Chapter 6, In London

Thank you very much. Zhang Cheng was immediately overjoyed.

"Please wait a moment." The beautiful young lady at the cash register glanced at Zhang Cheng and then turned to walk into a room nearby

After giving a tip to send the waiter away, Zhang Cheng changed into brand new clothes, and he appeared exceptionally energetic and tidy.

"Sir, we have arrived," a breathless voice called Zhang Cheng back from the sea of thoughts

This is the south bank of the Thames, in the southern district of London. According to the provisions of the London Treaty, a large territory was granted as a 'concession' to the Ming Empire. After years of development, this area rapidly became the financial center of all Europe and a sleepless city filled with extravagance. It is a place that all Europeans dream of visiting

Italians, Gypsies, Slavs, North Africans, and various other impoverished Europeans of different skin colors are crammed into the third-class cabin, where there is hardly even a place to step. To say that people are packed together is an understatement. There are no bathrooms here, let alone toilets. The only option for relief is a large, foul-smelling wooden barrel that could suffocate a person. After boarding the ship, Zhang Cheng, who had been holding back, immediately vomited upon seeing that large barrel.

"Sir, sir. For just 3 shillings, you can ride in my rickshaw to any place in the South City! Just 3 shillings!" A blond-haired, blue-eyed boy, no more than fifteen or sixteen years old, dressed in rags and looking gaunt, hurriedly followed behind Zhang Cheng, hoping that Zhang Cheng would take a seat in his rickshaw.

On the wide street, luxurious four-wheeled carriages drawn by fine horses race by. Amid the sound of jingling bells, a streetcar filled with people slowly passes through the street. Towering skyscrapers line both sides of the street, with shops displaying neon advertisements stretching from one end to the other. Well-dressed men and elegantly adorned women linger in the streets and shops. In the corners by the street, ragged beggars huddle together, gazing enviously at this prosperous world, dreaming of the day they might become a part of it. Well-dressed men and elegantly adorned women linger in the streets and shops. In the corners by the street, ragged beggars huddle together, gazing enviously at this prosperous world, dreaming of the day they might become a part of it.

Zhang Cheng witnessed a corpulent man, dressed in luxurious attire, from the Huaxia culture, getting into a rickshaw. He casually tossed the remaining part of his cigarette onto the ground, which immediately incited a scramble among a dozen or so people nearby

Not long after, a middle-aged man dressed elegantly, wearing a large ring on his finger and with a composed demeanor, stepped out. "I am Xu Mu, the owner of Blue Rose."

The rickshaw, which was occupied by a large-bellied man who appeared to weigh at least 200 pounds, was being pulled by a peer of similar age to the blond-haired, blue-eyed child in front of him. This scene, with its strong sense of déjà vu, made Zhang Cheng feel a dryness in his mouth. An inexplicable emotion surged within him

I am Captain Du Feng of the Third Regiment of the Milan Governor's Garrison, who was introduced by him. When the person at the cash register asked Zhang Cheng for his identification documents, Zhang Cheng presented the letter of introduction that Captain Du Feng had given him

Since arriving in this world over a month ago, I have been engaged in training, marching, and going to the battlefield. After finishing the battle, I hurriedly boarded a cruise ship to London without much tidying up, and I am staying in a dirty and chaotic third-class cabin. At this moment, Zhang Cheng's appearance can definitely be described as disheveled

A huge sign stands beside the gate, with a large sentence written in both Chinese and English: "Barbarians and dogs are not allowed to enter!"

I understand. After reading the introduction letter, Boss Xu put it away directly and looked at Zhang Cheng with a smile. Since you were introduced by Du Feng, there will be no problem. You can stay here for now, and I will help you resolve the issue regarding your identity.

It is indeed just a small favor. To be able to open such a high-end hotel in the chaotic concession area of London, one must have some means, otherwise, how could it be possible? In the colonies, obtaining an identity for the Chinese is truly a simple matter.

Being a mercenary whom no one cares about means that no one will ask for your identification. As long as you can fight and are not afraid of death, that is sufficient. However, upon arriving in this most prosperous city of Europe, the magical capital, which is the core area of the Great Ming Empire in Europe, many things cannot be accomplished without identification. For instance, one cannot stay at a high-end hotel like the Blue Rose Hotel. At this moment, the introduction from acquaintances becomes extremely useful. One cannot stay at a high-end hotel like the Blue Rose Hotel. At this moment, the introduction from acquaintances becomes extremely useful.

Feeling on the verge of madness, Zhang Cheng immediately approached the first officer to request a ticket change and cabin upgrade. Unfortunately, all the tickets for the cabins on this cruise ship had been sold out. Not only were they sold out, but the ship was also severely overloaded. Fortunately, the first officer, seeing that Zhang Cheng was a genuine Huaxia person and having received a bribe of two silver dollars from him, readily and obsequiously arranged for him to stay in the third-class cabin supervisor's room. Although the conditions were still not great, they were indeed a world apart compared to the cabins outside. Thus, Zhang Cheng endured the journey from Genoa to London.

Tightening the backpack on his body, he stood by the ship's railing, gazing at the towering skyscrapers in the distance, observing the massive fleet of ships crisscrossing the river, watching the enormous chimneys belching black smoke that turned London into a city of fog, and taking in the scene of extreme prosperity. Zhang Cheng nodded in satisfaction; this was indeed the paradise for adventurers.

Zhang Cheng was originally tall and strong, and he had not neglected fitness during his school years and military service. Moreover, having recently been on the battlefield and seen bloodshed, his demeanor and spirit, once tidied up, were completely incomparable to when he had just disembarked.

Amidst the piercing sound of the whistle, a cruise ship from the Mediterranean slowly docked at the banks of the Thames.

Oh. Zhang Cheng came to his senses, picked up his bag, and got off the rickshaw. He looked at the blond boy, who was panting heavily, his clothes soaked with sweat, hunched over with a hopeful expression. Zhang Cheng sighed softly in his heart and took out a silver dollar from his pocket, tossing it over. "No need for change."

Zhang Cheng has indeed dug his own grave. When he left Genoa, he had less than 300 silver dollars on him, so naturally, he was reluctant to spend much. Observing that a first-class cabin on the cruise from Genoa to London cost 10 to 15 silver dollars, while a third-class cabin only cost 4, Zhang Cheng, who had also taken ferries in the modern era, thoughtlessly chose the cheaper cabin. However, he forgot the era in which he currently found himself. In the modern era, he had also taken ferries, and thus he thoughtlessly chose the cheaper cabin. However, he forgot the era in which he currently found himself.

"Sir, your clothes." The waiter looked at Zhang Cheng, who had just opened the door, in surprise and handed over the garments in his hand

The razor skillfully danced, and hair and beard fell away in swift motions. In no time, a refreshing short crop and a clean, tidy chin were restored

Hello, sir. The previous Indian manager bent even lower in greeting Zhang Cheng, who appeared invigorated.

Hello, my name is Zhang Cheng. After responding, Zhang Cheng handed over the letter of introduction that Captain Du Feng had given him.

Amid the joyful expressions of gratitude from the blonde boy, Zhang Cheng strode into the elegantly decorated Blue Rose Hotel.

The sound of rustling ... ... '

Good afternoon, sir," greeted a well-dressed hall manager, who approached with an elegant bow. At the same time, he slightly tilted his head, and a friendly smile instantly turned serious. He signaled to a nearby local waiter with flaxen hair, who appeared somewhat dazed, urging him to come over quickly to take the luggage.

Glancing at the sky, it is still too early to eat. As for sleeping, after taking a shower, I am not at all sleepy. After some thought, Zhang Cheng decided to go out for a stroll. After all, this is a big city that was renowned in his previous life. When he had no money, he had no opportunity to travel, and now that he is here, how can he waste time in a hotel? Moreover, there is no girl to accompany him! When he had no money, he had no opportunity to travel, and now that he is here, how can he waste time in a hotel? Moreover, there is no girl to accompany him!

Ding dong ... ... ding dong ... ... The doorbell rang, and Zhang Cheng put down his razor, picked up his bathrobe, wrapped it around his waist, and walked towards the front door

Zhang Cheng, who had just arrived at the dock, glanced at the long line of rickshaws queued up by the roadside not far away. Observing the genuine Europeans, he noticed the elderly, children, and strong men among them. He watched as they squatted on the ground, eagerly gazing at the disembarking passengers while also searching the surroundings for cigarette butts

When Zhang Cheng walked into the third-class cabin on the lowest level of the cruise ship, the impoverished people from various parts of Europe all looked at him with an expression of disbelief. They could not comprehend why a person from Huaxia would reside in a cabin filled with the lowly.

After boarding the ship, Zhang Cheng regretted it deeply. The third-class cabin is truly worse than a pigsty

Upon exiting the hotel, he raised his hand to hail a rickshaw. "Sir, where are you headed?" inquired the rickshaw puller. Without further ado, the prevalence of Mandarin here, after so many years of colonization by the Ming Empire, is undoubtedly remarkable.

Zhang Cheng looked at the scene before him with a sense of helplessness, the strong sense of déjà vu prompting him to shake his head vigorously. The local Englishmen were the waiters doing odd jobs, while the Indian man with his head wrapped was the manager of the hall. Zhang Cheng directed his gaze towards the cash register. Sure enough, all those sitting there drinking tea were people from Huaxia

However, even with such a countenance that would make anyone frown upon seeing it, Zhang Cheng walked into this lavishly decorated hotel without anyone stepping forward to stop him or showing any signs of discontent. The reason is quite simple: he is of Huaxia descent. At this moment in Europe, a Huaxia person is considered a person of high status. Zhang Cheng does not need to present any identification; his face serves as his passport. Although now it is covered with a beard and appears quite unkempt. Zhang Cheng does not need to present any identification; his face serves as his passport. Although now it is covered with a beard and appears quite unkempt

Sir, I suggest you visit Central Park. It is currently the transition from late summer to early autumn, and the scenery there is truly beautiful. The carriage driver spoke while displaying an expression of infinite longing and enchantment.

After a little over ten minutes, the rickshaw brought Zhang Cheng to Central Park. Upon getting off, Zhang Cheng was stunned as he looked at the exceptionally grand entrance of the park that had been constructed.

Captain Du Feng and Xu Mu were classmates, and their relationship was good due to their comparable family backgrounds. Du Feng was very pleased with Zhang Cheng's performance on the battlefield, and upon learning that Zhang Cheng was coming to London, he took the initiative to contact his classmates to ask for a small favor.

Go to Nancheng Chang'an Street, Blue Rose Hotel. After tidying up his emotions, Zhang Cheng took a ride in the rickshaw driven by the blond boy in front of him

He turned on the hot shower, and thick steam quickly enveloped the bathroom. After comfortably washing himself all over and scrubbing away a floor full of dirt, Zhang Cheng turned off the shower, picked up the razor from the washstand, and began to groom himself and shave in front of the mirror.

Hmm. Zhang Cheng nodded and said, "Let's go there."

Are there any places with nice scenery around here? Zhang Cheng, sitting in the rickshaw, pondered for a moment before asking.

"Bastard, I will never travel in third class again in my life!" Zhang Cheng, with a dark expression, stood on the deck, taking deep breaths of fresh air. Even the foul-smelling sea breeze was a thousand times better than the nauseating and terrifying odor in third class.

Zhang Cheng entered the elevator and arrived at a suite that featured a bathroom, a shower, and a balcony. After giving several large denomination banknotes to the waiter to purchase new clothes for him, Zhang Cheng, disregarding the fatigue from several days of swaying on the ship, hurriedly took off his clothes and walked into the bathroom