Chapter Thirty-Four I Met Judy

  The Magnificent Fourth Part

  The Tianjin base, built by American companies, has superior docks, thermal power plants, train stations and various infrastructure, which have begun to play a role. With the use of railways, steam locomotives, telegraphs, telephones, ports and ships, the total amount of logistics has increased exponentially, and industrial products from Ningwu Prefecture are now going national and global, with an increasingly significant impact.

  The coal produced in various parts of Shanxi is of extremely high quality, suitable for use as fuel, metallurgical coal and chemical coal. In the current steam engine era, coal is a precious resource, just like Middle Eastern oil in the 21st century. Before the Beijing-Tianjin railway was opened, industrial coal used in Tianjin was all imported from Japan. After the railway opened, the problem of transporting large quantities was solved, and high-quality Shanxi coal immediately replaced low-quality Japanese coal to dominate the entire Tianjin coal market. Subsequently, orders from Europe and other countries followed one after another. As a result, the situation in Shanxi where coal production had increased significantly due to the adoption of advanced mining machinery, leading to an oversupply of coal in the province, was immediately reversed, becoming undersupplied. However, Kang Fan and others were very conservative on the issue of coal exports, prioritizing domestic demand and limiting supplies to the international market according to actual conditions, in exchange for industrial raw materials urgently needed by Ningwu Prefecture. This also became the main way for the industrial sector in Ningwu Prefecture to solve the problem of scarce industrial raw material supply.

  The power plant at the Tianjin base provided a large amount of electricity to the base, its surrounding residents and commercial facilities after receiving sufficient coal supplies from Shanxi, also ensuring the urgent electricity needs of the newly built Tianjin Shipyard. This shipyard is the most important industrial facility in the Tianjin base, carrying Kangfan's future naval dreams, with design specifications and standards far exceeding those of the Qingjiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, using the world's most advanced technology and equipment at present. It also owes to Duonuo Wan, if it weren't for his connections, these advanced shipbuilding equipment from Britain and America wouldn't have been obtained so easily.

  Due to the Tianjin base having a special open and free social environment, similar to neighboring concession territories. As a result, with the rapid development of industry and commerce, local service industries also rose rapidly. The current Tianjin base is now a bustling place with bright lights, wine and song, where Chinese and foreigners live together, with a large number of hotels, restaurants, brothels, smoking dens, casinos, bars, cafes, dance halls, theaters and other service and entertainment venues operated by Chinese and foreign businessmen, despite the excitement, it's a mixed bag, good and bad are not distinguished, effective management is necessary.

  Duonowan and He Shui Kuan became the highest administrative managers of the base, with each having their own division of labor. Duonowan was in charge of external affairs, while He Shui Kuan was responsible for internal affairs, working together with the administrative management organization composed of personnel publicly recruited from society to manage the base. After left-wing members such as Zuo Tingdong and Matthew returned from short-term training at Qing Sheng Military School, they transformed into police officers in the base, continuing to maintain social order in Tianjin Base. In addition, Kang Fan also established an intelligence agency under the Security Bureau and a special operations team to strengthen the defense of the base. Under everyone's joint efforts, Tianjin Base became the safest place in the entire Tianjin concession area.

  Kang Fan's trip to Beijing this time, although he was promoted again, but because his suggestions for reform were not adopted, he knew that the reform would inevitably fail, and he was powerless to do anything about it. He felt quite depressed in his heart. It wasn't until he met Duonowan at the Tianjin base that his mood improved slightly.

  Duonowan accompanied Kang Fan and Mei Xiang to the dock, where they saw two cargo ships of Li Yuan Yang Transportation Company unloading goods. One ship was importing a batch of cotton from the United States, while the other was loading plastic raincoats and synthetic fabrics for export to Russia. Captain Li was commanding the Helen cargo ship, which was transporting the last batch of medical supplies, including medicine, bandages, gauze, and other relief materials, purchased by the Italian government, and had not yet returned. Duonowan estimated that at this time, he should have already crossed the 40th parallel south, known as the "Roaring Forties", and was sailing in the Indian Ocean. If everything went smoothly, he should arrive in Tianjin within a week. The 40th parallel south has always been notorious for its harsh weather conditions, with storms raging and huge waves crashing against the sky, making it a sea area feared by sailors from all over the world.

  That's enough for him to bear. Kong Fan couldn't help but sigh, why did he have to take a detour via South Africa? Wouldn't it be closer to return to Tianjin through the Suez Canal? Mei Xiang and I took his ship through the Suez Canal last time.

  Donovan shook his head, Captain Li only told me that this time on the way back to go to South Africa, and did not say what to do. Since he does so, there must be his reason, he is an old sailor, we don't have to worry about him. It's you who told me about the war between Italy and Ethiopia, just like you predicted it would end. I really want to know how you predicted it so accurately?

  It's all two years ago. Let bygones be bygones. Kang Fan smiled and said.

  Duonowan always wanted to ask, but Kang Fan kept walking around and didn't give him a chance to ask questions. In the end, this question was also buried in his heart like many other questions.

  The Guangxu Emperor agreed to my request: from now on, the vast wilderness southwest of the base will be ours. Kang Fan excitedly said: In this way, the Tianjin base has expanded several times at once and can do many more things.

  Duonowan didn't understand, that vast wilderness didn't even have a ghostly figure, what did you want to do? Raise cattle?

  Kang Fan smiled mysteriously and pulled Duonowan over, whispering in his ear: There is oil there.

  "Oil?!!" Donavan yelled out loud and jumped up high.

  Kang Fan held him back and smiled: Don't get excited. As he spoke, he pointed to the ground beneath his feet, where there was a large oil field with geological reserves of tens of billions of tons.

  Dunowan didn't say anything anymore.

  Kang Fan said: At present, we have no ability to exploit domestically and can only go to the trouble of asking an American oil company for help.

  Duonowan thought for a moment and asked Kang Fan with some doubt: "Are you really sure there will be oil under our feet?"

  Kang Fan smiled and said: How about trusting me once again?

  Duan Yu let out a sigh, alright. I'll start doing it as soon as possible.

  Petroleum is an important chemical raw material, known as the "blood of industry", which can not only be refined into gasoline, diesel oil, kerosene and other fuels, but also be made into petroleum solvents, chemical raw materials, lubricants, paraffin wax, asphalt and petroleum coke. These products are widely used in various fields of industry and agriculture.

  The Tianjin oil field, once built and put into production, will provide a crucial prerequisite for Ningwu Prefecture to enter the era of internal combustion engines as soon as possible, achieving a new round of industrial upgrading. Although the number of military and civilian power machinery using internal combustion engines is not large at present due to the steady increase in production capacity, Shanxi's existing coal chemical industry can basically meet the supply of various oil products.

  However, with the increasing demand for automobiles, crawler tractors, and engineering machinery in the civilian sector and the military, after the production capacity of various factories is improved, these equipment will soon enter the military and civilian sectors on a large scale. At that time, the demand for various fuels and petroleum products in both places will increase sharply, and developing and building an ideal petroleum base has become a very urgent task.

  To achieve this goal requires a relatively long period of time, so Kang Fan asked Duonowan to start immediately. During the development and construction of the Tianjin Petroleum Base, a batch of technically skilled Chinese workers will be trained. With these talents, the next step is to develop the oil field with an even larger reserve in Heilongjiang Province using their own strength.

  Mei Xiang was very happy in Tianjin, but she couldn't forget to supervise Kang Fan. Everywhere here is full of prostitutes, crowded smokehouses, chaotic and noisy casinos, and dance halls that party day and night, it's really tempting. How could Kang Fan, a person who can't stand loneliness, not be moved? At this moment, seeing the two people's conversation paused for a while, she came over again to persuade Kang Fan to accompany her to go shopping.

  A week later, Kang Fan finally found out that Captain Li wanted to take a detour to South Africa to pick up his cousin, Judy Wood. She was a real blonde beauty with blue eyes, slender waist, long legs, and snow-white skin. Kang Fan went alone to the desolate beach on the southeast side of the base, excitedly checking it out, and on his way back, he ran into Judy face-to-face. They were both attracted to each other's charming aura, gazing at each other for a while before Judy smiled shyly and tried to walk around Kang Fan to continue her journey. Kang Fan didn't know what came over him, but without thinking, he grabbed Judy's hand. Judy was taken aback, stopped in her tracks, and looked at Kang Fan with great interest.

  "Anything wrong?" Judy asked Kang Fan with a smile.

  Kang Fan then realized his mistake, hastily let go, and couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. Sorry, it's nothing, just taking a look.

  Judi didn't expect Kang Fan's English to be so fluent and standard, she couldn't help but feel interested, are you talking about me?

  Kang Fan felt his face burning hot, smiled and said sorry before turning around to leave. Judy caught up with him relentlessly.

  Sir, wait! Judy called out to him.

  Kang Fan hastily walked away, but Judy caught up and grabbed his sleeve. At this time, Don Juan and Captain Li happened to be walking in the opposite direction and saw the scene, exchanging a surprised glance with each other.

  Kang Fan, where are you running? Duonuo blocked Kang Fan's way.

  Kang Fan saw him and smiled, "I was just looking for you."

  Captain Li burst out laughing, Mr. Kang, are you looking for Father Donavan or my cousin?

  Kang Fan and Judy finally knew each other's identities, and they exchanged a smile without saying a word.

  "What just happened? You two have never met before, right?" Captain Li asked.

  Kang Fan smiled and said: Just in time. He looked at Judy as he spoke, implying that she should come up with a better explanation.

  Judy raised an eyebrow and said: This Mr. Kang didn't say a word and came up to grab my hand, I won't forgive him.

  Kang Fan was so embarrassed that he didn't know what to say for a moment, lowered his head and gently stroked the tip of his nose. Duonowan smiled and bowed his waist. Captain Li pulled over Judy and whispered something in her ear. After a while, Judy walked in front of Kang Fan with a happy smile.

  Nice to meet you, Lord Kang. Judy this time is proactively extending her hand to Kang Fan.

  Kang Fan hesitated for a moment and said: "Forget it, let's not shake hands. I don't dare touch your hand."

  Judy stuffed her hand into Kang Fan's and said with a huff: This time I won't let go of your hand no matter what!

  Kang Fan could only hold on, looking up to see Judy's bright and sparkling eyes.

  Judy brought a precious gift from the Ethiopian government to Kang Fan, Emperor Menelik's private savings: a bag of unpolished diamonds. Mr. Kang, Emperor Menelik entrusted me to pass on his words: On behalf of all Ethiopians, Emperor Menelik extends heartfelt thanks for your selfless assistance in their war against Italian aggression! Judy said with flying eyebrows and colorful language.

  Kang Fan laughed and turned to Duonuo Wan, saying: "Last time I asked you to give those medicines to the Ethiopian government, you were very reluctant. What do you say this time?"

  Duonuo Wan's helpless smile left me speechless.

  Kong Fan said: We are doing the right thing. Even if we gain nothing, we should do it. I once told you that people can't always be motivated by self-interest.

  I understand, and I agree with that. During those years when I was preaching and practicing medicine in your country, most of the people who received my help were poor and had nothing to offer me in return. But I never refused anyone's request because I gained their genuine respect and trust, which was enough for me! Donnovan said, "Okay, let's talk about Miss Wood: Miss Wood has been working in diplomacy in Africa for many years and is very familiar with the continent. The medicine you entrusted me to give to Ethiopia was transported by Captain Li and then handed over to Emperor Menelik of Ethiopia by Miss Wood. You should thank her."

  Kang Fan turned his face to look at Judy, still a bit uncomfortable, thank you, Miss Wu!

  You've held my hand and you still call me Miss Wood? Judy said discontentedly.

  Kang Fan awkwardly smiled and changed his words: Then thank you, Judy!

  Judy, you were so calm and collected when you caught me earlier, what's with that smile now?

  Kang Fan suddenly said with a serious face: There is a kind of domestic animal in China, which bites anything and never lets go. Do you know what this Chinese domestic animal is, Judy?

  Judy was puzzled: What's up?

  Kang Fan laughed and ran while saying: We Chinese people call this domestic animal a 'pig'.

  Laughter came from behind, mixed with Judy's shouting: Mr. Kang, you are really disgusting!

  Arrived at He Shui Kuan's home, Mei Xiang was still fast asleep in the inner room. These past few days of crazy shopping and street strolling, she wouldn't be tired if she wasn't a weirdo! Her hand still clutched that unfinished sweater for Kang Fan, the shiny metal knitting needles scattered beside her face. Kang Fan removed the knitting needles, pulled the quilt up to cover Mei Xiang's exposed shoulder, turned around and went out, closing the door behind him.

  He Shuikuan was just brewing Huangjiu on the stove for Kang Fan, with dried green plums in it, filling the air with a fragrant aroma that made one's mouth water.

  It smells good. Kang Fan said.

  He Shui Kuan smiled, your drinking capacity can only handle this much.

  Kang Fan asked: "He Ge, what are you going to feed me?"

  He Shui pointed to the pot beside him, where a freshly steamed crab had just been added. Satisfied?

  Kang Fan lifted the lid and took a look, drooling with saliva, I'm starving to death!

  Just then, Duonuo and Captain Li also entered the house. He Shuikuan put the cooked crab and hot Huangjiu on the table, and several people ate and drank together. Kang Fan wanted to call Meixiang, but seeing that Meixiang was sleeping sweetly, he didn't call her. When he sat down again, there was only one empty seat left next to Zhu Di, so he stood by the table hesitantly.

  There aren't any chairs left, are there, He Dage? Kang Fan asked.

  He Shui Kuan smiled mysteriously, and it was all let go by Father Duonuo.

  They were speaking in Chinese, Judy couldn't understand. After asking Duonan, she scowled and sat beside me. What's wrong? Just ten minutes ago, you were holding my hand tightly, now you don't even want to sit next to me?

  Kang Fan's face turned red, and he spoke incoherently, "This... this is a different story, Judy!"

  Duonowan and Captain Li were too busy drinking and eating crabs to pay attention.

  What's going on here? Judy became serious, what do you mean by asking if there is a chair? Is this chair next to me not enough for you to sit on? Mr. Kang, are you fatter than a pig or something?

  Donovan and Captain Li burst out laughing at the same time, spitting out their food.

  Kang Fan couldn't help but laugh, hastily getting up to give Judy a bow and apologize. Emphasizing: I'm the pig, you're not.

  Donovan and Captain Li burst out laughing again.

  Kang Fan was afraid that Judy would scold him, so he hastily said: Let's not talk about it, let's eat. It's really troublesome to switch between English and Chinese all the time. Is this for Judy? He said as he handed over a bright red crab with a flattering expression.

  Judy gave him a glance and still accepted it, savoring every bite with relish.

  During the conversation at the dinner table, Kang Fan learned that Judy was also familiar with people from the British Foreign Office in London and couldn't help but feel excited. If so, through Judy, he could learn a lot about the situation of the Japanese Embassy in London, which would be very beneficial to the ransom action.

  After unloading this batch of nickel ore on the "Helen", we will set off. Captain Li said.

  Everything was ready, and Kang Fan's party set off on time in the early morning of the third day. Mei Xiang, Duonowan, and He Shuikuan saw them off at the dock. Mei Xiang couldn't help but burst into tears when she thought of how Kang Fan had been left with only half his life last time, covering her face and sobbing.

  Kang Fan handed over the bag of diamonds that Judy had brought to Mei Xiang, staring at her for a long time, but ultimately didn't say anything and left.

  No one can stop him now. Donnovan sighed and put his arm around Meixiang's shoulder, comforting her.

  Mei Xiang choked and said: If he doesn't come back this time, I won't live either.

  Donovan smiled easily, he'll be back. I promise you, Mei Xiang.