RPAGF 124. Lion King Showdown
124. Lion King Showdown
Christmas has just passed, and the traditional New Year is just around the corner. Although the people of Shanghai are under the dark rule of the Japanese invaders and live in constant fear, they are still finding joy amidst the hardship, and the New Year's atmosphere in the streets and alleys is becoming increasingly strong.
As time went on, the Military Intelligence Bureau responded directly, claiming that they had bombed and attacked the headquarters of the Japanese Special Higher Police. This enraged Kondo, but the other side seemed to have been prepared and had temporarily withdrawn their assassin teams from Shanghai. Kondo searched extensively but only found some insignificant figures, and had no choice but to announce a temporary halt to the large-scale search.
Kondo outwardly ordered a halt and recalled his trusted confidants, but in reality, he secretly placed undercover agents in each police station to conduct investigations. However, the undercover agent he placed was discovered by Zhou Hongyi on the very first day. After all, the Second Precinct was now his territory, and he needed to make sure that his men were loyal.
Although he discovered the undercover agent sent by the Special Higher Police, Zhou Hongyi did not make a fuss. He kept the guy around and occasionally revealed some information that he wanted to share, so that Kondo could feel more at ease and not keep an eye on things. Otherwise, it would be inconvenient for him to do his work.
The blind man, Ah Gui, and Xiao Bei quickly settled into their new roles. The blind man was naturally very shrewd, and after Zhou Hongyi introduced him to several business owners, he was able to go out with the caravan alone on his second trip.
On Ah Gui's side, he recruited some people with anti-Japanese sentiments who had been secretly released from the police station dungeon, as well as some neighbors who had suffered from the disaster before. He settled them in Zhou Hongyi's newly built factory, where they learned how to kill the enemy and made farm tools to cover up their identities. They were doing a great job.
Besides still performing at the Paramount Ballroom, Beckham has taken on two advertising jobs and shot a cover for a fashion magazine, but he hasn't become a huge star due to Zhou Hongyi's deliberate suppression. After all, if he becomes too famous, it will be inconvenient for him to do things anywhere.
On the other hand, Zhou Pan'er funded the construction of a school, which has already welcomed its first batch of students. It is precisely because of the establishment of this school that the orphans in the ruins have been able to spend this winter in peace.
Brigitte Lin quickly integrated herself into the circles of upper-class wives by leveraging her talents. As a social outlier, she spent her days playing mahjong, listening to operas, and watching performances. Under Zhou Hongyi's tutelage, she even learned to play table tennis and golf, becoming a star figure among those wives.
The New Paramount continues to be a hit thanks to its unique business model and high-quality shows. Of course, after the free period, the high ticket prices have already kept some customers away, but the decadent environment inside the Paramount has captivated them.
Finally, Zhou Hongyi even heard that some people were willing to borrow money at exorbitant interest rates just to get into the New Paramount and enjoy member-level treatment. In response, he immediately posted a notice stating that anyone found using borrowed money or money obtained through illicit means to spend at the Paramount would be permanently banned from entering and blacklisted. He was genuinely afraid that people with poor self-control might resort to illegal activities to scrape together money for the Paramount, which would be a terrible loss.
As the New Year approached, the situation in Shanghai remained relatively stable. Since the bombing of the Special Higher Police, the Japanese had been conducting a frenzied manhunt for nearly a month. To quell the investigation from above and the watchful eyes of those below, Kondo killed several scapegoats and declared the matter closed. But Zhou Hongyi knew he was lying. How could something so serious be allowed to pass like this?
However, in such a relatively calm yet precarious period, Zhou Hongyi finally got an opportunity.
To show their sincerity, Sakura Trading Company will hold an event with local Chinese trading companies in Shanghai. The event will be similar to the dragon and lion dances in Guangdong and Guangxi. One side will be composed of the Japanese members of Sakura Trading Company, and the other side will be composed of the local business owners from Gu Tianbo's side. They will each send several teams to compete. The winner will not only receive a big red envelope, but will also receive an extra share of the first business deal after the New Year.
After the news of the Sakura Chamber of Commerce spread, not only did the local chambers of commerce immediately agree, but even the underground gangs and martial arts schools in Shanghai were eager to get involved.
"Young Master Zhou, this Lion King competition is a great opportunity. I know you have a habit of seizing every opportunity. How about we go all out during the New Year?"
Gu Tianbo approached Zhou Hongyi and shared his thoughts, but the latter merely smiled, shook a finger, and said, "Mr. Gu, are you really going to jump into such an obvious trap?"
Gu Tianbo chuckled and said, "Young Master Zhou, didn't you say that the bigger the storm, the more valuable the fish? With our status, even eating a meal or farting in Shanghai is risky. If we were afraid of risks, we would have sold our assets and gone abroad long ago."
Zhou Hongyi gave a thumbs up and said, "Boss Gu has guts, I admire him. But you know what, the Japanese also set up a trap, trying to ambush their target, but they still got killed right under their noses, without even catching a glimpse of them. This time, the Lion King competition route is intricate, and it's New Year's Day, so there will be many pedestrians on the streets, which is actually more advantageous for us."
Gu Tianbo slapped his thigh and said, "That's right, that's what I think too. The guerrillas urgently need clothes and food for the winter. If we can't deliver them now, it will be pointless to deliver them any later."
Zhou Hongyi thought for a moment and said, "Then let's agree to it for now. No matter how we use this opportunity, we have to join in the fun and see what the Japanese are up to."
Zhou Hongyi and Gu Tianbo finalized a general plan, and then the two left their respective private rooms at the New Paramount to make their own preparations.
Since the establishment of exclusive areas for members of all levels at the New Paramount, Zhou Hongyi and his group have found it much easier to conduct business. These specially soundproofed private rooms not only isolate sound but also the rudimentary monitoring equipment of the time.
In fact, he had known all along that Kondo Ryunosuke wanted to install listening devices in his private room under the guise of spending money. He had overheard Kondo's idea but deliberately kept quiet and let Kondo install the devices. However, as soon as the door was closed, all that could be heard from the listening devices was the crackling sound of electricity. It was as if the devices hadn't been installed at all, and in the end, it was all for nothing.
"Hmph, trying to play high-tech games with me? I'm a century ahead of you."
Zhou Hongyi cursed silently in his heart, then put on his headphones and began his daily routine of eavesdropping on the conversations of the VIP guests in the private rooms.