The Republic of China: I, Xiangzi, a Hero in a Chaotic Era

Liu Jiaxiang sat up straight, his expression focused, and listened attentively: "I would like to hear more details, and I would appreciate Director Zhou's guidance."

"Firstly, there is Master Liu from Renhe Automobile Factory."

Zhou Chengan spoke slowly, his tone calm.

"This Master Liu has been running a car dealership in the western part of the city for many years. He has a large number of drivers under his command and extensive connections. He has always maintained a close relationship with our police station. In normal times, we should give him some face."

"In addition, the Xicheng District Sanyou Joint Transportation Association also has activities in your jurisdiction, so be sure not to offend them."

Upon hearing the name "Master Liu Si," Liu Jiaxiang's heart stirred, and memories of his past life surged up, instantly bringing to mind the classic novel "Rickshaw Boy."

The book features a man named Liu Siye, the owner of a car factory, who is domineering, ruthless, and cruel.

Liu Jiaxiang quickly calculated the current era in his mind: 1915 in Beijing, which coincided with the time when the story of Camel Xiangzi took place. A bold guess emerged in his mind.

Could this Master Liu in front of me be the same Master Liu from the novel "Rickshaw Boy"?

Although his mind was racing, Liu Jiaxiang suppressed his surprise and remained calm, maintaining his humble demeanor as he followed up on the conversation:

"The car dealership owner is quite agreeable; I'll take note."

"I wonder what kind of background this West City Three Friends Joint Transportation Association has? Could it be that this association monopolizes all the water and land passenger transport in the West City area?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Cheng'an glanced at Liu Jiaxiang with slight surprise, clearly not expecting him to be able to pinpoint the key point so quickly after arriving in the capital. He then nodded, his tone becoming more serious:

"You're quite clever, kid; you guessed it right away."

"The Xicheng Sanyou Joint Transportation Association does indeed monopolize water and land passenger transport in the Xicheng District. It controls canal transport, land transport, and porter transport. It is a force officially registered with the Beijing Police Department."

He paused, then lowered his voice and instructed:

"Master Ning, the president of the Joint Transport Association, has very deep connections and a powerful background in the police department."

"You are working in the Xisi North area. If you encounter any matters related to the United Transport Association, you must take care of those who need to be taken care of, and you must never have a conflict with them."

"If you offend the Joint Transport Association, you'll be in deep trouble."

Upon hearing this, Liu Jiaxiang understood.

The so-called Joint Transport Association is nothing more than a gang disguised as a legitimate organization. On the surface, it controls water and land passenger transport and porters, but in the shadows, it must be engaged in heinous activities such as opium trafficking and gambling. It is a powerful and corrupt force that controls the entire western part of the city.

In this chaotic world, officials and businessmen collude, right and wrong are indistinguishable, and ordinary people suffer unspeakably. But for someone like him, who is ambitious and has extraordinary skills, this turbulent world is the best stage to show his abilities and seize power.

Liu Jiaxiang then bowed slightly to Zhou Chengan, speaking respectfully: "Thank you for your careful guidance, Officer Zhou. I will keep it in mind and will be more cautious in my future actions to avoid causing trouble."

"I will repay your kindness in giving me guidance after I have established myself in the system."

Seeing that Liu Jiaxiang was sensible and obedient, Zhou Chengan nodded in satisfaction, picked up the seal on the table, stamped it on Liu Jiaxiang's appointment document, and completed the final procedure:

"The formalities have been completed. You can go to the Xisi North Police Station to take up your post immediately. The senior officers will take over the duties and responsibilities of the station."

Liu Jiaxiang took the document with the seal affixed, bowed to Zhou Chengan again, and then turned and walked out of the police station office.

The autumn sun shone on him, carrying a faint warmth. He gripped his appointment document tightly, his gaze fixed on the depths of the western part of the capital: the Xisi North Police Station, the Renhe Automobile Factory, and the Sanyou Joint Transportation Association. This chaotic stage had already opened its doors to him.

After tidying his clothes, Liu Jiaxiang walked steadily and hailed a rickshaw towards the Xisi North Police Station, officially beginning his career in this chaotic capital city.

A moment later, the rickshaw Liu Jiaxiang was riding in stopped in front of the Xisi North Police Station.

The driver put down the handlebars, turned around, a fawning smile plastered on his face, and extended his rough hand:

"Sir, this is a silver dollar."

Liu Jiaxiang's gaze lingered on the driver's face for a moment, then swept over the clear white painted logo of "Renhe Car Factory" on the side of the rickshaw.

He knew perfectly well that the driver must have noticed his accent and was deliberately trying to overcharge him.

However, Liu Jiaxiang felt neither anger at being extorted nor timidity at being a newcomer. He simply took out a heavy silver dollar from his pocket, held it between two fingers, and casually tossed it to the driver.

The silver coin traced a short arc in the air before landing in the driver's hastily held-up palm.

The driver's fingers instantly tightened, gripping the warm silver coin tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

The ingratiating smile on his face was immediately replaced by immense surprise; his eyes widened, and his mouth stretched uncontrollably, revealing his stained yellow teeth.

The driver quickly stuffed the silver dollar into the deepest pocket of his coat, as if afraid the other party would change his mind. He mumbled "Thank you for the reward, sir" indistinctly, and at the same time, he deftly pulled up the empty rickshaw and practically ran away from the police station.

He felt a fire burning inside him, making him feel lightheaded. He was secretly overjoyed, thinking he had struck it lucky today. This country bumpkin from out of town was so easy to fool; one silver dollar could cover so many trips.

The coachman had no idea at that moment what kind of catastrophic disaster this silver dollar would bring him in the near future.

Liu Jiaxiang watched the driver's departing figure with no emotion in his eyes, as if he had simply discarded something useless.

He straightened his long gown and stepped onto the slightly dilapidated steps of the police station.

Pushing open the creaking wooden door, a stench of stale air, a mixture of cheap tobacco, sweat, and musty smells from old furniture, hits you.

The light was dim, and several patrolmen in worn-out uniforms were sitting around a square table with a missing corner. Some were picking their toes, some were picking their teeth, and others were spitting as they complained that their pay was delayed again.

Hearing the door open, one of the burly patrolmen, with a fierce face and an open collar, didn't even look up. He waved his hand impatiently, as if shooing away flies.

"Who are you! What are you doing barging into this important government premises? Go outside and call for help, can't you see we're busy!"

Liu Jiaxiang didn't stop walking; he went straight to the center of the room.

His figure blocked the light coming in through the doorway, finally causing the patrol officers at the table to look up.

Upon recognizing the newcomer as a well-dressed but unfamiliar young man, the other tall, thin patrolman frowned, his tone becoming even more aggressive:

"Hey, I'm talking to you! Are you deaf? Is this a place for you? Get lost!"

Liu Jiaxiang's gaze calmly swept over the faces that were either numb, slick, or filled with hostility, finally settling on the burly patrolman with his collar open.