Chapter 20: How Could It Be Him!

Third‑floor banquet hall, the seat by the window.

"Director Liao," Mark the Chief Inspector sipped his whiskey, "this mysterious Director Lin really knows how to put on a show."

Liao Weifeng nodded, "Indeed. The board members of the Works Bureau, consuls from various nations, prominent figures of the Green Gang and the Health Union Association, even Commander Qin are here. In all my ten‑plus years in Shen City, I've never seen such a spectacle before."

"Tsk tsk," Mark looked around, "I heard this banquet alone cost over a thousand dollars. This French red wine was specially ordered from the Ferguson Trading House."

"Director Lin," Liao Weifeng lowered his voice, "I heard he was appointed directly by the court, and even Commander Qin only learned of it afterward."

"He must have a big background," Mark mused, "I wonder which family's young master…"

"Who knows," Liao Weifeng sighed, "the waters of Shen City are getting deeper…"

At that moment, a commotion rose from downstairs.

"Here he comes," Mark set his glass down, "the mysterious Director Lin is finally about to appear."

The two stood up and, together with the other guests, looked toward the stairwell.

Little did they know that the enigmatic director they had been speculating about was actually the junior patrol officer Lin Yu who had just a few days earlier been on duty at the Yunfei Road Police Station…

Inside the banquet hall, everyone's gaze converged on the entrance.

Accompanied by the sound of footsteps, a tall figure dressed in a handcrafted dark‑blue suit appeared before the crowd. Zhang Zhi Yuan followed closely behind, his face bearing a respectful smile.

"This…" Mitsukawa squinted, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

That young face—wasn't it the junior patrol officer who a few days earlier had beaten his subordinates on Yunfei Road into a helpless scramble? Interesting; it seems this so‑called Fourth Bureau Chief is merely a fledgling.

"Impossible!" Liao Weifeng shouted in shock, the glass in his hand clacked as it hit the floor, "How could it be that little brat…"

Mark looked at the flustered Liao Weifeng in surprise, "Director Liao, do you know Director Lin?"

Liao Weifeng was speechless, his eyes wide as he stared at Lin Yu. He never could have imagined that the junior patrol officer who had just two days earlier been under his command would now appear here as the Fourth Bureau Chief!

Lin Yu seemed oblivious to the stir, chatting amiably with Commander Qin. His demeanor was composed, his speech elegant—there was no trace of a patrol officer about him.

Mitsukawa gave a cold smile, lifted his glass and took a sip. In these times, the court's authority has long vanished. Even a Fourth Bureau Chief, in the French Concession, before the Great Powers, can hardly stir any waves.

At that moment, Lin Yu raised his glass, ready to speak. The guests held their breath, awaiting the mysterious director's opening remarks.

Liao Weifeng remained engulfed in overwhelming shock, unable to free himself.

What exactly is this young man's background?

"Ladies and gentlemen," Lin Yu lifted his glass, his voice steady and strong, "thank you for honoring us amidst your busy schedules."

The banquet hall fell silent, all eyes fixed on the young figure.

"The Fourth Bureau has been dormant for years; today we restart it. As the newly appointed chief, I should get to know each of you," Lin Yu said, scanning the room. "The French Concession is Shen City's bustling hub, a gathering place for all factions. Though I, Lin, am young, I will devote myself fully to safeguarding this land's peace."

The brief, forceful opening earned silent nods from the audience. The young chief's words were neither servile nor overbearing, striking a balanced tone.

"So young…" a wealthy businessman murmured.

"Indeed, he looks barely in his early twenties," the merchant beside him agreed, "to sit as Fourth Bureau Chief at that age, his background must be incredibly deep."

Several directors of the Public Administration Bureau whispered among themselves:

"Being so young and shouldering such responsibility is truly remarkable."

"His bearing and speech don't resemble a reckless youngster."

Even Commander Qin nodded silently. Though Lin Yu is young, his demeanor and words reveal extraordinary ability.

"Here," Lin Yu raised his glass, "allow me to toast you all first."

Everyone raised their glasses.

At that moment, everyone assessed the young chief. They knew that from today onward, the French Concession's landscape might change.

What kind of storm this young man will stir on this complex land remains to be seen.

"Director Lin, taking on such responsibility at a young age is truly rare," Commander Qin toasted.

"Commander, you flatter me," Lin Yu replied with a smile, "the junior still has much to learn from you."

A French director of the Public Administration Bureau stepped forward, "Director Lin, I heard you are proficient in French?"

"I know a bit," Lin Yu answered in fluent French, astonishing the foreign directors who nodded repeatedly.

"Not bad, not bad," the British director laughed, "with a young, handsome Director Lin presiding over the Fourth Bureau, our Public Administration Bureau can feel at ease."

Huang Gen Rong and several other Shen City business magnates stepped forward to toast.

"Director Lin, you hold such a high post at a young age; your family must have deep roots!"

"Indeed, indeed, us old fellows will continue to rely on Director Lin's generous care!"

Lin Yu responded to each, his demeanor proper and his speech distinguished, earning quiet praise from the crowd.

At that moment, his gaze unintentionally swept over Mitsukawa standing in the corner.

The Health Union Association leader who had been flaunting his power at the Police Bureau a few days earlier now held his glass, his expression wavering as he looked this way.

Lin Yu's mouth twitched upward, revealing a faint, meaningful smile.

Mitsukawa met his gaze, instinctively gripping his glass tighter. The young man's eyes gave him a hint of unease.

The past grievances were probably just the beginning…

"Director Lin," Huang Gen Rong raised his glass again, "we must visit your humble abode for a chat someday!"

"Gladly, gladly," Lin Yu withdrew his gaze, continuing his banter with the guests, "you're too courteous, Mr. Huang…"

Glasses clinked and were passed around the banquet hall. The young chief was, in his own way, demonstrating his strength to everyone.

"Director Liao," Lin Yu said, carrying his glass to Liao Weifeng, "long time no see."

Liao Weifeng's face flushed and paled, unsure how to respond. Though as deputy chief of the Police Bureau he was a notable figure in the French Concession, recalling the scene a few days earlier when he had raged at this 'junior patrol officer' in his office…

"Lin… Director Lin," Liao Weifeng forced a dry laugh, "truly… I never expected this."

"Director Liao, you're too kind," Lin Yu smiled, "I was quite at fault that day."

"Where, where," Liao Weifeng hurriedly waved his hand, beads of fine sweat already forming on his forehead, "it's my fault for not recognizing a mountain like Tai Shan…"

Nearby, Mark the Chief Inspector looked bewildered, "You know each other?"

"We met a few days ago," Lin Yu said lightly, "but at that time my identity wasn't convenient to reveal."

Liao Weifeng was so embarrassed he wanted to slip into a crack in the floor. A few days ago he had scolded the "little patrol officer" in front of him to a melodramatic degree and even dismissed him…

"Here," Lin Yu raised his glass, "Mr. Liao, please keep looking after me in the future."

"No, no," Liao Weifeng quickly raised his cup, "It should be me asking Director Lin to look after me more…"

Watching Liao Weifeng's nervous, as‑if‑sitting‑on‑a‑cushion‑of‑needles demeanor, Lin Yu chuckled inwardly.

"Mr. Liao, no need to worry," Lin Yu said softly, "You also had difficulties back then."

Hearing that, Liao Weifeng felt a weight lift and quickly said, "Director Lin, thank you greatly, truly…"

"Alright," Lin Yu interrupted him, "From now on the Police Bureau and the Fourth Bureau must cooperate closely, Mr. Liao, is that so?"

"Yes, yes, yes," Liao Weifeng nodded repeatedly, "Will definitely cooperate, will definitely cooperate…"

Watching the beads of sweat on Liao Weifeng's forehead, Lin Yu couldn't help but sigh: In these times, human kindness is truly fickle, and the world is ever‑changing.