Since the senior official in Mainland China's Public Security System was handling official business, Zhou Quan did not continue sitting idly and waiting.
Today was not the day of the Hong Kong Island Police Force's weekly meeting, so he did not need to gather his senior officers for a conference.
But that did not mean there was no other work on his desk to deal with.
Sir Kwan could not quite be described as having countless affairs to attend to every day, but he had little free time either.
With him fully absorbed in work, two hours passed in the blink of an eye.
Ring, ring!
Suddenly, the internal dedicated line on Zhou Quan's desk rang.
"Zhou Quan speaking!"
Zhou Quan reached out and pressed the speakerphone button, his expression turning serious.
"Sir, there's a request to connect a dedicated line from Mainland China. It's the highest department of the Public Security System."
The next second, Chan Kwok-wah's solemn voice came through the phone.
Calls Zhou Quan made to Mainland China over the dedicated line had to be transferred through the relevant departments.
The same was true in reverse!
Calls from Mainland China's dedicated line to the Hong Kong Island Police Force also had to be routed through the National Security Department's International Affairs Department.
"Put it through immediately!"
Without any hesitation or delay, Zhou Quan gave clear instructions at once.
Ring, ring!
Immediately afterward, the Red Hotline he had just used began ringing.
"Good morning, Sir Kwan!"
As soon as he answered, a deep, hearty laugh came through the phone.
"Hello, Minister Hao!"
The corners of Zhou Quan's mouth curved upward, and he gave a soft chuckle too, though he remained respectful and solemn.
Back when Zhou Quan had first contacted the highest department of Mainland China's Public Security