A New Boss Takes Office: He Finally Found Someone Who Recognized His Talent!

A few days later, the Special Higher Police's massive campaign to "stamp out feudal superstition" finally came to an end.

The fortune-tellers and spirit mediums who used to practice their tricks on Shanghai's streets vanished overnight. They had either been arrested and tortured by the military police or scared into changing trades, never daring to show their faces again.

The uproar Shen Yan had indirectly caused brought him no trouble. Instead, it earned him an unexpected special reward.

[Ding! The host's actions have indirectly prompted the Japanese and their collaborators to clear out swindlers, reducing the risk of ordinary people being cheated. Special reward triggered!]

[Congratulations, host. Permanent reward obtained: Intelligence Forecast.]

[Intelligence Forecast rules: Intelligence Forecast activates automatically at certain times, in certain places, or upon encountering certain people.]

Intelligence Forecast?! I went after fortune-tellers, and now I've become one?

As Shen Yan marveled at life's unpredictability, a whistle sounded in the collaborationist police station courtyard, calling everyone to an emergency assembly.

Shen Yan joined the straggling crowd heading toward the square in the courtyard, asking his godfather what was going on along the way.

Old Chen shook his head and replied irritably:

"What good news could there be at this station? They must have found another Communist or Kuomintang liaison post and want us to help round them up."

Old Chen glanced around and, seeing that no one was paying them any attention, nudged Shen Yan's arm.

"If that's what this is, you keep your wits about you, kid. Don't go charging in like an idiot. Let the Japanese go first. If you get killed by the people fighting the Japanese, you'd be too ashamed to enter the family tomb even after death!"

"I know what I'm doing."

Shen Yan smiled.

When everyone reached the square, though, there was none of the tension that would have accompanied preparations for a raid.

Instead, they saw the chief, who was seldom seen around the station, standing on the platform. Beside him stood a smiling middle-aged man in a brand-new police uniform.

The man was around forty, upright and well-proportioned, with regular features. His uniform was crisply pressed, and his every movement conveyed competence and composure. Standing beside the chief, he was plainly the better man.

"Colleagues, quiet down!"

The chief raised his voice to announce, his tone full of deference:

"Starting today, Deputy Chief Lu will assist me in managing all police station affairs. From now on, everyone must obey his orders. Violators will be dealt with under military law!"

The patrolmen immediately began whispering among themselves, speculating about the new deputy chief's background.

Only Shen Yan, standing among the men at the back, pulled his police cap down slightly to hide the cold glint in his eyes. He secretly activated the system's Heavenly Eye, instantly stripping away Lu Tinghui's disguise:

[Apparent name]: Lu Tinghui (Watanabe Seiichi)

[True identity]: Special Higher Police agent and trusted confidant of Kuroiwa Masao, head of the Japanese military's Special Higher Police.

[Remarks]: Suspicious and ruthless in his dealings, extremely cautious. Has operated undercover in China for many years and is fluent in both Chinese and Japanese, as well as knowledgeable about Shanghai customs. Recently transferred to the collaborationist police station as deputy chief. Thoroughly investigated the files of all station personnel before taking office and has a strong interest in the host.

The chill in Shen Yan's eyes deepened.

Without the system's Heavenly Eye, there was no way to tell that a thoroughly Japanese man was hiding behind that Chinese face.

Lu Tinghui stepped half a pace forward and addressed all the patrolmen. His tone was gentle and genial, without a trace of a superior's arrogance, and every word was earnest.

"Colleagues, my name is Lu Tinghui. I've only just arrived, and I'll be counting on everyone's efforts in the days ahead."

"The police are the foundation of law and order in Shanghai. Regardless of rank, anyone who works diligently and has genuine ability is a pillar of this station. I've never placed much stock in background or seniority. I value only hard work and loyalty."

"From now on, anyone with talent who's willing to take responsibility will receive an exceptional promotion and be entrusted with important duties. Anyone who muddles through and does a careless job, however, will receive no leniency. Let us work together, each doing our part to govern our jurisdiction properly. I'll stand with you through success and failure, through honor and disgrace!"

His words were frank yet modest, displaying a remarkably humble and open-minded bearing. They instantly brought him closer to the rank-and-file patrolmen, and many privately concluded that their new superior was a good leader who valued talent.

Only after finishing his address did he casually say that he wanted to meet the rank-and-file patrolmen, calling it a chance to "get acquainted with conditions on the front line."

For an entire day, Lu Tinghui met with the heads of each department and the captains of the various action teams. He praised and rewarded those who performed their duties well and frankly criticized and corrected those who were sluggish, dispensing rewards and punishments fairly and balancing firmness with leniency. The meetings were cordial and appropriate throughout.

Before long, dusk fell, and the clock struck six in the evening. Lu Tinghui promptly proposed taking the station's middle and senior officers out for a meal, using the occasion to get better acquainted and bring everyone together. Those present naturally voiced their agreement.

As the group left the meeting room, Lu Tinghui's gaze swept casually over the crowd and landed precisely on Shen Yan. His expression relaxed, and he smiled in praise.

"This young man looks full of energy. One glance tells me he's an exceptionally capable fellow."

Li Kui immediately stepped forward, beaming as he made the introduction, showing a keen eye for the moment.

"You have a good eye, sir! This is Shen Yan. He's young and promising, and he's highly respected throughout the West District. Better yet, he's fluent in Japanese. Even the Imperial Army knows his name!"

Lu Tinghui's smile broadened. He reached out and patted Shen Yan lightly on the shoulder, his tone friendly.

"A talented young man indeed. Come along tonight. I'd like to hear more about what our brothers on the front line really think."

Shen Yan immediately put on an overwhelmed, apprehensive expression and bowed as he replied:

"Thank you for thinking so highly of me, sir! I'll do my utmost to fulfill my duties and live up to your expectations!"

Watching from beside them, Li Kui sneered inwardly.

Act, go on acting! A man who's just been appointed deputy chief by the Japanese takes the initiative to invite a lowly patrolman to dinner? If Shen Yan isn't a Japanese plant in the police station, I'll shit standing on my head!

Not far away, Old Chen remained outwardly calm and discreetly gave Shen Yan a look, his eyes full of the warning to "watch what you say and do, and be careful."

Shen Yan gave a subtle nod of understanding, then followed the other officers outside.

The police station had already reserved the top-floor private room at Lingnan Spring, a long-established Cantonese restaurant in Shanghai.

A scarlet tablecloth covered the round mahogany table, and exquisite Cantonese dishes arrived one after another. Roast goose, poached chicken, steamed grouper, and slow-simmered soup filled the air with their aromas. Baijiu and yellow wine were laid out in abundance nearby.

The middle and senior officers took their seats. The chief sat to Lu Tinghui's left, while Li Kui and the other action team captains sat around the table alongside the mid-level officers. Lu Tinghui had personally placed Shen Yan in the seat of honor to his right, on equal footing with the department heads and in stark contrast to the old hands around him.

After several rounds of wine and course after course of food, the atmosphere in the room gradually grew lively.

The chief was the first to raise his glass and stand to toast Lu Tinghui, his face full of flattery.

"Deputy Chief Lu, you've only just arrived, and you've already put the station in perfect order. I truly admire your ability! A toast to you, and may you achieve great things in Shanghai!"

Lu Tinghui raised his glass and took a small sip, his tone mild.

"You're too kind, Chief Li. Today's harmony is thanks to everyone at the station working together. I'll need more of your cooperation going forward, Chief Li. Together, we'll keep our jurisdiction safe and stable."

His words both gave the chief face and made clear who was in charge. The chief hurriedly nodded and bowed, then drained his glass.

The department heads then rose one after another to offer toasts. Some reported on their work, while others pledged their determination, making for a lively scene. Li Kui even carried his glass over to Lu Tinghui and boasted, spittle flying, about how well he led his team and how many "Communist suspects" he had caught, his face animated as he spoke.

Lu Tinghui kept a smile on his face and responded noncommittally, occasionally nodding and saying a few words. Yet his gaze kept drifting toward Shen Yan beside him, observing his every move.

Shen Yan mingled with the others, neither seeking favor nor appearing out of place.

He raised his glass and stood to toast Lu Tinghui, keeping his words brief and appropriate.

"Sir, I've only just arrived, and I'm grateful for your recognition. From now on, I'll give my all to my duties in the West District and make sure not to cause you any trouble."

Lu Tinghui looked at him, a nearly imperceptible glimmer of approval flashing in his eyes. He raised a hand and lightly patted the back of Shen Yan's hand, his tone friendly.

"No need to be so formal. We're all on the same side."

He paused, his gaze settling on Shen Yan's face, a faint smile on his lips.

"I've heard about you before. You handle the West District on your own, and you've even fought eight men at once. Your martial skills are impressive. You also taught yourself Japanese and can communicate smoothly with the Imperial Army. That's truly rare."

"I hear you had a Japanese teacher when you were young. Do you still remember his name? I might happen to know him."

Shen Yan's heart tightened.

Here it comes. If he made a mistake during this series of probes, his entire disguise would be exposed, with unimaginable consequences.

He showed no sign of panic. Instead, he slowly lowered his eyes, looking somewhat wistful, and spoke sincerely.

"Yes, sir, I remember. My teacher's name was Inoue Jirō. Back then, he led an exploration team stationed in the fishing village in Guangzhou where I grew up. Teacher Inoue stayed at my home and taught me Japanese in his spare time. When I learned well, he'd reward me with a few pieces of candy."

"Later, he left with his team, and I eventually made my way to Shanghai. I haven't heard from him in years, and I don't know whether he returned safely to Japan. My teacher often told me that the cherry blossoms beneath Mount Fuji were the most beautiful sight in the world."

"As for my fighting skills, bandits plagued my hometown for years, so the villagers all learned some basic moves from their elders to defend themselves. I've only picked up a smattering."

Even as he answered calmly, Shen Yan urgently called out to the system in his mind.

System Daddy, there's nothing wrong with that backstory, right? This old Japanese devil is crafty. He must have checked my background beforehand. I absolutely can't let him see through it!

The next second, the system's notification sounded calmly:

[Ding! Rest assured, host. Inoue Jirō and his exploration team really existed. After leaving the village, they encountered bandits and were wiped out. The Japanese military has records on file. Your backstory is airtight! This backstory protection costs 500 Good and Evil Points.]

Shen Yan silently cursed the system as a profiteer while quickly confirming the deduction, remaining calm on the surface.

Lu Tinghui studied Shen Yan's expression closely. Seeing his sincere gaze and flawless account, which matched the information he had uncovered perfectly, he relaxed his taut guard a little, and his smile grew more genuine.

He turned to the chief beside him. His tone sounded consultative, but it carried an unquestionable decisiveness.

"Chief Li, we can't let someone so talented in both civil and martial matters go to waste. I propose giving Shen Yan a one-rank promotion to third-class police officer. What do you think?"

The chief immediately understood and nodded repeatedly in agreement, his face wreathed in smiles.

"Deputy Chief Lu, you really know talent when you see it! That boy Shen Yan is indeed a fine prospect. We'll do as you say and announce the appointment first thing tomorrow!"

Shen Yan immediately stood and held up his glass with both hands, respectful and sincere.

"Thank you both for your kindness and support, Chiefs! From now on, I, Shen Yan, will devote myself wholeheartedly to my duties and never betray your trust!"

Seeing this, everyone at the table rose to applaud and offer congratulations. The atmosphere in the room instantly reached its peak, with compliments ringing out one after another.

More than halfway through the meal, Lu Tinghui raised a hand to rub his brow and waved with a smile.

"Please enjoy yourselves. I can't hold much liquor, and I'm starting to feel it, so I'll take my leave and get some rest."

The chief hurried to his feet and offered to see him out. The two left together.

Without the leaders presiding over it, the room grew even noisier. The heads of the various departments turned to Shen Yan, their gazes now tinged with wariness and deliberate flattery as they rushed to raise their glasses to him.

Li Kui's hand stopped halfway up with his glass, and his smile stiffened for a moment. His suspicions grew stronger, but he still put on a flattering smile and stepped forward to pat Shen Yan's shoulder.

"Brother Shen, you really have been hiding your talents. No wonder Deputy Chief Lu thinks so highly of you! I hope you'll look after me at the station from now on, brother!"

Shen Yan unobtrusively turned sideways to avoid him, maintaining his modest and respectful manner as he replied calmly:

"You're too kind, Captain Li. We all work for the station. We should learn from and look after each other."

It was already late at night when the gathering ended.

As Shen Yan walked home, the night breeze cleared away most of the effects of the wine. He went over every detail of the evening: Lu Tinghui's looks, his tone, his every pause.

That old Japanese devil won't be easy to deal with.

The 500 points the system had deducted were worth it, but they also showed him one thing: before taking office, Lu Tinghui had investigated the backgrounds of everyone at the station.

Shen Yan included.

And he had investigated them in great detail.

A cold smile curved Shen Yan's lips.

Interesting.

You do your investigating, and I'll keep up my act. Let's see who can no longer keep up the act first.