Chapter 3, Tycoon of Maritime Shipping in the Republic of China

From her expression, it is evident that she does not want Yu Qiaqing to realize that the person she brought is unrelated to her, which is the most critical factor. It is precisely because Long Chongjiu firmly believes in this that he dares to take such liberties in performing.

However, he maintained a resolute attitude of resistance against the Japanese invaders, having delivered several public speeches opposing and boycotting Japanese goods, thereby protecting the national and ethnic industries, upholding the integrity expected of a Chinese person, and embodying the patriotic spirit of national capitalists

Yu Qiaqing and Long Chongjiu were both very pleased, but Qi Hui still had reservations about Long Chongjiu. Therefore, she could only force a smile while secretly glaring at him, likely still resenting this fellow for his opportunistic behavior during the crisis.

As he turned around, Long Chongjiu made a face at Qi Hui and gestured with his lips. Qi Hui glanced at him lightly, then followed him inside. Only then did Long Chongjiu move and step in behind this beautiful woman into the main hall

A few years ago, he became embroiled in the warlord conflicts. Due to his support for Duan Qirui's Beiyang government, he offended Sun Chuanfang of the Anhui faction. In 1925, under Sun Chuanfang's harassment, he had no choice but to resign from his positions as the President of the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce and the Vice President of the National Chamber of Commerce.

Before Qi Hui could respond, Long Chongjiu took the initiative to bow and said: "I am Long Chongjiu, courtesy name Fengqin, a friend of Qi Hui. I have long heard of Elder Yu's prowess in the business world, renowned both domestically and internationally. It is a great fortune for me to meet you today. I apologize for my impudence in coming here; I hope you can forgive me."

"Uncle, Xiaohui may trouble you this time. If you don't mind my being a hindrance, I would like to assist you."

In the reception hall, the servants had already prepared the finest tea to entertain the guests

"Alright, Sister Xiaohui, can I jump in the middle of the night when no one is around?" Long Chongjiu was deliberately provoking her; this beauty had quite a dark side. If it weren't for the urgent need to catch her now, he would likely have been trampled again.

In fact, Long Chongjiu also inferred some things from Qi Hui's troubled expression. This woman is indeed as complicated as he imagined. She must have some ulterior motive for approaching Yu Qiaqing. If he is not mistaken, she should cooperate with his scheme, and even if she does not, he can still justify himself. Yu Qiaqing's misunderstanding has facilitated his plans, and even if Qi Hui wants to blame him, it would be a matter between the two of them. She would not go so far as to sabotage his modest request for a way to survive

Yu Qiaqing glanced at the two individuals, his expression filled with delight. Speaking from the heart, he genuinely liked this clever and headstrong distant relative. Not only was she beautiful, but her mind was also sharp. Watching her bicker with her "lover" now only highlighted the charm and cuteness that a young lady should possess, prompting him to smile and say: "Xiaohui, how long do you plan to stay in Shanghai this time?"

At the same time, Qi Hui revealed a smile and said to Yu Qiaqing: "Cousin, just look at him; how could he possibly be worthy of me? Marrying him would be a great humiliation for me. However, over the past two years, he has gained quite a bit of experience abroad and is proficient in several languages. In Shanghai, there are many foreign firms and police stations, so communication in languages is certainly not that fluent. You could find him a job as a translator or something similar. But if I really have to wait for him to achieve success, won't I end up as an old, worn-out woman?"

It turns out that Qi Hui's mother is a distant cousin of Yu Qiaqing, specifically a younger cousin, though even Old Yu himself is unclear about the exact relationship. However, Qi Hui has shown him a respectful courtesy and deference during her several visits to Shanghai, and given her eloquence, Old Yu has somewhat muddled through and accepted this kinship. Whether there is any truth to it, perhaps only Qi Hui knows in her heart.

If such a person cannot establish themselves in Shanghai to make a living, then I truly do not know who possesses that capability

The most critical aspect may relate to issues concerning the direction of the nation's fate, what should be done? Should we continue to make mistakes?

During the Northern Expedition, he also supported Chiang Kai-shek in launching the 4-12 Counter-Revolutionary Incident. This disreputable political act stemmed from the bourgeoisie's pursuit of interests and their confusion regarding the development trends of the social situation

Xiao Hui, who is this? The over sixty-year-old Yu Qiaqing still appears quite robust, dressed in a royal blue long gown that signifies his distinguished status, with snow-white cuffs turned outward. He leans on a gold-plated cane, exuding an air of elegance and displaying the demeanor of a gracious gentleman.

The Yu Mansion is located on Haining Road and was one of the most luxurious private residences in Shanghai at that time. It features three courtyards, with both Chinese and Western architectural styles, comprising dozens of buildings of various sizes. The main structures in the second and third courtyards are three stories high, exuding an extraordinary grandeur

Xiao Hui, it has been over a year since I last saw you, and you have become even more graceful and charming. You really should listen to your uncle; Shanghai is the most prosperous place in our country, and developing and settling down here is the most ideal. What does a young lady like you need to learn about doing business like us men? I think this young man is quite good. By the way, have you two gotten married?

Yu Qiaqing could not help but feel overjoyed. He stood up straight, stroked his beard, and laughed, saying: "Good, very good. A few years ago, I wanted to use you, but you were so headstrong, insisting on doing things your own way. Now you are finally willing to come and help me. The manager of my Hong'an Shipping Company is just about to be replaced, so you might as well lend your support to your uncle and help maintain the facade."

Goodness, this Qi Hui indeed has some background. This prominent figure in Shanghai's business community is no ordinary person; even underworld bosses like Du Yuesheng, Huang Jinrong, and Zhang Xiaolin on the Bund have to show him some respect.

www.hetushu.com Long Chongjiu's great joy, even the pain in his thigh has ceased, he hurriedly said: "Rest assured, I will not add any trouble to you; if I fail to meet your expectations, it would be my incompetence. If I were to tarnish your reputation, I would simply throw myself into the Huangpu River to feed the fish."

Before the Xinhai Revolution, the Qing Dynasty was in a precarious state, plagued by internal corruption and adhering to a policy of capitulation in foreign affairs. After considerable effort, the "Nanyang Promotion Association," founded by Yu Qiaqing, was established as scheduled. The association lasted for several months and attracted over 200,000 participants from various regions and abroad for observation and exchange, playing a significant role in the exchange of goods between China and foreign countries. At the same time, he supported the Xinhai Revolution by providing a venue in Shanghai for the Tongmenghui to conduct secret activities. He also ensured the safety of Chen Qimei, the head of the Shanghai branch, by dispatching personnel for protection, and made donations to assist the provisional government in resolving its financial difficulties.

Upon seeing Yu Qiaqing, Long Chongjiu felt a jolt in his heart, not expecting that Qi Hui's relative would be him

However, this misunderstanding is quite normal for him. In his view, Qi Hui would not possibly bring an unrelated person to meet him; only those with significant connections would dare to approach him. After all, he is not someone whom just anyone can meet. Not to mention an unknown young man, even a high-ranking military or political official would not necessarily be able to meet this giant in both the political and business realms without a prior invitation.

For him, this beginning is quite good; this "effortless task" unexpectedly captured significant capital

Now Qi Hui indeed feels a bit regretful, blaming herself for rashly bringing Long Chongjiu to the Yu Mansion without fully understanding his background. If he turns out to be unreliable and causes trouble in the future, it would not only jeopardize her current situation but also her relationship with Yu Qiaqing.

Being personally received by Yu Qiaqing is indeed a tremendous honor. It is important to note that everyone who interacts with him is either a high-ranking official or a prominent figure in the business world, or a foreign dignitary from the concessions, or a political figure from the Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong garrison. Notable gang leaders in Shanghai, such as Huang Jinrong, Du Yuesheng, and Zhang Xiaolin, are also frequent guests at his residence

At this moment, Long Chongjiu felt a surge of fighting spirit within his heart. The confusion he experienced upon first arriving in this esteemed place had completely vanished

A person like Yu Qiaqing is someone whom everyone strives to approach by all means; to give up on him is undoubtedly the least wise choice

Yu Qiaqing's expression showed little change; having experienced countless storms in his life, he had seen all kinds of people and situations. However, he couldn't help but smile with a hint of appreciation for the young man's unassuming yet dignified demeanor.

There are no fewer than 120 individuals employed at his mansion, including housekeepers, maids, guards, drivers, secretaries, chefs, and miscellaneous workers.

Shanghai, I have arrived. A new gangster overlord is set to shock the great city of Shanghai in the near future

Yu Qiaqing waved his hand to invite Long Chongjiu and Qi Hui to take their seats, and only then did he leisurely sit down, fully embodying the host's etiquette in receiving guests

Qi Huizong let out a sigh of relief; this fellow certainly knows how to flatter, but what he said is mostly the truth

At the moment when Qi Hui was caught in a dilemma, Long Chongjiu took over the conversation from Yu Qiaqing and said with a calm smile: "Old Yu, the development between Xiao Hui and me is not as rapid as you imagine. You know that Xiao Hui is a strong-willed person; she has a determination to not give up until she achieves her goals in whatever she undertakes. As for marriage, we believe the timing is not yet ripe. Just think about it, I am already this age, without a roof over my head or a place to stand. I have spent a few years abroad, learning some impractical things. If I were to marry, how could I support a wife? Therefore, I just discussed with Xiao Hui that if I cannot achieve success and establish a family within three years, and bring her home in a grand manner, then the vast Huangpu River will be my final resting place."

If that is the case, I will be unable to carry out my future work. I never expected that such an incident would occur during my visit to Shanghai. And the books.

Qi Hui was even more surprised by this misunderstanding, realizing that leading Long Chongjiu to find Yu Qiaqing was a mistaken decision. However, at this point, it was difficult to turn back. If she were to reveal the details of her acquaintance with Long Chongjiu, Yu Qiaqing would undoubtedly adopt a different demeanor. This was not the main issue; what she feared was that from then on, she would lose the hard-won trust in front of him.

Yu Qiaqing laughed heartily and after a while said: "Young people should have a spirit of striving. Whether one can achieve great things depends on one's talent and the effort one puts in. Heaven does not drop pies for people to eat. Finding a job is not a problem, but do not bring shame to my old face."

Long Chongjiu was fully engaged, excelling in both singing and songwriting. Yu Qiaqing certainly felt a deep sense of satisfaction, while Qi Hui was utterly astonished.

Long Chongjiu, well-versed in modern history, knows that Yu Qiaqing is a contemporary shipping magnate. He successively established several shipping companies, and China's first private bank, Siming Bank, was also founded under his strong advocacy and support

Do not just talk, is the Huangpu River meant for you to jump around? In Shanghai, would anyone without a certain status dare to jump into the Huangpu River?

On that night of the grand feast, Long Chongjiu indulged in hearty drinking, for one must enjoy life to the fullest when in high spirits

So it turns out she is a friend of Xiaohui, no wonder she is so composed and gracious. Come, come, Fengqin, let’s sit inside with Xiaohui. Yu Qiaqing's warmth and approachability made Long Chongjiu feel a sense of fondness in his heart

This step has pushed Qi Hui into a corner, unless she is willing to abandon her motives, but this possibility is quite unlikely

Under the table, Qi Hui's hand climbed up Long Chongjiu's thigh. Just as he was about to cast a questioning glance, a sharp pain suddenly pierced through his leg. It turned out that this was her intention.

Regardless of whether he leaned towards Sun Yat-sen or Duan Qirui, Yu Qiaqing was undoubtedly opposed to the Communist Party, as he feared that his vast fortune would be "communized". Therefore, he was extremely reticent about the term "communism".