Chapter Fifty-Four Bitterness That Cannot Be Expressed

  Zhang Xiao Lin's subordinates saw clearly the thing on Lin Xiao Tang's back, and immediately changed their expressions, shrinking back in fear. Zhang Xiao Lin's face turned white with anger, turning to Wan Mo Lin, "You're here to confront me today, aren't you? You think bringing this madman over will make me, Zhang Xiao Lin, afraid?"

  Wan Molin hadn't replied yet when a servant hastily ran in from outside and said, "Master, the French consul has arrived!"

  Zhang Xiao Lin was taken aback.

  The sound of footsteps came from outside the door, and the crowd parted to both sides. Several Westerners in suits and leather shoes rushed in with a large group of armed police officers. Zhang Xiao Lin's mind was suddenly confused. What did the French want to do now? He had been wandering around the French concession for so many years, but this was the first time he saw the French coming to his home in such a big way. Looking at the situation, it was clear that they were not here for good.

  "Mr. Consul, welcome to my humble abode."

  The French consul looked gloomy and sized up Zhang Shulin from head to toe, making Zhang's hair stand on end.

  The French consul turned his head and spoke in a nasal tone, whereupon a stout translator with a middle parting pushed forward and pointed at Zhang Xiao Lin's nose, saying: "Mr. Zhang, the consul said that recently the public order within the concession has been very poor. He is well aware that since Mr. Du left Shanghai, you have taken over as the boss, but he is extremely dissatisfied with your work. The public order is chaotic, prostitution and gambling are rampant, and there are even foreign forces trying to interfere in the affairs of the French Concession. The consul hopes you understand that this is the French Concession, and the highest authority here is us French people. He gives you one month's time to handle all matters properly, he doesn't want to see any unpleasant things happen again."

  A man beside him also stepped forward, who was Hong Chawei. "I am the representative of the International Settlement. We share the same views as the French Concession. I hope Mr. Zhang will eliminate all illegal businesses within the concession area as soon as possible and strengthen law enforcement in the concession to help maintain a prosperous development situation!"

  "Hong" paused for a moment, "If we find out that someone is colluding with other forces to damage the common interests of the concession and the French concession again, we will not tolerate it!"

  After finishing, without even saying goodbye to Zhang Yaolin, the foreigners turned around and left with a swagger under the escort of the patrolmen. As they were leaving, Hong Zhaoyi turned back and cast a cunning glance at Lin Xiaotang.

  Zhang Xiaolin watched their backs, and for a moment he was stunned on the spot. The guests present were all people who had been in Shanghai for many years, and they all had some feelings about the sudden change that occurred today, which was a clear signal. Zhang Xiaolin's status in the concession was far from as stable as Huang Jinrong and Du Yuesheng's back then, and the concession's attitude towards him had already explained the problem.

  Some quick-witted guests took the opportunity to bid farewell, while Zhang Aoling stood still for a long time, seemingly oblivious to the commotion. His face turned from red to white, and for a moment, he felt a chill run down his spine. After Huang Jinrong and Du Yuesheng successively withdrew from the concession, Zhang had been overjoyed, thinking that he could smoothly take their place and become the number one man in Shanghai's underworld. To achieve this, he didn't hesitate to wear the hat of a traitor and throw himself into the arms of the Japanese. However, the high-ranking position promised by the Japanese remained elusive. Now, with the French, Americans, and British humiliating him once again and discarding him like a worn-out shoe, could it be said that he had really chosen the wrong path?

  Zhang Xiao Lin suddenly turned around and saw Lin Xiao Tang standing beside him with a relaxed face. Instantly, anger rose from his heart. He pointed at Lin Xiao Tang with a trembling finger, "You...!"

  Before he could speak, Chang Yao stepped forward and pointed at Lin Xiaotang, scolding: "You stinky brat, do you think this is a place where you can run wild? Fortunately, Mr. Zhang has the magnanimity to tolerate you, hurry up and take off those things on your body and apologize to Mr. Zhang!"

  Zhang Xiao Lin was taken aback for a moment, "Shixiong, you?"

  Chang Yao smiled wryly and said, "Younger brother, I came here today just for this useless little brat!"

  "How could he be your nephew?" Zhang Xiaolin was astonished.

  "It's a long story," Chang Yao seemed somewhat melancholic, "This young man's older brother was my disciple, before he passed away, he entrusted me to take care of this younger brother. I'm old now, and in my later years, I've been thinking about this promise. Although I knew this young man was reckless, I didn't think he'd be so bold. Today, I came to plead for him, but who would have thought he'd dare to threaten you, my junior brother? My old face is really losing its dignity, so I implore you, junior brother, to spare him this once, and also fulfill my promise to his older brother, leaving a legacy for the Lin family."

  Zhang Xiao Lin listened to Chang Yao's words, and in an instant, he had seven or eight different thoughts running through his mind. He stared at Chang Yao, a hint of bitterness in his tone, "Brother, is this something you've discussed with them to make things difficult for me?"

  Chang Yao hastily waved his hand, "Younger brother, this statement is wrong, a thousand mistakes and ten thousand mistakes are all my fault, everything will be borne by me." After finishing speaking, he made a gesture to pay respects to Zhang Xiaolin.

  Zhang Xiaolin pulled him back and sighed, "Alright, alright, I'll agree with you."

  Zhang Xiao Lin's cold gaze swept over Lin Xiao Tang. "Indeed, a hero emerges in his youth. You killed my man, hijacked my goods, and even found a foreigner to back you up. In the end, you even got my senior brother to vouch for you. But let me make one thing clear: Zhang's benefits are not so easily taken advantage of. One day, I will reclaim what is owed to me with interest."

  Lin Xiaotang, although somewhat surprised by the sudden appearance, had already been softened by Zhang Xiao's words and understood the principle of knowing when to stop. He immediately followed Chang Yao's orders, poured a cup of tea for Zhang Xiao, and said some appropriate words.

  The goal has been achieved, Wan Mulin, Chang Yao and Lin Xiaotang immediately stood up to bid farewell. As they were leaving, Lin Xiaotang handed a file bag to Zhang Xiaolin with great respect, saying it was a gift specially prepared to express apology.

  Zhang Xiaolin was furious, but in front of so many people, he still accepted it.

  After everyone left, Zhang Xiaolin returned to his seat. His assistant, for safety reasons, first checked the file bag and then handed its contents over to Zhang Xiaolin. "Boss, nothing special, just an account book."

  Zhang Xiao Lin took it over, glanced at it hastily, and suddenly stood up, "You little scoundrel, how dare you!" After speaking, a mouthful of blood spurted out.

  On the way back, Wan Mulin deliberately got into a car with Shen Pangzi and Ma Qixiang, while Lin Xiaotang got into Chang Yao's car, leaving space for the two to talk.

  Chang Yao in the car had been silent all along, but instead couldn't help smiling and staring at Lin Xiaotang. Lin Xiaotang finally couldn't hold back her doubts and opened her mouth to thank him.

  Chang Yao waved his hand and scolded, "You child, there's no need to be so polite with me. I just wanted to ask you, why haven't you used the contact information that Bai Qi gave you?"

  "Bai Qi", Lin Xiaotang was taken aback, he didn't expect to hear this name at this time. Indeed, when he had just arrived in Shanghai during the most difficult period, he also thought of finding that person called Yu Gong according to Bai Qi's instructions, but his pride in his heart ultimately made him dismiss this idea. Because he only wanted to rely on his own hands to get everything he wanted.

  "Are you Mr. Yu?" Lin Xiaotang asked.

  Chang Yao shook his head, "The old master has gone to Nanjing, this matter was brought up by Wan Mulin before the old master, so before he left, he specifically instructed me to pay attention to your movements."

  Lin Xiaotang pondered for a moment before voicing the doubts in her mind, "I'm not related to Mr. Yu, nor do I have any connection with him, so why would he want to help me?"

  Chang Yao chuckled and said, "If you want to know the answer, wait for Mr. Ju to come back, and ask him yourself!"

  Lin Xiaotang smiled awkwardly.

  "What did you just give Zhang Xiao Lin?" Chang Yao asked curiously.

  The answer is simple, the account book in the file bag just now was one of the ones obtained from Feng Jinzhong's hands, Lin Xiaotang explained. He knew that Zhang Xiulin was a person who would definitely retaliate, so he came prepared today. By handing over this account book to Zhang Xiulin, he wanted to warn him that if he continued to bother Lin Xiaotang, the records of Zhang Xiulin and Feng Jinzhong's shameful dealings behind the Japanese people's backs would be exposed. Who would be affected more? He believed Zhang Xiulin would weigh it carefully. This way, even if he wanted to deal with Lin Xiaotang again, he would hesitate for fear of being caught in his own trap.

  Chang Yao nodded repeatedly, "Great! I didn't expect that with just this one move, you would use so many connections. Wan Mulin, Long Wang, and the Consulate have all been pulled in by you, borrowing power to strike back. This time, Zhang Xiaolin is definitely going to be left speechless. It looks like my trip here today was for nothing, haha!"

  After breaking up with He Yongyao, Lin Xiaotang returned to Ke Hua alone. Zhang Xiao Lin's reputation and personal strength in the concession were severely damaged after this incident, and he would not be able to make a move on Lin Xiaotang for a while. This was also what Lin Xiaotang had expected, so he ordered Guo Zhu, Lin Huai Bu and others to lead their brothers back to Ke Hua Hotel with great fanfare. The recruitment of personnel that had been stalled earlier would also have to start again, as Lin Xiaotang urgently needed to expand his strength for the upcoming trip to Nanjing.

  The Dragon King also sent his sister, Long Yulan, to make contact. Previously, the Dragon King had launched a full-scale attack on Zhang Xiaolin's fleet, gaining a lot of spoils, including a large quantity of opium and tungsten ore. The opium was Zhang Xiaolin's private property, while the tungsten ore was needed by the Japanese. The Dragon King sent Long Yulan to propose that they work together with Lin Xiaotang's side to divide the spoils. Lin Xiaotang waved his hand generously, handing over all the private goods, including the opium, for the Dragon King to handle. As for the tungsten ore, it was stored away for the time being, as it was a crucial strategic material. Lin Xiaotang intended to find a way to have it handled by the Chongqing side.

  Long Yulan, however, was adamant in her refusal, saying that the lives of her siblings were saved by Lin Xiaotang and Huo Yan, and this time they had gained so much. If Lin Xiaotang didn't accept a portion of it, it would be impossible to get through. Long Yulan immediately decided that the ore would be kept safe by the Dragon King's men, awaiting Lin Xiaotang's instructions at any time. As for the private goods, the Dragon King's side would think of a way to dispose of them, and when the time came, they would find an opportunity to send over the payment together.

  Lin Xiaotang asked about Huo Yan's situation, and Long Yulan suddenly became spirited. According to her, Huo Yan's injuries had greatly improved and he was already able to walk around these days. She believed that in another ten or so days, he would be fully recovered.

  Lin Xiaotang couldn't help but tease: "It's just unknown whether Long Niang will be willing to let him go back or not?"

  Long Yulan's face turned bright red instantly.

  Lin Xiaotang noticed Long Yulan's embarrassment and felt that speaking like this wasn't very suitable, so she could only laugh awkwardly and change the subject.

  "Dragon girl, I don't know what plans you and your brother have next?"

  Long Yulan was taken aback.