Chapter 10

Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao went out for a meal, and by the time they returned, it was already dark. You Gao was playing with a flashlight, while Zhou Yuanxiao was holding another flashlight high beside the dyeing vat to check the situation. Upon seeing the two return, You Gao shone the flashlight up from her chin and asked in a strange voice, "Who... are... you?" This little trick she had just learned was nothing special, but Chen Ke suddenly recalled an old memory and couldn't help but want to laugh. Seeing the two return, You Gao shone the flashlight up from her chin and asked in a strange voice, "Who... are... you?" This little trick she had just learned was nothing special, but Chen Ke suddenly recalled an old memory and couldn't help but want to laugh. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he covered his mouth with his hand, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

Suddenly, Zhou Yuanxiao next to me let out a strange, exaggerated laugh, and after a moment, he laughed in the same peculiar manner again. Finally, his laughter returned to a normal tone. Zhou Yuanxiao, who had always been downcast, laughed so hard that he bent over, slowly sliding down to sit on the ground, leaning against the dye vat, laughing heartily. As his laughter continued, Zhou Yuanxiao unexpectedly burst into tears.

The group of young people, engaged in playful banter, exchanged glances, none of them expecting that this rather rude joke would provoke such a strong reaction from Zhou Yuanxiao. They all instinctively gathered around Zhou Yuanxiao. "Brother Zhou, what is the matter with you?" Hua Xiongmao asked with concern.

Chen Ke tentatively said: "Brother Zhou, there is no obstacle in this world that cannot be overcome. If you feel that everyone gets along well and can cooperate, then pull yourself together. The past, whether you liked it or not, is over. We must look forward, right?"

Literary youth, you have been overseas for many years, so it is likely that you have not made the acquaintance of any heroes from the martial world, nor have you witnessed such matters. Those heroes of the martial world speak of loyalty, but it is all nonsense. What they value is face. Whether they are heroes or cowards, they first put on a show of bravado to intimidate you. Do not let them scare you, and you will be fine

Chen Ke ignored Hua Xiongmao's interjection, stifled his laughter, and continued, "After we finished our evening study session, one classmate went to the restroom. At that moment, another classmate came in to urinate in the dark, and the classmate in the restroom shouted like a swimmer, 'Wang... Wang Tongle.' Wang Tongle was so frightened that he asked, 'Who are you?' Then the classmate in the restroom replied, 'I am your father.'" After saying this, Wang Tongle was terrified again and asked, 'Who are you?' The classmate in the restroom repeated, 'I am your father.' After this, Chen Ke could no longer hold back and burst into laughter. Hua Xiongmao also laughed heartily after hearing it, while You Qiao laughed and jumped over to hit Chen Ke.

The work plan has been completed, and Chen Ke did not decline. Six people gathered around the table. Chen Ke began to discuss "Das Kapital." The key content of the first volume of "Das Kapital" is surplus value. Following what the political teacher had taught back in the day, Chen Ke started to explain it simply. Back then, students found political classes to be excruciating, but this time Chen Ke's lecture was somewhat different. Since they were all colleagues, Chen Ke used a dyeing workshop as an example to discuss commodities, means of production, labor power, and social average production time. He explained how this dyeing business could earn profits higher than others by lowering costs and increasing production efficiency.

Recalling the time when Chen Ke instigated He Yifa, it truly brought upon himself a humiliation. Wu Xingchen began to toast and serve dishes to Hua Xiongmao, completely leaving Chen Ke aside. Hua Xiongmao was well aware of these underworld customs; after sharing a drink with Wu Xingchen and tasting a dish, he smiled and said: "Brother Wu, originally my intention was that, as the hall master of the Tiandi Society, we should simply pay our respects according to the proper etiquette. However, Wenqing holds you in high regard, saying that you are a person of significance and certainly wish to establish a connection with you. Since Wenqing is in charge here, and he has said so, I can only comply. Hehe."

This time we are opting for affordability, utilizing a large number of channels. When the fabric is inexpensive, there are buyers; with increased volume, the cost per item can also be reduced

Wu Xingchen indulged in a lavish feast while observing Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao's performances with keen clarity. He secretly laughed at how inexperienced Chen Ke was, as his true nature was revealed with just a slight test. He was also somewhat curious; when he first met Chen Ke, the latter had appeared astute and capable, which was in stark contrast to the petty individual he saw now. What had transpired over the past few days? Or was it possible that everything Chen Ke had done previously was merely an act, with the true mastermind being the individual beside him, Hua Xiongmao? He was also somewhat curious; when he first met Chen Ke, the latter had appeared astute and capable, which was in stark contrast to the petty individual he saw now. What had transpired over the past few days? Or was it possible that everything Chen Ke had done previously was merely an act, with the true mastermind being the individual beside him, Hua Xiongmao?

Zheng Lan, thank you very much this time. Chen Ke expressed his gratitude

After hearing this, Chen Ke couldn't help but burst into laughter. He completely disregarded You Gao's furious gaze and continued to laugh heartily. Once he had laughed enough, Chen Ke said: "Brother Zhou, it is only in the past year or two that I have been able to truly laugh from the heart. In earlier years, I either felt deep regret, my heart twisted in pain, and wished for death, or I was like you, listless and devoid of energy. I dared not think of anything, nor did I dare to do anything. Once I came to understand these things, and recalled the actions I took in the past, all I could do was laugh out loud. How pitiful I was back then, how ridiculous! What I did back then surely would have ruined everything, yet I was so blinded that I did it anyway, and I had no regrets at all."

"Hehe. Zhenglan, let's not talk big for now; getting the dyeing done is the priority at hand." Chen Ke did not believe that, as a time traveler, he could single-handedly bring peace to the world. The unfamiliar environment of 1905 filled Chen Ke with a sense of unease, and he had expended great effort to conceal this discomfort. Regardless of whether the revolution would ultimately succeed, at least he could manage the tasks at hand. The unfamiliar environment of 1905 filled Chen Ke with a sense of unease, and he had expended great effort to conceal this discomfort. Regardless of whether the revolution would ultimately succeed, at least he could manage the tasks at hand. Without the current accumulation, there would be no future to speak of.

Qi Huishen sighed deeply and said, "What Brother Wenqing speaks of is indeed based on the nation. This perspective is quite ambitious." Upon saying this, Qi Huishen patted his pocket, and the copper coins emitted a low, clinking sound. "On one hand, I am earning money, and on the other, I can listen to such exquisite discourse. I have truly profited!"

"If the quantity increases, how does it become cheaper?" asked the traveler.

After speaking, Chen Ke was about to walk out when he felt Zhou Yuankai's damp hand gripping his wrist. Chen Ke pulled hard, and Zhou Yuankai was already standing up. At this moment, he had stopped crying and wiped his eyes with his sleeve. Zhou Yuankai said, "Let's go out for tea together"

How can He Yifa be compared to Brother Wu? He is far inferior.

Once the money was in hand, the accounts were settled, including the wages for Qi Huishen and He Zudao. Qi Huishen patted his pocket, which was filled with clinking copper coins, and said with a smile: "Brother Wenqing, the money is in hand, so the lecture should begin now, right"

"The restroom still requires lighting, how extravagant and excessive." said Hua Xiong.

Chen Ke was at a loss for words in response to Hua Xiongmao's aspirations. Historically, the Communist Party, despite having a base of one hundred million people, saw the Nationalist Party, which was numerically superior by several times, disintegrate into nothingness. The new China, with its weak national strength, still managed to push the Americans back to the 38th parallel during the Korean War. If, at the beginning of the 20th century, there had truly been four hundred million Chinese participating in the revolution, China would have been capable of shaking the entire world. However, the immense labor and sacrifices required in this process were not something Chen Ke wished to elaborate on to Hua Xiongmao.

Hua Xiongmao mediated for Chen Ke, allowing Chen Ke to finally find his original path. He asked, "Brother Wu, when you last sought me, besides wanting to take advantage of the situation, did you have any other intentions?"

Thank you, Zhenglan, for recounting this matter

"What benefit is there in not looking for it?" Wu Xingchen asked with a mocking smile

Regret is quite normal. Brother Zhou, regret is quite normal. When we were in middle school, we studied "The Memorial of the Yueyang Tower," which states that one should not be elated by external gains or saddened by personal losses. As long as it involves one's own wealth and status, everyone will experience joy or sorrow. Anyone who does not feel joy or sorrow, anyone who believes they should not feel joy or sorrow over their own gains and losses, that person... that person is simply anti-human. " Chen Ke said slowly, weighing his words. Anyone who does not feel joy or sorrow, anyone who believes they should not feel joy or sorrow over their own gains and losses, that person... that person is simply anti-human. " Chen Ke said slowly, weighing his words. Zhou Yuanxiao lowered his head, and his rapid and unstable breathing gradually calmed down

For the liberation of China, the Communist Party sacrificed 3.5 million members. In the history of humanity, no organization has ever paid such a high price for the independence of a nation. In a situation where there was a generational gap in weaponry and industrial strength compared to the enemy, it was through such unprecedented sacrifices that the liberation of China was achieved. Chen Ke was never a person who was courageous or willing to sacrifice. In the face of a revolutionary path where death could occur at any moment, Chen Ke had no confidence in himself. Empathizing with others, Chen Ke did not believe that Hua Xiongmao was the kind of person who would "throw back his head and howl at the sky, then charge forward to die"—a simple-minded individual.

... ...

"Literary youth, I have some matters I would like to consult you about." Zhou Yuanxiao's voice carried a subtle enthusiasm

Although Chen Ke's jokes were quite rude, they nonetheless brought joy to everyone. After Zhou Yuanxiao caused a commotion, a sense of unease settled among the group. The young men gathered around the table, and after taking a sip of tea, Zhou Yuanxiao spoke softly: "Wenqing, I have made some mistakes in the past and squandered my family fortune. I even caused my father's death from worry. Before he passed away, my father told me that if things go wrong, one must take responsibility. If the method of accounting is incorrect, it is certain to lead to failure. Later, I felt as if I were living in a dream every day. Each time I tried to pull myself together, I would remember my father's words before he died, and it would feel like I was dreaming again. Then I met you, Wenqing, and I felt a deep connection with you; looking at you was like seeing my former self. Working with you has truly been a joy. Whatever I want to do, whatever I think of, you see it all, and without me saying a word, you can do it as I wish. After hearing what you shared today, I suddenly understood where I had gone wrong in the past. Listening to your jokes, I felt as if I had awakened."

Although Qi Huishen has not been here for long, the friendship he has formed is genuine. His interactions with everyone have been quite harmonious. He Zuda, a newcomer who just arrived today, is hesitant to speak much, yet seems eager to say something, his face slightly flushed. On the other hand, Zhou Yuanxiao, while still silent, has shed his usual indifference, and his gaze is sharp to the point of being intimidating.

At this point, Zhou Yuanxiao clutched his chest and gasped for a moment before continuing, "Wenqing, over the years I have felt an overwhelming sense of regret. I wish I could just die. But then again, I don't really want to die; I want to revive the family business. Yet, just thinking about it feels like my heart is being torn apart by knives. Wenqing, do you have any advice that could enlighten me?"

Zhou Yuanxiao simply cried out loud, ignoring Hua Xiongmao. You Gao grabbed Zhou Yuanxiao's shoulders, shaking him while asking, "Brother Zhou, are you alright? Please don't scare me." Zhou Yuanxiao allowed You Gao to shake his shoulders but continued to cry.

Do not rejoice over material gains, nor grieve over personal losses. Worry for the troubles of the world before your own, and rejoice in the happiness of the world after your own. Hua Xiongmao picked up his backpack

Zhou Yuanxiao's breathing had completely returned to normal. He sighed, "I used to not understand these things. I still don't understand them now. Wenqing, you are right; every time I think about the thousands of taels of silver I squandered, and remember my father who died of anger because of me, my heart aches as if it is being twisted. I can't do anything at all." Zhou Yuanxiao raised his head, tears shimmering in his eyes, "Wenqing, how can you understand these things? Perhaps you have never regretted anything in your life?"

Upon returning to the workshop, work resumed. Around four o'clock in the afternoon, a friend of Hua Xiongmao brought money to the workshop to collect the fabric. Upon seeing one hundred bolts of fabric that had already been dyed, as well as the fabric hanging throughout the courtyard, the businessman named Wu Qixian was greatly impressed

Wu Xingchen glanced at Chen Ke and noticed that he had returned to his usual demeanor. His assessment of Chen Ke rose a bit higher in his mind. Moreover, since Chen Ke was able to befriend someone like Hua Xiongmao, he might indeed have a promising future. With this thought, Wu Xingchen nodded and said, "If Brother Chen has any requests, feel free to come to me. I shall be awaiting your esteemed presence". Although the words were polite, they carried a significant weight.

Well, no need to thank me. I was just wanting to hear the intellectuals talk about revolution. Last time at Mr. Cai's place, when the intellectuals spoke of revolution, I was filled with fervor. With forty million people in the world wanting revolution, who can stop this momentum? If I could truly witness such a world and lead so many people to revolution, my life would be worth it.

Chen Kefang released his hand, suppressing a laugh as he said: "In the past... when I was in middle school, there were no electric lights in the restroom..."

Upon hearing this, You Gao slightly nodded, Hua Xiong did not express any opinion, and Qi Hui lowered his head in deep thought. After a while, Zhou Yuan asked again, "Does Wen Qing think I have a chance for redemption"

Seeing the tall figure completely blocking the door, Chen Ke stood up with a beaming smile and welcomed him, "Brother Wu, you have indeed arrived"

Before dinner, Qi Huishen and He Zuda stood up to bid farewell and returned home

Chen Kegang stated that today's lesson has concluded, and Hua Xiongmao could no longer contain himself, exclaiming: "To engage in business involves such knowledge. I have never heard of this before!"

Chen Ke then advised Zhou Yuanxiao, "Brother Zhou, whether you like it or not, you went to bed last night and woke up to a new day. Let's go out first; after you've finished crying, we can come out for a cup of tea. We will definitely not make fun of you. We are all friends."

Watching Wu Xingchen devour his meal with such abandon, Chen Ke indeed felt a pang of regret. So far, the dyeing business had been doing quite well, but this one meal had cost Chen Ke a significant amount of money. While he could afford this meal, the thought of how much it had cost him made him uneasy. Wu Xingchen's future demands would surely not be low.

Steadying himself, Chen Kecai continued after seeing that his words had some effect on Zhou Yuanxiao: "When it rains, the rainwater falls down. If the wind blows at this time, the rainwater will not fall straight down. If you don't carry an umbrella, or if you don't tilt the umbrella, you will definitely get wet. Brother Zhou, you are not the only one who will get wet; anyone who does this will get wet. What is there to regret? What use is regret?" Brother Zhou, you are not the only one who will get wet; anyone who does this will get wet. What is there to regret? What use is regret?"

Chen Ke pointed to the newly installed small machines and said, "So many items require money. Assuming we spend 50 taels to acquire these items, the cost of dyeing one bolt of cloth would be 50 taels plus the price of one bolt of cloth. If we dye 100 bolts of cloth, the cost per bolt would be five cents plus the price of one bolt of cloth. Thus, the more cloth we produce, the lower the cost per bolt becomes"

This statement awakened Chen Ke. Since he wanted to befriend Wu Xingchen, he should adhere to proper etiquette. He invited Wu Xingchen to dinner and even complained about him eating too much. If others were to hear this, they would probably laugh at him. Thinking of this, Chen Ke felt quite ashamed. Just as he had firmly decided to carry out his own ideas, he ended up making such a big joke, leaving him feeling somewhat at a loss.

Chen Ke leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, and said earnestly: "Brother Zhou, come join me in the revolution." This sudden shift in topic left those around him astonished. Chen Ke's leap in thought exceeded everyone's imagination.

Zhou Yuanxiao composed himself and elaborated on several issues regarding the management of enterprises to Chen Ke. After listening, Chen Ke smiled slightly and said, "What Brother Zhou means is to improve the quality of the products and expect to sell them at a high price. This must be based on market research. To return to the earlier point, if the dyed fabric cannot be sold, then it cannot be considered a commodity. A commodity refers to goods that have completed a transaction. We dye fabric to sell it, not just to produce something good and call it a day." To return to the earlier point, if the dyed fabric cannot be sold, then it cannot be considered a commodity. A commodity refers to goods that have completed a transaction. We dye fabric to sell it, not just to produce something good and call it a day.

The conversation here can be considered complete. What surprised Chen Ke was that although Wu Xingchen ordered a lot of dishes, he finished them all completely. As the saying goes, "One knows how many bowls of rice one can eat," and this alone made Chen Ke quite impressed.

"Last time I couldn't manage to do it, and this time I still have ideas. Isn't this just asking for trouble?" Wu Xingchen said with a cold smile

After the event concluded, Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao walked back together

Hua Xiongmao's candid remarks left Wu Xingchen feeling contemplative. Although Hua Xiongmao was quite blunt, everything he said was enough to prove that he was a good brother. When a friend made a mistake, Hua Xiongmao immediately stepped in to rectify it. Reflecting on the troublesome matters that He Yifa had caused, Wu Xingchen felt a surge of anger. He let out a cold laugh and said, "Since Brother Hua has said so, what advice does Mr. Chen have for me this time?"

For Wu Xingchen, since this meal is being treated by Chen Ke, there is no reason to spare any expense on Chen Ke's behalf. Chen Ke specifically invited him to dinner, which surely indicates that he has a request. If Wu Xingchen were to act overly cautious, it would only lead Chen Ke to underestimate him. As the saying goes, a strong dragon does not suppress a local snake. No matter how capable Chen Ke may be, he would not dare to take action against the leader of the Tiandi Society. Moreover, such an extravagant and disrespectful way of dining incurs significant costs. If Chen Ke truly has a request, then Wu Xingchen can certainly charge him more in the future. Regardless of Chen Ke's capabilities, he would not dare to confront the leader of the Tiandi Society. Additionally, this kind of impolite dining is quite costly; if a meal requires such an expenditure, then Wu Xingchen would certainly demand even more for his assistance.

Chen Ke knew that he had accidentally let something slip, and at that moment, he was extremely grateful that he had not fabricated a background for himself. "A lie requires countless other lies to cover it up." He never mentioned his origins, and even if he occasionally let something slip today, it was still the truth. Even if someone were to collect these truths with intent, they could not arrive at any contradictory facts. As long as he did not disclose his background, these slips of the tongue would not reveal any flaws. "A lie requires countless other lies to cover it up." He never mentioned his origins, and even if he occasionally let something slip today, it was still the truth. Even if someone were to collect these truths with intent, they could not arrive at any contradictory facts. As long as he did not disclose his background, these slips of the tongue would not reveal any flaws.

Indeed, indeed. We must look ahead, " said Hua Xiongmao quickly.

Zhou Yuanxiao and You Gao declined the invitation to dine out, citing the need to oversee the workshop as their reason. Qi Huishen and He Zuda also politely turned down the dinner invitation. Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao accompanied Wu Xingchen to the same restaurant as last time. Unlike before, Wu Xingchen was silent this time, simply ordering whatever dishes he found appealing. The tall and robust Wu Xingchen had an appetite that matched his stature; he drank heartily and ate meat voraciously, requesting additional servings of any dish he enjoyed. If one were to observe his manner, it would seem as though Wu Xingchen was the host. The tall and robust Wu Xingchen had an appetite that matched his stature; he drank heartily and ate meat voraciously, requesting additional servings of any dish he enjoyed. If one were to observe his manner, it would seem as though Wu Xingchen was the host.

Chen Ke's face flushed slightly, "Brother Wu, I currently don't have much money. This time the hospitality is rather humble. However, this does not mean that I will always be short of money in the future. I have always believed that having more friends opens up more paths; with a friend like you, Brother Wu, my path becomes broader. Don't you think so?"

The vocabulary definitions at the beginning were acceptable, but when it came to the later discussion on corporate operations, He Zudaomian and Zhou Yuankai displayed shyness and indifference, respectively, without any notable performance. You Gao, Hua Xiongmao, and Qi Hui Shen were thoroughly excited. In particular, Hua Xiongmao was practically fidgeting, standing up one moment and sitting down the next.

Please speak, Brother Zhou

Upon thinking of this, Chen Ke felt somewhat hesitant. At that moment, Hua Xiongmao suddenly laughed and said, "Brother Wu, feel free to eat. Although our brothers are tight on funds, this meal is still a small matter."

I wish to engage in a business transaction with Brother Wu in the future, a transaction that Brother Wu can certainly handle. If there are any disturbances on the Bund, they will not escape Brother Wu's notice; I will purchase some information from him. " After saying this, Chen Ke added, "If Brother Wu has any other opportunities for collaboration, I would certainly be willing as well.

Zhou Yuanxiao was suddenly taken aback upon hearing these words

Chen Ke paid no attention to Wu Xingchen's mocking tone and said with a smile, "Let's eat, let's eat. Everyone go eat together."

At the beginning of the lecture, You Qiao originally intended to rest her head on the pillow and doze off. However, after listening for a short while, she became quite alert. As she heard some key points, she couldn't help but pound her fist on the pillow. At that moment, she struck the pillow forcefully, producing a dull sound. Dissatisfied with the volume, she slammed her hands on the table a few times, exclaiming, "Literary youth, say more, say more!" As she heard some key points, she couldn't help but pound her fist on the pillow. At that moment, she struck the pillow forcefully, producing a dull sound. Dissatisfied with the volume, she slammed her hands on the table a few times, exclaiming, "Literary youth, say more, say more!"

Chen Ke understands that in this day and age, there are hardly any business studies programs in China, and naturally, it is even less likely to discuss any theories of capital. These young individuals originally come from respectable backgrounds, and after hearing these so-called 'ordinary' principles from later generations, they cannot help but be moved.

"Brother Chen, how could I dare not to come when you have graciously invited me?" Wu Xingchen said with a smile that did not reach his eyes

Everyone nodded in agreement, yet Zhou Yuanxiao remained silent, his face turning pale. After a moment, he returned to his usual demeanor

"I did not attend much of a middle school when I was young, nor did I study much of the 'Memorial of Yueyang Tower.'" Youqiao looked at Chen Ke with some suspicion, "Brother Chen, where did you attend middle school?"

Youqiao curiously asked, "What happened to you, literary youth?"

"I am, after all, the leader. If Brother Chen wants me to do something, I am not so easily manipulated. It seems that Brother Chen feels pained just by treating me to a meal. In the future, if I were to assist Brother Chen, I fear it would be beyond my capabilities." Wu Xingchen's tone was filled with mockery.