Chapter 406: Benefiting from the Police Department

"Mr. Xia, I'm truly sorry for taking up your time!" 

As soon as Xia Yu exited the interrogation room, he was greeted by a group of senior police officials waiting at the door, including Shi Lirong, Li Sita, Han Yili, and others. Shi Lirong immediately expressed his apologies with a sincere look on his face.

Although Xia Yu's social status was not much higher than Shi Lirong's at this moment, Shi Lirong had no need to be so polite.

However, Shi Lirong was experienced and had long since learned not to dwell on such details. He was more interested in maintaining a good relationship with Xia Yu.

After all, Shi Lirong's position was granted by his current office, and he was set to retire next year. In the political world, people often forget those who leave their posts, and he would soon find himself looking up to Xia Yu.

Moreover, at his age, his political ambitions had reached their peak, and wealth and money had become more significant for his family's benefit. Maintaining a good relationship with Xia Yu, a wealthy benefactor, promised future benefits.

Shi Lirong's friendly attitude made Li Sita, Han Yili, and the other subordinates think on their feet.

"Director Shi, you're too kind. As a law-abiding citizen of Hong Kong, cooperating with the police is what we should do. I don't even know who reported me, but cooperating with your investigation has cleared my name. So, you've done me a favor, thank you!"

Xia Yu smiled broadly and shook hands with Shi Lirong.

"Haha, Mr. Xia, I knew someone of your stature wouldn't be involved. But I had no choice; it's good if you don't mind!"

Shi Lirong continued to smile and offer polite remarks.

"Of course not. We should have a proper chat sometime. I'd like to seek your advice on some life experiences."

"Sure, I have many questions to ask you too!"

The two dignitaries stood at the interrogation room door, exchanging pleasantries. Although the scene was quite odd, no one around dared to show any reaction.

"By the way, Director Shi, I heard that my cousin Xia Jun has gotten into some trouble. Is there some misunderstanding here?"

Suddenly, Xia Yu turned to Shi Lirong with a puzzled expression.

As soon as this topic came up, Han Yili's mouth curled into a smile, while Li Sita's expression changed. His concern had indeed materialized, but fortunately, he had prepared in advance.

Shi Lirong knew that there was a police officer named Xia Jun who was related to Xia Yu but was unaware of Li Sita's interference. Hearing Xia Yu's comment, he furrowed his brows, realizing that this was causing him trouble. Who was responsible for this? Who lacked the foresight!

Shi Lirong instinctively looked towards Han Yili, Li Sita, and others, wanting to know what had happened.

Seeing Shi Lirong's gaze, Li Sita knew he could no longer remain silent and had to speak before Han Yili. Otherwise, he risked an unfavorable outcome.

He immediately spoke up, "Mr. Xia, Director Shi, Xia Jun hasn't committed any crimes. In fact, he discovered a significant lead, so he cooperated with us in a secret investigation. The investigation is now complete, and I found Xia Jun to be a very talented individual. I was even considering transferring him to our operations department and promoting him to the rank of inspector!"

Upon hearing this, Han Yili, who had been waiting for an opportunity to mock, suddenly became tense. He didn't expect Li Sita to distort the facts so blatantly and shamelessly attempt to steal his thunder by recommending Xia Jun for promotion, making a show of goodwill in front of Shi Lirong.

After causing trouble, Li Sita wanted to benefit and even poach his staff, as if Han Yili was a pushover! He couldn't let Li Sita have his way. He needed to undermine him in front of Shi Lirong!

"That's outrageous! If I hadn't intervened in time, my trusted assistant might have been subjected to severe interrogation by your operations department."

"Besides, Xia Jun has been outstanding from the start. His initial work was a tremendous contribution to solving the Ma case. Even Officer Allen from Interpol praised him. Initially, he was kept in check because he was new, but after six months of evaluation, it's clear that Xia Jun's abilities have surpassed the limitations of his current rank. I was planning to promote him to inspector, but before the paperwork could be processed, he was taken by your operations department."

Han Yili pretended to be somewhat angered and then respectfully turned to Shi Lirong, "Director Shi, I believe Xia Jun is fully capable of being an inspector. However, he is currently still an officer and would need to bypass the senior officer rank. Do you think this is possible?"

Having witnessed the brief performance of the two men, Shi Lirong, who was quite perceptive, immediately understood the situation but didn't show it.

Hearing Han Yili's words and recognizing the opportunity to make a favor, Shi Lirong decided to respond accordingly in front of Xia Yu. After all, it was just an inspector-level position. Although it was a promotion bypassing ranks, as the head of the police department, he had the final say!

"Of course. It is only right to promote an exceptionally talented and accomplished officer. We must not let talent go to waste. You should nurture him well!"

Shi Lirong decisively approved Xia Jun's promotion with just a few words, making an officer nearby envious.

Xia Yu watched the performances of the officials with a smile. It was clear that they were top-notch actors.

"Director Shi, Director Han, thank you for your consideration of my cousin. You can call on him whenever needed. His only shortcomings are his diligence and eagerness to learn."

Xia Yu said with slight gratitude.

"Mr. Xia, don't worry!"

...

Seeing Han Yili and Xia Yu chatting amiably with Shi Lirong while he felt like an invisible man, Li Sita was extremely awkward.

However, he couldn't leave; otherwise, he would be playing into Han Yili's hands. He could only force a smile and listen quietly, pondering his next steps.

Without the support of the Yi and He Consortium, and if Shi Lirong were to hold a grudge and not recommend him to London, how could he compete with Han Yili for the position of police chief next year?

Though his plan didn't entirely succeed, at least he avoided Xia Yu's hostility. That was a small gain.

Later, Han Yili invited Xia Yu to meet Xia Jun. After some thought, Xia Yu declined, deciding that there was no need to visit Xia Jun specifically. With Shi Lirong and Han Yili's assurances, and the possibility of Li Sita trying to make amends, there was no need to create additional opportunities for trouble.

With the support of the top three officials of the police department, as long as Xia Yu remained influential, Xia Jun would likely progress smoothly and become a significant figure in the police force, capable of clearing obstacles for Xia Yu.

As he left, Xia Yu looked back at the police department building with a smile.

Taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the police station not only resolved his troubles but also paved the way for Xia Jun's future. It was worth the trip!