After ten years undercover, I'm giving up.

……

Police Department, Commissioner's Office.

Charles's desk was now covered with newspapers from all the major newspapers on Hong Kong Island.

These newspapers were specially purchased and delivered by the secretary after she noticed something was wrong early in the morning.

Ma Zhichao: City Hero or Mastermind?

Charles understood immediately after just one glance at the headline.

Taikoo's side has made its move.

This action is too obvious.

Aside from the truly powerful conglomerates at the top of Hong Kong's pyramid, very few newspapers could change their reporting at almost the same time.

Charles picked up a copy of the Sing Tao Daily and slowly flipped through it.

But as he watched, his expression became somewhat strange.

"This report..."

"Why does it seem more and more plausible the more I read it?"

He recalled Ma Zhichao's journey to the top.

That's quite a coincidence.

Each storm and each major case seemed to pave the way for Ma Zhichao in the end.

His reputation soared.

The credit is in hand.

Jump to a higher position.

Charles used to think that this Chinese police superintendent was strange, difficult to deal with, and had ridiculously good luck.

But now, after being pieced together from beginning to end by these newspapers, he suddenly realized that there were indeed quite a few things that were not right.

"If... Ma Zhichao really is the mastermind behind it all..."

The moment the thought crossed Charles's mind, he felt a chill run down his spine.

However, he quickly calmed down.

Speculation is just speculation.

Without evidence, nothing can be put on the table.

Moreover, Ma Zhichao had just received a Queen's Honours award a few days ago and also became the Acting Director of West Kowloon.

If we were to take action against him now based solely on a few newspaper articles, wouldn't that be tantamount to slapping Her Majesty the Queen in the face?

"However, it wouldn't hurt to investigate privately."

Charles pondered for a moment, then picked up the phone and called the Political Department directly, asking them to re-examine Ma Zhichao's recent series of cases.

He then dialed the Criminal Intelligence Division.

The previous wiretapping operation targeting Ma Zhichao was abruptly halted.

This time, it must be reactivated.

After explaining everything, Charles picked up his coffee and leisurely took a sip.

"Truly worthy of being called Mr. Will..."

"He was ruthless from the start."

Charles couldn't help but sigh softly.

……

……

Hung Hing.

Inside Jiang Tiansheng's villa.

The older sister-in-law was swimming in the pool.

Jiang Tiansheng and Chen Yao sat under a parasol, each holding a newspaper.

Hahaha~~~

"Who would have thought that Ma Zhichao, that good-for-nothing, would have such a day!"

"These newspapers finally realized they weren't blind; they've finally seen what kind of person he really is!"

Jiang Tiansheng was in a great mood, his face full of a happy smile.

Chen Yao pushed up his glasses and said with a smile, "What's really something to be happy about isn't that the newspaper has suddenly become smarter, but that it shows Ma Zhichao has offended a truly important person."

"Now, someone is personally stepping in to pull him down from his pedestal."

Jiang Tiansheng nodded, his smile deepening: "Then let's not rush into action."

"Next, we'll just sit back and watch the show."

……

Hong Tai.

He Liansheng.

Loyalty, trustworthiness, and righteousness.

United Society.

In Hong Kong Island, hundreds of thousands of gangsters from all the major and minor triads were overjoyed after seeing today's newspapers.

Ma Zhichao has always been best at using the media to create momentum.

But this time, it was finally others' turn to use the media to fight back against him.

……

……

And at this time.

Ma Zhichao was sitting in a breakfast shop, leisurely eating his breakfast.

He was also holding a newspaper in his hand.

Shocking! Ma Chi-chiu may be the mastermind behind the deaths of Superintendent Wong Chi-shing and Commissioner William!

"??????"

Ma Zhichao was taken aback when he saw the title.

Whose brilliant idea is this?

They've practically written out the truth?

However, there was no sign of panic on his face.

Because his connection with Hong Jipeng was always kept several layers separate, outsiders could not find any substantial evidence.

"Who's behind my downfall?"

While drinking his porridge, Ma Zhichao quickly made calculations.

After much thought, the answer to who has the resources and expertise to pull off this is actually not hard to guess.

Swire Group!

Only a top-tier British conglomerate like Swire could have the influence and power to change the entire Hong Kong newspapers overnight.

"Since you made the first move..."

"The next strike will be aimed at Taigu."

Ma Zhichao grinned, a fierce glint in his eyes.

He, Ma, has never been one to be trifled with!

Just as he was calculating his next move—

Ring ring ring~~~

The phone rang.

It was Lok Wai-ching calling.

As soon as the call connected, Lok Wai-ching's shocked and worried voice came through: "You bastard! Have you offended some big shot again? Why are all the newspapers in Hong Kong starting to publish dirt on you overnight?"

"Yes, we did offend someone quite influential." Ma Zhichao's tone was relaxed, even with a hint of a smile. "With such a big shot personally involved, the scale of this is certainly impressive."

"You're still laughing?" Yue Huizhen was both anxious and angry. "This is clearly not just some tabloid making things up; someone must be behind this!"

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Hearing him so calm, Lok Wai-ching was furious, but for some reason she also found this man to be in control and even damnably charming.

"You know what you're doing? What do you know? Shao Daheng has personally spoken: TVB can no longer broadcast any positive news about you for the time being."

"I guessed it."

"So, who exactly did you offend?"

"Swire Group," Ma Zhichao said casually. "I beat up their heir a couple of days ago."

Yue Huizhen nearly choked on her own saliva: "Taigu? The Crown Prince?!"

"There's no way around it, that kid's just asking for it." Ma Zhichao said matter-of-factly, "If I don't take action, my conscience won't allow it. Anyway, don't worry, I may not have much, but I have plenty of ideas."

After a few seconds of silence, Lok Hye-ching finally couldn't help but say, "Be careful... If you really can't make it in this world, I'll take care of you."

Ma Zhichao chuckled: "Woman, you're dreaming. How could you possibly have such an outstanding man like me all to yourself?"

Lok Hye-jung: "..."

"roll!!"

Damn scumbag!

She was so angry that she hung up the phone.

But after hanging up, she couldn't help but hold the phone again, feeling worried for Ma Zhichao.

……

Ma Zhichao had just hung up the phone when it rang again.

Ring ring ring~~~

This time, it was Fang Jiexia who called.

"You damn bastard, who did you mess with this time?"

"That young master of the Swire Group."

Fang Jiexia: "..."

She fell silent.

What kind of monster is this person?

How can someone cause trouble with such precision?

Fang Jiexia was well aware of the Swire Group's influence in Hong Kong.

This British conglomerate isn't as high-profile as HSBC, but its roots are frighteningly deep.

Especially now, during the Victorian era, the influence of established British conglomerates like Swire on Hong Kong Island is terrifying.

Fang Jiexia said coldly, "Stop making a fuss, just wait to die."

Ma Zhichao smiled meaningfully: "Don't rush, it's still uncertain who will have the last laugh."

After saying that, he started acting silly again: "By the way, Madam, are you free? I haven't experienced your services in ages."

Fang Jiexia instantly exploded: "Ma Zhichao! You perverted bastard! You lecherous slut! You'd better get killed by Taigu soon!"

BOOM!

She abruptly hung up the phone.

Next was Liang Ziwei.

The last call came from Fang Siwei.

"Brother Chao, I just received a notification from above. It seems like Young Master Lin personally contacted us. Starting today, ATV can no longer give you positive coverage. It must be Swire that made the move."

"What are you planning to do?"

"It's okay, I have a way to handle it."

Ma Zhichao patiently comforted her for a few more minutes.

Ugh.

Too many women are a problem.

After that, his phone kept ringing.

Liang Xiaorou.

Stephen Chow.

Chen Jiaju.

There were several other subordinates as well.

Ma Zhichao answered each call one by one, comforting each person.

By the time the phone call finally ended, the breakfast on the table was almost finished.

"Boss, check please."

"Officer Ma, welcome back next time!"

The breakfast shop owner, in his fifties, wearing an apron, came over with a smile to collect the money.

Before leaving, he lowered his voice and said, "Officer Ma, I read those newspapers today, but I believe you."

Several other diners nearby also chimed in.

"Officer Ma, we believe you too!"

"That's right, it's obvious someone is deliberately targeting you."

"We support you, Officer Ma!"

Ma Zhichao smiled and nodded to everyone.

Thank you.

……

……

at the same time.

Inside the West Kowloon Headquarters, things were in an uproar.

Ma Zhichao just distributed bonuses to the entire police station yesterday, and everyone in the station admires him immensely.

As a result, early this morning, all the major newspapers in Hong Kong suddenly published negative stories, frantically implying that he was the mastermind behind it all.

The reversal was so sudden that many police officers were caught off guard.

"The chief could never be that kind of person!"

"That's right. Everyone can see how the chief treats us. He shares credit with everyone and gives everyone money. How could someone like that be the mastermind behind everything?"

"Yes, the newspaper article was quite alarming, but I still don't believe that Inspector Ma is a bad guy."

Most of the police officers remained firmly on Ma Zhichao's side.

In the Major Crimes Unit.

After reading the newspaper, Stephen Chow and Chan Ka-kui were furious.

"Disgrace! This is utter and blatant disgrace!"

"How could Ah Tou be that kind of person?"

"Who exactly is behind this?"

"With so many newspapers publishing the same news at the same time, there must be someone pulling the strings behind the scenes!"

Liang Xiaorou had just hung up the phone with Ma Zhichao, and her expression was very serious.

"It could change the entire Hong Kong newspapers' stance..."

"The most likely candidate is Swire Group."