Chapter 8: Development Possible, Shen Lang's Ambition
Chapter 8: Development Possible, Shen Lang's Ambition
Shen Lang's eyes lit up, but he didn't rush to urge him.
A warm smile appeared on his face. He took out "Old Knife" brand cigarettes from his pocket, first offering one to the driver, and then taking one out and putting it in his mouth.
The rickshaw driver was also very observant when welcoming and seeing off passengers. He would respectfully accept the gifts with both hands, and when he saw the other person take out a match, he would immediately take it, take out a match, strike it, and light it for them.
His attitude was very respectful, and his honest face showed a look of being flattered.
It was as if receiving a cigarette from a police officer was a great honor.
But that was indeed the case; the other drivers nearby were stunned by what they saw.
The police officers usually boss people around and look down on them, the rickshaw pullers. They often yell at them or even physically assault them if they don't like something.
It's truly rare to receive a cigarette from a police officer.
"Phew!"
Shen Lang exhaled a puff of smoke, a faint smile on his face, showing none of his usual fierce demeanor, and his eyes held no trace of discrimination.
Having lived two lives, he deeply understands the fierce and malevolent spirits, which inspires awe and serves as a form of protection.
Being bossy depends on the situation. When you need someone to do something for you, being willing is always more effective than threatening or intimidating.
There are methods and approaches to doing things; only those who know nothing will resort to shouting and yelling.
Even the Japanese, when they need Chinese people to do things for them, will be all smiles and feign kindness.
Shen Lang leisurely smoked his cigarette, observing the changes in the driver's facial expression.
Seeing that he was visibly relaxed, I knew the timing was about right and he wouldn't miss any details because he was too nervous.
He smiled gently and asked, "What's your name?"
The driver hurriedly and respectfully replied, "My name is Wang Hai, sir."
"Hmm." Shen Lang nodded slightly and smiled warmly, "Wang Hai, could you recount what happened last night when you pulled that woman away?"
Wang Hai bent over, carefully recalling what had happened last night.
"I was very lucky last night. First, I took a customer to the Chinese-controlled area, and then I got several more orders in the Chinese-controlled area."
"In the end, we were so focused on attracting business that we missed the checkpoint closing time."
"I didn't have the money to let the police officers at the checkpoint pass, so I thought I'd find a place to hide the money and then park the car on the side of the road."
"When there's no business, I can sleep; when customers come, I can still attract business."
Wang Hai obediently recalled everything carefully, even recounting in detail which customers he had picked up along the way.
Shen Lang didn't urge him, maintaining a warm smile on his face as if he were just a listener.
This was a habit he developed in his previous life when he was in sales; unless there were special circumstances, he would listen to what others had to say.
It is both a sign of respect and a way to discern needs and entry points from the details.
Wang Hai held the cigarette butt so tightly that it almost burned his fingers before reluctantly throwing it away.
He continued, "While I was resting by the roadside, a woman wearing a green cheongsam and with trendy permed hair hailed a taxi."
"I was happy when she said she was going to the French Concession; finally, I wouldn't have to sleep on the streets anymore."
"It must have been... eleven o'clock at the time."
"Because I heard the eleven o'clock bell after she had only run a hundred meters after getting on the bus."
"Then, when she went through the checkpoint, she gave them a silver dollar and had her handkerchief stolen."
"They took money and then robbed us; these police officers are scoundrels!"
Wang Hai subconsciously cursed angrily, but then realized that the person standing opposite him was also a police officer, and his face showed a look of fear.
He opened his mouth as if to explain, but for a moment he didn't know how to defend himself.
Shen Lang remained calm and showed no anger at the curses.
That's the kind of behavior the police officers in the foreign concessions had; it's no wonder they were criticized by the common people.
Moreover, it matches Liu Quan's description; it is the rickshaw he is looking for.
When you've reached a critical moment, why would you get angry or upset and try to scare the other person?
He smiled gently and said, "Don't be nervous, continue. And where did you take her?"
Gollum~
Wang Hai swallowed hard before continuing, "She went to Xingcheng Inn."
His voice trembled slightly, seemingly due to nervousness.
Shen Lang raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but smile.
Knowing the location is the biggest clue.
Regardless of whether Bodoyagi is still alive or not, we must go and check.
He patted Wang Hai gently on the shoulder and said with a smile, "The information you provided was very useful. If it is verified to be correct, I will give you a bonus."
To survive in the ever-changing Shanghai, a network of connections is always the most important thing.
Perhaps a seemingly insignificant person can play a huge role by providing information on a particular occasion.
After a night of contemplation, Shen Lang decided to do his best to retain his identity as a police officer and climb the ranks as much as possible.
For Chinese people, the desire to take the civil service exam is something they will always want to do, no matter when.
To gain a foothold in the police station and climb the ranks step by step, expanding one's network of contacts becomes crucial for solving cases.
Just like Huang Jinrong, he started as a third-level detective and gradually rose to the top of the Chinese police force by solving numerous major cases.
Rickshaw pullers travel the streets every day and come into contact with many people, making them ideal candidates to become informants.
Whether it's the police, gangs, or intelligence agencies, they all bribe rickshaw pullers to act as informants and gather information.
If the information provided is true, it would be reasonable to give him some benefit after receiving the bounty.
Shen Lang gave the remaining half pack of cigarettes to Wang Hai and quickly walked towards Xingcheng Inn.
The other drivers all looked on with envy when they saw the cigarettes in Wang Hai's hand.
In their view, this was a chance to connect with the police and change their destiny!
As everyone knows, there was a fishmonger surnamed Gao who was bullied by a local bully every day. But because he met a police officer, he became a respected boss in the underworld.
……
Boom!
"Boss, manager!"
The counter of Xingcheng Inn was slapped loudly, and a middle-aged man in a mandarin jacket strode out.
With a forced smile, he said, "Officer, my shop has already paid this month's fees."
Shen Lang asked with a stern face, "I'm not here to collect fees. I'm asking you, did a fashionable woman in a green cheongsam check in at the hotel last night at 11:30?"
The shopkeeper replied hesitantly, "Our shop keeps all customer lists confidential..."
Shen Lang's face darkened, and he threatened, "Let me tell you the truth, I took a 100-yuan job catching someone cheating. If I don't make any money because of the divorce, you'll be the one to blame!"
hiss~!
The shopkeeper gasped, realizing that offending the police would have dire consequences.
If you encounter someone shameless who tries to sabotage you behind your back, you won't even be able to do business.
Ignoring the privacy of the customers, he hurriedly opened the register to check: "I remember that at 11:30 last night, a beautiful woman wearing a cheongsam checked in alone in room 304 and paid for three days' stay."
Shen Lang narrowed his eyes, a smile involuntarily playing on his lips: "All set!"
69novels