The day after the Hua Feng Bank robbery.
In the auditorium of the Lin Cheng Police Headquarters.
A commendation ceremony was being held here, with many reporters and media present. It was also being televised live.
Because so much had happened these past two days, a kind of panic had spread through society, and people's emotions needed to be soothed. That was why this performance was being put on.
The public needed heroes to come out and stabilize their mentality.
So the police would manufacture a hero for them.
The Chief of Police personally hosted the commendation ceremony.
"Chief Liu, what do you think about the recent kidnapping of Huo Tianyu and the Hua Feng Bank robbery..."
"Liu sir, some people doubt the abilities of the Lin Cheng police, how do you respond to this?"
"Liu sir, say a few words to everyone..."
As soon as Chief Liu appeared with a group of high-ranking police officers, they were met with a frenzy of questioning from the reporters.
Chief Liu raised his hand to signal for quiet, then faced the live camera with a look of integrity: "The gang that kidnapped Young Master Huo and the gang that robbed Hua Feng Bank were the same group, namely the notorious Zhou Shen. Our police had set up an ambush beforehand and captured them all in one net, severely cracking down on the rampancy of these criminals. So there is no doubt regarding the capabilities of our Lin Cheng police force!"
The reporters wanted to keep asking questions, but Chief Liu preempted them: "Reporters, today we are holding a commendation ceremony to honor a hero who has made outstanding contributions to the public order of Lin Cheng. He is the main character today, so let's not waste any more time."
Then he sat down with the other high-ranking officers.
Next, under the flashing lights, Zhao Yan dressed in a neat police uniform marched onto the stage. He saluted the audience below: "Police Number 9527, Probationary Inspector Luo Jiajun requests to return to duty!"
"Welcome back!" Chief Liu stood up and returned the salute.
"Five years ago, Inspector Luo Jiajun went undercover next to Cai Fengzi. He made outstanding contributions toward taking down the Pengcheng Group, which had the nature of a black society. Later he again made significant achievements in capturing Zhou Shen's gang. After discussion by the police administration, the Superintendent has approved conferring upon him the Lin Cheng Hero Medal, and promoting him to Chief Inspector."
In an instant, the sound of cameras went off nonstop as the audience below collectively stood up and applauded to show their respect.
After all, Cai Fengzi was the biggest gangster in Lin Cheng, while Zhou Shen was the biggest bandit. And Zhao Yan had infiltrated both their organizations. He deserved to be respected by everyone.
Next Chief Liu personally went on stage to award the medal.
"On behalf of the people of Lin Cheng and the Lin Cheng police force, I thank you. Keep up the good work," Chief Liu said.
Zhao Yan saluted: "Yes sir!"
"Next we invite Chief Inspector Luo Jiajun to speak."
A thunderous applause erupted in the auditorium.
This scene was broadcasted live on television for countless people of Lin Cheng to see. Many who knew Luo Jiajun were dumbfounded that he turned out to be an undercover agent.
Some felt endless emotions, some praised and extolled him, some cursed vulgarities...
On screen, facing the camera, Zhao Yan spoke in a steady tone: "During my time undercover with Cai Feng, I gained new understanding of the triad members. They are also human, with feelings. They chose this path simply so they can make a living."
As soon as Zhao Yan opened his mouth, he stunned everyone.
Because that was not in the script they had given him.
Below, Chief Liu's brows furrowed.
But Zhao Yan paid them no heed and continued passionately: "The triads are a social phenomenon. Catching them won't eradicate them completely. To truly eliminate them, we must govern at the fundamental level, develop Lin Cheng's economy to provide them job opportunities. I hereby formally tender my resignation from the police force to run for the Central District council. If elected, I will thoroughly rectify this social malady. I hope everyone can vote for me, thank you."
Boom! As his voice faded, an uproar exploded in the auditorium.
No one expected Zhao Yan would suddenly announce his resignation to run for the Central District council at his own commendation ceremony.
They felt he must have gone crazy. As a petty Chief Inspector, did he think he could get elected?
In his office, Huang Guofeng murmured to himself: "Madness, Luo Jiajun has truly gone mad."
Da Lei and the others were also shocked speechless. They couldn't have dreamed their big brother would run for councilman.
What was a councilman to them?
It was something they didn't even dare dream about, someone on high. After everything big brother had done over the years, which had been even more outrageous than bandits, him actually getting elected would be straight fantasy.
After the commendation ceremony ended, all the reporters rushed back to write up their stories, competing to publish the news first.
And Zhao Yan was called into Chief Liu's office.
"Chief Liu, Huo Xiaoqi will support me, and I'm also confident I can get the votes from all the group heads." Zhao Yan spoke up first upon entering.
Chief Liu had wanted to explode in anger, but his words instantly stuck in his throat. After quite a while he guffawed loudly: "You came from the police force, so I'll back you. Go all out competing, the 30 thousand votes from the police force definitely belong to you."
At first Chief Liu had been furious, because he had just gotten him promoted, yet he resigned, and it was at the commendation ceremony at that - this was a slap to his face!
But after Zhao Yan said Huo Xiaoqi would support him, Chief Liu instantly understood that he likely had it locked up.
There was no use getting angry now, better to just support him and build good rapport. After all, Zhao Yan came from the police force, if he made it big that would still reflect some prestige onto them.
"With the police force's support, my chances are even better. Much thanks to you, Liu sir." Zhao Yan smiled.
That was life for you. As long as you pried loose one strong foothold, the other footholds became simple.
Huo Xiaoqi was this strongest foothold!
That afternoon, news was published about rising police star Luo Jiajun resigning to run for Central District councilman after the commendation ceremony.
And before people even fully digested this thunderbolt, Huo Xiaoqi publicly declared his full support for Luo Jiajun in the election.
Subsequently, the police force also voiced their support for Luo Jiajun.
In an instant, Zhao Yan's momentum reached its peak.
In the next few days he brought Er Pi and the others carrying boxes of money to visit the various group heads.
He aggressively solicited the support of the secret societies.
After all, the societies also held tens of thousands of votes in their hands.
Then every day people from the societies would march through the streets carrying banners with Zhao Yan's image to demonstrate their support.
And after a dinner party Zhao Yan hosted, his few competitors also voluntarily withdrew from the race.
A week later, Zhao Yan smoothly became the elected councilman for the Central District council. At the same time, he announced the founding of the Xinghua Party, serving as its first party chairman as he stormed into politics.
It was discovered that those who had previously withdrawn from competing with Zhao Yan had all become high-ranking members of the Xinghua Party. Clearly some agreement had been reached back then.
For a time, Zhao Yan bestrode both black and white worlds with unmatched fame and glory.
............
Ten days later, Broken Tail Cliff.
This was the highest precipice in Lin Cheng. Standing here one could take in sights of most of Lin Cheng.
At a glance, neon lights dazzled brightly like splendid flowers.
The night wind blew and fluttered Zhao Yan's suit wildly.
The embers of his cigar glowed on and off visibly against the darkness.
All around him stood men with bulges around their waists.
Behind him, Da Lei dragged a bound and gagged person from the trunk of a Mercedes-Benz.
It was Zhao Yan's former superior, Huang Guofeng.