A Girl Traveling Through Troubled Times

Gui Er overheard the conversation between Director Shen and Mrs. Shen, and she felt the rage in her chest nearly bursting out. She couldn't imagine how someone could be so shameless, especially a high-ranking government official.

She listened again, and although there were still faint voices, she could not make them out clearly. After thinking carefully, she realized that the place opposite the inside of the wall was behind the screen in the main hall, where there was a couch. Director Shen and his wife were probably taking a lunch break and chatting while talking.

Anyway, she had heard the general idea and was afraid that she would be exposed if she stayed too long, so she retreated cautiously, pretending to stroll around, and took another route back to Sha Yanyao's yard.

The next day, as soon as she got to school, Gui'er called the police station. Song Xichen answered the phone. Gui'er said coquettishly, "Brother, didn't you say you'd treat me to cream cake? How about we go there after school this afternoon? Meet at our usual place."

Song Xichen immediately understood what she meant and said, "Okay, I understand."

After school, they arrived at the Zhenxiu Workshop. Song Xichen was already waiting there, and Gui'er told him everything she had heard Director Shen say. Shopkeepers Zhang and Liu, who were listening nearby, were filled with indignation and cursed, "Shameless! How could there be such a fence-sitter, such a two-faced person? Luckily we exchanged the map, otherwise the loss would have been huge."

Gui'er asked Song Xichen, "What should I do now?"

Song Xichen pondered for a moment and said, "Actually, there are quite a few people like this within the Kuomintang government who are wavering. Even Chiang Kai-shek doesn't really want to fight against Japan, so I'm quite surprised that he sent the 87th and 88th Divisions as reinforcements this time. Now that we've switched the maps, Director Shen is safe for the time being. You should continue to observe and be sure to pay attention to your own safety."

Gui'er thought for a moment and said, "There's one thing I don't know how to do."

Song Xichen asked, "What's wrong?"

Gui'er said, "It's about the fact that the Shen family doesn't really want to marry their daughter to Sha Yanyao. I don't know whether I should tell Sha Yanyao. If I don't, I'll feel so sorry for him. If I do, I'll inevitably tell him everything."

Song Xichen smiled and said, "I know Sha Yanyao's character. They probably wouldn't go along with Director Shen. It's okay if you tell him. At least let him think of a way to recover some of his losses."

After hearing this, Gui'er felt that it made sense, but she didn't know how to start. Now Miss Shen lived near her and often asked Gui'er and Sha Lili to play together. If a quarrel broke out and the two of them confronted each other, it would be difficult for Gui'er to be caught in the middle. She could only wait and see and wait for the opportunity to speak.

Everyone was worried that the Japanese would attack us, but two days later, the radio came with the news: "The Japanese army occupied Liuhe Town, Jiading, Nanxiang, and Zhenru, then stopped the attack and issued a ceasefire statement. Afterwards, the Chinese defenders also issued a ceasefire announcement. Afterwards, both sides expressed their willingness to resolve the issue through negotiation."

For a time, there were many different opinions. Some said: Japan is just repairing now, and will continue to attack after the repair is completed. Others said: China commissioned Britain, the United States and other countries to mediate and make Japan stop the attack.

However, after that, there were no more fights for many days, and people gradually put their minds at ease.

The fourth concubine's brother sent a few servants back to Shanghai to check the situation. They soon received news that there was indeed no more fighting, but the Japanese army was acting arrogantly and killing people at will in their occupied areas. Moreover, prices in Shanghai were soaring, material supplies were scarce, and public security was not good.

Their original idea of returning to Shanghai was abandoned, as the Marshal said, "Just stay here for now. It will be safer to return after the armistice is signed."

The two brothers-in-law quickly patted the Marshal on the shoulder and said, "Brother-in-law really loves us."

After a few days, Sha Yanxiao finally replaced Dashuai and took a rest.

Gui'er quickly asked Dingxiang to prepare some food and wine so that Sha Yanxiao and Dali could have a good meal and rest.

Director Shen and the four concubine's brothers inevitably came to visit again. Guier found that they seemed to be more optimistic about Sha Yanxiao than the Marshal. Maybe they found that Sha Yanxiao was actually in charge of many matters.

After the crowd dispersed, Gui'er told him what she had heard about Director Shen. She believed that since Sha Yanxiao had been so dedicated in preparing for the war and extorting the Marshal's money to buy weapons, he would not go along with Director Shen.

Sha Yanxiao was very surprised when he found out and asked Gui'er, "Is this true? Have you told anyone else?"

Gui Er said, "I originally wanted to tell Big Brother, since it's his wedding after all, but I didn't know how to start. Besides, Miss Shen is living in our house now, and it would be embarrassing if there was a commotion."

Sha Yanxiao patted Gui'er's head and said, "Don't worry about this matter. I'll handle it."

Gui'er was finally relieved.

After that, life went on as usual. But one day when Gui'er and Sha Lili went to the small courtyard to look for Miss Shen, they suddenly found a figure sneaking to the wall behind the main hall of the small courtyard. Gui'er was about to go up to see who it was, but was stopped by Sha Lili.

Gui'er was confused and wanted to ask her what was going on?

Sha Lili put a finger to her lips and whispered, "They must be sent by Madam or my father to monitor the Shen family. They seem to want to break off the engagement and don't want to return the betrothal gift."

Gui'er was shocked. How could even Sha Lili know about this? She quickly asked, "How did you know?"

Sha Lili smiled and said, "You're the only one who's still so foolish, not caring about anything. In fact, the Shen family's attitude couldn't be clearer. They sent such a small dowry, and it's been so long since the dowry was sent, but they still haven't held the wedding. They're just stalling for time."

Gui Er sighed and said, "What do you think Miss Shen herself meant?"

Sha Lili blinked indifferently and said, "Her own wishes are not important. She listens to her parents anyway. Mrs. Shen is not that great. I guess it's mainly Director Shen who thinks we are not worthy of their family."

That day, He Ruizhu suddenly brought a letter to Guier and quietly told her that it was sent to her by Tong Yujun.

Gui Er was very happy and quickly walked to a deserted place and opened it to read:

"Classmate Gui'er, how are you? I've been in Hong Kong for a while now, closely following the war situation in Shanghai. I wonder if you're all doing well now? Have you managed to escape this chaos?"

"Our family has basically settled down in Hong Kong. Luckily, my father had investments in Hong Kong before, so he owns shops and real estate. He's now investing the money he earned from selling off his assets at a low price here. He also said he plans to invest in Macau and Malaya. In short, he wants to diversify his risks."

"I'm currently attending Hong Kong Girls' School. Aside from the language, which is a little bit difficult to get used to, everything else is fine. The teahouses and pastries here in Hong Kong are delicious, on par with those in Shanghai. I really hope you can come and try them if you have the chance."

"By the way, how's the matter I entrusted you with last time going? Has he made a decision? I hope you can write to let me know. My address is: 16 Stubbs Road, Mid-Levels East, Hong Kong. Also, when you reply, could you please send me a photo of you as a souvenir? I've also sent you a photo of mine in this letter. I've been really happy to know you these past few years. I wish you all the best. I'm writing this with all my heart and await your reply."