Chapter 396: Returning the Favor in Kind

"Hello, Director Han, this is Xia Yu…"

"Just now, the action department took my cousin Xia Jun away, saying it was to cooperate with an investigation. They were very rude, but as far as I know, Xia Jun hasn't done anything illegal. You know, he wouldn't need to do such things."

…

"Could you please look into this matter for me? Make sure he isn't wronged. I'd be very grateful!"

After hanging up the phone, Xia Yu's eyes gleamed coldly. He then made another call to Xia Lei, urging him to stay vigilant during this period to avoid falling into traps. Xia Lei naturally promised to be careful.

Xia Yu had to remind Xia Lei repeatedly. It was clear that the two heads of the Hong Kong Police Force's Action Department were targeting the Yihe Consortium. Given the relationship between Xia Lei and Xia Yu, they surely knew that if the Action Department wanted to deal with Xia Lei, they would find a way to make him suffer.

"It seems the younger generation is just following in the older generation's footsteps, using crooked methods. Hmph!"

"Who has more money? Who's afraid of whom!"

"Five million dollars for my life? Is that how little they think of me? My life is worth more than that!"

"If you make it hard for me, don't expect things to go well for you either. We'll see whether you die first or I do!"

"I wonder if Li Wuming found out where the task was issued. It's a pity I didn't get to ask where Ma Qianjun was yesterday…"

Xia Yu thought to himself, deciding to return the favor in kind. Since the Keswick family dared to break the assassination rules, they should be prepared for retaliation.

At the same time, he would distract their attention, preventing them from focusing solely on him.

Although Xia Yu had many memories, he was unclear about the distribution of dark organizations in Hong Kong in this era. The only organization he knew of was a British one, and Xia Yu wasn't foolish enough to task them with assassinating Keswick family members.

Thus, he had to rely on Li Wuming, who had extensive experience in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia was indeed a place with mixed elements, with many islands occupied by underground organizations or pirates, which Li Wuming had encountered.

---

Hong Kong Police Force, Office of the Director of Management.

The Senior Assistant Director of the Action Security Department, Yan Liguo, sat across from his superior, Han Yili.

After listening to Han Yili's instructions, Yan Liguo should have immediately taken action, but he hesitated, remaining seated.

Seeing this, Han Yili raised an eyebrow and asked, "What are you worried about?"

"Han Sir, haven't we always maintained neutrality? This time, Li Sita and Lei Shize are clearly working for the Yihe Consortium. If we help Xia Yu, will it provoke the Yihe Consortium's hostility? Could this be detrimental to you?"

As Han Yili's trusted subordinate and closely connected to him, Yan Liguo spoke frankly and looked at Han Yili intently.

However, Han Yili merely smiled faintly and shook his head at Yan Liguo's puzzled expression. "You're mistaken!"

"Mistaken?"

Yan Liguo was taken aback and greatly confused.

"I am in fierce competition with Li Sita, but you know Li Sita's relationship with the Yihe Consortium. If I don't help Xia Yu, will the Yihe Consortium abandon Li Sita and support me instead?"

Han Yili said calmly.

"Of course not!"

Yan Liguo shook his head without hesitation.

"Since the outcome is already determined, helping Xia Yu, even if it offends the Yihe Consortium, is fine. As long as I gain support from the Chinese consortium, it's enough. Compared to before, my strength has increased."

Han Yili said with a faint smile, and Yan Liguo nodded repeatedly, seemingly enlightened.

"Of course, that's not the key. After all, only Director Shi Lirong and the Governor have the recommendation power. What do you think their attitude towards the Chinese and British capital is?"

Han Yili asked with a smile, looking at Yan Liguo with some anticipation.

Yan Liguo furrowed his brows in thought and said after a while, "The Governor and Director Shi seem to have a neutral attitude, not favoring either side. Even though the Yihe Consortium and the Jiuding Consortium have been at odds recently, the Governor hasn't intervened. His attitude is neutral, so it should be fine, right?"

"Fine?"

Han Yili smiled and shook his head. "Neutrality is the biggest problem. Do you think neutrality is fairness?"

"Look back over the past decades and compare it to now. Did the previous governors act like Governor McLeod?"

"Neutrality actually leans towards Chinese capital, because past governors were always fully inclined towards British capital."

Hearing this, Yan Liguo was stunned and, upon reflection, realized it was indeed the case.

"At our level, we shouldn't be limited in perspective. We need to learn to view the bigger picture."

"London's attitude towards Hong Kong is to reduce social conflicts, maintain stability, and develop Hong Kong. So, Governor McLeod came. You need to understand that previous governors were either from the military or other colonies, while Governor McLeod was originally a diplomat. This signifies that London's stance has already changed."

"Look at the rapid growth of Chinese capital, which happened precisely during Governor McLeod's tenure."

"Governor McLeod is concerned with the overall situation and implements London's will. His attitude towards Chinese capital also affects relations with the opposition. Since the US established diplomatic relations with the opposition, London's stance has shifted."

Upon hearing this, Yan Liguo felt a jolt. He knew that Han Yili had deep connections in London and seemed to understand many underlying issues.

Han Yili paused for a moment and continued.

"Governor McLeod's administration requires a stable environment, and our police force is crucial."

"The Yihe Consortium supports the Labour Party, and Li Sita is also a Labour Party member. However, Governor McLeod and I are from the Conservative Party, and Director Shi Lirong is a Liberal. There will be a domestic election next year, and the Conservative Party is already planning to retake power. For many years, Hong Kong has been aligned with the Conservative camp. Do you think Governor McLeod would want Labour Party members to take office and make the police force his obstacle?"

"Of course not!"

Yan Liguo shook his head decisively.

"In that case, why shouldn't we help Xia Yu? I believe Governor McLeod doesn't want the Yihe Consortium's influence to extend so far as to use sacred political power to resolve business disputes!"

Han Yili smiled confidently, displaying a commanding presence.

After a moment of contemplation, Yan Liguo expressed his admiration, "Han Sir, your guidance has been very enlightening. I will definitely learn more from you in the future."

"Ha ha!"

Han Yili laughed happily.

"Go ahead. Handle the matter and make sure that Xia Jun isn't wronged. We just need to restore our face. Be careful not to escalate the conflict yourself; let them do it if it's going to be enlarged. Understand?"

"I understand!"

Yan Liguo said respectfully before leaving.

As Yan Liguo closed the door behind him, Han Yili picked up his tea cup, took a leisurely sip, and felt very relaxed and joyful.

Even though Yan Liguo was his trusted aide, Han Yili did not reveal certain things to him, such as how generous Xia Yu was being.

Not only could he use the opportunity to scheme against his rivals, but he could also gain Xia Yu's friendship. Most importantly, there were tangible benefits. Han Yili would naturally seize such an opportunity!

In fact, there was a hint of expectation in his eyes, as if he was looking forward to someone's reaction.