Chapter 57 — Car Rental Business
Xie Jing stood obediently behind Lord Bai Jiu, saying little.
Bai Hongqi, who had just come in, picked up the conversation with a bright smile, offering a cup on Lord Bai Jiu’s behalf. “Our Lord Bai Jiu always speaks highly of Young Master Cao, saying you have many interesting friends and fine wines here. Today I happen to come by; why not let me try this red wine too?”
Cao Yunzhao, who had been joking with Lord Bai Jiu, turned and handed the cup of red wine to Bai Hongqi, letting them drink together.
Bai Hongqi drained her cup of red wine without any change in expression, still smiling pleasantly.
Someone nearby praised, “As expected of a Bai family member—truly impressive tolerance for alcohol.”
Bai Hongqi thanked them politely, standing at the front to keep watch.
Lord Bai Jiu said, “Since you’re here, sit down and have a chat.”
Bai Hongqi obediently sat beside her uncle. Her status set her apart, and no one at the table dared tease her. She spoke more formally than before.
The banquet at the Cao household gathered people from all sectors of the provincial government. Cao Yunzhao liked making connections; people of all sorts came, but those who could sit here were influential and well-known.
The Cao family held power in Beiping; even ignoring Cao’s father, Cao Yunzhao’s elder brother was a man whose mere stomp could shake the entire city. The Bai family had a commercial lineage spanning a century—not just the nominal governor of the northern provinces—but a foundation deeper than the Cao family’s.
Both of these men were rarely seen in daily life. Conversations at this dinner could reveal information unobtainable elsewhere. Lord Bai Jiu intentionally brought Bai Hongqi into the circle, which Cao Yunzhao was delighted to encourage. After the meal, he invited people to play Pai Gow.
The servants brought a set of ivory tiles. With fewer players than usual, many onlookers gathered.
Two people sat next to Cao Yunzhao. A woman in red tried to sit closer, but before she could, the perfume on her made him sneeze. Waving her off, he said, “Not you. Get someone else to watch my tiles.” Looking around, he was about to call Xie Jing, but Lord Bai Jiu had already pulled him to sit behind him.
Today Lord Bai Jiu wore a shirt and trousers, slightly casual. He loosened his collar slightly and quietly said something to Xie Jing behind him. Obediently, Xie Jing leaned forward and pointed at the tiles.
Cao Yunzhao was envious. “Bai Jiu, do you even need someone behind you to watch?”
Lord Bai Jiu said calmly, “The wine you brought is good; after a couple more cups, it’s hard to see clearly.”
Cao Yunzhao had to give up. Not wanting to leave Bai Hongqi idle, he called to her: “Hong’er, come watch with me. If we win, I’ll share the winnings.” Though a peer to Lord Bai Jiu and only a few years older than Bai Hongqi, he treated her like a niece.
Bai Hongqi smiled, “Young Master Cao, you watch yourself. I’ll also watch for Lord Bai Jiu.”
Next to Lord Bai Jiu sat a boy and a girl. The boy bent behind the sofa to quietly point at tiles, while the girl fanned him lightly with a scented fan. Bai Hongqi spoke little, mostly listening.
Lord Bai Jiu was lucky—he won two rounds consecutively.
Sitting as banker, Lord Bai Jiu remained calm, but Cao Yunzhao was already losing badly, his shirt sleeves rolled up to the elbows. Though someone suggested he change seats, he refused.
Lord Bai Jiu tapped the tiles lightly on the table. Bai Hongqi noticed and understood. She looked up at Cao Yunzhao with a smile: “Young Master Cao, playing like this is no fun. How about we raise the stakes?”
“Oh? You want to bet what?”
“I saw your car outside—it’s so impressive. I’ve never seen one like that. If I watch the tiles for Lord Bai Jiu and we win, can I borrow it for a few days?”
Cao Yunzhao laughed heartily, “What are you saying? If you win, the car is yours.”
Bai Hongqi happily played, concentrating on every move. Though her luck was not as good as Xie Jing’s earlier, Cao Yunzhao won several hands and grinned widely.
But Bai Hongqi’s luck turned, and she finally drew the winning tile herself.
Cao Yunzhao asked someone to fetch the car keys, but Lord Bai Jiu stopped him: “A child is just playing foolishly; don’t take it seriously.”
Someone else at the table asked, “Miss Bai interested in cars? I deal with a Shanghai car dealership. If you wish, I can help you get a new car.”
Bai Hongqi shuffled the tiles and asked, “What kinds of cars?”
“Mostly American: Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, etc. Also Osby, DeSoto, and Isayse sell well. The Shanghai dealership has dozens of brands.”
Bai Hongqi laughed, “No wonder they call it ‘the World of Cars’—sounds lively. But I don’t want something too expensive. Any others?”
“Yes. A cousin of mine does this business. He knows many people in Beiping and the consulates. Foreigners leaving the country often leave cars with him; the resale price is much lower.”
Bai Hongqi became very interested and asked many questions about cars.
At this time, cars were genuinely precious. A brand-new foreign car could sell for ten thousand silver. The dealer, understanding she intended to buy in quantity, pondered, then said: “For personal use, new cars are best. For business, I can introduce you to Beiping’s Meifeng dealership. Prices are negotiable.”
Cao Yunzhao asked in surprise, “A little girl like you buying so many cars?”
Bai Hongqi smiled, “For business. A few days ago, Lord Bai Jiu took me to the Governor’s Mansion. I heard the province plans to pave 48 roads—widening some, rebuilding others. With better roads, more cars will be needed to liven things up.”
Cao Yunzhao thought for a moment: “You want to open a car rental business? Like the carriage rentals before? But think carefully—cars are different. Repairs cost a lot.” If anyone else said this, it might not matter. From Cao Yunzhao’s mouth, it meant a fortune: his car engine recently had issues; a single repair cost a gold bar.
Lord Bai Jiu didn’t consider the cost. He glanced at her: “This has no precedent. Worth a try. If it opens, I’ll take a ten percent stake.”
Bai Hongqi smiled shyly, her eyes bright like a child praised by a parent.
With Lord Bai Jiu’s backing, others became interested. The conversation turned to business during the card game.
“No taxi services in the country yet,” one said. “Many curious about cars. If this opens, it’s pioneering and unique.”
The Shanghai dealer became more enthusiastic, hinting at investment. Bai Hongqi said, “Sir, why not take a silent stake? I can handle all of Beiping; only vehicle procurement is easier via Shanghai.”
The dealer nodded. After a few rounds of discussion, prices dropped significantly: a second-hand Ford only five thousand, a worse one just two thousand. Bai Hongqi was pleasantly surprised but remained calm, subtly raising her pinky while shuffling tiles.
Lord Bai Jiu backed her. Once negotiations finished, he pushed the tiles to her: “You play a bit. Winnings can buy rouge; losses, I’ll cover.”
Bai Hongqi agreed, already confident after securing the dealership deal. Her luck improved, and she played the cards skillfully.
Lord Bai Jiu went upstairs to sober up.
The mountains were quiet. Twilight softened the light, and the sun no longer blazed, bringing a warm breeze through the mountain wind.
The third-floor balcony was spacious. Lord Bai Jiu sat in a secluded corner talking with Xie Jing.
He had drunk at lunch and still felt some effects. Leaning on one hand, he lazily asked: “Did you go find Hong’er?”
Xie Jing crouched, looking up, and replied.
“Why?”
“Afraid you’d drink too much.”
“And you’re not afraid she’ll drink too much?”
Xie Jing paused. He knew Bai Hongqi’s tolerance—she looked innocent but could match Lord Bai Jiu cup for cup. If converted, ten Bai Mingyu wouldn’t equal her. He couldn’t say this aloud. He opened his mouth, then shut it, forehead glistening with sweat.
Lord Bai Jiu watched him and lightly touched his cheek, fingers sliding to his chin, scratching playfully like teasing a puppy, chuckling softly.
“Are you…”
Xie Jing waited.
But Lord Bai Jiu didn’t finish, only looked at him, the black eyes holding a trace of amusement like a thawing cold pond, all sharpness replaced by indulgence: “I’m fine. Even drinking together doesn’t matter. I know what I’m doing; don’t worry too much in the future.”
Xie Jing softly called, “Master.”
Lord Bai Jiu’s heart stirred. Half-lidded, he looked at him, fingers still on his chin. Xie Jing tilted slightly; his fingertips brushed the boy’s throat, feeling the slight rise of his Adam’s apple.
Footsteps approached. Xie Jing didn’t move, but Lord Bai Jiu withdrew his hand and looked forward.
“You came?”
Cao Yunzhao, shirt unbuttoned two buttons, hair tied back, enjoyed the cool mountain breeze: “If you can come to enjoy the breeze, why can’t I?”
Lord Bai Jiu whispered to Xie Jing: “Go find Zhang Huwei. I arranged a mentor for you to learn some skills. Go.”
Xie Jing nodded and went.
Cao Yunzhao didn’t stop him, only watched his back before slowly sitting beside his friend: “Were you serious just now?”
Lord Bai Jiu sipped tea and replied calmly, “You mean the car rental business?”
“…Bai Rongjiu, stop dodging. You know what I’m asking. When did you start liking men? Wait, I mean… do you ever like anyone?”
Lord Bai Jiu chuckled, “Your question is dull. I didn’t come from anything humanly; I came from a stone.”
Cao Yunzhao frowned deeply, looking bewildered: “I really can’t imagine you having emotions. But you keep Xie Jing by your side… have you ever had… feelings?”
Lord Bai Jiu’s expression turned cold: “Stop talking nonsense.”
Cao Yunzhao became more curious: “So you just watch over this beautiful little guy every day, doing nothing?”
Lord Bai Jiu frowned: “Is your old habit acting up again? If so, I’ll call Beiping for you.”
Cao Yunzhao waved him off, slightly frustrated: “Why tattle? I just look a little. Appreciating beauty—art, you understand?”
“Don’t understand. Just think there are too many people in your little mansion.”
“Each has their merits!” Cao Yunzhao said cheerfully, tapping the rattan armrest. “Have you heard the story of the Southern Dynasty monk Zhi Daolin?”
Lord Bai Jiu hummed softly, looking ahead.
Cao Yunzhao continued, unbothered: “Zhi Daolin kept several horses but didn’t ride or sell them, just kept them. People told him, ‘As a monk, keeping such toys is improper.’ He said, ‘I treasure their spirit and vigor.’” He tapped his chest and smiled. “Believe it or not, I’ve never touched anyone in the mansion. I only appreciate them, like Zhi Daolin with his horses: you don’t have to ride or travel far—seeing the life and vitality itself brings joy.”
“I feel the same,” Lord Bai Jiu said.
Cao Yunzhao paused, then lightly kicked him, mock-scolding: “I tell you the truth, and you sidestep. Since you and Hong’er teamed up at cards, don’t think I didn’t notice. You’re not honest—haven’t said a single true word.”
