Chapter 1: The Enchantment of Wealth and Luxury

The crowd scattered in alarm, and some well-meaning individuals shouted, "Let's talk things over calmly; a gun going off could cost lives"

Li Xiaoyun, in awe, aimed her camera at the boy who stood alone, gazing at the dim lights. This beautiful young man, as solitary as the last remaining bird on a branch, was as cold and exquisite as a statue in the Louvre. If he were not mingling with the other young men in the same entertainment venue, one might almost mistake him for a young noble from a wealthy family

Ni Yuning (1906 - ) is the wife of Yang Hancheng

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The youth's emotions were in disarray, and he cast a proud sidelong glance at Li Xiaoyun before reluctantly finishing the piece and leaving his seat

"Mr. Li, do you have any famous works? Please show us," a lady said in a coy and affected tone.

Li Xiaoyun shook her head helplessly, filled with regret. Next to her, someone mocked, "The model that 'Prince Li' is looking for must have long legs, bright eyes, and a strong, masculine posture. Where can one find such a person?"

In the music hall, Li Xiaoyun saw again the beautiful young man who had just been leaning against the railing, his brows furrowed with sorrow, sitting behind a magnificent grand piano, playing a piece titled "The Hall of Music." His finger technique was skilled, and his long fingers, when he lowered his head, cast shadows over a clear, deep spring with long, thick eyelashes.

He suddenly froze, his bright eyes under long eyelashes revealing confusion, his cheeks flushed like a startled fawn trying to escape.

Lucy laughed heartily, her laughter tinged with a hint of gloating, as if she intended to mock him, the young gentleman who navigated the bustling streets of Shanghai's ten-mile foreign concession.

Ni Yuning took a deep breath and said in a huff: "Since you disdain to speak, I need not play the villain to annoy you. Just make sure that your elder brother does not find out about this matter. He has always opposed my bringing you to such lively places for entertainment. If he were to learn that you are causing trouble outside, he would surely be furious with you"

The originally gentle and jade-like face suddenly transformed into one of fierce arrogance, as a stern gaze shot forth from those long-lashed beautiful eyes, accompanied by a chilling and deep voice that pronounced each word with a terrifying emphasis: "Looking for death!"

Two youthful, smooth-faced young men glided past, their fair cheeks as tender as that of a chick. Each donned a finely crafted, flowing long gown in pale yellow and light pink hues. With cheerful smiles, they each took a glass of glistening red wine from the server's tray, swaying their bodies and laughing as they ascended the stairs.

Li Xiaoyun continues to search for that figure amidst the vast sea of people, and his artistic works have gained fame due to his relentless pursuit of all things beautiful

Yes, yes! I know where it is. By the pond at hetushu.com, right there by the pond where the frogs are croaking, it couldn't be more fitting

It turns out he is a piano prodigy, and his graceful posture while playing the piano further highlights his unique elegance. Li Xiaoyun suddenly remembered that her cousin Lucy had mysteriously mentioned to her that she had specifically found a beautiful gem for him today, a piano prodigy who had been kept by a Japanese patron, a boy he could take home today

Zhao San is the best gambler; whenever he gambles, he becomes immovable. Upon hearing Li Xiaoyun's disdainful remarks, he did not think that there was anything in this small place of Longcheng that he, Zhao San, could not handle. He simply replied, "You all wait and see."

On the second-floor terrace, Li Xiaoyun leaned against the railing, dressed in an exquisite white evening gown. In his hand, a modern German camera captured the novel scenes without missing a beat, as handsome men and beautiful women, along with the lively couples, were all included in his frame

Hu Xiaoyan (June 1901 - ): Courtesy name Ziqing; a major general of the Northeast Army, one of the "Eight Young Masters"

Michael did not provide much explanation, shot a fierce glare at Li Xiaoyun, and walked away without looking back

The story begins in the summer of 1934

After several inquiries, Han Wei merely turned his head to look out the window and remained silent

Her gaze was immediately drawn in, as Li Xiaoyun, with her precious camera slung over her shoulder, feigned a look of aimlessness while following them upstairs.

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Seeing him take a drink of water from the servant, Li Xiaoyun seized the opportunity to approach him somewhat resentfully: "I am the cousin of the hostess Lucy, just arrived from Shanghai. My name is Li Xiaoyun, but you can call me LEE. Your piano playing is quite good!"

Casting a scrutinizing glance at the young leader of the Blue Gang, Zhao San, in front of him, a sly smile of revenge emerged in his heart as he provocatively said: "That kid has seen the grand world of foreigners, plays the piano beautifully, and is as fair and youthful as fresh snow. He looks down on us fake foreigners from Shanghai. If you have the skills, go teach him a lesson. If you succeed, I will hand over all those foreign illustrated magazines you were eyeing last time to you."

Feeling quite ashamed, Li Xiaoyun, with a gentlemanly bow, responded to his cousin's enthusiastic introduction. His gaze swept across the room, but all he saw were women heavily adorned with makeup, which left him feeling disheartened.

***

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Zhao San, wait a moment! Li Xiaoyun leaned close to Zhao San's ear and whispered a few words, and the two exchanged mischievous glances.

A burst of laughter erupted, and several people were laughing so hard that they could not straighten their backs

A forced smile, the light reflecting beautifully on her face, she bent down to leave

The vibrant lights and intoxicating atmosphere, with songs and dances in full swing, are accompanied by the languorous melodies of the Shanghai-style band. The overwhelming scent of perfume wafts up the stairs, leaving one in a state of delightful intoxication.

The topics of conversation among the ladies of high society shifted from photography to displays of wealth and comparison. Li Xiaoyun took the opportunity to leave, wandering aimlessly by the dance floor with a glass of pale golden champagne in hand

In the midsummer of Longcheng, the Belarusian-style villa of the Cai residence is brilliantly illuminated, with the courtyard as bright as day. Luxury cars and fine horses gather at the entrance, while elegant ladies and gentlemen of high society flow in and out continuously. The strong scent of French perfume overwhelms the wafts of floral fragrance carried by the night breeze

As the car departed from the Cai Mansion, the streetlights lining the road cast mottled shadows on Han Wei's fair cheeks. He gazed aimlessly out the window, while his sister-in-law, Ni Yuning, fixed her gaze on his curled eyelashes and playfully asked, "Younger brother, what kind of young master antics are you up to again? If we don't hurry you along, are you planning to overturn the Cai Mansion? What was the reason for drawing your gun just now?"

The air was filled with a faint, intoxicating scent of powder, while the luxurious and extravagant atmosphere gradually spread with the gentle night breeze, blending into the lingering and enchanting allure of the surroundings. From time to time, beautiful women brushed past him, some casting a deliberate or accidental glance back at him with a charming smile, while others provocatively assessed him with captivating eyes. The soft and delicate sounds that accompanied their glances made his bones feel weak. The fragrance of their garments and the shadows of their figures, along with the melodious voices of the orioles and swallows, seemed to suggest an irresistible allure in every gesture of the beauties of Longcheng, causing Li Xiaoyun to unknowingly become entranced.

Li Xiaoyun, looking disheveled and covered in dust, made an excuse to leave. As he navigated around the dance floor, he was met by his friend, Young Master Zhao, whom he had brought from Shanghai. Before he could even speak, Zhao burst into laughter, pointing at him and finally managing to squeeze out a few mocking words: "The renowned 'Prince Li' of the Bund in Shanghai actually has moments of failure, having been beaten by a little violinist."

A piercing gunshot shattered the grandeur and tranquility of the ball, causing the crowd to panic and flee in all directions, pushing and shoving, creating chaos.

The eyes of the many women sparkled brightly as they successively arranged to take photos with Li Xiaoyun

The guests are lively, laughter fills the air, and the melodious music lingers endlessly.

Lucy advised the crowd to disperse and took Li Xiaoyun to the guest room to change. Upon understanding the situation, she couldn't help but bend over in laughter: "Wrong, wrong! It must be a misunderstanding. The child prodigy I found for you is sick today and couldn't come, so I had to pull in Michael as a last-minute substitute, and this awkwardness just happened. Of all the people to provoke, why did you have to offend him? He is certainly not the kind of filthy person who would do such things"

Under the wisteria trellis nearby, a few elegantly dressed young men are sitting, drinking and laughing, while a young girl, who is close by, is enjoying the coolness and playfully teasing them. Occasionally, bursts of exaggerated laughter and playful scolding rise and drift away in the night breeze

"Michael, cousin, what is this... Oh no! Blood!" The lady of the house, Lucy, exclaimed as she rushed over, gazing in astonishment at the furious young man standing nearby, and hurried to help the disheveled Li Xiaoyun. His meticulously tailored white evening gown was stained with wine, and his fingers were also pricked.

Indeed, the young man revealed a faint smile, took a sip of water, returned the empty cup to the waiter, and, noticing Li Xiaoyun's seemingly malicious grin, responded in a low voice: "Mr. Li, it is a pleasure to meet you"

Lucy seized the opportunity to boast: "There are countless celebrities and stars who have asked Mr. Li to take special photos, just to mention the popular movie star named Cai Die, who specifically invited Mr. Li to take her portrait and create a copperplate.

This fellow is exceedingly arrogant; I have heard that he is a boy raised by a pirate. Li Xiaoyun casually fabricated this, and listening to Zhao San, one would be hard-pressed not to know the identity of that 'Qintong'.

Li Xiaoyun quietly approached with a wine glass in hand. The boy playing the piano occasionally glanced up at him, but his gaze contained a hint of coldness, accompanied by a disdainful expression.

Two handsome young men walked towards the terrace, where several other charming boys were chatting near the swing set. Some were dressed in flowing long robes, while others wore tailored suits, either sitting or standing, each with their own age and demeanor. Upon noticing Li Xiaoyun's camera aimed at them, the gazes of the beautiful youths initially showed hesitation, but after a brief exchange of whispers, they turned to Li Xiaoyun with sly smiles.

He did not raise his eyes and replied humbly, "Sir, I apologize, but I do not know many pieces."

A sound of admiration arose, and everyone displayed expressions of envy.

Li Xiaoyun felt both shy and angry, but she could not express her feelings due to the large crowd.

Yang Hancheng (January 1902, specifically the 8th day of the twelfth lunar month): Also known as Minghan, with the childhood name Longguan'er, he served as the commander of the Longcheng Military Region and was a young general of the Yang Family Army. He is one of the "Eight Young Masters".

Among them, some inevitably paused to look back, casting a lingering, affectionate glance at Li Xiaoyun, tinged with a hint of teasing

With a carefree laugh, Li Xiaoyun praised the enchanting charm of Longcheng while leaning closer to the glass window of the terrace to gaze at the dance floor below

My cousin intends to seek a lady of comparable grace and beauty as his wife during this trip back home, with plans to settle overseas together. The envious gazes of the young women all turned towards Li Xiaoyun, as if competing to leave her with an unforgettable impression. Li Xiaoyun slightly bowed, feigning a humble smile

Cousin, amidst the crowd searching for you and the countless books seeking your presence, you have hidden yourself here. Come with me quickly; many beautiful ladies downstairs are eager to catch a glimpse of your distinguished demeanor as a celebrity of the Bund in Shanghai. The hostess, Lucy, swayed her fan and, with a coy twist of her waist, approached, unceremoniously linking her arm with Li Xiaoyun's and leading him downstairs to a circle of sofas beside the dance floor

Someone is fighting! Someone is fighting! Good people, come and watch.

Xiaoyun, you! You, the renowned dandy of the Bund, seem to have a nose for every whiff of scandal! How are those male and female body models I found for you the other day? This place is not as liberal as France or Italy; our people regard your so-called 'art' as a great menace. Are you here at the cocktail party today once again to pursue your so-called 'artistic' inspirations?

Yang Hanwei (June 1916 - ): Younger brother of Yang Hancheng, with the childhood nickname "Guai Er"

In the dance floor, modern men and women are tightly embraced, dancing gracefully to the gentle music that ripples through the venue, pairs swaying to the flickering lights. As the song concludes, under the bright lights akin to daylight, the young ladies and matrons stepping out of the dance floor have skin as delicate and smooth as fine cream, and Li Xiaoyun secretly sighs, affirming the saying that Longcheng produces handsome men and beautiful women is indeed true. No wonder Lucy told him that nowadays, the best way to flaunt wealth in Longcheng is through 'luxury cars, pedigree dogs, and beauty.' Reluctantly accepting his cousin Lucy's invitation to Longcheng, he initially resisted, but could not withstand Lucy's persistent coaxing and temptation, repeatedly embellishing the pleasures of Longcheng, and thus he reluctantly brought his friend, Young Master Zhao San, along to enjoy the city.

"Others have offered me large sums of money, but I disdain to even acknowledge them. If you accompany me tonight, you will come to know my advantages." Li Xiaoyun, slightly intoxicated, glanced around and, emboldened by the effects of the alcohol, leaned closer to his ear, whispering with a sly smile.

With a loud "bang," the wine glass in Li Xiaoyun's hand flew out, and she bent down, clutching her leg in pain and wailing.

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Li Xiaoyun was startled by the sound of the camera flash and turned around abruptly. His cold gaze chilled the hostility directed at him, yet he still approached with an air of great refinement, offering a polite nod and a smile before departing, leaving a trace of cool breeze behind.

The arrogance that keeps others at a distance ignited Li Xiaoyun's competitive spirit. She fixed her gaze on his pair of handsome eyes, her body unconsciously drawing closer, completely disregarding the guests coming and going. She thought to herself that he surely did not know she was the one who had booked him for the night, yet he still put on such a lofty and condescending demeanor—how ridiculous that was

As the piece concluded, he casually flipped through the sheet music. Li Xiaoyun, with a flattering smile, handed him a cup of wine and softly praised him with tender words reminiscent of teasing the children who sell smiles in the entertainment venues of Shanghai: "You play quite well, can you play 'Romantic Love'?"

Li Xiaoyun provocatively reached out to stop him, tightly gripping his arms with both hands and said: "Do you know who I am, speaking to me like this?"

Li Xiaoyun, filled with regret yet unwilling to give in, was about to pursue when she caught a fleeting glimpse. She noticed that there was still one person remaining by the terrace, a tall figure leaning against the railing, playing with a crystal-clear glass in hand. The dim light and the colors of the wine faintly reflected on his subtly angled, jade-like face, creating a mesmerizing play of light. A cool night breeze brushed through his brows, lifting a few soft strands of hair from his forehead. The gentle night wind caressed his cheek, yet he remained oblivious, his long eyelashes casting shadows over a pair of clear, water-like eyes that were slightly lowered, gazing into the bustling traffic and the distant glow of the city lights. A hint of lingering, shallow melancholy hovered between his thick brows. The pure moonlight danced before him, sweeping across his face and falling onto the wall, subtly revealing the silhouette of an extraordinarily beautiful and ethereal figure.

Chronological Table of Figures

Those with the courage should come over and strike up a conversation with Li Xiaoyun. Upon hearing Li Xiaoyun mention the topic of "body models," a few people exchanged whispers and laughter, then scattered like sparrows, forming small groups as they chatted and passed by Li Xiaoyun.

Continue to play casually as if in a self-indulgent trance, with a gentle and leisurely demeanor

At this point, he couldn't help but burst into laughter, saying intermittently: "If this gets out, it would truly be a great joke, a remarkable tale from Longcheng. Do you know who Michael is? He is the younger brother of our Longcheng Commander Yang Hancheng, Yang Hanwei, and he is still a brigade commander. How could you mistake him for... hehe... hehe... interesting!"

If the onlookers were all strangers, Li Xiaoyun would not feel such a loss of face; however, he is a person who values his reputation. Zhao San, being a person with a quick tongue, would likely embellish the story, making it so that this "tale" becomes known to everyone on the Bund.

Emerging from the restroom located at the corner of the staircase, Young Master Zhao San, bruised and battered, crawled out. Close behind him, a figure followed a few steps, a shiny leather shoe stepping on Zhao's leg, while a cold Browning pistol was aimed directly at Zhao's head. It was none other than the handsome and elegant piano prodigy, Michael Yang Hanwei.

Mr. Li Xiaoyun, pen name 'Mo Fei', is a renowned journalist in Shanghai. He is the distinguished young editor of the famous illustrated magazine 'Shenjiang Guoliu' and an internationally recognized photographer, also serving as the deputy editor of the 'Shenzhe Morning Post'

"Stop it, little brother!" Mrs. Yang, Ni Yuning, hurried over, and Lucy also rushed in to mediate, leading to a dramatic confrontation.

The bustling world is but a dream without evidence, where in this realm can one inquire about deep affections