The two men in police uniforms exchanged glances, and one of them, the taller and thinner, said, "Ms. Huang, we're not here to detain you. We're here to invite you. There was a fight at your soup kitchen yesterday, and we'd like you to come over and cooperate."
"I'm sorry, we didn't participate in the fight, and there's no law that prohibits distributing porridge. I'm sorry, I can't comply. I have something else to do, please go back."
"This..." The two policemen were momentarily stumped. They both knew that there was someone behind Jixiangtang, and they couldn't afford to offend them lightly. After a long pause, seeing Huang Wanzhen unmoved, they could only return to report.
In the afternoon, Li Shunshui came over with two of his men, wearing leather boots.
The sound of leather boots hitting the ground was loud and powerful, but Huang Wanzhen was not afraid of him. Although the Chu family was no longer in the police station, the Shen family was, and she was more familiar with Shen Junyan.
"Captain Li, thank you for your visit. I'm sorry for not welcoming you. Please take a seat!" Huang Wanzhen walked out from the counter and turned to Huang Dachui, saying, "Go and make a pot of good tea."
After Li Shunshui sat down, he asked bluntly, "How much food do you have left?"
Huang Wanzhen shook her head. "It's not much. It's only enough for my family to eat for a year. I originally prepared for two years, but in just this week, I've eaten up a year's supply."
Huang Wanzhen took the teapot from Huang Dachui and poured a cup for Li Shunshui herself. "Captain Li is so lucky! Oh! Now it's time to call me Director Li. Look at my mouth that can't speak!"
Huang Wanzhen put down the teapot and smacked herself twice. "I just felt sorry for the refugees. You know, women are always soft-hearted. If it weren't for the fact that we really didn't have enough food at home, I would have gone to the porridge distribution center today."
After saying that, he sighed in feigned helplessness, "I didn't know there would be a war in the Northeast. If I had known, I would have bought more food."
"That's because there are so many employees in the shop, and I have to treat them to meals from time to time, so they buy more."
It was a story of one part truth and nine parts falsehood. Li Shunshui couldn't tell for a moment whether Huang Wanzhen had any food. But think about it, the Japanese sent troops to attack the three northeastern provinces, and even the upper echelons of society didn't receive the news in advance. How could Huang Wanzhen, a small businessman, know about it?
Li Shunshui picked up the tea bowl with his bony hands and took a big sip. "Well, Ms. Huang, you'd better change your soft-hearted nature as a woman, or you might end up losing yourself by mistake, which would be more trouble than you gain."
Huang Wanzhen nodded, looking as if she had been taught. "Yes, I understand."
The weather is not too cold now, and it is not the most difficult time for refugees. When winter comes, we will often encounter refugees who have frozen to death or starved to death on the roadside.
The government directly sent people to block all the checkpoints and prevented refugees from entering the city.
The suffering of the refugees did not seem to touch the hearts of the upper class. As December approached, as in previous years, there were more dances and banquets, and the business of Jixiangtang also improved.
Huang Wanzhen received several invitations to dances and banquets. Apart from attending the monthly Fan family salon, she rarely went to other dances and banquets.
Because at the salon, Huang Wanzhen can hear scholars talk about current affairs. Although she knows that history is irreversible, Huang Wanzhen still wants to hear the latest news and their opinions.
This time I came here, I met many old friends, even Fan Hengming and Professor Gao came back.
Fan Hengming knew that Huang Wanzhen was planning to study abroad, so he asked her how she planned to do so and where she wanted to go.
"I plan to go to the United States and take the exam in May or June next year. It remains to be seen whether I can pass it."
Fan Hengming asked again, "Have you started preparing? I know a few friends who have studied abroad. Should I introduce them to you? They might be of help to you."
Huang Wanzhen shook her head. "Thank you, but no thanks. I have a classmate in New York, and I'm planning to go visit her. I often receive her letters, so I know a little bit about the place."
"That's good." Fan Hengming curled his lips and smiled, looking in good condition.
Professor Gao, his brow furrowed, his face gloomy, as he spoke to them about Japan's evil ambitions. Outside Peking were refugees from the three northeastern provinces, with even more in Hebei. Even more worrying was that after occupying the three northeastern provinces, the Japanese had their sights set on North China.
Huang Wanzhen agreed, "It's been fine in the past few years, but once they've built up enough strength in the Northeast, it's hard to say."
Professor Gao sighed deeply, the worry in his eyes almost overflowing. "It's a good idea for you to go abroad now. The situation in China is becoming increasingly turbulent. Students have no interest in studying and only think about protesting in the streets all day long. After you go abroad, study hard and you will eventually be able to serve your country."
Huang Wanzhen didn't say much about studying abroad. Instead, she advised Professor Gao, "Don't worry too much. Take care of yourself. I believe this chaos won't continue. There will always be peace."
The wrinkles between Professor Gao's brows relaxed a little, and he looked at Huang Wanzhen with relief and said, "I hope that day will come soon."
Over the years that I have known Professor Gao, his slightly plump figure has not changed, but he has aged a lot, and his temples have been covered with white frost without me noticing.
Professor Gao had always been enthusiastic, especially towards Huang Wanzhen. Having studied abroad in the United States, he borrowed a pen and paper from Fan Hengming and wrote down several addresses for Huang Wanzhen, all of which were friends he had made there. He wanted her to settle down there and visit him. As fellow scholars, they were like close, closest fellow countrymen.
As Professor Gao, given the current situation of the country, it is no exaggeration to say that he is concerned about the country and the people and has made every possible contribution.
People like Huang Wanzhen can only find some reliable charitable organizations and donate some money while ensuring their own safety.
After returning from the Fan family's salon, Huang Wanzhen wrote the ending for her novel. She ended with this sentence: Women who are educated can teach their husbands, raise children, govern the country, and manage the household. This is a rare blessing for the country, the family, and the people.
Immediately afterwards, Huang Wanzhen went to Yenching University again and borrowed a book and a workbook from the library.
Yes, exercise books are very precious nowadays. Not everyone has one. You have to copy them into a notebook by hand and then solve the exercises.
The end of the year arrived amidst the hustle and bustle. Huang Wanzhen did not plan to return to Shanghai to spend the New Year with Huang Dongshi this year. She called her family in Shanghai and told Huang Dongshi that she would be in Peking preparing for the May or June study-abroad exams. Huang Dongshi heard that her daughter was so busy and could not bear to see her wasting time and effort. After a few seconds of thought, she agreed.
But before the New Year's Eve, Chen Hanfeng brought Huang Dongshi, Zhenzhen, Yuya, Haimi and Haili back to Jixiang Hall on Dengshikou Street.
The moment Huang Wanzhen saw Mrs. Huang Dong, her eyes nearly popped out of her head. She hurried forward to support her, "Why didn't you call in advance so I could send someone to pick you up?"
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