After Hong Kong Island officially returned to Chinese sovereignty, the Foreigners' Union Jacks that had lined the streets and alleys were replaced by brilliant five-star red flags.
In front of Tai Kwun, the Police Force headquarters, the brand-new national flag, the Bauhinia Regional Flag, and the Police Force flag fluttered in the wind.
When Zhou Quan arrived for work, the sight of the new Police Force insignia worn by his fellow officers coming and going inside Tai Kwun brought an involuntary smile to his lips.
The spirit they exuded was more vigorous and high-spirited than it had been before yesterday.
Those crowns and Bath Stars should have been thrown in the rubbish long ago.
In a cheerful, positive frame of mind, Zhou Quan headed straight to the Security Department's Action Group offices.
He intended to check in with his men, then officially begin his post-handover service in the Police Force.
Yet the moment Zhou Quan stepped out of the lift, he saw Xu Yongji waiting directly ahead.
Why was Lau Kit-fai's trusted subordinate here?
Zhou Quan raised an eyebrow, a trace of puzzlement arising in his mind.
As a mainstay of the Administration Group, Xu Yongji held the same standing there that Chow Sing Sing held in the Action Group.
The two groups worked on different floors, and under normal circumstances, Xu Yongji would not get involved in the Action Group's work.
Much less make a special trip to wait outside the Action Group's lift lobby at a time like this.
"Sir Kwan, Number One called a management meeting after arriving at work. Big Sir just came out of the top-floor Conference Room."
The instant he spotted Zhou Quan, Xu Yongji stepped forward and reported politely and respectfully, "Big Sir is waiting for you in his office now."
Although Lau