When he entered the room, the Yangzhou waiter scrubbed his back, scraping the towel from top to bottom, and strands of dirt came off with it.
After rinsing off, he would return to his private room for a proper foot massage, leg rub, and other treatments, attended to by a personal attendant. At this time, his disciples and their followers would also come to report to him, and the bathhouse became a place for handling official business.
Cheng Shilin was a practical "operator," originally a casino manager. After the casino was taken over by Mr. Jin, he became his subordinate. He reported:
"Then the more than 10,000 taels were brought from Hankou and packed into two large leather trunks. It is expected to arrive tomorrow night on the Nisshin Yueyang 9-wheeled ship and dock at Zhangjiahong Wharf in Pudong."
"Who acted as guarantor?"
"A new guy, surnamed Lei."
"I've never prayed to her!"
"No. I heard it was sent from Hankou."
"Then there's no need to mention insurance to him. Let's just wait on the Huangpu River at night, and take the soil when they get on the boat. First, it will teach him a lesson for not knowing the proper way to travel and not understanding the risks. Second, even if it's 10,000 taels of soil, he won't dare to report us."
Shihlin Convenience Store with Sesame Oil:
"If he wants to visit us another day, let's arrange it for his birthday."
Not long after Shi Lin left, another informant came to report that he was going to check out the upper floor. The cellar under the house was where the opium was stored. He tapped here and there on the floor, and the accountant noted down the numbers, giving him a sum of money for each tap. He was eventually dismissed.
Not long after, Shi Zhongming, from the "literary and artistic circles," arrived and whispered a few words in Mr. Jin's ear.
Huaiyu went to the film set again. This time, she came "on her own initiative." Duan Pingting was rehearsing her scene with Ding Sen, the male and female leads, playing lovers. Ding Sen was a young man with very fair skin, red lips, and white teeth, but he had a three-white-eyed look whenever he saw a woman—in short, like a lump of cream.
Duan Pingting initially disliked him, but he was young, handsome, and popular, having acted opposite almost every established actress, their on-screen romance blossoming into real-life affection. Everyone suspected his money came from wealthy wives; otherwise, how could he rely on his good looks to commit such a heinous crime?
But as soon as she saw Huaiyu arrive, her attitude towards Ding Sen softened, and she was in a great mood, even displaying a charming and flirtatious side towards him. Huaiyu figured that this was the "upside-down" man she had mentioned, and she took note of him.
After arranging for a while with Ding Sen, Duan Haopin playfully rubbed the tip of his nose with her finger and said:
"I have a friend visiting."
Ding Sen was brought to see Huaiyu.
—So adept at navigating both sides.
Firstly, it was for Ding Sen to see, and secondly, it was for Huaiyu to see. That's just how women are.
Upon learning Huaiyu's identity, Ding Sen also spoke politely;
"Is it in Lingxiao? I'll definitely come to support you if I'm free next week!"
Ding Sen simply couldn't buy a ticket.
Not only could he not buy tickets, but a whole host of opera fans, no matter who they were, couldn't buy tickets for the second round of performances: "Double Robbery of Lu Wenlong", "Jiepai Pass", "Killing the Four Gates"... any audience who wanted to see Tang Huaiyu.
The box office was packed from early morning; all tickets for the three days were sold out. Those who arrived early and those who arrived late were disappointed.
The troupe leader was very excited and returned to tell them:
"I never imagined he'd be so influential at the Shanghai docks!" she said, increasingly pleased. "Mr. Jin is quite a figure, he's been so kind to me. I'll definitely become his apprentice on his birthday!"
On the night of the actual performance, the master musicians were about to sit down and tune their instruments. Backstage was as noisy as ever; the set designers had finished setting up the props. Everything was ready, except for the sound of gongs and drums. Huaiyu toyed with his black-tasseled silver spear. A minor character casually peeked out from the stage entrance. Huh?
No! His seat was completely empty; there wasn't a single audience member!
The students were terrified; the noise was deafening, and everyone was filled with panic.
It was eight o'clock, the play was about to start, and although it was said to be "full house," all the seats were empty. Huaiyu felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar, so stiff that she even forgot to start her performance.
Someone came and said:
"Mr. Jin has instructed that the play proceed as scheduled."
Mr. Jin?
Mr. Jin?
Huaiyu's face turned pale. Suddenly, he realized that he had tricked him and was going to make him pay.
But should he be punished? How could he be so lenient with someone who knew nothing about the matter? Huaiyu was deeply resentful.
"Alright, I'll go on stage and show him!" Skill breeds boldness, and having many skills is never a burden. He remembered saying that once on stage, he would be "focused on the play, oblivious to everyone else." Besides, he was only twenty-one; how old was he? He was almost thirty years older than him. Why did he care so much? Huaiyu's pride made him determined to put on a great performance. His master also saw him as a stubborn mule, unable to tolerate being slighted. Huaiyu, spear in hand, was ready to face the Eight Great Hammers.
He wasn't afraid! He'd fished under someone else's roof for three days, and spent all his money on the theater tickets, but so be it. He'd just put on a good show and refuse to falter. He was like a newborn baby; he might not die in his cradle.
The martial arts performer on stage was as fierce and untamed as a wild horse, regardless of whether he could break through the encirclement or not, he was still sensual and savage. He was performing exclusively for him, acting out a bit of stubbornness.
Jin Xiaofeng was also in the private room, with a cup of strong tea, a cigar, and a beautiful woman by his side.
He sat there, watching Huaiyu's efforts with a cold and indifferent attitude.
Mom's face changed five colors; she understood. Mr. Jin didn't look at her directly, only smiled slightly.
"They say that having a romantic entanglement can affect one's luck in life. But he doesn't believe it."
After the fierce competition on stage, Mr. Jin clapped loudly by himself, clap, clap, clap. It was like animal torture.
It was Li Shengtian and the others' turn to perform. — Because of Huaiyu, they were all implicated and had to sing about the joys and sorrows of life in front of lonely empty seats.
Jin Xiaofeng remained unmoved, only ordering his subordinates:
"Let's take Miss Duan home."
This "giving away" is tantamount to "abandoning." The concept of "stealing someone's job" doesn't exist in his dictionary; he had long ago abandoned it.