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

Although losing his life savings was like being skinned alive for Liu Siye, at least his life was saved and the car factory was also saved.

He dared not hesitate any longer, nor dared he bargain any further, and quickly said:

"I'll talk, I'll talk. The keys and seal... I didn't leave them at home, and I didn't have them with me."

"I've had a private room at Yutai Teahouse for years. My things... my things are kept in a hidden compartment in the cabinet in that room."

He carefully observed Liu Jiaxiang's reaction, and seeing that the other man was just listening expressionlessly, he continued to explain:

"When you arrive at Yutai Teahouse, look for Manager Wang. Just tell him that I sent you. Manager Wang recognizes me and will open the door for you."

"The safe deposit box I opened at Citibank is anonymous."

"Take the key and seal to the bank and find the foreign manager or Chinese agent to verify the seal and key."

"Verification is correct. Please go directly to Section A, third row, safe number 0027, and retrieve your items."

He finished speaking in one breath, panting, and looked expectantly at Liu Jiaxiang, adding:

"Director Liu, I have told you everything I need to say. I would never dare to hide anything."

"I only beg you to spare my life."

Liu Jiaxiang listened quietly as he finished speaking, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on his knees. His deep gaze lingered on Liu Siye's face for a moment.

That gaze seemed to pierce through flesh and bone.

Master Liu felt uneasy under his gaze. His nerves, which had just relaxed a little, tightened up again, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead once more.

After a long silence, Liu Jiaxiang finally spoke, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger:

"Yutai Teahouse, Manager Wang. Citibank, Section A, Row 3, Room 0027. Anonymous, key with verified seal."

He repeated the key information, as if confirming it or chewing it over.

Master Liu nodded repeatedly:

"Yes, yes, that's absolutely right."

Liu Jiaxiang's lips seemed to twitch slightly upwards, forming a very faint smile.

"You've been honest this time."

He stood up, his tall figure casting a shadow in front of Master Liu.

"That's settled then."

Liu Jiaxiang looked down at him, his tone calm but carrying an unquestionable air.

"Once I've checked everything and confirmed there are no problems, you can leave by tomorrow at the latest."

Liu Siye suddenly looked up, his cloudy eyes bursting with unbelievable ecstasy, as if a dying man had grasped at the last straw.

He struggled to get up, but his legs were numb from kneeling for so long, and he staggered. He quickly lowered himself down, his voice trembling with excitement:

"Definitely...definitely! Thank you so much, Director Liu! Thank you so much, Director Liu! I, Liu Si, will never forget your great kindness! After I get out, I will definitely turn over a new leaf, run the car factory honestly, and never cause you any more trouble! I swear, I swear!"

Looking at his tearful gratitude and swearing oaths to the heavens, Liu Jiaxiang's faint smile seemed to deepen slightly, but it quickly faded, returning to its usual calm.

He didn't say anything more, but turned around and walked towards the closed door.

His hand gripped the cold doorknob, and with a gentle twist, he opened the door.

Outside the door, two prison guards stood on either side like two guardian deities. As soon as Liu Jiaxiang came out, they straightened up.

Liu Jiaxiang's gaze swept over them, and he gave the order:

"Prepare some food and drinks for him to treat himself."

His tone was casual, as if he were giving a trivial instruction.

The tall prison guard paused for a moment, seemingly surprised, but quickly recovered and bowed in response:

"Yes, Director Liu."

The short, stocky prison guard quickly nodded in agreement.

"Don't worry, I'll arrange it right away."

Liu Jiaxiang said no more and stepped out of the visiting room.

The leather shoes made a clear and steady sound on the concrete floor of the corridor, gradually fading into the distance until they disappeared around the corner.

Liu Siye was still kneeling on the ground, his face still showing the dazed excitement of surviving a disaster, his body trembling slightly from exhaustion. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw the prison guards returning, forcing a fawning smile on his face.

"Both of you... Director Liu, Director Liu has given the following instructions..."

"I asked cautiously," said Master Liu.

The tall prison guard curled his lip, his tone still indifferent, but without the previous ferocity:

"I heard you. You're lucky, you old bastard. Just you wait."

"Come on, back to your cell. There are too many people around during the day, but I'll prepare a feast for you tonight."

Liu Siye was half-dragged and half-carried back to that cold, gloomy prison cell.

In the afternoon, sunlight streamed through the clean glass windows into the office of the police chief of the Second Inner District, casting bright spots of light on the large mahogany desk.

The air was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed tea and the distinctive dark scent of mahogany furniture.

Liu Jiaxiang stood in front of his desk, his posture as straight as a pine tree. He unwrapped an inconspicuous dark blue coarse cloth and placed it flat on the clean tabletop.

Inside the package was a neat stack of silver notes, and beside the notes, ten large, heavy, golden yellow croakers gleamed enticingly in the sunlight.

"Chief,"

Liu Jiaxiang's voice was steady and clear, with his usual respect.

"All the valuables retrieved from the Citibank safe deposit box are here. Twelve thousand silver dollars in banknotes, plus ten large yellow croakers. Liu Si's last bit of wealth is all here."

He paused briefly, looked up at Zhang Tiancheng sitting in the large chair, his face displaying just the right amount of solemnity, as if he had completed his mission.

"I have not failed in my mission. Today is the fourth day. I hope I have not delayed your important business."

Zhang Tiancheng's gaze had already fallen on the stack of silver notes and gold bars, and his eyes instantly flashed with an undisguised burning light.

He reached out his well-maintained hand, with slightly plump fingers, and picked up the stack of banknotes. His fingertips gently caressed the surface of the notes, feeling the unique texture of the paper and the exquisite printed patterns.

He counted them one by one, very slowly and very carefully, as if he were taking stock of the most precious treasures in the world.

Twelve thousand silver dollars, not a penny less.

He put down the silver note, then picked up a large yellow croaker, weighed it in his hand, brought it close to his eyes to examine its quality, and slowly ran his fingertips over the smooth gold bar's surface.

One, two... ten, all neatly arranged, bright yellow, dazzling to the eye.

In fact, Zhang Tiancheng wasn't entirely at ease with Liu Jiaxiang either.

When Liu Jiaxiang went to visit Liu Si in the police station cell that morning, Zhang Tiancheng instructed the two prison guards to hide outside the door and press their ears against the crack in the door to eavesdrop on every detail of the money Liu Si entrusted to Liu Jiaxiang.

His purpose was clear: to see if Liu Jiaxiang would be tempted by the money and secretly pocket some of Liu Si's wealth.

After all, it was twelve thousand silver dollars and ten large yellow croakers, enough to tempt anyone.