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

Master Liu didn't say anything more, but simply nodded slightly and waved his hand to signal her to go quickly.

He stood alone, his gaze fixed on the remaining cars in the yard, then slowly shifting towards the Xisi North Police Station. The twilight deepened, completely enveloping his thin figure.

On that deeply lined face, all emotions were suppressed, leaving only a deep, still calm, and beneath that calm lurking the cunning and ruthlessness of a seasoned veteran.

Tiger Girl turned around and hurriedly disappeared into the shadows leading to the tent, beginning to carry out her father's instructions.

The courtyard fell completely silent, with only Old Man Liu standing there like a statue, like an old wolf lurking in the darkness, waiting for the right moment to bare its fangs.

The banquet at Huixian Hall will be a silent contest, and the current silence at the car factory is the last calm before the storm.

The next day at noon, the area in front of Huixian Hall was bustling with traffic.

Liu Jiaxiang, dressed in a plain long gown, walked steadily up the steps, while two patrol officers stood obediently by his side.

Old Master Liu, who had been waiting under the porch, locked his cloudy old eyes on Liu Jiaxiang the moment he appeared.

He did not show the slightest contempt because of the other party's youthful appearance.

Those eyes were sharp as an eagle's, capturing the landing point of Liu Jiaxiang's every step. They were as steady as if he had measured the ground, and his shoulders and back were relaxed but contained an unyielding strength, clearly the foundation of a martial arts master who had been immersed in martial arts for many years.

What chilled Master Liu even more was Liu Jiaxiang's gaze. As he swept over the bustling street scene, he appeared calm and composed, but deep within him lay a disregard for the value of life, as if everything before him was nothing more than a pawn to be manipulated.

The intuition honed over decades of trials and tribulations rang sharply in Master Liu's mind: This man is no good.

Suppressing the turmoil in his heart, Master Liu quickly put on a respectful smile, took two steps forward, and bowed deeply to Liu Jiaxiang, who had just stepped onto the last step, his waist bending just right.

"Director Liu, your presence is an honor to our humble abode. I have been waiting for you for a long time."

Liu Jiaxiang paused slightly, his gaze lingering for a moment on the humble top of Liu Siye's head, before he calmly nodded:

"Okay, let's go inside and talk."

"Yes, yes, this way please."

Master Liu responded repeatedly, stepped aside to make way, slightly bowed his back, and stretched out his arm to lead the way, adopting an extremely humble posture.

He led Liu Jiaxiang through the noisy lobby and into a quiet and elegant private room on the second floor.

The carved wooden window was half-open, letting in the warm midday light, and the sandalwood round table gleamed like a mirror.

Master Liu pulled out the chair for Liu Jiaxiang with great courtesy:

"Please take a seat."

After Liu Jiaxiang sat down, he sat down to the side and gently clapped his hands.

The waiters waiting outside responded and rushed in, bringing out a sumptuous feast in quick succession:

The glossy roast duck is sliced ​​as thin as a cicada's wing, the steamed sea bass is garnished with emerald green scallions, the braised pork hock is tempting in color, and the seasonal fresh vegetables are crisp and tender, accompanied by several exquisite cold dishes and a pot of warm old wine.

Master Liu picked up the slender-necked silver pot and respectfully filled the blue-and-white porcelain cup in front of Liu Jiaxiang with wine. The amber-colored wine exuded a mellow aroma.

He held his wine glass with both hands, his face filled with utmost sincerity:

"Director Liu is newly appointed, and I have prepared a small feast to welcome you and help you settle in."

"I am deeply grateful for your presence. Let me offer you a toast."

After saying that, he tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.

Liu Jiaxiang picked up his wine glass, took a small sip, put the glass down, and a half-smile appeared on his face:

"You're too kind, Master Liu. Although I've only just taken office and haven't quite settled in yet, your name, Master Liu, has already been on my lips for ages."

"In this area of ​​Xi'anmen Street, everyone gives a thumbs up when you mention Master Liu. You can tell that Master Liu is quite prestigious here."

Master Liu hurriedly put down his wine cup, waving his hands repeatedly, his wrinkles deepening with a humble smile:

"Oh dear, Director Liu, you flatter me."

"I don't have any prestige to speak of. I've just lived a long time and been around this street for a while. The neighbors are kind to me and give me some face."

"In the end, it's all thanks to the government and the protection of the officials."

"Now that you are in charge of Xisi North, we small business owners will have to rely on your help from now on."

He changed the subject, his tone now carrying a hint of annoyance and pleading.

"Speaking of taking care of people... sigh, I'm so sorry about what happened yesterday, and I'm so sorry to the brothers living here."

"It's all my fault for not managing my subordinates strictly. Those scoundrels in the workshop don't know the rules, which has made the brothers in the station work hard to improve the atmosphere. I feel really bad about it, so please be magnanimous and forgive me."

As he spoke, Master Liu took out two bundles of silver dollars that he had prepared beforehand, wrapped in red paper, and gently placed them on the edge of the table in front of Liu Jiaxiang. They made a heavy, muffled sound, exactly one hundred silver dollars.

"It's just a small token of my appreciation, nothing more. Consider it a little money for tea for the hardworking brothers in the station, and also an apology to you."

He leaned forward slightly, his voice low, carrying a barely perceptible plea.

"Director Liu, I'm an old man, and I rely entirely on this car factory business to make a living and support my family. I beg you to do me a favor and show some leniency."

Liu Jiaxiang's gaze did not linger on the two bundles of silver dollars. He leaned back in his chair, clasped his hands in front of his abdomen, and his expression suddenly became serious and stern, his voice deepening:

"Master Liu, what do you mean by this? As an official, my duty is to benefit the people, uphold the law, and protect the peace and security of the region."

"You've brought all this out, are you trying to mistake me for one of those people who extort and rip off others?"

Master Liu's heart sank, his smile froze, then he forced even deeper wrinkles onto his face, his tone becoming more urgent:

"No, no! Director Liu, you've misunderstood, a huge misunderstanding!"

"This has absolutely no other meaning! It's purely to express my apology and a small token of my appreciation."

"Please don't overthink it! My car factory is located within your jurisdiction, and we'll be dealing with each other a lot in the future, so it's only right that we stay as close as possible."

"Rest assured, you will receive all the due filial piety gifts. They will be delivered to your home monthly and quarterly."

He tried to increase the stakes to show his sincerity.

Liu Jiaxiang slowly shook his head, his eyes filled with an almost pitying scrutiny as he looked at Fourth Master Liu:

"Master Liu, Master Liu, why can't you understand what I'm saying?"

"I'll say it again: as an official, my duty is to protect the peace of this area. What was the purpose of our police station's operation yesterday? It was to crack down on those unscrupulous drivers who cheat, swindle, and extort money, and to rectify those unethical car dealerships that condone or even participate in their activities!"

"This is absolutely not targeting anyone, nor is it any form of extortion!"