"Inspector Xu, you have done a great job, I must express my respect to you!" Stewart came out from behind the desk and formally saluted Xu Siqi with a military salute.
Xu Siqi returned a military salute and then asked: "Chief Inspector, can you confirm that Asano Hideki is the murderer?"
Stewart shook his head and said: "Asano Hidejo has categorically denied the shooting of Yamamoto Kosuke. It will take a long time to collect evidence in this regard."
"Chief Inspector, I do have an idea, maybe you can give it a try."
"What's the idea?"
"I heard that MI6 developed a miniature recording device that is only the size of a brick. I would like to know if this kind of device is also available in the British Concession?"
Stewart thought for a moment and immediately guessed Xu Siqi's intention, and said, "Are you planning to record evidence?"
Xu Siqi nodded: "It's a coincidence that Asano Hideki and I have known each other before. When no outsiders are present, I think he won't be defensive."
Stewart smiled and said: "You are very lucky. Even in the UK, this kind of equipment is not very common. There is only one in the entire British Concession."
After a slight pause, he continued: "Inspector Xu, if I can get Asano Hidejo's confession, I am going to submit an application to the Ministry of Industry Bureau to transfer you to the Hongkou Patrol Room. Are you willing?"
Regarding this issue, Xu Siqi had never thought about it. He took the initiative to help Shi Duhua investigate the case this time, and actually had only one purpose, which was to find out Asano Hidejo's true identity.
Besides, after switching from the French Concession to the British Concession, I was still just an ordinary patrol commander, so there seemed to be no need for him.
Seeing Xu Siqi's hesitation, Shi Duhua said: "Inspector Xu, I admire your ability to handle cases. If you are willing to come to the Hongkou Patrol Room, I can guarantee that you will be the only Chinese detective in the British Concession!
"
The so-called British Concession in his mouth is actually the public concession after the merger of the British and American Concessions. Old-school British people like Stewart still prefer to call themselves the British Concession.
This is a sign of arrogance. Even though their British Empire is in decline and has long lost the strength of its former world hegemon, it does not prevent the British from continuing their innate tradition of arrogance.
Xu Siqi couldn't help but be moved by Stewart's proposal, and was promoted from inspector to detective. This was a rare and good opportunity.
An improvement in one's position has only advantages and no disadvantages, whether it is for one's identity in the Secret Service or the underground party.
There are nearly 6,000 patrol officers in the public settlement, and European and American patrol officers naturally occupy a dominant position. Almost all important positions in the patrol house are held by European and American patrol officers.
This can be reflected in the salary. In order from high to low, European and American patrols, Japanese patrols, Indian patrols, Annan patrols, and the bottom one is always Chinese patrols.
There is a chief Chinese inspector in the French Concession, which was the result of joint recommendations from several Chinese directors of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Bureau. Among the Chinese inspectors in the public concession, the highest position can only be the inspector.
"I would be deeply honored to serve under you!" Xu Siqi expressed his attitude at the right time.
Stewart nodded with satisfaction, stood up and said, "Next, let's see if you can get Asano Hidejo's confession!"
After all the trouble, a Chinese prisoner was transferred from the French Concession and served as a detective upon arrival. Without a valid reason, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Bureau would not be likely to approve it.
…………
Hongkou Patrol Room Prison.
Asano Hidejo was a felon and was placed in a separate cell. Considering his extraordinary skills, he was specially given a pair of 20-pound shackles.
The guard carrying a rifle came over, opened the lock on the iron door, and said, "Asano Hidejo, someone saw you coming."
Xu Siqi walked in carrying a food box.
Watching the guard go away, Asano Hideki sneered: "Xu Siqi, what do you mean, a cat cries and a mouse shows mercy?"
Xu Siqi opened the food box and took out four plates of vegetables, including Zaobantou, Fengjing Dinghoo, Songjiang seabass, white chopped chicken, and a bottle of Ju Zhengzong brand sake.
"These are the four most distinctive dishes in Shanghai. Even if I succeed Asano-senpai, I'll do it first as a token of respect!" Xu Siqi picked up the wine glass and drank it all in one gulp.
Asano Xiucheng didn't move at all and looked at Xu Siqi without saying a word.
Xu Siqi smiled and said: "Why, are you afraid that the food and wine are poisonous?"
Asano Hidejo didn't eat for a day and felt hungry. After thinking for a moment, he picked up a piece of chopped chicken with his chopsticks and ate it hungrily.
Xu Siqi sighed and said: "Asano-kun, I am also a member of the upper branch and the lower branch has nothing to do. As a patrol officer, it is my duty to arrest criminals."
Asano Hidejo snorted coldly, but still didn't say anything to Xu Siqi. He only ate the vegetables and didn't take a sip of the wine.
Xu Siqi said: "Asano-kun, when we were at Etajima Military Academy, although we were not friends, we got along pretty well. At the New Year's dinner, I kept giving in. Why do you have to force me to do something?"
Asano Hidejo stopped his chopsticks and sneered: "Xu Siqi, they say you are very smart, but in this matter, I think you are a complete idiot!"
"You can scold me. I know that you resent me in your heart. I was expelled from school because of a meaningless fight. You were also admitted to the hospital due to injuries. Are you wearing glasses now, is your vision affected?"
Xu Siqi sighed and said: "Qianye-kun, come to think of it, why is this necessary? I really don't understand..."
"My fight with you is not my personal wish." Asano Hidejo interrupted Xu Siqi's words.
"It's not your personal wish?...What do you mean?" Xu Siqi frowned, looking puzzled.
"The navy does not want any Chinese to stay in the school. Therefore, the school assigned me to create a conflict with you, so that you can be expelled! Who would have thought..." Asano Hidejo shook his head helplessly.
The fight was a premeditated plan, but Asano Hidejo's injury was an accident.
Xu Siqi had long had doubts about his expulsion, but now after listening to Asano Hidejo's words, he finally figured out the whole story.
"It seems that both of us are victims." Xu Siqi smiled bitterly and shook his head.
Asano Hidejo couldn't help but sigh. He was accidentally injured in the conflict and was eventually forced to leave Etajima Military Academy. This incident has always been a regret in his heart.
Xu Siqi said: "Asano-kun, I really don't understand why you want to kill Yamamoto Kosuke. Is there any personal enmity between you two?"
Asano Hidejo's eyes flashed: "I didn't kill Yamamoto Kosuke, I don't know this person at all!"