Chapter 7, Encounter in the Park
Putting down the phone, Zhang Cheng recalled the long-haired girl he had encountered in the park, and an inexplicable emotion surged within him. Unknowingly, he gradually fell asleep.
"Damn it!" The bearded men from the East have become even more ruthless. While brandishing their batons, they shouted, "You lowly inferior person, this is a place only for the people of Huaxia to visit, what nonsense are you talking about! This land belongs to the Ming Empire, not to your England!"
One must first achieve prominence. Clenching his fist tightly, Zhang Cheng turned and walked towards the door
There are quite a number of well-dressed individuals from the Huaxia culture strolling leisurely in this park. Most of them are in pairs or families enjoying their time together. It is rare to find someone like Zhang Cheng who is alone.
This place is filled with opportunities, and gold is everywhere. However, Boss Xu's expression became serious, his body slightly leaning forward, his hands clasped on the table. With piercing eyes, he looked at Zhang Cheng and said, "There are too many young people like you and me who come here to make their way, trying to carve out their own piece of sky. Yet most of them fail. The reason is simple: never set your goals too high. Young man, do you understand?" The reason is simple: never set your goals too high. Young man, do you understand?
Zhang Cheng has heard this piece; it is the famous "Pathétique" by the great pianist Beethoven. However, what Zhang Cheng is concerned about now is not the piece itself, but rather the young girl playing the piano.
Zhang Cheng could not help but walk towards the pavilion. He tightened his grip, feeling his throat become somewhat dry. Being attracted to outstanding members of the opposite sex is a human instinct
I am still considering it for the time being. Does Boss Xu have any good recommendations?" After ordering a cup of Blue Mountain coffee, Zhang Cheng replied softly
"Are you here for business? Or are you here to visit relatives? If you need any assistance, feel free to ask." Li Bo patted his chest, appearing quite familiar. After saying this, he leaned slightly closer to Zhang Cheng and, with a strange expression, whispered, "If there are any prohibited items you desire, just let me know. As long as you want it, I can get it for you."
As the performance concluded, thunderous applause erupted all around, and everyone generously offered their applause to the young girl
There are many people nearby. There are those dressed in police uniforms with leg bindings, well-dressed individuals from Huaxia, as well as numerous local English people
Each of those admirers appeared to be a successful individual, at least at this moment, significantly surpassing Zhang Cheng.
Miss Xu, I am your admirer
"Esteemed sir, the ticket fee is one silver dollar." A neatly dressed man with a pleasing demeanor bent slightly at the waist, standing beside Zhang Cheng, attempting to collect the ticket fee
Zhang Cheng furrowed his brow, and just as he was about to walk over to take a look, he heard the golden-haired youth, whose mouth and nose were streaming with blood, dodging a police baton on the ground, shouting loudly, "This is English soil! Why can't I enter!"
"Get lost, bastard!" A cacophony of shouts startled Zhang Cheng awake. He turned his gaze and saw several bearded men with their heads wrapped in white cloth, wielding batons and beating a blonde young man who was lying on the ground.
This is truly ... ... "" Zhang Cheng stared blankly at the plaque, unsure of what to say. The overwhelming sense of déjà vu left him frozen in place.
"Do not listen to him." Just as Zhang Cheng reached into his pocket, he heard someone nearby shout, "Huaxia people do not charge for entry, he is a fraud."
That Indian has been deceiving the newly arrived Chinese in London for years, which is truly despicable. The middle-aged man named Li Bo had a face full of righteous indignation, causing Zhang Cheng to twitch at the corner of his eye
The cobblestone path is hidden among the greenery, with unknown flowers blooming all around. Clear streams flow into a pond located in the center of the park. Beautiful fish swim freely in the water, creating a scene of tranquility and ease
Before Zhang Cheng could say anything, the man who was about to collect money from him suddenly darted away like a rabbit. In the blink of an eye, he had already disappeared around the corner of the street
Miss Xu, your piano playing is truly excellent
How did he know that I just arrived?" Zhang Cheng asked softly
Miss Xu
Boss Xu crossed his legs, took out a cigarette and lit it, directing his gaze towards Zhang Cheng. "I have some friends at the police station, perhaps I can introduce you to a job there."
The long-haired girl stood up and bowed to the surrounding crowd in gratitude
Hehe. Li Bo adjusted his glasses and looked at Zhang Cheng, saying, "Your demeanor is completely unlike that of someone who has lived in London for a long time; it is evident at a glance."
Thinking of the gunfire in the heat of battle, and then looking at the peace and tranquility here, Zhang Cheng's mood inexplicably became heavy
Zhang Cheng shook his head and said, "Thank you, I just want to stroll around the park." Flattery without reason is either deceitful or malicious. Although Zhang Cheng was uncertain about the true intentions of this person named Li Bo, being in this completely unfamiliar era, he did not mind assuming the worst about others' motives.
The people of Huaxia merely pointed and laughed from the sidelines, while most of the Englishmen wore expressions of sorrow and indignation, yet none stepped forward to assist the young man
After dinner, Boss Xu approached Zhang Cheng and handed him a document, saying, "This is your new identification."
This is my business card. Li Bo was not at all averse to Zhang Cheng's subtle rejection, and with a smile, he handed over a beautifully crafted business card, saying, "You can reach out to me if you need anything."
Turning to look into the distance at the shaded grove, Zhang Cheng's gaze suddenly sharpened. There stood an exquisite pavilion, where a young girl in white with flowing long hair was sitting in front of a grand piano, playing a piano piece with a serious expression.
"Please speak," Zhang Cheng raised his eyebrows and set down the coffee cup in his hand
The crystalline and translucent skin, the elegantly elongated neck resembling that of a swan, the pure eyes focused intently on the sheet music, and the exquisitely perfect white profile. Just having come down from the battlefield, Zhang Cheng, whose mind had not yet fully settled, was instantly captivated.
Zhang Cheng lowered his head in confusion and examined himself, unable to discern anything that could be immediately noticeable.
Before Zhang Cheng could decide whether to step forward and introduce himself, several individuals dressed as servants had already approached and pushed aside all the admirers. They escorted the long-haired young girl away from the pavilion
There were many people surrounding the pavilion, watching the performance. Zhang Cheng walked over and stood outside, silently observing and listening. As he watched the young girl playing with such focus, he felt his restless heart calm down significantly
The historical knowledge that Zhang Cheng is familiar with holds no significance in this space-time. He cannot rely on prophetic insight to achieve success in one leap. The Huaxia of this era is a global empire where the sun never sets, and it does not require Zhang Cheng to save it
Zhang Cheng paused for a moment, squinting as he walked past several people, heading towards the park entrance. Whatever you can do in this world, I can certainly do as well
Hello, my name is Li Bo. You must have just arrived in London, right?" A middle-aged man with thick eyebrows and big eyes, his hair neatly combed back, dressed appropriately, and wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses approached Zhang Cheng, smiling as he greeted him
Miss Xu, may I invite you to dinner together
As he watched the girl’s figure fade away, Zhang Cheng's fervent heart gradually calmed down. Just moments ago, when those admirers were showering her with attention, the girl maintained a light smile and appeared very polite. However, Zhang Cheng could tell that she did not truly care much about it.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Zhang Cheng spoke up, "I would like to think it over."
The sound of a delightful piano echoed, adding an inexplicable aura to the scenery before me
Zhang Cheng pressed his lips together, mustering the courage to step forward and engage in conversation. At such moments, men are always very courageous
Moments later, Zhang Cheng stood up, took his package, and retrieved his men's backpack. This was a personal item he had brought from the modern era. In this time, it was undoubtedly an unparalleled piece of high technology
After a brief interlude, Zhang Chengxin walked into this vast park
"No problem." Boss Xu took the coffee handed to him by the waiter and smiled at Zhang Cheng, "I can see that you are a young man with ideas. I came here to make my way when I was your age. As a senior, I would like to offer you some advice."
Thank you very much. Seeing the issue that had troubled him for a long time resolved so easily, Zhang Cheng hurriedly expressed his gratitude
After returning to the Blue Rose Hotel, Zhang Cheng took off his coat and lay down on the soft bed. He closed his eyes and reflected on everything he had encountered in recent days. The experience of traversing such events was truly remarkable
Do you have any plans? Boss Xu smiled and gestured for Zhang Cheng to join him for a little sit at the café
Zhang Cheng paused for a moment, then lowered his eyelids and chuckled softly, replying, "Thank you"
Zhang Cheng stared in astonishment as a group of well-dressed men, adorned in formal attire or elegant military uniforms, instantly surrounded him. They cast eager glances towards the long-haired girl, showering her with attention. Indeed, competition is omnipresent
Zhang Cheng, feeling somewhat perplexed
Others who traverse time either possess a deep understanding of history to change the world, or they come equipped with a golden finger to sweep across the land. Why is it that when it comes to me, I have nothing at all?" After a moment, Zhang Cheng couldn't help but complain, "What should I do now? I can't really become a mercenary, can I?"
My name is Zhang Cheng, and this is my first time in London. Zhang Cheng paused for a moment, a hint of a smile curling at the corners of his mouth, and responded with a light laugh.
Haitao Trading, Salesperson? Zhang Cheng glanced at the business card and did not say much more. For some reason, Zhang Cheng always felt a subtle sense of repulsion towards this person named Li Bo
Ms. Xu, my father is the general manager of Dashan Trading
After a moment, Zhang Cheng curled the corner of his mouth and chuckled softly, "This is truly interesting. This era is even better than I imagined"
A small bridge over flowing water, lush greenery abounds
I am the second officer of the Imperial Navy cruiser Foshan
Taking out the phone and lying back down on the bed, I boredly flipped through the pictures on my phone, reminiscing about the monotonous yet stable life of the past