Chapter 2: Gun Selection
Fu Zhongyuan let out a meaningful "Oh?" filled with surprise and embarrassment, seemingly recalling his earlier disrespectful remarks to Yang Hanwei in the lounge. He smiled self-deprecatingly and couldn't help but take another look at the two brothers before him, who were responding with composure, feeling quite moved. He had heard in his youth that the sons of General Yang from Longcheng were often outstanding individuals, and today, seeing them in person, they truly were exceptional. The young translator, Michael, had a voice as cool and deep as a tranquil pool, exuding an air of noble elegance in his demeanor. He had heard in his youth that the sons of General Yang from Longcheng were often outstanding individuals, and today, seeing them in person, they truly were exceptional. The young translator, Michael, had a voice as cool and deep as a tranquil pool, exuding an air of noble elegance in his demeanor. His jet-black suit complemented his tall stature, a snow-white silk shirt, and a shiny tie. His exquisite face had bright eyes that sparkled like cold light, clear as water. When he finished speaking, he slightly pursed his lips, revealing a smile, his delicate chin lifted, and his bright gaze directed at Mr. Wilson, making an elegant gesture to return the topic to the American representative. This youthful beauty, as graceful as a gentle breeze and falling snow, was highly appreciated by Fu Zhongyuan, the diplomatic expert, for his precise wording during translation and his quick-witted responses. When he finished speaking, he slightly pursed his lips, revealing a smile, his delicate chin lifted, and his bright gaze directed at Mr. Wilson, making an elegant gesture to return the topic to the American representative. This youthful beauty, as graceful as a gentle breeze and falling snow, was highly appreciated by Fu Zhongyuan, the diplomatic expert, for his precise wording during translation and his quick-witted responses.
At the press conference venue, journalists from both domestic and international backgrounds eagerly posed their questions
"Two bastards? What..." Yang Hanwei suddenly realized, chuckled, kicked Xiao Heizi, and scolded, "Stop messing around, I still have important matters to attend to"
"Attention, salute!" The approaching guard stood in a neat formation and saluted. Han Wei was taken aback, his steps abruptly halting, revealing his awkwardness. He inwardly cursed this group for being so oblivious to their surroundings at such a moment. Han Wei paused, cleared his throat, and nodded vaguely in return. How could a colonel brigade commander behave in such a frivolous manner? It was simply detrimental to military prestige and family reputation! If his elder brother were to see this, he would certainly adopt a stern expression and reprimand him accordingly. How could a colonel brigade commander behave in such a frivolous manner? It was simply detrimental to military prestige and family reputation! If his elder brother were to see this, he would certainly adopt a stern expression and reprimand him accordingly.
At this moment, sitting beside them with a consistently humble smile, the highest official of Longcheng, Yang Hancheng, skillfully responded to the various representatives before him with the grace of Tai Chi, using softness to overcome hardness. One cannot help but reflect on this official, who, having surpassed the age of thirty, has already taken command of the military and political power in Longcheng, truly embodying the essence of an "elite." It is no wonder that people say General Yang of Longcheng once managed his household well, as the offspring of the Yang family are indeed like "beautiful jade among men," exceptional in every way.
The elder brother's reprimands are indeed harsher than those of a father towards his son. Although their father has long since passed away, Han Wei's impression of him is that he was always kind and gentle. However, the elder brother consistently finds fault with him, never satisfied with any aspect.
The crumpled newspaper scraped harshly against Li Xiaoyun's bruised and bloodied mouth and nose, the hard edges of the paper grinding painfully against her face as she dodged left and right
To meet such a hurried demise was certainly not his intention. Although it is said that a strong dragon does not suppress a local snake, to beg for mercy from this "Lord of Longcheng" would be a loss of face that Li Xiaoyun could not afford.
Han Wei's handsome face was shrouded in mist. He moved the corners of his mouth and, after a moment's hesitation, asked, "Have you searched everywhere nearby?"
The classic phrase of using four ounces to move a thousand pounds is straightforward and concise, striking like a resounding slap that leaves foreign devils speechless
"Rascal!" Yang Hanwei kicked, and Li Xiaoyun let out a cry of agony, writhing in pain as he broke free from the soldier's restraint, hunching over and groaning on the ground
"Young Master, that bastard has come out!" The aide beside him, with a dark expression, pointed to the entrance of Guangda Commercial Firm across the street. Upon hearing this, the officer straightened up, like a tiger or leopard sensing blood.
Mr. Lei, dressed in a long blue robe, adjusted his round glasses and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, repeatedly expressing his agreement
A military jeep was parked opposite the Guangda Commercial Bank. An officer in uniform, wearing sunglasses, leaned against the car door, gazing out the window. The raised collar of his trench coat partially obscured his face, exuding an air of authority mixed with a hint of mystery
Li Xiaoyun was taken aback, cursing under her breath and about to take a detour when another military truck roared in. A row of armed soldiers jumped down from the vehicle, marching in formation to block the way, dispersing pedestrians without hesitation and sealing off the road
The venue suddenly fell eerily silent, quiet enough to hear a breath.
As Yang Hanwei stepped in front of Li Xiaoyun, his gaze, once as clear and enticing as water that had captivated Li Xiaoyun's soul, now bore a chilling, murderous intensity that sent shivers through Li Xiaoyun's aching body
Young Master, to speak frankly, those two have neither descended the mountain nor returned to the residence. The master of the Cai family and Madam Lucy are searching everywhere, placing advertisements to inquire about the whereabouts of Li Xiaoyun and Zhao San, as if they intend to dig three feet into Longcheng. It is said that the Blue Gang from Shanghai has also sent people to Longcheng; this matter has escalated significantly
Li Xiaoyun swallowed the bloody saliva and gave a bitter smile, his voice strained yet still nonchalant as he gazed at Yang Hanwei with an ambiguous look. He coughed violently and then burst into laughter, saying: "To die under the peony, even as a ghost one remains dashing"
The glimmer of blades and swords fades away.
Minister Fu, it is a pleasure to meet you! Please call me Michael; my surname is Yang, not Cang. Han Wei strode towards Minister Fu, raising the glass in his hand. Before his humorous words could finish, the attendant from outside had already come to urge him, stating that the guests had arrived
Han Wei's expression darkened, and he appeared respectful and restrained, bowing his head and listening attentively to the reprimand.
When Han Wei, with his authentic American accent, completed the translation of Chairman Yang Hancheng's speech, applause erupted in the venue, signaling the successful conclusion of the negotiations
Li Xiaoyun's face, twisted in pain, slowly lifted as she let out a bitter laugh. She gazed at Yang Hanwei's condescending look and said, "A gentleman takes revenge; ten years is not too late"
The audience erupted in thunderous applause
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Han Wei comforted him, saying: "Don't worry, perhaps those two fellows have gone off to enjoy themselves somewhere."
The adjutant contemptuously strode up to Li Xiaoyun, shaking a copy of the "Longcheng Daily" in his hand. This was the newspaper that Li Xiaoyun had instructed someone to distort the truth about the scandalous incident at the Cai Mansion ball, where Han Weiming had fired a gun. The adjutant, with a sinister smile, crumpled the newspaper in front of Li Xiaoyun and then clicked his tongue, saying: "Alas, it’s a pity that your little journalist's ink and the photographer's pictures think they can stir up trouble on the streets of Longcheng. In the end, they will just be used as toilet paper to wipe one’s backside."
Yang Hancheng, the Governor of Longcheng Province and Commander of the Military District, sat upright in his chair, his lean face maintaining a gentle smile as he spoke calmly
Xiao Heizi looked around anxiously and pulled him to a corner.
***
Michael is the younger brother of our Commander Yang and the commander of the Longcheng Mechanized Special Brigade
In broad daylight, you are utterly disregarding the law and are exceedingly arrogant!" Li Xiaoyun suddenly realized the identity of the newcomer. A strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake; this is the territory of Longcheng. However, he did not expect that the young master of the Yang family would be so unrestrained as to use the military to bully the few in broad daylight.
Xiao Heizi quickly grabbed Han Wei, who was about to turn and leave, and then hurriedly released his hand, brushing off the expensive suit that Han Wei was wearing
Little Heizi shook his head and cautiously asked, "Young Master, should I inform the Commander? If this really causes a problem, won't he just strip you of your skin?"
In broad daylight, do you still have any regard for the law!" Li Xiaoyun struggled in shame and anger, but it was all in vain
Han Wei felt a rush of blood to his head, as if his mind had been instantly emptied. He never expected that his elder brother would unexpectedly appear before him. He sighed inwardly: "Yang Han Wei, you are just harboring a glimmer of hope; when will you ever escape the grasp of your elder brother, who is like the Buddha? Even if you turn over and leave a puddle, it is still beneath the Five Finger Mountain of the Buddha. Two words: 'suffering'!"
In this Dragon City territory, you should inquire a bit; our young master is the law here, and the law here is under the surname Yang! Understand this before you come back. The young masters from Shanghai are nothing but nonsense!
Li Xiaoyun, dressed in a suit and polished shoes, emerged from the foreign firm, embracing a delicate-looking young man with slicked-back hair and a fair complexion, while a follower hurriedly trailed behind, carrying a large bundle of items.
Stop! A sharp reprimand echoed as the elder brother Yang Hancheng stepped out of the room, hands clasped behind his back, wearing a serious expression
Yang Hanwei looked down arrogantly at Li Xiaoyun, smiling proudly, a smile that carried the satisfaction of having the upper hand
No matter who takes it, please keep in mind that it is BeiDaying, China. Han Wei smiled lightly, and the translation flowed calmly and gracefully.
The elder brother never praises him, regardless of how outstanding his performance may be; in the elder brother's eyes, there is no best, only better.
Yang Hanwei waved his hand, and he was pulled onto the military vehicle
Returning to the living room, Han Wei humbly and cautiously served tea and water to his elder brother and Foreign Minister Fu Zhongyuan, secretly laughing to himself, realizing he had quickly become like those "little brothers" in the restaurant.
Can a temporary translator be reliable? In such a significant situation, any mistake could jeopardize the state! You, Commander Yang, need to be aware that international public opinion is closely watching the transfer of shares in the Xilong Railway.
The officer slightly lowered his sunglasses to the bridge of his nose, casting a playful glance through the gap in the glasses. With a snap of his fingers, the jeep effortlessly drove out, blocking Li Xiaoyun and the other two in a corner.
After watching the guard walk away, Han Wei couldn't help but stick out his tongue and let out a long sigh, then turned around and floated away lightly.
The adjutant lightly beckoned with his finger, and two soldiers seized Li Xiaoyun's arms from either side, lifting him up. Despite his desperate resistance, it was in vain. The adjutant struck him with punches and kicks, leaving Li Xiaoyun's face bruised and battered, his nose swollen and his face disfigured.
The crowd of onlookers gasped and scattered, while some brave individuals leaned out of the windows to observe below
Michael Yang. Li Xiaoyun clearly remembered this name; it came to her lips effortlessly
"Master Lei, where did you find this little translator? Their spoken language is fluent, their tone is beautiful, their choice of words is quite eloquent, and they are also clever and charming"
The car door slowly opened, and the young officer who stepped out was Yang Hanwei. He elegantly removed his black sunglasses, and beneath the imposing brim of his military cap, his spirited face made it impossible for Li Xiaoyun to associate him with the delicate and handsome youth she had seen at the banquet two days prior.
Outside the negotiation venue of the Longcheng Provincial Government, Foreign Minister Fu Zhongyuan, who had rushed from Xijing, was loudly reprimanding Mr. Lei, the Secretary-General of the Longcheng Confidential Office
Mr. Wilson, the American representative with a bushy beard and white hair, gracefully elaborated on the American position, expressing his well-mannered gratitude to the Longcheng government and conveying confidence in the Sino-American joint venture taking over the Xilong Railway left by the Japanese. The cunning old fox appeared to be brimming with the arrogance of someone seasoned in battle; however, he was unable to gain significant advantage in Longcheng today. The negotiation concluded with both sides making concessions to reach an agreement, ending with a handshake.
Young master, it's not that it's bad, something has happened! Cold sweat trickled down Xiao Heizi's forehead
Foreign Minister Fu Zhongyuan praised in person: "Han Wei's young disciple is truly talented, capable of handling such significant negotiations with remarkable skill. It can be said that heroes emerge from youth!"
The gates of the Longcheng Provincial Government are always open, welcoming sincere merchants from your country, like Mr. Wilson, to jointly invest and develop in Longcheng. The Longcheng government will provide a safe business environment for all international friends engaged in legitimate business activities on this land
The adjutant spat and called to those around him, "Continue to teach this pile of dog excrement a lesson"
"So, sir, is the regular meeting at the travel department still on this afternoon? Aren't you also supposed to go to the Fishermen's Camp dike to check on flood prevention measures?" asked Xiao Heizi.
Watching his elder brother and Mr. Wilson disappear at the entrance of the lounge, Han Wei wore a victorious smile from the negotiations and elbowed Xiao Heizi, scolding, "Are you on fire or something? Look how anxious you are! Haven't you seen the commander around?"
The aide, Xiao Heizi, hurriedly pulled Han Wei and said: "Young Master, forget it. This kind of scum isn't worth the trouble; stepping on him would only dirty your shoes!"
I heard my elder brother scold again: "You reckless thing, you've become complacent!"
After the mission concluded, Han Wei felt a sense of relief as he sent off the guests. The tension that had been coiled within him instantly relaxed, and his steps became light and joyful, as if he were riding on clouds, effortlessly bounding up the stairs. After all, he was still young and impetuous, and there would always come a time when his true nature would be revealed.
Oh dear, young master. Where are they running off to, completely naked? Heizi initially instructed someone to strip these two scoundrels bare and throw them on the mountaintop to scare them and teach them a lesson. Yet, the clothes are neatly placed on the only path down the mountain. However, those clothes remain untouched, and the people are nowhere to be seen.
Han Wei no longer exhibited the spirited demeanor at the negotiation table; at this moment, he stood to the side with a demeanor of restraint and respect, his face still adorned with a bright smile as he responded, "Minister Fu, you flatter me; I am truly ashamed."
The gun was pressed against Li Xiaoyun's chin, and with a flick of the index finger, the bullet was chambered. With a "click" sound, Li Xiaoyun's heart trembled.
Han Wei noticed his elder brother Han Chen's slightly raised eyebrows and a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth. He could not be certain if it was truly a smile, perhaps it was more of a "smirk." Yet, every time he caught a glimpse of his elder brother's subtle expression, Han Wei could not help but break into a cold sweat, his legs turning weak. That was a precursor to his elder brother's display of power.
The Foreign Minister has elevated him; he merely learned a few phrases in English and is just here temporarily to help manage the situation
This sensitive issue has recently been widely promoted by the notorious Japanese Kwantung Army, claiming that Japan occupied Northeast China because the Chinese fired the first shot at Beidaying. This is a complete distortion of the truth and an unfounded provocation, yet it has been continuously sensationalized by many foreign media with ulterior motives. It is akin to saying that after being assaulted, one is to blame for provoking the assailant and awakening their primal instincts; this is the logic of a robber.
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***
Han Wei's expression suddenly darkened, and a surge of anger ignited within him. He wished he could swing his fist and punch that arrogant prince in the face. However, as he turned, he caught a glimpse of Mr. Lei's worried expression, who gave him a look indicating that he must not act recklessly. Despite a thousand unwilling thoughts, Han Wei dared not seek revenge against Foreign Minister Fu over a single word "fly". At this moment, any unnecessary trouble would surely lead him to become a mere insect crushed under the foot of the elder brother.
Go! You go home first and bring me the military uniform
The crowd rose with laughter and headed to the lounge, while Foreign Minister Fu, speaking fluent English, accompanied Mr. Wilson with joviality as they departed
Yang Hanwei, with his snow-white gloves, casually took a handgun from the waist of his aide, pressing the barrel against Li Xiaoyun's chin and applying slight upward pressure. In a deep voice, he disdainfully articulated each word: "You didn't even bother to inquire who I am before coming to wreak havoc in Longcheng's territory!"
Han Wei picked up a glass of ice water from the bar and turned to casually admire the scenery outside the window. Minister Fu's sharp words were low yet piercing: "Is it really him? How can someone so young take the stage? Don't let a single fly spoil a lavish feast!"
Yang Hanwei raised an eyebrow and said, "To make a long story short, be quick about it; the master is waiting inside."
As Han Wei stepped out, he was pulled aside by a person near the door. Upon focusing his gaze, he realized it was his close aide, Xiao Heizi.
Yang Hanwei waved his hand
The adjutant stepped forward, gave a sharp signal to the soldiers lined up behind, and made a casual gesture. The soldiers charged down like fierce tigers.
***
Thus, as Han Wei had anticipated, the tone of the elder brother's reply was cold and decisive: "No matter who fires the first shot, remember that it is in the Beidaying of China!"
Han Wei, originally lost in thought regarding the disappearance of Li Xiaoyun and Zhao San, was startled by this sensitive question. After a moment of silence in the conference hall, an uproar ensued. Foreign Minister Fu cast a worried glance at Chairman Yang Hancheng, while countless eyes were fixed on the response of Yang Hancheng, the Chairman of Longcheng and Commander of the Military District, who was sitting upright and composed at that moment
At the command of the adjutant, several soldiers rushed forward, delivering a fierce barrage of kicks and blows. Li Xiaoyun, who had been commanding respect and power on the Bund in Shanghai, had never endured such humiliation and torment. He instinctively curled up, cradling his head, but the dignity of a man compelled him to endure without begging for mercy, only letting out painful groans and cries.
The youth tightly holding onto Li Xiaoyun's arm let out a sharp scream, as Li Xiaoyun was struck by a flying punch, causing blood to flow from her mouth and nose, leaving her dizzy and disoriented
Young Master—" Xiao Heizi appeared anxious and uneasy
Ha, he still knows what the law of the king is! The adjutant laughed mockingly as he struck Li Xiaoyun's head with the butt of his gun, deriding the surrounding soldiers, who burst into laughter.
May I ask Commander Yang, the peaceful and stable investment environment for foreign businessmen is of utmost importance. Therefore, we would like to know, during the 1931 Shenyang Incident between China and Japan, who fired the first shot at the "Beida Camp"? Was it the Chinese side or the Japanese side?
"Two such large living beings, even if they turned into dung, would still leave quite a stench; they can't just disappear without a trace," muttered Xiao Heizi.
In an instant, a sly smile appeared on his face, and his calm gaze met that of Foreign Minister Fu, the "uncle of the nation," who had come from the Western Capital to negotiate in Dragon City
Extra! Extra! Today's "Longcheng Daily" reports that a young gentleman opened fire at the Cai Mansion in a dispute over a socialite, injuring his rival. Commander Yang's brother, Brigadier General Yang Hanwei, is furious for the sake of his beloved! Extra! Extra!
Li Xiaoyun's expression was tense, glancing left and right, as if trying to ascertain the truth of the matter
Han Wei's expression darkened, the previously charming smile completely vanished, and he asked in astonishment, "Aren't the two bastards thrown on the small hill?"
Mr. Lei explained with a humble smile: "Minister Fu need not worry, Hanwei is ... ... "
Lift him up! The adjutant quickly understood and gave the order
Yang Hanwei remained silent, his expression dazed, nervously rubbing his palms together. He tried to calm himself and said, "Let's wait and see. After the press conference, I will think it over again"
"Young Master, how are you?" the adjutant asked Yang Hanwei, who was watching from the side with a sidelong glance, as if seeking credit for his efforts.
The newsboys on Longcheng Street and its alleys are rushing about, waving freshly printed newspapers and calling out their sales. Their footsteps tread upon the uneven pavement of the street, still damp from the recently ceased downpour, occasionally splashing through the puddles and drawing the ire of the nearby gentlemen in long gowns, who scold and kick at them
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Those two bastards have gone missing, " Xiao Heizi replied mysteriously