Maintaining connections across all sectors of Hong Kong Island society certainly could not be overlooked, but in Lok Ming-wah's mind, Zhou Quan undoubtedly carried more weight.
A mere Huo Zhaotang was clearly not enough to make him risk offending Zhou Quan, the Police Force Number One.
Why should his own efforts to cultivate connections leave Zhou Quan and the Police Force shouldering risks for no reason?
Lok Ming-wah knew perfectly well that he did not command that much favor.
Although he had also come from the Police Force, he had only reached the rank of Senior Superintendent back then.
Moreover, before the Police Force established the Security Department, he had mostly served in departments responsible for police administration.
What was more, the Security Department's Action Group at the time had consisted entirely of Zhou Quan's trusted inner circle.
Thus, Lok Ming-wah had no foundation whatsoever on the operational side of the Police Force.
As Secretary for Security, he could certainly approach the East Kowloon Regional Headquarters, where the kidnapping had occurred, directly.
But doing so would amount to bypassing Zhou Quan and interfering in the Police Force's internal work.
The good, tacitly coordinated working relationship between him and Zhou Quan would instantly develop an irreparable rift.
On account of the request from Huo Zhaotang's only legal wife, Lok Ming-wah had made a special call to Zhou Quan's private number early that morning.
Getting the Police Force Number One to personally take notice of the kidnapping was already more than enough to fulfill his obligations.
How the operation proceeded next was entirely an internal Police Force decision. He could not overstep his bounds and take over.
Therefore, once Lok Ming-wah ended his call with Zhou Quan, he immediately contacted Huo Zhaotang's wife.
While reassuring her and urging her to remain calm,