Chapter 2, The First Woman I Met in Old Shanghai

At this moment, Long Chongjiu was even more convinced that she was a member of the underground party; even if she were not, she was still a strong woman making a living in the underworld.

One should not stare incessantly at a woman's chest. It is often said that there are many ruffians in Shanghai, and this appears to be true. Particularly around the vicinity of the docks and warehouses, there is an unmistakable air of ruffianism among those who linger there.

By the way, you should tell me your surname and full name, right? Otherwise, how can I introduce you? The tone of the woman in the long gown softened considerably, no longer as indifferent as before, and her finely arched brows revealed a unique charm characteristic of women.

I am not particularly skilled, but I have practiced farming techniques for a few days. It would be ideal if I could find a way to get into the catchment area. If that is not possible, I could settle for being a bodyguard for a wealthy person or something similar. What do you think? Is that too much to ask?

If it was once characterized by a striking brilliance, now it should be described as a refined elegance

You are very candid and quite confident; however, you may have stirred up considerable trouble. It is not impossible for you to establish yourself in Shanghai, but having offended the gang forces of Shiliupu puts you at a significant disadvantage.

Brother, first of all, thank you for your timely assistance. When one is out in the world, it is inevitable to encounter some difficulties. Today's incident was greatly alleviated thanks to your generous help; otherwise, my losses would have been substantial. She spoke eloquently, displaying a certain "manly" spirit.

He possesses a robust physique, with exceptionally developed pectoral muscles prominently outlined beneath the thin, light blue fabric of his shirt

Do not be polite; there is one thing I must remind you of: my relatives are prominent figures in Shanghai, so you should exercise some restraint.

You really know how to take advantage of me, Ninth Brother? I truly cannot...

Upon hearing him say this, Qi Hui took a closer look and indeed found that it did not resemble what he had claimed. However, it still gave her that kind of feeling.

Long Chongjiu grasped her subtle changes; since arriving in this era, his family's secret techniques seemed to have ascended to a higher realm of mystery, and everything he felt was different from before

He has a tall and slender physique, standing approximately 1.88 meters tall, with a layer of dark, bristly hair on his head that exudes a certain masculine charm. What is most unbearable is his sharp and bold gaze.

The woman in the long shirt blushed and shot him a glance, saying: "You are good at everything, except for having a pair of eyes that women find detestable, do you understand?"

Long Chongjiu could not help but laugh, glancing around to see that no one was paying attention to them. Only then did he smile at her and say, "Miss, with this disguise, you might deceive others, but you certainly cannot deceive me. Whether you thank me or not is a trivial matter; it is merely a matter of a small effort."

"Ah, young lady, we have met by chance, which can be considered fate. I do not concern myself with what you do, nor can I. However, I have a small matter I would like to ask for your assistance with. I wonder if you would be willing to help me?" Long Chongjiu cleverly shifted the topic.

May I ask where the young lady is from? Surely, you did not come to Shanghai disguised as a man to engage in business? Long Chongjiu did not take the matter of the Sixteen Piers gang to heart; when soldiers come, we meet them with soldiers, when water comes, we cover it with earth. Since you have come, you might as well settle in; being afraid is of no use.

Long Chongjiu gazed at her with a suspicious look and lowered his voice, saying: "If I were a patrol officer or a detective here, I would definitely uncover your background, which could lead to a promotion and wealth." He intended to test her; this woman seemed like someone involved in underground activities.

This also explains why he had just carefully scrutinized the book. He appeared to be around twenty-five or twenty-six, yet his eyes conveyed a deeper sense of weariness.

"Alright, let's get down to business first. We can discuss the matter that tarnished my image later," Long Chongjiu said reluctantly.

Recalling the scene just now where he was staring intently at the woman's chest, Long Chongjiu came to his senses, awkwardly smiled, scratched his head, and said: "Miss, I will try to restrain myself. I am naturally a rogue, and when I see a woman, I get dizzy. However, I still have principles when it comes to work, so you can rest assured. I will definitely not act recklessly; I cannot let personal matters interfere with public duties, nor can I sacrifice the greater good for trivial gains. I understand this principle."

Long Chongjiu glanced at her deeply; considering her age, she was about the same size as himself. However, her mature appearance did not resemble that of a noble young lady, but rather that of a seasoned woman from the underworld.

What does it matter? Shanghai has always been a paradise for adventurers; as long as I stand firm, I am a Shanghainese

A Russian woman dressed in a qipao asked the two in halting Chinese what they would like, suggesting that since they had entered, they should at least make a gesture, as one cannot occupy a latrine without relieving oneself. The two were still not very familiar with the liquor culture of this period, but fortunately, the woman in the long gown took over the conversation. She casually ordered a bottle of reasonably priced foreign liquor, and from her composed demeanor, it was evident that this woman had rich social experience. The two were still not very familiar with the liquor culture of this period, but fortunately, the woman in the long gown took over the conversation. She casually ordered a bottle of reasonably priced foreign liquor, and from her composed demeanor, it was evident that this woman had rich social experience.

Long Chongjiu was so infuriated that he almost spat out the wine he had just drunk. He rolled his eyes dramatically and sighed. After all, he was a notorious bandit who roamed across seven continents; how could he possibly be at a loss for words in several languages? He glanced at her again and forced a bitter smile, saying, "Sister Qi, I merely looked at you disrespectfully for a moment, yet it seems I have left such a terrible impression on you. Please take another good look; do I really appear as you described?"

"Well, that's what we'll call it. Just hearing us two makes it sound like a close relationship." Long Chongjiu interrupted the conversation, purely to interject.

Oh, so it is Mr. Long. My surname is Qi, and my given name is Hui. She did not possess the usual modesty of a typical young lady; instead, she appeared remarkably cheerful. It was evident that she was a new woman with relatively progressive ideas, no wonder she seemed like someone involved in underground work

I am honored, but I cannot accept such a title. My surname is Long, my given name is Chongjiu, and my courtesy name is Fengqin. I am from the north. May I ask for your esteemed name, Miss?

You..." With a glare from her almond-shaped eyes filled with wisdom, she was about to argue, but Long Chongjiu took over the conversation again

He is indeed charmingly candid, a quality that is quite rare in this day and age, possessing a boldness that reflects true masculinity

The woman in the long shirt pulled Long Chongjiu into an alley, quickly crossing over to the opposite street. It is unwise to linger in a place of trouble; it is better to avoid the gangsters, or they will become a nuisance. After several twists and turns, they entered a quiet and modest bar run by Russians. There were very few customers in the bar, as there are seldom foreign-owned bars on this street.

Qi Hui was truly taken aback, her mouth forming an 'O' shape. After a moment, she said: "You, you are proficient in six languages? Studied abroad? My goodness, I thought you looked like a street thug, a rascal. Is this true?"

Long Chongjiu nodded. He had thought it through clearly over the past few days. It was evidently a foolish idea to rely on brute force to navigate old Shanghai, and starting from the underworld was nothing but a path to self-destruction. The disciples under Du Huangzhang were countless, and trying to take food from their bowls was, in a word, difficult

Addressing me as 'Sir' feels a bit distant; if your friends and relatives hear this, they might not take it seriously. You may call me 'Brother Jiu' or 'Fengqin' instead

His ability to raise his hand effectively blocks his path, indicating that he is not an ordinary person; this strength should not be underestimated.

It would be strange not to feel a sense of weariness after living an additional 78 years; anyone in this situation would undoubtedly experience the weight of time.

In this regard, Long Chongjiu was not exaggerating. In those years, he traversed the seas, leaving his footprints across Europe, Asia, North America, and South Africa, engaging in all manner of crimes, including murder and smuggling, ultimately becoming an internationally wanted criminal by the United Nations. Without exceptional abilities, he would have long been captured; how could he still enjoy the privileges of this temporal dislocation?

The woman in the long gown seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, but the hint of vigilance that flashed in her eyes did not escape Long Chongjiu's notice

The woman in the long shirt clearly did not expect him to be so candid, and her earlier disdain and contempt were considerably diminished by his current "honesty"

Before the wine was served, the two of them silently gazed at each other, seemingly trying to guess each other's identity and background

In fact, everything here is unfamiliar to Long Chongjiu; if one does not understand, one should not pretend to understand, to avoid making a fool of oneself

It would be strange if it were not underdeveloped; serving time in prison does not mean just 'sitting' there every day, but rather one must use the fruits of labor to atone for one's sins

The woman in the long gown's expression changed slightly, yet her smile remained intact as she said, "You don't seem to be from Shanghai, do you? Your accent doesn't sound like it."

The woman in the long shirt did not deny it; recalling how he effortlessly took down his opponent with a mere stretch of his arm, it was indeed a "piece of cake." However, having roamed the martial world for many years, she found herself today falling into the hands of that thin thief. To be honest, that kid ran like the wind, far too fast.

His grandmother, how could a man with such overwhelming masculine charm merely be portrayed as a "street thug"? This is nothing short of an insult to himself. Women, I truly have to hand it to you. Long Chongjiu thought to himself with a sense of anguish.

You are indeed correct; I have quite a few friends and relatives in Shanghai, and it is quite normal to conduct some business while I am there

The woman in the long gown was not alarmed by his insight into her identity. She forced a淡淡 smile, enduring his unreserved gaze, and said, "It is not very convenient for a person to be out and about, especially for a woman"

Oh, then let's see what the matter is. In Shanghai, I am also considered an outsider. My friend has some connections, so please go ahead and tell me.

"Which aspect are you referring to?" Long Chongyi asked, taken aback.

Alright, let's not discuss this issue any further. Since this is your first time in Shanghai, let's take a walk and I will also take you to my relatives' place to see if we can arrange accommodation for you. I have other matters to attend to as well

Is this not difficult for me? Do you think my friend is a director of the Concession Public Works Bureau? To enter the police station, one must have qualifications, and there are too many intricacies involved that I am not entirely clear about. As for the bodyguard position you mentioned, I might be able to accommodate you. Your skills are indeed impressive; even if my friend cannot arrange something for you, my relatives could certainly make use of you. The woman in the long gown revealed her intentions, and indeed, there are some connections.

This is a slum, and those looking for entertainment do not come to bars that do not cater to "women". Clearly, this Russian owner lacks the capability.

Rest assured, your ninth brother will not bring you shame. He is a person who has seen the world, someone who has traveled through much of it and is proficient in six languages: Chinese, French, English, German, Japanese, and Russian. Recommending him to anyone would be a blessing for them.

Long Chong, appreciating the foreign liquor from 1928, looked up at her and said: "One should say she is a beautiful woman"

Indeed, she was taken aback. Long Chongjiu understood the situation and let out a silent sigh. We may be rogues, but we cannot stoop to being traitors. Even Du Yuesheng, who had fallen so low, never bowed his head to the Japanese. Are we, who come from the New China, any worse than him?

That is truly wonderful; the affairs of the world are indeed ever-changing. Just a moment ago, you were thanking me, and now it is my turn to thank you.