Chapter 59 — Raiding the Household
Bai Hongqi launched the car rental business with a whirlwind of energy. As it was the first of its kind in the entire country, it even made the front page of the newspaper. She hadn’t even spent on advertising, yet many journalists came to cover the opening.
On the day of the grand opening, Master Bai Jiu sent a flower basket, and Cao Yunzhao also sent one. With these two showing support, other businesses in the provincial capital also expressed interest, making the opening a lively event.
Bai Hongqi had spent several years learning at Master Bai Jiu’s side, so during Bai Mingyu’s absence, she was arguably the best student under him. Now, tasked with managing all affairs of the second branch, the skills she had learned under Master Bai came in handy. She provided every driver in the rental company with a full set of suits and top hats made from the trendiest materials. The cost was considerable, but it made the passengers feel prestigious. Being driven by such a well-dressed chauffeur was a point of pride.
Bai Hongqi understood people’s hearts and desires; her business could hardly fail.
The fare for one hour in her taxi was four yuan. Even in a province where living expenses were higher, this was enough to cover half a month’s food for a family of three. Compared with buying a car, the cost was negligible. Some government officials and businessmen would hire a car and driver for an entire month. The driver, dressed in a suit and top hat, would deliver them to the office, run ahead to open the door, walking with chest out and head high, full of pride.
Within a month, Bai Hongqi had purchased over a hundred cars from Shanghai and established a shareholder company. The business was thriving.
Meanwhile, Master Bai Jiu’s other student was proving more troublesome.
*
Bai Family East Courtyard, Study Room.
Master Bai sat at his desk, frowning, and slammed the account book down in frustration. He looked up at Bai Mingyu and scolded: “I’ve been sending you to the pawnshop for more than a day now! The rules are on the wall for you to read daily—how can you not see them or not understand?”
Bai Mingyu stammered, trying to protest: “I know I shouldn’t open them, but the accountant reminded me several times that there were no assets in that household. They said the items were family heirlooms, sealed in boxes… what if they’re fake…”
Master Bai Jiu threw another account book at him and shouted, “If you have doubts, then don’t accept them! What do you mean by taking them and opening them anyway? Now the person comes back—losing money is small, but how will you make up for the pawnshop’s reputation?”
“But the accountant…”
“Don’t you have a brain of your own? Always following others’ words, always doing what others tell you, never handling things yourself?”
Bai Mingyu was scolded, his head drooping. Master Bai Jiu made him recite the rules of the pawnshop in the study. Bai Mingyu stood in the corner, staring at the wall, reciting aloud: “Master’s orders for the rules: clothing, jewelry, and diamonds—do not open them without permission. Divine robes and theatrical costumes are inappropriate; flags, silks, umbrellas, and fans are inappropriate; leather goods without wrapping are inappropriate—”
As he recited, someone entered and he immediately lowered his voice.
Master Bai Jiu glanced at him and coldly said: “Louder! Recite it twenty more times!”
Bai Mingyu raised his voice: “Improper accessories—!!”
His sudden shout startled the newcomer, but they quickly giggled—a clear, pleasant laugh. It was Bai Hongqi.
Bai Mingyu faced the wall, unable to see her, but his ears caught the light laughter. His face flushed with embarrassment and a bit of irritation. Though annoyed, he dared not stop, continuing to loudly recite the pawnshop rules.
Bai Hongqi glanced curiously, then quickly turned her attention away, walking into the study to see Master Bai Jiu. She greeted him warmly: “Uncle Jiu, the car business has kept me busy. I finally found time to come see you and brought a small gift.”
She handed over a small box, blue velvet wrapped with a ribbon. Inside was a car key.
Bai Hongqi said: “A few days ago, I got a car from the Shanghai port. It’s sturdy and attractive, with more interior space than other cars and a partition. It made me think of you immediately. I don’t need it, but you deal with business often—this car is perfect for you.”
Master Bai Jiu accepted it, nodding: “Thoughtful of you.”
Bai Hongqi laughed: “It’s nothing. Respecting you is only right. Just don’t laugh at me for not knowing better things and always giving things away…”
A laugh came from the corner, slightly teasing, not serious.
Bai Hongqi’s smile froze. She felt the boy reciting rules in the corner was mocking her. The hostility was too obvious, almost as if ridiculing her eagerness to please. She blushed, mostly angry—how dare he laugh at her? When Uncle Jiu had taught her business before, Bai Er hadn’t even caused trouble, and now he couldn’t even recite the pawnshop rules fully, yet dared mock her?
After sending off the car, Bai Hongqi left without disturbing Master Bai Jiu further.
Bai Mingyu finished reciting the rules twenty times and was finally allowed out.
Outside the courtyard, he soon saw a girl in riding attire and boots, holding a pipa. Despite her outfit, her face was innocent and lovely. Her curled hair was tied with a red velvet ribbon, and she tilted her chin up at him.
Bai Mingyu immediately recognized her and sniffed derisively: “So you’re the one who gave the gift?”
“That’s a courtesy gift. The Bai family of Qinghe surely knows these rules?” The girl widened her eyes in surprise, then nodded: “Coming from a small place, ignorance is understandable. In the future, study well. Don’t anger Uncle Jiu like that again.”
“You—!”
“Compared to you, I know the rules better. Uncle Jiu accepted you as a student, yet you can’t even learn. If you’re useless, go back to Qinghe Bai family. I’ll handle things here. If I see you act foolishly again and anger Uncle Jiu, I’ll whip you myself.”
Bai Mingyu, though reckless, never hit women. He was so furious his face flushed, shouting: “It’s not my fault! The accountant messed up, and I just happened to be caught in the crossfire…”
Bai Hongqi sneered: “And what good are you, the big manager, if you can’t even control one accountant?”
Bai Mingyu: “…”
Once out of the East Courtyard, he was scolded again. Frustrated and unable to retort, he returned to his own small courtyard. Since it wasn’t his family, he dared not break things. Compared to Qinghe, he had grown slightly, but still inexperienced. The accountant had used his youth against him. Bai Mingyu, now angry, lay face down on his pillow, sulking.
Someone knocked at the door a few times. Bai Mingyu ignored it. The person persisted, knocking twice more before finally entering.
It was Xie Jing entering. He saw Bai Mingyu lying on the bed, sulking. Taller now, he appeared less pitiful than before, almost comically so.
Xie Jing asked gently: “Second Young Master, today is your birthday…”
Bai Mingyu sniffled loudly, feeling utterly wronged.
Xie Jing paused, then asked: “Second Young Master, would you like a bowl of longevity noodles?”
Bai Mingyu sat up, still flushed with grievance: “Little Xie, I’ve had such bad luck today. Lord Bai Jiu scolded me, fine, I accept it. But that little girl blocked me outside and scolded me too. Who does she think she is? Back in Qinghe…” He trailed off, thinking of his past glory, feeling sorrowful.
Xie Jing didn’t comfort him, just stood by. Once Bai Mingyu calmed, Xie Jing took him to have a bowl of longevity noodles.
Bai Mingyu thought it would be a simple bowl from the small kitchen, but Xie Jing brought him to a small restaurant.
Granny Kou ran the place well. By noon, many patrons were inside, some familiar faces. Bai Mingyu noticed several guards—he didn’t know their names, but recognized them.
Xie Jing greeted each warmly; they laughed and talked with him.
Bai Mingyu followed Xie Jing to the inner courtyard. Xie Jing served him a bowl of noodles personally. Bai Mingyu, deeply touched, slurped them down.
Xie Jing brought some side dishes: “Eat slowly. See if you like them. I cooked them myself. If you don’t, I can get more from the front.”
Bai Mingyu shook his head and ate greedily, truly hungry after reciting rules in Master Bai’s study all morning.
When he finished, Xie Jing asked: “Do you want anything else?”
Bai Mingyu shook his head: “No, Little Xie. I knew you were still my best companion.”
Xie Jing cleared his throat and asked softly: “Do you know who blocked the road and spoke to you today?”
Bai Mingyu frowned: “No, I’ve never seen her before. Who’s that ugly girl?”
“Bai Hongqi, Lord Bai Jiu’s former student, his best one.”
Bai Mingyu shook his head: “Never heard of her.”
Xie Jing silently praised him in his heart. No wonder in the previous life, these two clashed fiercely at first sight. If Bai Mingyu’s earlier words had reached Bai Hongqi, they’d have fought. Bai Mingyu humiliated her without realizing it, and she would have been infuriated.
Xie Jing asked: “Second Young Master, have you heard of the Heshun Car Rental? It’s a newly opened company doing particularly well—that’s Bai Hongqi’s company.”
Bai Er touched his chin, reluctantly nodding: “I’ve heard of it. Heshun taxis are everywhere now. They’ve done well.”
Xie Ji hinted: “Have you ever thought of doing something else to prove yourself?”
Bai Mingyu said: “I’ve thought of it, but what can a pawnshop do? Lord Bai Jiu makes me recite rules every day. I’m trapped by these rules constantly.”
Xie Ji: “Here, it’s different from Qinghe.”
Bai Mingyu sighed: “Exactly. I miss home. I wonder how my eldest brother’s business is doing in Heihe. Recently, my mother and sister-in-law wrote me. My little nephew has grown a bit—they even sent a photo. I miss them so much.”
Xie Jing said: “I’ve heard some news about Heihe recently.”
Bai Mingyu asked curiously: “Oh? What’s new there?”
“Alcohol merchants in Heihe increased by twenty percent, many heading to Russia. There are more ships on the border. Cargo ships have increased.” Xie Jing half-truthfully shared what he knew from the previous life. Back then, the Qinghe Bai family no longer ran the Heihe business. Sun, working for the Japanese, traded liquor illegally at the border due to Russia’s alcohol ban, making a fortune. Sun had since died of plague in Heihe, leaving the illicit trade uncertain. But Russia’s ban remained unchanged, meaning big profits for anyone bold enough to seize the opportunity.
Xie Jing was tempted. He trained in gunplay and martial arts to protect Master Bai Jiu, but if he could make money, he wouldn’t miss the chance. If he alone couldn’t, he’d bring Bai Mingyu along. Bai Mingyu had money, which meant Master Bai Jiu’s household had resources. Even in hardship, this money could support Master Bai Jiu a little longer, giving a chance to turn the tide.
Bai Mingyu, timid in the provincial capital, grew bolder when talking about Qinghe. It was his hometown, and Xie Jing was also from there. They whispered for a while, and Bai Mingyu’s impatience to escape the pawnshop and strict rules grew.
He asked Xie Jing: “Is your information reliable?”
Xie Jing nodded: “My contacts aren’t as wealthy as you, but they know the docks well. If you don’t trust me, write home to confirm—but don’t mention too much.”
Bai Mingyu said: “I understand. Before things succeed, speaking out is pointless. Look at Bai Hongqi—after her car rental took off, she came to the East Courtyard to show off. Once I succeed, I’ll bring her here and give Lord Bai Jiu a ship in her presence.”
Xie Jing asked: “What did she say to Lord Bai Jiu today?”
Bai Mingyu: “What could she say? She just gave him the car and gossiped. Then she blocked me on the street and glared at me. Unbelievable.” He stomped his foot, grumbling: “I remember her. Once I get rich, I’ll tie her to my ship!”
Xie Jing paused: “Tie her? Why?”
Bai Mingyu rubbed his chin and sneered: “To show her whose ship is better—mine or her lousy car.”
Xie Jing: “…”
After finishing the meal and sending Bai Mingyu back, Xie Ji returned to the East Courtyard.
Master Bai Jiu had gone out in the afternoon. Xie Jing didn’t go to the tea room, just tidied the study. He was used to such tasks and knew Master Bai Jiu’s habits. Seeing the blue velvet box with the car key on the desk, he paused.
Xie Jing thought of Bai Mingyu’s words. He wanted to present something even better than a car to Master Bai—something that expressed his intentions clearly.
He nudged the small box aside and continued cleaning.
By evening, Xie Jing heard voices in the yard. Thinking Master Bai Jiu had returned, he went out and saw five or six beauties, both men and women.
One young woman, barely in her twenties, was exceptionally beautiful. She held a pipa, her brow slightly furrowed in worry. Despite this, she remained elegant, inspiring the urge to approach and comfort her.
The East Courtyard steward was absent, and the scene was chaotic.
Xie Jing asked: “Who are these people?”
The man who brought them in wiped the sweat from his brow and said anxiously, “Where else could they be from? They were sent from the Cao family mansion. Oh, Little Xie, you don’t know, Master Cao came back from Beiping to visit relatives today. When he saw the beautiful women in Young Master Cao’s mansion, he was furious. He ransacked the place and kicked them all out!”
