Chapter 4: First Class for the Banquet
Si Tu Nan said: "Indeed, my mother is British, my father is Chinese, and I have half Eastern blood."
Fortunately, Jack attracted the combined attention of Hawk and Rose's mother, the formidable duo of son-in-law and mother-in-law, while Situ Nan became a mere bystander, entirely a foodie. Situ Nan was delighted to be overlooked, happily enjoying the lavish dinner in first class. Such formalities posed no challenge to Situ Nan, unlike Jack, whose every word and action was scrutinized by others.
Jack's practice has finally found its purpose, as he gracefully kissed Rose's hand and playfully said, "I saw this in a movie and have always wanted to do it"
Sidu Nan, dressed neatly in a formal suit borrowed from Mu, arrived at the splendid first-class restaurant. As he descended the luxurious and exquisitely crafted wooden staircase, he saw Jack at the foot of the stairs, mimicking the etiquette of high society. Jack was attired in a well-fitted tailcoat, his golden hair slicked back, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding vitality and charm. Under the spotlight of the main character, he possessed an impressive aura, looking incredibly handsome.
Sima Nan felt a surge of anger in his heart and said with a cold smile: "According to Darwin's theory of evolution, humans evolved from monkeys, so everyone's ancestors are monkeys, and thus no one's lineage is more noble than another's"
Oh, I see!" Hawke seemed to have received a very satisfactory answer, with an unmistakable disdain in his words. Many people at the table exchanged knowing smiles, sharing an unspoken understanding.
The French Enlightenment thinker Voltaire stated that all men are endowed with inalienable rights and that all are born equal. Therefore, in terms of personality, we are all equal. Mr. Hawke, coming from the United States, should be familiar with the spirit of the Declaration of Independence, right
Jack turned around and saw that it was Stoney. He smiled proudly and said, "Hello, Mr. Stoney," while mimicking the arrogant nods of those big shots.
On the evening of the second day, the sun was setting in the west, the sunset was exceptionally beautiful, and the golden sunlight gently bathed the shimmering surface of the sea
Hello! Esteemed Mr. Sailor!" Rose greeted playfully
Well. It feels a bit awkward to exist. Why do I feel like a burden? Si Tu Nan thought to himself
Upon entering the restaurant, Rose continuously introduced the prominent figures aboard the ship and the openly known secrets of the upper class on board, such as a certain earl, a wealthy individual from the ship, and his mistress, among others. In short, it was a tale of endless gossip, much like that of ordinary people.
After a brief conversation between the two, Hawke came down with Rose's mother on his arm. Jack approached, but unfortunately, he was met with indifference; Hawke's nod of acknowledgment seemed utterly worthless, and Rose's mother didn't even spare Jack a glance.
After taking his seat, Jack was immediately subjected to a vicious attack from Rose's mother, "Mr. Dawson, how is your accommodation in third class? I have heard it is quite nice, isn't it?"
As Situ Nan and Mrs. Brown walked into the restaurant, engaged in pleasant conversation, Mrs. Brown's straightforwardness made Situ Nan, who saw through the hypocritical facade of so-called celebrities, feel that she was amiable and approachable
I believe that a person's nobility is not determined by their lineage, but by their actions! A kind ordinary person who gives a piece of bread to a beggar is more noble than a count who passes by in a carriage, disdainfully refusing to spare a penny while feeling proud of himself
At this moment, all the eyes at the table were focused on Jack, wondering how a third-class passenger was dining with us. Those prominent figures seemed to have discovered something amusing.
This is Jack's first time visiting such a place, so although Situ Nan appeared calm when he saw him earlier, he was actually quite nervous inside
"To die beneath the peony flower is to be a spirited ghost. Jack is truly fortunate!" At that moment, Situ Nan was slightly lost in thought, and could not help but silently criticize in his heart.
"Haha, even the sailors have come to the first-class cabin." Situ Nan seemed to see through the thoughts of the people at this table, so he responded to their curious gazes with a gentle smile from beginning to end
Originally, Mrs. Brown was Jack's companion, but now she has become Situ Nan's companion, which secretly delights Situ Nan, who does not have to appear too awkward or aloof.
Goodness, this fellow has learned quite impressively
For me, even if I am just an ordinary crew member, my duty is to take care of this ship to the best of my ability and serve over two thousand passengers. In a sense, I am shouldering an important mission, and I believe even God would agree with this statement
Fortunately, Rose appeared just in time. Tonight, she was elegantly dressed, descending the grand staircase adorned with a clock featuring mythological figures, smiling gracefully. She exuded an air of elegance, poise, and vibrant nobility, truly beyond description
Continuing on, Rose led Jack to greet Hawk and her mother. As for that pair of arrogant individuals, Situ Nan felt no enthusiasm. Out of politeness, he did not follow closely but maintained a certain distance.
Although Situ Nan spoke with great conviction, he secretly yearned for strength; if he had strength, he would not need to rely on these seemingly righteous words to refute others
Hawke originally thought that Situ Nan was a coarse sailor, but he did not expect Situ Nan to perform impeccably at the table, indicating that he must have been trained. However, he still said frivolously: "Mr. Stone, you are a diligent crew member, and I am very grateful for your gallant assistance last night! However, I am quite curious as to why your eyes and hair are black; are you of Eastern descent?"
Although Situ Nan is currently a humble sailor, he has attended many grand occasions in his past life, so he is not at all intimidated; rather, he feels a sense of curiosity.
Jack and his companions encountered Mrs. Brown at the restaurant. Upon learning that Situ Nan was also one of the two heroes who rescued the damsel in distress, Mrs. Brown warmly linked her arm with Situ Nan's.
Although Situ Nan's attire was not luxurious, it was neat and elegant, and his calm and gentle smile left a good impression on Mrs. Brown
Sidu Nan walked behind and noticed that the restaurant was indeed very luxurious, with warm-colored floors, pristine white ceilings and walls, beautiful crystal chandeliers, and exquisite tableware, all of which indicated the refined elegance of the distinguished individuals present here
He came from third class, and last night he and this sailor saved my fiancée, so I invited them to dinner tonight," Hawke said casually
The following individuals engaged in yet another conversation lacking in nutritional value, and Situ Nan observed that Jack's attempts to cultivate an air of sophistication failed to earn him the respect of others
Jack extended his arm to link with Rose's, raising his head proudly, which caused Rose to involuntarily smile.
Hello, Mr. Dawson," Situ Nan said in a lowered voice as he walked down the stairs with the books.
Hello, Miss Rose. "Si Tu Nan slightly bent his waist and nodded to greet Rose
Although Situ Nan was also quite handsome, at this moment he felt inadequate compared to Jack. Situ Nan knew that Jack's outfit was made by Mrs. Brown, and thinking of the kind and straightforward Mrs. Brown in the film, Situ Nan had a very good impression of her. Besides wanting to witness the demeanor of these so-called upper-class people tonight, his biggest purpose was to get to know Mrs. Brown.
"Haha, well said!" Mrs. Brown, who was beside Situ Nan, praised. Unflappable in the face of events, drawing on a wide range of references, and delivering a piercing rebuttal—could this be the demeanor of a young sailor? Look at him, so refined, with inner turmoil yet a calm expression, even better than Jack. He must have received a good education; how could he be working as a sailor? Mrs. Brown found it somewhat puzzling.
So you are a racist! Isn't your Hawke family also nouveau riche? Otherwise, why are you in such a hurry to marry a fallen British noblewoman? Isn't it just to use her as a facade? What gives you the right to look down on others? If I survive this disaster, with my abilities, I will earn no less than you!
"Not bad at all, there aren't many mice." Jack said, calming down with a humorous tone
As the lights begin to glow, the dinner in the first-class cabin of the Titanic has commenced