Chapter 70: Letter of Appointment

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

During these two days, Zhou Sen stayed home and didn’t go anywhere. He slept in until eight or nine in the morning, had breakfast, and played with Lucy for a while. Then he’d have lunch, read in his study, listen to the phonograph… He hardly set foot outside.

At last, the fifth day of the New Year arrived. Most shops and businesses along the streets reopened, and the city brimmed with people once more. If Zhou Sen continued to stay at home, he’d feel his bones turning rusty; by nature, he was never one for idleness. Although he no longer held the post of patrol chief, the warehouse on Haicheng Street was still his domain.

He needed to take a look. Before the New Year, he had mentioned buying some exercise equipment, and now he finally had time to follow through. He really did need to strengthen himself. With his current physique, should anything serious happen, he might not be able to withstand it.

“No need to save lunch for me today—I won’t be home to eat.” Early in the morning, Zhou Sen set out, leaving a word with Irina.

“Alright, Master Vasim.”

…

“Chief, Old Six wishes you a Happy New Year! The company you asked me to register is all done. Since you were resting these past two days, I didn’t want to disturb you.” As soon as Zhou Sen arrived at the warehouse, Gu Old Six greeted him, bending one knee in a gesture of respect.

“That fast?” Zhou Sen quickly reached out to help him up, surprised. “Does the municipal office work during the holiday?”

“No, it was done before the New Year. Rushed through.” Gu Old Six explained. Besides, having connections makes things easier.

“Good. Since the company’s established, we need a signboard.” Zhou Sen nodded. Whatever you do, the sign comes first.

“Alright.”

“No need for you to handle it. You’re a patrol chief now, not my subordinate. It wouldn’t be appropriate for your teacher to see you handling my private affairs.” Zhou Sen said.

“Chief, what are you saying? Even if you’re no longer a policeman, you’ll always be my chief.” Gu Old Six replied.

“Alright, I have another matter to discuss with you.” Zhou Sen said.

“Chief, you don’t need to stand on ceremony. Tell me, what is it?” Gu Old Six grinned. Without Zhou Sen, he would never have had the chance to rise to patrol chief.

“I’d like to transfer Wu En from your team to work with me.” Zhou Sen considered for a moment before speaking slowly.

“This…” Gu Old Six hesitated. Though two new recruits had joined the team and they had enough hands, those two weren’t likely to stay. If Wu En left, only he and Ye Third would remain.

“You can find one or two reliable young men to fill in for now, then look for a chance to get an official police registration. That’s better than having the higher-ups assign you someone directly.” Zhou Sen advised.

“That works. I’m just worried about being short-staffed when the time comes…” Gu Old Six explained, a little embarrassed.

“I know. I won’t transfer Wu En all at once. After the New Year, I’ll be spending some time at the training institute—a required step for promotion to police lieutenant.” Zhou Sen explained.

“I understand, Chief. Don’t worry, I’ll handle this.” Gu Old Six promised solemnly.

“Good. I’ll write the sign myself—you find someone to make it.” Zhou Sen nodded. He decided to draft the sign himself.

A signboard didn’t need to be overly ornate; distinctiveness was key. He named it “Sen’s Record”—not only did it contain the character from his own name, but it was also catchy and easy to remember.

As a literary man, Zhou Sen’s warehouse naturally had a long table for calligraphy practice, and plenty of writing supplies.

“Chief, let me grind the ink for you.” Gu Old Six stepped forward, took a wooden stick, and began grinding.

Zhou Sen picked up a brush and found it a little thin, so he chose a thicker one, weighing it in his hand until it felt right. He spread out a sheet of rice paper, pressed down the corners with weights, dipped the brush in ink, and, once his mood was ready, wrote in one stroke.

The two bold, rounded black characters for “Sen’s Record” appeared on the paper. After finishing, Zhou Sen put down the brush, took up a wolf-hair brush to add more ink, and wrote the date in the lower left corner: Fifth day of the first month, Year of the Rabbit, Zhou Sen.

And of course, he stamped it with his seal.

Once stamped, he set it aside to dry naturally, then would find someone to carve a plate based on the characters and make the sign. The original would be mounted and framed.

Speaking of mounting, Zhou Sen had received a handwritten copy of the Heart Sutra from Bai Yulan, which he also intended to frame.

He didn’t plan to entrust the mounting to others; he wanted to do it himself. Bai Yulan’s gift was his personal treasure, meant to be passed down to future generations.

Fortunately, his former self liked these things too. He hadn’t discarded his ancestral belongings after accepting a Russian foster father.

After all, art is universal.

“Old Six, go about your business—I don’t need you here.” Zhou Sen hadn’t visited for a long time, but it was always comfortable in his own place.

Of course, the Fragrant Pavilion was also pleasant—two different experiences.

“Got it, Chief. What’s for lunch?” Gu Old Six asked.

“I leave it to you. Whatever you guys eat, I’ll eat.” Zhou Sen had begun tidying his books—he hadn’t been here in nearly ten days, and dust had settled.

“Alright.”

…

“Assistant Jin, what brings you here? Are you looking for the Chief?” Gu Old Six had just stepped out with Zhou Sen’s calligraphy for the sign when he saw Jin Suying alight from a carriage and walk toward the warehouse. He hurried to greet her.

“Is Zhou Sen inside?”

Gu Old Six knew Zhou Sen and Jin Suying didn’t get along now, but as a subordinate, he couldn’t meddle—after all, they’d once been close.

Seeing Gu Old Six’s hesitant look, Jin Suying strode straight toward the warehouse, and Gu Old Six had no choice but to follow, calling, “Assistant Jin…”

“Zhou Sen!”

Jin Suying shouted loudly upon entering.

“Jin Suying, you’ve been Secretary to Mr. Akiyama for so long—do you never knock before entering his office?” Zhou Sen snorted.

Jin Suying’s face flushed and paled, but she held back and, not leaving, knocked on the door from inside. “Officer Zhou, is that better?”

“Yes, Secretary Jin, please come in.”

“Zhou Sen, I’ve brought your letter of appointment,” Jin Suying said, approaching the bookshelf where Zhou Sen was sorting through books.

“So soon? I thought it would be after the New Year.”

“Today is already the fifth—doesn’t that count as after the New Year?” Jin Suying retorted.

“I see. Where’s the appointment?” Zhou Sen walked over and held out his hand.

Jin Suying lowered her head, took a thick sheet of paper from her briefcase, and handed it over. “Your appointment is a special directive from above. Once you receive it, please report immediately to the Special Affairs Division.”

Zhou Sen took it, glanced at it, and asked, “Whom should I report to—Director Bai Shoutian or Mr. Obata of the Tokko Section?”

“Mr. Obata has gone to Xinjing for training. I’m temporarily in charge of the Tokko Section, but from now on, this responsibility passes to you.” Jin Suying replied.

Zhou Sen frowned. He was being asked to take charge of the Tokko Section—what did that mean?

The Tokko Section, also known as the Special Affairs Advanced Section, held significant power in the police office; its head reported directly to the councillor.

In the police headquarters, though the Tokko Section was nominally under the Special Affairs Division, its chief could report directly to the Japanese deputy commissioner in charge.

Previously, being a section chief and managing certain tasks was manageable, but now, if he was to oversee the Tokko Section, wasn’t he being pushed toward becoming a special agent?

“If Secretary Jin is in charge, then there’s no need for me to step in. Besides, I’ll soon be attending a three-month course at the training institute. By the time I finish, Mr. Obata will likely be back.” Zhou Sen said.

Jin Suying showed a hint of surprise. Most people might be delighted by such an opportunity, but Zhou Sen simply refused.

“Fine, let’s set that aside for now. The training institute classes don’t start until after the twentieth—there are still more than ten days. Take this time to familiarize yourself with the Tokko Section’s work and personnel.” Jin Suying said. “We don’t have a fixed office, but there’s a base at the ‘Spring Bright’ Photo Studio on Essential Street. I’ll take you there when you have time.”

“Spring Bright Photo Studio.” Zhou Sen nodded. Essential Street was two blocks from Haicheng Street—not within his patrol’s jurisdiction, but he knew South Hill's streets well.

On Essential Street stood an important building: the Soviet Consulate. It wasn’t surprising that the Tokko Section’s base was there.

The Tokko Section’s main work was anti-Manchu, anti-Japanese resistance, and Soviet intelligence. The South Hill Police’s Tokko Section mainly monitored the Soviet consulate.

Other tasks—combating anti-Manchu resistance, arresting activists, etc.—were under Bai Shoutian.

Zhou Sen’s duties involved censorship of newspapers and publications, which was actually the lightest task. The police headquarters’ Tokko Section was the real authority; his job was simply to collect clues, investigate, and report.

“Alright, should I consider myself checked in today?” Zhou Sen asked.

“Yes. But shouldn’t you meet the other section members?” Jin Suying said.

“Tomorrow, then. I’ll go to the police office and ask Secretary Jin to personally show me around. How about that?” Zhou Sen said.

“Not today?”

“Not today. I have other matters later.” Zhou Sen declined directly. He was reluctant to join the Special Affairs Division and wanted to show resistance.

Jin Suying said, “You’re going to the Fragrant Pavilion to see your favorite, aren’t you?”

“Is there a problem?” Zhou Sen raised an eyebrow. Jin Suying knew these things; he wasn’t surprised and couldn’t hide it.

“Don’t forget you’re a policeman. Can’t you avoid frequenting those sordid places?” Jin Suying said with disgust. For some reason, she deeply disliked Zhou Sen visiting the Fragrant Pavilion.

“What law forbids me from going there? Besides, the Fragrant Pavilion hasn’t been in business for a long time.” Zhou Sen retorted.

“Zhou Sen, Mr. Akiyama has high hopes for you. If you choose to degrade yourself, no one can save you. Take care.” Jin Suying snorted with contempt and strode out.

“Chief, do you really have a sweetheart at the Fragrant Pavilion?”

“No. Who told you that nonsense? Get back to work.” Zhou Sen glared at Gu Old Six, who had lingered.

“Good. If you did, you’d have shared the good news with us brothers long ago.” Gu Old Six grinned. He’d heard rumors, but since Zhou Sen never mentioned it, he didn’t ask further.