After the airship returned to Center City, Chen Chuan put his boundary credential back on, only to discover a missed communication. He checked it and saw that it was from Xu Chan.
His thoughts stirred slightly. Ever since the incident at the Crisis Affairs Center, the two had exchanged several messages, but all had been voice recordings. For Xu Chan to reach out directly out of the blue meant something must have come up, so Chen Chuan tapped the man's avatar.
A moment later, the call connected. "Captain Xu? You were looking for me?" he asked.
Xu Chan's voice came through. "Supervisor Chen, pardon the intrusion. I wonder if you are free? I'd like to treat you to a meal."
Chen Chuan smiled. "If Captain Xu is treating, then I must certainly attend."
Seeing that he agreed, Xu Chan immediately settled on a meeting place.
Chen Chuan looked at the address. It was a well-known noodle house located in Feng'an District. Whether by coincidence or not, less than one li further down the road was the headquarters of the Tianshu Gang.
He grew pensive. Once the airship docked at the mooring point, he drove straight toward the destination, arriving at the agreed location roughly an hour and a half later.
Xu Chan was already there, waiting in his car. Spotting Chen Chuan's vehicle pulling up, he pushed open the driver's side door, stepped out, and waved a greeting through the window.
After parking, Chen Chuan got out of the car and shook hands with Xu Chan. The latter pointed toward the noodle house ahead and said, "This is my favorite noodle shop. It's been open for twenty years. When I first came to Jibei Dao, this was the very first place I ate at. It suits my taste perfectly, though I don't know if it'll be to your liking, Supervisor Chen."
Chen Chuan looked up and saw four gilded characters on the signboard: "Nanguo Noodle House." He said, "I've never been here before, but since Captain Xu recommends it, I'll definitely have to give it a try today."
Stepping inside, Xu Chan familiarized himself easily, ordering two bowls of noodles as if by second nature. After asking about Chen Chuan's preferences, he added several side dishes to the order.
Before long, two piping-hot bowls of noodles were brought to their table.
Xu Chan picked up two pairs of paper-sleeved chopsticks, handed one pair to Chen Chuan, and pointed at the even, slender white strands of noodles. "These are 'Spring Snow Noodles.' Bundled together, they resemble a fine-toothed comb, curving like the back of a fish, which is why this presentation is called a 'fish-back comb.' Sprinkled with a handful of chopped scallions and topped with a secret sliced-meat gravy, the flavor is simply unbeatable. Supervisor Chen, give it a taste."
Chen Chuan saw that the broth was glossy yet clear, giving off an appetizing aroma. Removing his chopsticks from their sleeve, he tossed the noodles slightly and took a bite. They were smooth and delicate on the palate, perfectly tender, with every single strand seeming to have absorbed the savory sweetness of the broth. It was indeed a dish worth savoring.
He noticed that most of the patrons inside rarely spoke; they simply buried their heads and ate. Slurping sounds echoed all around as customers worked up a sweat over their bowls.
As fighters, however, ordinary food could no longer sate their hunger or replenish their energy, so eating was purely a matter of enjoying the taste.
Just then, the side dishes arrived. Between them, they had ordered a bowl of duck blood vermicelli soup, a plate of meat-filled spring rolls, a bowl of crystal shrimp, and a serving of water shield and fish ball soup, accompanied by two bottles of osmanthus honey dew.
Xu Chan took the initiative to pour him a cup of osmanthus honey dew, explaining, "This isn't alcohol, just a sweet southern beverage. I'm not sure if it suits your palate, Supervisor Chen."
Chen Chuan raised the cup and took a sip. It was cool, sweet, and mellow, leaving a sugary aftertaste and a faint fragrance of osmanthus. He nodded in approval. "It really is good." Then he looked up and asked, "Captain Xu isn't from Jibei Dao?"
Xu Chan replied, "I'm from Huainan Dao. I attended Wuyi there as well. Later on, I joined the military, and after that, I was transferred to Jibei Dao. It's been exactly twenty years this year. Time really flies when you think about it." He looked around. "Aside from the signboard getting a bit weathered, almost nothing here has changed."
Looking out the window, in a fleeting daze, he almost felt like he was still that spirited, ambitious young officer from back then.
"Is your family here too, Captain Xu?"
Xu Chan pulled out a cardholder and opened it to reveal a photograph of a young woman holding a pair of twins. "My wife and two children are back in Huainan Dao," he said. "It's just that I haven't been back to see them in a long time. We can only stay in touch through phone calls and telegrams every day."
Chen Chuan didn't ask why he hadn't brought his family over. Given the climate in Center City and the nature of Xu Chan's work, it was terribly easy to offend powerful people. With Center City separating them, his family's benefits remained intact, and they were far safer back home.
Xu Chan set down his chopsticks, looked outside, and said to Chen Chuan, "Look over there."
Their table sat right next to the window, offering a clear view of the street outside. Chen Chuan looked across and saw armored vehicles rolling past. The characters "Tianshu" were emblazoned on their flanks in an aggressive, overbearing script that carried an air of disdain.
Xu Chan took a sip of honey dew and said, "The largest gang in Feng'an District is the Tianshu Gang. Every year, they train a vast number of fighters. A small portion joins the military, most go into corporations, but their true elites all manage to find a way into Center City's government. They are a force that cannot be ignored."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly. Wei Wusheng, Chang Kuanghai, and the others he had encountered before had all come out of the Tianshu Gang, leaving a deep impression on him.
Xu Chan continued, "The Tianshu Gang has two elders. One is Yu Hongming. The old fellow is over a hundred and ten years old and honed his spirit and body to their absolute limits long ago. Seventy or eighty years ago, he was a renowned expert. As the saying goes, the older the ginger, the spicier it gets. Even though his vitality has waned and his mutated tissues have atrophied, the seasoned fighting experience he possesses cannot be overlooked.
"Fortunately, fierce and ruthless as he was in his youth, he has always strictly abided by the rules. Now that he's old, he carries even less worldly ambition. At present, the gang's affairs are mostly managed by him and his disciples. He's very much an old-school fighter.
"The other elder is named Yue Hongtao. He's actually from the same generation as Yu Hongming, though slightly younger, in his nineties. Compared to Yu Hongming, this man is heavily driven by self-interest, or you could say very calculating. He is deeply entwined with the Municipal Council, and he played a crucial role in allowing the Tianshu Gang to endure for so long.
"Much of the Municipal Council's vital armed security forces hail from the Tianshu Gang. In name, these people have severed ties with the gang and acquired legitimate status, but in reality, they remain inextricably tied to Yue Hongtao's faction.
"Ever since the Old Era, the Tianshu Gang has been firmly rooted here. With those two around, it is practically impossible to uproot them. The Bureau's strategy has always been to divide the two factions and handle them one by one."
Chen Chuan's gaze flickered. If the Tianshu Gang were just an ordinary street gang, the Processing Bureau might not have targeted them so intently. But being so deeply entwined with the Municipal Council—to the point of virtually serving as their subordinate armed force—the Bureau naturally had to find a way to dismantle them.
Xu Chan said, "Aside from taking on missions in the blended territory, I spend the rest of my time stationed here in Feng'an District. My primary duty is simply to let the Tianshu Gang know I am here, so they don't dare act too brazenly." He added solemnly, "You can never overestimate the bottom line of a gang—especially when they have political power backing them."
Pausing, he continued, "However, I must head into the blended territory soon, and I might not return until the end of the year. During this window, I'm afraid the Tianshu Gang might try something."
Looking at Chen Chuan, he said, "Supervisor Chen, I know full well how strong you are. You might even be stronger than I am. After I leave, I may have to rely on you to handle certain matters."
Chen Chuan nodded. "Chief Wu mentioned this to me as well. I'll take care of it."
Seeing him give a clear affirmation, Xu Chan looked somewhat relieved. He continued, "There's one more matter. Right now, there is deep friction between the Municipal Council and the Government Affairs Hall. The Government Affairs Hall recently rolled out several new regulations to plug loopholes left over from the past. If successful, the Municipal Council's power will be further curtailed. In this matter, there is one key figure."
He tapped his boundary credential, and the projection of a stern middle-aged man appeared.
"This is Yao Kang, a senior official in the Government and Legal Affairs Hall," Xu Chan said. "The man has a strong sense of justice. He refused lobbying from the Municipal Council and firmly pushed through the decrees issued by the Government Affairs Hall. The Processing Bureau has been protecting him for months now, primarily handled by a member of my squad.
"They know it's someone from my team, so while I'm around, certain people wouldn't dare make a move. But once I leave for the blended territory, I won't be here to deter them."
Chen Chuan glanced at the file and nodded. "Understood, Captain Xu. I'll keep an eye on this after you depart."
Xu Chan raised his cup. "Thank you."
Chen Chuan raised his cup and clinked it against his.
After taking a sip, Xu Chan tapped his boundary credential again. On Chen Chuan's side, a list of personnel popped up.
"This is..."
Xu Chan said, "A list of people in the Bureau who can be trusted. I've already spoken with them. If you need anything, they will follow your orders, Supervisor Chen."
Chen Chuan knew Xu Chan was a veteran of the Bureau. Had he not turned down promotions himself, becoming an Investigation Supervisor would have been effortless. These people were undoubtedly his longtime subordinates.
Chen Chuan inquired about the background of several individuals, and Xu Chan answered each question. After a while, having finished their meal, the two walked out of the shop.
Once outside, Chen Chuan looked down the street, where the main gate of the Tianshu Gang's headquarters was clearly visible. "Captain Xu," he said, "if it's just about deterring the Tianshu Gang, it isn't actually that difficult." With that, he turned in that direction and began walking toward it at a steady pace.
Xu Chan was momentarily taken aback, then realized what Chen Chuan intended to do. After a brief hesitation, he remained where he was and did not move.
Meanwhile, in Changsheng Hall high above the Tianshu Gang compound, Yu Hongming stood before a field screen, observing the figures of the two men. On the other half of the screen appeared the image of another old man.
This was a tall, thin old man with a braided beard. In contrast to Yu Hongming's mild, genial countenance, his eyes held a distinct arrogance.
Watching the screen, Yu Hongming said, "Xu Chan is likely heading to the blended territory. The two of them came here to put on a show of force, warning us not to stir up trouble. After he leaves, this young fellow will probably be the one tasked with keeping an eye on us."
The tall, thin elder looked over and sneered, "An Investigation Supervisor from the Processing Bureau? That Kuang Hai kid was arrested by him, wasn't he? Old Yu, your own disciple was crippled and is still locked up, yet you can just stomach it?"
Yu Hongming replied without a ripple in his tone, "The path was of their own choosing. As their master, my only duty was to teach them skills. How they choose to use them is beyond my concern."
The tall, thin elder remarked sarcastically, "I truly wonder where all the fire from your youth has gone."
Yu Hongming said slowly, "I have simply gained a bit more reverence."
"Reverence?" The tall, thin elder scoffed dismissively. "I might give Xu Chan a little respect—the man genuinely has skill, after all. But relying on a single youngster to intimidate us? With what? Just the title of Investigation Supervisor?"
Yu Hongming suddenly noticed something and narrowed his eyes, watching Chen Chuan walk toward them.
The tall, thin elder noticed it as well. He saw Chen Chuan reach the street corner, halt his steps, and gaze toward them from afar. Puzzled, he muttered, "What does he think he's doing?"
...
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Chapter 678