After leaving the study room with its whiteboard covered in legal case analyses, Zeng Jin felt like his entire understanding had been repeatedly ground down.
A gang... no, the people of the Wanlong Association had taken their study of law to such a level that he didn’t even know what to say anymore.
He even had a strange illusion—that he hadn’t come to visit some gang headquarters, but had stumbled into some bizarre, otherworldly base.
But what he never expected was that what he saw next would truly make him understand why the Wanlong Association could rule the roost in Bright Pearl City with an iron fist.
Cheng Gang led them away from the study area, took the elevator up a few more floors, and entered the Wanlong Association’s normal office zone.
This floor looked completely ordinary—exactly like any legitimate corporate office.
Zeng Jin breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he could finally see something normal. But when his gaze shifted to the walls, he froze again.
Almost every wall in the office was covered with something that looked like silk banners of commendation.
[Upholding Justice, Serving the People with Warmth]—signed by a local precinct of the Bright Pearl City Police.
[Model of Police-Community Cooperation]—signed by the Bright Pearl City General Police Headquarters.
[Brave and Righteous, Noble Character]—signed by the Bright Pearl City Office of Social Security and Comprehensive Management.
Zeng Jin’s eyelid twitched. He took a few more steps forward and peered into another meeting room with its door open.
That wall was even more over-the-top.
Aside from the banners, it was hung with several framed group photos.
He recognized some of the people in the photos—they seemed to be high-ranking members of the Wanlong Association’s men in black.
In the photos, they were dressed in black, smiling, shaking hands with several middle-aged leaders in police uniforms.
Zeng Jin: “...”
Wait, what... is this for real?
You’re a syndicate. I could accept you having enforcers, training in martial arts, even studying those outrageous criminal laws.
But hanging police-given commendation banners all over your office and having chummy photo ops with top cops? What kind of game is this?
Has collusion between gangs and authorities on the mainland really gotten so blatant? The protection umbrella isn’t even hidden anymore? You just show it off to outsiders like this?
Isn’t this way too audacious?
The sheer absurd contrast was beyond words. He wasn’t afraid—he just couldn’t hold back his laughter, really couldn’t hold it back!
Cheng Gang, long accustomed to this reaction, explained matter-of-factly: “The Wanlong Association has always adhered to the principle of actively participating in social welfare, assisting the police in maintaining public order, and cracking down on illegal and criminal activities. These banners and awards are merely part of our fulfillment of social responsibility and contribution to building a harmonious society. There’s really no need to be so surprised.”
Zeng Jin coughed dryly and nodded repeatedly: “Right, right, right. Your company’s level of social awareness is truly impressive. No wonder Director Liu always says the Wanlong Association is a legitimate business. I’ve seen it for myself today. This is indeed, indeed very... very unique.”
Even as he spoke, his mind was exploding with silent sarcasm.
No wonder your Wanlong Association could grow this big, could expand your businesses this far—your connections must be this rock-solid.
This isn’t even about playing both sides of the law anymore. You’ve literally moved the table into broad daylight.
Before seeing the Wanlong Association headquarters with his own eyes, he never imagined such a... bizarre and brazen syndicate could exist.
He practiced boxing, studied law, and even had his picture taken with police leaders with his arm around their shoulders, showing it off openly.
When you're in the underworld and can pull off something like this, you're no longer just a part of the underworld.
That's just way too impressive!
Liang Mengsong, who had been quiet all this while, kept nodding as he looked at these honors. "Not bad! Not bad! There aren't many companies this dedicated to public welfare and so responsible."
Zeng Jin: "???"
Wait, Liang, what are you saying?
You don't actually think Wanlong Society is some kind of public-spirited, police-civilian partnership model enterprise, do you?
He opened his mouth, ready to say something, but swallowed the words back down.
It suddenly hit him—Liang Mengsong had never known the true nature of Wanlong Society from start to finish.
Then it was fine.
