Chapter Four, March 12, 1930.
No matter how primitive the roads outside are, no matter how desolate the scenery along the way, and no matter how many people in tattered clothes are braving the cold wind, Ai Jia, after witnessing all this, was still overwhelmed by the imposing presence of the city walls.
This is a true city wall with wartime defense capabilities, a sense of grandeur and security that a modern person rarely experiences from a building
"Brother... I can't walk anymore," she said with a sorrowful face, attempting to shamelessly act cute. "You know, I'm still not well."
The second brother, Li Jiawen, who was pushed aside, looked aggrieved: "Ah Jun, I thought you were said to have a much better temper, why are you still so rude? In Japan, girls like you would be disliked by others."
In any case, the bulging veins on his forehead revealed his restless emotions
Ai Jia appeared as if struck by lightning: "So this is the first Arbor Day in our country's history?"
The city is very lively
Indeed, this feeling of being protected is magnificent. From it, Ai Jia truly understands how exaggerated the saying "your skin is as thick as the corners of a city wall" is. The corners of the city wall in Fengtian are conical, wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, appearing extremely stable. Moreover, it is not merely a corner; it is also a tower. One can easily imagine the vast space within, perhaps with a spiraling staircase that provides solid shelter for soldiers ascending the city wall during wartime. Wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, it appears extremely stable, and it is not merely a corner; it is also a tower. One can easily imagine the vast space within, perhaps with a spiraling staircase that provides solid shelter for soldiers ascending the city wall during wartime
She floated into the room as if in a dream, and as soon as she entered, she saw a tall white figure rush over and embrace her head, exclaiming a phrase in Japanese!
Indeed, Ai Jia managed to recall that Liaoning Province is the first stop among the three northeastern provinces. This is all because during her trip to Shandong, she had once gazed across the sea from Weihai to Dalian.
Oh, that, in Japanese, is how you call your younger sister. Second Brother was indifferent, "By the way, A-Jun, do you want to learn Japanese? I think girls sound particularly nice when they speak Japanese. Maybe if you learn it, you could become a bit more gentle."
The elder brother was speechless, his expression clearly indicating: "Don't make a fuss, who said we can't move? Sun Yat-sen Square is quite far, there are so many people, and the cars can't get through."
After years of immersion in anime, she realized that this person was calling her sister! Does she have a Japanese brother? What is going on here? Wait a minute... it seems she does have a brother who went to study in Japan...
Then a nearby man snorted disdainfully: "Pah, that direction is Dalian"
Ai Jia's mind has gone blank
The elder brother expressed helplessness: "Last month, the Nanjing government just mandated that every year on this day, trees must be planted in memory of Premier Sun's death."
Such a city was unexpectedly occupied by the Japanese, seemingly without the expenditure of a single soldier.
The accuracy of the uncle's complaints is now uncertain, but at least it provided the young Aijia with a piece of information: that Dalian in Liaoning is very close to Shandong, and thus it must be the first province beyond the pass, akin to a chicken's throat
It seems that the second brother wants to throw his sister out
The tour guide introduced it this way: "Weihai has many Korean things." He pointed in a direction and said with great enthusiasm, "Because it only takes a little over an hour by boat to reach Korea!"
The young commander led the team to plant trees in Zhongshan Square, and everyone went to see it. The elder brother has already given up on stopping his sister from asking questions and can only patiently respond with resignation
But, the Young Marshal! Ai Jia knows that in the past, Li Jiajun was also a devoted fan of the Young Marshal, with a pair of sparkling eyes that showed no signs of concealment
Is it possible that so many people are going to plant trees? No way, she can't dig holes in the frozen ground. That group of little kids who run around with picture books can't even reach her chest height, can they?
"Look, look, why don't I say anything? Are you angry? I brought you something good!" Second brother pointed to a pile of items on a row of leather sofas beside him, "Give me a kiss and call me good brother, and I'll give it to you!"
The second brother is actually not foolish at all: "Wasn't it agreed that a kiss would be a way to call me 'good brother'?"
Watching a group of small children bundled up like little balls, laughing and squeezing past the car, Ai Jia couldn't help but exclaim that in this world without lanes, people probably don't even have the concept of a car accident! Because in the places where they can see the cars, the speed never exceeds 20 miles per hour! It would be better to just get out and walk!
Ai Jiahu's body trembled, thinking that he had spoken out loud. He wrapped his clothes tightly and turned back in a daze: "Ah... I... I was just thinking about it..."
Young Marshal! May I go and take a look?! Zhang Xueliang! One of the Four Great Beauties of the Republic! The exceptionally young King of Northeast China! The commander of the Northeast Army beyond the Great Wall! A diamond man unparalleled in history! ... Moreover, he has a car, a house, and both parents... etc...
Since you have sincerely requested it, I will generously allow you to witness my prowess as a strong woman of the 21st century, showcasing my cute, Japanese-style charm! Ai Jia leaped forward, wrapping her arms around Er Ge and giving him a quick kiss, sweetly and playfully exclaiming: "Good brother—my absolute favorite is Er Ge! Er Ge is so adorable!"
The tower stands beside equally towering city walls, extending endlessly into the distance. Outside the city, buildings are sparse, and the ground is flat, resembling an ancient city in the desert, standing solitary amidst heavy snowfall and severe frost.
We are almost there, do not waste time, get off quickly, first go home to take a look, and grab your things to report.
I do not like Japan, so do not call me that in the future. As for teaching Japanese... hmph.
Then we must go out for a walk! Young Master Li unceremoniously grabbed her arm and dragged her outside. Ai Jia exclaimed a few times before being pulled out, slowly squeezed through the crowd. Young Master Li was somewhat considerate, almost completely shielding his sister in his embrace, blocking the wind and people. However, this silly sister unexpectedly became very sensitive to the cold this winter, dressed like a bear, making it impossible for him to fully wrap around her. In terms of size, her combat effectiveness in the crowd was even higher than his.
"Get off the car, let's go." Just as I was thinking this, Young Master Li spoke up.
This city, born under the name of the Mandate of Heaven, inherently possesses a quality that blends the essence of both the South and the North. It is the first major city beyond the Great Wall, having witnessed the rise and fall of this nation since its inception, from the Qing Dynasty's entry into the Central Plains, to the migration to the Northeast, and now, the alternating reigns of two generations of Northeast kings
Next, Ai Jia opened her eyes wide. As for Li Jia Jun, she was unsure, but she was indeed one of the strong women behind Jack Ma. What could you possibly bring back from Neon that would shock me? She decided to address some principled issues: "What did you just call me?"
The last glimpse before entering the city unexpectedly made Ai Jia unable to suppress a sigh that warmed her eyes
It seems that the elder brother is very resolute. Although Ai Jia feels a bit regretful, she obediently follows him to their home in Fengtian City. Before reaching the doorstep, she gazes from a distance and notices that the further they go into the city, the wider the roads become, with various Western-style buildings standing in close proximity. In contrast to the dilapidated row houses on the outskirts of the city, what lies ahead clearly has the ambiance of a concession.
Ah? Huh? Ai Jia wants to clean her ears, what is this feeling of time travel? Planting trees! It feels like ever since last life when I learned that Arbor Day is not a holiday, everyone has forgotten about this festival!
Mother hen
But it's so ... ! ... cold outside! Ai Jia elongated the word 'cold' infinitely, and the thick snow piled up outside is almost surpassing the thresholds of some shops! This southern girl has never seen such snow even during the snow disaster years!
The things that pander to foreign cultures! Ai Jia angrily pushed back: "Speak in human language!"
Bang
Ai Jia, feeling aggrieved, was being pushed forward, her eyes darting around, observing her surroundings with a hint of surprise: "Why is it so lively today? What day is it?"
Young Master Li fell silent for a moment before recalling: "Oh, today is Arbor Day"
Where is the young marshal's mother? Ai Jia asked as soon as she thought of it
Brother, you are too foolish... Ai Jia Mo Ran then said: "What happened to the promised gift?"
I always have a vague sense of déjà vu with the neighboring red bear
Their house is less of a villa and more of a mansion, featuring a completely Western-style architecture. It has an advanced entrance and a courtyard that is entirely covered in snow, with only a path cleared for driving and walking. Passing by a small fountain, the three-story mansion, nestled among the trees, comes into view, with red walls and white trim, exuding a fashionable charm.
"In the future, if there is an opportunity, let's go home first." "Brother, put in more effort, or else I will carry you away."
With this thought, she felt a sense of clarity in her heart. As she looked out at the street scenery along the way, her feelings of anxiety diminished significantly. Her elder brother sat beside her, eyes closed, resting. Not only is the current sedan poorly equipped for shock absorption, but the road conditions are also terribly bad. Once they entered the city, it was almost impossible to continue; it seemed that some event was taking place here, with people bundled up pushing and shoving, completely unafraid of the harsh winter weather in the Northeast.
In an instant, the map indicating the direction of the chicken's head lit up, giving Ai Jia a sense of receiving a system reward in a single-player game. Although it was not particularly useful, it was certainly better than complete darkness
"Japan, don't come back!" Ai Jia said irritably, as she looked up and down at this second brother. This person may not know much else, but he certainly exuded a strong Western flavor. He wore a snow-white waistcoat, had neatly styled short hair parted to the side, and sported shiny black leather shoes. The buttons on his cuffs and collar were fastened tightly, and with his hands casually tucked into his pockets, he was just like a human-shaped livestock.
He has long since left. The elder brother clearly knows this and answers without a moment's thought
"Why don't you like them?" Second Brother asked, then suddenly added, "Oh right, they are acting arrogantly on our territory, which is truly unacceptable. It is indeed annoying! However, they will eventually be driven out. But for now, they possess some good things that we can certainly learn from."
Ai Jia did not dare to show a very unsophisticated appearance. She used to come from a relatively affluent family, where her basic needs for food and clothing were met. Although she could not indulge extravagantly, it was sufficient for her to enjoy a life of modest luxury. Now, facing this situation, she was neither frightened nor particularly pleased; instead, she felt a sense of superficiality.
What a domineering CEO who has a car, a house, and is orphaned! Such a stunning beauty; if you don't take a look, it would be a disservice to her for enduring through addiction just to come here! Ai Jia shows no sign of unhappiness at all.
We are not trying to make a fuss! I feel like you don't understand! Ai Jia is very shocked, and in an instant, she feels like she is an antique, can you believe it? Grandson, granddaughter! Grandma has witnessed the first Arbor Day in the country in a hundred years!
Before Ai Jia entered the city, she was already awestruck by the towering city walls from a distance
"Right, are you going to participate?" Young Master Li said impatiently, pushing his sister forward with more force. "Stop messing around, with your physique, even if I give you a steel knife, you wouldn't be able to dig a hole in the ground."