Chapter 127 - Establishing the Organization (Part II)

"You must be Mr. Xiao, right? Haha, my name is Huang Da, the Chief of the C City Police Department. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am still deeply impressed by how you stood alone against the entire municipal government at the station last time. Haha, a hero indeed emerges as a youth. On behalf of the police department, I would like to apologize to you for today’s events." Chief Huang shook my hand with obvious friendliness and then lowered his voice, "If you don't mind, would you be willing to be friends with me, Huang?"

"Chief Huang is too kind. It would be my honor, Xiao Qiang, to know you. How could I possibly mind?" I nodded and accepted his invitation. I knew that having the police chief as an ally would be a great help for my future life in C City.

"Good! Truly a young hero—so straightforward! Haha, Captain Zhang, you and Brother Xiao are good friends, right? Yes, from now on, if Brother Xiao needs anything, just come directly to me or Captain Zhang." Chief Huang’s face twitched slightly, and he asked with a hint of embarrassment, "Well, haha, Brother Xiao, since we are all brothers now, I’ll speak plainly. I, Huang, am in my forties, and my political career is nearing its end, but I am still not resigned to it. Seeing people with lower ranks than mine getting transferred to the provincial capital for better posts leaves a bitter taste in my mouth."

How could I not know what he was getting at? He simply wanted me to put in a good word for him with Su Guohui. I nodded immediately, "Easy enough. Since Brother Huang thinks highly of me, I will certainly help. Not only will I help, but I will ensure Brother Huang is satisfied. However, Brother Huang knows that while I can help, once a certain rank is reached, it becomes difficult without the right, close connections." In truth, this Huang Da was exactly what I needed. His decisive attitude just now showed he was keen to win me over. I was currently lacking capable political allies; if he were willing to pledge his loyalty to me, I would gain a significant political advantage. One was willing to strike, the other willing to suffer—a perfect arrangement.

Huang Da, a veteran of the political scene for over a decade, understood me perfectly. He immediately adopted a serious tone, "Of course. From today on, I follow Brother Xiao’s lead. I will look to you for everything."

I nodded gently and smiled, "That is perfect. However, your situation must be reviewed by the organization. I won't hide it from you—my backers are far more powerful than you can imagine; even Su Guohui is not someone I hold in high regard. As long as you follow me wholeheartedly, the benefits will be plentiful!"

"Oh?" A flicker of surprise crossed Huang Da’s face, but it was quickly replaced by a smile. "I never would have guessed that Brother Xiao was so well-connected. May I ask, what is the name of this organization?"

I deliberately scrutinized him for a long moment before speaking with a grave expression, "Very well. Since you are so keen to join, I can tell you. But the matter of confidentiality..."

"That goes without saying. Whatever else, my, Huang's, ability to keep a secret is absolute. Please rest assured, Brother Xiao—even in the grave, I will never breathe a word!" Knowing the gravity of the situation, he pledged excitedly.

I looked at him and then at Zhang Baoqiang, smiling, "Very well. Zhang Baoqiang, if you are willing, I can vouch for you as well."

"Of course, I am willing! Brother Xiao, Zhang and I are in the same boat; we will keep this secret to the end!" Zhang Baoqiang, who had been preparing to leave, was overjoyed to be included. In his eyes, the organization I spoke of must be immensely powerful; joining it was equivalent to a bright, paved road to promotion!

"Our organization is a massive political entity known as 'The Judgment'," I whispered, leaning in as I glanced at the heavily guarded armed police around us. "I cannot disclose the specific distribution or personnel of The Judgment at this time, but I can tell you that the President of the country and the Minister of National Defense are both members!"

"What??" Both Huang and Zhang trembled upon hearing my words. They were clearly terrified. The President and the Minister of National Defense—the status of these two men in their minds was beyond question. Shock and awe filled their faces, and a glint of intense ambition sparked in their eyes.

"Do not be too surprised. The Judgment is a vast organization, and I am only on the periphery. As long as you follow me, I can help you climb the ranks step by step. From today on, we are in the same boat. This must not be mentioned to anyone, including Su Guohui, understood?" I spoke with a mysterious, serious air, and they both nodded vigorously.

The Judgment? Yes, it was The Judgment. But the organization was not massive, nor did it contain the President or the Minister of National Defense. Heh, to be honest, the organization had just been founded. When was it founded? My apologies, just a moment ago—inside my own head.

Through today’s events, I realized the importance of building power. Furthermore, the analysis the President had given me regarding the relationships between the Eight Great Families had solidified my resolve. Since the Eight Great Families were all troublesome, I would use my current relationship with the Hua family to secretly cultivate my own influence. Only by possessing power that rivaled theirs could I have a seat at the table. Patience and endurance were not about mindless compromise, but about achieving eventual victory. Only by building an organization with the commercial, military, and political reach of the Eight Great Families could I stand at the pinnacle of the country. And "The Judgment," as the name implied, meant to adjudicate all injustice and lawlessness. The day this organization finally emerged would be the day I officially challenged the Eight Great Families.

"The Judgment... Very well, Brother Xiao, our careers are in your hands from now on!" Chief Huang, unaware that he was being played, became the first official to join "The Judgment." He was fooled only because of my connection to Su Guohui and the fact that I had indeed met the President.

"No problem. We are brothers now; we will share in the prosperity." I shook his hand, smiling. "Just remember, this must not leak. Confidentiality is paramount."

"I understand, I understand. But could you speed things up? The police department evaluations are coming up soon, and I would like to..." Huang gave me a bitter smile, his meaning clear.

"Of course. Once the organization reviews it, you will get the position you want." I nodded gravely while inwardly smirking. As the vice-head of the Hua family, I could easily pull those strings, and a local police department transfer was a trivial matter. Seeing Zhang Baoqiang’s envious expression, I added, "Don't worry, Brother Zhang. If Brother Huang is transferred to the province, the reins of C City will naturally fall to you."

"Re-really? Brother Xiao, you mean I could join the police leadership?" Zhang Baoqiang was ecstatic. "That would be wonderful! I will remember the organization's cultivation of me forever!"

"Heh, that's nothing. There will be plenty of promotions for you both in the future." I patted his shoulder, wanting to offer more encouragement, but my eyes caught sight of Cheng Shan and her brother looking dejected nearby. I changed the subject, "Right, let's settle this for now. What do you plan to do about Officer Wang and Wu Guangjun, Brother Huang?"

Chief Huang, sensing my question, put on a fawning smile. "I’m not sure what Brother Xiao has in mind..."

I chuckled inwardly—the old man really did treat me as his boss now. I kept my expression cold. "I believe you know from Su Guohui that C City is about to be turned upside down. Since those people associated with Xia are finished, there’s nothing to fear from the likes of De Guangqing. My suggestion is to punish them severely and give his master a stern warning."

"Understood. I know what to do, Brother Xiao. You can rest easy." Chief Huang nodded immediately. It seemed Wu Guangjun was in for a rough time. Anyone who dared to cross me, Xiao Qiang, would regret the day they were born. This was a satisfying bit of retribution.

I nodded in agreement. Chief Huang and Zhang Baoqiang gathered the armed police and officers and boarded their vehicles. A spectacular convoy of police cars slowly pulled away, leaving behind a cloud of dust and me, standing there alone.