No matter how Police Major General Phongsaphat put on a show, as long as Zhou Quan made no response,
Then the Joint Hong Kong–Thailand Anti-Drug Operations would conclude with the most satisfactory outcome.
Phongsaphat received the overt, direct honors, while Zhou Quan secured tangible results and unseen influence.
The two understood each other without a word, and both were happy with what they got.
In other words, Phongsaphat stood in the spotlight drawing attention, while Zhou Quan quietly reaped the rewards behind the scenes.
Far from having any objection, Phongsaphat was more than happy with this.
What was more, the show would not merely earn Phongsaphat leverage for a promotion.
His fruit business in Hong Kong Island would also receive Sir Kwan's attention and support as a result.
Phongsaphat would not miss out on his share of the tangible benefits, either.
While Zhou Quan was still on his flight back to Hong Kong Island, Phongsaphat had already brought his political-showmanship press conference to a successful close.
The twenty-first century was the information age.
The Hong Kong Island Police Force's transnational anti-drug Action Group, returning laden with honors, had not yet landed at Hong Kong Island International Airport.
Yet the Hong Kong Island Police Force, and even the Hong Kong Government, had already made urgent arrangements in response.
With members of their own Disciplined Services distinguishing themselves across the Asia-Pacific Region, how could those back home possibly remain unmoved?
The Hong Kong Island Police Force had sent Wong Bing Yiu, the current DCP Operations and all but certain next Number One, to welcome them in person.
Even its overseeing agency, the Security Bureau, had sent a heavyweight: its current Deputy Commissioner, Lok Ming-wah.
In addition, Sir Kwan's Official Spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Leung Tsz Mei of the Police Force's Public Relations Department,