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

Liu Jiaxiang nodded, his face showing little excitement, remaining as composed as ever.

"Yes, Director."

Despite the pain, the driver reluctantly handed the car keys to Liu Jiaxiang.

Liu Jiaxiang took the keys, skillfully opened the driver's side door, and got in. He first adjusted the seat and rearview mirrors, his fingers tracing the control lever with focused concentration. Zhang Tiancheng got in from the other side and sat in the back seat.

Liu Jiaxiang turned the key, and the engine emitted a low roar before starting to run smoothly.

He shifted gears, released the handbrake, and lightly pressed the accelerator. The black Ford steadily drove away from the Zhang residence. The wheels rolled over the stone road, making a deep and powerful sound that was completely different from that of a rickshaw.

The car drove out of the alley and merged into the main street.

Liu Jiaxiang drove very steadily, and his gear shifting and steering were skillful and natural, not at all like a novice.

Sitting in the back seat, Zhang Tiancheng watched the street scenes rushing past the window, then glanced at Liu Jiaxiang's profile as he focused on driving, and his surprise and satisfaction grew stronger.

This young man was not only capable and meticulous, but he also quietly learned to drive, a novel and foreign skill, which always proved useful in crucial moments.

The car quickly drove out of the city gate and headed along the dirt road leading to the western suburbs.

The road conditions were not as good as in the city, and it was a bit bumpy, but Liu Jiaxiang controlled it very well, maintaining the speed without making the passengers feel uncomfortable.

Zhang Tiancheng leaned back in the comfortable leather seat, his earlier anxiety long since subsided, replaced by a sense of certainty that something big was about to be accomplished, and a hidden sense of pride in his decision to take Liu Jiaxiang to see Vice Minister Sun.

He felt that the more he used his sharp knife, the more comfortable and reliable it became.

Outside the car window, the winter fields were desolate, and the distant mountains were like dark eyebrows.

The black Ford, like a nimble fish, moved smoothly and quickly along the dirt road, carrying the two of them towards Cuiwei Mountain in the western suburbs, towards the place that would determine their brighter future.

After a drive of more than half an hour, the black Ford left the dirt road and turned onto a smoother private driveway.

Two rows of bare plane trees lined the road, their intertwined branches drawing sparse lines against the winter sky. As the car moved forward, the outline of a building, hidden behind the bare trees, gradually became clear.

It was a European-style villa, standing on a gentle slope at the southern foot of Cuiwei Mountain.

The main building is constructed of gray-white stone with simple and clean lines, quite different from the typical courtyard houses with blue bricks and gray tiles common in Beijing.

The hilltop is steep, covered with dark tiles, and several tall chimneys stand tall.

The front features a spacious colonnaded entrance hall, with several marble steps leading to heavy oak doors.

The windows were all tall arched, inlaid with transparent glass, reflecting a faint light in the cool afternoon sun.

The villa is surrounded by well-maintained gardens. Although it is the dead of winter and the vegetation is withered, the neatness of the planning is still evident.

A few pine and cypress trees dot the landscape, maintaining their verdant greenery and adding a touch of tranquility to this desolate scene.

In the distance, the western mountains, like dark eyebrows, lie silently beneath the horizon.

The car came to a steady stop on the flat open ground in front of the villa.

Liu Jiaxiang turned off the engine and took out the key.

Zhang Tiancheng was the first to push open the door and get out of the car. He straightened his clothes, took a deep breath of the cool, dry mountain air, and his confident and slightly smug expression became even more obvious.

He glanced back at Liu Jiaxiang, who had also gotten out of the car, his eyes filled with approval and a sense of "I made the right choice bringing you here."

"This is it."

Zhang Tiancheng spoke in a low voice, his tone revealing both awe and familiarity.

"Follow me, talk less, observe more, and listen more."

Liu Jiaxiang nodded, put away the car keys, and silently followed behind Zhang Tiancheng.

His gaze swept calmly over the building, which was completely different from what he knew. He felt little turmoil, but he was more clearly aware that he was stepping into a circle that was completely different from Xisi North and even from the Neiyou Second Police Station.

A servant dressed in a well-fitting Chinese-style short jacket, but with a capable demeanor, was already waiting under the porch. Upon seeing the two approaching, he bowed slightly and silently led them inside.

As the heavy oak door was pushed open, a warm feeling mixed with a faint scent of sandalwood and coffee wafted out.

The foyer was spacious, with a smooth, dark marble floor and several Western landscape paintings hanging on the walls.

A magnificent crystal chandelier hangs from the high ceiling, emitting a soft glow even in the daytime.

The servant led the two through the foyer and up the thickly carpeted stairs to the second floor. The corridor was quiet, and the doors to the rooms on both sides were tightly closed.

The servant stopped in front of a double dark wooden door at the far end, knocked twice gently, then pushed the door open and stepped aside.

"Deputy Chief, Director Zhang has arrived."

This is a spacious study, consistent with the exterior style of the villa, but its furnishings are a blend of Chinese and Western styles.

Two walls are floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, filled with thread-bound books and Western-style books.

The other two sides are tall glass windows, with heavy dark green velvet curtains hanging on them. At this moment, they are half-open, bringing the winter mountain view and plenty of light into the room.

A thick Persian carpet was laid in the center of the room, and a large mahogany desk was placed by the window. Behind the desk sat a middle-aged man of about fifty years old, wearing a dark blue silk robe.

He had a lean face and gentle eyes, yet exuded a calm demeanor befitting someone who had long held a high position; he was none other than Sun Wenlin, the Vice Minister of the Interior.

Sun Wenlin was holding a document in his hand. When he saw Zhang Tiancheng come in, he put down the document and showed a gentle smile.

"Tiancheng is here, please have a seat."

He pointed to the two armchairs opposite the desk, then his gaze fell on Liu Jiaxiang behind Zhang Tiancheng, with a hint of inquiry.

Zhang Tiancheng quickly stepped forward, a respectful smile plastered on his face.

"Deputy Chief, thank you for waiting. This is Liu Jiaxiang, my deputy chief and also the chief of Xisi North Police Station."

He gestured for Liu Jiaxiang to come forward and introduced him with great enthusiasm.

"What a stroke of luck today! My driver is such a liability; he sprained his ankle halfway through the journey and couldn't drive. I was in a real hurry when Jiaxiang showed up and proved he could drive, which saved the day."

"I thought that Jiaxiang has always been very capable, and it was thanks to your support, Vice Minister, that he is where he is today. So I took the liberty of bringing him here so that he could pay his respects to you in person and receive your guidance."

As Zhang Tiancheng introduced him, Liu Jiaxiang took two steps forward and stood about three steps away from the desk.

He stood upright with his feet together, and gave Sun Wenlin a proper bow. His movements were precise and powerful, and his face showed just the right amount of respect and composure.

"This humble servant, Liu Jiaxiang, greets the Vice Minister."

Sun Wenlin's gaze lingered on Liu Jiaxiang for a moment. The young man before him stood tall and straight like a pine tree, with a dignified appearance and a composure rarely seen at his age. His eyes were clear and bright, showing no trace of stage fright or flattery.