Chapter 47: Deceptive Currents and Shifting Clouds

Police Department of Ice City, Deputy Director’s Office.

Saburo Shibuya had just returned from a meeting at the Kanto Army’s intelligence agency stationed in Ice City. His adjutant, Lieutenant Ono, followed closely behind, accepting the black coat Shibuya removed and hanging it on the rack.

“Sir, ‘Hyacinth’ has sent word. She believes her identity may have been exposed. Also, Zhou Sen was not on duty today; he left early, accompanied by his tall subordinate. No one knows where they went or what they’re doing.”

“I see. Arrange a meeting for me with Intelligence Squad Leader Yamamoto Satoshi,” Shibuya nodded, seemingly unconcerned about the news.

“Yes, sir. Are you attending Director Bai’s family banquet tonight?”

“I am. Schedule the meeting with Yamamoto Satoshi for after the banquet; make it a bit later.”

“Understood.”

There was a knock at the door.

“Director Lin, what brings you here?” Ono opened the door to find Lin Dakuan, Head of the Investigation Section.

“Is Mr. Shibuya here? I have some matters to report.”

“Please come in, Director Lin.” Before Ono could speak, Shibuya’s voice came from the changing area.

“Thank you, Lieutenant Ono!” Lin Dakuan bowed as he entered the office.

“Director Lin, if you have something to say, go ahead.” Shibuya adjusted his tie in the mirror.

“I’ve discovered some things and came to report to you, Mr. Shibuya.” Lin Dakuan stepped closer. “Zhou Sen’s subordinate, Ye San’er, was detained two days ago at the Taiping Bridge Casino for cheating. Zhou Sen was asked to pay for his release personally. I did some digging—seems someone jealous of Zhou Sen’s promotion set this trap, using the second son of the Qin family as a tool for retaliation…”

“Who could have done this? Who could have bribed Qin’s second son?”

“That’s hard to say.”

“Is it hard to say, or are you afraid to say?” Shibuya turned and fixed Lin Dakuan with a cold stare.

“To my knowledge, it was Jin Suying, secretary to Mr. Akiyama at Nangang Police Station, but I’m not sure if…”

“This has nothing to do with Akiyama. Don’t overthink it.” Shibuya cut him off. “What else did you find? Tell me everything.”

“Yes, sir. I also found that Zhou Sen is intimately connected with Madam Bai Yulan of the Ningxiang House. My people saw Bai Yulan’s maid in Zhou Sen’s company,” Lin Dakuan reported.

“Good. Keep an eye on Zhou Sen. Don’t let him discover it, and protect his safety as much as possible,” Shibuya instructed.

“Understood.” Lin Dakuan didn’t say more; he was surprised that Shibuya showed no curiosity at all.

…

Wenchang Bridge, Su Residence.

The old steward, Su Xing, stood with hands at his sides before the desk as Su Wenqing perused a pile of documents and photographs.

“A Xing, is this your investigation these past days?”

“Yes, sir,” replied Su Xing. “Actually, Zhou Sen is somewhat well-known in Ice City, but you rarely pay attention to such matters.”

“This fellow is a policeman, young yet already a police captain. Without backing, he couldn’t have climbed so fast,” Su Wenqing remarked indifferently. A young policeman was of little concern to him—unless he was Japanese.

“You’re right, sir. Zhou Sen’s backing is his adoptive father, Anton Robin, a discreetly wealthy White Russian with some influence in the White Russian Chamber of Commerce. It’s said his relations with the Japanese are good, though lately he’s not in Ice City—rumored to be in Fengtian or the interior on business.”

“How is Zhou Sen’s reputation?” Su Wenqing asked.

“Not very good—he’s a bit of a playboy, but hasn’t done anything particularly bad. He’s merely young and reckless, fond of women, and often seen in places of entertainment.” Su Xing’s words effectively condemned Zhou Sen in Su Wenqing’s eyes.

Of course, Su Xing did not wish for an outsider to enter the Su family. He had watched Feng Hua grow up, and viewed him as his own son, since Feng Hua never married and had no heirs. If Feng Hua became the Su family’s son-in-law, Su Xing would have a reliable future. But if an outsider came in and took charge, what place would there be for him?

“A playboy, no match for Ah Hua. Xiao Yun probably wouldn’t fancy such a man. Ignore him, but avoid direct conflict,” Su Wenqing said, wary of Zhou Sen’s official status and White Russian adoptive father.

“Yes, sir. I’ll warn Young Master Hua,” Su Xing nodded.

“Anything else?”

“From our agent at Ningxiang House, Madam Bai suddenly closed her establishment—partly to cut costs, but most likely she’s found another way forward. She’s being very cautious; only her maid Ah Xiang knows her thoughts. Also, sir, Zhou Sen seems acquainted with Bai Yulan.”

“Oh? What’s their relationship?” A sharp glint flashed in Su Wenqing’s eyes, his attitude changed entirely.

He had long considered Bai Yulan his exclusive possession; any man close to her was worthy of suspicion.

“They shouldn’t be involved. Madam Bai is proud and would never look twice at a libertine like him,” Su Xing replied.

Su Wenqing’s expression softened. “Where’s Ah Hua? I haven’t seen him today.”

“Young Master Hua has been with Miss all day. She’s returned from school in Beiping after a long absence. Ice City has changed, and with Young Master Hua accompanying her, she won’t lose her purse again,” Su Xing explained.

“From now on, whenever Xiao Yun goes out, someone must accompany her. Ice City isn’t safe lately,” Su Wenqing instructed.

“I understand, sir. Don’t worry,” replied Su Xing, knowing what Su Wenqing meant. Some things could not be said aloud.

Rumors persisted of Japanese military police abducting street vagrants at night; beggars vanished overnight, and these whispers were not baseless. Beggars had no kin, so no one filed reports. Such things were shrouded in secrecy. The Japanese ruled Ice City; who dared to question them openly?

A girl as lovely as Su Yun was at risk if she ventured out alone. Su Wenqing had enemies in Ice City.

“Any news from Qin Lao Qi?”

“There is…” Su Xing replied awkwardly.

“A Xing, why are you so hesitant today? You never used to be like this,” Su Wenqing frowned in dissatisfaction.

“Sir, it’s about Zhou Sen. One of his subordinates was detained by Qin’s second son at Taiping Bridge Casino. Qin forced Zhou Sen to pay for the release, and Zhou Sen actually did—he brought one person and redeemed his man.”

“When did this happen?”

“Two days ago.”

“That rascal Qing Lang usually gives no face to his father or elder brother. How did Zhou Sen manage to get his man back so easily?” Su Wenqing mused.

“That’s unclear. They’re not close, only acquaintances in Ice City. But Zhou Sen has a wealthy adoptive father. If he paid enough, Qing Lang might release the man,” Su Xing analyzed.

“How did Zhou Sen suddenly appear on the scene? A Xing, keep someone watching him—I want to know his every move,” Su Wenqing ordered.

“Very well.”

…

Taiping Bridge Casino. Qin’s second son lounged on the sofa, sipping fine wine and smoking a cigar. The casino brought in piles of money daily, but most of the profits had to be handed over.

The Japanese took the largest share, along with the former Ice City Police Chief, Old Jin—now Police Commissioner in the capital.

Old Jin was Qin Lao Qi’s greatest support, holding shares in the casino.

There were many other hands to grease; in the end, the Qin family received at most thirty percent, which still had to cover expenses.

Even so, the casino provided the Qin family with wealth unimaginable to ordinary folk. Without it, how could Qin’s second son maintain his lavish lifestyle?

“Second Young Master, we’ve learned that the policeman Zhou Sen asked a small gang, the Shuangqing Society, to help him find someone nicknamed ‘Blackie.’”

“Blackie—the one who brought Ye San’er to our casino?” Qin Lang sat up.

“Yes. He’s hiding, probably knowing he’s in trouble,” the subordinate replied.

“Can we find him?”

“What do you want to do, sir?” The subordinate was surprised.

“Come closer.” Qin Lang beckoned, signaling the man to bend down. “Once you find Blackie, leak the information to the Shuangqing Society.”

“Understood.”

…

Hotpot restaurant, private room, lively atmosphere.

“Little Hu, eat up! If you’re too slow, Wunendu will snatch all the meat…” Old Six called out to newcomer Hu Hao.

“Thank you, Sixth Brother. I’ve already eaten quite a bit,” Hu Hao replied shyly.

“Yao Yuling, we men eat roughly. Don’t mind us—order whatever you like. We may not be in the same group forever, but for at least three months, we’ll be colleagues. On behalf of the patrol squad, I welcome our two newcomers. Cheers!” Zhou Sen raised his glass.

“Thank you, Chief—brothers!”

“Ye San’er, drink less. You’re not fully healed,” Zhou Sen reminded Ye San’er, knowing alcohol would slow his recovery.

“No worries, Chief. It’s just a flesh wound,” Ye San’er said carelessly.

“Third Brother Ye, have you found the Blackie who hurt you?” Hu Hao suddenly asked, bringing the table conversation to a halt.

“That kid’s good at hiding. I searched all his usual haunts and found nothing. But as long as he’s in Ice City, he won’t escape. Sooner or later, I’ll catch him and ask why he set me up!” Ye San’er gritted his teeth.

“Don’t worry. He won’t get away,” Old Six assured him.

“Later, Old Six, escort Yao Yuling home. San’er, look after Hu Hao. Make sure he gets home safely,” Zhou Sen instructed.

“Don’t worry, Chief.”