Chapter 7

Chen Ke believes that there is currently no need to take action. Utilizing connections requires financial expenditure, and if the costs incurred by leveraging these connections exceed what the two individuals are asking for, coupled with the obligation of a favor owed, it would result in a losing proposition. "Let's discuss it first and see," Chen Ke stated.

The flashlight's beam seemed to dazzle that fellow's eyes; he no longer cared about the items on the ground and ran blindly into the alley. This was a dead end. It appeared that today they would catch the turtle in the jar. Just as Chen Ke thought of this, a sudden sound of the workshop door opening was heard, followed by the sound of something slicing through the air, and then the sound of something being struck. Later, the fleeing man had already fallen to the ground. The light from the flashlight illuminated the entrance of the workshop, and the faint outline revealed the face of You Gao.

The two of them were just like children, using a flashlight to illuminate their way as they chatted and laughed back to the workshop. After Zhou Yuanxiao opened the door, Hua Xiongmao disregarded the oil lamp lit inside and shone the flashlight directly in. This startled Zhou Yuanxiao. Then, he heard You Gao's voice coming from inside. "Is having a flashlight such a big deal? What are you showing off for?" As soon as the words were spoken, You Gao rushed to the door, snatched the flashlight from Hua Xiongmao's hand, and began shining it around the courtyard.

Hua Xiongmao suddenly turned off the flashlight, and the shell of the night-light flashlight emitted a faint glow of light green. Hua Xiongmao looked left and right, feeling perplexed. "Wen Qing, why did you make the flashlight like this"

Wu Xingchen merely smiled, yet did not speak. After a moment, He Yifa returned, and the atmosphere at the dining table became lively again

This is a common trick in later generations, where light shines from below the chin, making a person's face appear fierce and terrifying. "Isn't it scary?" Chen Ke asked with a smile.

Chen Ke has never been a "humanitarian" advocating for the rights of criminals; he strongly supports the crackdown on crime. In today's climate of extortion, he particularly yearns for the "iron fist" of dictatorship. However, this "iron fist" did not exist in 1905, and the only way to witness it again is for Chen Ke to personally build this power through revolution

Hua Xiongmao said, "I have already received news and am preparing to inform Wenqing tonight." Before he could finish speaking, Chen Ke interrupted him, "Zhenglan, do you know the residence of Wu Xingchen?"

Upon hearing this, the other three did not show any excessive surprise. "How do we revolutionize?" You Gao still asked leisurely.

The two first went to the friend of Hua Xiongmao to inquire about Wu Xingchen's residence, and then followed the address provided by that person, navigating through the streets and alleys, finally locating the courtyard where Wu Xingchen lived

"Brother Chen, take out the flashlight, let's give it a try," Hua Xiong said with great enthusiasm.

Xu Xilin was quite surprised after hearing this. When he looked again at Chen Ke's troubled expression, he became increasingly suspicious. When Chen Ke sought an audience with Xu Xilin, he specifically asked Xu Xilin to introduce him to Cai Yuanpei. Now, however, he wanted to postpone the meeting. Could it be that he encountered old friends or acquaintances? With this thought in mind, Xu Xilin strengthened his tone, "Wenqing, opportunities are rare; you should think it over carefully"

The upcoming negotiations became rather dull, but the gang member who followed was eager to engage and took the initiative to discuss business with Chen Ke and his associates. At this point, Hua Xiongmao also sensed something amiss, as he could communicate with this Shanghai local. Thus, Hua Xiongmao took the lead, and he and Chen Ke began to play off each other. They ordered food and drinks, and after a few cups of liquor, the man's tongue became even looser. This man was named He Yifa, who was a generation lower than Wu Xingchen in terms of seniority, yet he was a local gang member. As they drank merrily, He Yifa inadvertently revealed that Wu Xingchen was actually the leader of the Beijing branch, currently just temporarily in Shanghai.

Wu Xingchen scrutinized Chen Ke from top to bottom, trying to discern Chen Ke's true intentions. After observing for a while, he could not detect any malice or ulterior motives in Chen Ke's demeanor. However, Wu Xingchen still felt uneasy and could not help but ask, "Brother Chen, did you come to visit just for this matter?"

Chen Ke recalled his appointment with Wu Xingchen for tomorrow. If he went to meet Cai Yuanpei, that appointment would surely fall through. It was indeed difficult to determine whether Cai Yuanpei or Wu Xingchen was more important. After pondering for a moment, Chen Ke humbly said: "Brother Bosun, I have already made plans to meet someone else tomorrow. Could we postpone the request to meet Mr. Cai for a few days?"

"My cloth is inexpensive, so I naturally cannot extend credit." Chen Ke replied

However, Chen Ke still did not feel at ease with the library. He returned to inform Zhou Yuanxiao that he was going out for a while and then headed back to his residence. Upon entering, Chen Ke saw Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin talking with Hua Xiongmao in the courtyard. Noticing Chen Ke's arrival, Xu Xilin cheerfully called out to him, "Wenqing, tomorrow I would like to introduce you to Mr. Cai Yuanpei."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuanxiao remained silent as usual, merely nodding his head. The three returned to the table, and Zhou Yuanxiao and Hua Xiongmao leaned on the table and fell asleep again. Chen Ke was stirred by this incident, and his drowsiness completely vanished. Watching the other three sleeping soundly, Chen Ke couldn't help but envy their broad-mindedness. Since he couldn't sleep, he didn't want to waste time. He got up and began to work quietly. There was much to be done: cleaning the furnace, handling wastewater, and more. Zhou Yuanxiao's family's dyeing workshop was quite meticulous during its construction, with a hidden drain leading directly to the outside sewer. Lifting the wooden cover, he carefully poured the wastewater inside, and Chen Ke couldn't help but think that these two from the Heavenly Society would have been arrested and imprisoned, or even executed, in his own time.

Hua Xiongmao looked at Chen Ke's serious expression and nodded. "I will take care of it now, and I will come to the workshop to find you in the evening"

"Revolution is about taking action, to establish a new world according to the design of the revolution." Chen Ke answered this question

It was only around dinner time that everyone woke up. You Gao got up to take her leave, and after she left, Chen Ke announced the plan for taking turns to guard the business. Zhou Yuanxiao silently nodded in agreement. Hua Xiongmao, seeing that Chen Ke was still uneasy, suggested that Chen Ke talk to Xu Xilin to see if they could leverage the local influence of the Restoration Society in Shanghai.

"Brother Wu, I apologize for the intrusion; it is truly regrettable," Chen Ke said earnestly

As night deepened, the four did not light the oil lamp, sitting around the table. In the center of the table lay a green-glowing flashlight. "Brother Chen," You Gao leaned on the table, burying his nose in the crook of his arm, and said in a muffled voice, "When can we also make such a flashlight?"

As he pondered, Chen Ke felt his eyelids growing heavy. He leaned against the corner and nearly fell asleep. It was not until he was startled awake by a rustling sound that he regained his senses. Opposite Chen Ke, a person was sneaking around, doing something on the wall. The sound was emanating from his hands.

You laugh lightly and say, "It sounds as if you have seen that new world. I have also seen what Germany looks like, and after returning, I wanted to replicate what I had seen. The result was a complete failure. Can revolution alone bring success?"

Revolution is nothing more than overthrowing the court, and then we do it ourselves. This is all I know about revolution. " You Gao once again buried his nose in his arm and said in a muffled voice, "But it's strange. I always feel unwilling. Why is it that things can be done well abroad, but when they come back to the country, they become impossible to carry out? Good things turn into a complete mess once they arrive in the country.

On the afternoon of the second day, in a restaurant near the dyeing workshop, the people on both sides officially began negotiations. Everyone introduced themselves, and the tall man named Wu Xingchen was a leader of the Tiandi Society

"For your words, a piece of cloth costs one tael and seven qian of silver," Chen Ke said

"Why did it take so long?" asked You Gao. "By then, I will be an old woman."

"Will your family allow you, a girl, not to come home at night?" Chen Ke was quite surprised by this.

Upon hearing this, Wu Xingchen's expression suddenly changed. Chen Ke let out a sigh of relief; it seemed that his speculation was correct. Wu Xingchen's position as the hall master within the Shanghai Tiandihui was quite delicate.

"If you want to buy on credit, then there is no need to discuss further." Chen Ke retorted with a single sentence, "If there is money to buy cloth, then we can talk."

Chen Ke did not want to easily drag You Gao into trouble. He responded with a few perfunctory remarks. However, You Gao was relentless; seeing that Chen Ke was unwilling to speak, she pulled Zhou Yuanxiao and began to press him with murmurs in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang dialect. Zhou Yuanxiao also refused to say anything. Observing everyone's reluctance, You Gao simply declared: "I might as well stay here."

Wu Xingchen smiled and said, "Brother Chen, your methods are impressive. After capturing that individual, you still wish to appease me. I fear I have lost the face to impose on you with this wine"

On this day of despair, I originally thought that after studying chemistry abroad, I would be able to accomplish something upon returning home. However, I find myself unable to do anything. Yu Gao's tone became wistful, "I am like this, Brother Zhou is like this, and many people I know are also like this. Here, I work tirelessly dyeing fabrics; although I am exhausted every day, I am very happy. When will I be able to stand in front of a large chemical plant in Germany and say, 'This is the result of my hard work'? That would be wonderful.

After the discussion concluded, Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin returned to their respective rooms. Chen Ke went to his room to fetch two flashlights and installed the batteries. Hua Xiongmao watched Chen Ke test the flashlight and whispered in surprise, "The treasures of a literary youth are indeed numerous"

Facing his first-ever extortion, Chen Ke felt somewhat anxious, to be honest. He glanced at Hua Xiongmao, who appeared completely unconcerned, seemingly experienced and confident. It was unclear whether this fellow frequently extorted others or was often extorted himself

Chen was quite surprised by the sudden appearance of Chen Ke. His tall and strong figure stood at the door, looking down at the two unexpected guests in front of him, his robust body nearly blocking the entire entrance. It was clear that he did not want the two to enter.

Chen Ke waved his hand at him, and the two of them went out together to search for Wu Xingchen

"Miss You, let me show you a little trick," said Hua Xiongmao. Chen Ke sighed helplessly, knowing that Hua Xiongmao was definitely going to pull that stunt again. Just as he was turning to close the door, Chen Ke heard You Gao let out a sharp scream, while Hua Xiongmao spoke in a strange, quivering voice: "I—am—a—ghost!" By the time Chen Ke turned around, You Gao had already started to punch and kick Hua Xiongmao.

Revolution, then," Chen Ke suddenly exclaimed

"There aren't many batteries, so use them sparingly," Chen Ke advised. He took out a flashlight and handed it to Hua Xiongmao. This was a common flashlight powered by two AA batteries. Hua Xiongmao flipped the switch, and suddenly a bright circle illuminated the dark ground in front of him. He shone the light here and there, as happy as a child. The passersby around them were clearly taken aback by the two. Chen Ke had heard a saying, "The poor play with marbles, the rich play with watches; frequent use of flashlights is extraordinary." He wasn't sure if this saying had started to emerge in this era. Hua Xiongmao shone the light here and there, as happy as a child. The passersby around them were clearly taken aback by the two. Chen Ke had heard a saying, "The poor play with marbles, the rich play with watches; frequent use of flashlights is extraordinary." He wasn't sure if this saying had started to emerge in this era

Chen Kebin wanted to ask what would happen if someone broke in and set fire, but after thinking it over, he felt that this statement was too horrifying. "That's good," Chen Ke said

I am not sure about this, but it should be possible to find it. Huaxiong Mao replied

Brother Chen, it is not that I wish to receive some monetary gifts, as they amount to very little. To speak frankly, I see that your dyeing business is quite promising, and I would like to collaborate with you.

After taking the flashlight, Chen Ke turned off the switch. He then placed the flashlight beneath his chin and said, "Zheng Lan, look over here at me." In the darkness, Chen Ke roughly confirmed that Hua Xiongmao had looked over, and then suddenly turned on the flashlight. "Oh!" Hua Xiongmao exclaimed. Not far away, there were also some startled voices, and even the shrill screams of children.

Chen Ke saw this very clearly. He recalled the famous gangster film "The Godfather," in which the eldest son of the Godfather expressed a viewpoint different from that of the Godfather during negotiations. This revealed discord within the family. Consequently, the negotiating opponent immediately organized an assassination attempt on the Godfather. By eliminating the old Godfather, the opponent could negotiate with family members who shared the same viewpoint. This Wu Xingchen's follower was a local from Shanghai; before Wu Xingchen had a chance to speak, that person took the initiative to persuade him. It seems that their relationship is not merely that of a gang hierarchy. It appears that a gamble is necessary regarding this matter.

Special forces have targeted organized crime involved in extortion, carrying out several precision strikes, resulting in the execution of dozens and the arrest of hundreds. Those arrested from the organized crime groups, even if not executed, received sentences of at least seven years in prison. Such severe crackdowns have eradicated extortion once again. The surviving "heroes of the underworld" in Zhengzhou have either retired from their activities or have "left their homes to seek opportunities elsewhere"

I see. It truly requires considerable effort. "Hua Xiong praised. He threw the flashlight into the air, and the slender, emerald-green flashlight spun in the air, transforming into a ring of light. The surroundings were once again filled with sounds of astonishment

Hua Xiong and Mao Du said this, so Chen Ke naturally had to show respect for the "experts." He nodded in agreement and then turned to Zhou Yuanxiao, saying: "Brother Zhou, there is no need to worry; I will cover the cost of this gift money. As for dyeing the fabric, just proceed as usual. Being anxious will only lead to poor results."

Wu Xingchen did not expect Chen Ke's attitude to be so resolute. He attempted to persuade Chen Ke, "Which company does not offer credit these days? Brother Chen, do you still not trust the Tiandi Society?"

"Who is it?" Chen Ke asked. The person, taken by surprise by the sudden voice from behind, shuddered and froze in place. Chen Ke stepped forward, directing the beam of his flashlight straight at the person's face. The illuminated area revealed short hair, and as the saying goes, one does not judge by appearances in the light. What Chen Ke saw was a pale face, though he could not be certain of its actual color. Suddenly caught in the beam of the flashlight, the person instinctively raised an arm to shield their eyes from the light. Chen Ke saw a pale face, but he could not determine its true color. The person, suddenly illuminated by the flashlight, instinctively raised an arm to block the light.

Chen Ke had no intention of entering the house. "Brother Wu, I invite you to come to my place for a drink tomorrow. However, something has come up suddenly, and I won't be able to wait for you tomorrow. The day after tomorrow, I will definitely be at the workshop awaiting your esteemed presence. I have spoken boastfully, and I hope you will forgive me, Brother Wu."

Seeing that person captured, Chen Ke went to see what that fellow had dropped. On the ground lay a pile of papers; upon closer inspection, they were nothing but flyers.

Thinking of this, Chen Ke glanced at the towering courtyard wall. For an ordinary person, even climbing with a rope would be extremely difficult. It seems that guarding the entrance and conducting regular night patrols would be sufficient

Before Wu Xingchen could speak, his companion beside him already showed a pleased expression. He muttered a few words in Shanghai dialect to Wu Xingchen. Wu Xingchen's face subtly revealed anger, but after a moment, he suppressed it forcefully.

Wu Xingchen watched the retreating figures of Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao, feeling both surprised and annoyed. He had not originally planned to meet Chen Ke the next day, but Chen Ke's pretentious visit left Wu Xingchen quite dissatisfied. Moreover, he was uncertain whether Chen Ke's visit was a sign of respect or a veiled threat. Wu Xingchen could not ascertain this, so he decided to personally visit Chen Ke the day after tomorrow to see what schemes he was up to.

Returning to the workshop, Chen Keqiang sat calmly for a while, yet he felt an underlying unease. In the face of Wu Xingchen, Chen Ke appeared to be at ease. However, he could not guarantee that his judgment of Wu Xingchen was correct. If Wu Xingchen was indeed the person Chen Ke suspected, and given the current unfavorable circumstances, he would accept the reality of this failure with composure. Conversely, if Chen Ke misjudged, he would have to confront the repercussions from Wu Xingchen. If Wu Xingchen was indeed the person Chen Ke suspected, and given the current unfavorable circumstances, he would accept the reality of this failure with composure. Conversely, if Chen Ke misjudged, he would have to confront the repercussions from Wu Xingchen.

Chen Ke asked again, "What do you do?"

"Alright, it is as such." After saying this, Chen Ke stood up and opened the door to leave. The main door closed behind him, and the sound of the bolt being secured came from behind the door

After listening to You Gao's words, Chen Ke also felt quite helpless

"When you speak, your chin moves around, which is even more frightening. Just give me the flashlight," said Hua Xiongmao. As Chen Ke had anticipated, after taking the flashlight, Hua Xiongmao imitated Chen Ke's mannerisms. Looking at Hua Xiongmao, whose face resembled that of a ghost, Chen Ke burst into laughter, "You can't scare me, and you can't even see what you look like. Go find a mirror."

You Gao tapped out a rhythm of three long and two short sounds on the table with his fingers. After a moment, he tapped again.

"Uncle, I understand." Hua Xiongmao replied

Chen Ke replied with his head lowered: "I will definitely keep it in mind"

Lowering his head for half a day, Chen Kecai finally heard Xu Xilin let out a sigh, "There is no need to be like this, Wenqing. Matters always have their priorities. I appreciate your desire not to lose credibility with others. However, there are times when you must think things through clearly."

Just as he was about to relieve himself, Chen Ke turned to Wu Xingchen and said, "Brother Wu, it seems you have also experienced significant events. Could you come to my place alone tomorrow at noon? I am also from the North, and it is rare to hear Northern dialects in Shanghai. I would like to treat you to a drink. I sincerely hope you will honor me with your presence."

It seems that He Yifa has been dissatisfied for a long time with being subordinate to the outsider Wu Xingchen. Moreover, the income of the gang is closely related to whom you follow. As an outsider, Wu Xingchen must have faced considerable challenges in Shanghai.

Seeing Chen Ke's skeptical expression, Hua Xiong assured him that after the previous conversation, it could be confirmed that these two individuals were official members of the Heaven and Earth Society. The Heaven and Earth Society is classified as a "reliable organization," and the fees charged are quite reasonable

Chen Ke turned around and said, "Brother Bosun, today I met someone named Wu Xingchen while I was with the - Tu - Shu. I have arranged for him to come meet me tomorrow. I am now going with Zhenglan to find him and inform him that I have matters to attend to tomorrow. I will return early tomorrow morning to accompany you, Brother Bosun, to pay a visit to Mr. Cai." After saying this, Chen Ke noticed the astonished expression on Xu Xilin's face and felt the need to say more, quickly adding, "Brother Bosun, I did not consider things thoroughly just now. You have gone to great lengths to introduce me, yet I have been ungrateful. I sincerely hope for your understanding. I apologize to you here, Brother Bosun." As he spoke, Chen Ke bowed deeply.

"Please wait a moment, Brother Bosun," Chen Ke said, turning to inquire of Hua Xiongmao beside him, "Zhenglan, what news have you gathered?"

Later, from the late 1990s to the first two years of the 21st century, crime reemerged, although it remained within a tolerable level for the populace. After 2003, with the occurrence of several major robbery cases, criminals, whether organized or unorganized, faced severe crackdowns from the authoritarian regime once again. Moreover, this crackdown has not relaxed since it began

As a railway hub, Zhengzhou was once quite chaotic. Before the severe crackdown in the 1980s, various local "kings of thieves" held a "national conference" in Zhengzhou. Under the iron fist of the crackdown in the 1980s, one could be executed for stealing a watch, let alone those self-proclaimed notorious bandits; all kinds of "heroes of the underworld" vanished without a trace. The social environment was genuinely refreshed.

After a while, Xu Xilin finally said, "There is no need for excessive courtesy, Wenqing. Come back early tomorrow morning. And..." Upon hearing the first part, Chen Ke was about to straighten up, but upon hearing the last two words, he lowered his head again. After a moment, he felt someone helping him up, and upon looking, it was Xu Xilin. Xu Xilin smiled and said, "Also, let Xiongmao go with you tomorrow. You all come back early."

At first, Wu Xingchen's face showed anger, but when He Yifa began to speak nonsense, he already knew that this time he had failed. This person was able to take things lightly and enjoy himself. When He Yifa was lost in his own delight, Wu Xingchen subtly praised him a couple of times. He Yifa felt even more pleased, almost grinning from ear to ear. Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao, upon hearing Wu Xingchen's insincere words, such as "spirited and vigorous" and "ambitious for a thousand miles," secretly laughed in their hearts, yet they did not expose the truth. Instead, they joined in the flattery. When Chen Ke raised a toast to Wu Xingchen, Wu Xingchen also drank heartily, appearing quite generous.

While tidying up, Chen Ke found himself lost in thought. Looking at the fabric hanging all over the yard, he felt uneasy. ... What if someone really comes to cause trouble at night ... . ... He originally intended to let everyone go back to rest, but it seems that is not possible. Starting today, someone must take turns keeping watch at night.

One must never underestimate this person. If we do not clarify his background, I feel quite uneasy. Zhenglan, please make sure to give me a definite answer tonight, whether you are able to find out or not. If your friends cannot find out, I will seek Mr. Xu and ask him to have Tao Chengzhang help with the inquiries

At least twenty years," Chen Ke replied

Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao had dinner outside and then bought some late-night snacks. At this point, the sky had completely darkened. There were not many pedestrians on the street, but a few shops had red lanterns hanging at their entrances. From a distance, one could see people occasionally coming in and out.

Youqiao was not clear about what had happened. Chen Ke and Zhou Yuanxiao were in conversation when someone approached and asked, "Is someone looking for trouble with us?"

The night has grown deep, and there are almost no pedestrians on the road outside. Chen Ke circled around the workshop and then hid in a dark corner. These past ten days felt both long and fleeting, as if they passed in the blink of an eye. He met Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin, as well as Hua Xiongmao and You Gao. He had encountered so many people. In this dark corner, Chen Ke felt as if he were in a dream; perhaps he would just lean against the wall and fall asleep, waking up to find himself in a 21st-century bed. Everything is merely a fantasy. In this dark corner, Chen Ke felt as if he were in a dream; perhaps he would just lean against the wall and fall asleep, waking up to find himself in a 21st-century bed. Everything is merely a fantasy.

After sending off Wu Xingchen and the other person, Chen Ke said to Hua Xiongmao, "Zhenglan, could you find someone to inquire about the background of Wu Xingchen? I find this person quite extraordinary."

Chen Ke smiled and said, "I held onto that person because of business. I invited Brother Wu for drinks out of great admiration for his demeanor. He remains calm in the face of change, able to bend and adapt. I have witnessed this spirit in you, my brother. To befriend someone as remarkable as Brother Wu and the likes of Tu Shu is, in my view, far more gratifying than any amount of money. Brother Wu, I will not eat anything all day tomorrow, just waiting for you to come so we can drink together."

Being adaptable and knowing when to yield, one should decisively acknowledge the outcome when things do not go as planned, rather than causing a scene with He Yi. In this regard, Chen Ke holds a favorable impression of Wu Xingchen, which instead gives rise to the desire to befriend him

Chen Ke felt that he could not explain it clearly in a short time, and he was even more uncertain about whether to discuss the revolution with his colleagues, with whom he had been collaborating for nearly half a month. After thinking for a while, Chen Ke said: "I will go on the night patrol. Do you remember the secret knock we agreed upon?"

"How much cheaper can it be?" asked Wu Xingchen

Zhou Yuanxiao glanced at Chen Ke and said, "This is an old workshop; those vulnerabilities have basically been considered. If someone were to break in from the outside, they would have to use the front door. As for climbing over the wall, our wall is high enough that an average person would find it difficult to get in."

Isn't the origin already clear?" Hua Xiongmao asked with a hint of confusion

At this point, Chen Ke suddenly asked, "Which faction are you from, Brother Wu? It must be from the Northern faction, right"

Seeing Chen Ke's gaze was rather strange, Hua Xiongmao smiled and said, "Having been abroad for so long, the literary youth does not understand the situation in the country." He briefly introduced Chen Ke to the general circumstances of the underworld, stating that in this day and age, anyone engaging in business must know a few people. The brothers in the underworld, at the very least, collect money and also help with some matters. Without the support of these brothers, one would become a target for the most ruthless and vicious criminals.

Better safe than sorry. Chen Ke made up his mind. He asked Zhou Yuanxiao, who was beside him, "Brother Zhou, are there any vulnerabilities here that are easy to exploit?"

"They cannot control me." Upon mentioning family, You Gao's expression immediately became much colder

Chen Ke has never been extorted since childhood; the extortion he has witnessed is at most a rare occurrence within the school. Even so, such acts are by no means legitimate. If a student is found to be extorting others, the school will impose severe penalties.

This means we must start working hard right now. If we do not put in the effort now, it will take 80 years. " After Chen Ke finished speaking, he took a sip of tea

You can ask Brother Zhou about this matter. If Brother Zhou agrees, I have nothing more to say. Chen Ke dropped the words and then went outside to observe the surroundings

Zhou Yuanxiao's workshop is located at the entrance of an alley, covering nearly 400 square meters. The old-style lilong unique to Shanghai features high courtyard walls. Chen Ke found a brick and threw it with force, managing to toss it over the height of the courtyard wall. Chen Ke considered that, given the density of the fabrics inside the courtyard, if he were to cause trouble, he could simply throw torches from outside the wall. Alternatively, he could throw "Molotov cocktails". However, upon reflection, he realized that everyone was there to seek profit, not to engage in life-and-death struggles. He pondered what benefit such actions would bring to Wu Xingchen. Even in the event of a temporary failure, it would not warrant escalating the situation to the point of completely tearing apart their relationship.

It is dark at night; how do you find your way after turning off the flashlight? Doing it this way makes it easier to find.

The person did not speak, suddenly turned, and ran away. The items tucked under their arm fell to the ground with a clatter. The person hesitated for a moment, wanting to pick up the things that had fallen. At that moment, Chen Ke shouted again, "Stop!" while closing in on that individual.

I sincerely wish to befriend Brother Wu, and that is why there has been a change in circumstances, prompting this visit. I hope Brother Wu can understand. Chen Ke said. Seeing that Wu Xingchen did not respond, Chen Ke continued, "Brother Wu, I have matters to attend to today. I will be waiting for you at the workshop the day after tomorrow. I will take my leave now."

At the beginning of his return to this era, Chen Ke felt it was quite incredible, yet exhilarating. At that time, he thought long and hard and concluded that only a vigorous revolution was his sole path. However, after such a long time, let alone revolution, he barely had time to take care of himself, needing to survive and prepare for the future revolution. He had to strive constantly; only when asleep could he rest. In the 21st century, sleep was merely a result of fatigue, and upon waking, a bustling and vibrant world unfolded before him. He had to strive constantly; only when asleep could he rest. In the 21st century, sleep was merely a result of fatigue, and upon waking, a bustling and vibrant world unfolded before him. But now, upon waking, he faced this lifeless China. Chen Ke truly wished he could sleep like this, sleeping for a full 100 years, and then return to his own world.

In any case, Hua Xiongmao is having a great time. Seeing Hua Xiongmao's expression, Chen Ke is reminded of his childhood experiences playing with a flashlight. At the same time, his childlike spirit is rekindled. "Zhenglan, please hand me the flashlight first," Chen Ke said.