Chapter 2: Doubt

It seems that these two siblings are indeed quite similar, both being bold and reckless individuals

It has been almost three months since I returned to my home country

Anzi, what do you want to do

"He has left, Old Cai!"

Thank you, I understand

Among these anti-Japanese elements, aside from some civilian organizations and gang members, the only ones with a well-organized structure are those from Chongqing and Yan'an

"I heard someone on the sofa outside, tossing and turning several times. Am I disturbing you here?" Meng Fanxing asked apologetically

Take off all your clothes first

Anzi, please wait for me a moment

Who would have thought that she suddenly returned and even changed her name? Her original name was not Meng Fanxing, but Meng Junmei.

"Do not misunderstand, I do not mean to drive you away," Lu Xiyan said sincerely. "I just hope you can regard me as your friend. Although I am merely a doctor who can only treat illnesses, I can still be of assistance if you need it."

Meng Hao is a person who is quite understanding. Usually, he is carefree and casual, but his thoughts are like his father's, which are meticulous despite their rough exterior. In the French Concession's Beitang Police Station, he is renowned for his title of "Little Detective".

Noon

"Anzi, what should I do? I must go out today," Meng Fanxing said with a frown

After finishing with the laundry, Lu Xiyan went directly to the department store. Although the small clinic does not earn much, his elderly parents left him some family assets, most of which are buried underground.

Get up, put on a coat, and walk into the study

Forget it, I will not make things difficult for you. From childhood to adulthood, you have always been a person with strong opinions and do not need others to worry about you

You are going out, but the streets are not very safe. Moreover, that day you wore this outfit while walking outside; what if someone recognizes you?

Unless it is a secret capture, the Japanese dare not arrest people in broad daylight in the French Concession, as the French are quite proud and value their reputation

"In that case, when are you going out?" Lu Xiyan asked

Indeed, on such a cold day, it is still warm here with the boiler running. May I come in to ask for a cup of hot water? Lu Xiyan entered a hot water room, carrying a medical bag and rubbing his hands together.

"How much do you need to borrow?" Lu Xiyan frowned slightly, not because he was unwilling, but because he did not know what Meng Fanxing needed the money for

rice porridge, deep-fried dough sticks, and a few side dishes from the list

Subsequently, Lu Xiyan brought Meng Fanxing back to his home

Is it necessary to do it today

I will leave in a couple of days

However, he is very concerned about Meng Fanxing's safety in the future, after all, they grew up together since childhood, and when they were young, their families even joked about arranging a marriage between them

After five years apart, no one expected that the two childhood friends would meet under such circumstances. Without hesitation, Lu Xiyan grabbed Meng Fanxing and rushed into an alley.

"Doctor Lu, are you making another house call?"

Is there five dollars?

Passing by the hot water room

I pulled a book from the shelf, just sat down, and after flipping through a few pages, I heard a faint sound of footsteps. Meng Fanxing entered with a cup of hot water.

Take care, Dr. Lu

Your mother... if it tastes good, eat more. It's cold, and with an empty stomach, one cannot endure! Lu Xiyan retracted his words; having been away from home for more than three years, Meng Fanxing was not well-informed about the situation at home.

All of these decisions were made by Lu Xiyan after a night of meticulous contemplation

Two days ago in the afternoon, Lu Xiyan received a call from a patient requesting a house visit. Upon returning...

Yes

Meng Fanxing has finished washing up and has come out

His already tumultuous life became even more chaotic

They were able to escape successfully

Dangdang

Ah...

Meng Fanxing was unwilling to return home, and he could understand that being pursued by the Japanese was certainly related to the 'anti-Japanese elements,' especially since her brother was a constable in the French Concession

Although this small clinic does not seem to have much business, a variety of people come in every day, representing all walks of life. The French Concession is now a place where fish and dragons are mixed together.

Several Japanese plainclothes officers armed with weapons were chasing a woman in a gray trench coat along Kafei Road towards Baochang Road. The woman was in a state of panic, barefoot, and the biting cold wind was piercing.

"Stay at home, wait for my return, and wear my pajamas. Later, I will buy you a new set." Lu Xiyan took Meng Fanxing's clothes and left with his bag.

"Meimei, our families have been friends for generations, can you give me an honest answer?" Lu Xiyan put down the book in his hand and asked earnestly

There should be none, Meng Fanxing thought for a moment and said

Meng Fanxing's identity is still uncertain to him in which aspect. He is somewhat aware of the domestic political situation, especially in a place like Shanghai, where if you are attentive, you can hear what you want to hear

Lu Xiyan could not sleep, whether it was due to the cold and hard nature of the sofa or because he had something on his mind

There is no other choice; being alone abroad, one cannot get used to the foreign bread, so one has to force oneself to make do. I can only prepare some simple dishes. Lu Xiyan cheerfully took the apron, sat down, and served Meng Fanxing a bowl.

Lu Xiyan's parents perished during the Japanese army's attack on Shanghai, dying in the Zhabei bombing. Their bodies were buried beneath the rubble, and by the time they were discovered, they were unrecognizable.

"Hmm. " Meng Fanxing said while drinking porridge and taking a bite of the fried dough stick, "Brother Anzi, I would like to go out today. Could you lend me some money?"

... ...

At that time, he was still in France, and the subsequent matters were all handled with the assistance of the Meng family father and son

Aren't you going out? The Japanese will not let it go easily. Just in case, apart from the underwear inside, you must dispose of this outfit. I will go out shortly and buy you a new set. They haven't seen your face, have they?

The relationship is somewhat complicated, and Lu Xiyan does not know whether he should tell Meng Hao the truth. However, during dinner, even though the words were on the tip of his tongue, he still swallowed them back.

The house is gone, but there is still some money left in the bank. After dismissing the household staff, I used the remaining funds to lease this small building and opened a small clinic

Is there something?

"This is really fragrant, Brother Anzi, did you make all of this?"

Not related by blood, yet closer than family

The clock struck eleven times

Meng Fanxing did not speak, and it was not appropriate to press for answers.

Anzi Ge, I..." Meng Fanxing suddenly fell silent, as there were some things she could not say; otherwise, she would not have to be afraid to return home.

"Anzi, this is really good, your skills are almost on par with my mother's!" Meng Fanxing took a small sip and raised his thumb in surprise

You are awake, I just went out to buy some fried dough sticks, and I have cooked porridge in the pot. Please wash up and come over for breakfast. In the morning, Lu Xiyan had already prepared breakfast and set the chopsticks.

That is good. This is the French Concession, and the Japanese have no evidence. Even if they know it is you, they cannot do anything about it said Lu Xiyan

In the blink of an eye, a bundle of clothes was reduced to ashes in the raging fire. Although it was somewhat regrettable, there are times when one must eliminate all potential future troubles.

The old sofa in the living room is indeed uncomfortable for sleeping; it is not only small but also cold and hard. After just two nights of sleeping on it, Lu Xiyan already feels aches and pains all over his back and waist

Lu Xiyan shook his head and sighed. For the past three years, there had been no news of Meng Fanxing. Meng Xiangsheng and his son Meng Hao had sought help from everywhere to find her, but there had been no results, and they had come to assume that she had died outside long ago

There is no need to be so troublesome, a cup of hot water will suffice

Later, the police from the French Concession arrived and clashed with the Japanese plainclothes officers

"Look, Doctor Lu, what you said, just a moment, I will prepare tea for you"

Old Cai

... ...

In the moment he fell before him, Lu Xiyan recognized Meng Fanxing, and Meng Fanxing also recognized Lu Xiyan