Chapter 32: Her beauty and talent shocked Japan, and her wolfish ambitions secretly led to war.
The journey from Kyoto to Tokyo was over 400 miles, and the Japanese had specially arranged a special train to transport the delegation. Watanabe Shinji and his son, Watanabe Yu, and Watanabe Hiko also accompanied them. Seeing Luo Guyun striding onto the platform, his face beaming with joy, holding the person in his arms, Watanabe Hiko's expression changed slightly, and a subtle emotion flashed in his eyes.
While the train wasn't as luxurious as Luo Guyun's private train, it was private and quiet. Having both been up all night, it was a perfect opportunity for a good rest. Luo Guyun rested for a while and felt refreshed. He asked Xiao Qin and Secretary Fang to watch over the still-sleeping Xiao Xiangyue while he discussed matters with Yi Shui and the other members of the inspection team in the conference room.
It was almost noon when Watanabe Shinjixun arrived and said to Luo Guoyun, "General Luo, Xiangyue-kun hasn't woken up yet! It's time for lunch. My cousin brought my old chef on board to demonstrate making udon noodles in the dining car at noon! Hurry and get Xiangyue-kun to watch it. He'll definitely love it!"
Yi Shui smiled and said, "General Watanabe is a thoughtful and considerate person. He is very thoughtful..." Jin Er said, "My cousin has always been serious and rigid, only caring about work and not enjoying himself. I don't know why, but he has suddenly become particular about food recently. It's a good thing..." Luo Guyun said, "Where is Miss Chiyo? Why didn't I see her today?" Jin Er replied, "I heard that after the talks, my cousin will go directly to the Hokkaido military camp to lead the troops. It's bitterly cold there, and Sister Chiyo is in poor health, so it's not suitable for him to accompany him."
Xiao Xiangyue was sleeping, and no one except Luo Guyun could disturb her. Jin Er first went to the carriage where the bedroom was, but was stopped by Xiao Qin and Secretary Fang. He had no choice but to run to the conference room to find him. Luo Guyun said, "General Watanabe is thoughtful. Yue'er didn't eat breakfast, and it would be even worse if she missed lunch. I'll go wake him up now..."
The dining car was bustling with activity. The veteran chef, with his masterful technique, rolled, kneaded, stretched, and tossed the noodles with dazzling speed. Watanabe Hiko, who had never cooked before, joined Shinji, Junko, and a few of their attendants in enthusiastically trying their hand at making udon.
Xiao Xiangyue was so enthralled by the scene that she wanted to join in. Luo Guyun smiled, "Why does Yue'er have to do it herself? Just look at me..." Rolling up his sleeves, he humbly asked the chef for instructions. He already had a basic understanding, so with a little practice he mastered the technique. In a short while, he was pulling out evenly thick strands of noodles. Xiao Xiangyue cheered loudly, her eyes gleaming like stars.
After a bowl of piping hot udon noodles and a feast for the eyes, Xiao Xiangyue was in high spirits, darting around the various carriages with Jin Er. Knowing he loved novelty and playfulness, Luo Guyun let him be, letting Xiao Qin and Secretary Fang tag along while he continued discussing matters with Yishui Sun Mu and the others.
After having enough fun, they sat down at the bar to chat. Xiao Xiangyue asked Secretary Fang to fetch a record with an exquisite cover. She said to Jin Er, "When I was in Sweden, I had originally planned to release a music compilation with Mr. Charade, but we were in a hurry to return to China, so we only recorded a sample and haven't released it yet. I'd like to give this sample as a gift to His Majesty the Emperor. Is it appropriate?"
Jin Erxi said happily, "That couldn't be better! After the talks are over the day after tomorrow, His Majesty the Emperor will host a formal dinner to entertain the delegation. It would be a wonderful thing for Xiangyue-jun to present it to His Majesty in person." Xiao Xiangyue thought for a moment and said, "It will be too late to wait until the talks are over. It would be best if we could hand it over to the Emperor tomorrow."
Xiao Xiangyue felt that Luo Guoyun's formal meeting with the Emperor was tantamount to attending a Hongmen Feast, and she kept thinking about doing something for him. Last night, she heard him say that the Japanese side was concerned about Mr. Charade's international reputation and was afraid to act rashly. She thought that if she could show the record to the Emperor before the meeting, it might have some effect.
Jin Er thought, "Only my uncle and cousin can see the Emperor at any time. How about... we go and ask my cousin to make sure to deliver this record to His Majesty the Emperor within tomorrow." He pulled him up and ran to the carriage where Watanabe Hiko was.
The special train had over twenty carriages, and Watanabe Hiko was near the locomotive. He was standing at the junction of two carriages, lost in thought as he stared out the window at the receding scenery, puffing on a cigarette. He was surprised to see several people running over, breathless.
Xiao Xiangyue immediately coughed twice due to the thick smell of cigarettes. Watanabe Yan quickly put out the cigarette butt and bowed, saying, "I didn't know Xiangyue-kun was visiting. I'm sorry. Please come in and have a seat!"
Watanabe Hiko was a high-ranking official, occupying two entire carriages with his entourage. He was also fond of the tea ceremony, and a full set of teaware was also brought aboard. They gathered around the tea table. After explaining their purpose, Watanabe Hiko took the record and carefully flipped through it, "Since it's a gift for His Majesty the Emperor, aren't you planning to sign it?" Xiao Xiangyue said sheepishly, "Xiangyue's handwriting is too ugly. If Brother Yun had written it, it would be more acceptable..." After a moment's thought, she said, "I'll just sign it."
Xiao Xiangyue's signature was specially designed for him by Luo Guyun. It was elegant and handsome, very beautiful, and he had practiced it for a long time.
Watanabe Hiko stroked his beautiful signature. "Xiangyue-kun, you're too modest. Your handwriting is as beautiful as you are." He then casually asked, "A few days ago, when we were in the hot springs, the doctor said that Xiangyue-kun has heart and lung problems. I wonder if he's had a comprehensive checkup?" Xiao Qin took over and said, "My young master's heart problem was acquired from his mother's womb and can't be cured. His lung problems are the sequelae of a serious lung disease he suffered as a child. We can only treat them, not cure them completely."
Watanabe said, "Japan has advanced medical technology. Xiangyue-kun, please stay a while longer. I will find some reputable doctors to treat you. Perhaps you will be able to recover."
"Thank you for your kindness, General Watanabe. Actually... Xiangyue's condition is caused by Brother Yun and Brother Sun being too nervous. I feel fine myself, so there is no need for special treatment... Besides, Xiangyue will definitely return to China with the inspection team and it is impossible for her to stay in Japan alone." Xiao Xiangyue's voice was very pleasant.
A fleeting look of disappointment flashed across Watanabe Hiko's face. He stopped talking and picked up the teapot to pour tea for everyone. The train swayed a little, and some tea spilled on the hem of Xiao Xiangyue's suit, and a little tea stain was also splashed on his snow-white shirt inside. Xiao Qin and Jin Er, who were sitting on his left and right, hurriedly took out their handkerchiefs to wipe him. Watanabe Hiko said, "Oh, it's all my fault, Meng Lang! The weather is still cold, be careful not to catch a cold. How about Xiangyue-kun follow me to the inner room to take off your wet clothes and change into dry clothes!"
Xiao Xiangyue was about to stand up when she saw Luo Guyun and Sun Mu approaching from the other side of the carriage. Sun Mu, clutching a clay pot, said from a distance, "Finally, I found Yue'er! Big Brother has made a pot of black tea with some Chinese herbs. You need to take it at 3 p.m. It protects your heart and clears your meridians for detoxification. It's not good to miss the time."
"Huh? Why are Yue'er's clothes wet?" Luo Guyun, with sharp eyes, walked quickly to him. He said, "I accidentally spilled some tea just now. I was just saying that I wanted to change into my cousin's clothes to avoid catching a cold."
Luo Guyun said, "Alright, thank you General Watanabe..." He accompanied him into the inner room. Watanabe Yan took out a shirt and Xiao Xiangyue went to the bathroom to change. Watanabe Yan was tall, and the clothes looked empty on him, making him look smaller. The two of them looked at him together. Watanabe Yan had a complicated expression, and Luo Guyun burst out laughing: "Yue'er is almost twenty years old, why do you still look like a ten-year-old in your brother's eyes!"
As the three of them emerged from the inner room, Watanabe Yu and Watanabe Taro also arrived. Watanabe Hiko hurriedly asked everyone to sit down and jokingly said, "How come everyone is here so quickly? Did you make an appointment?"
Sun Mu handed the prepared medicinal tea to Xiao Xiangyue and explained, "This tea needs to be taken at 3 p.m., and I was looking for Yue'er when I passed by the carriage of two Mr. Watanabes. They said they thought they saw Yue'er and Jin'er coming this way. It just so happened that Mr. Taro wanted to discuss with Yue'er about giving a lecture at the Tokyo University of Music tomorrow, and Mr. Watanabe Yu wanted to discuss his meeting with Guoyun, so they came together." Watanabe Taro continued, "My third brother just went back to get a telegram, which delayed him for a few minutes. That's why General Luo and Adjutant Sun arrived first."
Everyone sat around the tea table and had a great time chatting.
"Xiangyue wants to borrow the general's zither for class tomorrow." Xiao Xiangyue said to Watanabe Yan, who was sitting beside her and seemed a little absent-minded.
Watanabe Yan didn't notice Xiao Xiangyue suddenly speaking to him, and said hurriedly, "Since the zither has been given to Xiangyue-kun, you can use it however you want. You don't need to ask for my permission."
Tokyo University of Music is the most prestigious private music school in Japan. The Watanabe family has served as a trustee of the school since its establishment. Watanabe Taro is the president of this term. He had already heard about Xiao Xiangyue's talent and genius. When they met in the hot spring that day, he listened to his talk and admired his insights and understanding of music, which were incomparable to ordinary people. At that time, he wanted to hire him as a visiting professor at Tokyo University of Music and ask him to give lectures at the school from time to time, but Xiao Xiangyue declined. He was invited to give an open class for students, and the time was scheduled for tomorrow. He was so kind that he had to agree.
Luo Guyun smiled and said, "Yue'er will be a teacher tomorrow... I heard that when she was in Lizhuang, her classes were very popular with students. It's a pity that I was away fighting and didn't get to see Yue'er as a teacher. I feel deeply regretful..." He then asked, "When is the class scheduled for tomorrow? If I can spare the time, I must go and see it!"
Taro replied, "The class starts at 11:00 and lasts for an hour, so it's just in time for lunch..." Shinji said to Watanabe Hiko, "My cousin arranges the delegation's itinerary. They should be meeting with Prime Minister Konoe tomorrow, right?"
Watanabe Hiko immediately said: "My mother's zither is played to perfection by Xiangyue Jun. If you play the zither tomorrow, I would also like to see her performance... The music academy is in the city, not far from the Prime Minister's residence. Or we can start the meeting early tomorrow and try to finish it by 10:30. All of us will go to the academy to observe Xiangyue Jun's class, and then return to the Prime Minister's residence for lunch..." Luo Guoyun said happily: "That's great. Sino-Japanese cultural exchange is also one of the contents of this visit to Japan. Thank you General Watanabe for your thoughtful consideration..."
Seeing that everyone was chatting animatedly, Watanabe Xiong, who had been sitting nearby without saying a word, leaned over to Luo Guoyun and whispered, "I'd like to discuss the Emperor's meeting with General Luo. Could I have a moment with you?"
The two of them sat down on the sofa in the next car. Watanabe Yu got straight to the point, "General Luo, you're quite resourceful! I just received a telegram saying that hotels in Tokyo are hard to come by. Reporters from all over the world, special envoys from various governments, and observation groups are flocking in. I'm afraid any news about the talks will spread around the world!"
Luo Guoyun chuckled and said, "...Sino-Japanese relations are delicate. It's normal that the first official visit to Japan by the Republic of China has attracted worldwide attention..."
Watanabe Yu said, "General Luo is both courageous and resourceful, and is adept at assessing the situation. I admire him... Since the whole world wants to see a good show, why not put on a grand show of Sino-Japanese friendship for the world to see?"
Luo Guoyun said, "Mr. Watanabe is wise! Given the current situation, the best policy is naturally to whitewash the situation. If your country's rhythm is disrupted because of one person, Luo, it would be bad... If you want to play the role of Sino-Japanese friendship, Guoyun will fully cooperate... But should you restrain the people around you a little to avoid causing unhappiness?"
Although Yi Shui and Sun Mu both told him that he was worrying too much, Luo Guyun still felt intuitively that Watanabe Yan's attention to Xiao Xiangyue was a little unusual. His pair of seemingly calm and deep eyes, when looking at Yue'er, always contained something hard to guess. He told Xiao Qin and Secretary Fang who were following him to be on guard at all times. Just now, when Xiao Qin saw Jin Er was going to take Xiao Xiangyue to find Watanabe Yan, he became more cautious and quietly asked Secretary Fang to inform him. When Luo Guyun heard about it, he immediately rushed over with Sun Mu. He happened to see Watanabe Yan trying to take Xiao Xiangyue to change clothes, which made him even more suspicious that he had ulterior motives and seemed to be deliberately trying to get close to Yue'er.
Watanabe Yu was silent for a moment before saying, "General Luo is very meticulous. This statement must be referring to something, right? General, don't worry, I will never allow anyone to disrupt the talks for any reason... My nephew has been good in every way since he was a child, but he is very deep-minded and hard to understand. His behavior has been a bit abnormal recently... The Yamamoto family and our Watanabe family are old friends, and he actually insulted the Yamamoto family in public for such a trivial matter... I was quite annoyed at first, but who would have thought that he would volunteer to go to Hokkaido to lead the troops... You know, the conditions there are difficult, with the Soviet Union, Russia and Korea surrounding him, and frequent wars. If he returns after a few years of experience, I'm afraid that among the younger generation of generals in the army, no one can match his illustrious military achievements..."
The train arrived in Tokyo at dusk, where then-Japanese Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe and his cabinet members greeted him at the platform. The platforms were packed with reporters from around the world. Upon disembarking, Luo Guoyun and Prime Minister Konoe each delivered a brief speech, explaining that this visit to Japan was not merely a military study tour but also encompassed exchanges in culture, art, medicine, and pharmaceuticals. China and Japan share a long and rich cultural heritage, and the friendship between our two peoples has endured for generations; no cause should sever these ties.
Tokyo University of Music.
The lecture hall, which could accommodate several hundred people, was packed. The students sat in the front row, while Prime Minister Konoe, cabinet officials, and members of the inspection team sat in the back row.
This is also the first time that a Chinese person has taken the podium at the Tokyo Conservatory of Music since its establishment.
The Japanese had always viewed the Chinese as slovenly, slovenly, and backward. Xiao Xiangyue, dressed in a fine light gray suit and a matching dark-patterned silk tie, exuded elegance and unparalleled handsomeness. Even before he opened his mouth, he commanded admiration and admiration. The students, realizing that this handsome young man, seemingly younger than themselves, was the most favored disciple of the world-renowned music master, Mr. Charade, began to whisper in disbelief.
Luo Guyun sat side by side with the Prime Minister of the Imperial Guard, staring intently at the handsome figure on the stage... He recalled what happened this morning in his mind... Because the talks were to start at 8 o'clock, he got up at 6 o'clock, practiced boxing, and just returned to the room to take a shower and change clothes, he saw Xiao Xiangyue sitting up from the bed. He hurriedly held him down: "Classes are not until 11 o'clock, Yue'er, you should sleep a little longer. Brother Sun specially made some medicinal porridge. After you finish drinking the porridge, let the guards escort you to school..." Seeing that he didn't speak, he became a little worried: "Is Yue'er still worried?" Xiao Xiangyue rubbed his eyes: "Brother Yishui has explained the reason to me, Yue'er is not worried anymore..." He got out of bed and went to the wardrobe. He picked out a dark gray suit for him and a light gray suit for himself. He also took out two ties of the same pattern and tied them up carefully.
Xiao Xiangyue used to have trouble tying a tie, and Luo Guyun always helped him. After studying abroad for a few years, he had learned all the different ways to tie a tie, and he was very proud of it. Whenever he attended an important occasion, he would always help him tie his tie himself.
Luo Guyun, hands behind his back, enjoyed Yue'er's caress. She nibbled on his earlobe and said affectionately, "Is your wife so reluctant to leave her husband?" Xiao Xiangyue raised her clear eyes and glared at him, "...it's your husband who's worried about your wife!" Luo Guyun laughed heartily, leaning in close to her ear and whispering, "Brother will deal with Yue'er tonight..." Xiao Xiangyue remained silent, but cunningly bit his Adam's apple, licked it lightly with the tip of her tongue, then quickly pulled away, gazing at him with seductive, provocative eyes. Luo Guyun's heart skipped a beat... This darling... even flirting was unyielding! Every moment with Yue'er was such a delight... thinking of the enchanting scene of rolling naked in bed with her in his arms at night, touching the tie Yue'er had tied for him... his mind was filled with longing, and a warm glow spread across his brows and eyes...
Luo Guyun's thoughts were interrupted by a burst of warm applause.
Xiao Xiangyue's class today focused on "Chinese and Japanese Music and Cultural Characteristics." While in Lizhuang, her uncle had preserved numerous rare musical scores from the Han and Tang dynasties, which he thoroughly studied. Some of these pieces also made their way to Japan, where, over the centuries, their styles have evolved. Xiao Xiangyue selected several widely circulated pieces in Japan and compared the Tang Dynasty originals with the Japanese versions. The students were surprised to learn that such familiar pieces could have alternate versions, with the mere shift of a few notes creating vastly different moods. The Tang pieces, like upright gentlemen, were gentle and elegant, while the Japanese pieces were more subtle and poignant, like the unbridled actions of a lone and proud swordsman. It was truly unprecedented, and everyone was amazed.
On the podium were placed the Chinese dongxiao and the Japanese shakuhachi, as well as the Chinese guzheng and the Japanese koto. Xiao Xiangyue compared these two instruments to showcase the different musical and cultural characteristics of China and Japan:
The dongxiao evokes a sense of clarity and grandeur, mournful without sadness, sorrowful without resentment, and rich in charm, imbued with the upright and elegant spirit of a gentleman. The shakuhachi, like a rebellious prodigal, expresses his emotions with unrestrained abandon, highly infectious, and even more aggressive... The shakuhachi was introduced to Japan during the Tang Dynasty and flourished, while it was nearly extinct in its native China... The xiao and the shakuhachi are like a pair of brothers: one embraced and celebrated at home, the other separated during growth and faced hardships. Different instruments share the same origin. Two instruments, two different personalities, fully embodying the distinct aesthetics, values, and cultural characteristics of China and Japan.
Comparing the koto, the Japanese koto has a deeper tone, often imbued with a subtle melancholy. The Chinese koto, on the other hand, is as clear and melodious as flowing pearls and splashing jade. The same piece of music, played softly and melodiously on the Japanese koto, sounds grand and solemn on the Chinese koto, reflecting the different character traits of the two nations.
Xiao Xiangyue lectured in fluent Japanese, occasionally playing an instrument or plucking a few strings. He explained the most profound cultural ideologies in simple terms and forms. Without a profound foundation and exceptional understanding, such effortless mastery would be extremely difficult.
Finally, Xiao Xiangyue emphasized that music has no national boundaries and no distinction between high and low. Music that can resonate with people's emotions and comfort their souls is good music.
The students were initially captivated by his strikingly handsome appearance and graceful demeanor, but after a full class, they realized that the young man on stage possessed not only unparalleled elegance but also astonishing talent.
An hour-long class was far too short. At the end of the lecture, everyone stood up and applauded. Luo Guyun glanced around and saw that Watanabe Hiko, sitting in the left back row, hadn't stood up or applauded. He stared intently ahead, as if in a trance, his stern face still devoid of any emotion. For some reason, Luo Guyun felt as if a flame was burning in his deep eyes, and he couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart.
The podium was packed. Prime Minister Konoe and cabinet officials, captivated by Xiao Xiangyue's charisma, clamored for photos with him. Students, still eager to learn more, crowded in, hoping to exchange musical insights. Reporters, already waiting outside, swarmed in, peppering him with questions. Xiao Xiangyue was overwhelmed. Luo Guoyun glanced at his watch, seeing the hour hand approaching a little earlier. Worried that Yue'er might be hungry, he frowned slightly.
Watanabe Taro was both excited and moved. He sighed, "Today's arrangements are totally inappropriate! Xiangyue-kun is so popular! This... has even delayed lunch time..." He hurriedly walked up to the podium and announced loudly at the microphone, "Teacher Chalaid was a lifetime honorary professor of our school. After unanimous deliberation by the Board of Directors, Mr. Xiao Xiangyue will succeed him. The appointment ceremony will be held at 4:00 PM sharp. Please leave first. A special interview time will be arranged at that time, and a photo with Mr. Xiao will be taken!"
The next day, the Emperor formally met with the delegation. Having already agreed on the tone with the Konoe Cabinet the day before, the talks proceeded smoothly. With a tacit understanding, the two sides exchanged some diplomatic rhetoric, and the meeting concluded as planned.
That evening, the Emperor and Empress hosted a dinner to entertain the delegation.
Luo Guoyun improvised the elegant eight characters "Mountains and rivers are different, but the wind and moon are the same," drawing applause from the room. Xiao Xiangyue performed a violin solo and also played the Tang Dynasty music "Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Coat" on the Chinese guzheng. This piece had long been lost, and he and his uncle completed the score based on the incomplete Tang Dynasty score. While lacking the grandeur and magnificence of the original piece from the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, it was no less majestic and magnificent. The Japanese present were all moved by this magnificent and noble style of music. Even Yi Shui, who knew little about music, marveled, "Yue'er's song truly brings honor to us Chinese, and it also allows the Japanese to witness the grandeur and style of our great nation!"
The ten-day trip ended quickly, and the delegation departed from Tokyo Port and returned to Shanghai.
Watanabe Yu led officials to the port to see him off. Jin Er held Xiao Xiangyue's hand, reluctant to part, and urged him to come to Japan again if he had time next year. Watanabe Taro said, "Mr. Xiangyue is already a lifetime honorary professor at our school. Although you don't have to teach in person, please send us your new music as soon as possible so that our students can appreciate it." Xiao Xiangyue agreed to all of his requests.
Luo Guoyun asked, "Why don't you see General Watanabe?" Watanabe Xiong replied, "As soon as the dinner ended yesterday, he rushed to Hokkaido overnight and was unable to see you off. I hope General Luo will forgive me."
As soon as the ship left the port, the expedition team gathered for an emergency meeting.
Yi Shui spoke first: "The Central Committee has sent several telegrams in succession, instructing you not to spread war rhetoric after returning home, so as not to cause panic at home. The situation discovered in Japan must be kept confidential and not disclosed to any party at will."
Adjutant Lin asked, "What is the chairman's attitude?"
Yi Shui said: "You all know the chairman's usual strategy, to resist foreign aggression, you must first stabilize the country. I'm afraid he is also on guard against us!"
"At a time of life and death, how can personal power be placed above the interests of the country and nation?" Secretary Wu was indignant.
Sun Mu pondered, "The disparity in power between China and Japan is enormous. The Generalissimo is reluctant to alert the enemy and give them an excuse. Perhaps he has his reasons."
Luo Guoyun sighed, "If there was still room for maneuver, it would certainly be better not to fight. But the current situation is such that the arrow is on the string and must be fired. If we continue to turn a blind eye and pretend to be deaf and dumb, the country will be in danger!"
"The Commander-in-Chief is absolutely right! Even if the Chairman has thousands of difficulties and weighs all the pros and cons, none of them are as important as territory! We must fight this war even if we cannot win!" Yi Shui said firmly.
Luo Guyun slammed the table and said, "After arriving in Hong Kong, I will immediately go to Nanjing, meet the Chairman, explain the situation to him, and ask to lead the troops north!"
Yi Shui said, "Although the Central Committee has requested confidentiality, I still intend to privately inform several important departments in Nanjing of the situation in Japan so that we can take precautions in advance." He then said to Adjutant Lin, "After arriving in Hong Kong, you will return directly to Anyang and organize the soldiers to prepare for battle and await news. As soon as the Central Committee gives the order, we will march north!" Adjutant Lin replied loudly, "Yes! I will follow the Deputy Commander-in-Chief's instructions!"
Sun Mu was worried: "If war breaks out, Shanghai's hospitals are all in the concessions, so they should be safe. But the pharmaceutical factory is in the suburbs, so I'm afraid it may not be safe. We should make plans early."
"I have the same concern. After we go back, I'll ask you to build a few more pharmaceutical factories in Jincheng and Anyang. If the situation is not right, the pharmaceutical factory in Shanghai can be moved to Hanchang. Mayor Zhang will definitely cooperate with us fully." Luo Guyun said to Sun Mu.
The journey was smooth and we arrived in Shanghai safely the next day.
In the afternoon, Luo Guoyun finished his meeting and searched for Yue'er but couldn't find her. Xiao Qin came to report that Young Master Xiangyue was on the observation deck. Looking up from the deck, he saw Xiao Xiangyue and several young guards taking turns climbing up the tall warship's observation tower, arms outstretched, eyes closed, and pretending to fly, having a blast. Seeing him, they excitedly shouted, "Brother Yun... come up! This is so much fun! It's like flying!"
Luo Guyun chuckled to himself at Yue'er's penchant for novelty and playfulness. Seeing him lean forward, swaying like a kite, his legs gave way, and he hurriedly called out, "Come down, Yue'er! The wind's strong up there, and if you keep blowing for too long, you'll have a headache!" He quickly ran up, pulled him down, and dragged him back to the cabin.
Everyone gathered in the cabin to drink tea and chat. Luo Guyun took him to sit down, rubbing his hands and saying distressedly: "Look, your hands are cold!" Sun Mu quickly handed him the black tea made from Chinese medicine: "Yue'er, warm your hands quickly and drink some hot tea."
Xiao Xiangyue held the teacup, sipping it, and listened with great interest to everyone's lively discussions and criticisms of the current situation. When several soldiers were excited, they could not help but slammed the table and said that if the Japanese invaders really invaded, they would rather die on the battlefield than become slaves of a conquered nation! Everyone echoed, and Xiao Xiangyue listened attentively and nodded vigorously. Luo Guoyun looked at him and said casually: "After we get off the ship, we will not return to the Shanghai Mansion, but take a special train directly to Nanjing to meet the Chairman. Will Yue'er feel tired?" Xiao Xiangyue immediately said: "Yue'er is not tired at all, I will listen to Brother Yun."
The ship arrived at the port in the early morning of May 10.
Luo Guyun didn't want to wake Xiao Xiangyue, so he quietly got up, intending to wrap him in a blanket and carry him off the boat as usual. But as soon as he moved, he woke up, turned over and sat up, and said nervously, "Are we there yet? Let's go!" Luo Guyun kissed him on the cheek and said affectionately, "Happy birthday, darling!" Xiao Xiangyue's birthday is the first day of the fourth lunar month, which happens to be today.
Luo Guyun hugged him: "Yue'er has to run around with me on her birthday. I feel really guilty..." Xiao Xiangyue pushed him away and glared at him: "Business is more important! What's the big deal whether Yue'er celebrates her birthday or not?"
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