Chapter 17: The Axe Gang Became Famous

Night fell, Lin Yu brought the German-equipped guard platoon to No. 30 Xiafei Road.

He pushed open the carved iron gate; a bluestone path led straight to the three-story building blending Chinese and Western styles. Flanking the path were neatly trimmed lawns, and a few French plane trees swayed gently in the night breeze.

Before he reached the door, an elderly steward in a Zhongshan suit came out with several servants.

"Good day, young master!" the steward said respectfully, "I am Zhang Defu, the steward assigned by the system. The manor still has ten servants, all arranged by the system, absolutely loyal to the young master."

Lin Yu nodded. As expected from the system, it was thoughtful—even the servants were fully provided.

Lin Gong Guan covers seven mu; the main building is a red-brick, yellow-tile structure that blends Baroque ornamentation with the refined charm of Jiangnan gardens. The first floor holds the reception hall and dining room, the second floor the study and living quarters, and the third floor the master bedroom and guest rooms.

The garden features a small fountain surrounded by roses and camellias. The rear yard also has a garage that can hold four or five cars. The entire compound is encircled by high walls, ensuring security without sacrificing privacy.

"Guard platoon leader!" Lin Yu summoned the platoon leader.

"Here!"

"Arrange personnel, rotate in shifts, and protect the manor around the clock."

"Yes!" The platoon leader immediately deployed: "The first squad guards the gate and walls, the second patrols the courtyard, the third guards the main building, rotating every four hours."

Soon, the guards in German-style uniforms, each holding an MP18 submachine gun, took up their posts at various points in the courtyard.

Entering the main building, Lin Yu was stunned by the interior décor. The solid wood floors shone like new, crystal chandeliers glittered, the walls displayed famous calligraphy and paintings, and the furniture was made of fine rosewood. Even the porcelain on the tea table was a rare treasure.

"Young master, your tea," a young maid said, presenting a steaming cup of Longjing.

"Steward Zhang," Lin Yu said, sitting on the leather sofa, "arrange a few servants to clean the guest rooms for the guards' rotating rest."

"Yes, young master." Zhang Defu immediately gave the orders.

Lin Yu leaned back satisfied on the sofa. This manor was not only luxurious and comfortable, but also equipped with loyal stewards and servants, plus a German-equipped guard platoon for defense—nothing could be more perfect!

In this tumultuous age, having such a safe residence let him rest easy!

"Young master," Steward Zhang led Zhou Wei into the reception hall, "the secretary has arrived."

"Well, let the secretary move in too," Lin Yu said, "prepare the room on the east side of the second floor for him."

"Thank you, Bureau Chief," Zhou Wei said respectfully, pulling a stack of documents from his briefcase, "I just received news that Ma San and his men have already secured a foothold at the port."

"Oh? That fast?" Lin Yu raised an eyebrow.

"Yes," Zhou Wei adjusted his glasses, "they've taken over the warehouse cluster near Wharf No. 1 and have begun collecting protection fees. That area originally belonged to the Hong Gang, but due to recent clashes between the Hong Gang and the Green Gang, many of their men have been drawn away......"

Lin Yu suddenly recalled that when the system first summoned Ma San and his men, it had apparently also provided a port warehouse as a base.

No wonder they could establish themselves so quickly. Shen City's port has always been a melting pot of all kinds; with a fixed base and a hundred able-bodied enforcers, taking over a turf is not difficult.

"Secretary Zhou," Lin Yu took a sip of tea, "are you familiar with the situation at Shen City's port?"

"Replying to Bureau Chief," Zhou Wei said, "when I worked at the police precinct, I was responsible for gathering intelligence from all sides. Over the years, I've come to know any notable gang or force in Shen City."

Lin Yu nodded; this secretary truly is a talent. In just one day he's gathered so much information, and from his manner of speaking, he clearly knows Shen City's situation inside out.

"Tell me, what forces are currently on the port?"

"Yes," Zhou Wei immediately gave a detailed report, "the port is mainly divided into three forces: the Green Gang, the Hong Gang, and the Japanese Health Union Association......"

Listening to Zhou Wei's analysis, Lin Yu's eyes gleamed. Having such an informed secretary, plus Ma San's men with their port base, his layout in Shen City became all the more assured!

"Secretary Zhou," Lin Yu set down his teacup, "go to the port and fetch Ma San. Tell him I still have a batch of personnel to hand over to him."

"Yes." Zhou Wei adjusted his glasses, "I also wanted to see the port situation firsthand."

Two hours later, deep into the night, Lin Yu was reviewing documents in the study when Zhou Wei returned with Ma San.

"Big brother!" Ma San grinned upon seeing Lin Yu, "the warehouse you gave us is superb! Great location, plenty of space—the brothers have all settled in."

"Tell me the current situation." Lin Yu gestured for him to sit.

"Yes!" Ma San reported excitedly, "that section of the port originally belonged to the Hong Gang, but lately they've been clashing with the Green Gang and have drawn away many men. I brought my brothers in and seized several warehouses, and we've already begun collecting protection fees."

"How much have you collected?"

"Just since we started today, we've taken in over two hundred silver dollars!" Ma San said proudly, "the dockworkers and small vendors are savvy—they see we're numerous and strong, and hand over the money without hesitation."

Lin Yu nodded: "Any reaction from the Hong Gang?"

"They sent a few small bosses to scout, but our brothers chased them off." Ma San chuckled, "Right now they're preoccupied with fighting the Green Gang, so they likely can't attend to us for the time being."

"Good," Lin Yu said satisfied, "I still have a hundred brothers to hand over to you."

"Really?" Ma San's eyes lit up.

"Yes, they're all capable and fully equipped." Lin Yu said, "Take them to the port and continue expanding your turf. Just remember to keep a low profile and avoid any involvement with the Fourth Bureau."

"Understood!" Ma San pounded his chest in assurance, "Don't worry, big brother—we're just an ordinary gang with no ties to the authorities whatsoever!"

"Go on," Lin Yu waved his hand, "report any developments to Secretary Zhou at any time."

After Ma San left, Lin Yu told Zhou Wei, "Arrange for those hundred gang members to be sent to the port in batches. Remember, avoid crowded places and don't attract attention."

"Yes, I'll see to it right away." Zhou Wei immediately set off to arrange it.

Lin Yu leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowed. With these two hundred men, Ma San's force at the port would grow even stronger. Once they secured a foothold, they could steadily supply him with intelligence and funds.

This game has only just begun!

The next day, word spread through Shen City's port:

"A newly emerged gang has secured a foothold on the port overnight!"

"Have you heard? Those folks all wear black suits, sport bowler hats, and wield opening mountain axes......"

"Exactly! Over a hundred men, full of vigor, seized the warehouse area near Wharf No. 1."

"When the Hong Gang went looking for trouble, they got beaten so badly they lost control of their bowels!"

"Hey, I saw it myself—those people are well trained, each a capable fighter. Not your usual ruffians; they're more like drilled elites."

In teahouses, on the dock, rumors flew incessantly.

"They collect protection fees properly, unlike some gangs that demand exorbitant amounts."

"That's right, and they really do protect. Yesterday someone tried to steal my goods; they caught him and broke his leg!"

"I've heard their boss is surnamed Ma, known as Ma San the Third—what did he used to do?"

Who knows? They just suddenly popped up. But this bunch really has talent—in just a day they made the Hong Gang eat dirt.

The news quickly spread to all the major gangs.

At the Hong Gang headquarters, a headman fumed: "Boss, this bunch is too arrogant! They took our turf and even injured over a dozen of our brothers!"

The Hong Gang leader frowned and said: "We can't deal with them now; the Green Gang is still eyeing us covetously. Let them occupy it for now—we'll talk after we've dealt with the Green Gang!"

At the Green Gang headquarters, a hall master reported: "Boss, another force has popped up at the pier—called the Axe Head Gang......"

"Axe Head Gang?" the Green Gang leader sneered, "Heh, the waters of Shen City are getting murkier and murkier."

Even the Public Administration Bureau of the French Concession has taken notice of this suddenly risen gang.

"DetectiveSmith, have you figured it out? What's the background of this Axe Head Gang?"

"Reporting, Chief, still under investigation. But their conduct is quite unusual—not like ordinary gangs......"

In just a short day, the Axe Head Gang's fame spread throughout Shen City Port.

And the mastermind behind all this, Lin Yu, was sitting in the Fourth Bureau's office, listening to Zhou Wei's report on the reactions from all sides, a satisfied smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

"Very well," he said softly, "Let them guess......"