gesture: "Please."

MacLehose had just left, and William, who didn't know where he was hiding, seamlessly connected, looking at Wang Yan who was still eating heartily: "Wang, how is it? Did you probe anything?"

"He said he wanted to establish a new department, give it special privileges, and specialize in the clean government work of public officials. He also chatted with me about the police force taking money, and talked about Yan Tong."

Listening to his faint voice, William wondered: "He wants to fix you, Wang, why aren't you worried at all?"

"What's the use of worrying? It depends on what is done."

Ignoring the old boy who was watching the show, Wang Yan continued to eat and drink heartily...

MacLehose's movements were fast, and his wrists were also hard. After four months of clearing up all the work, mastering absolute right to speak, and making the name of the Governor well-deserved, he directly went through the procedures to establish the ICAC.

Everyone knew this news, but no one took it seriously. Foreigners didn't take it seriously because most of them knew that they wouldn't handle them. Chinese didn't take it seriously, of course, mainly the police force. The Chinese in the police force didn't take it seriously because they felt it was useless. After all, there were anti-corruption departments in every police station, but after so many years, they hadn't seen anyone anti-corruption.

Wang Yan knew that this time it was for real. As early as a few months ago, after the banquet ended, he gathered all the Chinese detectives and told them about this matter. But they didn't take his words seriously, and even gave him high hats, saying that with Brother Yan, everything was worry-free.

Until the ICAC handled a few light and heavy foreigners at the speed of light, and in the name of reorganizing the police force, promoted him, the Chief Chinese Detective, to Superintendent, and transferred him to the police academy to be in charge of the selection and training of police officers, and at the same time, he had to select outstanding talents to establish an elite team.

There was no other meaning, just to transfer him away, not to let him directly control the Chinese police officers. In order to appease him, the department of the police academy was sent to him, and the so-called elite team was considered to give him real power.

Unlike Lei Luo being transferred to engage in police equipment, foreigners did not dare to tease him excessively, so they did not dare to get him to any civilian department as a supervisor, and still gave him corresponding real power. Besides, the police academy had long been infiltrated by him, and the foreigners had checked it once, but no one had been handled. After all, the police academy did not collect regular fees, only the money given by Wang Yan, and it was impossible to leave any loopholes. It was also like this, directly making him the big brother of the police academy, and then letting him train an elite team, with status and real power, and within the rules, he had to recognize it.

However, compared to his power as Chief Chinese Detective, it was really too far behind.

After he was transferred away, when the foreigners began to want to arrest Lan Gang, Han Sen, and Li Yiwen, those detectives of all sizes were really afraid, knowing that this time it was for real.

Lan Gang and the three of them were Chief Detectives, and they received a lot of black money. They once had factories, and their family background was thick enough. After Wang Yan's reminder at that time, they took it to heart, and had long begun to study running away. Noticing that it was for real, they ran away directly. Of course, they didn't forget to say hello to Wang Yan before running, otherwise they wouldn't be at ease. They knew how big Wang Yan's power was. If he didn't agree, they couldn't get out at all. Even if they were lucky enough to get out, they were destined to die in a foreign land in the end.

It should have been that the three of them were dead, but considering that they had been conscientious and honest for so many years, Wang Yan did not stop them, and let them leave Hong Kong after leaving a large sum of money for filial piety.

But Lan Gang and the others could run, those detectives could run, but they didn't have as much money as those Chief Detectives, and their daily life was relatively luxurious. They didn't have much money in their hands, and they couldn't live for a long time after running out with their families. A group of detectives had no choice but to find Wang Yan, the big brother, hoping that the big brother would come forward to protect them.

Kowloon, Yau Ma Tei, King's Park Hill. A place with a huge area, five buildings of different heights, connected by aerial corridors. On the big stone standing at the door, "Police Personnel Leisure and Entertainment Center" was written in a dragon-flying and phoenix-dancing way, and there was also Long Teng's logo next to it. This was the welfare place provided by Wang Yan, the big brother, to his subordinates, which was just completed two years ago. Shooting, fitness, swimming, singing, drinking, bathing, etc., etc. Of course, this was a very serious entertainment center, without any "work".

It was all welfare, so of course it was free, and it was impossible for tens of thousands of people to play here every day, so relatively speaking, it didn't cost much money. Just show your ID, all free.

Choosing here was also for the sake of all police officers. After all, many police officers lived far away. If it was built on the main island, it would not be very convenient, so it was built in the bustling Yau Ma Tei as a compromise.

In the conference room on the top floor of the main building, Wang Yan was smoking, his eyes looking into the distance along the floor-to-ceiling windows. It was less than two kilometers away, and he could see the seaside of the typhoon shelter, and the cargo ships on the sea. It was a bit hazy, but the scenery was still good.

"Brother Yan, you have to help us."

A detective complained for a long time, and finally said the last sentence.

Wang Yan turned back and slowly swept across the dozens of detectives who were clearly divided into two camps in the field. Now there were two factions in the field, one was promoted by him in recent years, and the other was the detectives who had defected before. They were all old qualifications, and these people were detectives before he took office. The ones who spoke and were about to be arrested were of course the previous detectives.

His special skills in knowing people and using people were full level. After so many years, except for some normal retirees, he basically combed through them up and down.

He had long thought of the current situation, so the detectives he promoted were all real doers, and their abilities were very strong. It was definitely impossible to let them fall down, after all, they were all talents he promoted and his iron-clad supporters. So the money they received, like Lei Luo, was handed over to Pig Oil Boy. After doing it for so many years, Pig Oil Boy was proficient in business and very safe.

The fire couldn't burn on himself, and everyone was hugging their arms and watching the show.

"Help you?" Wang Yan's eyes stopped on the detective who spoke: "Don't you know that I have been transferred to the police academy? They are even fixing me, you say how can I help you?"

"Brother Yan, then you can't just watch the brothers who have been with you for so many years all be locked in prison, right? How does this make the brothers below think?"

"Yes, Brother Yan, I heard that it seems to be a thorough investigation. Everyone up and down has a share. Now the brothers below are very restless. The Hong Kong government not only smashed our rice bowl, but also wanted to arrest all the brothers. You can't sit idly by, Brother Yan."

"Why don't we kill those people in the ICAC?"

"You can also let the brothers all go to the street, we will surround the Hong Kong government again, I don't believe MacLehose still dares to find trouble with our police force."

Through the last grand protest and the prestige of the police force over the years, they learned the means to fight for their own interests. If it didn't work, they would go to the street.

"Okay, don't shout anymore. Look at what you said, what is the difference from the little rogues on the street?"

After they quieted down, Wang Yan stood up and paced in the aisle, saying loudly: "They are all brothers, I will tell you the truth today. You know my status, and you also know the assassination I encountered. This time the clean government initiated by the ICAC is aimed directly at the police force. What for? To fix me. Who in Hong Kong and Kowloon doesn't know that I rely on the Chinese brothers in our police force to get up? My status is supported by 13,468 Chinese police officers in the police force and their families.

No matter when, I can never forget you and the brothers below who support me. Over the years, Long Teng has built houses, built hospitals, issued scholarships to children of brothers' families, and this comprehensive entertainment center under our feet, why? It is to repay the brothers for their trust and support for me.

But this time is different. Although it is aimed at me, I support it. Of course, it's not that I'm cowardly, let alone ungrateful. It's that this time, it's correct.

I believe you all know the harm of gambling and drugs. Even among you, many people like to gamble. If I hadn't broken the leg of a drug-addicted brother back then, I think there would be such people among you. Over the years, those societies have openly opened gambling stalls and sold white powder, causing how much harm to citizens, you also know. Don't tell me that no one forced them to gamble or take drugs, it was they who went themselves. How they were lured, how they became addicted, how their families were broken, you know those dirty things better than anyone.

Countless compatriots have embarked on a road of no return, living neither like humans nor ghosts. We are the biggest umbrella, and the brothers take this money. I ask you, is it not against your conscience to take this money?

And those vendors, can't you see how they live? And still scrape a layer of oil off them. Yes, the public security in your jurisdiction is very good, and you also actively help solve problems when citizens have them, but can doing these things offset the evil we have created?

You must want to say that I take the most, right? Long Teng's start-up relied on these regular fees, right? I can tell you very clearly that when I was making herbal tea bags in Tsz Wan Shan back then, I started with a loan of 5,000 yuan. To this day, I have never used that black money to do anything for myself. You know, Long Teng has always been doing charity, is the money I collected enough? How much can I do?

I am the biggest umbrella, I have responsibility. Among those who have been rescued by charity, there must be poor people who have been harmed by us to that point.

Don't think that what I said is high-sounding, I am in a high position. That has nothing to do with it, it's just that my conscience has been condemned for these years, and I dream of those victims coming to find me.

Early years I had this idea, but if I did this, how much resistance would there be, and how much the brothers would hate me, you can also think of. Now it's good, the ICAC wants to deal with the police force, deal with me. Then take this opportunity, I recognize it."

Wang Yan stopped his pace and looked at the detectives sitting on the side who were destined to be eliminated: "As for you, you should have earned enough for so many years, you should be content. Just go to jail for a few years, and you will be walking on the road openly again when you come out. Compared with Lan Gang and the others who can't return to Hong Kong for a lifetime, aren't you much better? The Correctional Services Department is all our own people, no matter where you are locked up, someone will take care of you. Except for not being free, I guarantee you will have whatever you want.

When you come out, you don't have to worry about retirement, I guarantee you will have no worries about food and clothing until you are buried, what else are you worried about? You can't really incite brothers to go to the street to surround the Governor's Mansion, right? And you must know that even if you really do that, there must be an explanation in the end. There are many bottom-level police officers, and they certainly cannot be moved, so you think about it yourself, do you have a choice?"

In fact, the Hong Kong government never thought about moving bottom-level police officers, so many people, there was no place to lock them up. Besides, his influence was there, and the consequence of moving bottom-level police officers was that no one could move.

The purpose was to suppress his influence by locking up all the current backbone members. Of course, they were not stupid, after all, those police families were still working for Long Teng and enjoying the welfare provided by Long Teng, so it was impossible to really defeat them, unless the Hong Kong government could provide equal or even higher treatment, but that was obviously impossible. It was nothing more than weakening it a little, so that he could no longer say "I call the shots in Hong Kong", which was the main thing.

However, the Hong Kong government was a bit wishful thinking. Perhaps they had an understanding of the police force before, but definitely not deep. Most importantly, they didn't understand what Wang Yan was thinking. A normal person would think, and wouldn't think that Wang Yan would be willing to give up that money.

Actively cooperating and fighting with the Hong Kong government, that is different...

Knowing that Wang Yan's mind was made up, they were bound to go to jail, and they couldn't resist, so they gave up the struggle.

However, someone still said: "Brother Yan, you are the biggest in the police force, and the brothers all listen to you. Since you said so, we have no room to object. Tomorrow we will go to the ICAC to surrender and explain the problems ourselves. But Brother Yan, after this time, our police force will definitely have to draw a line with those societies. According to your meaning, it will definitely be to sweep them. But without regular fees, the brothers' income will be reduced by a large margin, can they agree?"

"Hmm, I know what you said." Wang Yan nodded, then looked at others: "You go back and explain to the brothers below, let them not worry. I will go to talk to the Governor and think of other ways. Future income will definitely be less, but it will be clean and spent with peace of mind."

The detectives responded, and Wang Yan continued: "You all know who is selling drugs. Tomorrow, all of you will be dispatched to arrest all the big and small leaders who are selling drugs and opening gambling stalls in your respective jurisdictions. If there is resistance, you can shoot them on the spot. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir!"

"All disperse, go do things."

Wang Yan stood by the window, watching a group of Chinese detectives downstairs drive away, some going back to say goodbye to their families, settle their family affairs, and prepare to surrender tomorrow. Some were going to appease the police officers below, convey today's words, and at the same time prepare, starting tomorrow, sweeping drugs, sweeping gambling...

"Brother Yan, smoke." Lei Luo handed over a cigarette with a chuckle, and consciously lit it: "Congratulations, Brother Yan."

"I've been fixed to the police academy, what are you congratulating me for?"

"Congratulations on realizing what you said in the police academy back then, and this time you returned to the police academy as a leader. Although you were fixed, it can be considered a beginning and an end. Besides, you are so prestigious, even if you go to the police academy, don't the brothers still listen to you? It's just a name, no one cares."

Wang Yan patted his shoulder: "Not bad, we can really be good policemen in the future. Ah Luo, work hard."

"Don't worry, Brother Yan, I guarantee to catch all those rogue drug dealers and send them all to Stanley."

"How are those kids in your family? Haven't seen them for a long time."

... ===== CHAPTER 367 =====