Chapter 30: Third Young Master Ye is Captured

The words with which Ivanovich departed made it clear he knew something about Old Anthony’s situation; otherwise, he would never have come to demand the “private seal” at such a delicate moment.

If he had insisted on refusing today, there would almost certainly have been a clash. With his current strength, if he really came into conflict with Ivanovich, there was little chance he could win. Besides, he had always been accustomed to timidity; suddenly acting so assertive would not fit his usual character.

Finding the right balance was indeed difficult.

Fortunately, now there was an excuse and opportunity for him to change gradually: Old Anthony’s death.

With his foster father gone, his greatest support lost, it was understandable for a man to mature abruptly, and no one would suspect him easily.

First, Lin Dakuan had feigned friendliness, yet sent men to follow him in secret; then Akiyama Shinsuke set up a case to test him, saying he must inherit Old Anthony’s legacy…

And what really happened that night at Fragrant Pavilion? How did he end up sleeping with Bai Yulan? The original inhabitant of this body was, in effect, already dead, and he had merely survived in his place. A living, breathing man—unless suffering from a hidden illness—how could he die without cause?

Or perhaps, that night, he himself had been used…

The more he pondered, the more uneasy he became.

Since leaving Fragrant Pavilion, he had deliberately avoided thinking about it, for it touched upon his greatest secret.

It was best that no one ever found out. If he insisted on investigating, he might expose himself. Even if he told anyone, it was unlikely they would believe him, but this was not the future—if someone really took him for some “evil spirit” and seized him, burning him as a sacrifice, it would be a bitter injustice. (Superstition was still quite popular in the Northeast: tales of fox spirits and shamans abounded.)

These mysteries plagued him, waiting to be unraveled.

Bang! Bang!

Lost in thought, suddenly he heard pounding at the door, startling him. Could it be Ivanovich, having discovered the box was empty, coming to confront him with reinforcements?

At home, it was just him and Irina; if a fight broke out, the two of them could hardly fend off multiple attackers. The best option was clear: call the police!

Irina was frightened too, but she grabbed a rolling pin, steeled herself, and went to the house, shouting through the iron gate: “Who are you? What do you want? Our young master is a police officer.”

The response came from outside: “We know. We’re here to see Master Zhou Sen. One of his men owes us money. If he doesn’t pay up today, don’t blame us for being rough with his subordinate!”

Owes money?

Zhou Sen remembered Ye San’er, who hadn’t returned to the warehouse yesterday. Could that rascal have gone gambling again? This scoundrel—why wouldn’t he listen?

Zhou Sen grabbed his service pistol and held it behind his back. Though he wasn’t adept with firearms, having one boosted his courage; it was better than nothing.

He descended from upstairs into the courtyard. “Which casino are you from?”

“Daowai, Taiping Bridge Gambling House,” the man outside replied, utterly unafraid. “Is Master Zhou Sen inside?”

“I’m Zhou Sen. Which of my subordinates owes you money, and how much?”

“Ye San’er, not much—five hundred.”

“Fine, I’ll pay it for him. But you mustn’t harm him in the slightest. Also, leave my doorstep now and don’t harass my household again.”

“How do I know you’ll pay? If you hand over the money today, we’ll leave.”

“How do I know you aren’t just making up an excuse to extort me? Besides, even if Ye San’er owes you money, what’s it to me if I don’t pay? He’s only my subordinate, not my son. You come pounding on my door—I can call the police and have you arrested!” Zhou Sen said sternly.

The people do not contend with the officials.

Moreover, those outside knew Zhou Sen was indeed a police officer. If a real conflict broke out, they’d be the ones to suffer.

“Fine, I’ll trust you this once. If you don’t bring the money before nightfall, don’t blame us for being rough!” The leader left a warning and called his men to depart in a rush.

Hearing the group leave, Zhou Sen finally exhaled, his palm sweating as he gripped the pistol. If a conflict had erupted, and shots fired, with injuries or deaths, the consequences would have been far more severe.

“Irina, I’ll be going out shortly. Lock the front gate—unless it’s me returning, don’t open the door!” Zhou Sen dressed and prepared to leave, instructing Irina.

“All right, Young Master Vasim, where are you going?” Irina asked.

“My subordinate’s been detained; I have to resolve it.” Zhou Sen explained, “But don’t worry, it’s only paying to ransom him—not dangerous.”

Taiping Bridge Gambling House in Daowai was one of the largest casinos in Ice City, part of the empire of Qin Seventh Master, the underworld kingpin. Qin Seventh Master was the local tyrant, entrenched in Ice City for decades, allied by marriage with the former police chief, his influence deep and longstanding. The gambling house offered not only games of chance but also a full suite of entertainment and pleasures.

It was said in the streets: once you enter Taiping Bridge Gambling House, as long as you have money, you could live like a god.

Everything was available—barbering, pedicures, dining, bathing, opium, women, all sorts of thrills—whatever you desired.

With money, you were a lord; without it, you’d be thrown out on the street.

It was heaven, and it was hell.

Countless people lost their fortunes, families torn apart, ultimately vanishing from the world without a trace.

He certainly couldn’t go alone; it was too dangerous. Though the man said it was just about paying to ransom someone, who knew what else might await.

…

“Old Six…”

“Boss, aren’t you off duty today? What brings you here?” Gu Old Six, patrolling with Wun, was surprised to see Zhou Sen.

“Get in, let’s find somewhere to talk.” Zhou Sen beckoned him over.

Gu Old Six gave instructions to Wun, then jumped into the carriage, driving forward and finding a teahouse by the street.

“What’s the matter, boss?” Gu Old Six saw Zhou Sen had brought him to a private room in the teahouse.

“Ye San’er’s in trouble, detained by the people from Taiping Bridge Gambling House,” Zhou Sen said in a low voice.

“What? That kid went gambling again! Boss, this time you can’t just bail him out with money; he needs a lesson!” Gu Old Six immediately understood, his tone full of exasperation.

“I sent him out yesterday—it was official business. And besides, he’s a police officer; the gambling house wouldn’t dare go too far.” Zhou Sen replied.

“Boss, you shouldn’t indulge him anymore. If this keeps up, he’ll cause you big trouble one day.” Gu Old Six was deeply annoyed by Ye San’er’s gambling habit.

“I know, but we can’t just ignore it now. I only have three men under me—if Ye San’er’s in trouble, it’s just you and Wun left. Who else do I have?” Zhou Sen said helplessly.

Gu Old Six fell silent. He knew Zhou Sen spoke the truth; there were only three of them, and no others.

For instance, there were members of the Shuangqing Society; those men could be tasked with odd jobs, but to rely on them or entrust them with anything important was impossible.

They were opportunists, loyal to whoever held the biggest fist or offered the greatest reward.

If Zhou Sen weren’t the patrol chief of these few streets, would such men still obey him? Not necessarily.

“Old Six, don’t you have any reliable brothers?” At this moment, Zhou Sen’s desire to build a force he could control grew ever stronger.

This world would no longer allow him to muddle through in peace; he could only fight with all he had. Though he was no genius, the course of history over the coming decades would not change.

As long as he didn’t try to stop the tide, but instead rode it, he wouldn’t seek glory or high office—just a happy life as a wealthy gentleman.

First, though, he had to survive this crisis.

Otherwise, all would be moot.

Just as today, Ivanovich dared come alone to demand Old Anthony’s personal seal—he clearly did not take Zhou Sen seriously.

They all thought he was a harmless coward.

“Boss, what do you want to do?”

“I need a few men to protect me. Clean records, no bad habits, aged eighteen to thirty. If they have special abilities, I can be flexible. Best if they know martial arts.” Zhou Sen said.

“Boss, those are hard to find.” Gu Old Six pondered; Zhou Sen’s requirements were high. If such men existed, others would have already snatched them up.

“I know it’s not easy, but we can take our time. No rush. But this afternoon, you need to find a few men to back me up outside Taiping Bridge Gambling House. Heavy rewards bring brave men—if they don’t have to fight, twenty each. If they do, at least one old sheep per person. If injured or disabled, I’ll cover medical costs.”

“How many men do you need, boss?”

“Twenty. No slackers. You personally vet them. Remember, if a conflict breaks out, you and Wun must not rush to the front. If anything happens to you two, I’ll have no one left. Understand?”

“Understood. Leave it to me, boss—I’ll make sure it’s done right.”

“Go now, and at two o’clock, we meet at Jiang’s Car Shop on Taiping Street.” Zhou Sen instructed.

“All right. What will you do now, boss?” Gu Old Six nodded.

“I’ll patrol in your place.” Zhou Sen rolled his eyes.

Gu Old Six grinned sheepishly. With him gone, only Wun remained; if something happened, that fellow wouldn’t know how to handle it.

So Zhou Sen would patrol with Wun.

Walking down Gogol Avenue, Zhou Sen was about to find somewhere to eat when a luxurious carriage passed by. Its emblem was familiar to him.

Inside sat two young women. One of them, seeing Zhou Sen, showed a hint of delight. “Sister Lan, look—it’s him.”

Dressed in a violet sable coat, Bai Yulan opened her weary eyes, gazing out the carriage window. She spoke coldly, “Ah Xiang, don’t mention him to me again.”

“But Sister Lan, none of the banks or money houses in Ice City will grant us loans. Without funds, Fragrant Pavilion can’t last much longer,” Ah Xiang said anxiously.

“He’s just a playboy, a second-generation idler. Even if I begged him, what good would it do?” Bai Yulan shook her head and sighed.

“But you and he shared one night—a night’s union brings a hundred days of favor. Wouldn’t it be right for him to help you?”

“I’ll beg anyone, but not him,” Bai Yulan said firmly.

“Sister Lan…”

“Enough. I haven’t reached the end of my rope yet.” Bai Yulan snorted coldly, cutting Ah Xiang off.

Wait—

That scent was familiar.

Zhou Sen turned his head, catching Bai Yulan’s profile in the carriage from the corner of his eye, suddenly realizing where he’d seen the emblem before. He was surprised—what was she doing here?