Chapter Twenty-Two I'll Take You to England

  The Tianjin base, with He Shui-kuan in charge, made Kang Fan and Mei Xiang feel as comfortable as visiting relatives. As the eldest of the He family, He Shui-kuan was like a kind father, open-minded and warm-hearted, treating Kang Fan and Mei Xiang like his own children. During this period of waiting for Duonouwan, the two lived a very happy life in Tianjin.

  In early March, Duonowan returned to Tianjin alone from abroad. His three companions did not return together and stayed abroad to continue their unfinished work. After Duonowan told Kang Fan in detail about the bidding for industrial engineering, he knew that Kang Fan was anxious to go to England, so on the same day, he entrusted a captain friend of his to arrange Kang Fan and Mei Xiang on a cargo ship going to England. Kang Fan didn't tell Duonowan the purpose of this trip until he left the ship, which made Duonowan anxious and furious.

  Father Donavan, this trip will take some time, so I'll have to trouble you with the work here. Said Kan Fung.

  Duonuo nodded in agreement and accompanied He Shui Kuan to see him off by the riverbank.

  The cargo ship was named Helen. At this time, the whistle sounded, riding the wind and waves, flying fast away from the shore. The seawater changed from yellow to green and then from green to blue, and the wind and waves gradually grew bigger. On the long chair at the side of the boat, Mei Xiang leaned in Kang Fan's arms, quietly watching the sea, her heart racing with excitement.

  In that era, Mei Xiang was born in a city at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Her father was a senior engineer at a shipyard and her mother was a well-known doctor in the area, with a good family background. Mei Xiang grew up listening to the sound of the waves of the sea and had a special affection for it. At this moment, in Kang Fan's warm arms, facing the sea, she missed her loved ones at home. "A girl should not stay at home," her mother would always say. Although her mother was reluctant for her to leave home, since going to university, she rarely returned home. It was just that she had never found a man of her dreams, and her mother was anxious, constantly introducing her to potential partners through connections. But she was calm as still water, unable to find the feeling of love, and could only give up again and again. Finally, she angered her parents, and after a serious conversation, they no longer interfered with her finding a partner. After this incident, even she herself felt like she might have some kind of psychological disorder or sexual deviation, and was frightened for a long time. When she met Kang Fan, for some unknown reason, without any mental preparation, the calm love pool suddenly stirred up a stormy wave, and in an instant, she sank deeply into it.

  You're such a foolish soldier, so wooden it's infuriating! Meixiang scolded Kangfan, tapping his forehead.

  Kang Fan's eyes were filled with infinite tenderness as he smiled and said: "If you had let me know earlier that you were so amazing and wonderful, I would have made my move long ago. Why wait until now?"

  Are you ignoring me and blaming me?! Mei Xiang pinched him. Kang Fan exaggeratedly yelled.

  Thanks to the captain's and Donovan's close friendship, as well as Kang Fan and Mei Xiang's fluency in English, there were no communication barriers. Along the way, the two didn't feel any discomfort. Although this voyage was dull and long, Kang Fan and Mei Xiang cherished this rare opportunity to live together, being considerate of each other, enjoying themselves, so they weren't as bored as the other crew members, the only thing that was hard to bear was the terrible food on the ship.

  My only demand now is to have a meal cooked by you, Kang Fan, Mei Xiang said.

  Kang Fan smiled and said: When we get to England, I'll cook for you every day.

  You don't want to tell Father Donovan about the purpose of this trip, and you also don't want to tell me? Mei Xiang asked.

  Kang Fan smiled mysteriously and said: Let's go take a look.

  Who would believe it! Mei Xiang rolled her eyes.

  In mid-April 1896, more than a month after leaving Tianjin, the Helen arrived at the Thames River dock in London, England. At that time, London had a population of over five million and was the largest city in Europe, with a bustling urban area. Kang Fan mixed his and Mei Xiang's luggage with the captain's belongings to pass through customs and enter the city. After parting ways with the captain and crew, Mei Xiang excitedly pulled Kang Fan to start exploring London. Mei Xiang wore a beautiful silk jacket, flowing long pants, and embroidered shoes, clearly showing that she was from China, attracting attention from passersby on the street. Kang Fan was tantalized by her elegant figure and couldn't help but want to find an inn immediately to indulge in her beauty. However, Mei Xiang didn't understand romance and continued to enthusiastically explore the city, with her excitement increasing as the sun approached dusk. Kang Fan really didn't want to walk anymore and sat down at a riverside café to rest, refusing to budge no matter how Mei Xiang pulled him. Mei Xiang teased him, playfully ruffling his hair into a mess.

  Don't be disobedient! Mei Xiang said discontentedly.

  Kang Fan let her be, calmed down his emotions and began to ponder his plan. According to historical records, the Qing government on May 8th, 1896, two weeks later, in London, handed over the second installment of war reparations, 25 million taels of silver, equivalent to over ￡4 million, to the Japanese embassy representative through the Chinese ambassador to the UK. In that case, ￡4 million in banknotes should be much easier to carry than 25 million taels of silver, and it should be enough for him and Mei Xiang, without needing outsiders to help with the transport, which would be safer. However, when landing, in order to deal with customs inspections, he left his pistol and military knife on the ship, only bringing a few hand-thrown gas bombs, gas masks, and bulletproof vests ashore. If the gas bombs couldn't achieve their expected effect, then he would have no weapons to use when facing the Japanese embassy personnel. The Japanese were famous for their empty-handed martial arts, and it was estimated that the embassy's security personnel were also skilled in this area, and there wouldn't be just a few of them. If they used weapons as well, then his actions this time would become extremely dangerous! Although he had brought bulletproof vests specifically for this occasion, in the narrow indoor space of the embassy, there was still a risk of being killed by handgun bullets at close range. Thinking of this, he looked at Mei Xiang who was carefully combing her hair and suddenly felt a wave of sadness: if something really happened to him, could Mei Xiang take care of herself?

  In the days that followed, Mei Xiang suddenly found that Kang Fan was extremely considerate of her: he rented the best house near the dock, bought a complete set of cooking utensils, and cooked delicious meals for her in various ways. After dinner, he would accompany her to go out and play, and when they returned, he would help her take a bath, wash and change her clothes, and force her to go to bed early. The next day, when she was still sleeping soundly in bed, he got up early again to buy groceries and cook. Moreover, as long as he had some free time, Kang Fan would stick to her like glue, doing his best to be affectionate, as if he were afraid that she would fly away. Mei Xiang didn't want Kang Fan to take care of her in this way; he was a man who should be doing great things, and he couldn't let his fighting spirit be worn down by such trivial matters. These trivial matters should have been done by herself, and she was also happy to do them, but Kang Fan refused to listen. After arguing several times, Kang Fan's attitude became extremely resolute, leaving no room for compromise, so Mei Xiang had no choice but to go along with him. This went on day after day, until one morning when she woke up to find that Kang Fan had left without a word, disappearing into thin air! This shocked Mei Xiang, and she ran all over the streets of London, almost turning the entire city upside down in just a few days! But in the vast sea of people, where was Kang Fan's shadow? On the fifth night, Mei Xiang was exhausted from walking and crying, and she fell asleep hugging the pillow that Kang Fan had slept on.

  At dawn, Mei Xiang suddenly heard Kang Fan calling out to her. She sprang up like a spring, opening her swollen eyes. In front of her was indeed Kang Fan! But he wasn't standing, instead he was sitting paralyzed on the floor, his face covered in blood. Mei Xiang felt dizzy and fell off the bed. Kang Fan stretched out his hand towards her, seemingly wanting to support her, but it quickly dropped limply...

  A few days later, major and minor newspapers in London successively published a brief message: On the night of May 8th, the Japanese Embassy in London was attacked by unidentified individuals. The attack resulted in the deaths of four Japanese embassy staff members, with some items also lost from the embassy, but the specific losses have not been disclosed yet. According to eyewitnesses, the attacker was one person wearing a strange mask and carrying a large package who escaped. Currently, the London police are investigating this case.

  What about you? Mei Xiang waved the newspaper in her hand at Kang Fan, who was lying on the bed with bandages all over his body.

  Kang Fan smiled contentedly, tonight we will take a boat back to China, we can't stay here anymore.

  "Has the 'Helen' been taken?" asked Mei Xiang.

  Kang Fan nodded, according to the captain's plan, the batch of textile machinery we purchased in the UK can be loaded onto the ship today. You'd better get ready early.

  Can you walk with such a serious injury? Mei Xiang's face was full of worry.

  Kang Fan smiled lightly and said it was nothing.

  Mei Xiang took a look at Kang Fan's injuries, changed the medicine and re-bandaged them. After packing up her luggage, she sat down on the bed to wait for the captain to arrive.

  The captain of the Helen, Captain Li, is the grandson of the famous American general Robert E. Lee, but he did not inherit his grandfather's military career and instead became an excellent sailor. Donovan was a classmate of his and they were close friends. Donovan described him as having extraordinary courage, being unconventional, and possessing a typical pirate temperament. With his exceptional personal abilities and uncommon family background, Captain Li owned a considerable fleet of ocean-going transport ships at a young age. However, he loved sailing too much to waste time in an office, so he chose the Helen as his ship and continued his career as a sailor. The Helen was named after his wife, and this steam-powered ocean-going cargo ship was one of the fastest transport ships in the world at that time: with a displacement of 5,000 tons, carrying 1,000 tons of coal, twin-screw propulsion, and a speed of up to 23 knots.

  Thanks to Captain Li, if he hadn't managed to get those medical equipment, supplies and medicines that Kang Fan urgently needed, even with Dr. Mei's superb medical skills, it would have been impossible to save him. And after seeing Kang Fan's desperate state, Captain Li naturally thought of the newspaper reports and the fact that Kang Fan and Dr. Mei were from Qing China, which made him suspect that Kang Fan was indeed the culprit who robbed the Japanese embassy. Yet he still chose to help, which is truly admirable!

  Mr. Kang, you can rest assured that as long as you board this ship, the British Navy won't be able to catch up with you. Captain Li comforted him.

  Kang Fan was lying on the bed struggling with severe pain, and when he saw Captain Li come in, he forced out a smile.

  I'd like to remind you, Mr. Kang: the war between your country and Japan has already ended, and one person cannot change the fate of a defeated nation. Although I don't understand your behavior, I still appreciate it because you have shown more vitality than most government officials in your country.

  Captain Li said, "I'd like to express my own opinion: the weak will to fight among government officials in your country may be due to the fact that there are too many eunuchs. Eunuchs cannot be considered men; they are a kind of monster. Moreover, the person who holds the highest power in your country is an unattractive old woman. In a government institution filled with women and eunuchs, how can martial spirit be promoted? Indeed, your country is large, with many people, and its overall national strength is not something Japan can match, but you are greedy for life, afraid of death, compromising, and passively enduring beatings; failure is inevitable."

  Kang Fan remained silent.

  Since Father Donnovan got to know you, he has been conquered by your personal charm and is willing to help you with things. I turned down many more lucrative businesses to help him do things for you, also because you are a noble person who wants to do something for your country and people, so you don't need to doubt my sincerity. Before you start implementing this action, you should have told me about your plan, at least I can help you bring your weapons into London. Captain Li said excitedly, of course, it's best to be careful with such a huge and dangerous action. Although we have been doing business for a long time, after all, it is our first meeting, and it is normal to avoid suspicion. But Father Donnovan, that Irish bastard, didn't tell me the purpose of your trip, I couldn't understand it.

  Kang Fan hastily explained: Father Donovani didn't know the purpose of my trip at all, don't blame him. I want to make it clear, Captain Li, I only do what I think is right. The Japanese have taken things from our country, and I will take them back, even if it's just a small part.

  Captain Li smiled, I think it's reasonable.

  Mei Xiang carried a bowl of freshly stewed fish soup and a plate of stir-fried bean sprouts into the cabin. Captain Li was amazed by the bean sprouts, as if he had discovered a new continent.

  That's what happened to those beans you gave me. Mei Xiang explained that the vegetables and fruits on the boat were all eaten up. On a long voyage at sea, without vegetables to eat, we would all get sick. These bean sprouts just happen to be able to meet an emergency need.

  Captain Li's eyes widened in surprise: "Miss Mei, how did you suddenly appear?"

  Mei Xiang smiled and said, "Just a little plain water will do." After saying that, seeing Captain Li's drooling face, she let him eat first and then went back to refill another plate.

  Captain Li ate with relish, wiping his mouth as he walked and said: There are still some canned fruits in my cabin, I'll go get them for you and Mr. Kang to eat. At the next stop when we dock to replenish supplies, I will think of a way to get more vegetables and fruit, don't worry.

  After Li Zhang left, Mei Xiang sat down beside the bed and fed Kang Fan fish soup with a spoon. Kang Fan was very obedient and focused on drinking. Mei Xiang's mind kept flashing back to Kang Fan's former heroic appearance of riding horses and holding guns, and looking at the weak Kang Fan in front of her, tears flowed down without listening to her. A few teardrops fell into the soup bowl and disappeared instantly.

  Kang Fan smiled, and the fish soup with tears tasted great.

  Mei Xiang ignored his teasing and silently fed him, ignoring the tears that kept falling.

  Kang Fan fell silent. He understood Mei Xiang's feelings, but that couldn't be the reason for not taking action. The money was China's, and it was urgently needed for the Ningwu Prefecture's industrial development plan. Even if he would really die, he had to get it back, let alone when he still had a glimmer of hope to survive. Why shouldn't he do it? The Japanese embassy's lax defense was indeed a great help to him! This was due to the extreme arrogance and complacency of the Japanese embassy officials after the First Sino-Japanese War. The whole country was basking in the glory of victory, with an unprecedented surge in nationalist sentiment. These embassy officials were no exception. If it weren't for the protection of his bulletproof vest, he would have lost his life even if he had eight lives!

  On the night of the incident, Kang Fan, who had been closely following and monitoring the Japanese embassy and its personnel for 5 days, sneaked into the Japanese embassy, threw 5 toxic gas bombs, and then locked the embassy gate from the inside. While waiting for the toxic gas to take effect, he coincidentally encountered 4 Japanese embassy staff members returning from outside.

  Perhaps due to their excitement after receiving a large sum of war reparations, the four individuals were all in high spirits, possibly having had wine with dinner, and were completely unguarded. Kang Fan launched a surprise attack, using the sharp dinner knife he had stolen from a restaurant to slash one person's throat, then stabbed another person in the chest.

  The remaining two people quickly pulled out their handguns to shoot at Kang Fan, but his movements were faster. The dinner knife flashed out of his hand and pierced one person's eye, while he simultaneously jumped up and snatched the other person's handgun, shooting him dead.

  The last person took advantage of the opportunity to fire three shots at Kang Fan, who was protected by a bulletproof vest and although hit, did not fall. Due to the close distance, the two engaged in a fierce hand-to-hand combat. The Japanese man seemed to be a skilled martial artist, but he may have been startled by Kang Fan's resilience after being shot, which led to his downfall.

  Kang Fan took advantage of the opportunity to shoot and kill him. After catching his breath, Kang Fan put on a gas mask, snuck into the embassy, and stole all the reparations money. As he exited the embassy, he encountered a strolling couple, whom he initially intended to also eliminate but hesitated and spared them.

  Under the stunned gaze of the couple, Kang Fan swiftly fled the scene.

  Although two of the handgun bullets fired at close range were blocked by the rigid bulletproof inserts on the ballistic vest, one bullet happened to hit the interface between the front and rear flexible bulletproof material, and the huge impact still caused a strong shockwave to Kong Fan's internal organs. When he found his way back to the house he rented with Mei Xiang, he no longer had the strength to stand up again.

  Li Shiping pushed open the door and came in. Seeing that the two were still eating, he put down a basket of canned fruit and left without saying a word.

  Plum fragrance. Kang Fan's gentle call.

  Mei Xiang lifted her head, her eyes blurry with tears.

  "Do you know how much silver I've managed to get this time? It's a quarter of the Qing government's annual revenue! Kang Fan exclaimed, with this money, we can utilize the rich resources of the entire Shanxi province. What does this mean, do you know? It means we can bring a Chinese province with an area half that of Britain into the ranks of modern industrial nations; it means a thorough change in the lives of 30 million Chinese people! Thinking about these things, what's the injury I suffered compared to that? I'm still alive, I can still do more things. Isn't this something worth being excited about?"

  Mei Xiang couldn't stop nodding, stroking Kang Fan's swollen face due to injury, and smiled: "Kang Fan, look at you now, how ugly you are, I don't even want you anymore."