Chinese martial arts: From being shot and killed by the armed police during a mountain search to bec

Downstairs at the inn, the rain had eased slightly, but it was still drizzling.

A black Buick sedan was parked at the entrance, its body gleaming, and the mud splashed up by it wet the mudguards above the wheels.

As the car door opened, two attendants dressed in black silk short jackets stepped out, opened two large black cloth umbrellas, and waited respectfully beside the car.

The middle-aged man who followed was wearing a moon-white long gown, was slender, had a refined appearance, and wore a pair of round glasses with gold rims on his nose.

He walked up the steps slowly, and Liu Desheng followed behind, bowing and keeping a distance of two steps, not daring to get too close.

As Liu Desheng passed by the little loach, he didn't dare to linger his gaze.

When Chen Hongwu came downstairs, Du Yuesheng was standing in front of the counter in the lobby of the inn.

Seeing Chen Hongwu come downstairs, he quickly stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and bowed very low: "Master Chen, I am Du Yuesheng. I apologize for the intrusion and hope you will forgive me."

Chen Hongwu gave the Shanghai tycoon a quick look.

Du Yuesheng was a protégé of Huang Jinrong and a sworn brother of Zhang Xiaolin.

In terms of seniority, he wasn't the highest-ranking member of the Green Gang; in terms of fighting skills, he wasn't as ruthless as Zhang Xiaolin; and in terms of experience, he wasn't as senior as Huang Jinrong.

But this person has a skill that others can only dream of: how to get along with people.

He was able to navigate effortlessly between the French Concession, the International Settlement, and the Chinese-controlled areas, and could speak with politicians, warlords, foreigners, and merchants alike.

His shrewd and meticulous interpersonal skills are truly remarkable.

When later generations mention Du Yuesheng, some curse him as a gangster boss, while others praise him as "the number one gangster in three hundred years." But regardless of praise or criticism, eight words always appear before all evaluations.

Skilled in social interactions and adept at handling interpersonal relationships.

Chen Hongwu found a chair and sat down, simply gesturing to the chair opposite him: "Mr. Du, please sit down."

Du Yuesheng thanked him and sat down properly in the chair.

His posture was very refined; his back was straight, his buttocks only touched the third of the chair, and his hands were placed on his knees. He didn't look like a Green Gang tycoon who commanded thousands of gang members at all.

"Mr. Du came to visit me as soon as Mr. Chen arrived in Shanghai. He's certainly well-informed." Chen Hongwu picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"I've come today to apologize to Master Chen for Liu Desheng's lax discipline," Du Yuesheng said, bowing slightly.

"The matter with Liu San was caused by the Green Gang's lack of discipline, which led to trouble for Master Chen. Desheng has already received the punishment and will not repeat the offense."

Chen Hongwu did not respond, waiting for him to continue.

Du Yuesheng didn't mind and continued, "Secondly, there's something I need to inform Master Chen in person. Master Chen must already know about what happened on the Taikoo Steamship a few days ago."

Chen Hongwu nodded slightly: "I know, I was on the ship at the time."

Du Yuesheng said, "A whole ship of Black Dragon Society members died, including Yamamoto Ichiro."

The Black Dragon Society was furious and sent a message to the Green Gang, demanding our assistance in compiling a list of passengers from the ship at the time.

He paused, picked up the teacup on the table but didn't drink it. He just gently stirred the tea leaves floating on the surface with the lid. "Boss Huang gave them the list. Master Chen's name is on that list."

"Du knows that Master Chen has a long-standing feud with the Black Dragon Society, and he fears that the Japanese will use this as an excuse to harm you."

I came here specifically to remind you in person that sending the list over is a matter for our Green Gang, and I do not deny that.

Whether the Black Dragon Society suspects you, Master Chen, is none of our business. They might take advantage of your time in Shanghai to make a move against you, so please be careful.

These words were spoken frankly and openly, directly revealing that the Green Gang had handed over the list to the Black Dragon Society.

This was Du Yuesheng's method. Huang Jinrong wanted him to keep things secret, but he did the opposite and personally went to Huang's door to tell him everything about the Green Gang submitting the list.

Because Du Yuesheng knew in his heart that if you don't want others to know, you shouldn't do it in the first place.

Rather than being found out by Chen Hongwu later, it's better to confess now.

The list was given to us by the Black Dragon Society; we were forced to hand it over due to pressure from them. But the Black Dragon Society's suspicions and attempts to frame you are unrelated to us; these are two separate matters.

This move completely wiped the Green Gang clean.

Unfortunately, he overlooked one thing.

Chen Hongwu never had much affection for the Green Gang. No matter how frank, polite, or watertight Du Yuesheng was, in Chen Hongwu's eyes, the Green Gang was the one that colluded with the Japanese to sell opium.

This disgust is ingrained in my bones and will not be erased by a few polite words from Du Yuesheng.

So no matter how much sincerity Du Yuesheng showed, Chen Hongwu's attitude remained indifferent.

Don't get close, don't fall out, don't express an opinion.

Du Yuesheng couldn't tell what Chen Hongwu was thinking, but his expression remained completely unchanged.

He sat upright for a moment, then smiled and said, "I have said what I needed to say today, so I will not bother you any longer."

"The challenge will be held at 2 PM the day after tomorrow at the plaza in front of the Hongkou Commercial Port. Master Chen, please be sure to attend."

He stood up, clasped his hands in a salute once more, and walked out of the inn's lobby with his two followers at a leisurely pace.

After the black Buick disappeared into the alley, Li Yi came down from upstairs, glanced at Chen Hongwu, and said with a hint of amusement, "This Du Yuesheng is quite an interesting person."

Chen Hongwu picked up his teacup and drank the cold tea in one gulp: "The more someone is like this, the more wary we should be."