Volume 1 Chapter 60 Strolling in Beiping (Seeking Collection)
"I know Uncle He is concerned about me." Huang Li gratefully handed a cigarette to He Dakuai and lit it for him. He also took one, slowly exhaling the smoke, and said slowly: "Something did happen, but I've already taken care of it, Uncle He doesn't need to worry."
"That's good, as long as it's resolved, we ordinary people can't afford to offend anyone. Of course, Brother Huang has the ability and skills, so he's not afraid." He Dake nodded repeatedly, a relieved smile floating on his face.
"Don't flatter me, I'm just an ordinary person." Huang Li brushed off the cigarette ash and said in a deliberating tone: "Originally, I wanted to live here peacefully, but now there are some changes. I need to go out for a while, so you'll have to help take care of this house."
He Dawei furrowed his brow again and asked: "How long will you be out, where are you going? Is it to avoid the wind or is there something else?"
"Oh, I'm going out to take care of some business." Huang Li said perfunctorily: "If everything goes smoothly, it'll be just over a month. If not, I think it won't exceed three months at most."
He Da Kui thought for a moment and said: "This is no problem. If Zhen Niang is not afraid, let the two of them come and live here."
"Hmm, it's best if this house isn't left empty." Huang Li wanted to hide some things in the house. As for who would help take care of the house, he didn't really care. "Before I leave, I'll also ask someone to keep an eye on it. That patrol leader and I are friends too."
"Since there are officials taking care of her, let Zhen Niang stay here!" He Dahuai's eyes flickered slightly as he said in a roundabout way: "Zhen Niang hasn't been feeling well lately, probably still not used to the current environment. Niu Niu is also making a fuss about going out for a stroll. Brother Huang, you know we're busy with our livelihood every day and really don't have the time or energy. If you're not in a hurry to leave, take Zhen Niang and Niu Niu around Beijing for a couple of days to lift her spirits."
As an old man who has experienced many hardships and tribulations, He Dakui knew that a widow, especially a young and beautiful one like Zhen Niang, would have a very difficult life. Zhen Niang's temperament was changing, but no matter how much she changed, she would never be like a man, without a man to take charge of the household, she would inevitably suffer from bullying and humiliation in the future. In that big courtyard, the coarse men's gazes, their vulgar language, even if unintentional, made Zhen Niang feel extremely disgusted and depressed, all of which He Dakui had witnessed with his own eyes.
What made He Daguang even more uneasy was Zhang Laosu's last words, originally wanting him to take care of Zhen Niang, this widow and orphan, but now apart from being a spiritual guarantee for Zhen Niang, he clearly felt powerless. Moreover, it was the opposite, owing Huang Li and Zhen Niang a lot of favors, the cost of traveling from Tianjin to Beiping, as well as the rent, were all paid by Huang Li or Zhen Niang.
In his heart, He Daku had a small thought that he couldn't express. That is, he very much hoped that Zhen Niang and Huang Li could get closer, the two of them going through thick and thin together would surely develop some feelings for each other. Huang Li was also a good person, a man of his word who kept his promises, and had skills to boot. If Zhen Niang followed him, she would be safe and secure. The only thing was that Zhen Niang was a widow with a child in tow, and he feared that Huang Li might look down on her.
Of course, He Daku is not disgusted with Zhen Niang, but he really considers the future life of the two women. Moreover, he also thinks that his ability is limited. If Zhen Niang has someone to rely on, he can also get rid of the psychological burden and feel justified for his deceased cousin. In He Daku's opinion, the two people are quite matched in terms of age and appearance, so this matter still has hope. Moreover, Huang Li hid in Zhen Niang's house for two days, thinking that no one saw him, and Zhen Niang also seriously told Niu Niu not to talk nonsense, but a child's mouth is not so tight, He Daku and his wife know about this matter.
Huang Li, of course, did not know what He Daku was thinking in his heart. He had to go out for a while, but it was just to meet Zeng Che's request, to undergo short-term training, and there were still two or three days of preparation time. After the training is completed, he will return here, which is also one of Zeng Che's small mind and necessary preventive measures, not wanting Huang Li to have too much contact with the personnel of the Tianjin Intelligence Station. And why Huang Li agreed to join the Blue Shirt Society was not simply for the country and the people, but after the Kawasaki Commercial Corporation incident, he felt that this kind of secret and dangerous work as a special agent should be his familiar work and suitable for his skills, which would be more beneficial for memory recovery.
"All right, it's not a difficult task, I also want to get familiar with Beiping, this is the ancient capital of history!" Huang Li readily agreed.
Huang Li's way of dealing with people is slightly different from that of this era. Many times, he doesn't consider what's proper and the rules for men and women interacting. Of course, this easily leads to misunderstandings and makes people feel uncomfortable. His running off to Zhen Niang's house and staying there for two days is an example. Although some things can't be helped, Zhen Niang couldn't bear to hurry him away, but if outsiders were to find out, it would be a terrible thing. One room, one bed, a man and woman sleeping together, yet nothing else happened - who would believe that? Hmm, hmm, it's really like the saying goes: "Even beasts are better than this."
He Daguai's face revealed a meaningful smile as he agreed without hesitation. This matter, indeed has a plan.
………
Autumn, for Beiping, is the most intoxicating and wonderful season of the year. At this time, it's not like the spring sandstorm that's so big, making people unable to open their eyes, with dirt in their noses and ears; nor is it like the bitterly cold days when the northwest wind cuts into one's face like a small knife, causing people to shrink back and hide indoors, afraid to go out.
Today the weather is exceptionally good, with a crisp autumn atmosphere, clear and bright sunshine, and gusts of autumn wind blowing the fresh air mixed with the scent of mud from the fields outside the city into the city, as if to add to the excitement of this ancient city in autumn.
Huang Li took Zhen Niang and Niu Niu to stroll on Tianqiao. Originally, Zhen Niang didn't want to come, but she came to save Huang Li's face, secondly, Niu Niu made a fuss, and thirdly, He Daguai and his family kept persuading and urging her. He Daguai was indeed carrying out his own ideas in his heart. The night before, he said that Da Gang would pull the cart, but early the next morning, he drove Da Gang away, leaving Huang Li and Zhen Niang alone together.
Whenever Beijing is mentioned, Tianqiao can't help but be brought up. "Wine flags and drums at the Tianqiao market, how many travelers forget their homes", the famous poet Yi Shundeng wrote such a popular poem in "Tianqiao Qu". In the early years of the Republic of China, Tianqiao truly became a prosperous common people's market, and was seen as a typical area of old Beijing's common people society.
The Tianqiao has flourished with the rise of the market and has gradually formed a unique Tianqiao folk culture rooted in the common people, so it can last forever despite experiencing ups and downs.
People who stroll to Tianqiao, one is to buy some daily necessities; one is to stroll around and take a look at various folk arts; another is to taste the delicious and affordable food on the snack stalls of Tianqiao. Huang Li and others, however, took care of all three things and started strolling around in this lively and extraordinary place.
