Chapter 15: Black and White, Firmly in Hand

Lin Yu sat in the spacious office, looking around with satisfaction.

The solid wood desk was polished to a shine, matching the soft, comfortable leather chairs. On the wall hung a map of the Great Dry and a jurisdictional map of the Fourth Bureau; in the corner stood a rosewood tea table and a sofa. The windows were clear and clean, letting in excellent light—outside could be seen the bustling streets of the French Concession.

"What a wonderful life!" Lin Yu crossed his legs, relaxed.

It's a pity that Secretary Xiao Zhou, though capable, is ultimately a man. If we replaced him with a female secretary in black silk stockings and long legs, life would be even more perfect.

Just then, Xiao Zhou knocked lightly on the door: "Chief, someone named Ma San is requesting an audience."

"Oh?" Lin Yu's eyes lit up. "Let him in."

Moments later, Ma San strode into the office, tipped his hat upon seeing Lin Yu, and gave an honest smile: "Big brother! Everything's taken care of!"

"Tell me." Lin Yu gestured for him to sit.

"Those six Japanese dogs," Ma San grinned, "were all dealt with as you ordered—each had their three legs broken. Now they've been dumped at the entrance of the Health Union Association headquarters."

"Not bad." Lin Yu nodded, handed Ma San a cigarette, and said, "Ma San, I see you're promising material. Interested in doing something big?"

"As you say, big brother!" Ma San's eyes lit up.

"Take your brothers and set up a gang in Shen City." Lin Yu said slowly, "But remember, have no connection to the Fourth Bureau—understand?"

Ma San immediately understood: "Big brother, you mean……?"

"Exactly," Lin Yu smiled. "I want you to build your power in the shadows. On the surface, you're just an ordinary gang with no ties to the Fourth Bureau whatsoever."

"Brilliant!" Ma San's eyes lit up. "That way we can help you behind the scenes without implicating the Fourth Bureau."

"Exactly," Lin Yu nodded satisfactorily. "Pick your own gang name, find a turf to settle down. From now on, any shady business will be handed to you."

"Don't worry, big brother!" Ma San slapped his chest. "The brothers are all capable; I guarantee we'll make the gang big and strong."

"Go on," Lin Yu instructed. "Remember, when you see me later, act like you don't know me. How you develop is up to you."

"Understood!" Ma San cheerfully took his leave.

Lin Yu leaned back in his chair, squinting. Thus, openly he was the dignified Chief of the Fourth Bureau, while secretly he commanded an underground force. Matters inconvenient for the Fourth Bureau to handle could be left to Ma San and his crew.

Controlling both the black and white sides, Shen City would soon be his domain!

"Xiao Zhou," Lin Yu summoned his secretary, "tell me the current situation in Shen City."

Secretary Zhou immediately reported: "Shen City is divided into five concessions and one Chinese district. The French and British concessions are the most prosperous, the focal point of all factions."

"Shen City currently has three magnates: Zhang Wanlin, Du Yusheng, and Huang Genrong."

"Zhang Wanlin is Shen City's richest man, owning textile mills, docks, banks, etc., wielding great influence in both political and business circles. Though he appears a mere merchant, behind the scenes he maintains ties with all factions."

"Du Yusheng is the Green Gang boss, mainly controlling the docks and gambling houses. His influence spreads across all concessions—even foreigners have to give him face."

"Huang Genrong, meanwhile, is the Chinese merchant leader of the French Concession, primarily dealing in department stores and silk. He has close ties with the French, giving him considerable sway in the French Concession—especially with the few foreign directors of the Concession's Public Administration Bureau, who are practically his drinking buddies."

"Besides these three magnates, the British Concession also has Shen Sanquan, chief of the Azure Dragon Gang. This man is ruthless, commanding over a thousand thugs, making him the largest underground force in the British Concession."

"Moreover, each concession has its own gangs. The French Concession has the Health Union Association, the International Concession has the Hong Gang, and the Chinese district has a branch of the Green Gang…"

"Gangs often clash over territory and profit. Foreign intelligence agencies also operate covertly, especially the Japanese, whose activities have grown significantly in recent years."

Lin Yu listened, pondering: "So you're saying Shen City is now a jumble of dragons and snakes?"

"Yes," Secretary Zhou nodded. "All the powers are intertwined, checking each other. Although we the Fourth Bureau have law‑enforcement authority, we must still respond carefully."

"Heh," Lin Yu snorted. "That was the past! From today on, the heavens of Shen City will change!"

"By the way, Chief," Secretary Zhou said somewhat awkwardly, "there's another matter I need to report."

"Speak."

"The Fourth Bureau's account currently has less than three thousand taels," Secretary Zhou said, flipping the ledger. "By rights the Great Dry Dynasty should be disbursing monthly stipends, but because……."

He trailed off. Lin Yu understood: this was because the Fourth Bureau had been suddenly created by the system, and the stipend from above wouldn't arrive until next month.

"With over three hundred people to feed, house, and pay wages……," Secretary Zhou said helplessly, "this amount of money won't last long."

Lin Yu frowned, thought for a moment, then said: "Xiao Zhou, go prepare a batch of invitations."

"Invitations?"

"Yes," Lin Yu nodded. "In three days I'll hold a banquet at the San Yuan Restaurant and invite the prominent figures of the French Concession."

Secretary Zhou's eyes lit up: "I see. Boss Huang, Boss Liu, and the leaders of the various gangs…"

"Exactly," Lin Yu smiled. "As the newly appointed bureau chief, I ought to get to know the local bosses. The invitation will read: 'Chief Lin Yu of the Fourth Operations Bureau, respectfully invites your esteemed presence to exchange pleasantries.'"

"Yes!" Secretary Zhou immediately set to work.

Lin Yu leaned back in his chair, squinting. In these circles, the most important thing is face. By hosting a banquet himself, he gives them ample face.

When the time comes, these people will naturally bring a "meeting gift." If anyone doesn't show, it's a denial of Lin Yu's face.

No face? Then don't blame him later for refusing to show favor!

At the Health Union Association headquarters, a solemn, lethal atmosphere prevailed.

"Damn it!" Mitsui slammed his tea cup to the floor, "This Lin Yu is simply overbearing!"

Six martial artists had their legs broken and were tossed like dead dogs at the entrance of the Health Union Association headquarters. This was not only a provocation against the Association, but a slap in Mitsui's face.

"Mitsui‑san," a subordinate said cautiously, "those people's origins are unknown—over a hundred of them, all in black suits, wearing hats, wielding opening‑mountain axes…"

"Damn it!" Mitsui snarled. "How could a lowly constable mobilize so many desperadoes? Investigate! Dig up every detail on him!"

"Hey!"

"Go find out his movements, uncover his background," Mitsui's eyes flashed with cruelty. "I want to see who gave him the guts to oppose our Health Union Association."

"Mitsui‑san," another subordinate said, "our people inquired at the constabulary—Lin Yu this morning offended Chief Liu and was dismissed…"

"Dismissed?" Mitsui narrowed his eyes. "Interesting—a dismissed constable somehow mustered that many desperadoes. Keep digging! I need to know where those black‑clad men came from! Find out where he is now and which gangs he's tied to."

"Furthermore," a cold glint appeared in his eyes, "keep close watch on his every move. Once we've learned the truth, I'll make him pay for offending the Health Union Association."

"Hey!" The subordinates scattered to carry out the orders.

Mitsui stood by the window, gazing at the bustling streets of the French Concession, his face as dark as still water.

"Lin Yu……," he gritted his teeth, uttering the name, "I'll make you pay the price!"