Chapter 4, The New Constables of the Concession

Recently, the criminal investigation department was divided into two sections: the Investigation Section and the Political Section. The Chief Inspector of the Investigation Section and the Director of the Political Section hold the same rank. Beneath them, there are Chief and Deputy Inspectors, Detectives, Patrol Officers, and Constables.

The area of the International Settlement is considerably larger than that of the French Concession, as it is the concession established after the merger of the British and American territories

Long Chongjiu understood immediately and stepped forward to say: "Master Kui, as Xiao Jiuzai has just arrived in Shanghai, I am still not very familiar with some matters. However, if you have any instructions, I will certainly go through fire and water, risking my life without hesitation, to repay your kindness in recognizing and guiding me."

Long Chongjiu was secretly contemplating his own development direction. It was clear that he could not always rely on Yu Qiaqing; constantly bothering someone would only make him appear incompetent. The opportunity to have a benefactor lend a hand was already quite rare.

At the same time, he harbored another concern in his heart, which was the notion of "raising a tiger for trouble." If this young man turned out to be someone even more ruthless and fierce than himself, he would have to take precautions in advance to avoid being dominated by him in the future

"A ship that sails cautiously lasts for ten thousand years. Good lad, you are indeed someone that Master Kui has not misjudged. However, it matters not; this is our territory, and everyone outside is my trusted ally. Hmm, judging by your expression, could it be that you have guessed the 'thorn' that has been troubling Master Kui's heart?" Lu Lian Kui said

What difficulty is there? Although Xiao Jiuzai has only recently arrived in Shanghai, he is well aware of the power dynamics in this great city. In the International Settlement, apart from you, the only one with significant influence is Shen Xingshan. In order to protect his interests in the opium trade, he has even gone so far as to betray the interests of the International Settlement by aligning himself with the Sanxin Company. All it takes is a word from you, and Xiao Jiuzai can ensure that he permanently disappears from the Bund. Long Chongjiu said this with a glint of icy murderous intent in his eyes. In 1928, eliminating a member of the underworld drug trafficking organization in old Shanghai could be considered a service to the people.

Looking at the determined gaze of Long Chongjiu, who exuded a fierce aura, Lu Lian Kui secretly nodded in his heart. This young man seems genuinely intent on making a name for himself in this field. He squinted his eyes, a thought flashed through his mind, and he lowered his voice, saying: "Xiao Jiuzi, there is currently a thorn lodged in your Uncle Kui's throat, which keeps me restless. If you wish to enter my door so soon, shouldn't you first help me remove it?"

Master Kui, long before I arrived in Shanghai, your name was already well-known. In Shanghai, apart from you in the British and American Concessions, who else can stand shoulder to shoulder with the three giants of the Sanxin Company? If you, Master Kui, can trust me, Little Jiuzi, then please open the incense hall and allow me to submit my application to pay my respects at your door. From now on, I will follow you, Master Kui, and if I have any ulterior motives, may I be struck by five thunders.

Long Chongjiu knew that he was awakening himself further, and it was possible that this was a trap. However, if he let this opportunity slip by now, not only would he be looked down upon, but he might also gain another opponent in the future. If he could make use of this situation, it would be far better than standing on the opposing side.

However, in terms of specific arrangements, Yu Qiaqing did not clarify his intentions. From his true feelings, he was indeed reluctant to allow individuals like Long Chongjiu and Lu Liankui to get too close. This consideration also stemmed from his responsibility towards Qi Hui. The key issue was that he did not understand the true relationship between Long Chongjiu and Qi Hui

The foreign patrol officers are mostly in formal uniforms, while the Chinese officers are primarily from plainclothes teams. This is conducive to the advancement of work

Lu Lian Kui nodded slightly, a look of satisfaction appearing on his face, yet he would not be deceived by this verbal expression of "loyalty." After a brief contemplation, he said: "With Boss Yu's backing, I, Lord Kui, will not treat you poorly. However, if you wish to make your way in Shanghai, you must have a strong support. I am not boasting, but in this bustling area, aside from Du, Huang, and Zhang of 'Sanxin Company,' there is no one else I regard highly. Xiao Jiuzi, you strike me as a clever person, articulate and persuasive, but in our line of work, mere words without action will not suffice."

Yu Qiaqing indeed has connections that reach the heavens; what seems to be a very difficult task for others is, for him, a matter of ease

He exuded a bully's demeanor, and there was not a trace of gentlemanly grace about him. His large, bell-like eyes scanned Long Chongjiu, who was seated grandly in his office chair. Lazily, he spoke: "Since you are introduced by Boss Yu, how could I, Lu Liankui, treat you poorly? You are Long Chongjiu, right? Well, from now on, just follow me. Be clever, I hear from the Inspector General that you can also speak several foreign languages. Hehe, a talent indeed. I, Old Lu, will have a translator in the future."

One must be well-acquainted with the history of old Shanghai; otherwise, it would be impossible to deduce that Lu Lianhui's source of distress is Shen Xingshan

... ...

On his first day at work, Long Chongjiu encountered Lu Liankui, a notorious figure from the underworld of old Shanghai. At that time, Lu Liankui was riding high, having become a senior Chinese detective in the International Settlement, serving as the Chief Inspector of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Zhonghe Police Bureau. He wielded significant power, commanding respect even from prominent figures like Huang Jinrong, Du Yuesheng, and Zhang Xiaolin. Another underworld figure, Shen Xingshan, was also a force to be reckoned with in the International Settlement, but he was somewhat inferior to Lu Liankui. It was said that he had just been appointed as Chief Inspector as well. In the hierarchy of senior police officers in the Criminal Investigation Division, apart from the Chief and Deputy Chief Inspectors, there was also the Chief Inspector of the first level.

Indeed, Lu Lian Kui displayed a look of astonishment. On one hand, he was surprised by Long Chong Jiu's quick reaction; on the other hand, he was taken aback by the killing intent emanating from Long Chong Jiu. This person is not simple; it seems he has also been involved in the underworld before.

Long Chongjiu felt a jolt in his heart; it was indeed not a good sign. To express loyalty upon their first meeting, wasn't that a bit too hasty? However, this also showed that Lu Lian Kui was a straightforward person. As his thoughts raced, he wondered who this person referred to as "刺" by Lu Lian Kui could be

Long Chongjiu was assigned to the Central Capturing Office, which was entirely a privilege granted to him out of consideration for Yu Qiaqing

Upon this thought, Lu Lian Kui devised a plan in his heart, believing that with his own means and strength, he should be able to take the initiative before that moment arrives

The tall and robust Long Chongjiu was not assigned to any light duties such as translation. The Western Inspector General of the Central Police Department believed he was more suited for the role of a patrol officer. Considering that he was introduced by the prominent Chinese businessman Yu Qiaqing, the Inspector General called in Lu Liankui, asking the Chief Inspector Lu to take him under his wing, thus giving due respect to Yu Qiaqing.

The Central Police Station was the first police station established by the Shanghai Municipal Council with the support of the Shanghai Taotai in 1855. It is located at No. 168, the corner of Henan Road and Fuzhou Road in the central district of the concession, covering an area of 4.25 acres and costing 76,000 taels. Its jurisdiction extends south to Yangjingbang, north to Suzhou Creek, west to Shandong Road and Shanxi Road, and east to the Bund

In the International Settlement, there are two types of uniformed officers. Officers in formal uniforms generally engage in administrative work and rarely involve themselves in direct apprehension of criminals, while plainclothes officers primarily focus on criminal investigations and apprehending offenders. For instance, figures like Lu Lian Kui and Shen Xing Shan are often seen in plainclothes.

Of course, he will never know that Long Chongjiu is a super terrifying rogue from the new century, 78 years later

The Concession Police Bureau divided its jurisdiction into four districts: District A oversees the Central Police Station and the Old Zha Police Station. District B oversees the New Zha Police Station, Jing'an Temple Police Station, Gordon Road Police Station, and Putuo Road Police Station; District C oversees the Hongkou Police Station, Huisi Police Station, Disiwei Road Police Station, and Jiaxing Road Police Station; District D oversees the Huishan Police Station, Yulin Road Police Station, and Yangshupu Road Police Station

Ha. Recently, Lu Lian Kui has been celebrating a joyful occasion and has also given Long Chong Jiu a boost, feeling elated. He laughed and said, "Alright, Xiao Jiu Zi, it's up to you to show your performance. In Shanghai, there is gold everywhere; how much one can dig depends on personal ability. I, Master Kui, often deal with foreigners, and while I may let out a few foreign words, there are still some areas I do not fully understand. Today, I am keen to recruit a talent like you, so why don't you express your thoughts?" His words were laden with meaning, yet he did not state them directly, clearly intending to test Long Chong Jiu's adaptability.

The highest position in the police department is the Chief Inspector, typically held by a Western national, commonly referred to as a Western Inspector. There is also one Deputy Chief Inspector. Additionally, there is one Assistant Chief Inspector responsible for managing the Indian police, one Assistant Chief Inspector for managing the Chinese police, one Second Assistant Chief Inspector for managing the Indian police, and one Second Assistant Chief Inspector for managing the Chinese police

Lu Lianquie smiled faintly, inwardly appreciating that he was indeed a clever individual. He was in need of such talent among his subordinates. It all depended on his decisiveness and methods in handling matters. If he could truly satisfy him, he would cultivate him as a capable confidant.

Long Chongjiu slightly bowed, expressing his respect, and replied: "Lord Kui, you flatter me. It is my honor as Xiao Jiu to be associated with you in the International Settlement. I hope you will continue to support me in the future."

Lu Lian-kui is cunning and ruthless, a crafty and shrewd individual, not someone easy to serve. However, given the circumstances, Yu Qiaqing is powerless to act, as his influence in front of the foreigners is ultimately limited.

Du Yuesheng rose to prominence thanks to Huang Jinrong, and now isn't Huang still beholden to Du's favor? A true man must be able to endure and adapt.

"Lord Kui, it is not very convenient to talk here; there are ears on the other side of the wall. What do you think?" Long Chongjiu said with a difficult expression.

This is strength; although he is no longer the president of the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce, his social status has not diminished due to the loss of this position

Merely three days later, Long Chongjiu became a member of the public concession police station.

Lu Lian-kui is a person worth befriending at present. In the Shanghai Bund, he is well-connected in both the underworld and legitimate circles. He has thousands of disciples under his command, and his authority in the International Settlement is comparable to that of Huang, Du, and Zhang in the French Concession

In his forties, Lu Lian-kui has a round face and big ears. He has always dressed like a typical gangster, with an open chest, a protruding beer belly, and a gun slung at his waist. He has a bald head, thick eyebrows, fierce eyes, and a broad mouth.