Chapter 3: Major Crimes Unit

Huang Qixian looked at Lin Tiansheng, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, with a calm and scrutinizing gaze. He thought to himself, "Damn it, after three years of guarding the reservoir, Ah Sheng has become sharp-witted and ambitious. He’s even physically stronger than before; if I didn't know better, I’d think he’d been studying abroad in London."

"Fine."

"I'll help you." Although he was still skeptical and didn't believe Lin Tiansheng could actually deliver on his word, the remnants of their faction were in desperate need of a leader.

Lin Tiansheng had always been known for his daring and aggressive nature. As long as he was willing to step up and make a move, it was a good thing for them, regardless of the path he chose.

It was worth noting that there were few former Chinese detective sergeants left in Hong Kong; most were in prison, a small number were living in retirement, and Lin Tiansheng was the only one still in the police force.

Back then, he had only been promoted to detective sergeant for six months and was in charge of the Wan Chai district when he received a tip-off from Brother Lok. He had prepared in advance, exhausting his wealth and making a painful sacrifice to survive the ordeal.

Why didn't he flee? It was simple: the newly promoted Lin Tiansheng had empty pockets and little savings. He didn't have the money to support himself abroad, so he volunteered to stay in Hong Kong and take a gamble. During the conflict between the police and the ICAC, Lin Tiansheng had actually been quite prominent, but he was crushed by the British officers. Seeing the way the wind was blowing, he chose to play it safe, guarding the reservoir and letting his ambition wither away.

Looking forward with the eyes of the seventies, the era of the old Chinese police officers was over. But looking back with the perspective of the new millennium, Hong Kong was in its golden age. No matter what position or identity one held, there was great potential to be realized. The history of the Hong Kong police force proved that it needed a leader.

He wouldn't be a Chief Detective Sergeant, nor a hatchet man for the British colonial authorities; he would be a true Hong Kong policeman.

Receiving the promise, Lin Tiansheng smiled, "With your help, I won't have to go to Stanley Prison for 'advanced studies,' right?"

"You won't even have to guard the reservoir anymore." Huang Qixian stood up and said, "Last night on Boundary Street, a British superintendent was watching. You offended a foreign superintendent and still expect to go fishing in peace?"

"Take a few days off. I’m transferring you to the Major Crimes Unit."

Lin Tiansheng looked surprised. "Huang Sir, you have such influence that you can even manage personnel transfers?"

"It’s a piece of cake."

Huang Qixian waved his hand dismissively. "I just need to say a few words about you, suggest to the British that they send you to your doom, and they will naturally transfer you to the most dangerous post."

"Didn't you want to prove yourself? I’ll make sure you prove yourself in grand fashion!"

He wasn't a Justice of the Peace who could get the British to grant favors with a single word; he was just a minor Senior Inspector. He didn't want to use the old methods of leveraging the influence of criminal remnants; he would start from the bottom and fight for his life every step of the way.

Shortly after Huang Qixian left, someone arrived to serve a suspension notice and confiscated Lin Tiansheng’s credentials. With a legitimate excuse for a vacation, he didn't need to stay in the dormitory. He left the police station and took a minibus back to his home on the 13th floor of Wing Cheong Building, Shanghai Street, in the Jordan district.

This was the only property left behind by his predecessor after the ICAC storm. Less than a thousand square feet, with four rooms and two living areas, it was worth about 400,000 Hong Kong dollars. Based on ten years of police salary and family support, he had barely managed to clear the ICAC investigation and obtain a certificate from the Wealth Investigation Division.

When he bought it, it was for his parents' retirement. The renovation was simple, with only basic appliances like a fan, a refrigerator, and a sofa—not even an air conditioner.

In the last two years, his parents had passed away one after another, and the house became his residence. The other properties and real estate he had acquired through graft had been held by others—some gangsters, some mistresses—but after the trouble started, everything was swept away, without exception.

Lin Tiansheng returned home and opened the refrigerator to find cola, beer, and bread inside. In the kitchen cabinet, there were freshly replenished cup noodles.

The bed sheets were new, and the dining table and cabinets had been dusted. He was surprised: "In this day and age, there are still foolish women. Even when I stopped giving her money, she still took care of the chores and came over every week to clean?"

In his memories, the mistresses he had kept would all flock to new wealthy men as soon as their allowance was cut off. Only one, named Ah Feng, had never asked for a penny and only helped with minor tasks; in the end, she couldn't be driven away. Once, he caught her cleaning and beat her, yet she still insisted on coming.

Her name even matched that of the famous actress "Moon Lee." Could it be true? His predecessor’s impressions of women were too faint; based on vague memories, it was impossible to be sure. He would have to wait for an opportunity to verify it.

He cracked open a beer, listened to the hiss of the escaping gas, and enjoyed the moment. He kicked his feet up, grabbed the remote, and turned on the television.

On the screen, TVB was airing the new drama "The Bund." The handsome Chow Yun-fat, in his black trench coat, was captivating thousands of young girls, and the gentle, beautiful Angie Chiu, youthful and moving, had become the "sweetheart of the masses" for a generation.

Just like the script of the story, Hong Kong in the eighties was prosperous and flourishing, with opportunities everywhere. Much like the Shanghai of the chaotic years, it had become a window to the outside world. With a rapidly developing economy, heroes emerged from the ranks of the commoners, and even the smallest person had the chance to achieve great things.

Countless stars, tycoons, and political powerhouses would either rise suddenly or cement their status in the coming decade.

Since he was taking a few days of leisure, Lin Tiansheng didn't skimp on the cash in his pocket. He visited the tea restaurants, saunas, and foot massage parlors around Temple Street in Jordan, delving into the streets and alleys to experience the local flavor of Hong Kong.

Two days later, the Tsuen Wan Police Station called to inform him that the investigation had concluded and he was to return to work.

Lin Tiansheng, dressed in plain clothes, returned to the station with a relaxed expression. Inspector Qin Baoji handed him his credentials and then produced a transfer order. "Congratulations, Detective Sergeant Lin. You’ve been transferred to the West Kowloon Major Crimes Unit. Work hard; your future is bright."

"I'll take your word for it, Inspector Qin." Lin Tiansheng took the order and sneered, "If I ever strike it rich, I certainly won't forget your 'care,' Inspector Qin."

Qin Baoji’s smile didn't reach his eyes as he tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Don't mention it."

After he left, Qin lit a cigarette, his expression turning ferocious. "Damn it, keep acting arrogant. You think the Major Crimes Unit is the same as guarding a reservoir? When you run into those ruthless mainland mercenaries and violent thugs, let's see how miserably you die."

"Your name will definitely be on next month’s death list."

A reservoir guard being transferred to the Major Crimes Unit was definitely a promotion, especially moving from the rural New Territories to the lucrative West Kowloon district.

However, those with a sharp eye knew that Lin Tiansheng had deeply offended the British. When he left Tsuen Wan, not a single person came to see him off; even the subordinates he had worked with for three years at the reservoir were nowhere to be seen.

Lin Tiansheng’s expression remained unchanged as he gathered his things and took a taxi to the West Kowloon Police District.

After showing his credentials and following the signs, he quickly found the Major Crimes Unit office on the second floor. A thin, lanky young man with a stubbly beard and a bowl-cut sat by the door and stood up to welcome him. "Are you Lin Sir? The boss is waiting for you in his office."

Most of the desks were occupied; some were reading case files, some were eating breakfast, and others were chatting. Upon hearing the commotion, they all looked up, their eyes filled with scrutiny, surprise, and estrangement.

Lin Tiansheng placed the box containing his personal belongings on a desk and shook hands. "Hello, what should I call you?"

"Chen Sheng, just call me Ah Sheng." Chen Sheng grinned, looking very sincere. "I was on Boundary Street that night on the 23rd."

West Kowloon was a major district, not a small station. The Major Crimes Unit had over forty people, led by a Senior Inspector who reported to the Chief Superintendent of the Operations Wing.

There were several team inspectors under him, and Chen Sheng, who stood before him, was one of them. Lin Tiansheng said politely, "Inspector Chen, I appreciate your help. Who is your boss?"

"Pi Zhibang, Pi Sir." As Chen Sheng spoke, he led him to a small office in the corner and knocked lightly on the door. Lin Tiansheng scoffed, "Damn, so it's him, 'Shrimp'."

Chen Sheng glanced at him in surprise, pushed open the door, stood up straight, and stepped forward to salute. "Pi Sir!"

Lin Tiansheng followed behind and did the same.

"Pi Sir!"

Pi Zhibang waved his subordinate away with a steady expression. He walked out from behind his desk, took out a box of cigars, and offered one. "Young Master Sheng, let’s just call me Ah Bang."

"Calling me 'Pi Sir' sounds too distant."