The Jade of the Republic of China

At the moment when he decided to save Bai Qinghe, Meng Liansheng had roughly guessed the identity of Bai Qinghe, but he didn't know that he was one of the most popular tycoons in Shanghai.

The Lixin Wharf on the Baiqing River controls nearly half of Shanghai's inland water transport.In recent years, with the convenience of water transportation, it has developed into a large land merchant in Shanghai, controlling more than half of the tobacco and soil transportation in the public concession and Chinese circles.

Since the British Empire began dumping opium in China in the Qing Dynasty until now, the unscrupulous business of opium has been one of the most profitable businesses.A business with a lot of money is often a place where soldiers meet. If you want to gain a firm foothold in this business, who is not a ruthless character who climbs up by stepping on the bones?

Bai Qinghe is one of the best.

Meng Liansheng stayed in the hospital for two days, and Bai Qinghe specially hired a nurse to take care of him, and asked the maid at home to prepare a big supplementary meal every day and send it to the hospital.

Bai Qinghe is a very busy person, but these two days, he will still come to visit him in person, and he also handles the discharge procedures in person.

From the two days of conversation, he learned that Meng Liansheng came to Shanghai with his cousin this summer to make a living because of a severe drought at home.

This child seems to have a bad life, he lost his parents early, and his cousin, who was dependent on each other, also died of cold a few days ago.

The child has an honest personality and is not good at words. He mostly asks and answers questions, but he is well-educated and his manners are not rude. If he changes into good clothes, he is probably no different from the students in the school. In short, he is completely different from the vulgar traffickers on the dock different.

After just two days, Bai Qinghe had a good impression of him.

When he was discharged from the hospital, he would personally send him back.

The two sat in the back of the car, and when the car drove out of the hospital, he took out a check, handed it to the young man beside him, and said, "Xiao Meng, I've already made an agreement with the hospital, and you can just come and change your medicine later on." , the expenses are all taken from my account. You saved my life, and you are my benefactor, Bai Qinghe. If you need help with anything in the future, you can come to Bai Mansion directly to find me. You can use this check first, if it is not enough , ask me again.”

Meng Liansheng looked down and saw the amount of 200 yuan on the check, he waved his hands in panic, and said falteringly: "No...no...Mr. Bai, this is too much, I can't take it."

His refusal didn't seem to be polite at all, and he was even a little apprehensive, Bai Qinghe didn't want to force it.He has been in Shanghai for nearly twenty years, and sitting in his current position, besides means, he can't do without the word ruthless. He sees people with sinister hearts, and he can't remember how long he hasn't met such an honest, pure and kind child.

This reminded him of himself when he first came to Shanghai more than ten years ago, when he was sixteen or seventeen years old, working as an apprentice in a small spinning factory, working more than ten hours a day, and getting a meager salary To support himself, but also to be bullied by the foreman, life is very difficult, but he still abides by his duty, just like the child in front of him.

He sighed, took back the check, thought for a while, and asked, "Then what are your plans for the future?"

Meng Liansheng lowered his eyes and remained silent for a moment, then shook his head: "One step at a time is counted as one step at a time. Originally, I came to Shanghai to seek a living because I didn't have enough to eat in my hometown. Now I can at least have enough to eat at the dock."

Bai Qinghe frowned and said, "A man can't always shine someone's shoes."

Meng Liansheng was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "I'm new here and I'm not familiar with the place, so I won't be able to find anything better for a while."

Bai Qinghe looked him up and down calmly. Although this child was dressed poorly, he was actually very handsome. He didn't talk much but he wasn't dull, but his personality was restrained. When he looked closely, he was actually quite calm and responsive. Be alert, otherwise you wouldn't have saved yourself in time.

He thought for a while and asked, "You seem to be a bit skilled?"

Meng Liansheng replied: "My cousin is a bodyguard teacher, and I learned a little boxing from him when I was young."

Bai Qinghe nodded thoughtfully: "Can you read?"

Meng Liansheng said: "I went to a private school for a few years, so I can read books and newspapers."

Bai Qinghe pondered for a moment, and said: "Well, if you save my life, it is our fate. I have a little bit of work. If you want to, go to my mansion to be a servant first. As for what you can do in the future, you can do it. It's up to you."

Meng Liansheng's eyelashes twitched slightly, and he looked up at him with those dark eyes. This time he didn't refuse, but said sincerely, "Thank you, Mr. Bai."

Bai Qinghe bent his lips and smiled lightly, and patted him on the shoulder: "Xiao Meng, the most important thing in Shanghai is opportunities. You are still young, as long as you are willing to work hard, there will always be times when you will stand out."

Meng Liansheng still said the same words: "Thank you, Mr. Bai."

Bai Qinghe was sure that this child was really not good at words.

When the car drove outside the shed, Bai Qinghe asked Meng Liansheng to pick up his belongings, but he didn't follow him, but just stayed in the car and waited for him.

Because it was just evening, there were only a few workers in the shed.

Seeing him coming in, these sporadic people whispered together with strange expressions, sometimes pointing, obviously they were talking about him.

He lowered his head and walked towards his bed without looking at him.

All his belongings are just a quilt, a few old clothes, and a few books and newspapers that let him know about the current Shanghai Beach.The quilt was old and torn, it hadn't been washed for a long time, and it smelled bad. He didn't intend to take it to the Bai mansion, but he just lifted the pillow, took out the khaki cashmere scarf, folded it carefully and put it in the package .

"Liansheng, are you back?"

While packing up, Xiao Dacheng ran in panting.

Meng Liansheng glanced at him indifferently and nodded.

Xiao Dacheng said excitedly: "On the day when you had an accident, I was moving goods. When I heard the news, I immediately ran to your side to have a look. I didn't see you but saw blood all over the place. It scared me to death. I heard that you are To save Boss Boss who established the new pier? Is it true?"

Meng Liansheng nodded: "Yes."

Xiao Dacheng looked him up and down, but because he was wearing a padded jacket, he couldn't see the injury, and asked, "Are you staying in the hospital for the past two days? Where did you get injured?"

Meng Liansheng pointed to his left arm: "Here."

Xiao Dacheng worried: "Is it serious?"

Meng Liansheng shook his head: "It's okay."

Xiao Dacheng breathed a sigh of relief, and asked again: "By the way, did Boss Boss reward you?"

"Yes," Meng Liansheng nodded lightly, "but I didn't take it."

When Xiao Dacheng heard this, he stomped his feet resentfully, and muttered, "Why are you so honest? You were injured in order to save him. For a big man like him, he can thank you by plucking out his roots, and he will moisten you." For several years. How could you not want it?” After a pause, he continued, “I’m not talking about you, since you’re not doing it for money, you’re a shoe shiner, what kind of hero do you want to be for such a big man?”

Meng Liansheng smiled lightly and said nothing.

When Xiao Dacheng said this, he seemed to think of something, and said: "By the way, I brought back your shoe shine box and Maza for you. Fortunately, I went there in time that day, otherwise these things might have been taken away by someone. "

"Thank you Dacheng."

Xiao Dacheng waved his hand indifferently: "Thank you? We are good brothers! You don't know, those two new leaders are worse than Chen Da and Chen Er. I didn't have much energy to do this job. After thinking about it carefully, I plan to buy a set of shoe shine tools, and I will go to the pier with you to work as a shoe shiner in the future."

Meng Liansheng looked up at him and said, "You don't need to buy it, I'll give you this set."

"Huh?" Xiao Dacheng opened his eyes wide: "What about you?"

Meng Liansheng said in a low voice, "I'm going to work as a page in Bai Mansion, and I won't shine shoes from now on."

Xiao Dacheng was taken aback for a moment, and it took him a long time to react. He faltered and asked: "You...you are leaving. You won't be at the pier anymore, and you won't live here anymore?"

"Yes." Meng Liansheng nodded calmly.

Xiao Dacheng was embarrassed for a while, and then said again after a while: "That...it's pretty good."

He looked at Meng Liansheng and knew that he had a good place and a bright future. He should have been happy for him, but when he thought that his only partner here was leaving and he was the only one left, he felt sad.

In the past, he always thought that Meng Liansheng was the same person as himself, that he was helpless and had no ability, and that life would be a little easier if he was with each other and relied on each other.

But now, he realized that Meng Liansheng was not the same as himself.

If it was me that day, I would definitely not dare to block the knife for others, and of course I would not have the opportunity to enter the Bai mansion.

Meng Liansheng stood up and said, "Mr. Bai is still waiting for me. I'm leaving. I'll come to see you when I have time."

Xiao Dacheng nodded, his eyes were slightly red.

Meng Liansheng didn't look at him again. He carried the package and walked out without turning his head. He only took two steps and then looked back. What he looked at was not Xiao Dacheng who was standing in the same place hurting the spring and autumn, but his own little boy. the bed.

Looking back on the past four months, it can't be considered good or bad.

Just let him understand that this is not the life he wants to live.

He can do more than feed his stomach.

The Bai Mansion is located in Hongkou in the public concession, and the main house is a three-story red-walled foreign-style house.

After getting out of the car, Meng Liansheng silently followed Bai Qinghe into the gate.

The spacious hall is decorated in a western style, the black and white floor tiles are smooth and visible, a set of leather sofas is placed in the center of the room, and above it is a huge crystal chandelier.

Meng Liansheng lowered his head slightly, looking at his nose, nose, and heart. Although he was curious, he didn't dare to look too much.

An old man with kind eyes came up to meet him: "Sir, are you back?"

Bai Qinghe nodded and said, "Uncle Zhong, this is my savior, Xiao Meng. He will be working at home in the future, you take him down and make arrangements."

"This is Xiao Meng. Our husband is really thanks to you this time." Uncle Zhong looked Meng Liansheng up and down, then smiled at Bai Qinghe, sir, I will arrange it right away. "

Bai Qinghe has spent nearly 20 years in the Shili foreign market, and has learned a new style of style. In addition to his young age, the servants at home call him Mr. instead of Master.

He patted Meng Liansheng on the shoulder: "Xiao Meng, this is Uncle Zhong, the housekeeper. If you need anything in the future, just tell him."

Meng Liansheng said: "Thank you, Mr. Bai, then I will trouble Uncle Zhong."

At this moment, a crisp voice suddenly came from above: "Dad."

Immediately afterwards, a small figure ran down the stairs, ran directly to Bai Qinghe, and threw himself into his waist.

Bai Qinghe picked him up, rubbed the top of his head, and said softly: "Dad is too busy these two days, and I don't have time to accompany Zijun. Does Zijun miss Dad?"

The little boy in his arms nodded, with dark eyes, he looked at Meng Liansheng timidly, as if afraid of strangers, and then quickly buried his face on Bai Qinghe's shoulder.

In terms of being young, this child is actually not too young, about six or seven years old—at least not the age that should be held in the arms of his parents.

But Bai Qinghe hugged him like a baby, very naturally.After hugging him for a while, he put him down, smiled and said to Meng Liansheng who was still standing there: "Xiao Meng, this is the dog Zijun. Zijun, this is brother Xiao Meng, and he will be a member of our family from now on."

Bai Zijun hid behind his father, revealing a dark eye, looking at Meng Liansheng curiously and cautiously.

Bai Qinghe rubbed his son's head, and smiled helplessly: "Zijun is timid. He has been afraid of meeting strangers since he was a child. Don't take offense, Xiaomeng."

The father and son of the Bai family have almost no similarities in appearance. Bai Qinghe has a rough and sharp appearance, but Bai Zijun has a pink face and peach cheeks, which is very cute. Xu Shi looks more like his mother.

Uncle Zhong at the side echoed: "Our young master is good at everything except being timid, but he is smart."

Meng Liansheng curled his mouth, showing the usual smile when he was a shoe shiner, and looked at the boy behind Bai Qinghe.

Bai Zijun stuck out his head tentatively, and whispered, "Did you save my father?"

Before Meng Liansheng could answer, Bai Qinghe had already answered for him: "That's right, Brother Xiao Meng saved Dad."

Bai Zijun pursed his lips, as if mustering up his courage, finally walked out from behind his father, and said solemnly, "Thank you, brother Meng."

Meng Liansheng smiled and nodded at him.

Bai Qinghe seemed a little surprised by his son's actions, he was stunned for a moment, then chuckled, reached out and touched his little head, and said with a smile: "It seems that Xiao Mengzhen and our family are very close, Zijun has never Talk to people you just met."

Uncle Zhong said, "That's right!"

Meng Liansheng looked at the shy child and still just smiled.

Uncle Zhong said: "Sir, you accompany the young master, I will take Xiaomeng down."

Bai Qinghe nodded: "Go."

Meng Liansheng carried his simple package, followed Uncle Zhong, walked through the hall, and exited through a glazed door.

The purpose of entering is the back garden of the bungalow, which has about two acres of land. There is a circle of holly trees along the wall, and the flower garden is full of goose yellow wintersweet and red camellias. Even in winter, it is full of greenery and full of flowers.

Uncle Zhong led Meng Liansheng to the side building on the left, and said in a rambling manner: "Xiao Meng, let me tell you, don't listen to what people say about our husband. Our husband is a very good man. The servants in the mansion Most of them have been doing it for many years, and all of them are reluctant to leave..."

Meng Liansheng nodded humbly while listening, and did not interrupt.

By the time he reached the second floor of the annex building, he had already learned about six or seven points about the huge Bai mansion from the old housekeeper.

In this mansion, there are more than 20 servants, servants, cooks, nurses, car drivers, Mrs. Bai passed away due to illness a few years ago, and Bai Qinghe did not continue to take concubines.

Uncle Zhong opened a door on the inner side of the second floor and said, "Xiao Meng, you will live in this room from now on. I'll bring you a set of beds and quilts, and I'll send you some food. Go to bed early today, and tomorrow I I'll take you to get acquainted with it."

Meng Liansheng followed him into the room, bowed politely and said, "Thank you, Uncle Zhong."

Elderly people tend to have a good impression of modest and polite children. Uncle Zhong waved his hands and said with a smile: "You are so polite!"

Naturally, the food in the Bai Mansion was quite good. Meng Liansheng had a good meal, took a delightful hot bath, and lay naked in the comfortable and clean new bed, with one hand behind his head, a pair of dark eyes, looking curiously at his new residence.

It wasn't too big, but it was very clean. There were all kinds of bed cabinets and desks. The room was very warm, not like winter at all. He knew that the warmth came from a piece of hot water in the corner.

An electric light hung from the ceiling, and the switch was by the bed.

There are no electric lights in his hometown and the sheds by the pier. The only electric lights he has seen are the dim street lights of the concession at night.

After all, he was only 17 years old, and he still had the heart of a child. For the first time in his life, he lived in a room with electric lights. He couldn't help being playful, raised his injured hand, and lightly pressed the switch.

The originally bright room was suddenly plunged into darkness.

He clicked again, and the room was bright again.

click, click...

As the lights flickered on and off, the corners of Meng Liansheng's mouth involuntarily curved into a shallow arc.

In the winter of the seventh year of the Republic of China, Meng Liansheng, a shoe shiner on the pier, became Xiaomeng, the servant of Bai Mansion.

The author has something to say:

A slow and hot article, we slowly tell a complete story that is as different as possible.

I will sort out the manuscript tomorrow and take a day off.