Tokyo: From Lawless Madpolice to Minister
Chapter 523 - 452: All Bringing Good News, A Win-Win, The Only Loser is the Citizen (Vote for Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 523: Chapter 452: All Bringing Good News, A Win-Win, The Only Loser is the Citizen (Vote for Monthly Tickets)

Hokkaido Governor’s Office and Hokkaido Police Headquarters were both located in Sapporo Central District, not far from each other, so it took Aoyama Xiu Xin and Fujimoto Takayoshi only a few minutes to arrive.

Don’t ask why they took a car for just a few minutes; power is constantly expressed in these minute details.

When the two arrived at the Governor’s Hall, Heng Lu Guangnan was in a meeting, so they were arranged to wait in the lounge.

After waiting for about three or five minutes, a young man in his early thirties, dressed in a black suit, with slicked-back hair and average looks, walked in.

"Secretary Imamura, long time no see. Has the Governor finished with his visitor?" Fujimoto Takayoshi immediately stood up to greet him, wearing a friendly smile on his face.

Aoyama Xiu Xin quickly got up as well.

"Mr. Fujimoto, let’s have tea another day. Knowing you were waiting, the Governor hurried the crying Mayor of Hakodate City away," Imamura Masafumi said with a grin as he shook hands with Fujimoto Takayoshi, then turned to Aoyama Xiu Xin, "Chief of Police Aoyama, I’ve heard a lot about you."

"This is Mr. Imamura, the secretary officer of Governor Henglu. He is the Governor’s trusted aide and, like Mr. Aoyama, a young talent with unlimited potential; you young elites should interact more," Fujimoto Takayoshi said with a smile, introducing him to Aoyama Xiu Xin.

Aoyama Xiu Xin quickly bowed slightly and said, "I have long heard of Secretary Imamura’s reputation."

"Now that you’ve come to Hokkaido, Aoyama, there will be plenty of opportunities to interact, and I very much look forward to becoming friends with you," Imamura Masafumi chuckled, "Let’s not keep the Governor waiting too long; he’s also eager to see what good news your simultaneous visit brings."

As he spoke, he turned and led the way ahead.

"Yes!"

Fujimoto Takayoshi and Aoyama Xiu Xin followed him.

Along the way, many people stopped to greet Imamura Masafumi or took the initiative to say hello.

He, too, was distinct in his attitude, nodding slightly to those with lower positions and smiling in response to those with higher ones.

Upon reaching the office, he raised his hand to knock and respectfully said, "Governor, Director Fujimoto and Chief of Police Aoyama have arrived; may we come in?"

"Hmm, come in."

Imamura Masafumi opened the door and then stood aside, gesturing with his hand for Fujimoto Takayoshi and Aoyama Xiu Xin to enter first.

After the two of them bowed slightly to thank him, they walked in, and Imamura Masafumi quickly closed the door behind them and hurried to make tea.

"Governor!" Fujimoto Takayoshi and Aoyama Xiu Xin stopped about two meters in front of the desk and bowed.

Governor Henglu gave a faint "Hmm" in acknowledgement.

Only then did the two men raise their heads.

"Mr. Aoyama is really young!" Heng Lu Guangnan said as he stared at Aoyama Xiu Xin’s face for a while.

His tone was a mix of exclamation, admiration, and envy.

People like them, holding high positions, rarely envy others for their wealth, power, or personal achievements, but they always covet the youthfulness of the younger generation.

Because that’s something they could never get back.

However, they could have many young people.

Aoyama Xiu Xin bowed again, "Yes! Therefore, I’m still inexperienced in many areas and need guidance and advice from seniors like the Governor."

If he were just an ordinary police director, such words would seem quite jarring. Still, as a police director with outstanding achievements and known throughout the nation, as Yanchuan Shilang’s adopted grandson, his words appeared modest and natural.

"There will be opportunities; it is my honor to mentor an outstanding junior like Chief Aoyama," Governor Henglu smiled, appearing approachable, and then asked, "Lately, I’ve been hearing one piece of bad news after another. I hope you bring good news."

"Yes! Indeed, it’s good news," Fujimoto Takayoshi said with a smile, his face full of joy, "Hirano Hidekazu couldn’t hold out. I just arranged for Chief Aoyama to probe, and he agreed to negotiations. We can arrange for a few people to take him back to Tokyo to settle the matter."

"Oh?" Heng Lu Guangnan raised an eyebrow, not hiding his delight, and laughed, "This is indeed good news! In fact, it is the best news I’ve heard recently! Well done, Mr. Fujimoto!"

"It’s all thanks to your support, Governor, and to a competent officer like Mr. Aoyama that we succeeded so smoothly," Fujimoto Takayoshi bowed slightly in response.

Governor Henglu, seeing Fujimoto’s evident intention to support Aoyama Xiu Xin, graciously turned to Aoyama Xiu Xin, "It seems that Mr. Aoyama played a significant role in this matter."

"Xiu Xin does not dare to take credit! It’s all thanks to the Director’s leadership," Aoyama Xiu Xin hastily humbled himself.

"The swift resolution to this matter was all thanks to Mr. Aoyama’s proper planning," Fujimoto Takayoshi said.

"Tell us how it was properly planned," Governor Henglu’s interest was piqued, now that the investigation team had chosen to back down and he was in the mood for a story.

Fujimoto Takayoshi turned to Aoyama Xiu Xin with a warm smile, "Let the person involved, Mr. Aoyama, tell the story. I’m afraid I might miss some details."

"Yes!" Aoyama Xiu Xin responded, then slowly recounted, "It all started with an anonymous tip-off letter... this way, that way... and finally like this."

After finishing his account, he bowed and waited for orders.

"Hahaha, very good, very good, Mr. Aoyama is truly talented and brave! Turning a disadvantage into an advantage is impressive," Governor Henglu laughed heartily after listening.

Now, the more he looked at Aoyama Xiu Xin, the more favorable he appeared.

That old man Yanchuan Shilang was fortunate, though having a sparse family, but he had adopted such a capable grandson.

Aoyama Xiu Xin modestly stated, "It’s all due to the support from the Governor and the Director that I had the confidence to go ahead, otherwise, we wouldn’t have the success we have now."

Governor Henglu shook his head in agreement.

"Governor, Hirano Hidekazu has requested detailed discussions tonight. As for the selection of personnel to bring back to Tokyo, instructed by the investigation team, an early decision would be advisable. We can provide a group of 26 people, including four police directors, from our department," Fujimoto Takayoshi said softly.

After a moment of contemplation, Governor Henglu said, "I will decide as soon as possible; I’ll give you a list before tonight. Take it and talk to Hirano Hidekazu; it’s not open to change."

Now that they held an absolute advantage, they naturally had no right to bargain with the investigation team.

Surrender or death.

"Sir!" Fujimoto Takayoshi bowed in response.

Heng Lu Guangnan looked towards Aoyama Xiu Xin again, "Work hard under Director Fujimoto. I have high expectations for you."

"Sir!" Aoyama Xiu Xin also bowed in response.

Heng Lu Guangnan waved his hand.

The two immediately turned and left.

Imamura Masafumi opened the door for them, "Take care."

"Sir! Secretary Imamura, please stay."

"Imamura." Heng Lu Guangnan called out.

After closing the door, Imamura Masafumi quickly approached.

"Urgently notify all the ministers of the Governor’s Hall, the mayors of each city’s municipal offices, as well as the heads of the prefectural and city councils to attend a meeting at the Governor’s Hall at three o’clock this afternoon," Heng Lu Guangnan instructed after draining the cup of tea on his desk.

After all, once he set the time, everyone had to arrive on time. Of course, there would definitely be those who couldn’t make it, and those who couldn’t would just have to wait to be sacrificed to the investigation team as offerings.

There had to be the sacrifice of two heavyweights to make the investigation team’s anti-corruption results appear significant, making the citizens and higher-ups believe that this time, the corruption syndicate in Hokkaido had been struck hard and would cease their activities.

Otherwise, if the higher-ups kept their eyes on Hokkaido, how could they continue to live their easy life as before?

...

Aoyama Xiu Xin and Fujimoto Takayoshi had just reported their good news to Heng Lu Guangnan, and at the same time, Hirano Koji was also reporting good news to Yanchuan Shilang.

"Minister Yanchuan, this is Hirano Koji."

"Mr. Hino, what’s the matter?" Yanchuan Shilang immediately sat up straight on the other end, genuinely afraid of hearing more bad news from the investigation team.

"Minister, please do your best to buy us more time. We are close to resolving the current troubles!" Hirano Koji spoke with an excited and confident tone.

Upon hearing this, Yanchuan Shilang knew there must have been a significant turnaround and couldn’t wait to ask, "Mr. Hino, what happened?"

"It’s thanks to your support, Minister," Hirano Koji sincerely stated with a smile. "Thanks to Chief of Police Aoyama, we were trapped and couldn’t leave, but that also led the local baddies to let their guard down. Chief of Police Aoyama took the opportunity to uncover some important clues. As for the specifics, please allow me to keep you in suspense until I bring those corrupt officials back to Tokyo and report to you in person."

He hadn’t yet figured out exactly how to fabricate the details.

"Alright then, seeing Mr. Hino’s confidence, I’ll wait for the good news. I’ll celebrate your achievements in person once you return to Tokyo!" Yanchuan Shilang was in a great mood.

It was unexpected that the situation, which had been rapidly deteriorating, still had a chance to turn around. What an excellent job by his grandson!

The commotion in Hokkaido had gotten too big.

Already, political adversaries were using this to criticize him, demanding he take responsibility for the chaos in Hokkaido. Aside from some grandiose words, he had no tangible countermeasures.

There was no helping it. His subordinates were ineffectual, and the higher-ups’ statements lacked firmness. Similarly, when the top lacked firmness, those below had no confidence in their actions.

Hirano Koji solemnly responded, "Sir!"

After hanging up the phone, Yanchuan Shilang immediately called Aoyama Xiu Xin, "Xiu Xin, Hirano Koji just phoned me, saying that it’s thanks to you that the investigation team now has a chance to turn defeat into victory. You’ve done well and haven’t let your grandfather down."

"It’s my duty. I have no particular relationship with Hirano Koji, but you are my grandfather! I should help him even if he wasn’t part of our family," Aoyama Xiu Xin replied seamlessly, although he didn’t know the specifics of what Hirano Koji had said.

Yanchuan Shilang was pleased, and Aoyama Xiu Xin’s words made him even happier, for Aoyama Xiu Xin not only said so but also acted on it. In a buoyant mood, he said, "Do well in Hokkaido. Whenever you need it, your grandfather has got your back."

"Sir! Thank you, grandfather. I will not let you down!" Aoyama Xiu Xin replied obediently.

The issue with him secretly keeping a ledger was now thoroughly behind him, and he was once again the beloved grandson of his grandfather.

Yanchuan Shilang brought up another matter, "Next month is my birthday, Xiu Xin, you must come back."

"Sir! Rest assured, grandfather, I will prepare a grand gift for you," Aoyama Xiu Xin promptly promised.

"No need for grand gifts. It’s enough that you come back, as we are family," Yanchuan Shilang said indifferently.

"Sir! You have a lot on your plate, grandfather, so I won’t disturb you any further?" Aoyama Xiu Xin ventured.

"Mhm." Yanchuan Shilang hung up the phone.

"Dial tone,"

Listening to the busy tone on the phone, Aoyama Xiu Xin sat in his office chair with a light laugh, placed the phone on the desk, and crossed his arms, quite at ease.

"Grandfather, oh grandfather, you have yet to see the extent of my filial piety. Just wait and see how I’ll make something of myself."

At nine o’clock in the evening, Hirano Koji and Gu Tian Chong, along with six core members of the investigation team, sneaked out the backdoor of the hotel and got into several waiting cars.

Arriving at the Maple Club, the second home of the high-ranking officials of the Hokkaido Police Headquarters, the six were led into a luxurious and tasteful private room where Fujimoto Takayoshi and the headquarters’ senior officials had been waiting for a long time.

"Is it just you?" Hirano Koji was visibly startled when he saw Fujimoto Takayoshi; he thought he would meet even higher-level people tonight.

Fujimoto Takayoshi didn’t rise from his seat and said with a mock-smile, "Who else did you expect? Besides me, whom did you want to talk to? Mr. Hino, take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Do you think you’re in a position to demand?"

It had been the police directly clashing with the investigation team from the start while others had kept out of sight. Now, as things were coming to an end, they were even less likely to show up.

"Minister Hino, Director Fujimoto has full authority to make decisions. Gentlemen, please take a seat," said Aoyama Xiu Xin, the mediator, quickly standing up to smooth things over.

Hirano Koji snorted coldly, his face darkening as he led his team to sit down in the empty seats.