Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 234 Race against time

Inside the temporary command center, Orion's tense nerves did not completely relax despite the three men's initial confessions.

Chen Nian, Liu Chang, and Luo Hui have been apprehended, but their identities are sensitive, and the networks of interests they are involved in are deeply entrenched.

Should they be taken back to the West Kowloon Police Station? Orion could almost foresee the various procedural difficulties that would follow.

Sending them to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre? That would be like throwing lambs to the slaughter, with leaks, collusion, and even "accidents" all happening right under their noses.

He needs further legal proceedings to secure his victory.

The following morning, Judge Angus Fitzgerald, known for his rigorous, impartial, and even somewhat rigid approach, was confronted at his doorstep by Orion, who appeared travel-worn and had bloodshot eyes.

"Superintendent Orion, what's the matter that's so urgent that you were ordered to intercept a hearing judge outside of working hours and at a location other than your office?"

“Angus Fitzgerald, can I trust you?”

"Orion, what do you mean? As a friend, of course you can trust me!"

“Judge Angus Fitzgerald, this concerns judicial fairness, may I trust you?” Orion reorganized his words.

“Yes, go ahead and say it,” Angus Fitzgerald said solemnly.

Orion handed over a list of evidence files, including interrogation videos, a list of physical evidence, and a witness protection application.

"Here lies irrefutable evidence powerful enough to shake the very foundations of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Legislative Council! It is the hope that the malignant tumor nurtured by Jardine Matheson will be uprooted! Judge Angus Fitzgerald, I implore you, for the sake of the rule of law in Hong Kong! Immediately arrange an emergency hearing, issue search warrants and freezing orders, and approve the protective custody of key witnesses!"

Judge Angus fell silent. He knew the matter was serious, but he hadn't expected it to be this serious.

Finally, Judge Angus took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

Taking the list from Orian, the list of evidence was shocking: copies of audio recordings, bank statements, handwritten transcripts, meeting photos, key witness testimonies, and even clues pointing to higher levels...

He didn't ask anything further, but simply said in a deep voice, "Get in the car."

"it is good."

After getting into the car, Judge Angus began to silently review the copy of the core evidence summary that Orion had handed him.

He read very quickly, yet with exceptional care, his fingers tracing the pages, making a soft rustling sound.

Time ticked by, and when Judge Angus turned to the last page, he rubbed his throbbing temples.

"Orion, are the sources of this evidence absolutely legal? Are there any procedural flaws? Especially the wiretapping part, was the authorization complete?" As a judge, his primary concern is the legality and admissibility of the evidence.

“Your Honor, all wiretapping was validly authorized, the procedures were complete, and the original recordings and authorization documents have been sealed. The entire interrogation was recorded and conducted in a secure, secret location in accordance with the Police Ordinance, with an independent lawyer (not the suspect's private lawyer) present to supervise the legality of the proceedings. The physical evidence is clearly sourced, and all witness testimonies are supported by independent corroborating evidence.” Orian answered decisively; this was his bottom line.

Judge Angus nodded. “Very good. This chain of evidence… is outrageous! If true, it is a blatant trampling on the rule of law in Hong Kong!”

“You did the right thing, Orion. Under normal procedures, the power behind these people would be enough to let them get away temporarily, or even turn around and bite back. This case must be handled swiftly and decisively, leaving these people no room to maneuver!”

There are still many things to do:

1. Emergency Hearing: "I'm returning to the High Court immediately! Notify your key investigators to bring all original evidence and backups of the interrogation videos. See you in Courtroom 3 of the High Court! I will personally preside over the emergency hearing!"

2. Full Authorization: "During the hearing, based on the existing evidence, I will immediately issue a full search warrant for Chen Nian, Liu Chang, Luo Hui, and all their known associates and locations (including their residences, offices, and offices of relevant managers at Jardine Matheson Land, etc.)! Freeze all bank accounts and assets under their names and those of their associates!"

3. Witness Protection: "I hereby authorize the highest level of protective custody for 'Abacus Boy' Li Guodong and other key tainted witnesses. The location is to be designated by you, and absolute security will be guaranteed! If there are any leaks within the police force, I will hold you accountable!"

4. Transfer of suspects: "Chen Nian, Liu Chang, and Luo Hui must not be sent back to the West Kowloon Police Station or Lai Chi Kok! After the hearing, they should be directly escorted to the high-security isolation ward of Stanley Prison by the O-Division and Serious Crimes Unit detectives you trust! I will personally call the Commissioner of Correctional Services to explain the situation and request the highest level of supervision and cut off all external communication! We can announce to the outside world that they are temporarily detained in Lai Chi Kok, just to make a feint."

5. Confidentiality and Procedure: "This case is classified as highly confidential before formal prosecution! All police officers involved in the operation must sign a confidentiality agreement. The hearing transcripts will be sealed. Regarding the Department of Justice, I will personally contact the Director of Public Prosecutions to request that he appoint the most capable and reliable prosecutor to intervene in advance and prepare the indictment materials!"

A huge weight was lifted from Orion's heart! Judge Angus's decisiveness and meticulous arrangements were exactly the boost he needed at that moment!
"Understood! Your Honor! I will arrange it immediately!"

“Wait,” Judge Angus called to Orion, who was about to get out of the car, his eyes deep. “A storm is brewing, Orion. Underneath the lid you’ve lifted lies decades of accumulated filth. Those involved will not sit idly by, nor will those behind them. Protect yourself and your men, and… protect the evidence. Justice is our last bastion, and I will defend it!”

"Thank you, Your Honor! For Hong Kong!" Orion nodded emphatically, got out of the car, and turned to give Judge Angus a standard salute.

Twenty minutes later, Judge Angus Fitzgerald arrived at the courthouse.

He directly issued the order to the relevant staff: "I am Angus Fitzgerald. Immediately notify the relevant personnel that in three hours, the highest level of security will be activated in Courtroom 3 of the High Court to prepare for an emergency judicial hearing! This order has the highest priority!"

Within Hong Kong's judicial system, a crucial purge of corruption has quietly begun under the rising sun.

Time is the lifeline!

Yellow River Industry Headquarters, a conference room on the top floor.

Three days after Operation Orion, He Yuzhu, who had done a lot of research, convened a strategic meeting.

He must make substantial progress in the construction of Kwai Chung Pier before his opponents can mount another effective counterattack!

"Ah Lang, Ah Sheng, Lao Gu, Xing Yao, the Kuiyong project is now the top priority for our Yellow River Industrial, and it's a sharp dagger stuck in the heart of Jardine Matheson! I don't want to proceed step by step, I want speed! Unprecedented speed!"

“Boss, Huan Ge is handling the material transportation; the first batch of steel bars and cement is already on its way. But traditional dock construction involves pile driving, pouring, and installation—the procedures are complex and the construction period is long. Even with a massive workforce, there are limits to how fast we can go.” Ah Lang pointed out the practical difficulties.

“Mr. He, Brother Lang, traditional methods are indeed time-consuming. But when I was studying the latest engineering cases abroad, I noticed a concept that is beginning to emerge in Europe and America—prefabricated assembly structures. Especially in large-scale projects such as ports and bridges, the Hung Hom Tunnel is now using this technology.”

"Prefabricated assembly?" Alang asked, somewhat puzzled.

“Yes!” Chen Sheng unfolded a sketch he had someone draw. “Simply put, the main structure of the wharf, such as the huge concrete caissons, the steel trestle deck panels, and even some of the loading and unloading equipment bases, will be mass-produced in a large prefabrication yard at the rear, just like manufacturing car parts. Then, they will be transported to the site by heavy transport vehicles and quickly assembled and installed like building blocks! This will greatly reduce the time spent on wet work (pouring and curing), be unaffected by the weather, and make it easier to control the quality.”

He Yuzhu nodded and said, "Asheng, it seems you've put in the effort. Alang, learn from this, and don't just rely on sheer numbers all the time!"

"Got it, boss!"

“What are our advantages? We’re steel mills! We’re car factories!” He Yuzhu continued.

"Precast components require a large amount of high-quality steel! Our 'Yellow River Steel Plant' now has sufficient production capacity, and its technology is constantly improving under the leadership of Xian Xingyao. We are fully capable of producing high-strength structural steel that meets the requirements of wharf construction! In fact, we can optimize the type and specifications of steel according to the needs of precast components, so as to achieve self-production and self-use, and control both cost and quality!"

"Understood, boss!" Xian Xingyao replied.

"And then there's the car factory!" He Yuzhu continued. "Precast components often weigh tens or even hundreds of tons, and transportation and hoisting are the core challenges. Our own 'Yellow River Automobile Factory' isn't just limited to making trucks and buses! Immediately have the technical team develop a dedicated large modular transport vehicle (SPMT) based on the existing heavy-duty truck chassis! The load capacity must reach over 100 tons, with multi-axle steering and independent hydraulic lifting functions, capable of smoothly transporting ultra-large precast components! At the same time, modify the production line and design and trial-produce several heavy-duty crawler cranes! The hoisting capacity must be at least 150 tons! We'll use our own steel and our own engines! This is the best practical test and improvement of our industrial capabilities!"

Gu Yuanheng said, "Boss, let's build it ourselves! We'll use our own steel, our own transportation and hoisting equipment, and build our own dock! This will not only solve the transportation and hoisting problems and save a lot of rental costs, but it will also allow our car factory and steel factory to take our technology to the next level. The problem is that it will take us time to overcome the technical challenges!"

"I will give you the relevant information later. If you don't have any references, just buy some ready-made ones from abroad, disassemble them and study them. You can always copy them, right?"

"Yes, boss." Gu Yuanheng wouldn't ask where the information came from. His boss was incredibly resourceful. Even if his boss said they were going to build an airplane, he was sure his boss could produce the relevant information.

Chen Sheng added, “Mr. He! The location of the prefabrication site is also crucial. We need a large enough piece of land near Kwai Chung with convenient transportation (ideally both water and land access) as our rear base. Tseung Kwan O! Aren’t we quietly acquiring a waterfront plot in Tseung Kwan O? The water depth there is good, and with a little modification, we can build a temporary wharf. Large prefabricated components can be transported directly to the Kwai Chung construction site by barge, which is more efficient and safer than land transportation! Moreover, it is far from the city center, ensuring high confidentiality and making it less susceptible to interference!”

"I'll leave this to Ah Lang. Ah Lang, you find a way to get the technical data on the Hung Hom Tunnel. Don't be afraid to spend money; we can even buy the patents."

"I'll go down and figure something out."

"Perfect closed loop!" He Yuzhu clapped his hands. "That's how it'll be done! I'll be in charge of overall coordination."
1. Steel Plant: Upon returning, Xian Xingyao immediately adjusted the production plan, prioritizing the production of high-strength structural steel, sheet piles, and profiles (H-beams and I-beams) required for the Kuiyong project. He was instructed to organize technical research to ensure that the steel performance absolutely met the standards!

2. Automobile Factory: After returning, Gu Yuanheng ordered them to suspend some commercial vehicle production and to establish a 'Special Engineering Vehicle R&D Team' by drawing on their best personnel. The goal: to produce a usable SPMT prototype and a heavy-duty crane prototype within three months! He told them to spare no expense; whatever equipment or personnel they needed, they should submit a report immediately, and he would grant special approval! This is a crucial step for Huanghe Automobile into the field of construction machinery!
3. Mainland Building Materials: Maintain close contact with Huan Ge to ensure a stable supply of bulk basic building materials such as sand, gravel, and cement, directly transported to the Tseung Kwan O prefabrication yard and the Kwai Chung construction site. Prices can be slightly higher than the market price, but quality and supply must be guaranteed. Ah Lang, you're in charge of this!

5. Kuiyong Site: Mr. Lang, you oversee the entire operation, with Chen Sheng assisting in coordinating all aspects of design, construction, prefabrication, transportation, and hoisting. Immediately organize a highly skilled engineering management team to move into Kuiyong. Preliminary work (site leveling, foundation excavation, and temporary facility construction) cannot stop for a moment! Simultaneously, tender for or assemble a professional offshore piling and foundation construction team; a solid foundation is the prerequisite for prefabricated component assembly!

"Understood!" everyone responded in unison.

They felt an unprecedented sense of urgency and mission. This was not just an engineering project, but a battle against time, showcasing the strength of the Yellow River Group's entire industrial chain!

"Let's get moving, everyone!"

"Yes, boss!"

Once the order was given, the massive Yellow River Group began operating at unprecedented speed and efficiency.

[Steel mill]

Upon returning, Xian Xingyao immediately summoned all key technical personnel and workshop directors. The blast furnace operated at full capacity, and the steelmaking workshop was brightly lit. The technical team worked day and night to adjust the alloy formula and rolling process, ensuring that the structural steel produced fully met the stringent requirements of the marine environment in terms of strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance.

Red-hot steel billets were rolled into profiles and thick steel plates of various specifications and continuously transported to the newly built Tseung Kwan O prefabrication yard. The roar of the steel mill's machines seemed to be the prelude to the construction of Kwai Chung.

[Car manufacturers]

The engineers in the R&D team carefully studied the blueprints that Gu Yuanheng brought back, had heated discussions, and put them into practice.

He Yuzhu's specially approved funds arrived quickly, and key imported hydraulic components, high-power engines, and special tires were procured rapidly through special channels.

Experienced master craftsmen led young workers in carrying out sweeping modifications to heavy truck chassis in the huge workshop.

Welding sparks fly day and night, and the new transmission system on the test bench emits a deep roar.

The first simple yet practical 100-ton SPMT prototype and a 120-ton crawler crane prototype based on a mature chassis gradually took shape through tireless work day and night. The workers proudly called them the "Yellow River Iron Ox" and the "Yellow River Giant Arm".

[Precast concrete construction site in Tseung Kwan O]

Shi Bin led his security team to the site and quickly cleared it. Then, workers moved in to begin erecting fencing. Subsequently, large construction machinery entered the site and began leveling the land with a roar.

At the seaside, simple pile foundations and trestle bridges are under construction, laying the groundwork for a future prefabricated dock.

At the same time, a massive prefabrication yard rose from the ground at an astonishing speed.

Inside the huge steel structure workshop, following the standardization and modularization concepts introduced by Chen Sheng, the area was divided into a rebar binding area, a formwork assembly area, a concrete pouring and curing area, and a steel structure welding and processing area.

Steel transported from steel mills is cut and welded into massive steel frames here; the tied steel cages are placed into specially made giant steel templates; the mixing plant operates day and night, pumping and pouring high-grade concrete.

Steam curing equipment accelerates the strength growth of concrete.

Soon, the first behemoth—a giant concrete caisson measuring 30 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 15 meters high—was unveiled in the curing pool. Its regular dimensions and smooth surface marked a high level of industrial prefabrication.

In the steel structure area, beneath a massive gantry crane, workers are welding and assembling giant steel box girders and supporting trusses for the dock platform.

[Kwai Chung Scene]

Chen Sheng was in command.

Large excavators and pile drivers are operating in the designated area.

At sea, the rented piling vessel is driving extra-large diameter steel pipe piles, specially made by the Yellow River Iron and Steel Plant, deep into the seabed rock strata, laying a solid foundation for the upcoming "building blocks".

Inside the on-site command center, each milestone was clearly marked on the huge sand table and progress map.

Chen Sheng coordinated with the design institute to revise and refine the prefabricated component installation drawings, maintained close contact with the Tseung Kwan O prefabrication yard, and precisely arranged the production, shipment, and installation sequence of each prefabricated component.

Security was raised to the highest level. Shi Bin deployed elite personnel to infiltrate the workers and set up hidden monitoring points to guard against any possible sabotage by Yihe.

Logistics Guarantee

The 10,000-ton ships that Li Huan had arranged arrived at Huangpu Port and Shanghai Port as scheduled, fully loaded with high-quality cement and sand and gravel aggregates.

Some were transported directly to the Kwai Chung construction site, while most were transported to the Tseung Kwan O prefabrication yard, where they were transformed into sturdy "building blocks".

Of course, things didn't go smoothly, so Ho Yu-chu visited the Tseung Kwan O prefabrication yard and the Kwai Chung construction site several times.

One day at the Tseung Kwan O temporary pier, the morning mist had not yet completely dissipated.

A tremendous roar and the screeching sound of metal scraping echoed throughout the bay.

A specially designed heavy-duty barge was steadily moored beside a makeshift pier, with a massive object, resembling a small fortress, fixed on it—the first giant concrete caisson produced by the Yellow River Prefabrication Plant.

On the riverbank, the "Yellow River Iron Ox"—a 100-ton self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) that was urgently modified and tested by the Yellow River Automobile Factory and put into use—is already in place.

Its multiple rows of tires were deeply embedded in the temporary steel slab roadbed.

Ah Lang stood on the command platform, holding a megaphone, looking tense and focused. Chen Sheng and the engineer stood beside him, holding blueprints and a rangefinder, constantly checking the data.

"Report on your preparations, each group!" Ah Lang's voice came through the loudspeaker.

"SPMT positioning calibration complete!"

"Towing rigging connection confirmed!"

"Hydraulic system pressure is normal!"

"Inspection of the shore-side guide pulley system completed!"

"The barge is firmly anchored!"

"Alright!" A-Lang took a deep breath. "Listen to my commands! SPMT, start slowly! Hydraulic jacking synchronized! Pay attention to the caisson's center of gravity! Traction group, maintain cable tension!"

At the command, a deep roar of engines filled the air.

The massive body of the "Yellow River Iron Ox" trembled slightly as the hydraulic rods slowly rose, transmitting immense power to the bottom of the caisson through a specially designed support frame.

Under the watchful eyes of countless people, the heavy concrete behemoth began to detach from the barge deck at an extremely slow pace.

Sweat dripped from A Lang's forehead. This was the first time he had ever transported such a huge prefabricated component in a real-world operation. Any mistake in any step could cause incalculable losses or even an accident.

Chen Sheng stared intently at the millimeter-level changes on the rangefinder, repeatedly issuing adjustment instructions in a low voice.

Both of them were forced into this role, and during this period they studied and worked tirelessly, basically living and eating on the construction site, working overtime with the engineers and workers.

Just as most of the caisson's weight had been successfully transferred to the SPMT platform and it was about to be completely detached from the barge!

"Report! Swells have appeared on the sea surface to the northeast! Wind speed is increasing!" The meteorological observer on the shore suddenly shouted a warning!
Almost simultaneously, a stronger-than-expected lateral sea wind, carrying surging waves, crashed violently into the barge!

The ship rocked violently!
Under the immense inertial pull, an auxiliary stabilizing steel cable connecting the caisson and the barge emitted a teeth-grinding "creak" sound as it instantly stretched to its limit!

"Oh no! The C3 cable is about to break!" a sharp-eyed worker exclaimed in alarm!

If this cable breaks, the caisson, losing tension on one side, could easily tilt or even overturn uncontrollably on the SPMT platform! The consequences would be unimaginable!
"SPMT, stop lifting! Maintain current posture! Lock all hydraulic pressure!" Ah Lang reacted extremely quickly, his voice even changing tone. "Tethering team! Team B, Team D! Increase cable tension! Stabilize it! Quickly!"

Workers on the shore and on the ship immediately began operating the winch with all their might. The thick steel cable groaned under the immense force.

The waves continued to pound against the barge, causing it to rock violently. The caisson was visibly swaying slightly on the SPMT platform!
Everyone's hearts were in their throats.

Chen Sheng's face turned pale, but he forced himself to remain calm, quickly calculating the swell cycle and wind changes. He urgently said to Ah Lang, "Brother Lang! There's about 40 seconds between the next big swell! We must get away before then! Otherwise, the combined swaying of the hull will be even more dangerous! Have the SPMT move forward at a slight speed during the trough of the wave to get away!"

Ah Lang instantly understood Chen Sheng's intention—to use the brief moment when the surging waves subsided to complete the final and most dangerous escape step! This required extremely precise timing and execution!
(End of this chapter)