Unexpected Gains

"The higher-ups mean that if the Japanese don't get too arrogant, we'll help clean up their mess. But if they go too far—affecting the foreigners and disrupting the established order in our French Concession—then there's no need to hold back. Arrest them directly. You three have all been veteran patrol officers for years. You should know where to draw the line, so I don't need to spell it out, do I?"

In the chief inspector's office, Wang Yan swept his gaze over the three captains standing before his desk—He Shaohong, Fang Yuantu, and Zhang Xian—and waited for their response.

As a diehard loyalist, He Shaohong spoke first. "Chief Inspector, don't worry. We know exactly what to do."

"Exactly, Chief Inspector. If we can't even handle something like this, then wouldn't all these years have been for nothing? Don't worry. We definitely won't cause you any trouble." Zhang Xian immediately voiced his position, firmly declaring that he would follow Chief Inspector Wang's orders.

Fang Yuantu, the last one left, hurriedly followed suit. "The brothers understand, Chief Inspector. We definitely won't let the Japanese run wild, and we won't let our men suffer losses either."

Wang Yan suddenly seemed to remember something and gave an "ah." "Right. Did the Japanese contact any of you before this?"

The three shook their heads in unison. Fang Yuantu said, "Chief Inspector, the three of us don't have your prestige. You command respect in the police station, enjoy the Frenchmen's trust, employ more than ten thousand people outside, and hold a high position in Shanghai Bund's business world. Even in the Green Gang, you have considerable say based on seniority. The Japanese are ambitious wolves; they'll definitely want to win your support. And regarding today's matter, none of us three would have dared act on our