Newborn 1927

At this moment, a young Japanese man wearing a bow tie came out and bowed deeply to Jiang Xiaojun's brother, saying, "Mr. Jiang, I'm so sorry to have troubled you!" Jiang Xiaojun's brother quickly returned the bow, saying, "No, no, Mr. Ogasawara, it's my fault for not handling things well and disappointing you. I'm so sorry!" The Japanese man said, "I will continue to try my best. I'll take my leave now. Nice to meet you!" The two were speaking Japanese, but Yang Jiefang could understand it. After observing them closely, he had already guessed what was going on.

After the Japanese man left, Yang Jiefang stepped forward and called out, "Excuse me, are you Mr. Jiang?" Jiang Xiaojun's brother turned around and said, "My name is Jiang Tingxuan. May I ask who you are, sir?" Yang Jiefang said, "My name is Yang Jiefang. I have a business deal I'd like to discuss with Mr. Jiang. Is that convenient?" Jiang Tingxuan immediately said, "Of course, please come in!" He then led Yang Jiefang into the business and into the reception room where they sat down as host and guest.

Jiang Tingxuan asked, "May I ask what kind of business Mr. Yang is in?" Yang Jiefang replied, "I've heard that Mr. Jiang's trading company is quite large, not only selling imported industrial products but also purchasing some domestic agricultural products!" Jiang Tingxuan answered, "Yes. We purchase large quantities of domestic agricultural products such as peanuts, cotton, wheat, soybeans, and corn, as well as local salted fish and vermicelli. Does Mr. Yang need to sell these?" Yang Jiefang nodded and said, "That's exactly what I'm planning to do. May I ask what price Mr. Jiang is offering?" Jiang Tingxuan immediately had his assistant bring a price list and said, "Please take a look at this list! Our purchase prices are absolutely the fairest and most reasonable in Yantai." Yang Jiefang opened the list, looked at it carefully, and said, "Mr. Jiang, your company's prices are indeed quite fair. May I ask how much your company handles? If we supply in large quantities, can you handle it all?" Jiang Tingxuan smiled and said, "Please rest assured, as long as it's on this list, I can buy as much as you have. There will be no unsold stock, and I won't deliberately lower the price."

Yang Jiefang then changed the subject, saying, "I'd like to order a grinding machine. I wonder if your company could help me purchase one?" Jiang Tingxuan smiled and said, "A grinding machine? Is it for grinding flour? Of course, that's no problem. Whether it's diesel-powered or electric-powered, I can get it for you." Yang Jiefang said, "It's not for grinding flour, but for crushing large pieces of agricultural products like sweet potatoes and potatoes." Jiang Tingxuan looked slightly puzzled. Yang Jiefang explained, "Actually, you can modify a flour milling machine; the main difference is the rotor and the discharge port." Jiang Tingxuan said, "I need to ask the manufacturer before I can give you an answer. It might take a day or two." After all, this was something he had never dealt with before. Hearing this, Yang Jiefang felt somewhat relieved and said, "That's no problem. If possible, could you please inquire if there are any special grinders for crushing hard-grained agricultural products like soybeans, corn, and sorghum? They don't need to be ground into powder, just small particles." Jiang Tingxuan replied, "Of course, I can send a telegram to inquire immediately. However, a machine like that would cost at least a thousand silver dollars. I wonder if that's acceptable to you?" Yang Jiefang was somewhat helpless; no matter what, importing machinery that couldn't be produced domestically always meant accepting a hefty price tag. Jiang Tingxuan added, "You just mentioned two sets of machines. If you buy two sets at the same time, it will be slightly cheaper." Yang Jiefang's heart skipped a beat, and he asked, "If the two machines share one engine, would that be feasible? Would the price be even more favorable?" Jiang Tingxuan replied, "That should be feasible. Mr. Yang, is there anything else you require?"

Yang Jiefang said, “Mr. Jiang, I think you’ve already guessed. I want to buy a machine to produce sweet potato noodles. If you can help me solve the problems of the machine and fuel, I can produce noodles continuously. Then, we can cooperate long-term.” Jiang Tingxuan agreed, “Using a machine to grind sweet potatoes, it seems Mr. Yang is a man of great ambition. I definitely want to do such a big business. Mr. Yang, I hope we can cooperate for a long time!” He stood up and extended his hand. Yang Jiefang was slightly taken aback. Since his transmigration, everyone had been using a cupped-hand salute; this was the first time he had encountered such a handshake. So he stood up and shook hands with Jiang Tingxuan. Then, Jiang Tingxuan said, “I will draft a telegram and send it. I expect to receive a reply tomorrow. May I ask where Mr. Yang is staying now? How can I inform you?” Yang Jiefang thought for a moment and said, “How about I come again tomorrow? If it’s suitable, we can sign the contract and pay the deposit in person. What do you think?” Jiang Tingxuan was very happy and readily agreed. Seeing that the matter was settled, Yang Jiefang got up to take his leave, and Jiang Tingxuan personally saw him to the door.

Gao Huilan, growing impatient, asked, "What did you talk about all this time?" Yang Jiefang gave a brief explanation. Gao Huilan said, "I don't object to you buying machines to produce vermicelli, but why did you choose this particular shop?" Yang Jiefang replied, "It doesn't matter who I buy from. I just picked a random shop; if things go well, I'll buy; if not, I'll move on to the next one. There's no real reason." Gao Huilan snorted and said, "You're lying. Those two Japanese women appeared at the bookstore earlier, and now you've run into them again, and you're going in to discuss business? What? Are you very familiar with them?" Yang Jiefang quickly denied it, saying, "It was just a chance encounter, purely coincidental." Gao Huilan pressed, "Really?" Yang Jiefang, without batting an eye, said, "Of course it is! Well, Brother Bao, it's getting late. Let's go to the mule and horse market one more time, and then we'll head back." Bao Ziqiang hurriedly drove the carriage forward, and Gao Huilan didn't press the matter further.

The mule and horse market was dirty and smelly, so Gao Huilan naturally didn't want to go in and told Bao Ziqiang to stop the carriage far away. Yang Jiefang and Bao Ziqiang walked there. The mule and horse market usually closes early, not late, and closes after noon. The entire market was deserted at this time. Bao Ziqiang asked everyone he met about the livestock dealer Zhang Guolao, and he actually found him. He said that Zhang Guolao was drinking at a small tavern nearby. Yang Jiefang followed the directions and found Zhang Guolao, who was slightly drunk. He quickly recognized him as the human trafficker Lao Zhang who had kidnapped the original owner of the house and her brother. The two henchmen with him were his accomplices. Perhaps because he had been drinking, Lao Zhang did not recognize Yang Jiefang and asked, "Young brother, what brings you here?"

Yang Jiefang sat down at his table and said, "Of course I'm here to buy livestock from you. Do you sell anything else?" The trafficker, Old Zhang, laughed, "Livestock? Sure, no problem. What do you want to buy?" Yang Jiefang said, "My grandfather is celebrating his birthday, and the fortune teller said he's facing a hurdle he needs to overcome by holding a 'hundred-sheep feast.' It corresponds to the 36 Heavenly Spirits and the 72 Earthly Fiends, requiring a total of 108 plump and healthy goats. I heard you can handle this; are you interested in this deal?" The trafficker, Old Zhang, almost burst out laughing. This fortune teller was really good at making things up; he actually believed this. He must have too much money to burn. This was a big deal; no one would pass up a chance to make money. He patted his chest and assured them, "Don't worry! I can handle this. Where is your residence? When do you need it?" Yang Jiefang said, "I can only give you three days. Deliver it to Huangwu. Just find Young Master Huang." Old Zhang readily agreed, "It won't take three days. I'll prepare tomorrow, and deliver it to you by the day after at the latest. However, this is a big business, so please give Young Master Huang a deposit!"

Yang Jiefang, prepared, took out his money bag, counted out twenty silver dollars, and placed them on the table, saying, "Here are twenty silver dollars, take them first. Remember, it must be a healthy, adult goat. The price is negotiable; if it's delivered on time, you won't be shortchanged a single cent." What could he say to such a straightforward customer? The trafficker, Old Zhang, beamed and said, "I guarantee it won't be delayed." He reached for the money, but Yang Jiefang grabbed his hand, saying, "Let's draw up a written agreement first! So you don't go back on your word later." Old Zhang laughed heartily and immediately asked the shop owner to bring paper and pen, writing down an agreement and handing it to Yang Jiefang. Yang Jiefang glanced at it and put it away, saying, "You guys continue drinking; I have other things to do, so I won't keep you company. Remember, don't delay my business, or the consequences will be severe!" Old Zhang, grinning, repeatedly assured him, and saw Yang Jiefang off.

Yang Jiefang returned to the carriage and told Bao Ziqiang to drive out of the city. When they reached the city gate, they saw policemen holding up a portrait and questioning everyone. Yang Jiefang's heart skipped a beat. He immediately told Bao Ziqiang to turn and drive into a side street. Gao Huilan asked from inside the carriage, "What happened?" Yang Jiefang replied, "I have a feeling something big is going to happen. Brother Bao, go check at the city gate first! See what's going on." Bao Ziqiang agreed, jumped off the carriage, and left. A short while later, Bao Ziqiang returned, his expression grave. He said, "Those policemen are holding up a portrait of the young lady and questioning everyone. Anyone who can provide clues will be rewarded." Yang Jiefang said, "Young lady, congratulations! Your value has increased; you're definitely worth more than fifty silver dollars now." Gao Huilan angrily said, "At a time like this, what are you saying? Think of something quickly!" At this point, complaining was useless. Yang Jiefang thought for a moment and said, "Let's go to the rented room first, and then we'll think of something." In the current situation, this was the only option. Bao Ziqiang agreed and drove the carriage to the rented room.

Upon arriving at the rented room, Yang Jiefang instructed Bao Ziqiang to go out and gather information, while he ordered Gao Huilan and the other two women to stay inside. He then went out to buy some daily necessities. Gao Huilan, having stopped causing trouble, led Chu Gu and Pang Ya to tidy up the room. If nothing unexpected happened, they would likely stay there for a few days.

Bao Ziqiang returned after dark, bringing with him the information he had gathered. The rumors Yang Jiefang had spread on the fifteenth of the month had already begun to circulate, and several different versions had emerged. It was uncertain how effective they would be. After all, someone had died, and a police chief at that. The authorities couldn't remain indifferent; they had begun an investigation, and Gao Huilan naturally became a crucial lead. Xiao Cui and Yang Lianhua from the Yihong Courtyard also became targets of the investigation.

Yang Jiefang said, "We can't leave the city today. Tomorrow, we'll have to split up and try to leave in batches." Gao Huilan asked, "What are your thoughts?" Yang Jiefang said, "The three of you have visited quite a few places today, so some people will inevitably remember your faces. Therefore, you can't stay together tomorrow. Brother Bao, you can take Auntie and Fatty out of the city tomorrow; there shouldn't be any problems. Miss, you'll be in my group, and I'll figure out a way to leave." Bao Ziqiang shook his head and said, "Actually, we can use makeup to make sure no one recognizes us." Yang Jiefang said, "Makeup is definitely necessary, and we still need to separate. We need to minimize the risk as much as possible." Bao Ziqiang pouted and said, "Then why don't we switch? Can't I be in a group with Miss?" Gao Huilan chuckled and said, "Baozi, are you sure you want to be in a group with me?" Bao Ziqiang laughed and immediately changed his mind, saying, "It's okay, it's fine if we're not in the same group."

Suddenly, Aunt Chu spoke up, "How confident are you that you can get Miss out of the city safely?" This was naturally directed at Yang Jiefang. Yang Jiefang replied, "I think there shouldn't be any major problems, but Miss needs to cooperate with me, otherwise it's hard to say." Aunt Chu continued, "I think this is how it should be: Bao Ziqiang will drive the carriage and take the supplies out of the city alone; Fatty and I will follow Miss at a distance. If you manage to get out of the city safely, we will follow." The implication was that if Gao Huilan encountered any trouble while leaving the city, they would definitely come to her aid. This was indeed a good idea, and everyone agreed.

The next morning, Bao Ziqiang went out to gather information and didn't return until late morning. He brought new news: "That Director Li got his position through his wife; his father-in-law is a powerful figure and demands a thorough investigation. They now believe that the young lady isn't some military bigwig's daughter, but rather someone related to Hei Xiazi. This Director Li really does owe Hei Xiazi a large sum of money for cigarettes. So, Hei Xiazi has a reason to do this, and he has the ability. Of course, the key is to find direct evidence, which means finding the young lady herself. All the city gates are being strictly searched now; we're not hoping to find the young lady directly, but mainly to find people who have seen her to provide clues."

Yang Jiefang remained silent, deep in thought. Bao Ziqiang suggested, "Why don't we give it another push, completely diverting the official attention to Hei Xiazi, letting them fight like dogs!" Yang Jiefang nodded, "Of course we should give it a push, but not in the right direction, we have to do it the other way around." Seeing that everyone seemed puzzled, he explained, "If we directly pin the blame on Hei Xiazi now, it will only arouse suspicion; if we deny it in a way that doesn't convince the public, it will make people more convinced that Hei Xiazi did it. Unfortunately, I don't know Hei Xiazi's character very well, so I can't make a precise strike." Bao Ziqiang's eyes lit up, and he said, "Since Hei Xiazi was able to sell large quantities of opium to Yantai, he must have people in the city. If these people jump out at this time, how can he clear his name?" Yang Jiefang couldn't help but praise, "That's a good idea, the question is how to get them to jump out?" Bao Ziqiang said, "We'll have to find Brother Yi, he might have a way." Yang Jiefang naturally agreed and immediately told Bao Ziqiang to drive the carriage back to the Chu family first.

After Bao Ziqiang left, Gao Huilan asked, "What do we do now?" Yang Jiefang smiled slightly and said, "I still have a big business deal to finalize. Get ready, you'll come with me this time."