Chapter 25: Preparing for the Promotion Examination

Lin Tiansheng stood in the corridor and flicked his lighter with a snap. Just as he lit his cigarette, he saw Pi Zhibang walking back with a radiant, beaming face. Holding the cigarette between his fingers, Lin raised an eyebrow and asked, "Officer Pi, went to kiss up again?"

Pi Zhibang’s expression darkened. He walked over, leaned against the wall, and retorted, "If I don't kiss up, how am I supposed to get by? The police force doesn't just need you; it needs me just the same."

"Without me, how could you possibly get promoted?"

Lin Tiansheng paused mid-exhale, looked up, and asked with feigned surprise, "You pulled it off?"

"It’s done. Get ready for your promotion exam, Inspector Lin." Pi Zhibang crossed his arms with a look of self-satisfaction and boasted, "A guy with Henry’s personality is easy to play like a fiddle."

Lin Tiansheng let out a long stream of smoke and gave a thumbs-up. "Officer Pi always has a way, even with the foreigners. Much appreciated!"

"Hey!"

"You damn rascal, are you slandering me?"

Pi Zhibang made a move to pinch his rear, but Lin Tiansheng twisted his waist and dodged with ease, laughing, "I really do thank you, Officer Pi."

Pi Zhibang’s expression softened, his tone turning three parts serious. "We’re all on the same team; no need for thanks. I should tell you, it was me who recommended to Henry that he form this mixed-unit squad. You aren't mad at me, are you?"

Lin Tiansheng shook his head. "I know your intentions, good or bad. I stepped out to rally the troops myself, to let the brothers know we’re back in the game. I’m not one to fear death, so I truly thank you."

Pi Zhibang nodded. "You’ve got guts! You were impressive today. That madman A-Rong—throwing himself on the grenade—he really is crazy. Even those reservoir cops were braver than anyone expected."

"Not even half a month in, and everyone is willing to die for you. Tsk, tsk, what’s your secret, Young Master Sheng?"

Lin Tiansheng smiled. "Maybe all Chinese men are the same: the more someone wants you dead, the less you’re willing to die."

"An unkillable hero? Damn, no wonder Brother Le handpicked you as his successor. It’s truly eye-opening; the other old brothers are watching, too."

"About the promotion exam... even if the foreigners or the elite faction try to give you a hard time, don't worry. Just perform normally, and you'll pass." After dropping the hint, Pi Zhibang scoffed, "When those reservoir cops charged in, I actually thought you’d bribed them or kidnapped their mothers."

"Pah, that’s how the old Chinese detectives did things; that’s not my style, Officer Lin." Lin Tiansheng denied it with a laugh and flicked the ash off his cigarette. Pi Zhibang squinted, chuckling, "Hey, Madman, is A-Li’s injury serious?"

"I just got off the phone. The madman sent some photos—he was just knocked unconscious by the blast and has some internal bleeding. He’ll be out in a few days." Lin Tiansheng continued, "It’s just that A-Li took a bullet to the leg, so he’ll be out for at least ten days or two weeks. Luckily, Zicong can be discharged; at least I’ll have someone to help me. Otherwise, I’d have no one left to work with."

Under his command, it seemed the men had to take turns being hospitalized; they were rarely ever all at their posts at the same time.

"Need men from me?" Pi Zhibang asked with a knowing smile. "Tell me, who do you want to transfer back?"

"Yun-zai."

Deng Gengyun was more simple-minded and had better physical skills. Although his marksmanship was only average—nowhere near Chen Anquan’s level—Lin Tiansheng always had a vague feeling that Chen Anquan was hiding secrets.

It wasn't a matter of brotherhood, but rather his personal financial situation.

According to intelligence, every weekend, Chen Anquan would cross the sea to Macau. He gambled day and night, yet he didn't owe a single cent to any loan shark in the underworld.

The Intelligence Unit knew that debt records from loan sharks were very easy to track. If the triads’ finance companies weren't sending men to collect, it meant Chen Anquan’s income was at least covering his debts.

With the measly salary of a "patrolman" in the Police Tactical Unit, he couldn't even afford a high-end escort, let alone play the high-roller at the Lisboa.

Lin Tiansheng didn't believe the "King of Guns" had turned into a "God of Gamblers." Until he figured out Chen Anquan’s finances, it was better to keep him waiting.

After all, if the financial issue didn't explode, all was well. But if it did, bankruptcy or jumping off a building would be the least of his worries—he couldn't afford to let his brothers' blood and sweat go to waste.

Besides, financial matters were too private. Even between blood brothers, without the right opening, it was hard to ask directly without damaging the relationship.

Pi Zhibang patted his chest, amused. "The Wanchai Boxing Champion, right? That glutton. I saw him directing traffic on the street in Tsuen Wan last time I drove through."

"The guy who used to make hundreds of thousands in a single fight is now standing in the middle of the road directing cars—hahaha, I nearly died laughing. Fine! I’ll file the report. Once you finish your promotion exam, we can look into transferring him over."

Lin Tiansheng couldn't help but laugh, sheepishly replying, "Thank you, Officer Pi."

Pi Zhibang draped an arm over his shoulder. "By the way, the jewelry store heist—the criminals are all dead, but it’s not over. The Mong Kok beat cops searched for half a day and didn't find a single grain of gold at the scene. The gold was taken halfway through. You’re in charge of the case; you know how much profit there is in recovering stolen goods, right?"

Lin Tiansheng’s eyes lit up. He hadn't expected a follow-up to the jewelry store case. He immediately saluted. "Yes, sir!"

"Get back to work. I’m off." Pi Zhibang straightened his collar, regained his serious demeanor, and strode into his office.

Lin Tiansheng returned to his desk but didn't immediately call Old Ma or Liu Yida to meet. The two had fought hard all morning, tempered by blood and fire, and were utterly exhausted, sleeping in their chairs. No matter how urgent the matter, it could wait until his men woke up.

It was true that there was profit in recovering stolen goods, but the bulk would certainly have to be turned over to the state. Why should a cop be anxious? It was the jewelry store owner who should be worried.

As he reflected, the logic fell into place.

"No wonder those thugs were so brave and unafraid of death. It turns out the loot had already been shipped out before the PTU arrived. They didn't have to worry about their families having no money."

The "Big Circle Gang" still valued their code; they wouldn't swallow the blood money of their fellow countrymen. Once surrounded by police, death was more valuable than surrender. It was precisely because the criminals lacked a will to live that they had only occupied an empty unit and hadn't taken hostages to negotiate.

Seeing his men wouldn't be waking up anytime soon, Lin Tiansheng greeted Chen Sheng and left the station, heading to the Far East Exchange to transfer the funds from his stock account into his bank account.

Before the market opened this morning, he had called his broker to sell off all his Cheung Kong Holdings stock.

He hadn't held the stock for long, but thanks to the fierce rise in the property market, he had made a twelve-percent profit. His 350,000 Hong Kong dollars had turned into 420,000 in the blink of an eye. Truly, he was feasting on the dividends of the era.

He met Li Zhongying at the Peninsula Hotel again. In just two days, Li had dyed his white hair black and put on a cheap but clean and decent suit, looking like a new man.

Success was truly the fountain of youth for a man.

Lin Tiansheng handed the fake passport and the account details to Li Zhongying. "The remaining 400,000 Hong Kong dollars I had in the stock market gained another 50,000. The password is written on the back. Take it and use it."

He left the remaining 20,000 in the account; it was a small enough amount that he didn't fear an investigation by the ICAC, and it would serve as pocket money.

Li Zhongying took the account details with a steady expression. "Thank you, Young Master Sheng. Yesterday, I rented a 3,000-square-foot office space on the 17th floor of the Jardine House in Central. I just registered the company under the name 'Shengshi Real Estate.' I hope you like the name, Young Master Sheng."

Lin Tiansheng sat on the sofa, sipping coffee, and laughed, "Such a resonant name. You’ve put in the effort—how could I not like it?"

"When do you plan to open for business?"

What a flatterer—but who doesn't like being flattered?

Li Zhongying pulled a business card from his inner jacket pocket and handed it over with both hands. "We opened for business the day I received the license."

"The company is currently recruiting, but one person is already on the payroll. I’ll continue to hire new staff. In terms of direction, while we handle standard property transactions, I’d like to try our hand at luxury real estate. What do you think, Young Master Sheng?"

Lin Tiansheng took the card. It read "General Manager, Shengshi Real Estate," and listed a landline, a pager number, and a mobile phone number.

The company was small, but the ambition was massive. If Lin Tiansheng had to guess, he never would have pegged it as a newly founded startup.