31. Writing songs is simple.

Zhou Hongyi flashed a look of complete understanding. He picked up the tea, bowed slightly, and said, "Rest assured, I will definitely convey your regards to my brother-in-law. If there is nothing else, I will head out and get back to work."

"Yes, yes, yes, go ahead, get back to work, ha-ha-ha..."

As Zhou Hongyi turned to walk out and pulled the office door shut, the smile on Feng Jinxiong’s face vanished. He quickly reached into his trouser pocket, took out the object, and examined it closely in his palm.

It was indeed a gold leaf! Smooth and cool to the touch, and it carried a decent weight. This Zhou Hongyi certainly knew how to handle things. Wait, what was it he had called him in for again? Never mind, if he had forgotten, it couldn't have been that important.

Zhou Hongyi’s actions today were not impulsive. He was deliberately cultivating a persona: that of the arrogant, overbearing, and unassailable brother-in-law of Chief Ding. Once this reputation was solidified, it would create a fixed stereotype in people's minds, ensuring that even if they were suspicious, they would never link any trouble back to him.

As for that unlucky Captain Ma, he only had his own poor judgment to blame. He wasn't a good person anyway; letting him suffer a bit was fine. Whenever he finally realized his mistake, he could be released.

"Brother, you... you are too good to me! Fusheng... Fusheng doesn't know how to repay you!"

Back in his private office for the Special Action Group, Zhou Hongyi found Fusheng looking at him with teary eyes and clutching his sleeve, looking as if he might drop to his knees and call him "father" at any moment.

"Alright, Fusheng, how many times have I told you? Don't go around thanking me all the time. Just being obedient is more important than anything else. Come on, wipe those tears. You’re a grown man, crying like a child—people will laugh if they see you."

Fusheng nodded vigorously and wiped his face messily with his sleeve, smearing tears and snot all over his clothes. But in the heart of this simple-minded man, Zhou Hongyi’s status had already reached that of his grandmother. As far as he was concerned, he would gladly lay down his life for his boss.

Meanwhile, after the scene Zhou Hongyi caused at the First Precinct, Director Ren, who was cowardly and nearing retirement, chose to swallow the incident. He did not question Chief Ding of the 76th Branch; he merely called Director Feng of the Second Precinct to inquire about the matter, and the affair was left at that. This behavior, however, fueled endless speculation among the police at the First Precinct.

"Have you heard? That Young Master Zhou who caused such a ruckus at our station today is the brother-in-law of Chief Ding from the 76th Branch!"

"Of course I heard. He’s not just the brother-in-law of Chief Ding; he’s a student of a Colonel from the Special Higher Education Section, and he’s highly regarded."

"Your news is outdated. As far as I know, even General Doihara thinks highly of him and intends to recruit him into the Army Academy for advanced training. His future is limitless."

"Do you think Captain Ma really was some kind of insurgent?"

"Shh! Don't talk nonsense. Whether he’s an insurgent or not isn't up to us. Once you’re dragged into the 76th Branch, you'll be lucky to leave with your skin intact, even if you’re innocent. Remember, from now on, stay far away from that Young Master Zhou. Don't provoke him, and don't provoke anyone under him."

"Do you think that idiot Fusheng’s ancestors were blessed by the gods? How did he catch the eye of someone like Young Master Zhou?"

"Don't worry about that. We don't know the specifics, but I do know that from now on, don't even think about bullying Fusheng—you’d better be smiling at him! Damn, it makes me want to apply for a transfer to the Second Precinct."

Zhou Hongyi had made a name for himself in this battle at the First Precinct; at the very least, he was now a marked man in the Shanghai police system. Captains of various squads warned their subordinates not to provoke the Second Precinct’s Special Action Group, and even if they did, not to mention that they knew them.

As for the police at the Second Precinct, ever since they had basked in the glory of following Zhou Hongyi, they walked with their heads held higher. Especially when on patrol, they felt superior to officers from other units. They knew this was all thanks to Young Master Zhou. Working under him not only brought benefits but also elevated their own status—where else could one find such a good deal?

That day, the atmosphere in the Second Precinct was quite harmonious. Everyone discussed the day’s events until it was time to clock off. Zhou Hongyi changed his clothes, let Fusheng ride off with his bicycle, and hailed a rickshaw, heading straight for the Paramount Ballroom.

When Zhou Hongyi arrived, the venue had not yet officially opened, but the waiter at the door recognized him at once.

"Young Master Zhou, are you looking for Miss Manyu? She’s already here. I’ll go inside and let her know."

Shortly after the waiter went inside, Manyu, dressed in a purple qipao with a high slit, swayed her hips as she came out to greet him.

"Young Master Zhou, I didn't expect you to arrive so soon. You surely haven't already written the songs you promised me, have you?"

Zhou Hongyi pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket, gave it a flick in the air, and smiled. "How could I not be attentive when meeting a beauty? It was a bit rushed, so I only wrote two. I hope you don't mind, Miss Manyu."

Manyu’s eyes lit up. She had assumed yesterday that this young master was just bragging, and even if he did bring songs, they would likely have been ghostwritten by industry professionals. She never expected him to return the very next day with two songs in hand.

"Miss Manyu, you are the professional here. I believe you will know at a glance whether these songs are good or high-class."

Zhou Hongyi handed over the paper with the music notation and lyrics. Manyu unfolded it at the door and glanced over it; her small mouth formed an "O" shape.

"This... did you really write this, Young Master Zhou? I’ve never seen these two songs before. They are brand new, and the titles are wonderful... 'The Moon Represents My Heart' and 'I Only Care About You'. I must show these to the band members right now!"

Manyu was incredibly excited. With her years of experience in ballrooms, she knew these songs would be massive hits. Her reputation in this bustling city would undoubtedly soar. The Great World, the Ciel, they would all be overshadowed by her.

After taking two steps back, she paused and looked at Zhou Hongyi with some embarrassment. "Forgive my lack of manners, Young Master. Please, come in. I am deeply grateful for these two songs. From now on, whenever you wish to come to the Paramount to hear me sing or watch me dance, just come. There will be no cover charge for you."

Zhou Hongyi hadn't expected a dancer like Manyu to have such authority. It seemed that once you reached a certain level of fame, even the owners would grant you special privileges.

He followed Manyu back into the Paramount, sat at the bar, and ordered a foreign liquor out of habit. He watched as Manyu took his music sheets to the band, whispering to the musicians.

Before long, the musicians began tuning their instruments according to his score, and soon, a familiar, timeless melody filled the air.

The two songs Zhou Hongyi had chosen were from his parents' generation, which were close enough to the aesthetics of this era to not feel too out of place. After all, if he had written a modern pop song, it might not have had the same effect.

"You ask me how deep my love is..."

The beautiful melody paired with Manyu’s magnetic voice made all the staff in the ballroom stop what they were doing to listen. After Manyu finished her first rehearsal, the ballroom erupted in warm applause.

Manyu was very satisfied with the effect of the song and immediately followed up with "I Only Care About You."

After finishing both, she made a few minor adjustments with the band, then hopped off the stage like a lark and hurried toward Zhou Hongyi.

"Young Master Zhou, you are truly a man of great talent! It is so unexpected. These two songs have beautiful melodies and touching lyrics; the quality is truly exceptional. With such high musical cultivation, it is quite surprising that you chose to be a policeman."

Zhou Hongyi raised his glass and smiled. "You flatter me, Miss Manyu. Writing songs is just a hobby; being a policeman is my job. Besides, even the best music needs a great singer. Having you sing these songs is truly a perfect match—it’s as if they were always meant for you."

Zhou Hongyi’s flattery hit the mark, and Manyu couldn't help but blush.