Espionage: I Awaken Daily Intelligence System

Chapter 30: A Firm Refusal to Expand Connections

At this moment, several people were already seated in the luxuriously decorated, antique-style private room.

One of the women, dressed in a purple cheongsam and sporting stylish curls, also stood up, her face beaming with gratitude.

It was Zhang Wenying, the mother who had saved the child in the fire.

The reason I can remember it so clearly is because its stylish and beautiful appearance makes people want to take a second look.

After standing up, the woman excitedly introduced him to the man beside her: "Fifth Master, he is the police officer who rescued Chenchen from the fire."

His voice was excited, and his gratitude towards the police officers in front of him was heartfelt.

That morning, she went out to buy groceries, leaving her six-year-old son to play alone at home.

I don't know how my son took the matches off the cabinet to play with, which caused a fire.

Although the concession had professional firefighting associations, those guys were only enthusiastic about collecting money; their efficiency in putting out fires was far from good.

By the time the fire brigade arrives, my son will probably have already burned to death in the fire.

that's the truth.

Shen Lang rescued the people from upstairs and even posed for photos for the reporters.

The fire brigade arrived late.

This was because the apartment was a high-end building, and the building manager immediately called the fire department.

If it were a shikumen (stone gate house), the house would probably have burned down before they even arrived.

So when Zhang Wenying returned and saw that the apartment was on fire, and learned from her neighbors that it was her own house that was on fire, she was already in despair.

Although I didn't want to accept it, I subconsciously thought that my child might have met with misfortune.

After seeing the child rescued, the world that had been pitch black was restored to light, pulling her out of the abyss of despair.

Upon receiving the news, Bai Changrong rushed home immediately, and only after seeing that his wife and children were safe and sound did he feel relieved.

When she heard that her only son had almost burned to death in the house, and was saved by a police officer who risked his life to save him despite the fire, she felt truly grateful.

For those who navigate the world of gangsters, repaying kindness is a fundamental principle of life.

However, my house was just burned down, and I've been busy moving these past few days.

No sooner had they settled down than they sent out invitations and held a banquet to express their gratitude.

Bai Changrong extended his hands and warmly clasped them together, saying excitedly, "Thank you so much, Mr. Shen, for your righteous rescue, which allowed my son to escape danger. I can never repay your great kindness!"

"In the future, if Mr. Shen gives the word, I, Bai, will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

For this chivalrous figure who always prioritized loyalty, saving his only son was no different from saving his own life.

As long as it doesn't violate his principles, he will do his best to help in order to repay this kindness.

Shen Lang looked at the man in his thirties with a resolute face and smiled humbly, "Fifth Master Bai, there's no need for that. Protecting the safety of the people is the duty of our patrol officers."

Although this statement was about duty, everyone knew exactly what kind of people the police officers in the foreign concessions were.

They might be fine to watch the fire, but if you actually ask them to help rescue people, they'll definitely shirk responsibility and say it's the fire department's duty.

Moreover, after the rescue, they couldn't come out through the front door and could only be released through the window, which shows how intense the fire was at the time.

They were truly risking their lives to save people.

When talking to a wise person, some things don't need to be said too bluntly.

Bai Changrong was a seasoned veteran, so he could naturally tell that the other party was being humble and giving him face.

As the saying goes, "a sedan chair needs many people to carry it," meaning that if the other party has given you face, you should always show some appreciation.

He patted the other man on the shoulder and laughed heartily, "I'm a few years older than you, so don't call me Fifth Master anymore. We're all brothers. If you think highly of me, just call me Fifth Brother from now on, and I'll call you Brother Shen. How about that?"

Shen Lang raised an eyebrow and readily agreed, "Then I thank Fifth Brother for his kind offer!"

Being able to become sworn brothers with the renowned Master Bai, the path in the martial arts world will be much easier in the future.

Zhang Wenying quickly pushed the child closer and instructed, "Chenchen, aren't you going to thank your uncle in person?"

Chenchen raised her little head and said in her childish voice, "Thank you, Uncle, for saving Chenchen."

Shen Lang rubbed the child's head, feeling a surge of relief.

Although the purpose of going to the fire scene was to verify the accuracy of the system's intelligence, it was worth it to save a child from certain death.

Bai Changrong also took out an envelope and handed it over, smiling, "This is a small token of our appreciation from my wife and me. Please accept it, Brother Shen."

Judging from the size of the bulge in the envelope, it should contain banknotes.

I guess they investigated the other party's situation and knew they were struggling to make ends meet, so they gave money directly to express their gratitude.

Shen Lang glanced at the envelope and pushed it back without hesitation.

"Since Fifth Brother thinks so highly of you, then I'll speak the truth."

"I saved Chenchen not for any personal gain, but simply to be true to my conscience."

"I had no idea he was Fifth Brother's child; it was all by chance."

"Therefore, I cannot accept this money. If I did, wouldn't it make it seem like I, Shen, have ulterior motives?"

"Given your status in the underworld, I am already deeply honored that you would address me as Fifth Brother."

"If Fifth Brother insists on giving me money, then I'll just turn around and leave!"

His expression turned serious, and his firm refusal showed that he was determined not to accept the money.

If we accept the money, wouldn't we be even?

It can also make the other person think you are an ordinary person, thus diminishing the good impression you have made.

Zhang Wenying quickly and warmly smoothed things over, saying, "Everyone, sit down and chat while you eat!"

Bai Changrong didn't press the matter further and warmly invited them to take their seats.

Shen Lang readily agreed and began to eat with relish.

He would occasionally give a thumbs-up to praise the dishes, saying they were much better than the ten-yuan-a-table feast he had paid yesterday.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, their relationship became even more familiar.

Once men are at the dinner table, a few drinks and they can become brothers.

Moreover, one wanted to express gratitude, and the other was also interested in making friends, so the atmosphere was very harmonious.

Two grown men, arms around each other's shoulders, were drinking; anyone who didn't know better would think they were long-lost brothers.

Shen Lang glanced at the clock on the wall and silently calculated the time in his mind.

We have intelligence about the dog racing track tonight; we absolutely can't miss this opportunity to make our first fortune.

Only the odds of a greyhound racing track can maximize the profit of a limited amount of capital.

Bai Changrong keenly noticed Shen's frequent checks of the time and asked, "Brother Shen, do you have any plans for later?"

"No, no." Shen Lang hurriedly waved his hand to avoid the other party misunderstanding that he was being disrespectful, which would ruin the situation.

After thinking for a moment, he whispered, "I got inside information that there will be a big upset at the greyhound racing tonight, so I'm thinking of taking advantage of the situation to make some money! Are you interested in making a quick buck too?"

These so-called insider tips are sold every day, but most of them are fake, so it doesn't matter if you share them.

Bai Changrong took a sip of his drink and said with a faint smile, "Sure, I was just thinking of going to have some fun too!"

Shen Lang blinked, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "He... he actually agreed!?"